Integrity evaluation system in an implantable hearing prosthesis

Abstract

An implantable hearing prosthesis, comprising an integrated integrity system. The integrity system is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one component of the prosthesis, to evaluate the integrity of the prosthesis based on the measurements, and to perform at least one diagnostic operation based on the evaluation.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to implantable hearing prosthesis, and more particularly, to an integrity testing system in an implantable hearing prosthesis.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]Implantable hearing prostheses include implantable hearing aids, cochlear implants, optically stimulating implants, middle ear stimulators, bone conduction devices, brain stem implants, direct acoustic cochlear stimulators, electro-acoustic devices and other devices providing acoustic, mechanical, optical, and / or electrical stimulation to an element of a recipient's ear. Such devices are subject to failure or malfunctions due to, for example, manufacturing defects, degradation of materials over time or changes in the recipients inner-ear function. If an issue is reported with a conventional implantable hearing prosthesis, an appointment is required with a health care professional, referred to herein as clinician, at a clinic where a number of tests are carri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In one aspect of the present invention, an implantable hearing prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis comprises: an integrated integrity system configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one component of the prosthesis, to evaluate the integrity of the prosthesis based on the measurements, and to perform at least one diagnostic operation based on the evaluation.

[0007]In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for evaluating the integrity of an implantable hearing prosthesis is provided. The method comprises: measuring one or more electrical characteristics of at least one component of the prosthesis; determining, based on the measurements, if there is error in the operation of the prosthesis; and performing at least one diagnostic operation to determine whether there is an error in the operation of the prosthesis.

[0008]In a still other embodiment of the present invention, an implantable hearing prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis comprises: means for measuring one or more electrical characteristics of at least one component of the prosthesis; means for determining, based on the measurements, if there is an error in the operation of the prosthesis; and means for performing at least one diagnostic operation to determine whether there is an error in the operation of the prosthesis.

Problems solved by technology

Such devices are subject to failure or malfunctions due to, for example, manufacturing defects, degradation of materials over time or changes in the recipients inner-ear function.

That is, such testing is only performed after a recipient or user has indicated that there may be a problem with the hearing prosthesis, such as a decrease in hearing performance or other non-auditory symptoms that reduce device effectiveness.

As such, the testing is generally expensive and time-consuming procedure for all involved.

Furthermore, because device problems may be intermittent, the test results may be inconclusive, provide a false positive (false conclusion that the device is working correctly), and / or require subsequent additional follow-up testing to determine the nature of the problem.

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