Method and system of matching information from cochlear implants in two ears
First Claim
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1. A method of pitch matching a first cochlear implant to a second cochlear implant, the method comprising:
- applying a first stimulus current to a first electrode of a first multi-electrode array implanted in a first cochlea of a user to generate a first tone relative to a first ear of the user;
applying a second stimulus current to a second electrode of a second multi-electrode array in a second cochlea of the user to generate a second tone relative to a second ear of the user;
obtaining feedback as to whether the first tone matches the second tone;
if it is determined that the first tone does not match the second tone, applying a stimulus current to a virtual electrode of the second multi-electrode array, wherein stimulation of the virtual electrode generates a third tone that matches the first tone; and
mapping a position of the first electrode of the first multi-electrode array to a position corresponding to the virtual electrode of the second multi-electrode array.
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for matching pitch information between bilateral cochlear implants in order to maximize a patient'"'"'s listening experience. The system permits an electrode array of a first cochlear implant to be pitch matched to an electrode array of a second cochlear implant system by utilizing virtual electrodes, which enable cochlear stimulation at a location in between physical electrodes on the electrode array. At least one electrode of the first electrode array is mapped to a virtual electrode of the second electrode array.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of pitch matching a first cochlear implant to a second cochlear implant, the method comprising:
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applying a first stimulus current to a first electrode of a first multi-electrode array implanted in a first cochlea of a user to generate a first tone relative to a first ear of the user;
applying a second stimulus current to a second electrode of a second multi-electrode array in a second cochlea of the user to generate a second tone relative to a second ear of the user;
obtaining feedback as to whether the first tone matches the second tone;
if it is determined that the first tone does not match the second tone, applying a stimulus current to a virtual electrode of the second multi-electrode array, wherein stimulation of the virtual electrode generates a third tone that matches the first tone; and
mapping a position of the first electrode of the first multi-electrode array to a position corresponding to the virtual electrode of the second multi-electrode array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of matching a first cochlear implant to a second cochlear implant, the method comprising:
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applying a first stimulus current to a first electrode of a first multi-electrode array implanted in a first cochlea of a user to generate a first tone in a first ear of the user;
determining the cochlear position of a first virtual electrode of a second multi-electrode array implanted in a second cochlea of the user, wherein stimulation of the virtual electrode results in a second tone in the second ear of the user that matches the first tone; and
mapping the first electrode to the first virtual electrode. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A bilateral cochlear stimulation system, comprising:
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a first cochlear implant system comprising first multi-electrode array having a first plurality of electrodes configured for placement in first cochlear duct of a patient;
a second cochlear implant system comprising a second multi-electrode array having a second plurality of electrodes configured for placement in a second cochlear duct of a patient, the second multi-electrode array being configured to implement virtual electrodes;
wherein a first electrode of the first multi-electrode array is mapped to a virtual electrode of the second multi-electrode array. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification