US20180376255A1 - Bone conduction device fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and systems for fitting a bone conduction device are provided herein. These methods and systems comprise obtaining dynamic range parameters for a bone conduction device. These dynamic range parameters may include threshold and a maximum comfort levels for the bone conduction device. Once determined, the bone conduction device may use the dynamic range parameters in applying stimulation to a recipient.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/US2009/38890, filed Mar. 31, 2009, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/041,185; filed Mar. 31, 2008. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUNDField of the Invention
• The present invention relates generally to bone conduction devices, and more particularly, to fitting a bone conduction device.
Related Art
• Hearing loss, which may be due to many different causes, is generally of two types, conductive or sensorineural. In many people who are profoundly deaf, the reason for their deafness is sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is due to the absence or destruction of the hair cells in the cochlea which transduce acoustic signals into nerve impulses. Various prosthetic hearing implants have been developed to provide individuals who suffer from sensorineural hearing loss with the ability to perceive sound. One such prosthetic hearing implant is referred to as a cochlear implant. Cochlear implants use an electrode array implanted in the cochlea of a recipient to provide electrical stimulation directly to the cochlea nerve, thereby causing a hearing sensation.
• Conductive hearing loss occurs when the normal mechanical pathways that provide sound to hair cells in the cochlea are impeded, for example, by damage to the ossicular chain or ear canal. Individuals who suffer from conductive hearing loss may still have some form of residual hearing because the hair cells in the cochlea are generally undamaged.
• Individuals who suffer from conductive hearing loss are typically not considered to be candidates for a cochlear implant due to the irreversible nature of the cochlear implant. Specifically, insertion of the electrode array into a recipient's cochlea results in the destruction of a majority of hair cells within the cochlea. This results in the loss of residual hearing by the recipient.
• Rather, individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss typically receive an acoustic hearing aid. Hearing aids rely on principles of air conduction to transmit acoustic signals through the outer and middle ears to the cochlea. In particular, a hearing aid is typically positioned in the recipient's ear canal to amplify sound received at the outer ear of the recipient. This amplified sound reaches the cochlea and causes motion of the cochlear fluid and stimulation of the cochlea hair cells.
• Unfortunately, not all individuals who suffer from conductive hearing loss are able to derive suitable benefit from hearing aids. For example, some individuals are prone to chronic inflammation or infection of the ear canal and cannot wear hearing aids. Other individuals have malformed or absent outer ear and/or ear canals as a result of a birth defect, or as a result of common medical conditions such as Treacher Collins syndrome or Microtia. Furthermore, hearing aids are typically unsuitable for individuals who suffer from single-sided deafness (total hearing loss only in one ear) or individuals who suffer from mixed hearing losses (i.e., combinations of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss).
• When an individual having fully functioning hearing receives a sound, the sound is transmitted to the cochlea via two primary mechanisms: air conduction and bone conduction. As noted above, hearing aids rely primarily on the principles of air conduction. In contrast, other devices, referred to as bone conduction devices, rely predominantly on vibration of the bones of the recipients skull to provide acoustic signals to the cochlea.
• Those individuals who cannot derive suitable benefit from hearing aids may benefit from bone conduction devices. Bone conduction devices convert a received sound into a mechanical vibration representative of the received sound. This vibration is then transferred to the bone structure of the skull, causing vibration of the recipient's skull. This skull vibration results in motion of the cochlear fluid. Hair cells inside the cochlea are responsive to this motion of the cochlea fluid, thereby generating nerve impulses, which result in the perception of the received sound.
SUMMARY
• In one aspect of the invention a method is provided that comprises providing a test signal to a recipient of a bone conduction device; obtaining a response from the recipient to the provided test signal; determining a dynamic range parameter based on the obtained response; determining map data using the determined dynamic range parameter; and providing the map data to the bone conduction device for use by the bone conduction device in providing stimulation to the recipient.
• In a second aspect, there is provided a fitting system for fitting a bone conduction device for a recipient. The fitting system comprises a user interface configured to provide data and receive input; a test signal generator configured to provide the recipient with a test signal generated in response to said control input, wherein the user interface is further configured to receive a response regarding the recipient's perception to the test signal; a controller configured to determine a dynamic range parameter based on the user response to the applied test signal, and further configured to determine map data for the bone conduction device using the determined dynamic range parameter; and an interface configured to provide the bone conduction device with the determined map data for use by the bone conduction device in providing stimulation to the recipient.
• In a third aspect, there is provided a fitting system comprising means for providing a test signal to a recipient of a bone conduction device; means for obtaining a response from the recipient to the provided test signal; means for determining a dynamic range parameter based on the obtained response; means for determining map data using the determined dynamic range parameter; and means for providing the map data to the bone conduction device for use by the bone conduction device in providing stimulation to the recipient.
• In a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable media encoded with instructions operative to cause a computer to perform a method for at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient. This method comprises providing a test signal to a recipient of a bone conduction device; obtaining a response from the recipient to the provided test signal; determining a dynamic range parameter based on the obtained response; determining map data using the determined dynamic range parameter; and providing the map data to the bone conduction device for use by the bone conduction device in providing stimulation to the recipient.
• In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for use by a bone conduction device in providing stimulation. This method comprises receiving map data based on at least one dynamic range parameter measured for the bone conduction device; receiving a sound signal; and generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal using the received map data.
• In a sixth aspect, there is provided bone conduction device comprising a sound input element configured to receive a sound signal; an interface configured to receive map data based on at least one dynamic range parameter measured for the bone conduction device; and a processor configured to generate stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal using the received map data.
• In a seventh aspect, there is provided a bone conduction device comprising means for receiving map data based on at least one dynamic range parameter measured for the bone conduction device; means for receiving a sound signal; and means for generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal using the received map data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bone conduction device, in which embodiments of the present invention may be advantageously implemented;
• FIG. 2A is a high-level functional block diagram of a bone conduction device, such as the bone conduction device ofFIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 2B is detailed functional block diagram of the bone conduction device illustrated inFIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the bone conduction device illustrated inFIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary arrangement in which a fitting system may be implemented for use in determining the bone conduction device's dynamic range, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a high-level flow chart illustrating operations that may be performed while fitting a bone conduction device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the fitting operations which may be performed, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a high-level functional block diagram of a fitting system, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 8A is a waveform of an exemplary signal that includes frequencies that exceed a recipient's comfort level, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 8B is a waveform illustrating when a signal processor clips the signal when the signal exceeds the recipient's comfort level, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and
• FIG. 8C is a waveform illustrating an alternative embodiment in which the signal processor scales the signal when it falls above the comfort level of the recpient, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to obtaining dynamic range parameters for a bone conduction device. Dynamic range parameters may include threshold and maximum comfort levels for the recipient of the bone conduction device. Once determined, the bone conduction device may use the dynamic range parameters in applying stimulation to a recipient.
• FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a human ear and surrounding area, along with a side view of one of the embodiments of abone conduction device100. In fully functional human hearing anatomy,outer ear101 comprises anauricle105 and anear canal106. A sound wave oracoustic pressure107 is collected byauricle105 and channeled into and throughear canal106. Disposed across the distal end ofear canal106 is atympanic membrane104 which vibrates in response toacoustic wave107. This vibration is coupled to oval window orfenestra ovalis110 through three bones ofmiddle ear102, collectively referred to as theossicles111 and comprising themalleus112, theincus113 and thestapes114.Bones112,113 and114 ofmiddle ear102 serve to filter and amplifyacoustic wave107, causingoval window110 to articulate, or vibrate. Such vibration sets up waves of fluid motion withincochlea115. The motion, in turn, activates tiny hair cells (not shown) that line the inside ofcochlea115. Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be transferred through the spiral ganglion cells andauditory nerve116 to the brain (not shown), where they are perceived as sound.
• FIG. 1 also illustrates the positioning ofbone conduction device100 relative toouter ear101,middle ear102 andinner ear103 of a recipient ofdevice100. As shown,bone conduction device100 may be positioned behindouter ear101 of the recipient; however it is noted thatdevice100 may be positioned in any suitable manner.
• In the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 1,bone conduction device100 comprises ahousing125 having at least onemicrophone126 positioned therein or thereon.Housing125 is coupled to the body of the recipient viacoupling140. As described below,bone conduction device100 may comprise a signal processor, a transducer, transducer drive components and/or various other electronic circuits/devices.
• In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an anchor system (not shown) may be implanted in the recipient. As described below, the anchor system may be fixed tobone136. In various embodiments, the anchor system may be implanted underskin132 withinmuscle134 and/orfat128 or the hearing device may be anchored in another suitable manner. In certain embodiments, acoupling140 attachesdevice100 to the anchor system.
• A functional block diagram of one embodiment ofbone conduction100, referred to asbone conduction device200, is shown inFIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment, asound207 is received by asound input element202. In some embodiments,sound input element202 is a microphone configured to receivesound207, and to convertsound207 into anelectrical signal222. As described below, in other embodiments sound207 may received bysound input element202 as an electrical signal.
• As shown inFIG. 2A,electrical signal222 is output bysound input element202 to anelectronics module204.Electronics module204 is configured to convertelectrical signal222 into an adjustedelectrical signal224. As described below in more detail,electronics module204 may include a sound processor, control electronics, transducer drive components, and a variety of other elements.
• As shown inFIG. 2A, atransducer206 receives adjustedelectrical signal224 and generates a mechanical output force that is delivered to the skull of the recipient via ananchor system208 coupled tobone conduction device200. Delivery of this output force causes one or more of motion or vibration of the recipient's skull, thereby activating the hair cells in the cochlea via cochlea fluid motion.
• FIG. 2A also illustrates apower module210.Power module210 provides electrical power to one or more components ofbone conduction device200. For ease of illustration,power module210 has been shown connected only touser interface module212 andelectronics module204. However, it should be appreciated thatpower module210 may be used to supply power to any electrically powered circuits/components ofbone conduction device200.
• Bone conduction device200 further includes auser interface module212 that allows the recipient to interact withdevice200. For example,user interface module212 may allow the recipient to adjust the volume, alter the speech processing strategies, power on/off the device, etc.User interface module212 communicates withelectronics module204 viasignal line228.
• Bone conduction device200 may further include anexternal interface module214 that may be used to connectelectronics module204 to an external device, such as a fitting system. Usingexternal interface module214, the external device, may obtain information from the bone conduction device (e.g., the current parameters, data, alarms, etc.) and/or modify the parameters of thebone conduction device200 used in processing received sounds.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2A,sound input element202,electronics module204,transducer206,power module210,user interface module212, andexternal interface module214 been shown as integrated in a single housing, referred to ashousing225. However, it should be appreciated that in certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the illustrated components may be housed in separate or different housings. Similarly, it should also be appreciated that in such embodiments, direct connections between the various modules and devices are not necessary and that the components may communicate, for example, via wireless connections.
• FIG. 2B provides a more detailed view ofbone conduction device200 ofFIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment,electronics module204 comprises asound processor240,transducer drive components242 andcontrol electronics246. As explained above, in certain embodimentssound input element202 comprises a microphone configured to convert a received acoustic signal intoelectrical signal222. In other embodiments, as detailed below,sound input element202 receives sound207 as an electrical signal.
• In embodiments of the present invention,electrical signal222 is output fromsound input element202 to soundprocessor240.Sound processor240 uses one or more of a plurality of techniques to selectively process, amplify and/or filterelectrical signal222 to generate a processed signal224A. In certain embodiments,sound processor240 may comprise substantially the same sound processor as is used in an air conduction hearing aid. In further embodiments,sound processor240 comprises a digital signal processor.
• Processed signal226A is provided totransducer drive components242.
• Transducer drive components242 output a drive signal224B, totransducer206. Based on drive signal224B,transducer206 provides the output force to the skull of the recipient. For ease of description, the electrical signal supplied bytransducer drive components242 totransducer206 has been referred to as drive signal224B. However, it should be appreciated that processed signal224B may comprise an unmodified version of processed signal224A.
• As noted above,transducer206 generates an output force to the skull of the recipient viaanchor system208. As shown inFIG. 2B,anchor system208 comprises acoupling260 and an implantedanchor262. Coupling260 may be attached to one or more oftransducer206 orhousing225. For example, in certain embodiments,coupling260 is attached totransducer206 and vibration is applied directly thereto. In other embodiments,coupling260 is attached tohousing225 and vibration is applied fromtransducer206 throughhousing225.
• As shown inFIG. 2B,coupling260 is coupled to an anchor implanted in the recipient, referred to as implantedanchor262. As explained with reference toFIG. 3, implantedanchor262 provides an element that transfers the vibration from coupling260 to the skull of the recipient.
• As shown,control electronics246 may be connected to one or more ofuser interface module212,external interface module214,sound input element202,sound processor240 and/ortransducer drive components242. In embodiments, based on inputs received atuser interface module212 orexternal interface module214,control electronics246 may provide instructions to, or request information from, other components ofbone conduction device200.
• As noted above, a recipient may control various functions of the device viauser interface module212.User interface module212 includes one or more components that allow the recipient to provide inputs to, or receive information from, elements ofbone conduction device200. Further, as noted above,external interface module214 may be used to connectelectronics module204 to an external device, such as a fitting system. Usingexternal interface module214, a fitting system may be able to obtain and/or modify information for the various components ofbone conduction device200. For example, in an embodiment, a fitting system may useexternal interface module214 to obtain and modify the parameters ofsound processor240 used in processing, amplifying, and filtering the received sound.External interface module214 may comprise a plug for permitting a wired connection between bone conduction device and an external device, or, for example, wireless communications hardware and/or software to permit a wireless connection between bone conduction device and an external device. Such a wireless connection may use any appropriate wireless mechanism, such as, for example, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, etc.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment ofbone conduction200 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, referred to herein asbone conduction device300. As shown,bone conduction device300 comprises an embodiment ofelectronics module204, referred to aselectronics module304. As explained above,electronics module304 may include a sound processor, transducer drive components and control electronics. These components may be separate components or included in a single component (e.g., a microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.).
• In the illustrated embodiment,electronics module304 includes a printed circuit board374 (PCB) to electrically connect and mechanically support the components ofelectronics module304. Attached toPCB374 are one or more sound input elements, shown as microphones302 to receive a sound.
• In the illustrated embodiment,bone conduction device300 further comprisesbattery shoe310 for supplying power to components ofdevice300.Battery shoe310 may include one or more batteries. In certain embodiments,PCB374 is attached to aconnector376.Connector376 is configured to mate withbattery shoe310. In certain embodiments,connector376 andbattery shoe310 may be releasably snap-locked to one another. Furthermore, in such embodiments, one or more battery connects (not shown) are disposed inconnector376 to electrically connectbattery shoe310 withelectronics module304.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3,bone conduction device300 further includes a two-part housing325, comprisingfirst housing portion325A andsecond housing portion325B. Housing portions325 are configured to mate with one another to substantially sealbone conduction device300.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 3,first housing portion325A has an opening therein for receivingbattery shoe310. In such embodiments, battery shoe protrudes throughfirst housing portion325A and may be removed or inserted by the recipient. Also in the illustrated embodiment, microphone covers372 are releasably attached tofirst housing portion325A. Microphone covers372 provide a barrier over microphones302 to protect microphones302 from dust, dirt or other debris.
• Bone conduction device300 further includes an embodiment ofuser interface module212, referred to herein asuser interface module312.User interface module312 is configured to provide or receive user inputs from the recipient.
• Also as shown inFIG. 3,bone conduction device300 comprises an embodiment oftransducer206, referred to astransducer306.Transducer306 generates an output force that causes movement of the cochlea fluid so that a sound may be perceived by the recipient. The output force may result in mechanical vibration of the recipient's skull, or in physical movement of the skull about the neck of the recipient. As noted above, in certain embodiments,bone conduction device300 delivers the output force to the skull of the recipient via ananchor system308.Anchor system308 comprises acoupling360 and implanted anchor362. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3,coupling360 is configured to be attached tosecond housing portion325B. As such, in this embodiment, vibration fromtransducer306 is provided tocoupling360 throughhousing325B. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, anopening368 is provided insecond housing portion325B. A screw (not shown) may be inserted throughopening368 to attachtransducer306 tocoupling360. In such embodiments, an O-ring380 may be provided to sealopening368 around the screw.
• As noted above,anchor system308 includes implanted anchor362. Implanted anchor362 comprises abone screw366 implanted in the skull of the recipient and anabutment364. In an implanted configuration, screw366 protrudes from the recipient's skull through the skin.Abutment364 is attached to screw366 above the recipient's skin. In other embodiments,abutment364 and screw366 may be integrated into a single implantable component. Coupling360 is configured to be releasably attached toabutment364 to create a vibratory pathway betweentransducer306 and the skull of the recipient.
• Bone conduction device300 further includes an embodiment ofexternal interface module214, referred to herein asexternal interface module314.External interface module314 may include a jack connector for receiving a plug for a wired connection to an external device. Or, for example,external interface module314 may comprise hardware and/or software for wirelessly connecting to an external device.
• In alternative embodiments of the present invention,bone conduction device300 may comprise one or more additional sound input elements. For example,bone conduction device300 may comprise an electrical input316. In such embodiments, the electrical input is configured to connectdevice300 to external equipment and receive an electrical sound signal directly therefrom. Electrical input316 may permitbone conduction device300 to be connected to, for example, FM hearing systems, MP3 players, televisions, mobile phones, etc.
• In still other embodiments, a further sound input element in the form of a telecoil318 may be integrated in, or connected to,bone conduction device300. Telecoil318 permitsbone conduction device300 to receive input signals from, for example, a telephone or other similar device.
• As noted above, in embodiments, a dynamic range of the bone conduction device may determined and this dynamic range used in processing the acoustic signals.FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating of anexemplary arrangement400 in which afitting system406 may be implemented for use in fitting abone conduction device401. As will be discussed in more detail below,fitting arrangement400, in fittingconbed conduction device401, may determine the bone conduction device's dynamic range. This dynamic range may be defined in terms of one or more dynamic parameters, such as a threshold level and a maximum comfortable loudness level (referred to herein simply as “comfort level”) for the bone conduction device. Threshold levels are comparable to acoustic threshold levels; comfort levels indicate the level at which a sound is loud but comfortable.FIG. 5 is a high-level flow chart illustrating operations that may be performed while fittingbone conduction device100 utilizing the fitting system illustrated inFIG. 4 to measure dynamic range parameters for a bone conduction device.
• Anaudiologist404 may usefitting system406 to create individualizedrecipient MAP data422 that is to be used for subsequent operations bybone conduction device401. ThisMAP data422 may comprise individualized programs, commands, data, settings, parameters, instructions, and/or other information (generally and collectively referred to as a “MAP data” herein) that define the specific characteristics used by thebone conduction device401 in applying stimulation to the recipient402. After determining the MAP data,fitting system406 may digitally store the MAP data onsystem406 and ultimately download theMAP data422 to the memory ofelectronics module204 ofbone conduction device401.
• In certain embodiments,fitting system406 comprises computer hardware and software, including, for example, one or more interfaces for connecting to aspeaker414,bone conduction device401, a display device (e.g., monitor), and a user input device(s) (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc.). For explanatory purposes,audiologist404 will hereinafter to refer to any person operatingfitting system406 whether an audiologist, clinician, or any other person.
• User interface334 may comprise any device which may be used byaudiologist404 to communicate withfitting system206. For example, user interface334 may comprise a display device for displaying information fromfitting system406 toaudiologist404. Exemplary display devices include, for example, a computer monitor, touch screen device, etc. Additionally, user interface334 may comprise one or more input devices for enabling audiologist402 to provide information, such as instructions or data, tofitting system206. Exemplary input devices include a computer keyboard, mouse, voice-responsive software, touch-screen, retinal control, joystick, and any other data entry or data presentation formats now or later developed.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4,bone conduction device401 may be connected directly tofitting system406 to establish adata communication link408 between thebone conduction device401 andfitting system406 atblock502.System406 is thereafter bi-directionally coupled by means ofdata communication link408 withbone conduction device401. It should be appreciated that althoughbone conduction device401 andfitting system406 are connected via a cable inFIG. 4, any communications link now or later developed may be utilized to communicably couple the implant and fitting system, such as, for example, a wireless communications link.
• After connectingfitting system406 andbone conduction device401, an audiologist may use the fitting system to perform fitting operations atblock504. As used herein, fitting of bone conduction device401 (also commonly referred to as “programming” or “mapping”) refers to creating a set of instructions (data or code; “mapping data”422 herein) that define the specific characteristics used in processing received acoustic signals. Referring back toFIG. 2, this processing may be performed bysignal processor240 ofbone conduction device200. This set of instructions may be referred to as the bone conduction device's “program” or “map.”
• In certain embodiments, this MAP data may comprise instructions for applying a gain to a received acoustic signal, a transfer function for amplifying the received acoustic signals, the measured dynamic parameters, and/or the current level(s) fortransducer drive circuits224 to apply such that correspondingly applied vibration falls within the measured dynamic range of the device. An exemplary method for performing fitting operations atblock504 will be discussed in further detail below with reference toFIG. 6.
• Atblock508 ofFIG. 5,fitting system406 transforms the MAP data from the fitting system's domain to the domain of bone conduction device501. TheMAP data422 is downloaded fromfitting system406 tobone conduction device401 at block510. Thebone conduction device401 may then use the provided MAP data in applying stimulation. As a result, in embodiments in which acoustic stimulation is provided, from the audiologist's point of view, this fitting process may be similar to the fitting of conventional hearing aids, wherein an audiologist measures hearing threshold and comfort levels across the audible frequency range (e.g., 20 Hz-20 kHz) using acoustic stimuli.
• FIG. 6 provides an exemplary method for performing fitting operations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6 will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 4. In this exemplary method,fitting system406 provides the audiologist with a user interface that provides and receives acoustic-based data; that is, data which is in the form commonly used by audiologists to fit hearing aids. Such data may be presented as one or more graphs or plots illustrating frequency-gain relationships, although other presentations are feasible. These graphs or plots may, for example, be displayed on a display device (e.g., computer monitory) offitting system406.
• Atblock602,audiologist404 specifies the dynamic range parameter to be measured. As noted above, exemplary dynamic range parameters include threshold and comfort levels forbone conduction device401. In some embodiments,fitting system406 may be used to measure the threshold and comfort levels forbone conduction device401 for each of set of frequencies encompassing the frequency range of the bone conduction device401 (e.g., 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 125-8000 Hz), such as, for example, ifbone conduction device401 has a narrower frequency range. The frequencies for which levels are measured may be, for example, specified in a logarithmic fashion. For example, if the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is used, the frequencies for which levels are obtained may include frequencies every 10 Hz between 20 Hz and 100 Hz (20, 30, 40 . . . , 90, 100), every 100 Hz between 100 Hz and 1 kHz (100, 200, . . . , 900, 1000), every 1 kHz between 1 kHz and 10 kHz (1000, 2000, . . . 9000, 10000), and at 20 kHz. Levels for frequencies between these measured values may be interpolated by, for example, fitting a curve to the measured values. It should be noted that this is just one example for specifying frequencies for threshold and/or comfort level measurement, and others may be used without departing from the invention. For example, in another embodiment,fitting system406 may obtain only the levels for a much smaller subset (e.g.,5 frequencies spaced over the frequency range) and the remaining frequencies determined by fitting a curve to the measured values. This fitted curve may match, for example, curves found for other recipients, a population of recipients sharing similar characteristics with the recipient402, a default curve, etc. Or, in another example,bone conduction device401 may split its frequency range into separate frequency bands, and usefitting system406 to measure the threshold and/or comfort level for each of these bands. Additionally,audiologist404 may use the user interface to specify or adjust the frequencies for whichfitting system406 measures the dynamic range parameters (e.g., threshold and/or comfort levels).
• After specifying the dynamic parameter to be measured,audiologist404 may directfitting system406, using the user interface, to apply stimulation at the frequency or frequencies corresponding to the selected parameter atblock604. In response,fitting system406 may send a signal tobone conduction device401 to instruct transducer module205 to cause a vibration at the specified frequency. Initially, the intensity of this vibration may be below the expected level for the recipient. For example, if the dynamic parameter to be measured is the threshold level for a particular frequency,fitting system406 may initially direct that the intensity of the stimulation be very low.Fitting system406 may use various techniques to apply this stimulation. For example, in one embodiment,fitting system406 may send an instruction to the sound processor ofbone conduction device401 to produce a vibration at a particular frequency and with a particular intensity as measured in, for example, the current level used by the transducer to provide the stimulation. Or, for example,fitting system406 may send an acoustic signal tobone conduction device401 at a particular frequency and at a particular intensity, as measured in terms of decibels (dB), that thebone conduction device401 may process to provide the stimulation.
• After application of the stimulation, theaudiologist404 may obtain a response from the recipient402 atblock606. As noted above, this verbal feedback from the recipient may indicate the recipient's perception of the applied stimulation. For example, in the case of measuring a threshold level, this verbal feedback may include the recipient402 stating whether or not they heard the applied stimulation. Or, for example, in the case of measuring a comfort level, the verbal feedback may include the recipient402 stating whether or not that sound heard is at a comfortable level or not. Theaudiologist404 may then, for example, provide the recipient's response tofitting system406 via the user interface.
• Theaudiologist404 may then determine whether the parameter has been determined or not atblock608. If determined, theaudiologist404 may instructfitting system406 that the parameter has been determined via the user interface and, in response,fitting system406 may store the determined parameter atblock610. Next,fitting system406 may ask the audiologist via the user interface if additional parameters are to be measured atblock612. If so, the process may return to block602 and another parameter may be selected. If not, the process may proceed to block614 wherefitting system406 generates MAP data using the measured dynamic range parameters.
• If atblock606, theaudiologist404 determines that the parameter has not yet been determined,fitting system406 may adjust the intensity of the test signal atblock616. The process may then return to block604, and the test signal applied at this new intensity. In adjusting the intensity of the test signal atblock616,fitting system406 may use different techniques depending on the type of dynamic range parameter being measured. For example, threshold levels may be obtained using an ascending presentation, followed by a bracketing procedure; and, comfort levels may be obtained through a method referred to as loudness scaling. These procedures for obtaining threshold and comfort levels may be similar to the procedures commonly used in obtaining threshold and comfort levels for cochlear implants or hearing aid. For example, while measuring a threshold level, theaudiologist404 may instructfitting system406 atblock616 to gradually increase the intensity of the vibration until the recipient402 provides an indication (e.g., verbally, or in the case of small children in some other manner) that they perceive a sound in response to the applied stimulation. As noted above, the threshold, in this example, is a psychophysical judgment of loudness and corresponds to the minimum intensity at which sound at the frequency is perceived by the recipient. The measured threshold level may then be stored by fittingsystem406 for later use in determining and providing the MAP tobone conduction device401. Or, for example, in the case of measuring a comfort level, theaudiologist404 may directfitting system406 atblock616 to gradually increase the intensity of the vibration until the recipient402 indicates (e.g., verbally or in some other manner) that the vibration is no longer comfortable. Theaudiologist404 may then directfitting system406 to decrease the intensity atblock616 until the intensity is comfortable for the recipient402. The measured and stored threshold and/or comfort levels may be, for example, in terms of the current level for the intensity of the applied stimulation. Or, for example, if the test signal is an acoustic signal, the threshold and/or comfort levels may be stored in terms of sound pressure level (e.g., dB).
• In some implementations, thebone conduction device401 may never reach an intensity that is uncomfortable to the recipient. In such cases, the maximum intensity that may be applied by thebone conduction device401 may be stored as the comfort level for the specified frequency. In other embodiments, the comfort levels may not be measured, but instead may be calculated from the measured thresholds, or, for example, set to the maximum intensity that may be provided by the bone conduction device.
• As noted above,fitting system406 may generate MAP data for thebone conduction device401 using the measured dynamic range parameters atblock614. In an embodiment,fitting system406 only measures the dynamic range parameter(s) for a particular number of specific frequencies. The dynamic range parameter(s) (e.g., threshold and comfort levels) for frequencies other than the specified frequencies may be calculated from the measured levels by fitting a curve to these measured levels. This MAP data (e.g., the curves) may then be displayed to theaudiologist404 byfitting system406 on a display device of fitting system. Theaudiologist404 using the user interface offitting system406 may then adjust the levels, for example, by adjusting the curves as a whole, or by adjusting individual levels. Theaudiologist404 may then save the final levels and directfitting system406 to determine the MAP data atblock614 using these final levels. This MAP data may be in various forms depending on the specifics of the bone conduction device. For example, this MAP data may include a data table (e.g., specifying the threshold and/or comfort levels to be used by the bone conduction device), the curves, a transfer function for use by the bone conduction device, etc. A further description of exemplary MAP data is provided below.
• FIG. 7 is a high-level functional block diagram of afitting system406 according to an embodiment. The primary components and operative aspects offitting system406 are shown in block diagram form for ease of description, and are described herein. As illustrated, the components may be coupled by a communications bus. However, it is to be understood that the components offitting system406 may be connected in any manner suitable for the particular application. Additionally, these components may be software functions executed by a processor. It should be noted that these functions are illustrated as separate functional blocks for explanatory purposes, and in implementation the functions may be combined in other manners.
• As illustrated,fitting system406 may comprise afitting controller702, adata transformer404, auser interface406, a boneconduction control interface710, and atest signal generator712. Fittingcontroller702 may control the other components offitting system406 and control the operations of the fitting process. Boneconduction control interface710 may be used to send information, such asMAP data422 and instructions, tobone conduction device401 viadata communication link408.
• Test signal generator712 may generatetest signal412. As discussed above,test signal412 may comprise an instruction forbone conduction device401 to generate stimulation at a particular intensity level. In such an embodiment, the test signal may be sent tobone conduction device401 via bone conductiondevice control interface710. Or, for example,test signal412 may comprise an acoustic signal such as a pure tone, a plurality of tones, etc. In such embodiments,test signal generator712 may be connected (e.g., via the fitting system's bus) to a sound interface (not shown) that may be used to connect one or more speakers, headphones, or other sound generating devices to produce acoustic sounds generated bytest signal generator712.
• Input/output interface706 may comprise, for example, any type interface or interfaces that may be used for connecting a auser interface434. As noted above,user interface434 may comprise, for example, a display device, a computer keyboard, mouse, voice-responsive software, touch-screen, retinal control, joystick, and any other data entry or data presentation formats now or later developed, or an interface for connecting to any such device. Input/output interface706 may also comprise an interface for connecting to a display device, such as a computer monitor, television, etc. Input/output interface706 may also be capable of receiving input from theaudiologist404 using a graphical user interface (GUI)708 which may be displayed on a display device, as noted above. As noted, input/output interface706 may provide and receive acoustic-based data; that is, data which is in the form commonly used by audiologists to fit hearing aids. In an embodiment, such data may be presented as frequency-gain data displays.
• Data transformer704 may transformfitting system406 based MAP data to implant-basedMAP data422. The mechanisms employed bydata transformer704 may depend on the units in which the dynamic range data was determined as well as the particularbone conduction device401. As noted above, in an embodiment, thresholds and comfort levels may be determined in terms of current levels for use by the transducer in providing stimulation. In such an embodiment,data transformer704 may simply provide these current levels tobone conduction device401.
• Or, for example,data transformer704 may convert the received threshold levels to a gain curve for use by thebone conduction device401. In such an embodiment,fitting system406 may store information regarding default sound pressure levels, such as, for example, the sound pressure levels for the threshold levels for a person of normal hearing. Using these default sound pressure levels,data transformer704 may generate a gain curve. This gain curve may comprise the gain per frequency thatbone conduction device401 is to apply to received acoustic signals in determining the current levels for the bone conduction device's transducer. For example, if the bone conduction device receives an audible signal at a sound pressure level at a particular frequency that would be at the threshold sound level for a person of normal hearing, the bone conduction device will generate a current level at the threshold level for the recipient at this frequency. The bone conduction device's transducer may then use this current to apply stimulation such that the recipient hears the received audible signal at this frequency at the threshold level for the recipient. In embodiments using such a gain curve,data transformer704 may generate and provide to bone conduction device, a table of gains per frequency, a transfer function for use by a amplifier of the bone conduction device, or any other suitable data thatbone conduction device401 may use to apply such a gain curve. Further, in an embodiment,data transformer704 may generate and provided to bone conduction device a gain curve based on the threshold levels, and a comfort level curve providing the maximum current level per frequency to be used by thebone conduction device401.
• In another embodiment, the dynamic range parameters (e.g., threshold and comfort levels) may be measured in terms of sound pressure (e.g., dB), as noted above. In such an embodiment,data transformer704 may transform the dynamic range parameters from the acoustic domain to the current levels for thebone conduction device401. For example, the dynamic range parameters (e.g., threshold and comfort levels) may be obtained by providing a known acoustic signal to the recipient402 and the intensity of this acoustic signal adjusted to measure the intensity. In an embodiment,data transformer704 may determine a gain curve using the measured threshold sound pressure levels. As discussed above, this gain curve may be such thatbone conduction device401 applies a gain to all received audible signals. And, the gain applied per frequency is such that a sound at a threshold level for a person of normal hearing will be amplified to the threshold level for the recipient. It should be noted that although for explanatory purposes these gain curves are discussed with reference to a person of normal hearing, in other embodiments the gain curves may be determined based on other information, such as threshold levels for a particular population of people, etc.
• Further, in an embodiment,data transformer704 may convert these measured sound pressure levels to current levels used by the transducer module of the bone conduction device in applying stimulation to recipient402. For example,data transformer704 may store information that may be used to map a sound pressure level to a particular current level. This stored information may be different for different types of bone conduction devices. As such,audiologist404 using the user interface may providefitting system406 with information specifying the type of bone conduction device, as well as, for example, any variable parameters for the bone conduction device, such as, for example, the volume or gain to which the bone conduction device was set during the measurements. Or, for example,fitting system406 andbone conduction device401 may communicate vialink408 such thatfitting system406 may be able to obtain this information directly frombone conduction device401. Further, in an embodiment employing sound pressure levels,data transformer704 may generate and provide to the bone conduction device a gain curve using the measured threshold levels, and a maximum current level curve by converting the measured sound pressure current levels to maximum current levels. It should be noted, that in certain embodiments, the bone conduction device may be calibrated prior to measuring the dynamic range parameters to help improve the accuracy of the MAP data generated bydata transformer704.
• As noted above, theMAP data422 generated bydata transformer704 may include, for example, various curves, such as gain versus frequency and maximum current level versus frequency, one or more tables specifying gain versus frequency and maximum current level versus frequency, a transfer function for use by an amplifier in applying a gain versus frequency curve, etc.Data transformer704 may package thisMAP data422 in any form suitable for use bybone conduction device401.
• After receivingMAP data422 fromfitting system406,bone conduction device401 may store and useMAP data422 in providing stimulation to recipient402. The following provides a description of an exemplary embodiment of a mechanismbone conduction device401 may use in applying stimulation usingMAP data422. In this example,MAP data422 comprises a gain curve for applying a gain to all signals sound signal received bybone conduction device401. As discussed above, this gain curve may comprise the gain to be applied to bring a received acoustic signal that is at the threshold sound pressure level for a person of normal hearing so that thebone conduction device401 generates stimulation at the threshold current level for the recipient402. Additionally, in this example, theMAP data422 may further comprise a curve specifying the maximum comfortable current level per frequency for providing stimulation.
• Referring back toFIG. 2,bone conduction device401 may receive an acoustic signal viasound input element202.Signal processor240 may then retrieve the stored gain curve and apply a gain to the received signal in determining current levels for use in stimulating the recipient.Signal processor240 may then determine if the current levels exceed the recipient's maximum comfort level by comparing the generated current levels against the stored maximum current level versus frequency curve. If the sound pressure of the received acoustic signal exceeds the comfort level,signal processor240 may use various techniques to maintain the signals below the recipients comfort level.
• FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary signal that includes frequencies that exceed a recipients comfort level. InFIG. 8A, the X-axis corresponds to frequency (F) and the Y-axis corresponds to energy (E), which may be in terms of current level.FIG. 8A further illustrates the recipient'scomfort level804 andthreshold level806. For simplicity, the threshold and comfort levels are illustrates as constant across all frequencies. As illustrated,curve802 is initially between the threshold and comfort levels, then rises above the comfort level. After which, the curve falls back below the comfort level.
• FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment in which signal processor simply clips the signal if the signal exceed the recipient's comfort level. For example, as illustrated,curve812 is identical tocurve802, but has been clipped at frequencies exceeding the recipient's maximum comfort level. Thus, as illustrated,curve812 is equal to the maximum comfort level for frequencies in which curve802 exceeded the recipient's maximum comfort level.Signal processor240 may then simply use the current levels from the clippedcurve812 in providing stimulation to the recipient.
• FIG. 8C illustrates an alternative embodiment in which thesignal processor204 scales the signal if it falls above the comfort level. For example,signal processor240 may determine if the determinedcurrent level curve802 exceeds themaximum comfort level804 for any frequency. If so,signal processor240 may determine the frequency with the peak amplitude, or, for example, the frequency with the current level that exceeds the comfort level by the most significant amount.Signal processor240 may then divide the comfort level for this determined frequency by the pre-scaled current level for the frequency to obtain a multiplier (M). That is, M=C/S, where M is the multiplier, C is the comfort level for the frequency, and S is the calculated current level prior to scaling.Signal processor240 may then multiply the pre-scaled current levels for each of the frequency bands by the calculated multiplier. This has the effect of scaling downcurve802 to produce a scaled downcurve814.Signal processor240 may then use the scaled downcurrent levels814 in applying stimulation.
• It should be noted that this is but one example of how a bone conduction device may use dynamic range parameters such as threshold and comfort levels to map a received acoustic signal to an intensity of the vibration to be applied by the bone conduction device, and in other implementations other mechanisms may be used.
• Various implementations of the subject matter described, such as the embodiment ofFIG. 7, be realized using digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device
• These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, computer-readable medium, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. Similarly, systems are also described herein that may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may include one or more programs that cause the processor to perform one or more of the operations described herein.
• All documents, patents, journal articles and other materials cited in the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
• Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunction with several embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

Claims (27)

1-20. (canceled)

21. A bone conduction device comprising:

means for receiving a sound signal; and

means for generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal.

22. The bone conduction device ofclaim 21, further comprising:

means for receiving map data based on at least one dynamic range parameter measured for the bone conduction device, wherein the means for generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal is configured to do so using the received map data.

23. The bone conduction device ofclaim 21, wherein:

the bone conduction device is configured to receive input signals from a telephone.

24. The bone conduction device ofclaim 21, wherein:

the bone conduction device is configured to connect to an external fitting system.

25. The bone conduction device ofclaim 21, wherein:

the bone conduction device is configured for Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth communication with a remote device.

26. The bone conduction device ofclaim 22, wherein:

the bone conduction device is attached to a recipient;

the map data comprises a gain to be applied to the received acoustic signal, where the gain is based on a threshold level for the bone conduction device; and

wherein the threshold level corresponds to a minimum intensity of stimulation at which the recipient perceives sound in response to a signal.

27. The bone conduction device ofclaim 26, further comprising:

means for applying the gain to the received sound signal to provide an amplified signal.

28. The bone conduction device ofclaim 27, further comprising:

means for determining whether the amplified signal exceeds a measured comfort level for the bone conduction device; and

means for adjusting the amplified signal if the amplified signal exceeds the measured comfort level.

29. The bone conduction device ofclaim 28, wherein the means for adjusting the amplified signal clips at least a portion of the amplified signal to adjust the amplified signal.

30. The bone conduction device ofclaim 28, wherein the means for adjusting the amplified signal scales the amplified signal based on an amount that the amplified signal exceeds the comfort level to adjust the amplified signal.

31. A hearing prosthesis external device, comprising:

a housing;

a processor located in the housing; and

a battery compartment, wherein

the prosthesis is configured such that the external device mounts to a head of a recipient behind a pinna of the recipient away from the pinna of the recipient, and

the battery compartment includes a structure having internal surfaces that form a C shape.

32. The device ofclaim 41, wherein the battery compartment has base with to legs that extend from the base to form the internal surfaces.

33. The device ofclaim 31, wherein the geometric center of the C shape of the battery compartment is off-center with respect to location on a plane normal to a longitudinal axis of a body interfacing component of the prosthesis.

34. The device ofclaim 31, wherein a geometric center of the C shape of the battery compartment is off-center with respect to a geometric center of the housing.

35. The device ofclaim 31, wherein the device has a skin facing, and wherein a plane extending through the skin facing side and the recipient when the device is mounted on the recipient extends between the ends of the C shape.

36. The device ofclaim 35, wherein the plane extends evenly between the ends of the C shape, wherein the plane extends through the processor, and the plane extends from the processor to the structure of the C shape, and wherein with respect to location along the plane in a direction from the processor to the structure, the plane first makes contact with the structure of the C shape after entering the interior of the C.

37. The device ofclaim 35, wherein the battery compartment is configured to permit the battery to be removed in only one first direction and to be inserted in only one second direction opposite the first direction.

38. A method executed by a bone conduction device in providing stimulation, the method comprising:

receiving map data based on at least one dynamic range parameter measured for the bone conduction device;

receiving a sound signal; and

generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal using the received map data.

39. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the map data comprises a gain to be applied to the received acoustic signal, where the gain is based on a threshold level for the bone conduction device and wherein the threshold level corresponds to a minimum intensity of stimulation at which the recipient perceives sound in response to a signal, and wherein the method further comprises applying the gain to the received sound signal to provide an amplified signal.

40. The method ofclaim 39, further comprising:

determining whether the amplified signal exceeds a measured comfort level for the bone conduction device; and

adjusting the amplified signal if the amplified signal exceeds the measured comfort level.

41. The method ofclaim 40, wherein the action of adjusting the amplified signal comprises:

clipping at least a portion of the amplified signal.

42. The method ofclaim 40, wherein the action of adjusting the amplified signal comprises:

scaling the amplified signal based on an amount that the amplified signal exceeds the comfort level.

43. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the action of generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal using the received map data includes using an algorithm that correlates a normal hearing threshold to the recipients bone conduction hearing threshold such that a sound having an intensity at a threshold of a normal hearing person is presented with a threshold intensity to the recipient.

44. The method ofclaim 38, wherein the action of generating stimulation in response to the received acoustic sound signal using the received map data includes using an algorithm that maintains the generated stimulation at an intensity lower than or at a maximum comfort level of the recipient.

45. The bone conduction device ofclaim 21, further comprising a printed circuit board electrically and mechanically supporting a sound processor, wherein attached to the printed circuit board are one or more sound input devices.

46. The bone conduction device ofclaim 21, wherein the maximum intensity for at least one frequency that can be applied by the bone conduction device is stored as the comfort level for that frequency.

Images