Abstract: Stimulation channel selection methods for an implantable neural stimulation system having a multiplicity of channels include computing a probability for each channel within the multiplicity of channels and selecting at least one of the channels for stimulation during a frame. The selecting of the at least one of the channels for stimulation during the frame includes selecting a channel, obtaining a random number, comparing the random number to the probability of the channel, and selecting the channel for stimulation if the probability of the channel is greater than the random number.

Abstract: Methods of selecting a number of channels out of a multiplicity of channels of an implantable neural stimulation system for stimulation during a stimulation frame include obtaining a threshold corresponding to the stimulation frame, using the threshold to determine an adjusted amplitude corresponding to one or more channels within the multiplicity of channels, using the adjusted amplitudes to determine a probability for each of the one or more channels within the multiplicity of channels, providing a random number for each of the one or more channels within the multiplicity of channels, and selecting a number of channels within the one or more channels for stimulation during the stimulation frame. Each of the selected number of channels has a probability that is greater than the random number.

Abstract: An assistive listening device cap attaches to a headpiece of a cochlear implant behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, an other BTE unit, an earhook, or an external component unit to supplement or replace components thereof. The cap may receive signals from sources outside the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit. The cap communicates with the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit using direct, wired, or wireless technology.

Abstract: Methods of selecting a number of channels out of a multiplicity of channels of an implantable neural stimulation system for stimulation during a stimulation frame include obtaining a threshold corresponding to the stimulation frame, determining an amplitude corresponding to each channel within the multiplicity of channels, comparing the amplitude corresponding to each of the channels within the multiplicity of channels to the threshold, and selecting each of the channels having amplitudes that exceed the threshold for stimulation during the stimulation frame.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for processing signals representative of sound for conveyance to the auditory system of a subject based on the identity of an input device. In one implementation, a method includes identifying an input element to an audiological system that conveys sound information directly to a subject's auditory system, automatically setting parameters for processing the signal based on the identity of the input element, and processing the signal in accordance with the processing parameters. The input element is configured to generate a signal representative of sound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cochlear stimulation system having patient parameters that reside in memory of an internal portion of the system. Different external systems define how the cochlear stimulation system processes a received acoustic signal and uses patient information uploaded from an implant to parameterize system processing. The external system uses external and internal processing capability to convert acoustic signals to electrical stimulus most appropriate for the patient. Because the patient parameters reside internally, the external portion of the system can be replaced to provide an external replacement processor and potentially offer the patient an new type of program without having to re-program the cochlear stimulation system.

Abstract: A bionic ear cochlear stimulation system has the capability to stimulate fast enough to induce stochastic neural firing, thereby acting to restore “spontaneous” neural activity. Such neurostimulation involves the use of a high rate pulsitile stimulation signal that is amplitude modulated with sound information. Advantageously, by using such neurostimulation, a fitting system may be utilized that does not normally require T-level threshold measurements. T-level threshold measurements are not required in most instances because the high-rate pulsitile stimulation, even though at levels that would normally be a sub-threshold electrical stimulus, is able to modulate neural firing patterns in a perceptible way.

Abstract: An adaptive place-pitch ranking procedure for use with a cochlear implant or other neural stimulation system provides a systematic method for quantifying the magnitude and direction of errors along the place-pitch continuum. The method may be conducted and completed in a relatively short period of time. In use, the implant user or listener is asked to rank the percepts obtained after a sequential presentation of monopolar stimulation pulses are applied to a selected spatially-defined electrode pair. The spatially-defined electrode pair may be a physical electrode pair or a virtual electrode pair. A virtual electrode pair includes at least one virtual electrode contact. Should the patient's judgment of pitch order be correct for all applied interrogations, then no further testing involving the tested electrode pair (two electrode contacts) is undertaken.

Abstract: The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying the parameters of at least one hearing device for a patient with residual hearing provide needed orchestration of acoustic and electric stimulation of patients wearing such devices.

Abstract: An envelope based amplitude mapping achieves the signal compression required to provide a natural sound level without the high processor loading or waveform alteration. In one embodiment, the output of a family of parallel bandpass filters is processed by an envelope detector, followed by decimation. The resulting reduced data rate envelope is log mapped to produce a scaling factor for the original high data rate bandpass filter output sequence. The resulting scaled signal determines the current level for stimulation of the cochlea for each frequency band, which stimulation achieves a log mapping of the sound amplitude effect similar to natural hearing, while reducing processor load, and preserving waveform shape.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone which converts audio sounds into electrical signals which are then processed by a speech processor to generate electrical pulses to stimulate nerves in the cochlea, improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-channel stimulator having a common supply voltage, the stimulator having an electrical circuit with a dual-range compliance voltage supply such that each channel of the multi-channel stimulator is configured to be selectable among two compliance voltages. Channels which can operate at half or less than half compliance voltage can operate in the lower voltage range and thereby achieve energy savings. The stimulator can be switched between a high and low compliance voltage in a bipolar or a monopolar electrode configuration.

Abstract: Sound processing strategies for use with cochlear implant systems utilizing simultaneous stimulation of electrodes are provided. The strategies include computing a frequency spectrum of a signal representative of sound, arranging the spectrum into channels and assigning a subset of electrodes to each channel. Each subset is stimulated so as to stimulate a virtual electrode positioned at a location on the cochlea that corresponds to the frequency at which a spectral peak is located within an assigned channel. The strategies also derive a carrier for a channel having a frequency that may relate to the stimulation frequency so that temporal information is presented. In order to fit these strategies, a group of electrodes is selected and the portion of the current that would otherwise be applied to electrode(s) having a partner electrode in the group is applied to the partner electrode.

Abstract: Sound processing strategies for use with cochlear implant systems utilizing simultaneous stimulation of electrodes are provided. The strategies include computing a frequency spectrum of a signal representative of sound, arranging the spectrum into channels and assigning a subset of electrodes to each channel. Each subset is stimulated so as to stimulate a virtual electrode positioned at a location on the cochlea that corresponds to the frequency at which a spectral peak is located within an assigned channel. The strategies also derive a carrier for a channel having a frequency that may relate to the stimulation frequency so that temporal information is presented. In order to fit these strategies, a group of electrodes is selected and the portion of the current that would otherwise be applied to electrode(s) having a partner electrode in the group is applied to the partner electrode.

Abstract: Alternative stimuli, i.e., stimuli other than the constant amplitude stimuli used in prior fitting schemes, is used to set the parameters of a cochlear implant system. The use of such alternative stimuli allows the entire fitting process to be completed in a very short time period, and generally eliminates the need for secondary adjustments. In one preferred embodiment, the alternative stimuli comprise white noise that is internally generated within the speech processor.

Abstract: A flap thickness measurement system includes a reference cochlear stimulation system. The reference cochlear stimulation system includes a sound processor, a transmitter that transmits a telemetric signal, and a cochlear stimulator having a receiver that receives the telemetric signal and transmits a signal back to the transmitter. The system further includes one or more flap simulators having one or more known thicknesses that is positioned between the transmitter and receiver. Also included is a microprocessor that receives and processes data representative of tank voltage from the reference cochlear stimulation system.

Abstract: Among other things, enhancing spectral contrast for a cochlear implant listener includes detecting a time domain signal. A first transformation is applied to the detected time domain signal to convert the time domain signal to a frequency domain signal. A second transformation is applied to the frequency domain signal to express the frequency domain signal as a sum of two or more components. A sensitivity of the cochlear implant listener to detect modulation of each component is obtained.

Abstract: Exemplary cochlear implant systems include an implantable cochlear stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient and generate a stimulation current having an adjustable current level, one or more electrodes communicatively coupled to the stimulator and configured to apply the stimulation current to one or more locations within an ear of the patient, and a probe configured to acquire sound data used to derive an acoustic reflectance of the ear. The implantable cochlear stimulator is configured to adjust the current level of the stimulation current until a change in the acoustic reflectance above a threshold is detected.