Advanced Bionics Ag

Amy Stein

Leonid Michael Litvak

Kanthaiah Koka

Mark B Downing

Anthony J Spahr

Roger Calixto

Mary Elizabeth Bush

An apparatus external to a patient and communicatively coupled to an implant within the patient is disclosed. The apparatus identifies a tentative stimulation parameter adjustment constraint and an absolute stimulation parameter adjustment constraint for a stimulation parameter associated with the implant. The apparatus also determines an impedance of an electrode implanted within the patient and coupled with the implant. Based on the impedance of the electrode, the apparatus automatically adjusts the stimulation parameter within a range between a present value and a first value defined by the tentative stimulation parameter adjustment constraint. Additionally, based on user input manually provided by the patient, the apparatus further adjusts the stimulation parameter within a range between the first value and a second value beyond the first value and defined by the absolute stimulation parameter adjustment constraint. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Apparatuses and methods for managing stimulation parameters for an implant

An apparatus associated with a cochlear implant system used by a patient directs a cochlear implant included within the cochlear implant system and implanted within the patient to generate electrical stimulation current at a predetermined current level. The apparatus further directs the cochlear implant to apply the electrical stimulation current to the patient by way of an electrode coupled with the cochlear implant, and to measure a voltage level associated with the electrode while the electrical stimulation current is applied to the patient by way of the electrode. Based on the predetermined current level and the measured voltage level, the apparatus determines an impedance of the electrode. Based on the determined electrode impedance and in accordance with a predetermined stimulation parameter adjustment constraint, the apparatus automatically adjusts a stimulation parameter associated with the cochlear implant system. Additional apparatuses and corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Apparatuses and methods for setting cochlear implant system stimulation parameters based on electrode impedance measurements

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Sherman Oaks, CA, United States of America

Amy Stein