The optimal individual parameter setting of a cochlear implant is directly related to the resulting hearing ability, speech comprehension and, therefore, the success of the therapy. The state of the art is a manual method of parameter setting being highly labor-intensive and cost-intensive. Due to the subjective components, it is subject to strong fluctuations in success and cannot be used for patient groups with low cooperation. Regular readjustment is severely limited due to resources constraints.
The aim of the ICoStim project is to investigate and implement a novel therapy system for the objective individualized determination and optimization of the stimulation parameters for cochlear implants. This novel procedure is based on and combines current technological and methodological research and development results of the project partners in order to 1) simplify the clinical use of cochlear implants in therapy for patients with profound hearing loss, 2) reduce costs and at the same time 3) improve therapy results.
To achieve the project goals, a new type of overall system is being investigated, which is based on a closed-loop approach and integrates it into a modular and mobile EEG system. Through parameterized stimulation via the cochlear implant, the recording, processing and analysis of the stimulus response in the EEG and the resulting adaptation and iterative optimization of the cochlear stimulation parameters, the aim is to objectify and significantly improve the individual parameter settings. The EEG-based therapy system developed in ICoStim uses measured variables for speech comprehension performance. Those metrics are completely objective due to their electrophysiological measurement, do not require a behavioral response or cooperation from the patients and could also be used in the patient's living environment without the need for medical personnel. This results in a direct relief for users and patients, a significant simplification and shortening of the adjustment process as well as an easily repeatable, improved parameter selection and thus higher hearing comprehension and therapy success. In addition, it will be possible to achieve an optimal therapy result even in patient groups with limited interaction/cooperation.
Direct link to the project page of the Auditory Prosthetic Group of Hannover Medical School
