Patent ID: 7571005
Filing Date: 2009-08-04
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring the spread of perception confusion between stimulus channels of a neural stimulation system comprising: coarsely determining the spread of perception confusion using physical stimulus channels; and finely determining the spread of perception confusion using at least one virtual stimulus channel; wherein coarsely determining the spread of perception confusion using physical stimulus channels comprises (a) sequentially applying monopolar stimulation pulses in a first order to a selected spatially-defined physical electrode pair representing adjacent stimulus channels; (b) sequentially applying monopolar stimulation pulses in a second order to the selected spatially-defined physical electrode pair; (c) ranking perceived sounds resulting from the stimulation pulses applied in the first order and the second order; (d) determining whether the perceived sounds are correct, and if so, ceasing further testing involving the selected spatially-defined physical electrode pair, and (e) if the perceived sounds are not correct, identifying a state of perceived confusion for the spatially-defined electrode pair, defining a new spatially-defined physical electrode pair representing stimulus channels that are one stimulus channel farther apart than the previously defined physical electrode pair, and (f) repeating steps (a)-(e) as many times as necessary to determine the spread of confusion as measured in terms of a physical separation between stimulus channels.