Using a genetic algorithm to fit a cochlear implant system to a patient

A method for at least partially fitting a cochlear implant system to a patient comprising:

• executing a genetic algorithm to select values for a subset of one or more parameters selected from a plurality of parameters for which values are to be selected to fit said cochlear implant system, wherein said genetic algorithm is operable to generate one or more successive generations of values for said parameter subset;
• determining, based on patient feedback, said values for said parameter subset in each of said one or more successive generations, wherein said patient feedback comprises a patient selection of at least one set of values for said parameter subset for use as a parent set in generating said successive generations;
• and
• programming the cochlear implant system using said selected values for the subset of one or more parameters, wherein said cochlear implant system is configured to provide both electrical and mechanical stimulation to the patient.

A method of at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient comprising:

• executing a genetic algorithm to select values for one or more parameters selected from a plurality of parameters for which values are to be generated to fit said medical implant system, wherein said genetic algorithm is operable to generate one or more successive generations of values for said selected parameters;
• selecting, based on patient feedback, values for a smaller portion of said selected parameters and determining from said values of said smaller portion a larger number of parameter values for the next generation of values;
• and
• programming the medical implant system using said selected values for the subset of one or more parameters.

A method of at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient comprising:

• forming a plurality of sequences of one or more digits having digit groups which represent parameter values for the implant;
• receiving patient feedback from testing said parameter values, specifying which of said formed digit sequences provide superior performance and are to be used as a parent sequence;
• combining one or more digits of said parent sequences to form new digit sequences;
• and
• iteratively repeating said selecting and said combining steps to determine a sequence for use in fitting said medical implant system;
• and
• programming the medical implant system using said values corresponding to the determined sequence.

A method of at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient comprising:

• selecting one or more parameters from a plurality of parameters for which values are to be generated to fit said medical implant system;
• generating one or more successive generations of values for said selected comprising:
• receiving patient feedback specifying a at least one set of parameter values for use in determining a next generation of parameter values;
• and
• determining, from the specified set of parameter values, parameters values for the next generation of parameter values;
• and
• programming the medical implant system using said selected values for the subset of one or more parameters.