Systems, methods and devices for communication in noisy environments

Abstract

The present disclosure provides communication systems and devices for use in noise environments, such as during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some embodiments, a communication headrest is provided that consists of a headrest that supports a patients' head, an optional bone conduction microphone, and one or more vibration actuators. The headset makes contact with noise-isolating earplugs worn by the subject such that vibrations generated by the vibration actuators are transferred through the earplug, via acoustic conduction, to enable the patient to hear audio content while the earplugsprovide passive noise protection by occluding the ear canal. In other embodiments, active earplug devices are provided in which an acoustic transducer is contacted and supported by a noise isolating earplug, such that when the earplug is inserted into the ear canal, the acoustic transducer is brought into acoustic conductive communication with tissue surrounding the ear canal, facilitating acoustic communication through bone conduction.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 427,072, filed November 28, 2016, entitled "SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR COMMUNICATION IN NOISY ENVIRONMENTS COMMUNICATION IN NOISY ENVIRONMENTS), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background technique [0003] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating communication in noisy environments. More specifically, various aspects of the present disclosure relate to patient communication systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging. [0004] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are notoriously noisy during scanning due to the acoustic vibrations of the gradient coils. Passive ear protection in the form of earplugs is often provided to patients during MRI scans. This earplug is very effective in reducing ambient noise and can achieve greater than 30dB sound isolation. Communicatin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such microphones need to be placed close to the patient's mouth, so their use in confined spaces such as inside some head coils is limited

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