Wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device

Abstract

The invention provides wearable tinnitus relieving and hearing protection equipment, and relates to the field of medical electronic wearable equipment. The wearable tinnitus relieving and hearing protecting device comprises a headband and two earmuffs connected to the two ends of the headband, the headband is made of a flexible material and adapts to different head circumferences, and the two ends of the headband are connected with the earmuffs. Each earmuff is internally provided with a multi-channel module, and each multi-channel module comprises a first microphone, a second microphone, an amplifier, a switching matrix module, a storage module, a control chip, a loudspeaker, a Bluetooth module and a vibration sensor. Through the intelligent multi-mode switching system, connection between tinnitus relief and daily communication is achieved, user requirements can be intelligently recognized, and the working state can be automatically switched. Through the intelligent design, the user can naturally transition among different scenes without manual operation, the continuity of relieving tinnitus is ensured, the communication quality and social contact convenience are also considered, and the practicability of the product and the user experience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical electronic wearable device technology, specifically to wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection devices. Background Technology

[0002] Tinnitus and hearing loss are common health problems affecting the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. With increasing noise pollution, an aging population, and more frequent and intensive use of hearing devices (such as prolonged headphone use), the incidence of tinnitus and hearing impairment continues to rise. Developing wearable devices that combine tinnitus relief and hearing protection has significant clinical and social value.

[0003] Currently, traditional tinnitus relief devices and hearing protection devices have at least the following technical limitations:

[0004] 1. Limited functionality, unable to balance treatment and daily communication.

[0005] Existing tinnitus masking devices typically only offer static sound therapy and lack intelligent scene recognition capabilities. When users need to answer phone calls or engage in face-to-face communication, they often have to manually pause the therapy mode, interrupting tinnitus relief and affecting the treatment effect. While traditional noise-canceling earmuffs can protect hearing, they isolate ambient speech, creating communication barriers and reducing ease of use.

[0006] II. Lack of multimodal synergistic treatment methods

[0007] Most tinnitus intervention devices on the market rely on single sound masking or electrical stimulation therapy. Physical massage modules are mostly designed independently in existing products, failing to synergize with acoustic therapy, resulting in poor overall efficacy. Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0009] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device, comprising a headband and two earmuffs connected to both ends of the headband, each earmuff having a multi-channel module inside, the multi-channel module comprising:

[0012] The first microphone is used to capture ambient sound audio signals;

[0013] The second microphone is used to capture the user's voice audio signal;

[0014] An amplifier, connected to the first and second microphones, is used to amplify the captured audio signal;

[0015] The switching matrix module is used to switch audio signals between different operating modes;

[0016] The storage module is connected to the switching matrix module and is used to store preset white noise or natural sound samples;

[0017] A control chip, connected to the switching matrix module, is used to process the switched audio signal;

[0018] A speaker, connected to the control chip, is used to play the processed audio signal;

[0019] The Bluetooth module, connected to the control chip, is used for wireless communication with external devices;

[0020] A vibration sensor, connected to the control chip, is used to detect vibration signals from the face when speaking.

[0021] Preferably, the Bluetooth module supports the HFP protocol, which is used to automatically switch to call mode when an incoming call is detected.

[0022] Preferably, the speaker uses a bone conduction + air conduction dual-mode sound generation unit.

[0023] Preferably, the switching matrix module uses an FPGA or an analog cross switch.

[0024] Preferably, the storage module is a TF card or a cloud audio stream.

[0025] Preferably, the switching matrix module is configured to automatically switch between the following three operating modes:

[0026] Tinnitus relief mode:

[0027] Call the preset sound samples in the storage module;

[0028] Call mode:

[0029] The Bluetooth module activates upon receiving a call.

[0030] Transmit the audio of the phone call through the second microphone;

[0031] Voice communication mode:

[0032] The vibration sensor is activated when it detects facial vibration signals while the user is speaking.

[0033] Ambient voice signals are collected using a second microphone.

[0034] Preferably, one of the earmuffs has a curved connecting plate fixed to its bottom, the vibration sensor is fixed to the side of the connecting plate near the cheek, the second microphone is fixed to the bottom of the connecting plate, and the outer layer of the earmuff is covered with a sealing cover.

[0035] Preferably, each of the earmuffs is equipped with a massage component inside to massage the concha cavity fitting area, the massage component comprising:

[0036] The pivot rotates inside the earcup.

[0037] The turntable is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft and positioned near the ear.

[0038] The motor is fixed inside the earcups;

[0039] The mounting plate is also fixed inside the earcups;

[0040] The drive shaft rotates inside the fixed plate, and one end is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor.

[0041] The worm gear is fixed to the end of the drive shaft;

[0042] The worm gear is fixed at the other end of the shaft and meshes with the worm.

[0043] Multiple soft protrusions are fixed at the end of the turntable away from the rotating shaft, and the multiple soft protrusions are of different sizes.

[0044] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0045] This invention provides a wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0046] 1. This invention utilizes an intelligent multi-mode switching system to seamlessly integrate tinnitus relief with daily communication, intelligently recognizing user needs and automatically switching operating modes. In the default tinnitus relief mode, it switches to call mode upon detecting an incoming call to ensure clear communication; while during everyday conversations, it automatically enhances voice transmission through vibration sensing, overcoming communication barriers inherent in traditional noise-canceling earmuffs. This intelligent design allows users to transition naturally between different scenarios without manual operation, ensuring continuous tinnitus relief while maintaining communication quality and social convenience, thus enhancing product usability and user experience.

[0047] 2. When the user wears the earmuffs, the rotating disc rotates at low speed, causing the soft protrusions of different heights to press against the concha cavity in a wave-like motion. This can effectively promote blood circulation around the ear and improve the microcirculation of the inner ear, thereby relieving tinnitus symptoms caused by local ischemia. Through this synergistic effect of physical massage and acoustic reduction, multi-target intervention for tinnitus is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1This is a first-view schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram from a second perspective of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inside of the earcup of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a bottom-view schematic diagram of the earcups of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0053] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-channel module of the present invention.

[0055] The components include: 1. Headband; 2. Earmuffs; 3. Multi-channel module; 4. Connecting plate; 5. Sealing cover; 6. Massage component; 301. First microphone; 302. Amplifier; 303. Switching matrix module; 304. Control chip; 305. Speaker; 306. Second microphone; 307. Bluetooth module; 308. Vibration sensor; 309. Storage module; 601. Rotary shaft; 602. Turntable; 603. Motor; 604. Fixing plate; 605. Drive shaft; 606. Worm gear; 607. Worm wheel; 608. Soft protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] Example:

[0058] like Figure 1-7 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device, including a headband 1 and two earcups 2 connected to both ends of the headband 1. The headband 1 is made of a flexible material (such as silicone) to adapt to different head circumferences, and the two ends are connected to the earcups 2. Each earcup 2 is equipped with a multi-channel module 3, which includes a first microphone 301, a second microphone 306, an amplifier 302, a switching matrix module 303, a storage module 309, a control chip 304, a speaker 305, a Bluetooth module 307, and a vibration sensor 308.

[0059] A first microphone 301 is used to capture ambient sound audio signals; a second microphone 306 is used to capture user voice audio signals; an amplifier 302 is connected to the first microphone 301 and the second microphone 306 and is used to amplify the captured audio signals; a switching matrix module 303 is used to switch audio signals between different working modes; a storage module 309 is connected to the switching matrix module 303 and is used to store preset white noise or natural sound samples; a control chip 304 is connected to the switching matrix module 303 and is used to process the switched audio signals; a speaker 305 is connected to the control chip 304 and is used to play the processed audio signals; a Bluetooth module 307 is connected to the control chip 304 and is used for wireless communication with external devices; a vibration sensor 308 is connected to the control chip 304 and is used to detect facial vibration signals when speaking.

[0060] The first microphone 301 of the multi-channel module 3 is an omnidirectional MEMS microphone, located outside the earcups 2, used to collect ambient sounds (such as work environment noise and keyboard sounds). The second microphone 306 is a directional microphone, facing the user's mouth, dedicated to voice capture. The amplifier 302 uses a low-noise operational amplifier (such as TI's OPA1612) to amplify the captured audio signal. The switching matrix module 303 supports second-level switching. Its input port connects to the first microphone 301, the second microphone 306, the storage module 309, the Bluetooth module 307, and the vibration sensor 308. Its output is connected to the control chip 304 via an I2S bus. The control chip 304 uses a low-power DSP (such as ADI's SHARC series), integrating noise reduction algorithms (such as LMS adaptive filtering) and audio codec functions. The speaker 305 plays ambient sounds or white noise. The Bluetooth module 307 can automatically pair with a mobile phone. When a call comes in, it triggers an interrupt signal to the control chip 304. When the vibration sensor 308 detects facial vibration, it activates the voice communication mode.

[0061] Bluetooth module 307 supports the HFP protocol, which is used to automatically switch to call mode when an incoming call is detected. Bluetooth module 307 supports the HFP / A2DP protocol (such as Nordic nRF5340), automatically pairs with the mobile phone, and triggers an interrupt signal to the control chip 304 when an incoming call is received.

[0062] The speaker 305 employs a dual-mode sound unit combining bone conduction and air conduction. The air conduction unit is a 40mm dynamic driver with a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, used for playing ambient sounds or white noise. The bone conduction unit uses a piezoelectric ceramic resonator that conforms to the temporal bone, specifically designed for voice transmission during calls, preventing sound leakage in open environments. The storage module 309 can be a TF card or a cloud-based audio stream. The local storage TF card in the storage module 309 stores preset samples such as white noise (e.g., rain sounds, stream sounds). Cloud expansion allows for real-time streaming of customized soundscapes (e.g., ASMR audio) via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0063] The switching matrix module 303 employs an FPGA or an analog cross switch, selecting an FPGA (such as the Xilinx Spartan-6) or an analog cross switch (such as the ADI ADG1612), supporting nanosecond-level switching. The switching matrix module 303 is configured to automatically switch between the following three operating modes:

[0064] Tinnitus relief mode: Recalls preset sound samples in storage module 309;

[0065] Call mode: Bluetooth module 307 is activated when a call comes in, and the phone call audio is transmitted through the second microphone 306;

[0066] Voice communication mode: The vibration sensor 308 detects the activation of the facial vibration signal when the user speaks, and the ambient voice signal is collected through the second microphone 306.

[0067] The switching matrix module 303 automatically selects the signal path based on the sensor input, with the priority being: call mode > voice communication mode > tinnitus relief mode.

[0068] Tinnitus relief mode (default):

[0069] The control chip 304 reads preset sound samples from the storage module 309, optimizes them with a DSP algorithm, and then plays them through the air conduction unit of the speaker 305, keeping the sound pressure level below 60dB to avoid hearing damage.

[0070] Call mode (Bluetooth triggered):

[0071] After receiving an incoming call signal, the Bluetooth module 307 sends a request for interrupt mitigation mode to the control chip 304;

[0072] Switch matrix module 303 shuts down the path of the first microphone 301 and connects the second microphone 306 and the Bluetooth audio stream;

[0073] The user's voice is transmitted to the mobile phone via the second microphone 306, and the call audio is played by the bone conduction unit.

[0074] Voice communication mode (vibration triggered, Bluetooth module 307 does not receive incoming call signal):

[0075] Vibration sensor 308 detects facial vibration (facial vibration caused by speaking) and continuously triggers mode switching;

[0076] The second microphone 306 collects voice information in a directional manner. After noise reduction by the amplifier 302, the voice is amplified and output in real time by the air conduction unit, so as to avoid affecting the sound of conversation due to wearing the earcups 2.

[0077] One of the earcups 2 has a curved connecting plate 4 fixed to its bottom. A vibration sensor 308 is fixed to the side of the connecting plate 4 near the cheek to detect facial vibrations when the user speaks. A second microphone 306 is fixed to the bottom of the connecting plate 4, positioning it close to the user's mouth. Each earcup 2 is covered with a sealing cover 5, the contact surface of which is made of breathable protein leather to prevent overheating during prolonged wear.

[0078] Tinnitus is usually related to poor blood circulation around the ear, abnormal excitation of the auditory nerve, or muscle tension. The massage component 6 of this invention can alleviate tinnitus symptoms in multiple dimensions by physically stimulating the concha and surrounding acupoints, combined with acoustic therapy (such as white noise masking). Each earcup 2 is equipped with a massage component 6 that massages the concha. The massage component 6 includes: a rotating shaft 601, a turntable 602, a motor 603, a fixing plate 604, a drive shaft 605, a worm gear 606, a worm wheel 607, and multiple soft protrusions 608. The rotating shaft 601 rotates inside the earcup 2, the turntable 602 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 601 and positioned close to the ear, the motor 603 is fixed inside the earcup 2, and the fixing plate 604 is also fixed to the earcup 2. Inside, the drive shaft 605 rotates inside the fixed plate 604 and one end is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 603. The worm gear 606 is fixed to the end of the drive shaft 605, and the worm wheel 607 is fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft 601 and meshes with the worm gear 606. Multiple soft protrusions 608 are fixed to the end of the turntable 602 away from the rotating shaft 601. The multiple soft protrusions 608 are of different sizes and are made of medical silicone material. They simulate the effect of acupressure massage through differentiated heights.

[0079] After the user puts on the earcups 2, the motor 603 drives the drive shaft 605 to rotate, and the worm gear 606 drives the worm wheel 607 to rotate, ultimately causing the turntable 602 to rotate. As the turntable 602 rotates, the soft protrusions 608 of different heights sequentially contact the concha cavity, producing a wave-like pressing effect. The concha cavity has a rich network of blood vessels (such as branches of the posterior auricular artery), and the rotating pressure of the soft protrusions 608 can promote local blood flow, improve inner ear microcirculation, and relieve tinnitus caused by ischemia.

[0080] Working principle: The switching matrix module 303 automatically selects the signal path according to the sensor input, with the priority being: call mode > voice communication mode > tinnitus relief mode.

[0081] Tinnitus relief mode (default):

[0082] The control chip 304 reads preset sound samples from the storage module 309, optimizes them with a DSP algorithm, and then plays them through the air conduction unit of the speaker 305, keeping the sound pressure level below 60dB to avoid hearing damage.

[0083] Call mode (Bluetooth triggered):

[0084] After receiving an incoming call signal, the Bluetooth module 307 sends a request for interrupt mitigation mode to the control chip 304;

[0085] Switch matrix module 303 shuts down the path of the first microphone 301 and connects the second microphone 306 and the Bluetooth audio stream;

[0086] The user's voice is transmitted to the mobile phone via the second microphone 306, and the call audio is played by the bone conduction unit.

[0087] Voice communication mode (vibration triggered, Bluetooth module 307 does not receive incoming call signal):

[0088] Vibration sensor 308 detects facial vibration (facial vibration caused by speaking) and continuously triggers mode switching;

[0089] The second microphone 306 collects voice information in a directional manner. After noise reduction by the amplifier 302, the voice is amplified and output in real time by the air conduction unit, so as to avoid affecting the sound of conversation with them due to wearing the earmuff 2.

[0090] After the user puts on the earcups 2, the motor 603 drives the drive shaft 605 to rotate, and the worm gear 606 drives the worm wheel 607 to rotate, ultimately causing the turntable 602 to rotate. As the turntable 602 rotates, the soft protrusions 608 of different heights sequentially contact the concha cavity, producing a wave-like pressing effect. The concha cavity has a rich network of blood vessels (such as branches of the posterior auricular artery), and the rotating pressure of the soft protrusions 608 can promote local blood flow, improve inner ear microcirculation, and relieve tinnitus caused by ischemia.

[0091] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device, comprising a headband (1) and two earmuffs (2) connected to both ends of the headband (1), characterized in that: Each earcup (2) is equipped with a multi-channel module (3), the multi-channel module (3) comprising: The first microphone (301) is used to capture ambient sound audio signals; The second microphone (306) is used to capture the user's voice audio signal; An amplifier (302), connected to a first microphone (301) and a second microphone (306), is used to amplify the captured audio signal; The switching matrix module (303) is used to switch audio signals between different operating modes; The storage module (309) is connected to the switching matrix module (303) and is used to store preset white noise or natural sound samples; The control chip (304) is connected to the switching matrix module (303) and is used to process the switched audio signal; A speaker (305) is connected to the control chip (304) and is used to play the processed audio signal; Bluetooth module (307), connected to the control chip (304), is used for wireless communication with external devices; A vibration sensor (308), connected to the control chip (304), is used to detect vibration signals from the face when speaking.

2. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Bluetooth module (307) supports the HFP protocol and is used to automatically switch to call mode when an incoming call is detected.

3. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The loudspeaker (305) adopts a bone conduction + air conduction dual-mode sound generation unit.

4. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The switching matrix module (303) uses an FPGA or an analog cross switch.

5. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The storage module (309) is a TF card or a cloud audio stream.

6. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The switching matrix module (303) is configured to automatically switch between the following three operating modes: Tinnitus relief mode: Call the preset sound samples in the storage module (309); Call mode: The Bluetooth module (307) is activated upon receiving a call; Transmit the audio of the mobile phone call through the second microphone (306); Voice communication mode: The vibration sensor (308) is activated when it detects a facial vibration signal when the user speaks; Ambient voice signals are acquired via a second microphone (306).

7. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the earmuffs (2) has a curved connecting plate (4) fixed at the bottom, the vibration sensor (308) is fixed on the side of the connecting plate (4) near the cheek, the second microphone (306) is fixed at the bottom of the connecting plate (4), and the outer layer of the earmuff (2) is covered with a sealing cover (5).

8. The wearable tinnitus relief and hearing protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each earmuff (2) is equipped with a massage component (6) inside to massage the concha cavity fitting part. The massage component (6) includes: The pivot (601) rotates inside the earcup (2); A turntable (602) is fixed to one end of a rotating shaft (601) and positioned near the ear. The motor (603) is fixed inside the ear cup (2); The fixing plate (604) is also fixed inside the ear cup (2); The drive shaft (605) rotates inside the fixed plate (604), and one end is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (603); The worm gear (606) is fixed to the end of the drive shaft (605); The worm gear (607) is fixed to the other end of the shaft (601) and meshes with the worm (606); Multiple soft protrusions (608) are fixedly disposed at one end of the turntable (602) away from the rotating shaft (601), and the multiple soft protrusions (608) are of different sizes.

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