DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF TINNITUS

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for treating tinnitus and / or reducing stress. State of the art

[0002] Tinnitus is an auditory perception that is experienced in addition to the sound reaching the ear, and can occur in one or both ears. This perception is based on a disturbance of the auditory function. The nature of the apparent noises is very diverse: the auditory impressions are described as a humming or whistling sound, hissing, buzzing, crackling, or knocking.

[0003] Tinnitus impairs quality of life. Current treatment methods (including various forms of acoustic stimulation, behavioral therapy approaches, combined therapies incorporating acoustic stimulation and behavioral elements (such as tinnitus retraining therapy), medication, physiotherapy, and magnetic and electrical brain stimulation) are not always effective or sufficiently effective. For most of the available therapies, there is no evidence of efficacy from sufficiently large, placebo-controlled studies.

[0004] The prior art describes, for example, an ear device designed to compensate for rapid pressure changes caused by rapid altitude changes in aircraft, thereby preventing ear pain. GB2450931, for instance, describes ear protectors in which the pressure can be regulated using an air pump.

[0005] When wearing hearing protectors for noise protection, heat builds up after prolonged use, which can lead to excessive perspiration. To allow for air exchange, a ventilation opening is provided on the ear cup. This air exchange is facilitated by changing the volume of the ear cup's interior (DE2910315).

[0006] CN205598091 (U) describes a device comprising glasses, a Bluetooth headset, and headphones. This device can be used, for example, to play ambient sounds, tones, or music for the treatment of tinnitus, using software.

[0007] WO2015164889 describes a headphone that can be positioned inside or near a user's ear canal during use and includes an ear loop to secure the earphone to the user's ear. The ear loop includes an inflatable bladder to better secure the earphone to the user's ear during use. US20170303031 describes headphones including an inflatable mounting system to better secure the headphone housing to the human ear. CN206743497 describes headphones with an inflatable erectile body that is, however, placed in the inner ear.

[0008] WO2019158674 describes a device for treating tinnitus, comprising a body dimensioned to be attached to or in the immediate vicinity of the auricle, characterized in that this body has at least one point-like erectile element, which alters the position of the auricle. Preferably, the point-like erectile element is attached to a spectacle temple. However, this device has the disadvantage that it can only be adjusted very imprecisely and with difficulty to the needs of the individual wearer.

[0009] Tinnitus can indeed be cured. The prospects for a cure are particularly good in cases of acute tinnitus. However, there are no precise figures on how many tinnitus sufferers are cured, or to what extent. A tinnitus patient can consider themselves cured when their ringing in the ears has disappeared. Therefore, there remains a need for a targeted, lasting, and successful treatment for tinnitus. The object of the present invention is thus to provide a device and its use in which the pressure point element is easy to position, can be adjusted by the user to their individual needs, and is comfortable to wear. Brief summary of the invention

[0010] The problem is solved by the independent claims. The present invention thus comprises a new device for treating tinnitus and / or reducing stress, wherein this device changes the position of the auricle and thus alters the angle of sound entry. This change to the outer ear alleviates and / or completely cures the tinnitus.

[0011] The present invention relates in particular to a device for treating tinnitus and / or reducing stress, comprising an ear hook consisting of an upper 1 and lower 2, and a pressure point body 3. The device is dimensioned so that it can be worn behind the auricle (outer ear). The pressure point body 3 can be manufactured in different sizes and shapes. The position of the pressure point body on the hook can be individually adjusted to the wearer. Any necessary readjustments to the position of the pressure point body can be made by the wearer themselves.

[0012] One embodiment comprises the device as described herein, wherein the device consists of an upper and a lower bracket connected by means of a plug connection 4. This connection allows the position of the upper and lower brackets relative to each other to be changed. This ensures that the device can be opened ( Fig. 4 ) to allow for easier placement behind the ear.

[0013] This movable design allows the device to be held in the user's ear in a position where the pressure point element can be positioned at the desired location behind the user's outer ear. The device can be held in this position without requiring any constant clamping force or similar action on the user's ear. This makes wearing the device according to the invention more comfortable compared to prior art solutions. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be made relatively small, since it is attached directly behind the user's ear. Attaching it to the user's ear is also simple and can be done with one hand.

[0014] This also allows for individual adjustment of optimal pressure and wearing comfort for the wearer. In one embodiment, this connection is a cotter pin connection. However, it can also be used as any other suitable connection method.

[0015] One embodiment comprises the device as described herein, wherein the lower bracket has a notch 5 ( Fig. 1 This incision can be designed as an opening, notch, slit, slot, or similar. The pressure point body is attached to this incision. The position of the pressure point body can then be variably adjusted along the incision, allowing for individual adaptation of the pressure point body to the needs of the wearer.

[0016] The pressure point body is attached to this cut using suitable fasteners in such a way that its position along the cut can be variably changed. For example, the pressure point body can completely enclose part of the bracket, or both parts of the bracket. The pressure point body can be attached to the gap, for example, using a clamping connection.

[0017] Since these devices are intended to be worn by patients for extended periods, comfortable wear and individual adjustment of the pressure point position are essential. This is crucial both to ensure healing progress and to enable patients to wear the device for the necessary duration of several weeks or even months thanks to the increased comfort.

[0018] One embodiment comprises the device as described herein, wherein the upper bracket has a recess ( Fig. 3) has a recess. Inlays can be inserted into this recess. These inlays also improve the patient's wearing comfort.

[0019] One embodiment comprises the device as described herein, wherein the lower bracket 2 has a sheathing 8 ( Fig. 10 This casing can be made from any material that supports comfortable wear of the device.

[0020] One embodiment comprises the device as described herein, wherein the lower bracket 2 has a certain degree of flexibility. That is, the lower bracket can, for example, exert pressure on the ear in addition to the pressure point body. This can, for example, increase the effect in alleviating tinnitus.

[0021] The device according to the invention is suitable for the treatment of tinnitus.

[0022] The device according to the invention can be used to treat tinnitus, whereby the position of the auricle (outer ear) is changed by the device, in particular by the pressure point body.

[0023] The device is particularly suitable for the treatment of tinnitus, whereby the angle of entry of the sound at the outer ear is changed by the device, in particular by the pressure point body.

[0024] By means of the device according to the invention, in particular by means of the pressure point body, pressure is exerted on the auricle (outer ear). This pressure can deform the middle ear and thus cause the sound to be refracted differently, thereby reducing disturbing noises and ultimately enabling relief and, subsequently, even a cure for tinnitus.

[0025] Stress refers, on the one hand, to the psychological and physical reactions in living beings triggered by specific external stimuli (stressors), enabling them to cope with particular demands, and on the other hand, to the resulting physical and mental strain. Stress is understood as the strain and the associated impact of internal and external stimuli or demands on a person. These can be artificial or natural, biotic or abiotic, affecting both the body and mind, and ultimately perceived or perceived as positive or negative. Coping with this strain depends on the individual's personal characteristics, including their health and cognitive abilities.

[0026] Stress affects the psyche just as much as the physical well-being. It can lead to mild and serious illnesses, such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, reduced performance and creativity, nervous, restless behavior, hurried speaking and eating, agitation, difficulty making decisions, communication difficulties, multitasking, hyperactivity, lack of planning, disorganization, time management problems, inability to finish tasks, taking work home, inefficiency, inability to switch off, foregoing vacations, reduced leisure time, neglect of partnership and family, lack of exercise, uncontrolled eating and smoking, increased alcohol consumption, excessive coffee consumption, use of painkillers, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and stimulants, constant worry and "future thinking", feeling rushed and under pressure, rumination and obsessive thoughts.Nighttime thoughts about work-related matters, mental blocks ("blackout"), inner emptiness, anxiety, exhaustion, inner restlessness and tension, irritability and aggression, mood swings, dissatisfaction and low mood.

[0027] The autonomic nervous system consists of two components that are active simultaneously. One part, the sympathetic nervous system, is responsible for tension, while the other part, the parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for relaxation. Stress leads to tension, and with prolonged tension, the autonomic nervous system shifts into a mode of sympathetic overactivation, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for reducing stress in the body. This lower part of the armpit ( Fig. 2 , 8The device rests on the ear at a point where the autonomic nervous system, more precisely the parasympathetic nervous system, is also stimulated. Due to this stimulation, a reduction in stress was observed in wearers of the device according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Figure 1 The device is shown in the form of a bracket, consisting of a lower and upper bracket, and a pressure point body. Figure 2 shows a side and front view of the device, consisting of a lower and upper bracket, and a pressure point body. Figure 3 shows a side and front view of the upper temple with inlays. Figure 4 shows a side view of the opened device. Figure 5 shows a side and front view of differently designed pressure point bodies. Figure 6 shows the upper bracket of the device. Figure 7 shows different inlays. Figure 8 shows the lower bracket with a slot. Figure 9shows differently designed pressure point bodies. Figure 10 shows a covering for the lower part of the lower bracket. Figure 11 This is shown in the trend analysis of stress levels among 36 users. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] The effects of tinnitus depend heavily on the subjective perception and assessment of the ear noises. These can occur in one or both ears.

[0030] Tinnitus aurium means "ringing in the ears". Medically, tinnitus is defined as an auditory perception that arises without a corresponding acoustic stimulus from outside the body and has no informational content.

[0031] Basically, two forms are distinguished. In objective tinnitus, there is an internal sound source in or near the ear, whose sound emissions are perceived. This means that the noises, often originating from the blood vessels or muscles, actually exist and are therefore audible to others, although usually only with a stethoscope or other medical devices.

[0032] However, subjective tinnitus is far more common. Those affected perceive sounds and noises that cannot be traced back to a physical sound source and are therefore inaudible to others. This does not mean, however, that patients are simply imagining the buzzing, humming, whistling, ringing, hissing, or knocking. Rather, subjective tinnitus is caused by faulty information processing within the auditory system, which extends from the ear, via the auditory nerve, to the auditory centers in the brain.

[0033] However, in many cases, the cause of the tinnitus cannot be definitively determined. This is referred to as idiopathic tinnitus.

[0034] Surprisingly, it has now been discovered that changing the position of the outer ear relative to the rest of the ear alters the sound; that is, the sound is refracted compared to its "normal" entry point. This leads to a different point of impact on the eardrum. As a result, the malleus (hammer) of the first ossicle moves differently, sending altered pressure signals to the next ossicles and then on to the cochlea. Within the cochlea, the sensory hair cells suspended in fluid are set in motion in a different way. This leads to an altered conversion of the electrical signals to the brain and a learning-related change in the synapses—the previously perceived sounds are no longer heard and are thus "forgotten" in the long term.

[0035] By changing the angle of sound entry, the ear noises (tinnitus) perceived as "disturbing" are no longer perceived, as the sound hits different points on the eardrum.

[0036] Sound becomes perceived at different frequencies due to changes in refraction (path length). Frequency changes occur when the distance between the observer (eardrum) and the sound source changes (Doppler effect). The sound path within the ear, between the outer ear and the eardrum, changes. Therefore, the previously perceived "old" frequencies are no longer noticed because their frequency has changed and they are no longer processed by the brain. This effect is most pronounced at high frequencies.

[0037] The device according to the invention alters the angle of sound entry so that the affected individuals no longer hear the previously learned disturbing tones. The device therefore comprises a bracket with a pressure point element, which is dimensioned to be attached to the auricle, the pressure point element altering the position of the auricle. By changing the position of the outer ear with this pressure point element, the angle of sound entry into the ear is altered, causing the patients to no longer hear the previously learned tones and, in the long term, even to forget how to hear them.

[0038] In particular, it is advantageous to exert pressure on the outer ear via the pressure point body. This pressure can cause the position of the outer ear to change in such a way that the angle of sound incidence is also altered, thus preventing disturbing tinnitus sounds from being heard. The perception of noises that do not originate from acoustic signals in the environment is reduced or completely eliminated with the device according to the invention.

[0039] The pressure point body is individually adjustable and attached to the device according to the invention, which can be mounted on or behind the ear. The pressure point body can have different shapes and sizes. Exemplary pressure point bodies are shown in Figure 9 depicted.

[0040] One embodiment of the invention is a headband consisting of an upper and a lower headband part, which are connected to each other by means of a plug connection and can be opened, and which can be worn behind the ear.

[0041] The pressure point body can be made from various materials. In principle, any material suitable for forming a suitable shape and comfortable to wear can be used. For example, the pressure point body can be made of plastic, fabric, felt, foam, gel, rubber, elastic adhesive strips, or similar materials. The pressure point body can be made from a foamed material, an elastic, deformable material, or a plastic material such as polypropylene.

[0042] The upper and lower brackets can be made of sturdy materials. Particularly suitable materials include stainless steel, titanium, spring steel, other metals and metallic alloys, plastics, and the like.

[0043] To increase patient comfort, inlays can be inserted into the upper temple, for example ( Figure 3 These inlays are made of a suitable material, such as silicone, rubber, plastic, fabric, felt, foam, gel, or similar materials.

[0044] The lower temple can be partially covered. Such a covering (8) also enhances wearing comfort. The covering can, in turn, be made of a suitable material, in particular, for example, rubber. Examples of implementation

[0045] The following embodiments illustrate the present invention without limiting its scope.

[0046] One embodiment is in Figure 1 The device is shown in the figure. It consists of an upper bracket 1 and a lower bracket 2, which are flexibly connected to each other by means of a plug connection 4. A pressure point body 3 is attached to the lower bracket 2. The pressure point body is movably mounted on the lower bracket. That is, the pressure point body can be moved along the upper part of the lower bracket 2. Optional inlays are attached to the upper bracket 1. The lower part of the lower bracket is sheathed.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the device in closed form. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the device in its open form, which facilitates the placement of the device behind the ear.

[0048] In an initial observational study with 36 users who used the inventive hanger for at least six weeks, changes in the users' stress levels were analyzed. The users reported their subjectively perceived stress daily on a scale of 0 to 10. A linear trend analysis was calculated for each individual user.

[0049] In 19 of the 36 users (52.7%), the stress level was statistically significantly reduced during the use of the inventive iron (see Figure 11 ).

Claims

1. A device for treating a tinnitus affliction and / or reducing stress, consisting of an upper hook (1), a lower hook (2) and a pressure point body (3), characterised in that the upper and lower hooks are connected to one another by means of a plug connection (4), wherein the lower hook has a horizontal recess (5) in which the pressure point body (3) is fastened, wherein the pressure point body (3) is designed to exert pressure on the outer ear and to change the position of the outer ear.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plug connection (4) is a cotter pin connection.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure point body (3) is freely movable along the recess (5).

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper hook (1) has a cut-out (6).

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein one or two inlays (7a, 7b) are attached in the cut-out (6).

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lower hook (2) has a sheath (8).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the sheath (8) consists of a soft material, preferably rubber.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lower hook (2) is movable.