UR-sounds: an audio-based therapeutic system for urge retention support

Abstract

The invention relates to a digital therapeutic audio system designed to assist individuals with urinary urgency or urge incontinence. It comprises four sound modes—Calm, Distract, Neutral, and Shield—each using distinct tonal sequences and rhythms to modulate cognitive or sensory response. These modes help manage urinary urges by inducing relaxation, redirecting attention, minimizing internal signals, or masking external input. The system is delivered via a digital interface and may include manual or AI-driven mode selection. It is scalable, non-invasive, and clinically testable.

Description

of the Invention

[0001] UR-Sounds: An Audio-Based Therapeutic System for Urge Retention Support

[0002] The present invention relates to therapeutic audio systems for digital health, specifically to sound-based interventions that assist individuals in managing urinary urgency and urge incontinence.Background

[0003] Urinary incontinence is a prevalent condition affecting a large portion of the population. Traditional treatments involve medication or physical therapy but lack non-invasive, on-demand solutions for real-time urge management. Research suggests sound-based interventions can influence cognitive-emotional states and autonomic control [1][2]. This invention builds on these insights by offering mode-based sound sequences optimized for holding the urge.Summary

[0004] The UR-Sounds system is a therapeutic aid consisting of digital audio loops organized into four functional modes:

[0005] - Calm Mode: Induces relaxation using low-tempo, soothing frequencies.

[0006] - Distract Mode: Redirects attention using active, irregular textures.

[0007] - Neutral Mode: Provides ambient, unobtrusive soundscapes.

[0008] - Shield Mode: Creates a sensory wall through dense low-frequency sound.

[0009] Each mode is designed to support physiological or cognitive mechanisms involved in urge regulation, grounded in frequency science and user experience research.Detailed Description

[0010] Each mode is crafted with specific frequency and rhythm design:

[0011] - Calm Mode: F3-G3-C4, 60 BPM, supports parasympathetic nervous system activation.

[0012] - Distract Mode: A4-D4-E5, 100 BPM, increases cognitive load and redirects focus.

[0013] - Neutral Mode: B3-C4-D4, 70 BPM, provides passive support in quiet environments.

[0014] - Shield Mode: G2-B2-C3, 45 BPM, minimizes internal signal processing and shields external distraction.

[0015] Each sound loop may be layered, looped, and user-controlled to extend duration or switch modes seamlessly.

[0016] Users can access the system through a mobile or desktop interface. The interface features clearly labeled mode buttons, playback duration settings, and an optional progress tracker. Future versions may integrate biometric sensors (e.g., heart rate monitors), AI-driven recommendations, and clinical compliance logs.

[0017] The system may be deployed on iOS, Android, desktop web apps, or wearable devices with audio capability. Device compatibility ensures wider accessibility across home and clinical settings.

[0018] This system may be adapted for personalized tuning, pediatric or geriatric profiles, or related use cases such as bowel urgency or anxiety-based disorders. Multi-sensory feedback (e.g., vibration or light cues) may be added to reinforce retention effort.

[0019] Advantages

[0020] - Non-invasive, drug-free support

[0021] - Easily deployable across platforms

[0022] - Enhances user dignity and autonomy

[0023] - Clinically testable and adaptable

[0024] - Suitable for consumer and institutional useReferences

[0025] [1] Thoma, M.V., et al. (2013). "The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response." PLOS ONE.

[0026] [2] Bernardi, L., et al. (2006). "Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory changes induced by different types of music in musicians and non-musicians: the importance of silence." Heart.

Claims

A therapeutic audio system comprising a plurality of sound modes configured to support urinary urge retention by modulating a user's cognitive or sensory experience.The system of claim 1, wherein said modes include Calm, Distract, Neutral, and Shield modes, each comprising distinct tonal sequences.The system of claim 2, wherein the Calm Mode comprises low-tempo tones in the range of F3, G3, and C4.The system of claim 2, wherein the Distract Mode comprises active tonal sequences in the range of A4, D4, and E5.The system of claim 2, wherein the Shield Mode comprises dense, low-frequency tones in the range of G2, B2, and C3.The system of claim 1, wherein said sound modes are delivered via a digital platform such as a mobile application.The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface allowing manual or AI-assisted selection of sound modes.