Auricle Pressure Device for Tinnitus Sound Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for tinnitus, including acoustic stimulation, behavioral therapy, drug therapy, and magnetic/electrical brain stimulation, are often ineffective or insufficiently effective, and there is a need for targeted, long-lasting treatment.
Innovation Solution
A device that changes the position of the auricle by applying pressure through a pressure point body, altering the angle of sound entry into the ear to refract sound differently and reduce or eliminate perceived tinnitus sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current treatment methods (acoustic stimulation, behavioral therapy, drug therapy, magnetic/electrical brain stimulation) are used, then treatment coverage is comprehensive, but effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional acoustic, magnetic, and electrical stimulation methods with a mechanical approach. By using a physical device to alter the position and shape of the auricle, it mechanically changes the sound entry angle and refraction path, providing a new mechanism for treating tinnitus that is distinct from existing therapeutic modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the outer ear structure by altering the auricle's position and shape. This modifies the acoustic parameters (sound entry angle, refraction path) to achieve therapeutic effect, representing a parameter-based approach that differs from the intensity or frequency modulation used in conventional treatments.
2Quantity of substance
If acoustic stimulation is used to mask tinnitus, then immediate sound coverage is achieved, but long-lasting effectiveness is not proven
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by permanently or semi-permanently altering the physical structure and position of the auricle. This structural modification creates a lasting change in sound refraction and entry angle, providing prolonged therapeutic effect without requiring continuous acoustic stimulation or repeated treatment sessions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If behavioral therapy is used for tinnitus, then comprehensive therapeutic approach is provided, but sufficient effectiveness is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the tinnitus treatment approach by focusing specifically on the outer ear's structural role in sound refraction. Rather than attempting comprehensive behavioral modification, it isolates and addresses the acoustic refraction mechanism at the auricle level, providing a targeted intervention that complements or alternatives to broader behavioral therapies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively reduces or eliminates subjective tinnitus by changing the angle of sound entry, leading to a different conversion of sound signals in the ear, thereby reducing or eliminating perceived noises.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure point body has at least one attachment element and one pressure element, whereby the position of the auricle (outer ear) is changed
Implementation Method 2
This change in the outer ear alters the angle of sound entry and thus refracts the sound differently
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for treating a tinnitus affliction, comprising a pressure point body, which is dimensioned in such a way that the pressure point body can be fastened to, or in close proximity to the auricle. The invention is characterized in that said pressure point body has a fastening element and a pressure element, by means of which the position of the auricle is changed and/or the middle ear is deformed.