Bimodal Stimulation for Tinnitus via Spike-Timing Plasticity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for treating tinnitus are inadequate, often being overly intrusive or providing temporary relief without addressing the underlying causes, leaving patients susceptible to further bouts of tinnitus.

Innovation Solution

The use of bimodal stimulation, specifically timed to manipulate spike-timing dependent plasticity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, involves generating asynchronous audible and somatosensory stimulation signals to alter brain activity and reduce or eliminate tinnitus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If deep brain access through embedded probes is used, then tinnitus treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetinnitus treatment effectivenessVSAvoidembedded probes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/embedded probe system with a non-invasive bimodal stimulation system that uses synchronized auditory and somatosensory stimuli to induce plasticity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, achieving tinnitus treatment without physical brain access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bimodal stimulation as an intermediary mechanism that indirectly affects the dorsal cochlear nucleus through coordinated sensory input, rather than directly accessing the brain with embedded probes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If external stimuli are used for temporary relief, then ease of operation is improved, but duration of action deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal stimuli applicationVSAvoidtinnitus relief duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary bimodal stimulation to induce lasting plasticity changes in the dorsal cochlear nucleus before tinnitus symptoms recur, creating long-term relief rather than temporary masking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from temporary symptom masking to permanent neural plasticity induction, transforming the duration of action from short-term to long-term through synchronized sensory stimulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous auditory-somatosensory stimulation is applied, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultisensory stimulation capabilityVSAvoidstimulus timing synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic, rhythmic bimodal stimulation patterns that are easier to synchronize and deliver than arbitrary timing schemes, reducing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic, adaptable stimulation parameters that can be adjusted based on individual patient needs, achieving versatility without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing through flexible control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach results in long-lasting plasticity of sound-evoked responses and spontaneous activity, effectively reducing or removing phantom sound perception by suppressing body-generated signals, offering a non-invasive and sustainable treatment for tinnitus.

Implementation Method 1

The timing rules and time course of the observed stimulus-timing dependent plasticity closely mimic those of spike-timing dependent plasticity that has been demonstrated in vitro in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). By manipulating spike timing dependent plasticity through unique multisensory stimulation, we have developed techniques capable of reducing and removing phantom sound perception or tinnitus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpike-timing dependent plasticity:

Implementation Method 2

generating an audible stimulation signal having a first firing point and first firing period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 3

generating a somatosensory stimulation signal to stimulate a somatosensory system of a subject, the somatosensory stimulation signal having a second firing point and second firing period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS10569082B2Personalized auditory-somatosensory stimulation to treat tinnitus

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 THE RGT UNIV OF MICHIGAN

AI summary

Timed stimulation of both somatosensory system and auditory system is controlled, in such a manner, that an individual's brain activity is altered through spike-timing dependent plasticity, thereby reducing or removing tinnitus.