Ear Electrostimulation for Hearing Loss Reversal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for reversing hearing loss often involve painful or invasive procedures, and existing hearing aid devices may not provide long-lasting solutions.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive electrostimulation method using a therapy stimulator machine with hand-held probe electrodes and a specific treatment protocol that applies gentle pressure and electrical stimulation to multiple points on the ear, typically over 10 consecutive days, to aid in reversing hearing loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional methods for reversing hearing loss are used, then hearing loss can be treated, but the procedures are painful or invasive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain and invasivenessVSAvoideffectiveness of treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures with electrical stimulation. Instead of using mechanical instruments that penetrate or physically manipulate tissue, the invention uses electrical fields delivered through electrodes placed on the ear surface to stimulate the auditory nerve and reverse hearing loss, thereby eliminating pain and invasiveness while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electrical stimulation as an intermediary mechanism between the external device and the auditory nerve. Rather than directly mechanically stimulating the nerve through invasive means, electrical fields serve as a mediator to transmit therapeutic effects non-invasively through the skin and tissue to the target area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If hearing aid devices are used, then hearing loss can be aided, but the solutions are not long-lasting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of hearing improvementVSAvoidneed for continuous device use
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrical stimulation in advance to reverse hearing loss before the patient needs continuous hearing assistance. By delivering therapeutic electrical pulses over a treatment course, the treatment aims to restore hearing function proactively, eliminating the need for ongoing device dependence and providing lasting improvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If electrostimulation is applied to reverse hearing loss, then hearing improvement can be achieved, but treatment time is required over multiple days

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of hearing reversalVSAvoidtreatment duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation delivered in structured sessions over multiple days. Rather than requiring continuous treatment, the invention uses intermittent pulsed electrical fields at specific frequencies and durations, allowing therapeutic accumulation of effect over time while permitting normal activities between sessions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 method is relatively painless, effective, and provides lasting improvements in hearing, as evidenced by patient feedback and audiometric testing, with noticeable improvements during and after the treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a method that utilizes electrostimulation to aid in reversing hearing loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS11331486B1Method for reversing hearing loss
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 NG MILLY
  • US11331486B1 patent drawing
  • US11331486B1 patent drawing
  • US11331486B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of reversing hearing loss using a therapy stimulator machine that includes a first and second handheld probe electrode; using the hand held probe electrodes with water to apply pressure to locations and at the same time wiggle the probe electrodes around the patient's ear to stimulate hearing loss reversal. Simultaneously an isolated sound source is applied to the side of the ear under treatment so patient would be able to appreciate the improvement in the hearing capability instantly.