Flexible Substrate Hearing Aid for Pediatric Conductive Hearing Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment options for pediatric conductive hearing loss (CHL) are limited, particularly for conditions like aural atresia, canal stenosis, and ossicular malformation, which often require invasive surgeries or cumbersome hearing aids that are uncomfortable and ineffective for young children.
Innovation Solution
A flexible conductive hearing aid is developed, featuring a flexible substrate with integrated components such as a microphone, electronic circuits, an actuator, and a power source. This device produces vibrations in the flexible substrate to bypass conductive hearing loss, using micro-epidermal actuators that adhere to the skin and generate acoustic vibrations to transmit sound to the cochlea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hearing aids are used for pediatric CHL, then sound transmission can be achieved, but the device is uncomfortable and ineffective for young children due to rigid structure and external processor protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid traditional hearing aid structure with a flexible substrate that can conform to the contours of a child's body. The flexible substrate allows the hearing aid to be comfortable for pediatric patients while integrating the sound processor directly into the body surface, eliminating the protruding external processor that causes discomfort and stigma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hearing aid system into a flexible substrate that can be applied to body surfaces and separate functional components (microphone, actuator, electronics) that are integrated into the substrate. This segmentation allows the device to be customized for different body parts and age groups, improving comfort and effectiveness for children.
2Ease of manufacture
If bone conduction headbands are used, then non-invasive treatment is achieved, but the device is cumbersome and frequently falls off
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate acts as a thin film that conforms to body contours, creating a secure fit that prevents the device from falling off. The flexibility allows the substrate to adapt to different body shapes and movements, maintaining stable contact while remaining non-invasive.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static headband structure to a dynamic flexible substrate that moves with the body. This dynamic adaptation allows the hearing aid to maintain contact during child's movements, improving stability without requiring invasive procedures.
3Reliability
If rigid plastic adhesive hearing aids are used, then sound transmission is achieved, but the adhesive surface must be replaced regularly and peeling is abrasive to skin
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible substrate provides a comfortable, skin-conforming surface that eliminates the need for harsh adhesives. The flexibility allows the device to be gently removed and repositioned without abrading the skin, while still maintaining reliable contact for sound transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the substrate to be flexible and biocompatible, allowing the device to adhere to skin through conformability rather than harsh adhesives. This parameter change maintains sound transmission capability while improving skin comfort and eliminating the need for regular replacement of adhesive surfaces.
4Reliability
If canalplasty and ossicular chain reconstruction are performed, then surgical correction is achieved, but the procedures have disappointing results and require general anesthesia for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical surgical procedures (canalplasty, ossicular chain reconstruction) with a simpler mechanical solution: a flexible hearing aid that bypasses the blocked ear canal and transmits sound through the skull bone directly to the cochlea. This substitution eliminates the need for lengthy surgeries and general anesthesia while achieving reliable hearing improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hearing aid acts as an intermediary device that transmits sound through the skull bone, bypassing the blocked ear canal and abnormal ossicular chain. This intermediary approach avoids the need for complex reconstructive surgery while achieving effective sound transmission to the inner ear.
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 flexible conductive hearing aid provides a non-invasive, comfortable, and effective solution for pediatric CHL, reducing the need for surgical interventions and minimizing discomfort, while effectively transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, connected to the electronic circuits, configures to produce vibrations in the flexible substrate from the amplified electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
producing vibrations in the flexible substrate to bypass conductive hearing loss, using micro-epidermal actuators that adhere to the skin and generate acoustic vibrations to transmit sound to the cochlea
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible conductive hearing aid, comprises: (i) a flexible substrate, (ii) components, on or in the flexible substrate, including (a) a microphone, configured to produce an electrical signal from sound, (b) electronic circuits, connected to the microphone, configured to amplifying the electrical signal, (c) an actuator, connected to the electronic circuits, configures to produce vibrations in the flexible substrate from the amplified electrical signal, and (d) a power source, connected to the microphone and the electrical circuits. Furthermore, the flexible conductive hearing aid comprise (iii) optionally, a flexible top layer, on the components, and (iv) optionally, a flexible bottom layer, wherein the flexible substrate is on the flexible bottom layer.