Hearing Aid Electrical Stimulation Synchronization for Tinnitus

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for tinnitus and hearing loss, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, are inadequate in effectively addressing the neurological aspects of these conditions, and existing methods for neuromodulation are either invasive or insufficiently effective, while hearing aids amplify sound features that can cause distortion and feedback issues.

Innovation Solution

A hearing aid device paired with electrical stimulation, using precisely timed patterns relative to sound input, to synchronize electrical pulses with sound features, thereby modulating brain activity to suppress tinnitus and enhance hearing sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If hearing aids amplify sound features to restore hearing, then hearing sensitivity is improved, but distortion and feedback issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines acoustic stimulation from hearing aids with electrical stimulation delivered through electrodes to the auditory system. This multimodal approach merges two different stimulation modalities to achieve better hearing restoration while reducing the harmful effects of acoustic amplification alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Electrical stimulation serves as an intermediary mechanism to directly activate auditory neurons, bypassing the distorted acoustic pathway. This mediator approach allows sound information to reach the auditory system through an alternative route that avoids feedback and distortion issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If cochlear implants are inserted into the cochlea to treat hearing loss, then hearing restoration is achieved, but residual hearing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical insertion of cochlear implant electrodes into the cochlea with a noninvasive electrical stimulation approach delivered through surface or insert electrodes. This substitution maintains the ability to directly stimulate auditory neurons while eliminating the mechanical trauma to the cochlea.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If noninvasive neuromodulation approaches are used to treat tinnitus, then patient safety is improved, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines noninvasive electrical stimulation with acoustic stimulation to create a synergistic treatment approach. This combination maintains patient safety while enhancing treatment effectiveness by engaging multiple pathways in the auditory system simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs synchronized periodic delivery of electrical and acoustic stimuli at specific frequencies and timing patterns. This rhythmic, coordinated stimulation approach enhances neuroplasticity and treatment effectiveness while maintaining noninvasive safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If invasive electrical stimulation is applied to the brain or nerves for tinnitus treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but surgical risk and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive surgical implantation with noninvasive electrical stimulation delivered through external or insert electrodes. This substitution maintains the ability to effectively modulate neural activity while eliminating surgical risks, hospitalization requirements, and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 induces neural plasticity, effectively reducing tinnitus symptoms and improving hearing rehabilitation by altering abnormal brain patterns and reducing acoustic feedback, offering a noninvasive and cost-effective solution for millions of patients.

Implementation Method 1

one or more electrodes are configured to provide electrical stimulation to one or more of an area on a head near an ear or on or within the ear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS10701498B2Systems and methods for treating tinnitus and enhancing hearing

Publication Date: 2020.06.30

AI summary

Systems and methods for treating hearing loss and/or tinnitus or enhancing hearing to sounds or sound features such as in a noisy environment are disclosed. An apparatus includes a hearing aid and associated electrodes for electrically stimulating a portion near, on or in the ear, where the electrical stimulation is synchronized with a sound input and/or sound output of the hearing aid.