Hearing Instrument Tinnitus Relief With Adaptive Noise Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing instruments struggle to effectively provide tinnitus relief due to limitations in memory capacity, repetitive or annoying artificial sounds, and the need for user control, while also addressing hyperacusis and hearing loss in a way that ensures minimum tinnitus relief.

Innovation Solution

A hearing instrument and method that generate a tinnitus relief signal using a noise signal with random or pseudo-random modulation, combined with environmental sounds, and adaptive volume control, allowing for gradual increase and decrease of sound levels, and automatic adaptation based on user feedback to ensure effective tinnitus habituation and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If environmental sounds are used for tinnitus relief, then tinnitus habituation is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetinnitus relief effectivenessVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses synthetic sounds that copy or simulate environmental sounds rather than storing actual environmental recordings. This allows the hearing instrument to generate tinnitus relief sounds algorithmically, avoiding the need for extensive memory capacity while maintaining the habituation benefits of environmental sound exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent generates tinnitus relief sounds on-demand using simple noise signals processed through filters and modulation, rather than relying on pre-stored environmental sound recordings. This approach uses minimal memory resources while providing effective tinnitus relief through dynamically generated sounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If artificial sounds are used for tinnitus relief, then tinnitus habituation is improved, but the sounds may become repetitive or annoying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetinnitus relief effectivenessVSAvoidrepetitive or annoying sound

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of tinnitus relief sounds through automated volume adjustment that adapts to usage patterns and environmental conditions. The system automatically increases or decreases sound levels based on time of day, usage duration, and ambient noise levels, preventing the sounds from becoming repetitive or annoying while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic modulation of the tinnitus relief sounds, varying the acoustic characteristics over time to prevent habituation to the relief sound itself. This periodic variation maintains user engagement and prevents the sounds from becoming monotonous or annoying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If user control over tinnitus relief sound is provided, then user comfort is improved, but minimum tinnitus relief may not be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidminimum tinnitus relief guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically adjusts tinnitus relief sound levels based on usage patterns, environmental conditions, and time of day. This automated feedback loop ensures that minimum effective relief is maintained while still allowing user override when needed, balancing user control with guaranteed effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the hearing instrument to automatically manage tinnitus relief sound levels without constant user intervention. The system self-adjusts based on pre-programmed algorithms that consider usage patterns and environmental factors, ensuring minimum relief is maintained while reducing the burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If sound level is increased for tinnitus relief, then tinnitus masking is improved, but hyperacusis discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetinnitus masking effectivenessVSAvoidhyperacusis discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic volume control that automatically adjusts sound levels based on environmental noise conditions and usage patterns. The system starts with lower volumes and gradually increases them, adapting to the user's tolerance levels while preventing hyperacusis discomfort through controlled, progressive exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements gradual changes in sound level parameters over time, using automated progression from lower to higher volumes based on usage duration and effectiveness. This controlled parameter change allows effective tinnitus masking while preventing sudden volume increases that could trigger hyperacusis discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10674292B2Method and apparatus for controlling a hearing instrument to relieve tinitus, hyperacusis, and hearing loss

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 OTICON

AI summary

A hearing instrument and a method for operating a hearing instrument is provided. The hearing instrument and/or the method includes receiving and manipulating an audio signal at a signal processor to create a manipulated audio signal, providing a tinnitus relief sound having an operational level based on a present volume level from an audio signal, and generating an output signal based on the manipulated audio signal and the tinnitus relief sound.