Non-Sinusoidal Waveform Tinnitus Masking for Residual Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for subjective tinnitus, such as masking therapies, provide only temporary relief and have not achieved long-term remission, with residual inhibition lasting only seconds to minutes, and are not sought or utilized effectively in clinical practices.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-sinusoidal pulsating electric waveforms, specifically square, triangle, and sawtooth waves with pulse repetition rates less than 100Hz, and sequences of these waveforms, which can produce complete residual inhibition for up to 24 hours and extend the period of relief for several days when reapplied before tinnitus returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional masking therapies using white noise or music are used, then temporary relief from tinnitus is achieved, but the relief duration is limited to seconds or minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the masking sound by using non-sinusoidal waveforms (square, triangle, sawtooth) with specific frequency ranges (400-10,000 Hz) and pulse repetition rates (1-100 Hz), replacing conventional white noise or music. This parameter transformation enables residual inhibition to last from minutes to hours, with some patients experiencing relief for days, directly addressing the limited duration problem of conventional therapies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsating waveforms with specific pulse repetition rates (1-100 Hz) to create rhythmic masking patterns. This periodic action triggers residual inhibition that persists longer than conventional continuous masking, with some patients experiencing extended relief periods. The periodic nature of the waveform is key to producing sustained inhibitory effects on tinnitus perception
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional masking sounds are presented continuously, then tinnitus perception is suppressed, but residual inhibition is not achieved or is extremely brief
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the waveform parameters from conventional continuous sounds to non-sinusoidal pulsating waveforms with specific frequency and temporal characteristics, the patent achieves sustained residual inhibition. The specific parameter combination (non-sinusoidal waveform, 400-10,000 Hz frequency, 1-100 Hz pulse rate) creates a masking effect that induces long-lasting inhibitory effects on tinnitus perception, extending from minutes to hours in many patients
3Reliability
If complex filtering and modulating circuitry is used to generate masking sounds, then masking effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and emphasizes only the essential parameter characteristics (non-sinusoidal waveform shape, specific frequency range, pulse repetition rate) while omitting complex filtering and modulating circuitry. This simplification approach maintains masking effectiveness by focusing on the core waveform properties that generate residual inhibition, reducing device complexity while preserving therapeutic function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple waveform generation capabilities that can be implemented with basic electronic circuits or digital signal processors, avoiding the need for expensive complex filtering and modulating hardware. The simplicity of the waveform generation approach maintains effectiveness while significantly reducing device complexity and cost
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 provides prolonged relief from tinnitus symptoms, potentially leading to long-term remission, as demonstrated in case studies where patients experienced complete or partial residual inhibition lasting several hours to days, offering a significant advantage over existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic signal associated with the website, wherein a sufferer of tinnitus can access the website via the internet, provide an accepted payment and download the acoustic signal to a headphone or a like acoustic transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of treatment of the symptoms of tinnitus is disclosed in which a non-sinusoidal pulsating electric waveform having a pulse repetition rate (frequency) less than 100Hz is applied to a headphone (9, 29) or an earphone (39) or a like acoustic transducer worn by a tinnitus sufferer. Square, sawtooth and triangular waveforms are suitable. Preferably a sequence of square, triangular, square and square waveforms each of duration of 3 minutes, and separated by a silent pause of 10-15 seconds, is applied. Various devices for applying such waveform(s) to such transducers are disclosed including a clinical oscillator (1), an internet distribution system (20), a playback device (30), electronic or magnetic storage devices (41-43), and a cochlear implant (701).