Optomechanical Eardrum Excitation for Open-Canal Hearing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids using miniature loudspeakers and active eardrum contact transducers face limitations in frequency range and wearing comfort, while optical and optoacoustic stimulations are impractical or limited to cochlear implants.
Innovation Solution
A hearing excitation system utilizing an optomechanical transducer that converts light signals into thermal deformation to deflect the eardrum, allowing for a wider frequency range without closing the auditory canal, using a signal generator to emit light signals that trigger thermal deformation in the optomechanical transducer, which is coupled to the eardrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional miniature loudspeakers are used in hearing aids, then the device is compact and easy to wear, but the playback frequency range is limited to approximately 8 kHz or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electromagnetic loudspeaker with a photoacoustic transducer that uses optical energy conversion. The transducer contains a photoacoustic material that converts light signals directly into acoustic vibrations, eliminating the need for electromagnetic coils and diaphragms, thereby enabling extended frequency range while maintaining compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from electromagnetic to photoacoustic conversion. By using materials with specific photoacoustic properties and optimizing the optical excitation parameters, the system achieves extended frequency response beyond conventional loudspeakers while maintaining the small size required for hearing aid applications
2Power
If high amplification is used with miniature loudspeakers to extend frequency range, then more sound output is achieved, but the actual playback range is limited to approximately 5 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic amplification system with direct photoacoustic conversion. The photoacoustic material responds to modulated light signals by generating acoustic pressure waves directly, achieving high amplification across extended frequencies without the mechanical limitations of conventional loudspeaker diaphragms
3Adaptability or versatility
If the auditory canal is closed to enable sufficient sound playback below 1 kHz with loudspeakers, then low frequency sound transmission is improved, but wearing comfort is reduced and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photoacoustic transduction to generate sound waves that can efficiently transmit through the air-filled auditory canal without requiring canal closure. The direct light-to-sound conversion produces acoustic fields that couple effectively with the ear canal air, enabling sufficient low-frequency transmission while keeping the canal open
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the air medium in the open auditory canal as an effective intermediary for sound transmission. The photoacoustic transducer generates acoustic pressure waves that propagate through the air in the open canal, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact or canal closure while maintaining adequate sound transmission including low frequencies
4Adaptability or versatility
If active eardrum contact transducers are used to achieve high playback bandwidth, then the frequency range is extended, but the device requires an electromechanical component on the eardrum which limits practicability and long-term stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromechanical components from the eardrum interface and relocates them to the external hearing aid device. The photoacoustic transducer uses only optical components externally, with the active photoacoustic material positioned in the ear canal but not requiring permanent attachment to or penetration of the eardrum, thereby maintaining playback bandwidth while improving long-term stability and practicability
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
Enables a larger frequency range of sound transmission with open auditory canal, enhancing wearing comfort and reducing infection risk by mechanically exciting the eardrum through optomechanical transduction.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generator is designed to emit a light signal such that the light signal hits the optomechanical transducer and the light signal triggers thermal deformation in the optomechanical transducer
Implementation Method 2
the thermal deformation causes a change in the curvature of the optomechanical transducer, as a result of which a surface portion of the optomechanical transducer is deflected
Data Source
AI summary
Hearing excitation system for an eardrum (16), comprising a signal generator (17) and an optomechanical transducer (18) for exciting a vibration of an eardrum (16). The signal generator (17) is designed to emit a light signal (20) such that the light signal (20) hits the optomechanical transducer (18) and the light signal (20) triggers thermal deformation in the optomechanical transducer (18). The optomechanical transducer (18) is designed such that the thermal deformation causes a change in the curvature of the optomechanical transducer (18), as a result of which a surface portion (30, 31) of the optomechanical transducer (18) is deflected. The invention also relates to a method for operating a hearing excitation system.