Self Pitch Matching for Faster, Precise Tinnitus Tone Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitch matching methods for tinnitus therapy are time-consuming, prone to fatigue, and require expert assistance, leading to reduced precision and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A patient-led method for determining tinnitus tone using a digital processing device with a user interface, allowing patients to iteratively adjust frequency and intensity ranges to approximate a test tone to their tinnitus, without expert assistance, using preliminary and final estimates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guided pitch matching process with multiple steps (bracketing, similarity measure, pairwise comparison, fine-tuning) is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch matching process is segmented into two distinct phases: a preliminary estimation phase using a broad frequency range, and a final refinement phase using a narrowed frequency range around the preliminary estimate. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both speed (in the first phase) and precision (in the second phase), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary estimation step performs an initial pitch matching assessment before the final refinement. By establishing a preliminary estimate first, the system narrows down the frequency range for subsequent precise measurement, thereby reducing the overall time required while maintaining high precision in the final result.
2Measurement precision
If a lengthy pitch matching procedure is used, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors (fatigue) increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pitch matching into two shorter phases rather than one lengthy procedure, the system reduces cumulative fatigue while maintaining precision. The first phase is completed quickly to establish a preliminary estimate, and the second phase is also relatively brief since it operates within a narrowed frequency range, thereby reducing overall fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary estimation phase quickly establishes a baseline that guides the subsequent refinement phase. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and duration of the final precision measurement, thereby reducing fatigue while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If an expert-guided pitch matching method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring expert assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform pitch matching independently without expert assistance. The automated two-phase process guides patients through preliminary estimation and final refinement steps, allowing them to complete the procedure autonomously while maintaining high precision through the structured methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented two-phase approach simplifies the overall task for patients by breaking it into manageable steps with clear objectives. The first phase allows for rough estimation without pressure for precision, and the second phase focuses on refinement within a narrower range, making the entire process more accessible to non-experts while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative method includes determining a preliminary estimate of the patient's tinnitus tone by allowing the patient to listen to and vary frequency and intensity of a first test tone within a predetermined first frequency range and a predetermined first intensity range to approximate the first test tone to the patient's tinnitus tone; defining a second frequency range and a second intensity range around the preliminary estimate of the patient's tinnitus tone; and determining a final estimate of the patient's tinnitus tone by allowing the patient to listen to and vary frequency and intensity of a second test tone within the second frequency range and the second intensity range to approximate the second test tone to the patient's tinnitus tone.