Tinnitus Relief Sound System Using Dynamic Signal Modulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tinnitus maskers provide only temporary relief due to monotonous masking sounds, which can be unpleasant for users and require long-term treatment, and there is a need for improved sound enrichment systems that minimize memory usage while providing effective tinnitus relief.
Innovation Solution
A sound enrichment system that generates a carrier signal and modulates it using features stored in memory to create a natural sound signal with varying sound pressure levels across different frequencies, resembling natural sounds like flowing water or rainforest sounds, to be presented to the user, which can be part of a hearing aid system or binaural system for synchronized modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monotonous masking sound is used to provide tinnitus relief, then immediate relief can be achieved, but the sound becomes unpleasant for long-term use and requires severe annoyance tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously varying the spectral characteristics of the masking sound over time. The system dynamically adjusts the sound pressure levels across different frequency bands, creating a naturally evolving soundscape that prevents auditory fatigue and maintains user comfort during long-term use while continuing to provide tinnitus relief
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through rhythmic modulation of sound pressure levels across different frequency bands. By applying periodic variations that mimic natural sound patterns (such as flowing water or wind), the system creates engaging auditory experiences that prevent monotony while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for tinnitus management
2Ease of operation
If a sound enrichment system with full natural sound storage is used, then natural sound effects can be achieved, but memory usage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spectral features and modulation characteristics from natural sounds rather than storing complete audio recordings. By identifying and storing only the key parameters that define natural sound behavior (such as spectral envelope shapes and modulation patterns), the system achieves authentic natural sound effects while dramatically reducing memory requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from storing complete sound waveforms to storing and manipulating acoustic parameters. By representing natural sounds through a small set of controlling parameters (frequency spectra, amplitude modulations, temporal patterns), the system can generate diverse natural sound effects with minimal memory storage while maintaining high perceptual quality
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
The system provides improved tinnitus relief by creating a more comfortable and natural sound environment, reducing annoyance and potentially increasing the effectiveness of long-term treatment by mimicking natural sounds, while also accounting for user hearing loss and providing synchronized binaural sound enrichment.
Implementation Method 1
an output transducer for conversion of the modulated signal to an acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sound enrichment system for provision of tinnitus relief to a user, the sound enrichment system includes: a signal generator for provision of a carrier signal; at least one signal modulator including a first signal modulator for modulation of the carrier signal to a modulated signal; an output transducer for conversion of the modulated signal to an acoustic signal for presentation to the user; and a memory configured to store at least one feature including a first feature; wherein the at least one signal modulator is configured to modulate the carrier signal according to the at least one feature such that the acoustic signal converted from the modulated signal resembles a natural sound signal for the user.