Tinnitus Frequency Detection Apparatus with Active Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for ascertaining personal tinnitus frequencies face challenges due to distance and ambient noise issues in treatment rooms, making it difficult to accurately determine and treat tinnitus.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an audio signal generator unit and noise-cancelling earphones with adjustable frequency, phase, and amplitude settings, allowing users to determine their personal tinnitus frequency in a domestic environment, with optional heating for improved comfort and a second audio signal for masking tinnitus tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If apparatuses are used in treatment rooms with poor acoustic isolation, then the distance and time to and with the doctor is reduced, but ambient noise such as telephone ringing makes ascertainment and treatment of personal tinnitus difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies active noise reduction technology that captures ambient noise through microphones, inverts the sound waves 180 degrees, and plays them through speakers to cancel out the original noise. This converts the harmful ambient noise into a beneficial cancellation effect, allowing tinnitus treatment to proceed effectively in ordinary domestic environments with telephone rings and other distractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces compensating means as an intermediary system between the tinnitus patient and the ambient noise environment. This intermediary actively generates anti-noise signals that mediate the interaction between harmful ambient sounds and the patient's tinnitus condition, enabling treatment in previously unsuitable environments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If apparatuses are used in acoustically isolated treatment rooms, then ambient noise is reduced, but the distance and time to and with the doctor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service tinnitus treatment by providing patients with portable apparatuses that they can use independently in their own homes. The active noise reduction and tinnitus frequency generation capabilities are integrated into a self-contained device, eliminating the need for scheduled doctor appointments and allowing patients to receive treatment on-demand in their personal environments.
3Measurement precision
If audio signal frequency is continuously adjustable, then personal tinnitus frequency can be accurately determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuously adjustable audio signal frequency that can be dynamically modified during treatment. The system allows real-time frequency, phase, and amplitude adjustments through control elements, enabling both precise determination of personal tinnitus frequency and adaptive treatment modification based on patient response, all within a integrated portable device.
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 accurate determination and treatment of tinnitus in a home setting by reducing ambient noise and providing customizable audio signals for masking tinnitus, improving user comfort and treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
compensating means are provided in order to eliminate ambient noise through active noise reduction
Implementation Method 2
a heating arrangement for heating an ear region is provided on the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises an apparatus for ascertaining a personal tinnitus frequency consisting of an audio signal generator unit and an associated audio signal earphone, which apparatus provides a first audio signal whose frequency is continuously adjustable. The invention is characterized in that compensating means are provided in order to eliminate ambient noise through active noise reduction.