Bone-Conduction Tinnitus Headset With Wireless Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tinnitus treatment devices are bulky, cumbersome, and lack user-friendly control and monitoring features, providing minimal medical feedback.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, wearable electronic headset system that emits adjustable Tinnitus Therapy Signals (TTS) via bone conduction, allowing users to control treatment parameters and gather statistics through a connected electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tinnitus treatment devices are used, then treatment function is provided, but the devices are bulky and cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a lightweight headset portion for bone conduction vibration, and a separate electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) for control and monitoring. This segmentation allows the headset to be compact and portable while maintaining full treatment functionality through wireless connection to the external electronic device.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the headset and the electronic device. This allows the headset to remain simple and compact while receiving complex control signals, feedback data, and treatment parameters from the external electronic device, eliminating the need for bulkier integrated control units.
2Loss of information
If conventional tinnitus treatment devices are used, then treatment function is provided, but they provide little or no medical feedback information
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates bidirectional communication where the headset receives treatment parameters from the electronic device and transmits feedback data about treatment effectiveness, usage statistics, and user responses back to the electronic device. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment without requiring complex onboard processing, as the electronic device handles data analysis and interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device serves multiple functions: it acts as the control interface for adjusting treatment parameters, the data collection system for gathering usage statistics, the feedback analysis tool for interpreting treatment effectiveness, and the communication bridge between user and provider. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tinnitus treatment devices are used, then treatment function is provided, but they lack easy-to-use control and monitoring features
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to independently adjust treatment parameters, monitor progress, and modify settings without requiring technical expertise or provider intervention. The electronic device provides intuitive interfaces with pre-configured options and real-time feedback, allowing users to self-manage their treatment and reduce the time needed for initial setup and ongoing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured treatment protocols and default settings that are prepared in advance, allowing users to immediately begin treatment without time-consuming setup procedures. The electronic device pre-processes and stores treatment parameters, usage patterns, and feedback data, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing the time required for monitoring and adjustment during treatment sessions.
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
Provides effective, user-controlled tinnitus relief by adjusting pulse frequencies and durations, offering real-time feedback and data collection for personalized treatment.
Implementation Method 1
emits complex signals which are converted into vibrations by the treatment pads and are non-invasively transmitted to a user's cochlea via bone conduction of the skull from the temporal bone
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic headset system which is wirelessly controlled and is used to treat a tinnitus disorder. The system includes an electronic headset and an electronic communication device, such as a smartphone, a wearable device, laptop, tablet, desk top computer, server, and the like or any combination thereof. The electronic headset includes at least one treatment pad and emits complex signals which are converted into vibrations by the treatment pad and are transmitted to a user's cochlea when the electronic headset is worn, thereby alleviating the symptoms of the user's tinnitus disorder. Particularly, complex signals are applied to the Temporal Bone of the skull by the pads positioned in front of the ear, or the tragus, which is the protruding cartilage at the front of the ear. This allows the vibration to be carried by the temporal bone, through conduction to the cochlea and cilia nerves in the cochlea and other parts of the inner ear.