Tinnitus Search Interface Using 1/k Octave Frequency Band Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating tinnitus, particularly those involving hair cell damage, face challenges in accurately identifying tinnitus frequency regions due to low-resolution signals, leading to prolonged diagnosis times and potential side effects from broad noise applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a tinnitus search interface with high-resolution acoustic signals (divided by 1/k octave resolution) to output and store tinnitus frequency bands, allowing users to select and stimulate specific frequency regions, thereby enabling accurate and rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If low-resolution signals divided by more than one octave resolution are used for tinnitus diagnosis, then the diagnosis process can be simplified, but the accuracy of identifying tinnitus frequency regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audible frequency range into multiple frequency bands using 1/k octave filters, where k is an integer between 1 and 12. This segmentation allows the system to analyze specific frequency regions separately, improving identification accuracy while maintaining a manageable diagnostic process through systematic frequency band analysis
2Device complexity
If low-resolution signals are used for tinnitus diagnosis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the diagnosis time increases due to repeated signal presentation and patient response
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores frequency band information for multiple frequency bands before the diagnostic process. During diagnosis, the system presents signals in a systematic sequence through the interface, allowing patients to indicate perceived tinnitus frequencies without requiring multiple repeated presentations, thereby reducing diagnosis time
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide range noise is applied to the auditory system for tinnitus retraining treatment, then the treatment coverage is expanded, but damage to normal hearing region may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies stimulus signals with frequencies corresponding specifically to the identified tinnitus frequency bands rather than using wide-range noise. This localized approach targets only the affected frequency regions, providing effective treatment coverage for tinnitus while minimizing exposure to normal hearing frequency regions and reducing potential damage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for search/treatment of tinnitus are disclosed. The method includes outputting a tinnitus search interface, which comprises several response regions corresponding to the different frequency bands within audible frequency range of human beings, outputting an acoustic signal corresponding to the response region selected by a user, and storing the frequency information corresponding to the user's tinnitus frequency as a tinnitus frequency band. Accordingly, tinnitus may be rapidly diagnosed and treated.