Tinnitus Sound System Using Low-Frequency Vibration Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tinnitus treatment methods fail to effectively address the condition by only masking symptoms with high-frequency sounds, not engaging the broader body sensors or stimulating brain areas beyond the auditory system, leading to limited relief and no reproducible cure.
Innovation Solution
A sound system generating and broadcasting audio signals with fundamental frequencies between 20 Hz and 300 Hz, including harmonics of the patient's tinnitus frequency, to stimulate the body's somatosensory cortex and other areas, using subwoofers and multiple loudspeakers to propagate low-frequency vibrations and create a personalized tinnitus profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional masking methods using high-frequency sounds are used, then the tinnitus symptom can be temporarily masked, but the treatment does not engage body sensors or brain areas beyond the auditory system, limiting relief effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional unidirectional auditory masking to a multidimensional approach by incorporating low-frequency vibrations that engage somatosensory cortex and body sensors. The audio signal includes fundamental frequencies between 20-300 Hz that propagate through body tissues, creating bilateral stimulation patterns that activate neural pathways beyond the auditory system, thereby treating tinnitus as a multi-system issue rather than isolated auditory symptom.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-frequency audio signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it masks tinnitus through auditory pathways, stimulates somatosensory cortex through body vibration sensors, and engages bilateral brain areas through whole-body resonance. This multi-functional approach allows a single audio signal to address both auditory and somatosensory aspects of tinnitus treatment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If low-frequency sounds are used to engage body sensors and stimulate brain areas beyond auditory system, then treatment comprehensiveness is improved, but the complexity of the sound system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges traditional auditory masking functions with somatosensory stimulation functions into a single integrated audio signal generation system. Rather than requiring separate devices for auditory masking and body vibration stimulation, the system combines both functions by generating audio signals that simultaneously activate auditory pathways and body sensors through low-frequency vibrations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enhancing treatment comprehensiveness.
3Measurement precision
If personalized tinnitus profile is created using multiple audio signals, then treatment precision is improved, but the time required for profile establishment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the patient's tinnitus profile by presenting multiple audio signals with different frequency characteristics before the actual treatment begins. During this preliminary phase, the system identifies which frequency ranges and vibration patterns most effectively mask the patient's tinnitus and engage their body sensors, allowing the treatment protocol to be pre-configured with optimized parameters that reduce subsequent treatment time.
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
This approach provides improved relaxation and potential long-term relief by engaging a wider range of body sensors and brain areas, offering a more comprehensive treatment for tinnitus beyond traditional masking methods.
Implementation Method 1
A sound system generating and broadcasting audio signals with fundamental frequencies between 20 Hz and 300 Hz, including harmonics of the patient's tinnitus frequency, to stimulate the body's somatosensory cortex and other areas, using subwoofers and multiple loudspeakers to propagate low-frequency vibrations
Implementation Method 2
using subwoofers and multiple loudspeakers to propagate low-frequency vibrations and create a personalized tinnitus profile
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sound system suitable for the treatment of tinnitus in a patient having an audio signal generator adapted to generate an audio signal based on a preset profile of a patient's tinnitus. The profile has at least one tinnitus frequency of the tinnitus A first device broadcasts an audio signal to the patient, the audio signal broadcasting device being connected to the audio signal generator. The audio signal has a fundamental frequency between 20 Hz and 300 Hz, preferably between 40 Hz and 160 Hz. At least one harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the harmonic being equal to the at least one tinnitus frequency plus or minus 10%, preferably to the at least one tinnitus frequency plus or minus 6%, and in that the first audio signal broadcasting device is adapted to broadcast the audio signal. The present invention also relates to a method of generating an audio signal on the basis of a tinnitus profile and of broadcasting this audio signal having a fundamental frequency of between 20 Hz and 300 Hz, preferably between 40 Hz and 160 Hz, and at least one harmonic of said fundamental frequency, the harmonic being equal to the at least one tinnitus frequency plus or minus 10%, preferably to the at least one tinnitus frequency plus or minus 6%.