Tinnitus Suppression via Softer Neural Adaptation Sounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for tinnitus, including masking devices and medications, are often ineffective and have significant side effects, particularly for individuals with severe tinnitus, as they require external sounds to be louder than the tinnitus and do not address the underlying neural activity contributing to the condition.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that deliver a tinnitus suppressing sound, which can be softer than the perceived tinnitus, using acoustic or electrical stimuli, allowing the subject to select or be presented with a sound that matches or complements their tinnitus, optimizing the suppression by varying sound variables, and delivered through devices like cochlear implants or audio players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If masking devices use external sounds louder than tinnitus to mask the perceived sound, then the masking effect is achieved, but the device complexity and user comfort deteriorate due to requiring loud external sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sound intensity relationship by using suppressor sounds that are softer than tinnitus rather than louder masking sounds. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving therapeutic effect without requiring high sound intensity levels that compromise user comfort and device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional masking approach by using suppression rather than masking. Instead of overwhelming tinnitus with louder external sounds, the invention uses softer suppressor sounds that reduce tinnitus perception through neural adaptation mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and sound intensity requirements
2Reliability
If masking devices deliver continuous loud noise to mask tinnitus, then the masking effect is achieved, but the side effects and user comfort worsen due to exposure to loud sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sound intensity parameter from loud masking sounds to softer suppressor sounds. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of loud sound exposure while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through the suppression mechanism that works through neural adaptation rather than acoustic masking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the traditional harmful approach of using loud masking sounds into a beneficial approach by using softer suppressor sounds. The suppression mechanism leverages neural adaptation to beneficially reduce tinnitus perception without the harmful side effects associated with loud sound exposure
3Reliability
If traditional masking methods use sounds similar in pitch to tinnitus, then the masking effect is achieved, but the adaptability worsens because the method only works for mild tinnitus cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the suppressor sound parameters (intensity, frequency, duration) to be adjusted based on individual patient needs and tinnitus characteristics. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to both mild and severe tinnitus cases, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness for mild cases and versatility for severe cases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal treatment approach that can address both mild and severe tinnitus cases through the suppression mechanism. The system's ability to deliver customized suppressor sounds with varying parameters makes it universally applicable across different tinnitus severities, unlike traditional masking methods that are limited to mild cases
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices for treating tinnitus in human or animal subjects wherein the subject is caused to perceive a tinnitus suppressing sound which fully or partially suppresses the subject's tinnitus. In some embodiments of this method, the subject selects a sound that he or she perceives to be the same as the tinnitus and that sound (or a similar sound that is complementary to the subject's perceived tinnitus) is then used as the tinnitus suppressing sound. In other embodiments, the tinnitus suppressing may be a sound that has previously been determined to suppress tinnitus in a substantial number of subjects.