Implantable Tinnitus Therapy Device Noise Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices are inadequate in providing effective tinnitus therapy, as they fail to accurately detect and respond to the unique body noises of individuals, thereby not offering personalized and efficient relief from tinnitus symptoms.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device equipped with sensors to detect body noises, a processing unit to classify these noises, and an actuator to deliver tailored tinnitus therapy signals based on the classifications, thereby providing personalized relief from tinnitus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants are used, then basic hearing function is restored, but personalized tinnitus therapy based on individual body noises is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the auditory system into distinct functional components: implantable sensors for detecting body noises, a processing unit for analyzing and classifying these noises, and actuators for delivering targeted therapy signals. This segmentation enables personalized tinnitus therapy by allowing independent optimization of each component for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-service through automatic detection and classification of the recipient's unique body noises, eliminating the need for manual programming. The processing unit automatically analyzes detected sounds and generates appropriate therapy parameters, enabling the system to adapt to individual variations without external intervention.
2Reliability
If generic tinnitus therapy is delivered, then general relief may be provided, but effective personalized treatment based on unique body noises is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple classification categories for body noises and establishing corresponding therapy protocols before implantation. The processing unit is pre-configured with algorithms to automatically categorize detected sounds and select appropriate treatment parameters, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making while ensuring reliable personalized therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the recipient's body noises, comparing detected patterns against classification criteria, and adjusting therapy parameters in real-time based on the classification results. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable personalized treatment while managing system complexity through automated adaptation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If implantable sensors are added to detect body noises, then personalized therapy capability is enabled, but device complexity and implantation procedure are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the sensors are combined with the processing unit and actuators into a single implantable device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate implantation procedures and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the capability to detect body noises and deliver personalized therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating sensors for body noise detection, processing capabilities for signal analysis and classification, and actuators for therapy delivery all within a single implantable unit. This universal design enables the device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate implants for each function.
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
The device effectively classifies body noises and delivers targeted tinnitus therapy, offering personalized and efficient relief from tinnitus symptoms, improving the quality of life for individuals affected by tinnitus.
Implementation Method 1
detecting signals at one or more implantable sensors configured to be implanted in a recipient, wherein the signals comprise one or more body noises of the recipient
Implementation Method 2
an implantable actuator configured to deliver tinnitus therapy signals to the recipient based on the actuator control signals
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for providing tinnitus relief to recipients via an implantable arrangement. In accordance with embodiments presented herein, an implantable medical device, such as implantable tinnitus therapy device, auditory/hearing prosthesis, etc., comprises one or more implantable sensors configured to be implanted in a recipient. The one or more implantable sensors are configured to detect body noises of the recipient. The implantable medical device is configured to classify/categorize the one or more body noises and set, select, or otherwise determine a tinnitus therapy for the recipient based on the classification of the one or more body noises.