Wearable Haptic Tinnitus System Combining Audio and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for reducing tinnitus are inadequate in effectively managing the condition, which is characterized by the phantom perception of sound with varying severity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system using wearable devices with electro-acoustic transducers and contact elements to provide audio outputs and vibrations, stimulating the nervous system according to a prescribed pattern, which combines audio stimulation with neural pathway stimulation to mitigate tinnitus. The system includes a controller to actuate these components, detect ambient acoustic signals, and adjust tonal stimuli based on user feedback to address tinnitus perception frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to reduce tinnitus, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but therapeutic effectiveness is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple therapeutic modalities (audio stimulation, vibration stimulation, and neural pathway stimulation) into a single integrated wearable system. The wearable device includes both audio output components and vibration generators that work together to stimulate different nervous system pathways simultaneously, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness while consolidating multiple functions into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides audio output through electro-acoustic transducers, generates vibration through contact elements, and stimulates both the somatic and auditory nervous systems. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to address tinnitus through multiple mechanisms, improving reliability without requiring multiple separate treatments.
2Measurement precision
If personalized tonal stimuli are used to address specific tinnitus frequencies, then therapeutic precision is improved, but treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user responses to tonal stimuli are collected and used to refine the treatment protocol. The controller adjusts the frequency and characteristics of tonal stimuli based on user feedback, enabling precise targeting of individual tinnitus frequencies while automating the personalization process to reduce protocol complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment protocol is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than static. The controller can modify tonal stimuli parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) in real-time based on user responses and treatment progress, allowing precise frequency targeting while maintaining flexibility to simplify the user experience through automated adjustments.
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 solution effectively mitigates tinnitus by combining audio and vibration stimulation, improving user experiences and health outcomes compared to conventional therapies by identifying and addressing specific tinnitus frequencies through personalized tonal stimuli and noise cancellation.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-acoustic transducer configured to provide an audio output
Implementation Method 2
a contact element configured to apply vibration to a body part of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects include approaches for managing tinnitus in a user. In some particular aspects, a computer-implemented method of managing tinnitus of a user with at least one wearable device includes: actuating, according to a prescribed pattern and using the at least one wearable device: a) an electro-acoustic transducer to provide an audio output to the user, and b) a contact element to apply vibration to a body part of the user, where the prescribed pattern both stimulates the nervous system of the user and delivers a sound to the user, which together mitigate the tinnitus.