초록 ▼

An electronic stimulation system for treating a patient suffering from a tinnitus disorder in which the patient hears ringing or other sounds originating in the ear. The system includes an electronically actuated probe to which is applied a complex signal in the auditory range to cause the probe to

An electronic stimulation system for treating a patient suffering from a tinnitus disorder in which the patient hears ringing or other sounds originating in the ear. The system includes an electronically actuated probe to which is applied a complex signal in the auditory range to cause the probe to vibrate in accordance with the signal. The probe is placed at a site on the patient in proximity to the cochlea of the inner ear whereby the probe vibrations are transmitted to the cochlea to stimulate this organ and thereby alleviate the tinnitus disorder. In this system, use is made of two adjustable audio-frequency oscillators, one operating in a low frequency range whose upper limit is about 400 Hz, the other operating in a high-frequency whose upper limit is about 1000 Hz. The outputs of these oscillators are combined and amplified to produce the complex signal applied to the probe. The mechanical vibrations transmitted by the probe in accordance with the complex signal must be properly related to the sonic frequencies of the tinnitus sounds being heard by the patient.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An electronic stimulation system for treating a patient having a tinnitus condition in which he hears ringing or other sounds in the sonic frequency range, the sounds heard internally by the patient having predetermined frequencies, said system comprising:A. means to generate a com

[ We claim:] [1.] An electronic stimulation system for treating a patient having a tinnitus condition in which he hears ringing or other sounds in the sonic frequency range, the sounds heard internally by the patient having predetermined frequencies, said system comprising:A. means to generate a complex electrical signal having frequency components lying with said sonic range, said means being adjustable by the patient to yield frequency components which interfere with the frequencies of the tinnitus sounds heard by the patient;B. means to produce mechanical vibrations corresponding to said complex signal; andC. means to apply said mechanical vibrations to a site on said patient in the proximity of the cochlea of his inner ear whereby the vibrations are transmitted to the cochlea to relieve the tinnitus condition.