Title:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING HEARING IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM HEARING LOSS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2005072168
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus and systems for treating sensrineural hearing loss include applying high frequency to ultrasonic frequency vibration stimulus to the head or neck of a patient for a suitable period of time. Hearing and sound discrimination are improved by stimulating the patient's cortices leading to stimulation of cortical neurons to increase sensitivity to high frequency sound. Stimulus signals may be applied by bone conduction via transducers attached to the head or neck, or by airborne conduction via headphones, or by a combination thereof. Stimulus signals may be recorded and may be remotely produced and transmitted via a telecommunications link to a receiver in a remote location. A compact auditory stimulation device includes electronics for storing a personalized stimulus signal, sound generators to produce the stimulus, a microprocessor, and a vibrator, such as headphones. Audiometer functions may be included in the auditory stimulation device to permit testing of the patient's hearing level thresholds.
Inventors:
LENHARDT MARTIN L (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2005/001438
Publication Date:
October 12, 2006
Filing Date:
January 19, 2005
Export Citation:
Assignee:
SOUND TECH SYSTEMS LLC (US)
LENHARDT MARTIN L (US)
LENHARDT MARTIN L (US)
International Classes:
A61H1/00; H04R25/00; A61H23/02
Foreign References:
| US6394969B1 | 2002-05-28 |
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