TOOTH MOUNTABLE HEARING AID

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of hearing aid technology, particularly to a hearing aid apparatus that utilizes tooth nerve movement for sound transmission. Said hearing aid apparatus comprising of a portable oral device (11), a microcontroller (12), a sensor conversion unit (13), a primary power source (14), an ear piece (21), a receiver (22), a transducer (23), a speaker (24) and a secondary battery (25). Said portable oral device processes sound signals, converting them into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the ear piece. The ear piece converts these electrical signals into mechanical vibrations that stimulate the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, allowing the brain to interpret the signals as sound. The invention integrates advanced sound processing, biocompatible materials, and non-invasive techniques to enhance sound perception via trigeminal nerve, offering a solution for individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss.

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to hearing aid technology for assisting individuals with hearing impairments. More specifically, the present invention utilizes the tooth nerve movement for sound transmission.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Hearing loss affects millions of individuals worldwide, with causes ranging from age-related degeneration to congenital defects, infections, and trauma. Conventional hearing aids primarily function by amplifying sound and transmitting it through the ear canal, where the amplified sound stimulates the eardrum and auditory nerves. These devices typically involve components such as microphones, amplifiers, and speakers to detect, process, and deliver sound. However, traditional hearing aids are not effective for all users, particularly those suffering from conditions affecting the outer or middle ear. Individuals with infections, structural abnormalities, or damage to the eardrum or auditory nerve may not be able to benefit from standard hearing aids. Additionally, users often report discomfort, feedback, and social stigma due to the visibility of these devices.

[003] To address these issues, alternatives like bone conduction hearing aids have been developed. Bone conduction devices transmit sound through the skull bones directly to the inner ear, bypassing the ear canal and middle ear. While effective in some cases, bone conduction hearing aids can be uncomfortable, invasive, and may not suit individuals with certain inner ear conditions.

[004] The human body uses several cranial nerves to process speech and sound. These nerves are essential not only for hearing but also for articulating speech and interpreting sensory stimuli from the face, mouth, and teeth. Some of the most important nerves involved in speech perception and sound transmission include: Trigeminal Nerve is responsible for sensations in the face, mouth, teeth, and jaw. It plays a critical role in detecting mechanical vibrations and transmitting sensory information to the brain. The trigeminal nerve has three branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular. The mandibular branch innervates the teeth and gums, allowing it to detect subtle vibrations from the teeth. These vibrations, which can be caused by sound waves or speech, are relayed to the brain for processing. Facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression and also plays a role in transmitting signals related to taste and oral sensations. While not directly responsible for hearing, it works in conjunction with the trigeminal nerve to interpret vibrations and sensations in the mouth and jaw during speech. Glossopharyngeal nerve controls the muscles involved in swallowing and speech, providing sensory feedback from the throat and back of the mouth. While primarily focused on taste and muscle movement, the glossopharyngeal nerve also assists in processing the vibrations caused by speech that may affect the oral and pharyngeal regions. The auditory nerve is typically the primary pathway for sound perception through the ear.

[005] One of the prior arts JP4677042B2, outlines a method of transmitting sound through vibrations using an electronic transducer embedded in a removable oral appliance. The device captures sound signals, processes them, and transmits them as vibrations through teeth or bones like the maxillary or mandibular structures. These vibrations are then perceived as sound by the user, offering an alternative means of hearing. The design focuses on providing a non-invasive option compared to traditional hearing aids. However, it requires significant user patience, as the brain must learn to interpret these new sensations over time. Comfort and hygiene concerns related to long-term oral appliance use are also notable drawbacks.

[006] Another prior art US8585575B2, describes a method for transmitting sound via vibrations using a dental implant. The implant, placed below the gum line, includes a transducer that receives and processes sound signals, converting them into vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the tooth or bone to help users perceive sound. The system is designed for individuals requiring permanent solutions to hearing loss, integrating advanced technology into dental structures. While effective, the approach is invasive, involving surgical implantation, which can lead to complications such as infection or implant failure. Additionally, this method may be costly and less accessible compared to non-invasive alternatives.

[007] Existing hearing aids rely on the functionality of the outer, middle, and inner ear, which limits their effectiveness for individuals with extensive ear damage. Users may experience discomfort, ear canal infections, feedback, or mechanical blockages, making traditional hearing aids impractical. Additionally, these devices may amplify sound unevenly, leading to difficulties in noisy environments or even causing further auditory damage. Bone conduction hearing aids, which transmit sound through vibrations placed against the skull or bone structure, can be uncomfortable or invasive. Moreover, they may not be suitable for individuals with inner ear or auditory nerve damage, as the vibrations may not be sufficient for effective sound perception. Given these limitations, there is a significant need for a hearing aid that bypasses the outer and middle ear, avoiding ear canal discomfort and infection risks. Such a solution should utilize non-invasive methods, providing a comfortable and discreet option for long-term use, and transmit sound efficiently through an alternative pathway, such as the tooth nerves, to enhance sound perception for individuals with conventional hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[008] The main objective of the present invention is to develop a hearing aid apparatus that enhances auditory perception.

[009] Another objective of the present invention to provide a hearing aid apparatus that utilizes tooth nerve movement for sound transmission.

[010] Another objective of the present invention is to incorporate advanced sound processing algorithms that filter background noise and enhance speech clarity.

[011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure the device is comfortable for long-term wear by using biocompatible materials tailored to the user's dental structure.

[012] Still another objective of the present invention is seeking to offer an intuitive control via smartphones to facilitate easy adjustments to volume and sound settings.

[013] Still another objective of the present invention is to offer a reliable and effective solution for individuals with hearing impairments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[014] The present disclosure introduces a hearing aid apparatus, designed to enhance auditory perception through tooth nerve movement. Unlike conventional hearing aids, which rely on the functionality of the outer, middle, and inner ear, this device bypasses these structures by embedding a hearing aid within the user's teeth. The following summary provides a foundational understanding of certain aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to be exhaustive and does not highlight all key or critical elements, nor does it define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present specific concepts in a simplified manner, serving as an introduction to the detailed description that follows.

[015] According to a main aspect of the present invention, said hearing aid apparatus consists of two main components: the portable oral device and the ear piece. Said portable oral device is either embedded in or attached to the user's teeth, where it processes sound signals and converts them into electrical signals. The ear piece is positioned within the user's ear and is responsible for transmitting the processed signals from the portable oral device, ensuring optimal sound perception and clarity. Said portable oral device comprising of a microcontroller, a sensor conversion unit, and a primary power source integrated within the portable oral device. The ear piece contains a receiver, a transducer, a speaker, and a secondary battery. Together, these components facilitate the seamless processing and transmission of sound, enhancing the auditory experience for the user.

[016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the integrated microphone in the said sensor conversion unit captures sound waves, which are converted into electrical signals and processed by the microcontroller. Advanced algorithms filter background noise and enhance speech clarity, allowing users to hear more effectively, even in challenging acoustic environments. The processed electrical signals are wirelessly transmitted to the said ear piece, where the transducer converts them into finely tuned mechanical vibrations. These vibrations resonate with the user's teeth and stimulate the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, allowing the brain to interpret these signals as sound. This device of sound transmission not only enhances auditory perception but also ensures a comfortable, non-invasive experience, as the materials used are biocompatible and safe for long-term wear.

[017] The hearing aid apparatus offers real-time adjustments and adaptive features, enabling users to tailor settings to their preferences through a user-friendly interface or smartphone app. By integrating advanced technology with a unique approach to sound transmission, this invention provides a reliable and effective alternative for individuals with hearing impairments, ultimately improving their quality of life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] The detailed description of the embodiments is best understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While example constructions are provided to illustrate the disclosure, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and systems described herein or depicted in the drawings.

[019] Figure 1 illustrative hearing aid apparatus utilizing tooth nerve stimulation in accordance with the main aspect of the present invention.

[020] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an illustrative hearing aid apparatus, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided to thoroughly convey the full scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous details regarding specific components and methods are outlined to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the details provided in these embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some instances, well-known processes, apparatus structures, and techniques are not described in detail to focus on the novel aspects of the invention.

[022] Figure 1 illustrates the hearing aid apparatus (1), in accordance with a key aspect of the present invention. The hearing aid apparatus (1) that bypasses conventional auditory pathways and instead transmits sound through tooth nerve movement. This device allows individuals with hearing impairments to perceive sound via mechanical vibrations transmitted through their teeth, stimulating the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, and thereby providing a more effective and non-invasive hearing solution. The device (1) consists of two main components: a portable oral device (11) and an ear piece (21). Said portable oral device (11) is embedded in or attached to the user's teeth, processing sound signals and converting them into electrical signals. Said ear piece (21), positioned within the user's ear, contains a set of sub components that work together to transmit the processed signals, ensuring optimal sound perception and clarity for the user.

[023] Figure 2 represents the block diagram for hearing aid apparatus according to the main aspect of the present invention. Said hearing aid apparatus (1) comprising of a portable oral device (11) which includes a microcontroller (12), a sensor conversion unit (13), and a primary power source (14). Said portable oral device (11) is the primary processing unit of the device and is embedded in or attached to the user's teeth. This component is responsible for capturing sound signals from the environment and converting them into electrical signals for further processing. Since the portable oral device is placed in or near the teeth, it leverages the proximity to the tooth nerves for transmitting sound through vibrations. Said portable oral device (11) works alongside said sensor conversion unit (13) and said microcontroller (12) to optimize sound quality and provide a smooth hearing experience. The hearing aid apparatus uses advanced technology to process the captured sound, and this sound is not delivered through the typical auditory pathway of the ear canal and eardrum. Instead, it is transmitted through mechanical vibrations that interact with the user's dental structure, bypassing the damaged auditory pathways in individuals with hearing loss.

[024] According to the embodiment of the present invention, said microcontroller (12) is connected to the portable oral device (11) and plays a critical role in managing the overall sound processing and control functions of the device. It oversees the collection, transmission, and conversion of sound signals, ensuring that the processed sound is delivered in a manner optimized for the user's specific hearing environment. Additionally, the microcontroller can automatically adjust various settings, such as sound amplification and filtering, based on the environmental noise level, ensuring the user can hear clearly in different surroundings. The microcontroller is configured to adapt to real-time conditions and fine-tune the output, providing a personalized experience for the user. For instance, in noisy environments, the device will filter out background noise and focus on amplifying essential sound inputs such as speech.

[025] Another embodiment of the present invention, said sensor conversion unit (13) within the portable oral device is responsible for converting the captured sound signals into electrical signals with the help of microphone. It filters out unnecessary noise and amplifies sound elements to enhance clarity. Said sensor conversion unit plays a vital role in ensuring that the sound transmitted through the portable oral device is precise, reducing background noise and providing clean, amplified sound that the user can clearly interpret. This unit is essential for fine-tuning the signals before they are transmitted through the ear piece and tooth nerves, ensuring that the quality of sound is not compromised as it bypasses the conventional auditory pathway. Said primary power source (14), which is integrated into the portable oral device (11), provides energy for continuous operation. This power source supplies the necessary power to run the microcontroller, sensor conversion unit, and other components in the portable oral device, ensuring the device functions optimally throughout the day. Said primary power source is designed to offer long battery life, enabling extended use without frequent recharging. The power system may include energy-efficient features to optimize power consumption based on user activity and environmental sound conditions.

[026] Yet another embodiment of the present invention, said ear piece (21) is positioned in the user's ear canal and serves as a secondary receiver for processed sound signals from the portable oral device (11). Said ear piece includes the following components: a receiver (22) that captures processed sound signals wirelessly from the portable oral device (11); a transducer (23) that converts the electrical sound signals into mechanical vibrations; a speaker (24) that transmits sound into the user's ear canal for conventional auditory perception; and a secondary battery (25) that powers the components of the ear piece. The ear piece works in tandem with the tooth-embedded portable oral device, enabling the dual delivery of sound through both conventional auditory means and direct stimulation of the tooth nerves. Said receiver (22) is embedded in the ear piece (21) and is responsible for receiving processed sound signals from the portable oral device (11). These sound signals, having undergone filtering and amplification, are transmitted wirelessly to the receiver for further processing and conversion. Said transducer (23) within the ear piece, responsible for converting the electrical signals received from the portable oral device into mechanical vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the teeth to the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, bypassing the traditional auditory pathway and enabling the brain to interpret these vibrations as sound. The transducer generates finely calibrated vibrations that resonate through the user's teeth, stimulating the nerves in the dental region and delivering the auditory information in a non-invasive manner.
[027] Yet another embodiment of the present invention, said speaker (24) in the ear piece provides conventional sound output for auditory perception through the ear canal. This component complements the tooth nerve transmission, ensuring that users with partial hearing ability can benefit from both mechanical nerve stimulation and sound amplification through the ear canal. Said secondary battery (25) in the ear piece provides a power source for the receiver, transducer, and speaker. This ensures that the ear piece can function independently from the primary power source in the portable oral device.

[028] Still another embodiment of the present invention, the hearing aid apparatus operates through a sequence of processes that enable sound perception via tooth nerve movement, bypassing conventional auditory pathways such as the ear canal and eardrum. Upon activation, the device begins monitoring the surrounding environment through a high-fidelity microphone integrated into the sensor conversion unit (13). This microphone captures sound waves, including speech, music, and ambient noise, and converts them into electrical signals that accurately represent the incoming sound's frequency and amplitude. The microcontroller (12) and sensor conversion unit (13) then apply advanced algorithms to the electrical signals, filtering out unwanted background noise, enhancing speech clarity, and dynamically adjusting the sound output based on real-time environmental conditions. This ensures that users can perceive clear and high-quality sound even in acoustically challenging environments, such as crowded areas or outdoor settings with ambient noise. After processing, the refined electrical signals are wirelessly transmitted to the ear piece (21), which is positioned in the user's ear canal. The ear piece contains a receiver (22) that captures the signals and forwards them to the transducer (23). The transducer (23) in the ear piece converts the received electrical signals into finely tuned mechanical vibrations. These vibrations are calibrated to resonate with the user's teeth and the surrounding dental structures. The mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer stimulate the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve by transmitting through the user's teeth. As the vibrations pass through the teeth, they stimulate sensitive tooth nerves, which in turn send signals through the trigeminal nerve pathways. The brain interprets these signals as sound, allowing the user to perceive auditory information naturally and effectively, bypassing the traditional auditory canal, eardrum, and middle ear. The microcontroller (12) ensures that the device adapts to various acoustic settings in real time, automatically adjusting sound levels and noise suppression algorithms. This makes the device highly responsive to changes in the listening environment, providing a seamless experience for the user.

[029] The materials used in both the hearing aid apparatus are carefully chosen to be biocompatible and non-invasive. This ensures that the device can be worn comfortably and safely, without causing irritation, infection, or any negative reaction when in contact with the user's teeth or skin. The non-invasive nature of the hearing aid apparatus makes it suitable for individuals who prefer a discreet solution without the need for surgeries or implants. The custom-fitted design of the hearing aid apparatus ensures that it conforms precisely to the user's dental structure, optimizing the transmission of mechanical vibrations to the tooth nerves. This guarantees maximum efficiency in sound transmission while maintaining user comfort. Users can control the device settings through a simple interface on the hearing aid apparatus via a smartphone app, allowing for intuitive adjustment of volume, sound modes, and other features. This approach allows users with significant ear damage or hearing loss to regain auditory perception through a non-invasive, comfortable solution. The dual-mode delivery system, which combines traditional ear piece sound transmission and tooth nerve stimulation, ensures a robust and versatile hearing aid experience.
, Claims:WE CLAIM;
1. A hearing aid apparatus (1) comprising of a portable oral device (11), a microcontroller (12), a sensor conversion unit (13), a primary power source (14), an ear piece (21), a receiver (22), a transducer (23), a speaker (24) and a secondary battery (25).
- wherein a said portable oral device (11) embedded in or attached to the user's teeth, configured to process sound signals and convert them into electrical signals;
- wherein a said microcontroller (12) connected to the portable oral device (11), configured to manage and control sound processing and transmission;
- wherein a said sensor conversion unit (13) within the portable oral device converts the captured sound signals into electrical signals and also performs noise filtering and amplification;
- wherein a said primary power source (14) connected to the portable oral device and microcontroller, providing energy source for continuous operation;
- wherein a said ear piece (21) positioned in the user's ear canal, includes a receiver (22), a transducer (23), a speaker (24) and a secondary battery (24) to power the components;
- wherein a said receiver (22) in the ear piece (21) helps to receive processed sound signals from the portable oral device (11);
- wherein a said transducer (23) converts the electrical signals from the receiver into mechanical vibrations;
- wherein a said speaker (24) embedded in the ear piece (21) transmits the processed sound signals into the ear canal, facilitating conventional auditory perception.

2. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable oral device (11) and said ear piece (21) are wirelessly connected to allow seamless data and sound signal transmission.

3. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable oral device (11) uses tooth nerve movement to transmit sound, bypassing the auditory canal, eardrum, and middle ear.

4. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable oral device (11) transmits the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer (23) in the ear piece (21) to the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve through vibrations in the teeth, enabling the brain to interpret vibrations as sound.

5. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (12) and sensor conversion unit (13) are configured to automatically adjust sound amplification and filtering based on real-time environmental conditions, enhancing the user's ability to hear in varying sound environments.

6. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ear piece (21) receives processed sound signals wirelessly from the portable oral device embedded in the user's teeth movement.

7. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transducer (23) in the ear piece generates finely tuned mechanical vibrations that are transmitted through the user's teeth, stimulating the tooth nerves and allowing the brain to interpret these vibrations as auditory signals.

8. The hearing aid apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable oral device (11) and ear piece (21) made of biocompatible material to ensure safety and comfort when fitted to the user's teeth for long-term wear.

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