US4222393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tinnitus masker
Assignee: American Tinnitus Association
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Filing: 1978-07-28
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Granted: 1980-09-16
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Expires: 1998-07-28
Abstract
Abstract A tinnitus patient is subjected to external sounds of different pitch, one after another, to enable the patient to identify the particular external sound having the same pitch as the subjective tinnitus sound perceived by the patient. Then the patient is provided with a power operated sound generator producing a range of frequencies extending above and below said perceived pitch to mask the tinnitus sound. The sound generator may be worn in the same manner as a hearing aid and may be combined with a hearing aid if necessary.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Hocks
- 👤 Jack A. Vernon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:28
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/12; H; H04; H04R; H04R25/00; H04R25/50; H04R25/502; H04R25/75
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
The method of masking a tinnitus sensation of noise in a patient comprising subjecting the patient to external sounds of different pitch, one after another, to enable the patient to identify the particular external sound having the same pitch as the subjective tinnitus sensation of sound perceived by the patient, and then applying to the ear of the patient a power operated sound generator producing a noise output at all frequencies within a range of frequencies extending above and below said perceived pitch.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
The method of masking a tinnitus sensation of noise in a patient comprising subjecting the patient to external sounds of different pitch, one after another, to enable the patient to identify the particular external sound having the same pitch as the subjective tinnitus sensation of sound perceived by the patient, and then applying to the ear of the patient a power operated sound generator producing a noise output at all frequencies within a range of frequencies extending above and below said perceived pitch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the primary energy of said sound generator is produced between the frequencies of 1000 Hz and 5000 Hz.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 2 wherein an effective amount of energy is produced at 10,000 Hz.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the energy output of said sound generator increases to a maximum at 1000 Hz and then declines above that frequency.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-16 | 1984-03-17 | 1984-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-16 | 1988-03-17 | 1988-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-16 | 1992-03-17 | 1992-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |