Using Destructive Interference to Treat Tinnitus

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The discussion centers on the challenges of using destructive interference sound waves to cancel out a specific ringing frequency experienced by an individual, potentially through a hearing aid device. Key points include the difficulty of accurately matching both frequency and phase, which is crucial for effective cancellation. It is noted that current noise-canceling technology requires real incoming audio signals to function, making it unlikely to help with internal sounds like tinnitus or misfiring nerves. Participants express frustration with the medical field's approach to diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and systematic analysis, which they feel is often lacking. The conversation highlights the importance of seeking medical advice, particularly from specialists like ENT doctors, and encourages persistence in addressing symptoms. Overall, while the idea of using sound waves for cancellation is intriguing, the consensus is that it is not feasible with existing technology and understanding of the brain's processing of such sounds.
  • #31
erobz said:
How difficult would it be to send destructive interference sound wave into an ear via hearing aid device, which cancels a ringing frequency/amplitude only I can hear.
This is not only difficult (as pointed out by @russ_watters), but impossible. Noice cancelling technology relies on a microphone to continually monitor the incoming noice or signal, so an inverted signal can be created to cancel it. Since your ringing is not a real incoming audio wave, no device will be able to cancel it by destructive interference.
 
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  • #32
Dali said:
This is not only difficult (as pointed out by @russ_watters), but impossible. Noice cancelling technology relies on a microphone to continually monitor the incoming noice or signal, so an inverted signal can be created to cancel it. Since your ringing is not a real incoming audio wave, no device will be able to cancel it by destructive interference.
Impossible would seem a bit strong? My brain is measuring it, or outputting it. Perhaps impossible with our current understanding of the brain and its signals, but if my brain is observing it must be observable directly/or indirectly? I can just say flat out, "that's the inverted frequency/amplitude" when I observe the absence of significant ringing. The trick would be to have that done actively. Like I said it doesn't vary in frequency (what I'm consciously measuring as the output at least), just amplitude with stress perhaps.

When I'm outdoors it is far easier to ignore because of all the ambient noise. Perhaps there is a treatment in that observation.
 
  • #33
Since we've been dancing around diagnosis (Dx) and treatment (Tx) options in this thread, I need to close it now. Please see your primary care physician (PCP) to discuss your symptoms (Sx) and your Tx options. Most likely they will send you to an ear nose and throat (ENT) doc. Good luck.
 
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