Intelligent Hearing Assessment and Therapy System

Publication ID: 24-11857312_0008_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Hearing Assessment and Therapy System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857312_0008_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857312_0008_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,312.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The proposed system integrates functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and other technologies to create a more accurate, efficient, and personalized hearing assessment and therapy system.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a hearing assessment system and method using fNIRS, but it had limitations in terms of data analysis, security, and personalization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating AI, IoT, blockchain, and other technologies to provide a more comprehensive and effective hearing assessment and therapy system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The system consists of a fNIRS device, an AI module for data analysis and hearing profile generation, a blockchain-based data storage module for secure storage, and IoT devices for personalized hearing recommendations. The AI module can also be integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) for seamless data integration. Additionally, the system includes a wearable device with a fNIRS sensor, microcontroller, and wireless communication module for real-time hearing assessment and therapy. The system can also provide personalized sound therapy based on the patient's hearing profile, and a blockchain-based payment system for secure payment processing.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the synergistic combination of fNIRS with AI, IoT, blockchain, and other technologies, which provides a more accurate, efficient, and personalized hearing assessment and therapy system. The integration of these technologies provides a novel and non-obvious solution that addresses the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different AI algorithms, IoT devices, or blockchain networks. Variations could also include the integration of additional technologies, such as natural language processing (NLP) or machine learning algorithms, to further enhance the system's capabilities.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The proposed system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in the fields of audiology, otolaryngology, and hearing therapy. The system's ability to provide accurate, efficient, and personalized hearing assessment and therapy makes it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Field of Art

Medical diagnostics and neuroimaging, specifically hearing assessment technologies using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with expertise in signal processing, biomedical engineering, and neurological data analysis

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or neurological diagnostic specialist with advanced knowledge of medical imaging technologies, signal processing techniques, data analysis algorithms, and familiarity with emerging healthcare technology integration strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with the existing fNIRS hearing assessment methodology represents a predictable combination of known techniques in medical diagnostics and digital health technologies. The source patent establishes a foundational method for hearing assessment using fNIRS, which naturally invites technological augmentation through standard digital health innovation approaches. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of the original patent's core technological framework using well-established interdisciplinary integration strategies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Method of assessing patient hearing using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with signal processing capabilities
PTD Variation
Adding artificial intelligence modules for advanced data analysis and hearing profile generation
Obviousness Reasoning
AI-powered signal analysis is a predictable enhancement for medical diagnostic technologies, representing a known technique for improving diagnostic accuracy and extracting more sophisticated insights from raw physiological data
Source Patent Element
Signal processing techniques for removing unwanted signal elements from fNIRS measurements
PTD Variation
Integrating blockchain for secure data storage and transmission of processed hearing assessment data
Obviousness Reasoning
Secure data management is a standard requirement in medical technologies, and blockchain represents a known solution for ensuring data integrity and privacy in healthcare information systems
Source Patent Element
Aural stimulation delivery and response signal measurement methodology
PTD Variation
Implementing IoT device integration for personalized hearing recommendations and real-time monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Personalized medical technology and remote monitoring are well-established trends in digital health, representing a logical and predictable extension of existing diagnostic methodologies
Source Patent Element
Patient response signal measurement using fNIRS technology
PTD Variation
Developing wearable devices with integrated microcontrollers and wireless communication for continuous hearing assessment
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturization and wireless communication are standard technological progression strategies in medical diagnostic devices, representing a predictable design evolution
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857312 for hearing assessment using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, the present publication demonstrates that the integration of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things technologies, and blockchain systems with existing fNIRS methodologies would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, thereby establishing prior art that anticipates and renders obvious potential patent claims covering similar technological combinations in medical diagnostic technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,312
TitleHearing assessment system and method
Assignee(s)THE BIONICS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA