Applying predetermined sound to provide therapy

A system, method and device for providing sound-based therapies to a user. The system, method, and device employ an initial measurement about a user (either or both distances on said user's head or recorded sound), a determination of a resonant frequency, and a wearable actuator affixed on said user's person with the ability to provide a unique resonant frequency to the user. The aspects disclosed herein may also incorporate microphones to optimize and monitor the treatment.

BACKGROUND

According to the CDC, over 30.8 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with rhinosinusitis and many more suffer symptoms at home without being diagnosed by a physician. Rhinosinusitis is defined as inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity (or as noted in this application “sinus-related symptoms”). Common symptoms include sinus pressure/congestion, mucus drainage, headache, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, fever, cough, and post-nasal drip. Treatment includes medications (oral antihistamines, nasal antihistamines, nasal steroids, antibiotics), saline washes, and surgery. These treatments are targeted to reducing inflammation, removing anatomic obstruction, increasing hydration/cleansing and reducing bacterial load.

In addition to rhinosinusitis, various other ailments have been found to be connected to the sinuses, for example, but not limited to, migraines and respiratory conditions.

Historically, various treatments have employed humming. Humming has been experimentally shown to reduce symptoms due to a reduction of nitric oxide levels induced by the humming. Further, treatments have similarly incorporated vibrations, with the effect associated with humming being similarly realized.

A technology known as bone conduction has existed in the audio space. Bone conduction uses the natural vibrations of a person's bones—such as skull, jaw and cheek bones—to hear sound. Bone conduction technology has improved hearing aid technology over the years, but it has other applications as well.

In addition to hearing aid technology, bone conduction has also been applied in the commercial head phone space, sitting a “bone conduction speaker” close to the ear, and using the fundamental concepts of bone conduction to transfer vibrations to the cochlear portion of the ear. The “bone conduction speakers” convert sound data into vibrations.

As noted above, there is a great need to improve the existing state of the art for treatments directed to curing and alleviating pain associated with rhinosinusitis/sinus-related symptoms.

SUMMARY

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a method and systems of applying predetermined sounds (at an approximated resonant frequency) to paranasal sinuses. The method includes receiving information from a patient, transforming said information into a resonant frequency, and applying said resonant frequency to the paranasal sinuses. Additionally, the application may be accomplished through a wearable device with an actuator.

Disclosed herein is a system for alleviating sinus-related symptoms including a wearable actuator configured to be worn by a user receiving the therapy associated with the sinus-related symptoms; a data store comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program of instructions; a processor that executes the program of instructions, and is electrically coupled to the wearable actuator

The processor is configured to receive characteristics about a user of the wearable actuator; determine, based on the received characteristics, a resonant frequency; communicate to the wearable actuator the resonant frequency, and drive the wearable actuator to apply the resonant frequency to the user. The wearable actuator being configured to be worn on an area around a paranasal sinus and to deliver the resonant frequency via sound application device.

In another embodiment, the received characteristics are defined by one, some, or all of the following: a distance between the eye edge and a nostril edge of the user, a distance between the nostril edge and a nasal midpoint of the user, a top portion of a nose and a top of the teeth of the user, a distance between a middle back of the front teeth and a farthest point of a hard/upper palate of the user, and a distance between the lowest point of an eye socket to the top of the teeth.

In another embodiment, the received characteristics are extracted from an image of the user.

In another embodiment, the received characteristics are associated with a vocal input associated with the user.

In another embodiment, the system is further configured to activate the microphone to record sound while driving the wearable actuator.

In another embodiment, the system analyzes the sound, and adjusts the provided resonant frequency based on the sound.

In another embodiment, the system analyzes the sound, and adjusts the provided resonant frequency based on the sound.

In another embodiment, the image is from a photographic 2D or 3D representation of the user's face and/or mouth.

In another embodiment, wherein the image is from a CT scan of the user's face.

In another embodiment, the microphone is integrally provided with the wearable actuator.

Also disclosed herein, is a system for alleviating sinus-related symptoms. The system includes a wearable actuator configured to be worn by a user receiving the therapy associated with the sinus-related symptoms; a microphone situated on or around one the paranasal devices; a data store comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program of instructions; a processor that executes the program of instructions, and is electrically coupled to the wearable actuator. The processor being configured to determine a resonant frequency from either a default setting or a received setting from a network connection, communicate to the wearable actuator the resonant frequency, and drive the wearable actuator to apply the resonant frequency to the user. And while driving the wearable actuator, activating the microphone to record a sound; and based on the sound, adjusting the resonant frequency while the wearable actuator is being driven. The wearable actuator is configured to be worn on a paranasal sinus and to deliver the resonant frequency via bone conduction technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with references to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that for the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of each” will be interpreted to mean any combination of the enumerated elements following the respective language, including combination of multiples of the enumerated elements. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” will be construed to mean X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g. XYZ, XZ, YZ, X). Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals are understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

As noted in the Background section, sinus-related symptoms affect a sizeable percentage of the population. However, existing remedies have not been effective in fighting sinus-related symptoms. The inventors have devised a unique system for alleviating sinus-related symptoms.

Additionally, the inventors have discovered that the aspects disclosed herein may be applicable to a variety of symptoms, including migraines and other respiratory illness. Also, while the aspects disclosed herein may be used in a manner responsive to pain or symptoms, the inventors have determined that said techniques may be used prophylactically.

The system disclosed herein may be implemented via a wearable-device or applied through a third-party (such as a medical professional), applying the methods and systems to facilitate the therapies disclosed herein. Additionally, the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented with a personal mobile device, or through a network-connected device. Various combinations and embodiments may be realized employing the aspects disclosed below.

Disclosed herein are systems for alleviating symptoms by applying a predetermined sound-based therapy. The symptoms may be sinus-related. Additionally, and as set forth, the system includes numerous embodiments for applying said remedy to the patient. Also disclosed are a variety of methods for inputting unique patient data, employing an algorithm for transforming said unique patient data to sound, and providing a therapy to the patient via a sound application device on one or more sinuses.

FIG. 1is a high-level description of the system100disclosed herein. As shown inFIG. 1, a processor110is electrically coupled to an actuator120and an IO device130. The electrical coupling may be any known connection employing wired or wireless technology. The processor110may be incorporated in a personal device, such as a mobile device, smart phone, smart watch, or any known personal device capable of performing the processing disclosed herein.

The IO device130(which will be discussed in greater detail below) may be any exemplary device or combination of devices to capture critical dimensions required for the processor110to develop electrical stimuli to control the actuator120.

The actuator120(or wearable actuator120) is a device intended to be placed on specific locations on a head of a person using the system100, so as to apply sound to predetermined locations on a person receiving the sound-based therapy (“user”). The specific locations and an exemplary version of the actuator120will be described below. The elements that produce the sound may be placed relative to various predetermined sinuses.

In one non-limiting example, the inventors have found that placing the sound-producing device on a portion above the bridge of the nose, and affixed to the user, provides advantageous therapy. In another non-limiting example, the inventors have found that implementing the sound device/wearable actuator120as a bone-conduction speaker provides advantageous effects.

The various components inFIG. 1will now be described employing the flowchart shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a high-level method200illustrating the therapy provided by system of100.

In step210, a critical measurement is received. Some of the critical measurements are noted below inFIGS. 6(a)-(d). The measurements may be a manually entered value(s), a captured image of both an exterior and interior portion of a head of the user to receive the treatment, and/or a vocal characteristic. Alternatively, the critical measurements may be estimated through a variety of other methods.

The critical measurements may be input through a variety of IO devices130. For example, but not limited to, the IO device130may be a keyboard, a touchpad, an image/video camera, a microphone, and/or other input devices known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

After employing IO device (or devices)130to receive the critical measurements in step210, in step220, the various inputs131are analyzed through either an exemplary algorithm described herein (stored in the processor through a data store), or through a user or system configured algorithm. The algorithm utilizes the various inputs131(via processor110), to produce a resonant frequency121. The various inputs131may be the critical measurements. Additionally, the various inputs131may contain information about the user (for example an identification). The identification may be used to retrieve a previously calculated resonant frequency121. Alternatively, once a resonant frequency121is calculated, it may be stored and associated with the user.

An exemplary calculation of a resonant frequency121for one of the sinuses (a right or left maxillary sinus) is discussed below via equation 1 noted below in this specification.

Also show inFIG. 1is a wearable actuator120. The wearable actuator120may include a fastening portion, a device holding portion, and one or multiple bone conduction devices or speakers. The bone conduction speakers are configured to receive either a resonant frequency121(or data processed to replicate resonant frequency121), and communicate sound to a portion of a wearer of the wearable actuator120proximal to a cavity proximal to the placement of the bone conduction speakers. In one non-limiting example, the sound is translated through vibrations generated from the bone conduction speakers. However, in other embodiments, sound may be applied through any device capable of providing sound.

The wearable actuator120may include a processor to receive the data (inputs131), and generate a resonant frequency121.

Through studies performed on corpses, the wearable actuator120being situated on the sinus, directly on a portion over the bridge of the nose, leads to a more efficient and effective therapy.

In step240, the resonant frequency121is communicated (through electrical coupling) to the wearable actuator120. The wearable actuator120may utilize bone conduction technology/speakers to translate the resonant frequency121to a sound that is communicated to a conduit on the user's face. In an exemplary implementation, the conduits may be associated with one or more of the pathways shown inFIG. 3. The wearable actuator120may apply sound (as generated from the resonant frequency121), to the selected conduit(s) for a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be selected by a user (in step211), or alternatively set by the processor110(221). The predetermined time may also be set based on the received characteristics from the IO device, transformed by a set relationship from said characteristics to time of therapy.

In step250, the wearable actuator120is driven with the resonant frequency121. Driving is defined as translating the resonant frequency121to sound, for example vibrations as generated from a sound producing device, such as a bone conducting speaker. In one embodiment the resonant frequency121is converted into a signal via the wearable actuator120, or alternatively, data recognize-able by the wearable actuator120is produced by processor110, and is communicated to said wearable actuator120.

After a predetermined time has elapsed (either user set, system set, or manually instigated), method200completes by ending the therapy (260).

One example of a wearable actuator120of an implementation will be described in greater detail below, and generally will employ bone conduction speakers to transfer the resonant frequency121to the wearer/user of the wearable actuator120. However, other embodiments applying sound directly to (wherein the device is physically on a portion of the skin over the user's sinus) may also be employed.

FIGS. 3(a)and4illustrate various depictions of an exemplary head, with various reference points used in determining critical measurements used in step210.

InFIG. 3, a frontal-view and a side-view of an illustration of a head300depicting exemplary sinus/nasal tracts on a person. These sinuses are a frontal sinus301, an ethmoid sinus302, a nasal cavity303, a maxillary sinus304, and a sphenoid sinus305.

The nasal cavity303is shown as a reference and refers is a large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. The nasal septum divides the cavity into two cavities, also known as fossae. Each cavity is the continuation of one of the two nostrils. The nasal cavity is the uppermost part of the respiratory system and provides the nasal passage for inhaled air from the nostrils to the nasopharynx and rest of the respiratory tract.

These sinus and nasal tracts may be referred to as paranasal sinuses, and collectively establish critical sinuses that allow access to areas where symptoms associated with inflammation and sinusitis may occur. Paranasal sinuses are a group of four paired air-filled spaces that surround the nasal cavity. The maxillary sinuses304are located under the eyes; the frontal sinuses are above the eyes301; the ethmoidal sinuses302are between the eyes and the sphenoidal sinuses305are behind the eyes. The sinuses are named for the facial bones in which they are located.

FIG. 4is a frontal view of the head300illustrating an experiment performable with a cadaver. Additionally, to the head300shown inFIG. 3, a sound producing device401is situated over the frontal sinus301. Also included inFIG. 4is a contact microphone402, placed over a maxillary sinus304.

An experiment was performed utilizing cadavers and the setup inFIG. 4, and as shown inFIG. 5, graph500was produced. Graph500depicts a spectral analysis of sound as applied to a cadaveric head. On the X-axis510, various frequencies are swept from a range of 50 Hertz to 3000 Hertz as applied via the vibratory actuator401. On the Y-axis520, the sounds generated through the application of a vibratory actuator401is captured via the contact microphone402. Additionally, an air microphone (not shown) may be placed to augment the recording of sound.

In referring to graph500, several resonant modes can be shown as peaks in the graph (one is shown via peak530). Specifically, this is the resonant frequency of the sinus in which the microphone is nearest (referring toFIG. 4, the right and left maxillary sinuses, respectively).

The inventors have found that the resonant frequency associated with the resonant modes are related to certain critical dimensions, described inFIGS. 6(a)-(d). The transformation from the critical dimensions (or crano-facial points) is described via equations 1-5 below.

The inventors, through experiments performed on patients have shown that when the resonant frequency, as derived from the critical dimensions discussed inFIGS. 6(a)-(d), produces therapeutic effects. The resonant modes are optimal in providing the therapy disclosed herein.

The inventors have discovered several methods of determining a resonant frequency through the measurement of critical crano-facial measurements. InFIG. 6(a), a head600is shown. Three points are defined, an eye edge610, a nostril edge620, and a nasal midpoint630. The distance between the eye edge610and the nostril edge620, is defined as data point1640. The distance between the nostril edge620and the nasal midpoint630, is defined as data point2650.

Referring toFIG. 6(b), a different view of head600is shown. In this view the generation of data point3660is shown, which is defined by the top portion of the nose670and the top of the teeth680.

To ensure the accuracy of these measurements, in an exemplary embodiment the measurements should be co-planar.

InFIG. 6(c), the mouth portion of head600is shown in an open state, illustrating the obtaining of a fourth data point4603. As shown, data point4670may be defined by the middle back of the front teeth601to the farthest point of the hard/upper palate602.

Referring now toFIG. 6(d), two additional data points are introduced. As shown, data point5683, being defined as the distance between the lowest point of an eye socket681to the top of teeth682. And data point6692, being defined as the end of the nose cartilage691to the top of the teeth682.

As exemplarily shown inFIG. 7(a), the various data points may be entered into a table700. As shown, each of the measurements may be taken for both a right side or a left side of a user, or both. According to the aspects disclosed herein, once at least one, some, or all of the measurements in an instance for at least one or both sides are entered, a processor110(as described inFIG. 1), may generate a resonate frequency employing method200. Collectively, data points1-6may be referred to as critical measurements. However, employing the aspects disclosed herein, an exemplary implementation may use various permutations or combinations of those measurements, along with those not discussed, and other methods to generate a resonant frequency using a formula to determine one or more resonant modes/frequencies (as shown inFIG. 5).

The critical measurements, data points1-6may be electrically communicated to the system100, via one or more IO devices130. In a first embodiment, the measurements are manually measured via one or more measuring devices, and communicated to the IO devices130.

Referring toFIGS. 7(b) and 7(c), a front-view and a side-view of a CT scan is shown to indicate the parameters necessary to produce a resonant frequency as employed by the various systems and methods disclosed herein. As shown, inFIG. 7(b)a length of the maxillary sinus is shown via measurement710. As shown, inFIG. 7(c), a diameter of the maxillary sinus is shown via measurement720.

The inventors have discovered that a relationship to generate the resonant frequency for each of the right or left maxillary sinus may be obtained by exterior measurements, either obtained by manual measurements or a photograph of a user's face.

The relationship for determining resonant frequency121is:

fo is the resonant frequency121in hertz;

c is the speed of sound (34.3 cm/s);

d is the ostial diameter for a respective right or left maxillary sinus;

l is the ostiometeal length for a respective right or left maxillary sinus;

V is the volume of the maxillary sinus for a respective right or left maxillary sinus.

As noted above, with references toFIGS. 7(b) and 7(c), conventionally, a CT-scan is needed to at least obtain the values for the ostial distance and the ostiometeal length. However, according to an exemplary embodiment, the inventors have found that the following relationship may be used to solve for the ostiometeal length (I), ostial diameter (d), and maxillary sinus volume (V),—for a respective left and right sinus. The following relationships may be employed for the calculation of a resonant frequency:
maxillary_volume(V)=width_weight×datapoint1[640]×height_weight×datapoint5[683]×length_weight×MSL  [equation 2]
maxillary_ostial_diameter(d)=datapoint2[650]/(ostial_weight)  [equation 3]
maxillary_ostiometeal_length(l)=MSL*ostiometeal_weight  [equation 4]
MSL=length_weight*(datapoint3[660]−datapoint6[691])  [equation 5]

The embodiment described above does not utilize datapoint5603. The inventors have discovered while said measurement may be used, as long as all the weights are set to 1, data point5603may be omitted in generating a resonant frequency131effective in producing therapeutic benefits according to the aspects disclosed herein.

Each of equations 2-4 are solved with the measurements discussed inFIGS. 6(a)-(d). After a value is obtained for V, d, and l—a frequency for a respective right or left sinus is obtained. In one embodiment, a single frequency may be used for the right and left sinuses. In another embodiment, a right and left resonant frequency131may be solved for. Thus, at least two speakers may be situated on a right and left portion respectively (for example, via the frontal sinus), and used to drive the specific resonant frequency for each side.

Experiments have found that setting each of the weights to 1, has led to a modelling of frequency that when applied as the resonant frequency according to the various aspects disclosed herein, provides an effective therapy in combatting at least sinus-related issues. However, by collecting exact sinus dimensions for a number of patients (at least six), and measuring the various data points1. . .6, applicants using equations 2-4 can solve for weights that approximate the various V, l, and d with greater accuracy using various tools, such as machine learning, linear and polynomial regression, and any other known technique for solving variables known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Thus, equation 1 may be solved by setting each of the “_weight” to 1, and measuring the data points1-6.

In another non-limiting example, the other data points may be estimated by using a data base that based on the known values, estimates the unknown values.

In another exemplary embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 8and inFIG. 9, the system100may be electrically coupled to a server810, and in response to one or more of the critical measurements (data points1-6) being received, but not a complete set, estimate the other critical measurements utilized by step220to perform the analysis required to produce a resonant frequency230by receiving those from the server810.

For example, if data point1and2are measured, the system100may communicate to a server810and query for another patient (or patients) with a similar value for data point1and2, and retrieve from the similar patient (or patients), the values for the remaining data points, or for the multiple patients, and average of the remaining data points. Alternatively, the server810may store default values when only one or two of the data points are known. The default values may dynamically change with time using the iterative processes described below with the methods described inFIGS. 10 and 12.

In addition to manually entering in the critical measurements, various imaging devices may be used. An exemplary, but not limiting list of said imaging devices may be:

D) CT Scan; and

Referring to the list above, the various technique may be used individually or in combination, to obtain one, some, or all of the critical measurements required to produce a resonant frequency. The various imaging devices may be provided with the systems disclosed herein, or alternatively, be separately provided, with the data ultimately being communicated to the systems.

Additionally, the user of the systems described herein may additionally provide an existing photo (or photos), with one, some or all of the critical measurements obtained from said photo.

FIG. 9illustrates an alternate embodiment of system900according to the aspects disclosed herein. The similar components of system900are shown, with an explanation omitted. Additionally shown inFIG. 9is a microphone910. The microphone910may be a contact or air microphone, situated near the wearable actuator120, or integrated into the wearable actuator120.

Information from the microphone910may be communicated to any of the devices shown inFIG. 9, directly or through another device.

FIG. 10illustrates a first method1000for incorporating the microphone. The similar components of method200are omitted, and method1000may operate similarly.

As shown, after step230, the resonant frequency121is provided (as calculated by system100or900), and communicated to wearable actuator120. Similar to method200, the wearable actuator120is driven (thus the calculated resonant frequency is applied for the predetermined time).

In another embodiment, the resonant frequency121may be retrieved from a storage device, such as one locally provided or through a server810. The retrieved resonant frequency121may be a default resonant frequency121(for example, a median value of all users of the systems disclosed herein, a subset of user's with similar features, or provided based on the ailment being associated with the therapy).

InFIG. 10, the microphone910is activated (1060) and measures the resonant frequency response. The measured resonant frequency response is analyzed in step1070. If the analysis determines that the measure resonant frequency response is of a correct value or within a predetermined threshold of a correct value, the therapy finishes and proceeds to end260(similar to method200, the therapy is applied for a predetermined time). The resonant frequency response correct value may be a value previously recorded when the user has used the system, or a value associated within a range of a correct resonant frequency for a user of similar attributes.

However, if the determination is that the measured resonant frequency response is not correct, a new resonant frequency is calculated1080and communicated to step230, where the updated resonant frequency121is provided. The updated resonant frequency121may be derived from the previous resonant frequency121by adding or subtracting a predetermined amount. The decision to add or subtract may be based on whether the resonant frequency response is under the band of correct values or above the band of correct values.

In this manner, the method1000may iteratively happen until the optimal resonant frequency121is provided (a resonant frequency121within the correct band associated with the determination in step1070). Once an optimal resonant frequency is determined, the system900may record/store this resonant frequency121for subsequent employments of method1000.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 8, the stored resonant frequency121may be communicated to the server810, and stored in a remote location. As such, if the user associated with the resonant frequency wears another wearable actuator120, if the user has identified him/herself via the system100/900(or any of the systems disclosed herein), the resonant frequency121may be provided automatically.

FIG. 11illustrates a method1100employing the aspects disclosed herein to produce a resonant frequency employable by any of the systems or methods disclosed herein. Method1100is provided to use in addition to utilizing an IO device130(or devices) to receive the critical measurements.

As shown inFIG. 11, step1110a user is prompted to say one phrase, or many phrases that are predetermined.

At step1120, the microphone910may record the dictation. Afterwards, the dictation may be used through a conversion program to estimate a resonant frequency121. This may be accomplished by previously having a variety of different users record the phrases while healthy, and storing a known/observed resonant frequency (for example, using the formal described in equation 1). Thus, various elements of the recorded dictation could be matched with the stored users, and based on matching certain criteria, a resonant frequency121may be provided.

Alternatively, the dictation may be compared against a previous dictation made by the user when the user was healthy (or symptom free). Based on differences between the user's recently recorded dictation versus the previously recorded dictation, the resonant frequency121may be adjusted based on a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount may be discovered through experimentation where differences in the phrases are correlated to a resonant frequency adjustment.

After which, the system900may produce a resonant frequency121based on information obtained in method1100. The inventors have found that various methods to translate received sounds through a user dictating certain phrases, may be employed to provide therapies associated with remedying or alleviating the problems caused by sinusitis or the ailments discussed herein.

In addition to all the methods disclosed herein, artificial intelligence and machine learning may be used to iteratively determine an optimal provided resonance. Additionally, if the systems100/900(or the other systems disclosed herein), are connected to a server810, the user characteristics may be compared against other users of similar characteristics, and an optimal resonant frequency may be provided based by aggregating multiple user data.

FIG. 12illustrates a method1200for employing the microphone910to dynamically alter the provided resonance. The method1200may be incorporated with any of the methods disclosed herein after step230,240,250(or the other methods disclosed). As shown, and like the other methods disclosed herein, a resonant frequency is provided230, the provided resonant frequency is communicated to a wearable actuator120, and the wearable actuator120is driven/operated so as to apply the resonant frequency to the paranasal sinus points (as described in this application)250.

In method1200, the microphone910is activated at1260. The microphone910may be independently provided or incorporated with the microphone910application discussed in the various embodiments disclosed herein. The microphone may be in contact with the user's face (and more specifically on or near one or more of the paranasal sinuses), or an air microphone.

After which, after a predetermined time1261aand a resonant frequency response has changed, or if a resonant frequency has changed over a predetermined threshold1261b(in an alternate embodiment), a new resonant frequency may be provided, with the method1200iteratively returning to step230. In this way, the resonant frequency may be altered incrementally in either an upward or downward motion so that the resonant frequency response generated and recorded by the microphone matches a stored ideal resonant frequency, or a previously recorded resonant frequency in which the user was not suffering from an ailment (such as those described herein).

If neither case occurs, the method1200may proceed to step260, where a determination may be made as to whether the therapy is effective. This can happen in a multiple of ways. In one embodiment, the therapy associated with method1200may be configured to time out after a predetermined time. Alternatively, if the resonant frequency has changed to an amount that is deemed acceptable, the method1200may proceed to an end260.

Method1200is disclosed to provide greater flexibility in the therapy, as experiments have shown that the therapies disclosed herein are effective in alleviating sinus pains. As such, as the nasal cavities improve (i.e. are less inflamed or have less mucus), the provided resonant frequency may also change as well based on the change of mucus in the passages.

The wearable actuator120will be described in greater detail and shown inFIG. 13(a). As shown, a wearable actuator120may be shaped as a band that can be wrapped around a forehead of a user. Embedded in the wearable actuator120, are bone conduction speakers1320in a housing1310. The housing1310may be a non-attenuating fabric or material. The bone conduction speakers1320, may be placed so as to be proximal with both the left and right frontal sinus. In an alternate embodiment, the wearable actuator120may be fashioned to allow the bone conduction speakers1320to be situated to the other paranasal sinuses described herein. However, through experimentation, the inventors have discovered that the location of the band relative to the frontal sinus leads to more effective placement and less displacement of the device during operation.

Also shown isFIG. 13(b). InFIG. 13(b), the wearable actuator120is electrically coupled to a speaker amp/driver1340. However, in other embodiments, the speaker amp/driver1340may be incorporated with one of the systems described herein.

Not shown with the wearable actuator120is microphone910. As explained above the microphone910may be embedded with the wearable actuator910or separately provided. The microphone910, for example, may be associated with the systems100and900.

An exemplary embodiment may be a wearable actuator120, as shown inFIG. 13, electrically coupled to a personal device (not shown) and designed to be worn as a head band. However, other implementations may be provided such as provided as integrated via clothing (i.e. a hat), attached to a mask, worn over the ears, attached to piercings, or attached via adhesive.

The personal device (not shown), may be a smart phone, laptop, smart watch, tablet, or any device with a processor110. Additionally, the personal device may utilize an IO device130, such as a keyboard, touch screen, microphone, camera, or any other devices commonly associated with personal device and readily know to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, the provided resonant frequency121may be incorporated into music. For example, a user's playlist or personal music collection may be scanned. And based on the preference, the provided resonance may be mixed into a predetermined musical selection associated with the user's musical collection. Alternatively, the user may select music associated with their tastes.