Tinnitus, commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” is a condition that affects many dentists and dental assistants due to the continuous use of dental tools and drill machines. The symptoms can manifest as various sounds, including blowing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or sizzling, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Recognizing the need to address this issue, our team was approached for a project to develop a solution to prevent tinnitus among dental professionals.
The Initial Approach: Ear Muffs and Development Boards
Our initial design included earmuffs and a development board aimed at reducing noise levels produced during dental procedures and facilitating clear communication between the dentist and the assistant. While this design incorporated a filter section to lower noise levels, it proved to be inefficient.
The Breakthrough: Integrating ANC Technology
In our pursuit of improvement, we integrated ideas and inputs from an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) solution. This innovation allowed for significantly better noise filtering when incorporated into the previous development board. The difference was substantial, resulting in a remarkable reduction in noise levels. Dentists who tested this updated product reported a significant improvement and provided positive feedback to our investors.
Designing the Next Version
We also tackled the ergonomic design of the earmuffs to ensure comfort during long dental procedures, integrating advanced materials to balance noise reduction with wearability. Each iteration of our product has brought us closer to an optimal solution, and we remain dedicated to addressing any new challenges that arise. With this breakthrough, we are now designing the next version of our product.
AUTHOR
Sai Pratheep
Senior Hardware Design Engineer, Srushty Global Solutions
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Quality Engineer with extensive experience in CNC machining, assembly, fabrication, and special processes such as powder coating and anodizing. Proficient in IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 auditing standards, with proven expertise in establishing and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS).