Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080200831 | Method for objective verification of auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) in the time domain - The invention relates to a method for objective verification of auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) in the time domain whereby the individual epochs are transformed into the frequency domain. The response can be made free from noise of the asynchronous EEG in the frequency domain; the amplitudes of the spectral lines, which contain only noise, are set at zero, and the spectral lines of the harmonics remain uninfluenced. The altered spectrum is subsequently transformed back into the time domain. | 08-21-2008 |
20080228101 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AND DETERMINING HEARING STATUS - Method and System for characterizing an incident pressure wave in a hearing test. The method includes introducing a sound signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude into an ear canal, measuring at least a sound pressure level (P | 09-18-2008 |
20080262382 | Method and Apparatus for Acoustical Outer Ear Characterization - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for characterizing acoustical properties of an outer ear | 10-23-2008 |
20080269636 | System for and Method of Conveniently and Automatically Testing the Hearing of a Person - System and method for conducting a hearing test that is accessible to a mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss. The hearing test is stored on a centrally located computer ( | 10-30-2008 |
20090012420 | Ear Canal Pressurization Device - An ear canal pressurization device optimized for aural acoustic immittance testing is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of a rigid mounting framework which holds in position, axially aligned, a first flexible chamber assembly, a centrally disposed forcer assembly, and a second flexible chamber assembly. The forcer assembly comprises a ferromagnetic bobbin and coil that provides electromotive force for a moving magnet linear motor. The motor is comprised of a rigid chamber link, which passes through the hollow core of the bobbin, with a ferromagnetic keeper washer and axially aligned rare earth ring magnet at either end, with like magnetic poles facing each other. The motor is elastically suspended between the first and second flexible chambers. Current flow through the coil of the forcer assembly provides motive force for the motor via attraction or repulsion of the motor magnets and movement of the motor increases the volume of the first flexible chamber while decreasing the volume of the second flexible chamber, or vice versa. The internal volume of the first flexible chamber is coupled via an air line to an ear canal and through a controlled valve to a small vent, and the internal volume of the second flexible chamber is vented to ambient air pressure. Changes in volume of the first flexible chamber, due to motor movement, produce changes in ear canal pressure re Boyle's law. The vent may be opened to allow ear canal pressure to gently equalize to ambient air pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps free of pressure baseline offset. The vent may be closed to set a static ear canal pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an incidental baseline offset. The vent may be controlled to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an intended baseline offset. The device produces ear canal pressure proportional to drive voltage, so any desired pressure versus time function can be generated by applying a coil driving voltage with the appropriate amplitude versus time function. The device operates quietly to avoid interference with aural acoustic immittance measurement, and should have a long and maintenance free life span. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018465 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECONSTRUCTING THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAPE OF THE SURFACE OF AT LEAST A PORTION OF AN EAR CANAL AND/OR OF A CONCHA - The method for reconstructing the three-dimensional shape of the surface ( | 01-15-2009 |
20090018466 | System for customized sound therapy for tinnitus management - A system for providing therapy for tinnitus. An integrated system is developed for implementation of customized sound therapy (CST). The CST System is used by a qualified person to test and treat a patient. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a system that includes: (1) a Sound Matching Station (SMS), which is a dedicated electronic device having a processing system including a CST application, an acoustic compiler for generating CST sounds, a graphical user interface user (GUI), an output for high-quality digital audio file output; (2) an audio device for playback of CST sounds to the patient. In one embodiment, the audio device includes a Portable Sound Player (PSP). The PSP using a stereophonic playback converts the digital audio file into CST sounds, which can be heard through a pair of high fidelity earphones provided to the patient and one for the tester. | 01-15-2009 |
20090062687 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND PRODUCTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC HEARING ASSESSMENTS DISTRIBUTED VIA THE USE OF A COMPUTER NETWORK - The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements. | 03-05-2009 |
20090099476 | Method and device for tinnitus masking - A method for generating optimized tinnitus masks includes, for example, presenting stimuli in succession to a user, receiving the user's rating of the effectiveness of each presented stimulus in reducing tinnitus, selecting a subset of the stimuli to maintain as tinnitus masks, and, generating variant stimuli from the subset of the stimuli that is maintained as tinnitus masks. | 04-16-2009 |
20090105607 | AUTOMATED AUDIO CALIBRATION FOR CONSCIOUS SEDATION - A conscious sedation system comprising a controller which generates an audio request for a predetermined response from a patient a response testing apparatus including a request assembly and a response assembly. The request assembly communicates to the patient the request generated by the controller and the response assembly is used by the patient to generate the response and communicates the response to the controller, wherein the controller is programmed to generate a request and to analyze the patient's response to the request and determine and record a baseline audio stimulus for the patient and after determining the baseline audio stimulus, the controller generates a request based upon the baseline stimulus. A method for using the automated audio calibration for a conscious sedation system is disclosed. | 04-23-2009 |
20090156959 | STENGER SCREENING IN AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC HEARING TEST - Method and system are disclosed for automated testing of a patient's hearing. The automated hearing test allows the patient to quickly and accurately test his own hearing. The patient is instructed and prompted for inputs and responses as needed. The patient and/or operator can select one or several tests to be performed, including air and bone conduction testing with masking, speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, tympanogram, acoustic reflex, and otoacoustic emissions testing. Stenger screening is automatically performed for some patients based on the difference in pure tone frequency air conduction thresholds. Multiple languages are supported. Data obtained from one test may be used for another test or another iteration of the same test to calculate masking levels. The automatic hearing test also detects and compensates for ambient noise in the test results. If a contingency occurs, the automated hearing test is configured to page the operator for assistance. | 06-18-2009 |
20090177113 | INTERPRETIVE REPORT IN AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC HEARING TEST - A multimedia user interface for an automated diagnostic hearing test allows a patient to interact with the automated hearing test in order to conduct various hearing related tests. The patient is given instructions and guidance for every test, and can call the operator at any time for help. Warning messages and progress indicators are provided to help the patient gauge his progress. This allows the patient to test his own hearing with minimal or no assistance from an audiologist or other hearing health professional. The user interface also allows the operator to configure and customize the automated hearing test as needed. The results of the hearing related tests are summarized in a single report that is concise, convenient, and thorough. The report may include interpretive comments that point out possible inconsistencies, asymmetries, or areas of concern in the test results and, where appropriate, also recommend certain types of medical treatment. | 07-09-2009 |
20090192407 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RADIAL PRESSURE DETERMINATION - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of measuring ear canal wall pressure comfort level comprising: inserting an expandable pressure exertion device into an orifice; expanding the device inside the orifice in increments of pressure; and saving a threshold level where a user indicates that the pressure exerted against the walls of the orifice is becoming at least one of uncomfortable, painful, and noticeable. | 07-30-2009 |
20090259140 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTICALLY OR MECHANICALLY STIMULATING A COCHLEA AND INTRACOCHLEAR RECORDING OF MECHANICALLY OR ACOUSTICALLY EVOKED AUDITORY POTENTIALS IN THE COCHLEA - An apparatus for acoustic or mechanical stimulation of a cochlea and measurement of acoustically or mechanically evoked electrophysiologic responses from the cochlea is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes an acoustic stimulator for generating an acoustic signal and an electrophysiologic response measuring device positioned proximal the cochlea or within the cochlea for measuring an acoustically evoked electrophysiologic response to the acoustic signal. Methods of utilizing the apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to hearing impairment are also provided. | 10-15-2009 |
20090264793 | Method for determining a time constant of the hearing and method for adjusting a hearing apparatus - A method for adjusting a signal processing facility of a hearing apparatus is provided. An acoustic signal is presented and processing using a signal-processing facility, which has a first-time value to form a first-processed-acoustic signal. The first-processed-acoustic signal is assigned to a first loudness via the user. A renewed presentation of the acoustic signal is processed by the signal-processing facility, which has a second-time value to form a second-processed-acoustic signal as well as an assignment of the second-processed-acoustic signal to form a second loudness by the user. In one aspect the second-time value is less than the first-time value and the steps are repeated until the second loudness equates to the first loudness, with the first-time value being shortened with each repetition. In another aspect the second-time value is greater than the first-time value and the steps are repeated until the second loudness differs from the first loudness, with the first-time value being lengthen with each repetition. | 10-22-2009 |
20090299215 | MEASUREMENT OF SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL AND PHASE AT EARDRUM BY SENSING EARDRUM VIBRATION - A hearing assistance device for measuring sound pressure at a tympanic membrane of a user's ear, the device comprising a housing adapted to be worn at least partially in an ear canal of the user a laser source coupled to the housing and adapted to project a beam of laser energy at the tympanic membrane a sensor for receiving reflected laser energy directed at the tympanic membrane, and a processor connected to the sensor and adapted to estimate the sound pressure level and phase at the tympanic membrane from a signal generated from the sensor. Additional examples provide a hearing device for measuring sound pressure at the tympanic membrane using ultrasonic signals. Further examples provide a hearing device for measuring sound pressure at the tympanic membrane using magnetic sources and sensors. | 12-03-2009 |
20100004557 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PROCESSING DIFFICULTIES, INTEGRATION PROBLEMS, IMBALANCES AND ABNORMAL POSTURES - Methods for diagnosis and treatment are provided for a patient having processing difficulties, integration problems, imbalances or abnormal postures. In one embodiment, a patient is identified having retinal signal problems creating at least one negative medical condition. Then, at least a portion of the patient's lacrimal drainage system is blocked or altered. Further, as a result of the diagnosis and treatment, the patient achieves improved retinal signal processing and at least one of the patient's negative medical conditions is improved. Other embodiments include using in combination the Z-Bell Test and/or light blocking or altering devices for diagnosis and treatment. | 01-07-2010 |
20100016755 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TINNITUS EVALUATION - Methods, articles of manufacture, and systems for evaluating tinnitus are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a tinnitus evaluation system may include a tinnitus evaluation module configured to perform one or more tinnitus evaluation tests. A tinnitus evaluation test may comprise generating a first single-frequency sound based at least in part on a sound of a patient's tinnitus, and generating a narrow-band sound centered at the frequency of the first single-frequency sound. Tests include a hearing threshold test, a loudness match test, a pitch match test, a bandwidth match test, a minimum masking level test, and a residual inhibition test. | 01-21-2010 |
20100030101 | Method And System For Acquiring Loudness Level Information - The present invention relates to methods for acquiring hearing threshold values in a subject comprising providing a sound to the subject; providing a monitor for monitoring a movement response by the subject; monitoring the movement response by the subject to the sound; and progressively reducing the volume of the sound until no movement response by the subject to the sound occurs. The present invention further relates to methods and systems for acquiring loudness level information for a subject comprising providing a sound to a subject having a sensation level; providing a first sound to the subject having a sensational level; providing a monitor for monitoring a movement response by the subject; monitoring the movement response by the subject to the sound; and determining an elapsed reaction time between the sound and the movement response by the subject to the sound. | 02-04-2010 |
20100056950 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CREATING REDUCED TEST SETS USED IN ASSESSING SUBJECT RESPONSE TO STIMULI - A computer-implemented method for generating a test set for testing a subject using a computer system comprising logic-based processing circuitry is provided. The method includes the step of selecting one or more features from among a plurality of features, wherein a measurable effect on the subject of each feature selected is based on a predetermined threshold. The method also includes generating one or more classes of stimuli based on the selected features. The method further includes selecting stimuli from one or more of said classes for presenting to the subject. | 03-04-2010 |
20100056951 | SYSTEM AND METHODS OF SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION BASED ON ASSESSED HEARING CAPABILITIES - A method of assessing hearing characteristics of a subject is provided. The method includes determining a hearing capability of the subject based on responses of the subject to a series of sounds presented to the subject. Each sound corresponds to a presence, absence or irrelevance of a predetermined plurality of features. The method further includes assigning the subject to one of a predetermined plurality of classes based upon the responses of the subject, each of the plurality of classes being derived from hearing tests performed on a plurality of other subjects. | 03-04-2010 |
20100076338 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OBJECTIVE AUTOMATED AUDIOMETRY - The present invention relates to a method for automation of objective hearing test based on the assessment of auditory evoked potential (AEP), for shortening of testing time, and for the minimization of inaccuracy and errors which may be resulted from the automation and time shortening. The method includes the steps for: as a preliminary test, presenting standard test stimulus to a subject; searching the wave V peak and SN1 0 peak; and as a main test, presenting test stimulus of each frequency, searching the minimal intensity and determining objective hearing threshold of each frequency. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076339 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT OF HEARING ABILITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL - A system for determining the hearing ability of an individual comprises a generator for generating a test stimulus signal, a hearing aid ( | 03-25-2010 |
20100087751 | ACOUSTIC REFLECTOMETRY INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - An acoustic reflectometry instrument and method for ascertaining fluid presence in an ear. Drive side normalization involves normalizing the speaker to adjust its output to compensate for non-linearity over a frequency range used for acoustic reflectometry measurement of the ear. The microphone is normalized to compensate for system non-linearity. Measurement involves repetition a selected number of times until the spectral gradient angle is within a specified range for each repetition to provide validation of the measurement. For enhanced reliability, various sources of error are tested. | 04-08-2010 |
20100094162 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SCREENING AND TREATMENT OF YOUNG INFANTS DEMONSTRATING DEFICITS IN AUDITORY PROCESSING - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams. | 04-15-2010 |
20100125222 | METHOD FOR DETECTING HEARING IMPAIRMENT AND DEVICE THEREOF - A method for detecting hearing impairment and a device thereof are provided. The device includes a sound collecting unit and analyzing unit. The sound collecting unit is used for receiving a voice signal from a subject. The analyzing unit is coupled to the sound collecting unit and is used for receiving the voice signal and performing a signal processing and a predetermined operation for the voice signal to provide the power of low-frequency oscillations of the voice fundamental frequency of the subject, wherein the hearing impairment of the subject is linear dependency with the low frequency oscillations. | 05-20-2010 |
20100137739 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR HEARING TEST - A method of conducting a hearing test, and a device to perform the method, the method including configuring multiple test sound sets including multiple sound sources at each included audio frequency, wherein the sound sources, when sequentially arranged according to volume, have a uniform volume difference and a same frequency band, the uniform volume difference indicating a volume difference between neighboring sound sources, outputting the sound sources included in one of the multiple test sound sets, and determining and outputting a following test sound set according to a subject's input sound sources' number one or more times, and determining an auditory threshold of the subject regarding the audio frequency of the output test sound sets based on a result of the subject's input. | 06-03-2010 |
20100191143 | CALIBRATED DIGITAL HEADSET AND AUDIOMETRIC TEST METHODS THEREWITH - A digital headset system for use in audiometric testing. The headset system includes a stored calibration reference relating the exact frequency and volume response of each speaker to analog input signals. A microprocessor accesses the calibration reference to determine the required analog signal needed to produce the desired sound. An on-board digital to analog converter generates the required analog signal and transmits it to the speaker. The headset is used with software based audiometric test methods that allow the generation of an electronic user hearing profile. The user hearing profile may be used to re-program an audio emitting device to function in a customized manner. The user hearing profile may be overlaid on a partner hearing profile in order to emulate for the partner how sounds are perceived by the user. The test methods may be self-administered or administered by a healthcare professional. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191144 | Ear canal obstruction detecting acoustical stimulation ear probe - An illuminated acoustical stimulation ear probe with outer ear illumination and a probe-fit status indicator. | 07-29-2010 |
20100198105 | NON INVASIVE METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ELECTRONIC PARAMETER DEPENDING ON THE INTRALABYRINTH PRESSURE (PIL) IN A SUBJECT - The invention relates to a non-invasive method for detecting an electric parameter depending on the intralabyrinth pressure in a subject submitted to a repetitive sound stimulation having a predetermined time origin and frequency, by collecting outside the skull of the subject the electric signals emitted by the cochlea in response to said stimulation, wherein said method comprises the following steps: a) sending to the cochlea sound stimulations of the tone burst type with alternating phases; b) collecting the electric responses of the cochlea and the auditive nerve to said stimulations; c) isolating the component of a response corresponding to the average of the electric responses to a positive phase stimulation minus the average of the responses to a negative phase stimulation; d) removing from said isolated response the signals having a time origin identical to the time origin of the stimulation; and e) thus obtaining a cochlea microphonic potential (PMC) of the type representing the intralabyrinth pressure of the subject. | 08-05-2010 |
20100217149 | AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC HEARING TEST - Method and system are disclosed for automated testing of a patient's hearing. The automated hearing test allows the patient to quickly and accurately test his own hearing with minimal or no assistance from an audiologist or other hearing health professionals. The test prompts and instructs the patient for inputs and responses as needed. The patient can select one or several tests to be performed, including air and bone conduction testing with masking, speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, tympanogram, acoustic reflex, and otoacoustic emissions testing. Multiple languages are supported. Data obtained from one test may be used for another test or another iteration of the same test to calculate masking levels. The automatic hearing test also detects ambient noise and can compensate for it in the test results. If a contingency occurs, the automated hearing test is configured to page the operator for assistance. | 08-26-2010 |
20100234757 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A HEARING AID - A method for providing a hearing aid, which is adapted to the individual needs of a hearing aid user, wherein hearing loss data is measured on an individual. In order to allow time and cost savings during the fitting procedure of said hearing aid and to provide a ready-to-wear hearing aid the method comprises the steps of—assessing the admissibility of the measured hearing loss by determining if said measured hearing loss data is located within a predetermined admissibility range; attributing said measured hearing loss data to one of a set of standardized profiles, wherein each standardized profile corresponds to a certain type of hearing loss generally located within said admissibility range and is associated with a set of standardized programming parameters of a hearing aid; providing a hearing aid ( | 09-16-2010 |
20100268115 | COMPUTER-ASSISTED DIAGNOSTIC HEARING TEST - Method and System are disclosed for a computer-assisted diagnostic hearing test. The computer-assisted diagnostic hearing test includes an ambient noise monitoring module configured to monitor an ambient noise in a surrounding environment, a patient information module configured to receive patient information and hearing related tests selections, and a pure tone threshold module configured to facilitate manual testing of a pure tone threshold test. The computer-assisted diagnostic hearing test further includes a speech reception threshold module configured to facilitate manual testing of a speech reception threshold test, and a speech discrimination module configured to facilitate manual testing of a speech discrimination test. | 10-21-2010 |
20100305469 | SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY OBTRAINING AUDIOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS AND ADJUSTING HEARING AIDS VIA THE INTERNET - System and method for remotely obtaining audiometric measurements and adjusting hearing aids via the Internet, using telematic means such as video conferencing and e-mail to establish a remote connection between the patient who may be at home, in a medical centre or in a pharmacy and a hearing aid specialist at an audiometry laboratory or clinic, whereby the specialist remotely provides the patient with instructions for carrying out an audiometry test and, depending on the results, subsequently transmits adjustment signals via the Internet to the patient's hearing aid which is connected to a computer to which the patient has access. | 12-02-2010 |
20110009770 | Audiometric Testing and Calibration Devices and Methods - An audiometric testing device is provided including a housing having one or more integral calibration couplers adapted to couple with a testing transducer. The testing device also includes a tone generator that generates tones of various frequencies and intensities during a hearing test. A calibration transducer is positioned proximate the coupler and converts an output of the testing transducer into a calibration signal. The calibration signal is measured by a signal measurement module within the housing, which generates a calibration measurement that can then be used to correct for undesired intensity level variations produced by the tone generator. Audiometric testing systems and calibration methods are also provided. In some cases a testing and/or calibration of an audiometric testing device is controlled by an external computing device coupled to the testing device. | 01-13-2011 |
20110009771 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING TRANSFER FUNCTIONS OF THE HRTF TYPE - The invention relates to a method for determining transfer functions of the HRTF type for an individual, that comprises: measuring, for a first number of directions, the transfer functions of the HRTF type specific to said individual; matching the directivity functions associated with said measured functions of the HRTF type, with reference directivity functions associated with reference transfer functions of the HRTF type, said reference functions of the HRTF type being determined for a second number of directions higher that said first number of directions and reconstructing the measured directivity functions from said reference directivity functions. | 01-13-2011 |
20110034827 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR HEARING-RELATED EXAMINATION - Method for hearing-related examination comprising the steps of generating sound signals and/or electrical signals in an examination unit ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110040205 | Treatment for Alleviating Tinnitus and Hyperacusis with Auditory Stimulation by Compensating for Hearing Loss and Loss of Non-Linear Compressions - An auditory stimulation treatment for alleviating tinnitus and hyperacusis by compensating for hearing loss and loss of non-linear compression. Natural auditory signals are delivered correcting for hearing loss and compressive non-linearity, both determined at separate frequency bands for the individual subject. This differs from existing treatment in that synthetic “masking” signals are not delivered, but rather the natural auditory input to the subject is modified. Consequently, the method is more akin to a conventional hearing aid. In contrast to conventional hearing aids, however, perception thresholds are specifically corrected and non-linear compression is matched to the specific hearing deficit of the user. | 02-17-2011 |
20110046511 | PORTABLE SOUND SOURCE PLAYING APPARATUS FOR TESTING HEARING ABILITY AND METHOD OF TESTING HEARING ABILITY USING THE APPARATUS - A method of testing a hearing ability of a user using a portable sound source playing apparatus includes; outputting a signal indicating at least one phoneme, obtaining a response of a user regarding a degree of audibility of the output signal, and testing the hearing ability of a user based on hearing characteristics of the user showing the degree of audibility of a frequency band comprising a frequency of the at least one phoneme based on the obtained response. | 02-24-2011 |
20110060244 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND PRODUCTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC HEARING ASSESSMENTS DISTRIBUTED VIA THE USE OF A COMPUTER NETWORK - The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements. | 03-10-2011 |
20110071422 | Method and apparatus for aural acoustic immittance measurement - An acoustic immittance measurement system converts a measure of acoustic immittance (i.e. impedance and/or admittance) of a subject's middle ear to the frequency domain such that variations in magnitude and/or phase are diagnosed using either open-loop or closed-loop measurement techniques. | 03-24-2011 |
20110082386 | REPLACEMENT ADHESIVE UNIT FOR EAR COUPLERS - A replacement adhesive unit for optimizing adhesion to a disposable ear coupler and an ear of an infant comprises at least one adhesive layer that can be attached to a skin side flange of the disposable ear coupler, at least one structural tie layer to attach with a bottom side of the adhesive layer, and at least one adhesive ring having a top side and a bottom side, the top side being attached at a bottom surface of the structural tie layer. The structural tie layer provides structural support to the replacement adhesive unit and the application of at least one surface tape and the replacement adhesive unit in a laminated arrangement makes the disposable ear coupler reusable. | 04-07-2011 |
20110087130 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDERS - A method for diagnosing and treating an auditory processing disorder. The diagnosis phase includes presenting, simultaneously at least one different audible sound in a user's left ear and right ear. Each sound is different for each ear. A determination is made if the user can correctly recall the sound, whereby incorrect recollection indicates a disorder. The treatment phase includes repetitively presenting over time, the patient/user with different audio signals to each ear with the signals being presented simultaneously. An interface is provided for the patient/user to attempt to reproduce said audio signals presented. The patient's/user's ability to accurately reproduce the correct signals over a period of time is monitored with increasing complexity in the exercises. | 04-14-2011 |
20110144529 | Method and Apparatus for the Objective Detection of Auditive Disorders - The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the objective detection of auditive disorders, by recording arising potentials of a steady state with simultaneous acoustic stimulation via the bones or the airway to be used in newborns. The apparatus comprises the necessary means for the independent generation of two different sound stimuli presented to the subject simultaneously via osseous and airway electroacoustic transducers, the synchronous recording of the cerebral electrical activity of the subject, the continuous evaluation of the contact of the electrodes, the interactive measurement of the levels of ambient noise, and the wireless digital transmission of the bioelectric activity towards a computer. The method according to the invention statistically processes and detects the potentials provoked by the osseous-airway stimulation, automatically providing a categorical final result, according to the presence or absence of the auditive sensitivity disorders, the type of disorder (conductive or sensorineural), and the validity of the result. | 06-16-2011 |
20110190658 | PORTABLE SOUND SOURCE REPRODUCING APPARATUS FOR TESTING HEARING ABILITY AND METHOD USING THE SAME - A method of testing hearing ability using a sound source reproducing apparatus, the method comprises outputting at least one test sound representing at least one frequency band, acquiring a response of a testee to a degree of audibility of the at least one test sound, and testing hearing ability of the testee in the at least one frequency band corresponding to each of the at least one test sound, respectively, according to the response of the testee. | 08-04-2011 |
20110230786 | HEARING TESTING DEVICE - A portable wireless hearing testing device, the device including: left and right earpieces connected together by a headband and arranged as headphones; the left and right earpiece each including an earpiece housing shaped to surround the left and right ears of a subject respectively to substantially prevent ambient sounds reaching the ear of the subject; left and right loudspeakers located within the left and right earpiece housings respectively; and control circuitry located within the left and/or right earpiece housings and coupled to drive the loudspeakers, the control circuitry being arranged to produce left and right test signals which are applied to the left and right loudspeakers respectively, the test signals being operative to cause the left and right loudspeakers to provide a respective series of tones at frequencies corresponding to the test signals and wherein the test signals do not include significant harmonic components of the tones. | 09-22-2011 |
20110245714 | Hearing Prosthesis with Integrated Sensors for Measuring Pressure in a Cochlea - The present application discloses a hearing prosthesis comprising a stimulation assembly configured to be implanted into a cochlea. The stimulation assembly comprises a plurality of electrodes and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be configured to measure pressure within the cochlea. The pressure measurements may include (i) measurements of pressure corresponding to a physical contact of the one or more sensors with internal cochlear structures, (ii) measurements of perilymph fluid pressure, or (iii) measurements of pressure waves in the perilymph fluid corresponding to external sound waves. In one aspect, the sensor may be used by a system to help surgeons avoid damage to the cochlea during surgical implantation of the stimulation assembly. In another aspect, the sensor may be one component of an implantable microphone. | 10-06-2011 |
20110270124 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNAL ENCODING EVOKED RESPONSES - A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices ( | 11-03-2011 |
20110301494 | EAR COUPLER - An ear coupler includes a dome-shape member having a wall, a flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a part of the member, and an opening in the wall of the member. An ear coupler includes a member having a cavity for accommodating an ear, a flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a part of the member, and a structure extending from the wall, the structure having an end with a port. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301495 | IMAGES OF LANGUAGE-SENSITIVE NEUROCIRCUITRY AS A DIAGNOSTIC FOR AUTISM - The disclosed subject matter provides on ore more imaging techniques during passive auditory stimulation to objectively provide a diagnostic indicator of ASD. These techniques include functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that uniquely provides an objective (imaging) physiological technique to diagnose early autism and to monitor progress following therapeutic intervention. | 12-08-2011 |
20110313315 | AUDITORY DIAGNOSIS AND TRAINING SYSTEM APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention provides a system and method for auditory skills Improvement and, more specifically, for improving auditory perception using a system and method that screens, diagnoses and trains the auditory system. The system is compatible for hearing aid users and for children. The training is specific to the auditory profile of the patients with different task difficulties. To monitor and control the training, the system transfer specific data to a remote server. | 12-22-2011 |
20120029383 | HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED AUDIOMETRIC TESTING - A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed. | 02-02-2012 |
20120109006 | FITTING AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS - A method and system for fitting and adjusting the operation of an acoustic hearing prosthesis or a hybrid electric and acoustic hearing prosthesis. A graphic user interface allows for the acoustic and electric fitting parameters to be viewed and adjusted in a comparable way. The method further allows for the parameters for acoustic stimulation of the acoustic channels to be adjusted in response to behavioural or objective measurement of responses to known stimuli, so as to achieve a desired response curve. | 05-03-2012 |
20120130271 | Self-Administered Hearing Test Kits, Systems and Methods - A kit for conducting a self-administered hearing test allows a test subject to generate calibrated pure tone stimuli during a hearing test without calibrating the testing system beforehand. Some hearing kits include a sound module and headphones configured to couple together and further couple with a processor-driven device, such as a computer. Some kits also include a computer-readable storage medium with executable instructions for programming a computer to perform the hearing test, including generating calibrated pure tone stimuli without calibration by the user. Methods and systems for conducting calibrated, self-administered hearing tests are also provided. | 05-24-2012 |
20120157876 | HEARING TEST METHOD AND APPARATUS - A hearing test method and apparatus are provided for improving a measuring accuracy and a test speed in finding the auditory threshold that is the audibility limit of discriminating a sound. In the method, after outputting a test sound relevant to a selected test frequency and a selected test sound pressure, the apparatus determines whether a user hears the test sound, then the test sound pressure zone is divided into an auditory threshold presence region and an auditory threshold absence region according to the result of determination. Thereafter, the test sound pressure zone is redefined using the auditory threshold presence region and this process of hearing test is repeated using the redefined test sound pressure zone to finally determine an auditory threshold for the selected test frequency. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157877 | STEADY STATE MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS APPROACH TO PROFILING AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIALS FROM SHORT-LATENCY TO LONG LATENCY - The present invention relates to methods and systems for profiling evoked potentials in brain electrical activity which apply steady state response concepts to analysis of longer latency responses reflective of activity of brain regions beyond the brainstem, up to an including the cortex. The use of repeated stimuli within a single analysis window produces a quasi steady-state response and permits a high-resolution spectral analysis. Response amplitudes were measured at repetition rates from 80 to below 1 Hz, using trains of repeated tone-burst stimuli. An amplitude measure introduced and defined as the harmonic sum was incorporated into the spectral power of the response carried by both the fundamental frequency, and the harmonics thereof. Additionally, time ensemble averaging can be employed to improve signal to noise ratio. | 06-21-2012 |
20120191004 | HEARING TESTING PROBE APPARATUS WITH DIGITAL INTERFACE - Certain embodiments provide a hearing testing probe apparatus. The hearing testing probe apparatus includes a probe tube detachably coupled at a first end to a probe body and extending through a center hole in an eartip to align proximate a face of the eartip at a second end. The probe tube includes a plurality of stimulus lumens for receiving and carrying stimulus from the first end of the probe tube for output at the second end of the probe tube. The probe tube includes one or more microphone lumens for receiving and carrying one or more measured responses from the second end of the probe tube to one or more microphones at the first end of the probe tube. | 07-26-2012 |
20120209139 | Rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing. - A rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing includes techniques that are particularly suited for rapid objective hearing screening and evaluation of newborns or other patients who are unable or unwilling to provide reliable subjective responses. The hearing tests may be frequency specific or may evaluate overall hearing ability without special focus on frequency-specific loss. The tests involve the use of novel stimuli, signal processing, signal analysis, and statistical techniques, including the use of ramped stimuli and evaluating the changes that these stimuli evoke in the individual's brain activity at different moments in time. | 08-16-2012 |
20120226187 | Vestibular Implant - A vestibular implant comprising a stimulation unit to generate electric stimuli and deliver to electrode arrays is disclosed. The stimulation unit generates electric stimuli in response to a user input or continuously generates electrical stimuli. The electrode arrays comprise electrodes and are adapted for placement within a semicircular canal of an ear. The electric stimuli is delivered from the stimulation unit to the electrode so that the electrodes apply electric stimuli. A predetermined electric stimulus is applied to restore spontaneous vestibular activity during a Meniere's attack. A continuous, unmodulated electric stimulus is applied to suppress the symptoms of unilateral loss of vestibular function. Additionally, the electrodes record electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAP). An appropriate location for the placement of the electrode array is determined based on the recorded eCAP. | 09-06-2012 |
20120232422 | RESPONSE TESTING FOR CONSCIOUS SEDATION UTILIZING A NON-EAR-CANAL-CONTACTING SPEAKER - A conscious sedation system and a request assembly for a response testing apparatus for a conscious sedation system. The conscious sedation system includes a controller which generates a request for a predetermined response from a patient and which analyses at least a response made by the patient to the request to determine a level of sedation of the patient. The response testing apparatus includes a request assembly and a response assembly. The request assembly audibly communicates to the patient the request generated by the controller and includes a non-ear-canal-contacting speaker. The response assembly senses the response and communicates the response to the controller. | 09-13-2012 |
20120265093 | System and Method for Calibrating and Determining Hearing Status - Method and System for characterizing an incident pressure wave in a hearing test. The method includes introducing a sound signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude into an ear canal, measuring at least a sound pressure level (P | 10-18-2012 |
20120271195 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SCREENING AND TREATMENT OF YOUNG INFANTS DEMONSTRATING DEFICITS IN AUDITORY PROCESSING - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams. | 10-25-2012 |
20120283593 | TINNITUS TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tinnitus masking system for use by a person having tinnitus The system comprises a sound delivery system having left and right ear-level audio delivery devices and is configured to deliver a masking sound to the person via the audio delivery devices such that the masking sound appears to originate from a virtual sound source location that substantially corresponds to the spatial location in 3D auditory space of the source of the tinnitus as perceived by the person. The masking sound being represented by left and right audio signals that are converted to audible sound by the respective audio delivery devices. | 11-08-2012 |
20120283594 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING HEARING THRESHOLDS - A method for registering a person's ability to hear, which method comprises the use of an eye tracker, wherein a person's hearing threshold is determined by emitting a sound with a determined frequency and sound intensity level to the test person, whereby the persons eye movements is followed by an eye tracker system, and a hit for said determined frequency and sound intensity level is registered when the eye tracker has registered an eye movement hit. | 11-08-2012 |
20130006140 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND PRODUCTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC HEARING ASSESSMENTS DISTRIBUTED VIA THE USE OF A COMPUTER NETWORK - The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements. | 01-03-2013 |
20130030321 | CONCHA ELECTRODE - A system of monitoring and recording signals generated by ear functions is disclosed. The system may comprise; an electrode having an active portion shaped to fit the concha; a support structure for the electrode for locating the active portion within the concha: and a processing system in electrical communication with the electrode. In a particular embodiment, the support structure comprises a clamp having a first arm and a second arm. in another embodiment, the electrode is on the first arm and a portion of the first arm adjacent the electrode is shaped to fit within the concha, and a second electrode on the second arm serves either as an active electrode combined with the electrode placed on the concha. | 01-31-2013 |
20130035608 | EAR INPUT SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM - Systems and methods for monitoring a sound pressure level dose at an ear are provided. A system includes an audio transducer which outputs a sound signal is placed within an ear to receive sound at the ear. A sound level threshold detector determines whether a sound pressure level of the sound signal is at a minimum level and outputs a sound pressure level signal corresponding to the sound pressure level when the sound pressure level is not at the minimum level. A time period is calculated during which the sound pressure level is not at the minimum threshold level. A listening fatigue calculator determines whether a cumulative effect of exposure to the sound signal at the ear over the time period will cause harm to the ear. At least a portion of the system is disposed in situ at the ear. | 02-07-2013 |
20130060159 | HEARING SCREENING APPLICATION FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A computer-implemented method is provided for conducting a hearing assessment of a patient. The method includes: presenting a plurality of objects on a display of a computing device, where each object produces an audio output in response to a stimuli from the patient and the audio output by the objects varies in frequency and intensity amongst the plurality of objects; prompting a patient with a visual cue to classify objects producing sound; receiving an input from the patient for each object in the plurality of objects, where the input indicates whether the audio output by a given object was perceptible to the patient; and generating an audiogram for the patient using the input received from the patient. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066228 | MINIMIZING MECHANICAL TRAUMA DUE TO IMPLANTATION OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical implant component including a fiber Bragg grating sensor is described. The sensor may be located so as to be at a leading end of the implant when the implant is being inserted, allowing feedback to be provided to a surgeon of the force being applied to the leading end of the implant during implantation. An interrogator for a sensor fiber Bragg grating is also described. The interrogator includes a matched fiber Bragg grating to the sensor fiber Bragg grating, which passes a proportion of the return light signal from the sensor fiber Bragg grating, the intensity of which can be related to the strain/force applied to the sensor Bragg grating. | 03-14-2013 |
20130085411 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HEARING TESTS - An apparatus, system, and method for hearing tests are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method determines a set of candidate audiograms for a user. In one embodiment, the method includes estimating the slope of hearing level of a user. The method also includes estimating a pure tone average for the user based on the answers of the user to a questionnaire. The gender of the user is also determined. The gender, estimated slope, estimated pure pone average of the user are used to estimate the most possible audiograms from a set of predetermined candidate audiograms. A hearing aid is programmed based on the estimated audiograms for the user. The programmed hearing aid has several settings, each based on the estimated audiograms, for the user to choose from. | 04-04-2013 |
20130102923 | Acoustic Prescription Rule Based on an In Situ Measured Dynamic Range - The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for determining prescription rules for a hearing prosthesis. A method in accordance with the present disclosure includes identifying a threshold hearing level and an uncomfortable loudness level for a channel of a hearing prosthesis. In one example, the threshold hearing level and the uncomfortable loudness level are determined in response to a stimulation signal generated utilizing the hearing prosthesis in situ on a recipient. In the present example, the stimulation signal corresponds to the channel of the hearing prosthesis. The method further includes developing a prescription rule based on the threshold hearing level and the uncomfortable loudness level. Generally, the prescription rule includes at least one of a linear compression scheme and a wide dynamic range compression scheme. | 04-25-2013 |
20130131542 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TINNITUS EVALUATION - Methods, articles of manufacture, and systems for evaluating tinnitus are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a tinnitus evaluation system may include a tinnitus evaluation module configured to perform one or more tinnitus evaluation tests. A tinnitus evaluation test may comprise generating a first single-frequency sound based at least in part on a sound of a patient's tinnitus, and generating a narrow-band sound centered at the frequency of the first single-frequency sound. Tests include a hearing threshold test, a loudness match test, a pitch match test, a bandwidth match test, a minimum masking level test, and a residual inhibition test. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131543 | TINNITUS TESTING DEVICE AND METHOD - Objectively identifying an acoustic characteristic of tinnitus of a subject. The subject is exposed to a sound pattern having a background acoustic signal preceding an audible silence. The background acoustic signal has a selected acoustic characteristic. An electrical response of the subject's central nervous system to the exposure to the sound pattern is measured. The measured electrical response has a first portion representing the electrical response of the subject's central nervous system to the background acoustic signal, and a second portion representing the electrical response of the subject's central nervous system to the audible silence in the sound pattern. The first portion of the measured electrical response is compared to the second portion of the measured electrical response and a determination is made as to whether the subject has tinnitus with an acoustic characteristic similar to the selected acoustic characteristic based on the comparison. | 05-23-2013 |
20130190647 | DISPOSABLE DUAL TIPPED EAR CURETTE INCORPORATING DEPTH MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A disposable dual ended ear curette incorporates specialized tip configurations and a depth measurement system. The ear curette may comprise a central handle portion; a first tip extending from one end of the handle portion and including an annular array of projections; and a second tip extending from an opposed end of the handle portion and including a blade member having a first lateral scraping edge on one edge of the blade member positioned adjacent a concave surface of the blade member, and a second lateral scraping edge on an opposed edge of the blade member. The ear curette may further include a sequence of spaced, visible measurement indicia on each tip, configured to provide an operator with a visual indication of the depth of operation of the associated tip in a patient's ear. | 07-25-2013 |
20130274628 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE SCREENING AND MONITORING OF INNER EAR FUNCTION - Methods and systems for monitoring or testing the hearing of a user using a portable unit include presenting a plurality of test frequencies for selection by a user and storing data about those frequencies, and the user's response to stimuli presented at those frequencies, and comparing the stored data to previously acquired hearing data. Using mathematical prediction algorithms, changes in baseline hearing values can be used to identify potential hearing issues, especially hearing issues associated with ototoxicity. | 10-17-2013 |
20130303940 | Audiometric Testing Devices and Methods - Systems and methods for performing automated hearing tests using a hearing assistance device. A system may include a hearing assistance device and an interface device. The hearing assistance device may be configured to provide acoustic stimuli to a subject and the interface device may be configured to receive feedback from the subject in response to the acoustic stimuli. The system may generate results from the automated hearing test including hearing threshold levels. The results may be used to automatically adjust the hearing assistance device or may be automatically communicated. The results may also be communicated to a computing device of the system where a hearing professional may evaluate the results, recommend additional testing or manually adjust the hearing assistance device from the computing device. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303941 | Method and Apparatus for Evaluating Dynamic Middle Ear Muscle Activity - Provided are methods and devices for evaluating dynamic middle ear muscle activity in a subject. A probe is provided having a speaker and a microphone in sound-wave communication with an eardrum associated with the middle ear muscle of the subject. A sound wave is generated from the speaker and transmitted to the eardrum. The sound wave that is reflected is detected and a reflected sound wave property measured. The input sound wave may be comb input to fully extend ossicle movement in all available vibratory modes, thereby providing maximum information as to dynamic middle ear muscle activity. | 11-14-2013 |
20130345594 | CALIBRATED DIGITAL HEADSET AND AUDIOMETRIC TEST METHODS THEREWITH - A digital headset system for use in audiometric testing. The headset system includes a stored calibration reference relating the exact frequency and volume response of each speaker to analog input signals. A microprocessor accesses the calibration reference to determine the required analog signal needed to produce the desired sound. An on-board digital to analog converter generates the required analog signal and transmits it to the speaker. The headset is used with software based audiometric test methods that allow the generation of an electronic user hearing profile. The user hearing profile may be used to re-program an audio emitting device to function in a customized manner. The user hearing profile may be overlaid on a partner hearing profile in order to emulate for the partner how sounds are perceived by the user. The test methods may be self-administered or administered by a healthcare professional. | 12-26-2013 |
20140018698 | METHOD TO ESTIMATE THE SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL AT EARDRUM USING MEASUREMENTS AWAY FROM THE EARDRUM - A method for measuring sound pressure at a tympanic membrane of a wearer's ear including a high frequency range with a hearing assistance device. The hearing assistance device comprises a processor connected to a sensor in the ear canal. The device provides a measure of the sound pressure level at the tympanic membrane of the wearer using a null frequency and a null Q measured at a distant position away from the tympanic membrane. The method does not require a precise knowledge of the ear canal, nor does it require an elaborate calibration step. In various embodiments, the present approach works at low and high frequencies. | 01-16-2014 |
20140094712 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTICALLY OR MECHANICALLY STIMULATING A COCHLEA AND INTRACOCHLEAR RECORDING OF MECHANICALLY OR ACOUSTICALLY EVOKED AUDITORY POTENTIALS IN THE COCHLEA - An apparatus for acoustic or mechanical stimulation of a cochlea and measurement of acoustically or mechanically evoked electrophysiologic responses from the cochlea is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes an acoustic stimulator for generating an acoustic signal and an electrophysiologic response measuring device positioned proximal the cochlea or within the cochlea for measuring an acoustically evoked electrophysiologic response to the acoustic signal. Methods of utilizing the apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to hearing impairment are also provided. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100475 | NON-INVASIVE, BEDSIDE INTRA-CRANIAL PRESSURE AND BRAIN SHIFT/HERNIATION MONITORING UNIT UTILIZING EARLY ON-SET AUDITORY EVOKED RESPONSES - Systems and methods are taught for non-invasively monitoring brainstem function and intra-cranial pressure in a patient. Repeated auditory stimulation is applied to the patient in at least one ear to generate an auditory brainstem response. The response waveform is detected with an electrode at a location on the patient's head. The detected waveform data is compared with known waveform data and an alarm is initiated when a change in the auditory brainstem response is detected based on the comparison that is indicative of a corresponding change in intra-cranial pressure in the patient. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107526 | EVALUATION OF AN IMPLANTED PROSTHESIS - Evaluating an implanted hearing prosthesis, including operating the implanted hearing prosthesis, capturing sound generated by a transducer of the prosthesis during said operation, and comparing the captured sound to a sound model. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114209 | Method and Apparatus for measuring Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) by means of frequency modulated stimuli - A method to reduce DPOAE fine structure in the measurement of DPOAE acoustic signals generated in the cochlea in response to two primary tones. | 04-24-2014 |
20140128767 | EAR COUPLER - An ear coupler includes: a member having a cavity for accommodating at least a part of an ear; and a structure extending from the member, the structure having an end with a port; wherein the port is configured for detachably coupling to a transducer. | 05-08-2014 |
20140142463 | USER INTERFACE AND METHOD TO DISCOVER HEARING SENSITIVITY OF USER ON SMART PHONE - Employing outputted tones on a client device and/or headset is facilitated to identify hearing sensitivity of a user for both ears at various frequency bands and provide an indication of the users hearing sensitivity as compared to a normal hearing curve of a plurality of users on the same client device and/or headset or differing client devices and/or headsets. | 05-22-2014 |
20140194774 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEARING ASSESSMENT OVER A NETWORK - A system for administering a hearing test to a remotely located user or subject using a user computing device connected to a communication network. The system provides for testing of ambient noise at the remote location and accuracy of sound reproduction by headphones engaged to the user computing device in a calibration of the loudspeakers of the headphones and the venue prior to communicating the test sounds. The calibration insures results determined by user input provide an accurate outcome. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194775 | Method and System for Self-Managed Sound Enhancement - A system and method are provided for capturing hearing characteristics from self-administered hearing tests, including loudness tolerance levels at different sound frequencies, as an individualized shaped auditory profile for automatically enhancing audio to complement and address as closely as possible an individual's hearing deficits experienced via a particular signal pathway, the signal pathway including the audio device used to administer the test, the sound environment, and the user's hearing capabilities. The user may self-administer a hearing test on a convenient personal apparatus, such as a smartphone. The shaped auditory profile may then be used to produce enhanced sound subsequently transmitted to the individual via the same signal pathway. In certain of its aspects, the invention is useful for any individual seeking an enhanced hearing experience, whether having hearing within normal range or hearing that is impaired. | 07-10-2014 |
20140236043 | Method and Device for Conducting a Pure Tone Audiometry Screening - A method for conducting a pure tone audiometry uses tones of different frequency and intensity utilizing an adaptive procedure. Tone signals with at least two different frequencies are independently changed by delivering to a test person a set of at least three different test stimuli selected from a group of no tone at all, one long tone with a first frequency, and a multitude of short tones of a second frequency. The second frequency is higher than the first frequency. The test person's response corresponds to one of the different test stimuli, and a next test stimulus is presented to the test person after a short delay. A device for conducting an automated pure tone audiometry screening includes a tone generator capable of delivering pure tones of different frequencies and intensities and is able to deliver tones either as a long tone or a set of shorter tones. | 08-21-2014 |
20140243702 | HEARING ASSESSMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A system and a method for a healthcare provider to easily, accurately and efficiently provide a hearing test and a pressure test, i.e., a hearing assessment, for their patients, in a way that accurately detects hearing loss and provides recommendations for seeking further assistance from qualified hearing health specialists is provided. | 08-28-2014 |
20140257131 | AUDITORY STIMULUS FOR AUDITORY REHABILITATION - Generally, a method performed by one or more processing devices includes generating a graphical user interface that when rendered on a display of the one or more processing devices renders a visual representation of an environment and a visual representation of an object in the environment; retrieving an auditory stimulus with one or more auditory attributes indicative of a location of a virtual target in the environment; receiving information specifying movement of the object in the environment; determining, based on the movement of the object, a proximity of the object to the virtual target; adjusting, based on the proximity, one or more values of the one or more auditory attributes of the auditory stimulus; and causing the one or more processing devices to play the auditory stimulus using the adjusted one or more values. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257132 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR TREATING TINNITUS WITH VNS PAIRING - A method of treating tinnitus comprising measuring a patient's hearing, determining the patient's hearing loss and the patient's tinnitus frequency using the measurements of the patient's hearing, programming a clinical controller with the measurements of the patient's hearing, selecting a plurality of therapeutic tones, where the therapeutic tones are selected to be at least a half-octave above or below of the patient's tinnitus frequency, setting an appropriate volume for each of the plurality of tones, repetitively playing each of the plurality of therapeutic tones, and pairing a vagus nerve stimulation pulse train with each playing of a therapeutic tone, thereby reducing the patient's perception of tinnitus. | 09-11-2014 |
20140296739 | METHOD TO MEASURE REAL-EAR-TO-COUPLER DIFFERENCE | 10-02-2014 |
20140309549 | METHODS FOR TESTING HEARING - One variation of a method for testing a hearing ability of a user includes: outputting a first audible tone including a first frequency; recording a first volume adjustment for the first audible tone by the user; outputting a second audible tone including a second frequency; recording a second volume adjustment for the second audible tone by the user; selecting a particular hearing model from a set of hearing models based on a difference between the first volume adjustment and the second volume adjustment, each hearing model in the set of hearing models including a hearing test result corresponding to a previous patient; and generating a hearing profile for the user based on the particular hearing model result. | 10-16-2014 |
20140330160 | HEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DISTANCE BETWEEN EARDRUM AND HEARING APPARATUS - A hearing apparatus and method for measuring a distance between an eardrum and the hearing apparatus are provided. The hearing apparatus may include a signal output unit configured to output a first measurement signal, a signal identification unit configured to receive a second measurement signal, and a distance determination unit configured to determine the distance between the user's eardrum and the hearing apparatus. | 11-06-2014 |
20140371623 | ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY-BASED COCHLEA DEAD REGION DETECTION APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROVISION METHOD FOR DETECTING COCHLEA DEAD REGION USING THE SAME - An apparatus for objectively detecting a cochlea dead region based on electrophysiology and an information provision method for detecting a cochlea dead region using the apparatus. A cochlea dead region detection apparatus including a control unit is also disclosed. The control unit includes a stimulus generation unit for generating stimuli and an Acoustic Change Complex (ACC) measurement unit for measuring ACCs depending on the stimuli. | 12-18-2014 |
20150025413 | HEARING PROFILE TEST SYSTEM AND METHOD - Examples of systems and methods for profiling the hearing ability of a consumer are disclosed. One example includes a personal computer and a handheld device configured to produce calibrated acoustic output at suprathreshold levels above 20 db HL, and at step levels of 10-20 decibels, and presented test frequency bands across an audiometric frequency range from 400 to 8000Hz. The consumer's minimal audibility levels are registered, and a hearing profile score is presented to indicate hearing ability and hearing aid candidacy. In some embodiments, band-limited natural sounds are presented. Systems and methods disclosed herein, with considerations for noise present in the consumer's environment, allow for rapid calibrated hearing profiling, using a standard personal computer and minimal hardware, thus particularly suited for self-testing outside clinical environments such as at home or the office. | 01-22-2015 |
20150073296 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MATCHING OF TINNITUS - Apparatuses and methods for matching the tinnitus of a subject are provided. A plurality of sounds are applied to a subject. The plurality of sounds includes a plurality of first sounds and further includes a plurality of second sounds. A first likeness score associated with the plurality of the sounds is received. Each first likeness score is representative of the similarity of the sound associated therewith to the tinnitus of the subject. At least one third sound is generated based on at least one of the plurality of first sounds and based on at least one of the plurality of second sounds. The at least one third sound is generated based on the first likeness scores associated with the plurality of sounds. A fourth sound is determined based on the at least one third sound. The fourth sound matches the tinnitus of the subject. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073297 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RAPIDLY DETERMINING AND DISPLAYING THE DEPTH OF EAR TIP PLACEMENT TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY OF HEARING TESTS - Methods and systems for rapidly determining and displaying the depth of ear tip placement to improve the reliability of hearing tests may comprise in a hearing assessment system comprising a control system and a probe with a sealing ear tip, a microphone, and a sound source: measuring a pressure versus frequency of an ear canal, determining a first half-wavelength frequency of the ear canal using the measured pressure versus frequency and/or or from the phase of the ear canal reflectance, and calculating a distance between the hearing probe and an eardrum in the ear canal based on the determined first half-wavelength frequency. Subsequent measurements of the ear canal may be performed using the calculated distance. The calculated distance may be stored in a memory in the control system for the subsequent measurements of the ear canal. The calculated distance may be displayed on a gauge on the control system. | 03-12-2015 |
20150126900 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE ARRAY INCLUDING RECEPTOR AND SENSOR - A device including a cochlear implant electrode array and an apparatus configured to sense a phenomenon of fluid in a cochlea, wherein the apparatus and the electrode array are a single unit. | 05-07-2015 |
20150133812 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT OF MENTAL STATES - Methods and systems are disclosed for quantitatively assessing mental states and/or characteristics of an individual. Specific mental states and/or characteristics, or properties thereof may, in some embodiments, be associated with one or more stimuli. In some embodiments, such stimuli may be administered to an individual, whereupon the individual's responses are usable to determine one or more aspects of the individual's mental affect. Some of the disclosed methods and systems are based at least in part on computerized and computer-associated devices. | 05-14-2015 |
20150289786 | Method of Acoustic Screening for Processing Hearing Loss Patients by Executing Computer-Executable Instructions Stored On a Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Medium - A method of method of acoustic screening for processing hearing loss patients utilizes a computing device connected to an audio output device to administer a hearing loss exam to a patient, display an audiogram of their hearing loss to the patient, and attempt to gently guide the patient into undergoing treatment for hearing loss. A correction algorithm is produced from the audiometric data in order to present the patient with comparison scenarios from typical day-to-day sounds with and without being modified by the correction algorithm. | 10-15-2015 |
20150297122 | METHOD OF SCREENING TINNITUS BY OCCLUDING A PATIENT'S OUTER EARS AND ANALYZING PATIENT FEEDBACK TO LOCATE TO AFFLICTED AREA(S) - Instructing a patient to listen carefully for specific sounds while his or her ear canals are occluded. Occluding the cannels and observing the patient to determine when he or she recognizes a sound described in the instruction, opening the patient's ear cannels, questioning about the specific sound perceived and recording the results. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305678 | AUDIOLOGIC TEST APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD - An audiologic test apparatus includes: a processing unit; a tone generator connected to the processing unit; and a probe interface for connecting the audiologic test apparatus to a test probe; the tone generator configured to provide a first electrical signal representative of a first signal with a first primary frequency component at a first primary frequency; wherein the processing unit is configured to: obtain a first response signal, determine if a first insertion criterion is satisfied, the first insertion criterion based on the first signal and the first response signal, and generate a signal to initiate an audiologic test if at least the first insertion criterion is satisfied; the tone generator configured to provide a second electrical signal representative of a second signal with a second primary frequency component at a second primary frequency during the audiologic test, the first primary frequency being lower than the second primary frequency. | 10-29-2015 |
20150320344 | Method and System for Self-Managed Sound Enhancement - A system and method are provided for capturing hearing characteristics from self-administered hearing tests, including loudness tolerance levels at different sound frequencies, as an individualized shaped auditory profile for automatically enhancing audio to complement and address as closely as possible an individual's hearing deficits experienced via a particular signal pathway, the signal pathway including the audio device used to administer the test, the sound environment, and the user's hearing capabilities. The user may self-administer a hearing test on a convenient personal apparatus, such as a smartphone. The shaped auditory profile may then be used to produce enhanced sound subsequently transmitted to the individual via the same signal pathway. In certain of its aspects, the invention is useful for any individual seeking an enhanced hearing experience, whether having hearing within normal range or hearing that is impaired. | 11-12-2015 |
20150327797 | AUDIOMETRIC SELF-TESTING - A method includes:
| 11-19-2015 |
20150327798 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEARING CONDITIONS - A device and method for the diagnosis and/or treatment of any one or more of hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis. The device is configured with programming to enable a patient to select from one or more program blocks that establish sound amplification and sound generation functions and to control adjustment of sound amplification and/or generation within a range. A single device of the invention can be used to detect and/or resolve a plurality of conditions including hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis. The acoustic modulator device of the present invention enables effective tinnitus treatment, effective hyperacusis treatment and effective treatment when both exist. The method also includes a graduated process for building patient tolerance to noise amplitude when the patient has hyperacusis including doing so to allow the patient to reach a tinnitus threshold point. | 11-19-2015 |
20150342484 | EVALUATION BY OCTAVE ANALYSIS - A method of examining a bodily function. A first set of frequency characteristics and amplitude characteristics of a first electrical signal deriving from rhythmic activity of a nerve in a living body is detected at a first condition. The nerve is stimulated to a second condition and a second set of frequency characteristics and amplitude characteristics of a second electrical signal deriving from the rhythmic activity of said nerve is detected. The fundamental frequency present in the frequency characteristics is identified. From the fundamental frequency the frequencies corresponding to a plurality of octaves of said fundamental frequency are calculated. The amplitude of said electrical signals at said octaves is identified. For said first signal a first amplitude ratio is calculated being the ratio of the amplitude difference between a first pair of said octaves, and the amplitude difference between a second pair of said octaves. For said second signal a second amplitude ratio is calculated being the ratio of the amplitude difference between said first pair of octaves, and the amplitude difference between said second pair of octaves. An octave ratio is calculated being the ratio of said first amplitude ratio to said second amplitude ratio. The octave ratio is used as a measure of said bodily function. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342505 | Method and Apparatus for Automated Detection of Suppression of TEOAE by Contralateral Acoustic Stimulation - A method of generating and measuring transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) acoustic signals generated in the cochlea using automated detection to determine contralateral suppression of TEOAE via statistical analysis of suppressed and unsuppressed responses. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342506 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING HYPERMONITORING OF TINNITUS - To evaluate hypermonitoring of a patient, a processor controls an audiometer or computer software interface and executes instructions in a memory device which present various tones to the patient to determine a pitch match tone, a clinical loudness match, a subjective loudness and a subjective perceived loudness relative to the patient's tinnitus. A display and input device provide an interface between the processor and an operator. | 12-03-2015 |
20150351657 | Method And System For Monitoring Depth Of Anaesthesia And Sensory Functioning - Methods and systems for measuring depth of anaesthesia and/or perception of pain comprising using brainstem audiometry are described. | 12-10-2015 |
20150359468 | Method for Determining Hearing Thresholds in the Absence of Pure-Tone Testing - A method for determining hearing thresholds in the absence of pure-tone testing includes an adaptive speech recognition test which includes a calibrated item pool, each item having a difficulty value (d | 12-17-2015 |
20160038062 | HEARING TEST PROVISION SYSTEM, AND HEARING TEST PROVISION METHOD - One object of the present invention is to provide a hearing test provision system capable of causing a person who has decreased hearing ability to be aware of the state in a natural way and, in consequence, capable of promoting the sale of hearing aids. The present invention contains a product presenting unit that presents products, an operating unit with which a product is selected from products presented on the product presenting unit, a database that records hearing aid affinity information which indicates affinity between a product selected by the operating unit and a hearing aid, a determining unit that determines whether to perform a hearing test on the basis of at least the hearing aid affinity information, and a hearing test conducting unit that conducts a hearing test on the basis of a determination result from the determining unit. | 02-11-2016 |
20160045142 | HEARING EXAMINATION DEVICE, HEARING EXAMINATION METHOD, AND METHOD FOR GENERATING WORDS FOR HEARING EXAMINATION - The device of the present invention contains a recording unit on which a plurality of words having possibilities of being misheard are recorded in a state of being classified on the basis of highness and lowness of the possibilities, a question output unit that outputs, by voice sound, a question sentence containing at least one of the words having possibilities of being misheard, an input unit that receives input of a response to the question sentence, a determining unit that determines at least whether the hearing ability of a respondent is decreased or not on the basis of the content of the response input into the input unit, and a result output unit that outputs a determination result determined by the determining unit. | 02-18-2016 |
20160066822 | HEARING TEST SYSTEM FOR NON-EXPERT USER WITH BUILT-IN CALIBRATION AND METHOD - Disclosed herein are examples of methods and systems for performing a calibration check of a personal hearing test system using a built-in calibration cavity, particularly for use by a non-expert user outside the clinical environment. The hearing test system includes a one or more earpieces. The hearing test system further includes a portable test unit having an acoustic calibration cavity for accommodating the earpiece at least partially therein. The acoustic calibration cavity may include an opening along an exterior surface of the portable test unit. The acoustic calibration cavity receives an acoustic calibration stimuli and the microphone provided within the acoustic calibration cavity produces a calibration signal input for measuring and performing a calibration check, or an automatic self-calibration. | 03-10-2016 |
20160081595 | SYSTEM FOR HEARING SENSITIVITY TESTING AND AUTO REINFORCEMENT - Disclosed is a graphical user interface operational on a portable device that allows users to test their minimum audio hearing level at various frequencies using a single button. The graphical user interface generates sound frequencies that are played to the user, one ear at a time. Starting from zero decibels, sound intensity levels are gradually increased to intensity levels perceptible by the user. The users indicate recognition of the sound frequency by interacting with the graphical user interface. The intensities of the sound pressure levels (SPLs) are registered as estimates of a user's hearing sensitivity at the tested frequency bands. The process is repeated at different frequency bands for each ear, and hearing levels for each ear established. | 03-24-2016 |
20160089060 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TINNITUS EVALUATION WITH TEST SOUND AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTED FOR LOUDNESS - A system for psychoacoustic evaluation of tinnitus synthesizes a test sound that is customized for a patient using the patient's audiogram, a model of the tinnitus related to the patient's audiogram, a psychoacoustic loudness model, and various test-sound parameters. In various embodiments, the system automatically adjusts the intensity and spectral level of the test sound such that the intensity of the test sound as perceived by the patient remains approximately constant across various frequencies and/or sound types used in the psychoacoustic evaluation of tinnitus. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089061 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZING TINNITUS USING BAYESIAN MINIMUM-ENTROPY PSYCHOMETRIC PROCEDURE - A system for measuring tinnitus of a patient using a Bayesian minimum-entropy psychometric procedure for which a probabilistic model of the patient's behavior is combined with an optimal statistical-inference method to generate a test sound to be presented to the patient. The test sound includes a sequence of sound components selected and arranged to facilitate, expedite, and improve the reliability of tinnitus measurements. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089087 | HEARING TESTING PROBE WITH INTEGRATED TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY SENSORS AND ACTIVE TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Certain embodiments provide a hearing testing system. The hearing testing system includes a transducer and an environmental sensor coupled with an acoustic channel. The environmental sensor is configured to measure environmental conditions of the acoustic channel. The hearing testing system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive the environmental conditions from the environmental sensor. The processor is configured to apply, based on the measure environmental conditions, correction data to a transducer response to generate a corrected transducer response. In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to control a heating element based on a measured temperature to maintain a pre-defined temperature, or range of temperatures, at a testing probe. | 03-31-2016 |
20160113554 | HEARING TESTING PROBE APPARATUS WITH DIGITAL INTERFACE - Certain embodiments provide a hearing testing probe apparatus. The hearing testing probe apparatus includes a probe tube detachably coupled at a first end to a probe body and extending through a center hole in an eartip to align proximate a face of the eartip at a second end. The probe tube includes a plurality of stimulus lumens for receiving and carrying stimulus from the first end of the probe tube for output at the second end of the probe tube. The probe tube includes one or more microphone lumens for receiving and carrying one or more measured responses from the second end of the probe tube to one or more microphones at the first end of the probe tube. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113555 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE SCREENING AND MONITORING OF INNER EAR FUNCTION - Methods and systems for monitoring or testing the hearing of a user using a portable unit include presenting a plurality of test frequencies for selection by a user and storing data about those frequencies, and the user's response to stimuli presented at those frequencies, and comparing the stored data to previously acquired hearing data. Using mathematical prediction algorithms, changes in baseline hearing values can be used to identify potential hearing issues, especially hearing issues associated with ototoxicity. | 04-28-2016 |
20160135719 | HEARING TEST SYSTEM - Techniques are described for improving results of hearing tests. For example, the hearing tests described herein may be divided into multiple hearing test segments which may be provided to the test subject individually. Additionally, the hearing test may include multiple cognitive test segments that may be interleaved between the hearing test segments to gauge the test subject's awareness level. | 05-19-2016 |
20160140873 | HEARING PROSTHESIS EFFICACY ALTERING AND/OR FORECASTING TECHNIQUES - A method of forecasting subjective efficacy of a hearing prosthesis implanted in a recipient, including subjecting a recipient to a plurality of temporally spaced aural training tasks, the aural training tasks evoking hearing percepts with the hearing prosthesis, obtaining first data indicative of the recipient's ability to hear with the hearing prosthesis based on performance by the recipient of the temporally spaced aural training tasks, and forecasting second data based on the first data, wherein the second data are indicative of the recipient's ability to hear with the hearing prosthesis at one or more temporal locations in the future. | 05-19-2016 |
20160166181 | METHOD FOR RAPIDLY DETERMINING WHO GRADING OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT | 06-16-2016 |
20160174880 | METHOD OF TESTING HEARING AND A HEARING TEST SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |
20160183849 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR MONITORING A HUMAN BRAIN'S SUB-COGNITIVE ACTIVITY USING OTO-ACOUSTIC EMISSIONS - The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the brain's sub-cognitive activity through otoacoustic emissions. More specifically, the present invention deals with a method and device for monitoring the brain's functions that are manifested by sub-cognitive activities. The sub cognitive activities are monitored by matching to the spectrograms of a standard evoked oto-acoustic emissions signals to monitor mismatches as indicators of normal or malfunctioning sub cognitive neurological functions. The invention relates also to a device for monitoring the brain's sub-cognitive activity through otoacoustic emissions. More specifically, the present invention deals with a method and device for monitoring the brain's functions that are manifested by sub-cognitive activities. The sub cognitive activities are monitored by matching to the spectrograms of a standard evoked oto-acoustic emissions signals to monitor mismatches as indicators of normal or malfunctioning sub cognitive neurological functions. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183850 | AUDIOLOGIC TEST PROBE WITH LOCKING MECHANISM, AND A COMPONENT FOR THE TEST PROBE - An audiologic test probe with locking mechanism, and a component for the test probe is disclosed. The probe for conducting an audiologic test comprises the locking mechanism, the probe comprising a probe body with a first probe opening to a first probe channel in the probe body, the probe comprising the locking mechanism for connecting a component with a first component opening to a first component channel. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183851 | FILTER DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A FILTER DEVICE - A filter device for a hearing test probe and a method of manufacturing a filter device are disclosed. The filter device extends along a center axis in a first direction from a first end to a second end. The filter device comprising: a first part having a first filter structure, a second part having a second filter structure, a first channel extending along the center axis. The first part and second part are joined together, and the first filter structure and the second filter structure define a filter element with a first set of filter openings for the first channel. | 06-30-2016 |
20160374595 | HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED AUDIOMETRIC TESTING - A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed. | 12-29-2016 |
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20190142641 | Occlusion Device Capable Of Occluding An Ear Canal | 05-16-2019 |