Abstract: Apparatus for transferring thermal energy from a calorized fluid to an ear canal and tympanic membrane for carrying out caloric testing procedures includes use of an inflatable and distensible balloon-like receptacle insertable into the ear and having a distal end area which is moveable by distension of the receptacle walls towards the tympanic membrane. The receptacle is provided with an inlet and outlet for pressurized testing fluid, and the receptacle may be constructed to provide a test fluid internal flowpath and a vent flowpath for air trapped between the receptacle and the tympanic membrane. A stop member may be used to provide a reference stop for the receptacle and may also serve to support the receptacle in the ear as well as serve as a storage container for the collapsed receptacle.

Abstract: Ear canal caloric testing apparatus includes an ear mold to which a distensible balloon-like receptacle is secured for containing pressurized calorized fluid. Vent passages are provided in the ear mold externally of the receptacle for venting trapped air from the ear canal when the receptacle is distended.

Abstract: A method of caloric vestibular testing comprises inserting an inflatable receptacle into an ear canal; admitting pressurized calorized fluid into the receptacle to cause its expansion laterally within the ear canal and longitudinally up to the tympanic membrane, such expansion filling the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the ear canal; while inflating the receptacle, venting air trapped between the receptacle and the tympanic membrane to atmosphere; and circulating a volume of calorized liquid through the receptacle while carrying out a caloric vestibular function testing procedure.