Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a conformable eartip. The conformable eartip includes a round flange and a core. The round flange includes a sealing surface for mating with walls of an ear canal. The round flange extends from an insertion end to an opposite end of the conformable eartip. The sealing surface is tapered from the opposite end toward the insertion end of the conformable eartip. The core is joined to the round flange at the insertion end of the conformable eartip. The core extends from the insertion end to a base of the core toward the opposite end of the conformable eartip. The core includes a channel extending through the core from the insertion end of the conformable eartip to the base of the core. In various embodiments, the conformable eartip provides an elongation ratio of at least 1.4 and/or a compression ratio of at least 2.0.

Abstract: Enhanced safety headphones for listening to audio and music, wherein the wearer decides the degree of sound isolation desired, i.e. audio via bone conduction (no isolation from the surrounding environment), in-ear earpiece (medium isolation from ambient noise), or earpieces covering the outer ear (high isolation from ambient noise). By connecting the preselected adaptor, one will obtain automatic volume adjustment and sound equalization, necessary for an optimal listening result under all conditions. A single product will thus be able to cover three different operating requirements. When worn on bicycles, skis or scooters, an indicator light will warn other circulating vehicles of the user's presence (position light). An acceleration sensor will signal any braking (stop light).

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing aid comprising at least one electrode located at a surface of a housing of the hearing aid to allow said electrodes to contact the skin of a user during use of the hearing aid, at least one electrode being adapted to pick up a low voltage signal from the user's brain, the hearing aid further comprising an amplifier unit operationally connected to said electrode(s) and adapted for amplifying said low voltage signal(s) to provide amplified brain signal(s), and a signal processing unit adapted to process said amplified brain signal(s) to provide a processed brain signal as well as to apply a time and frequency dependent gain to an input audio signal and to provide a processed audio output signal. The application further relates to a method of operating a hearing aid and to its use and to a hearing aid system. The object of the present application is to provide a hearing aid capable of monitoring a user's hearing ability over time.

Abstract: The aim 1s to make operation of hearing device apparatuses more convenient. A method is proposed for operating a hearing device apparatus by a user by presenting a first acoustic signal by the hearing device apparatus as originating from a first virtual position and by presenting a second acoustic signal by the hearing device apparatus as originating from a second virtual position. In this connection the first acoustic signal represents a first adjustment option of the hearing device apparatus and the second acoustic signal a second adjustment option. The body part of the user is moved toward the first or second virtual position and a position or movement of the body part of the user is detected. Finally the detected position or movement of the body part is automatically allocated to the first or second virtual position, whereby the adjustment option corresponding to the allocated virtual position is chosen.

Abstract: A method is provided including: receiving a signal for regulating a valve of an ear-wearable device; and changing a state of the valve based on the signal, the changing including at least one of opening and closing the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments include a device comprising a pipe having at least one section that spans between a first end and a second end of the pipe. The pipe has a cylindrical cross-section. The device comprises a receptacle positioned in the pipe a first distance from the first end and a second distance from the second end. The receptacle receives an electronic device having microphones that are to be calibrated and secures the microphones a third distance inside an inside surface of the pipe. The device comprises an adapter connected to the first end. The adapter connects a loudspeaker to the pipe. The pipe controls an acoustic energy experienced by the plurality of microphones so that each microphone of the plurality of microphones receives equivalent acoustic energy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed herein. A sample method includes determining one or more binaural correction factors at one or more frequencies. Each binaural correction factor is representative of an amount of binaural summation experienced by a recipient of a binaural stimulus at one of the one or more frequencies. The binaural stimulus is delivered about simultaneously to the recipient by a first stimulation device and a second stimulation device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a corresponding method for audible transient noise detection in an audio signal. To avoid the detection of false positives or at least reduce the number of detected false positives a device is proposed comprising a detector configured to detect a set of transient noise candidates in time or frequency domain among a plurality of samples of said audio signal, and a selector configured to select audible transient noise candidates from said set of transient noise candidates by use of one or more selection criteria, wherein the selection criteria used for said selection are selected and/or whose parameters are at least partly set based on characteristics of said audio signal.

Abstract: A hearing assistance suitability determining device, that determines suitability including whether a subject can clearly hear speech using dichotic hearing assistance, includes: a subject hearing ability information input unit; a hearing ability type determining unit that determines at least one hearing ability type that corresponds to the hearing ability information, based on hearing ability information frequency characteristics; a suitability determining unit that determines suitability for dichotic hearing assistance based on the at least one hearing ability type determined by the hearing ability type determining unit; and suitability presenting unit that presents the suitability determined by the suitability determining unit.

Abstract: The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for tinnitus therapy may include tracking a tinnitus therapy over a duration, the tinnitus therapy including a tinnitus therapy sound matching a patient's perceived tinnitus played over the duration and presenting each of a volume evolution of the tinnitus therapy sound and usage data of the tinnitus therapy over the duration.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method comprising forming a pipe including a first end and a second end by forming couplings between a plurality of sections of pipe. A loudspeaker is connected to the first end. The loudspeaker is a mouth simulator loudspeaker. A plurality of microphones are positioned a third distance inside an inside surface of the pipe using a receptacle positioned in the pipe a first distance from the first end and a second distance from the second end. An acoustic output is generated at the loudspeaker. One or more calibration filters are generated using outputs of the plurality of microphones produced in response to the acoustic output.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Fitting a sound processing device for an individual is automated using a computer. Fitting and customization is carried out using natural sounds without specialized audiometric equipment or audiological expertise. Software for this purpose is downloaded from an internet portal. The computer plays back acoustic signals, and obtains user input reflecting the user's perceptions of the acoustic signals, from which a hearing map is derived, representing the user's hearing. An algorithm updates the device fitting based on the hearing map. Also provided is pre-sale virtual device fitting, whereby a virtual signal processing path is established in the computer, reflecting a signal processing function of a sound processing device of interest to the user. An algorithm updates parameters of the virtual processing path, based on the hearing map. Audio signals passed through the virtual processing path are played back to the user, giving the user an acoustic indication of future device performance.

Abstract: An exemplary UCL estimation system including: an output section configured to present to a user a first sound, and a second sound after lapse of a first predetermined time from a point of presenting the first sound, the first sound having a sound pressure within a predetermined sound pressure range, and the second sound having a same sound pressure as that of the first sound; a measurement section configured to measure an electroencephalogram signal of the user; an extraction section configured to extract, from an electroencephalogram signal measured within a second predetermined time from a point of presenting the second sound, a characteristic amount of an event-related potential of the signal; and an estimation section configured to estimate, by referring to a predetermined relationship between characteristic amount values of event-related potential and uncomfortableness threshold values, an uncomfortableness threshold value corresponding to the extracted characteristic amount of the potential.

Abstract: A method to reduce DPOAE fine structure in the measurement of DPOAE acoustic signals generated in the cochlea in response to two primary tones.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor (104) included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) a clock facility (406) configured to detect an elapsing of a predetermined amount of time and 2) a fitting facility (408) communicatively coupled to the clock facility and configured to automatically perform, in response to the elapsing of the predetermined amount of time, one or more fitting operations with respect to the auditory prosthesis system. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a hearing aid includes: an audio extraction section for, through an acoustic process of a collected audio signal, utilizing information of a phoneme or syllable contained in the audio signal to output time information, the time information identifying a point of uttering the phoneme or syllable; an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal of a user; a determination section for determining a difficulty of hearing of the phoneme or syllable by relying on an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on the identified point of uttering the phoneme or syllable as a starting point; a phoneme identification section for, when a plurality of phonemes or syllables are determined as difficult to hear, identifying a chronologically preceding phoneme or syllable among them to be difficult to hear; and a gain adjustment section for, with respect to the phoneme or syllable identified by the phoneme identification section, determinin

Abstract: An annoyance judgment system includes: a biological signal measurement section configured to measure an electroencephalogram signal of a user; a database retaining a plurality of monosyllabic speech sounds such that, for each speech sound, the speech sound and a reference latency of an electroencephalogram negative component corresponding to the speech sound are retained in association; a presented-speech sound determination section configured to determine a monosyllabic speech sound to be presented by referring to the database; and an annoyance judgment section configured to judge annoyance of the output speech sound by comparing a peak latency of a negative component of the electroencephalogram signal in a range from 50 ms to 350 ms from a starting point, the a starting point being a point in time at which the determined speech sound is presented, against the reference latency corresponding to the determined speech sound that is retained in the database.

Abstract: During a testing technique, a pre-defined set of tests associated with a software product may be performed on different instances or versions of the software product (such as versions that have different user interfaces) in associated virtual environments. Moreover, during a given test, subsets of a group of individuals may interact with a given version of the software product. Initially, the subsets may be selected based on attributes of the individuals, such as: age, gender, occupation, and/or education level. However, subsequently the results of the executed pre-defined set of tests may be used to update the subsets. Furthermore, the testing technique may be repeated until a termination criterion is reached, such as a target use case of one or more of the subsets. In this way, the testing technique may be used to perform permutation testing.

Abstract: Provided is a hearing-ability measurement device and a method thereof for measuring a masking curve more correctly and in a shorter time. A test sound generation unit generates a test sound including a probe and a masker, and outputs the test sound from a test sound output unit. A perception examination unit examines whether or not the subject perceives the probe. An adjustment unit adjusts acoustic properties of the test sound, based on a result of the examination. Here, kinds of adjusted acoustic properties are different between the situation of prove perception success and the situation of prove perception failure. As a result, the masking curve is directly tracked and the measurement is performed more correctly and in a shorter time.

Abstract: An ear piece for providing audio (e.g., from an electronic device) to the user is provided. The ear piece may include a compliant element operative to be inserted in the user's ear such that the compliant element deforms to retain the ear piece in the user's ear. The compliant element may include a connector portion coupling the compliant element to the ear piece housing, and an outer portion folded over the ear piece housing. To improve the user's comfort, the parting lines and other manufacturing defects may be hidden from view and from touch (e.g., the parting lines are then on the inner surface of the outer portion).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test device and test method for the noise reduction headphone. The test device comprises: an enclosed cavity, a noise source, a test panel, a measuring microphone and a measure comparison module connected with the measuring microphone. The sound emitted from the noise source is sealed within the enclosed cavity. The test panel can cooperate with the noise reduction headphone to form a coupling cavity in the test. The test panel has a sound guiding hole in the common part with the enclosed cavity for transmitting the sound of the noise source into the interior of the coupling cavity. The test panel also has a mounting hole, and the measuring microphone is mounted on the mourning hole towards the direction of the coupling cavity. The measuring microphone records noise signals before and after the noise reduction function of the noise reduction headphone is activated.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of measuring an otoacoustic emission (OAE) is provided. The method comprises generating a frequency OAE graph with N plot lines, by performing frequency sweeping on N signals having different levels, wherein N is a natural number of at least 2; and when there are plot lines that overlap each other in the frequency OAE graph, compensating values of the N plot lines of the frequency OAE graph in a predetermined frequency section including a frequency section where the plot lines overlap each other.

Abstract: A hearing aid is disclosed, which, in a test mode, can determine the impedance of the transducer that stimulates the anatomy of the patient. Impedance may be determined by simultaneous determination of the current flowing through the transducer and the voltage across the transducer. In some cases, the output amplifier of the hearing aid includes two outputs, with one being a scaled and/or summed replica of the other. The amplifier is driven with a periodic signal with a particular frequency and a known peak voltage. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal. The primary output of the amplifier is electrically connected to the transducer, with a known voltage given by the peak input voltage and a known gain of the amplifier. The current from the secondary output of the amplifier is measured. In an example measurement scheme, the secondary output is sent through a rectifier and then through a low-pass filter.

Abstract: An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A storage system for storing a hearing aid comprises means for providing power (101), a storage space (102) for containing a hearing aid, output means, communication means through which data from the hearing aid is received wirelessly and a processing unit for processing data received from the hearing aid. The output means is capable of providing functioning and guiding information (104) concerning the functioning of the hearing aid and for guiding the user through positioning of the hearing aid, respectively. The invention further provides a hearing aid, a kit and a method of testing a hearing aid.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of analyzing an audio signal is disclosed. A digital representation of an audio signal is received and a first output function is generated based on a response of a physiological model to the digital representation. At least one property of the first output function may be determined. One or more values are determined for use in analyzing the audio signal, based on the determined property of the first output function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device's communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In system for recording and processing a signal for diagnosing an auditory system, a system for measuring signals of bioelectric activity of brain (EEG signal) or eye (EOG signal) or muscle (EMG signal) or their combination obtained from electrodes (11, 21, 22) attached to head skin of a person to be tested communicates with system (105) informing about sleep phase occurrence through an input (27). A system for measuring an auditory brainstem response signal (ABR signal) evoked by acoustic stimulation is automatically activated by a circuit (106) for automatic activation connected to the system (105) informing about sleep phase occurrence and measures the ABR signal. The system also includes a recording system (101, 102) of the ABR signal in a configurable period of time measured from the time of acoustic stimulation and system (103) to present the ABR signal in graphical form.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An in-ear device with one or more proprioceptive features for providing an indication to a subject to help manage or reduce pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. Also disclosed are methods of using optical scanning to create a three dimensional replication of the ear canal that is used to design a customized in-ear device. In some embodiments, the in-ear device is customized based on the configuration of the subject's ear canal when the subject's jaw is in the therapeutic or optimal position.

Abstract: An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for generating a tinnitus adjusted sound may include presenting a plurality of different sound templates to a user from a series of tinnitus therapy sound templates, receiving a selection by the user of one or more of the templates, receiving an adjustment to one or more of the selected templates, and generating a therapy sound based on the adjusted selections.

Abstract: A process and system for reducing Tinnitus includes receiving an input audio sound by a user. The user listens to different tones (frequencies) of the received audio to determine both amplitude and frequency of the ringing or tinnitus tone in user's ears and provides tactile response on an input device (keyboard, etc.). The offending frequencies and amplitudes are identified based on the user's responses and a diagnosis from the data collected is produced and a tone map for each ear separately is created and the collection of tones and amplitudes are provided to the user to hear. User is tested for amplitude of these tones and the tones are increased until the audible ringing disappears as the phase of these tones will be shifted from zero to negative 180 degrees and as their level is increased, the ringing will decrease until it is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Medical tests and examinations are performed with consumer computing devices. The medical tests and examinations are selected and customized in accordance with conditions present in the testing environment, as well as physical characteristics of a user taking the test. The tests can include visual acuity tests, colorblindness tests and other medical tests, such as hearing tests.

Abstract: Sleep monitoring and stimulation comprises collecting actigraphy data from a user. The user's sleep phase is determined using the actigraphy data. At least one stimulation, determined at least in part on the sleep phase, is directed towards the user. Subsequent actigraphy data is collected from the user. The actigraphy data and subsequent actigraphy data is used to determine the user's subsequent sleep phase. The stimulation is modified, based at least in part upon the subsequent sleep phase.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic instrument for use by medical professionals. The portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a control unit that can maintain the frequency of sound or vibration produced by the device constant, even when battery power is reduced. The control unit can also comprise a warning unit to provide information about remaining battery life to the user. Furthermore, the portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a unit capable of producing vibration and a unit capable of producing sound at differing frequencies. The device can produce both the sound and vibration at the same time or each can be operated individually. Moreover, the device is capable of being attached to other medical equipment that is carried by a medical professional or can be easily kept in a pocket, so that it is readily available when needed.

Abstract: 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.