Abstract: An assembly 100 to provide thermal therapy to a human auditory system includes a thermal transducer 125, a stimulus transducer 120, 135, a receiver 130, and a processing device 145. Some or all of the individual components may be carried in headwear. The thermal transducer 125 applies hypothermic temperature conditions to an area of the head near an ear. The stimulus transducer 120, 135 applies a stimulus signal, and the receiver 130 detects otoacoustic emission (OAE) responsive to the stimulus signal. The processor 145 compares the received OAE signal to a reference. Discrepancy between the OAE and reference is used in a feedback loop to control operation of the system 100.

Abstract: A device to change the temperature of a localized volume of material. One device includes at least one heat transfer mechanism having a conformable external surface for direct contact with a surface of the material. A working fluid is directed by input and output conduits to contact an internal surface of the heat transfer mechanism. A wall of the heat transfer mechanism exchanges heat between the working fluid and the material. Temperature of the working fluid may be regulated by a thermal control system disposed at a remote location. An optional temperature sensing element may monitor a local temperature of the heat transfer mechanism or otherwise infer a temperature of a portion of the material. Portions of certain devices may be deformed to a desired device shape.

Abstract: A heat transfer device particularly structured for application of thermal therapy from a contact surface to internal structures of a human ear. A device may be passive (pre-cooled), active (thermoelectrically active), or include elements of both. A device may be structured to apply thermal treatment from a contact surface of a contact cavity only to a localized posterior area relative to the circumference of an ear. A device may include both of a contact cavity and a bulk cavity, with heat transfer media disposed in each cavity. Typically, a bulk cavity holds at least twice the media volume contained in a contact cavity. The cavities may be disposed in fluid communication, or separated by a barrier to permit only thermal communication there-between. When a barrier between cavities is present, a device may include different heat transfer media in each cavity.