Patents Assigned to Tympany
  • Patent number: 8529464
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tympany, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Wasden, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 8394032
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tympany LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Cromwell, Linda Galow, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 8366632
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tympany, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron R. Thornton, Jeffrey S. Harrison, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick
  • Patent number: 8308653
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tympany, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 7736321
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Tympany, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Wasden, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 7695441
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tympany, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 7465277
    Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting multiple diagnostic hearing tests are provided. The systems comprise an insertion probe for insertion into an ear of a patient, at least one transducer for providing test sounds to the ear of the patent through the insertion probe, and at least one transducer for transmitting test results from the ear of the patient. The systems are capable of conducting an audiometric test and at least one of an acoustic immittance test and an otoacoustic emission test. More preferably, the systems are capable of conducting an audiometric test, a tympanogram test, an acoustic reflex test, and an otoacoustic emission test using a single ear probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tympany, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Wasden, Aaron Thornton, Jeff Harrison, Jon Birck
  • Patent number: 7288071
    Abstract: 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 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, and tympanogram/acoustic reflex 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 7288072
    Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for a multimedia user interface for an automated diagnostic hearing test. The user interface provides a means for a patient to interact with the automated hearing test to complete each test. The patient is given instructions and guidance for every test, and can call the operator at any point for help. Warning messages and progress indicators are provided to help the patient gauge his progress. Such an arrangement 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 the automated hearing test as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Stott, Robert L. Stott
  • Patent number: 7258671
    Abstract: A system for conducting multiple diagnostic hearing tests is disclosed. The system comprises a yoke wearable around the neck of a patient, for providing a housing for conduits and wiring to conduct the hearing tests. The yoke may also coupled to one or more ear probes for engaging the ear of the patient, and to at least one microphone for measuring ambient noise during at least a portion of a hearing test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Wasden
  • Patent number: 7132949
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 7037274
    Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting hearing tests with real-time ambient noise measurement are provided. More particularly, one or more microphones are provided to measure ambient noise in a test area during a time interval in which hearing test tones are provided to the patient. By measuring ambient noise during the actual presentation of the test tones, or at least near in time thereto, a much better indication of the reliability of the hearing test is provided. Methods of conducting a hearing test are also provided that comprise presenting a test tone to a patient and simultaneously measuring the ambient noise in the test area during at least a portion of the presentation of the test tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Thornton, Jeff Harrison
  • Patent number: 7018342
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Patent number: 6964642
    Abstract: An apparatus for bone conduction hearing testing is provided. The apparatus comprises a planar spring having opposed first and second elements to which are coupled, respectively, a bone conduction vibrator and an engagement element. The bone conduction vibrator contacts a first head portion, preferably the forehead, and the engagement element contacts a second head portion, preferably the rear of the head. The spring preferably has a lenticular shape, and may be either biconvex or D-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tympany, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Wasden, Aaron Thornton
  • Publication number: 20040152998
    Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for a multimedia user interface for an automated diagnostic hearing test. The user interface provides a means for a patient to interact with the automated hearing test to complete each test. The patient is given instructions and guidance for every test, and can call the operator at any point for help. Warning messages and progress indicators are provided to help the patient gauge his progress. Such an arrangement 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 the automated hearing test as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Tympany
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Stott, Robert L. Stott
  • Publication number: 20040097826
    Abstract: 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 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, and tympanogram/acoustic reflex 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Tympany
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Publication number: 20040068200
    Abstract: 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 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, and tympanogram/acoustic reflex 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Tympany
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Publication number: 20040039299
    Abstract: 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 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, and tympanogram/acoustic reflex 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Tympany
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott
  • Publication number: 20040006283
    Abstract: 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 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, and tympanogram/acoustic reflex 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Tympany
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Harrison, Aaron Thornton, Christopher L. Wasden, Barry Strasnick, Kenneth R. Stott