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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.