Abstract: A tip for an ear test probe is disclosed for use in clinical evaluations of hearing problems. There are a number of important tests for evaluating hearing system losses which are based upon measurements taken in patients' external ear canals using a probe which uses a tip to seal the ear canal. An improved tip is described for such tests. The tip has an improved curved flange structure which helps to insure perfect sealing of the ear canal without requiring precise probe positioning or high probe sealing pressures.

Abstract: An improved headband is described for use in the clinical evaluation of hearing and hearing problems. There are a number of important tests of hearing which utilize test probes and other ear testing members which are conveniently held in place at the patient's ears using headbands. The headband described herein has improved means for adjustably positioning the probes or other test members and particularly for both aligning the probe and for adjusting the probe tip seating or sealing pressure at the ear canal under test. A universally adjustable probe mounting is provided on the headband for adjusting the attitude of the test probe tip and the probe support includes means for adjusting the force urging the probe tip into the ear canal under test.

Abstract: An instrument is described which automatically performs a tympanometric hearing test and which gives the test results in graphic form. The test instrument includes a probe which is placed in the subject's ear and which applies controlled air pressure and audio test signals to a sealed ear canal in a manner programmed by the instrument so that a plot of the ear compliance versus the ear pressure is produced on the chart. The plot is made using a coordinated chart drive and ear probe air pressure control and an audio signal generator and a compliance signal level recorder. The system automatically runs through the necessary coordinated chart advance, air pressure control, and compliance signal recordings on the chart to complete one tympanometric test after the start button is operated.