Abstract: An improved tympanometric testing means is described for automatically testing the status of the middle ear. The testing unit provides a recording on a chart showing a change in the compliance of the middle ear during change of the air pressure in the external ear. The tympanometric test unit operates automatically as the clinician inserts the test probe into the patient's ear. The unit automatically determines that the probe is in an unblocked condition and that the test probe tone is at a proper intensity relative to the ear canal volume. When these conditions are met and the ear canal pressure at the probe reaches the predetermined test start pressure, the unit proceeds with the testing as the pressure in the ear canal moves between desired limits such as between the +200 and -200 mm H.sub.2 O and while the recorder makes a plot of the ear drum compliance.

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.

Abstract: There is a well known clinical test of acoustic reflex in the human ear based upon a contraction of the stapedial muscle of the ear. The normal test method and equipment requires the use of test apparatus on both of the patient's ears. This test is replaced in the new method by a test method using a single probe which is applied to only one ear. The new acoustic reflex testing method subjects one ear to a probe tone and to a resulting relative compliance measurement. A stimulus tone is applied to the same ear to cause a contraction of the stapedial muscle which is indicated by a sharp change in the measure compliance at some stimulus tone level. In the new method of this invention, use is made of an observed delay between application of the stimulus and the contraction of the stapedial muscle. A switching system is used to obtain a second relative compliance reading during the delay period and after the stimulus has been turned off.