Abstract: The invented apparatus for testing a subject's vestibular response to ear pressure or sound stimuli includes a headset including one or more and preferably (two) bilateral ear-worn devices such as headphones or probes, whereby each probe is configured to be inserted into a subject's ear in an operational alignment with the subject's ear canal and sealing engagement with the wall of the subject's ear canal, and a stimulus-producing mechanism operatively coupled with the headset configured to deliver defined pressure or sound stimuli to the one or more probes. The apparatus further includes one or both of 1) an ocular response analyzer operatively coupled to the headset, the ocular response analyzer measuring the subject's nystagmatic response to the stimuli by electronic, e.g.

Abstract: Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

Abstract: Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

Abstract: Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for iontophoretically delivering medically-active ions beyond the tympanic membrane, into a middle ear portion of a patient, and to an area or structure of the middle or inner ear that is targeted for treatment. The system and apparatus can include a needle configured partially for insertion through a tympanic membrane and having a longitudinal bore, a flexible lumen coupled with the needle, and typically a fluid source coupled with the lumen such that a fluid in the fluid source can be delivered from the fluid source, through the lumen and the needle, and into the middle ear. A positioning tab can be coupled with the needle to assist determining a proper insertion extent of the needle through the membrane.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for iontophoretically delivering medically-active ions beyond the tympanic membrane, into a middle ear portion of a patient, and to an area or structure of the middle or inner ear that is targeted for treatment. The system and apparatus can include a needle configured partially for insertion through a tympanic membrane and having a longitudinal bore, a flexible lumen coupled with the needle, and typically a fluid source coupled with the lumen such that a fluid in the fluid source can be delivered from the fluid source, through the lumen and the needle, and into the middle ear. A positioning tab can be coupled with the needle to assist determining a proper insertion extent of the needle through the membrane.

Abstract: A convenient and preferably wearable system and method for implementing the controlled and sustained delivery of a medical liquid through the tympanic membrane and into the middle ear including port structure that produces a minimal opening in the membrane, a wearable and fixated fluid-conduit structure coupleable to the port structure, a reservoir adapted to contain delivery fluid, and an operationally controllable pump system applied to the fluid conduit structure, and/or an iontophoretic electrode system applied within the fluid conduit structure and to the subject's body, and operable to effect the delivery of reservoir-held fluid or medically active ions through the fluid conduit and port structures to the middle ear.

Abstract: The invented apparatus for testing a subject's vestibular response to ear pressure or sound stimuli includes a headset including one or more and preferably (two) bilateral ear-worn devices such as headphones or probes, whereby each probe is configured to be inserted into a subject's ear in an operational alignment with the subject's ear canal and sealing engagement with the wall of the subject's ear canal, and a stimulus-producing mechanism operatively coupled with the headset configured to deliver defined pressure or sound stimuli to the one or more probes. The apparatus further includes one or both of 1) an ocular response analyzer operatively coupled to the headset, the ocular response analyzer measuring the subject's nystagmatic response to the stimuli by electronic, e.g.

Abstract: A comprehensive vertigo management system and methodology is provided which employs a spatial maneuvering device, preferably under computer control, to orient a subject selectively differently in space, thus to create vestibular activity which is directly related to spatial motion (including acceleration) and/or orientation. Data is collected relating to such orientation and activity, along with certain subject-introduced reaction data in certain instances and video-camera data, and fed to a computer which cooperates in presenting an intuitive visual and pictorial correlation that enables physician diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation regarding elements of dysfunction of the subject's vestibular system.

Abstract: Structure and methodology involving mountable and head-wearable frame structure which is positionally stabilized, during use, relative a human subject's head, and which carries a selection of positionally anchored data sensors, and stimuli deliverers, that are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders. Special configurations are provided for two types of stimulators, one for sound application and air-pressure modification, and the other for the introduction of fluids to the ear. Stabilization enables tight and accurate correlation of data which is quickly analyzable by a connected, properly algorithmed computer, which can also be used for feedback control in a designed “expert” system. The invention enables, among other things, practical and significant differentiation between physiological and pathological nystagmus.

Abstract: A comprehensive vertigo management system and methodology is provided which employs a spatial maneuvering device, preferably under computer control, to orient a subject selectively differently in space, thus to create vestibular activity which is directly related to spatial motion (including acceleration) and/or orientation. Data is collected relating to such orientation and activity, along with certain subject-introduced reaction data in certain instances and video-camera data, and fed to a computer which cooperates in presenting an intuitive visual and pictorial correlation that enables physician diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation regarding elements of dysfunction of the subject's vestibular system.

Abstract: A direct contact hearing aid apparatus adapted to be mounted deep within the ear canal is disclosed, including an output electromechanical transducer for converting audio output signals into mechanical movement of an output coupling element without the production of discernible sound waves to prevent acoustic feedback. The coupling element is supported for magnetic engagement with a contact element mounted on the tympanic membrane by a metal clip attached to the malleus bone to provide direct electromechanical coupling to the ossicles through the tympanic membrane. Alternatively, the contact element may be attached to the malleus bone by a clamp whose jaws are lined with bioactive ceramic. A pair of magnetic switches is provided within the hearing aid housing for mechanically switching the connections of the battery and a volume control while the hearing aid is mounted in the ear canal in response to changes in the polarity of a remote external magnetic actuator located outside of the housing.

Abstract: A direct contact hearing aid apparatus adapted to be mounted deep within the ear canal is disclosed, including an output electromechanical transducer for converting audio output signals into mechanical movement of an output coupling element without the production of discernible sound waves to prevent acoustic feedback. The coupling element is supported in direct contact with a contact element mounted on the tympanic membrane by a metal clip attached to the malleus bone to provide direct electromechanical coupling to the ossicles through the tympanic membrane. The contact element is made of magnetic material, such as a permanent magnet, and is magnetically connected to the coupling element. A pair of magnetic switches are provided within the hearing aid housing for mechanically switching the connections of the battery and a volume control while the hearing aid is mounted in the ear canal in response to changes in the polarity of a remote external magnetic actuator located outside of the housing.

Abstract: A method for rapidly and accurately measuring the acoustical attenuation effectiveness of various personal hearing protection devices as worn, particularly in-the-ear type protectors under conditions of normal fit in a working environment having significant ambient noise. The method comprises presenting an audio signal to an ear both with and without the hearing protector in place and noting the difference in intensity of the applied signal, measured in decibels, required to obtain the same perceived amplitude level in each case. The perceived amplitude level may be either the threshold of the subject's hearing perception or a supra-threshold reference point determined by a comparison of the test ear signal with a reference signal in the contralateral ear to allow for testing in ambient noise levels of high or fluctuating intensity. The test signal is preferably a multi-frequency complex signal having a preweighted power spectrum which emphasizes those frequencies which are particularly hazardous.

Abstract: A portable device primarily for use in determining the effectiveness of various personal hearing protectors in attenuating hazardous noise. The device comprises an electronic circuit for generating audio test signals at varying amplitude levels, and a display for providing numerical indications usable to measure accurately the difference in amplitudes between the respective audio signals. The test signal increases or decreases in loudness in response to a subject-operated hand switch which also triggers display of the appropriate numerical indication at amplitude levels determined subjectively by the individual being tested. The electronic circuit of the device preferably is capable of producing such test signals in complex, multifrequency form with preweighting of the power spectrum of the signal so as to emphasize the most potentially hazardous frequencies.

Abstract: Delivery tubes used with air caloric stimulation systems, when measuring vestibular responses. The delivery tubes fit into the patient's ears at the nozzle end thereof. Silastic tubing is provided narrower at the nozzle end for forming a higher velocity narrower stream of air directed at the tympanic membrane to produce more effective and consistent heat exchange with the labyrinth. A shield is provided to prevent the tubing from impinging on the tympanic membrane and to retain the apparatus in place. A handle is also provided to aid in the insertion of the delivery tube into the air canal, and to aid in attaching the delivery nozzle of the delivery head regularly used with the air caloric stimulation system.