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: A tinnitus masking system for use by a person having tinnitus The system comprises a sound delivery system having left and right ear-level audio delivery devices and is configured to deliver a masking sound to the person via the audio delivery devices such that the masking sound appears to originate from a virtual sound source location that substantially corresponds to the spatial location in 3D auditory space of the source of the tinnitus as perceived by the person. The masking sound being represented by left and right audio signals that are converted to audible sound by the respective audio delivery devices.

Abstract: A method for registering a person's ability to hear, which method comprises the use of an eye tracker, wherein a person's hearing threshold is determined by emitting a sound with a determined frequency and sound intensity level to the test person, whereby the persons eye movements is followed by an eye tracker system, and a hit for said determined frequency and sound intensity level is registered when the eye tracker has registered an eye movement hit.

Abstract: Mental illness is a huge burden on those afflicted with it, as well as their caregivers and represents a major cost to society as a whole. The invention herein is concerned with methods and apparatus to improve the well-being of persons afflicted with mental illness, as well as to provide early and better diagnosis. It is felt that in some cases such diagnosis can lead to a potential for eliminating the worst effects of the illness altogether, by allowing intervention before a first psychotic episode occurs. The invention uses sensors, primarily 2D or 3D cameras and voice recognition to observe persons in many instances during ordinary activity such as playing video games, chatting on the internet or other such computer based activity.

Abstract: Methods and systems incorporating non-linear dynamic (NLD) analysis such as entropy or other complexity analysis monitoring continuous or evoked signals from a biological subject are presented, where such a system comprises of processing steps including: a) the combination of a biological signal evoked as a result of patient stimulation presented to a biological subject and a non-linear analysis method capable of capturing temporal changes in signal order or regularity; b) any combination of processed evoked or continuous central nervous or peripheral physiological mechanisms b) a means to generate a measure indicative of a patient's level of anaesthesia and consciousness depth (A&CD), sedation or sleep/wake state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pure tone audiometer, and more particularly, to a pure tone audiometer with automated masking which is capable of automatically performing air-conduction and bone-conduction hearing tests and automatically performing a masking test, if necessary, so that a person obtains an accurate pure tone hearing threshold without others' assistance. The pure tone audiometer of the present invention can accurately perform the pure tone hearing test with automated masking without assistance from a doctor or an audiologist. Thus, with the pure tone audiometer, people can easily check their hearing ability for prevention and early detection of hearing loss and take swift action to cure hearing loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of a brainstem disorder, such as schizophrenia, using brainstem audiometry, is disclosed. A subject's (4) responses on the physical properties of sound, such as frequency, time and amplitude, are being detected. Sound stimuli are being presented, via a communication element (2) through a hearing organ (3) to the subject. Elements (7) are attached to the subject (4) for measurement of the subject's electrophysiological brain activity. Simultaneously as the mentioned sound stimuli (1) are presented to the subject (4) a trig signal is sent out from the organ for generation of stimuli (1), via a trig box (5), further to an organ for registration (6) of the electrophysiological brain activity in the subject (4), whereafter the electrophysiological brain activity is stored and imaged in computer equipment (8) for determination of a brainstem disorder in the subject.

Abstract: Method and System for characterizing an incident pressure wave in a hearing test. The method includes introducing a sound signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude into an ear canal, measuring at least a sound pressure level (Pm) in the ear canal, processing information associated with the sound pressure level, obtaining at least an acoustic reflectance (R) based on information associated with the sound pressure level, and determining an incident wave pressure parameter (P+) in the car canal according to the following formula: P + = P m 1 + R .

Abstract: The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements.

Abstract: Provided is a canal type mini-apparatus insertable in an ear for diagnosing a disease. The canal type mini-apparatus includes a canal body and a protrusion body. The canal body is insertable in an ear and includes a bio-data detection unit at an end thereof The bio-data detection unit is configured to detect biological data from an inside of the ear for diagnosing a disease. The protrusion body is disposed at the other end of the canal body and including a data transceiving unit. The data transceiving unit is configured to control the bio-data detection unit and transmit/receive a signal to/from an analyzing device. When the canal type mini-apparatus is inserted in the ear, at least a portion of the protrusion body protrudes outward from the ear.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically assessing loss of hearing sensitivity and compression (recruitment) with user defined frequency resolution by means of extrapolated DPOAE I/O functions and ABRs as well as for automatically fitting hearing aids without any cooperation of the subject tested using a device having a display screen attached to a handheld device generating and collecting otoacoustic emission signals and brain stem response signals into a programmed with a clinical audiogram with fitting parameters for hearing aids calculated on the basis of assessed hearing threshold and compression and identifying the type of hearing required for the individual.

Abstract: An ear-canal mounted sound transducer system comprises a miniature sound transducer mounted in a soft, acoustically transparent material, and is suitable for shallow, semi-deep or deep placement inside the ear canal of a user, and for use with or without a personal hearing protective device. The sound transducer may be a microphone or a speaker, and is optionally attached to a flat flexible cable, connected to an analyzer or a signal source. Also provided is an improved method for measuring level of noise attenuation using the ear-canal mounted sound microphone.

Abstract: A method for generating optimized tinnitus masks includes, for example, presenting stimuli in succession to a user, receiving the user's rating of the effectiveness of each presented stimulus in reducing tinnitus, selecting a subset of the stimuli to maintain as tinnitus masks, and, generating variant stimuli from the subset of the stimuli that is maintained as tinnitus masks.

Abstract: An audio headset with bio-signal sensors is provided. In some embodiments, an audio headset that includes one or more electroencephalography (EEG) sensors is provided.

Abstract: A conscious sedation system and a request assembly for a response testing apparatus for a conscious sedation system. The conscious sedation system includes a controller which generates a request for a predetermined response from a patient and which analyses at least a response made by the patient to the request to determine a level of sedation of the patient. The response testing apparatus includes a request assembly and a response assembly. The request assembly audibly communicates to the patient the request generated by the controller and includes a non-ear-canal-contacting speaker. The response assembly senses the response and communicates the response to the controller.

Abstract: A vestibular implant comprising a stimulation unit to generate electric stimuli and deliver to electrode arrays is disclosed. The stimulation unit generates electric stimuli in response to a user input or continuously generates electrical stimuli. The electrode arrays comprise electrodes and are adapted for placement within a semicircular canal of an ear. The electric stimuli is delivered from the stimulation unit to the electrode so that the electrodes apply electric stimuli. A predetermined electric stimulus is applied to restore spontaneous vestibular activity during a Meniere's attack. A continuous, unmodulated electric stimulus is applied to suppress the symptoms of unilateral loss of vestibular function. Additionally, the electrodes record electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAP). An appropriate location for the placement of the electrode array is determined based on the recorded eCAP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a shaft having at least a first portion and a second portion that can adopt a closed position in which the first and second portions are positioned adjacent each other and an open position in which the first and second portions are positioned distant from each other, one or both of the first and second portions housing or forming part of one or more of an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope, a tendon hammer, a tuning fork and a red hat pin. Also provided are improved otoscope heads and means to protect the functional heads of medical tools when not in use.

Abstract: A rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing includes techniques that are particularly suited for rapid objective hearing screening and evaluation of newborns or other patients who are unable or unwilling to provide reliable subjective responses. The hearing tests may be frequency specific or may evaluate overall hearing ability without special focus on frequency-specific loss. The tests involve the use of novel stimuli, signal processing, signal analysis, and statistical techniques, including the use of ramped stimuli and evaluating the changes that these stimuli evoke in the individual's brain activity at different moments in time.

Abstract: A test battery method and system (10, 100, 200, 225) for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control (426) static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.

Abstract: A bimodal hearing prosthesis configured to deliver electrical and acoustic stimulation to a recipient such that a frequency range of a received sound that is represented by the electrical stimulation is perceived simultaneously with the frequency range of the received sound that is represented by the acoustic stimulation.

Abstract: A method and device for connecting a bone conductor transducer contained in a housing to the skull bone for the transmission of vibrations characterized by, that the housing has at least one surface, which is placed against the bottom plane of a recess shaped in the temporal bone with a static force exceeding the dynamic signal forces.

Abstract: A system for adapting a hearing aid to a user includes a unit generating an image of the user's ear together with a model of the hearing aid, wherein the model of the hearing aid in-situ includes a physical model of the hearing aid inserted in the user's ear prior to generating the image. The system also generates a mesh based on the image, calculates acoustic response to a simulated acoustic signal in the mesh, calculates a frequency response curve for a fixed position in the mesh, and identifies an optimal position of a microphone of the hearing aid in-situ from the acoustic response. They system also includes a comparator configured to compare the frequency response curve for the fixed position in the mesh with a maximum frequency response curve for the mesh stored by the system.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a signal processing facility of a hearing apparatus is provided. An acoustic signal is presented and processing using a signal-processing facility, which has a first-time value to form a first-processed-acoustic signal. The first-processed-acoustic signal is assigned to a first loudness via the user. A renewed presentation of the acoustic signal is processed by the signal-processing facility, which has a second-time value to form a second-processed-acoustic signal as well as an assignment of the second-processed-acoustic signal to form a second loudness by the user. In one aspect the second-time value is less than the first-time value and the steps are repeated until the second loudness equates to the first loudness, with the first-time value being shortened with each repetition.

Abstract: A method for user individualized fitting of a hearing aid comprises: Performing an initial fitting (101) of the hearing aid in an interactive session between the hearing aid user and a fitter, monitoring, for a predetermined period after the initial fitting, the hearing aid user's choice of at least some of the settings of the hearing aid and storing the results of the monitoring in a log. The log is transmitted (108) to the fitter for evaluation (109) of preferred user settings. If the evaluation reveals that the preferred user settings are acceptable, the fitting of the hearing aid is finalized (105) accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a hearing testing probe apparatus. The hearing testing probe apparatus includes a probe tube detachably coupled at a first end to a probe body and extending through a center hole in an eartip to align proximate a face of the eartip at a second end. The probe tube includes a plurality of stimulus lumens for receiving and carrying stimulus from the first end of the probe tube for output at the second end of the probe tube. The probe tube includes one or more microphone lumens for receiving and carrying one or more measured responses from the second end of the probe tube to one or more microphones at the first end of the probe tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for profiling evoked potentials in brain electrical activity which apply steady state response concepts to analysis of longer latency responses reflective of activity of brain regions beyond the brainstem, up to an including the cortex. The use of repeated stimuli within a single analysis window produces a quasi steady-state response and permits a high-resolution spectral analysis. Response amplitudes were measured at repetition rates from 80 to below 1 Hz, using trains of repeated tone-burst stimuli. An amplitude measure introduced and defined as the harmonic sum was incorporated into the spectral power of the response carried by both the fundamental frequency, and the harmonics thereof. Additionally, time ensemble averaging can be employed to improve signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A hearing test method and apparatus are provided for improving a measuring accuracy and a test speed in finding the auditory threshold that is the audibility limit of discriminating a sound. In the method, after outputting a test sound relevant to a selected test frequency and a selected test sound pressure, the apparatus determines whether a user hears the test sound, then the test sound pressure zone is divided into an auditory threshold presence region and an auditory threshold absence region according to the result of determination. Thereafter, the test sound pressure zone is redefined using the auditory threshold presence region and this process of hearing test is repeated using the redefined test sound pressure zone to finally determine an auditory threshold for the selected test frequency.

Abstract: An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for characterizing acoustical properties of an outer ear 130, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a first acoustic signal 125 towards the outer ear 130, receiving a second acoustic signal 150 from the outer ear 130, and characterizing acoustical properties 165 of the outer ear on the basis of the second acoustic signal 150. The method is characterized in that the first acoustic signal 125 comprises at least one of the following elements: music, and speech. The present invention further relates to a method and apparatus for enrolling, authenticating and identifying a person on the basis of acoustical properties of an outer ear 130.

Abstract: The present embodiment represents a dynamic Multi-Functional Dual Filtered Hearing Protector that will allow the wearer to hear intelligible speech or warning sounds, while the wearer is present in an environment surrounded by loud noise or impact sounds. The automatic attenuation provided by this hearing protector will increase, as the sound pressure levels increase, thus requiring no human intervention. This hearing protector is especially useful in situations where sounds may be produced from unexpected spikes in sound intensity, while still enabling the wearer to hear warning buzzers, or approaching vehicles without compromising safety. By not requiring human adjustment the wearer will be protected from such sounds. In addition to being able to be connected to acoustic transducers, the invention also relates to a custom hearing protector incorporating features of the embodiment, and a method for manufacturing such a custom hearing protector.

Abstract: A kit for conducting a self-administered hearing test allows a test subject to generate calibrated pure tone stimuli during a hearing test without calibrating the testing system beforehand. Some hearing kits include a sound module and headphones configured to couple together and further couple with a processor-driven device, such as a computer. Some kits also include a computer-readable storage medium with executable instructions for programming a computer to perform the hearing test, including generating calibrated pure tone stimuli without calibration by the user. Methods and systems for conducting calibrated, self-administered hearing tests are also provided.

Abstract: Method and System for characterizing an incident pressure wave in a hearing test. The method includes introducing a sound signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude into an ear canal, measuring at least a sound pressure level (Pm) in the ear canal, processing information associated with the sound pressure level, obtaining at least an acoustic reflectance (R) based on information associated with the sound pressure level, and determining an incident wave pressure parameter (P+) in the ear canal according to the following formula: P + = P m 1 + R .

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automation of objective hearing test based on the assessment of auditory evoked potential (AEP), for shortening of testing time, and for the minimization of inaccuracy and errors which may be resulted from the automation and time shortening. The method includes the steps for: as a preliminary test, presenting standard test stimulus to a subject; searching the wave V peak and SN10 peak; and as a main test, presenting test stimulus of each frequency, searching the minimal intensity and determining objective hearing threshold of each frequency.

Abstract: A rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing includes techniques that are particularly suited for rapid objective hearing screening and evaluation of newborns or other patients who are unable or unwilling to provide reliable subjective responses. The hearing tests may be frequency specific or may evaluate overall hearing ability without special focus on frequency-specific loss. The tests involve the use of novel stimuli, signal processing, signal analysis, and statistical techniques, including the use of ramped stimuli and evaluating the changes that these stimuli evoke in the individual's brain activity at different moments in time.

Abstract: A method and system for fitting and adjusting the operation of an acoustic hearing prosthesis or a hybrid electric and acoustic hearing prosthesis. A graphic user interface allows for the acoustic and electric fitting parameters to be viewed and adjusted in a comparable way. The method further allows for the parameters for acoustic stimulation of the acoustic channels to be adjusted in response to behavioural or objective measurement of responses to known stimuli, so as to achieve a desired response curve.

Abstract: An apparatus (4) is disclosed adapted to diagnose disorders related to the brain of a subject. The apparatus comprises a display (42) for presenting stimuli to said subject, a microphone (46) for registering a sound signal, and a control unit adapted to measure a pause time until articulation of the subject starts in a said sound signal for naming presented stimuli as quickly as possible and in an order as previously presented. Components of said pause time are analyzed for diagnostic support of neuropsychiatric disorders, in particular neurodevelopmental disorders, or brain damage induced disorders. An adjustment of medication dosage or medication type to individual patient needs may be made based on the measurement.

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: Audio system and related method integrated with ultrasound communication functionality are provided. A communication transmitting device of proposed invention modulates a communication signal of communication functionality to a high-frequency sound and transmits the high-frequency sound by an ordinary audio transmitter. A communication receiving device of proposed invention receives the high-frequency sound with an ordinary audio receiver and demodulates it to retrieve the communication signal, and then the communication device can use the communication signal. The proposed audio sound transmitter/receiver can be implemented using low-cost audio speaker/microphone, such that a cost for implementing communication functionality can be reduced.

Abstract: A biological signal display apparatus includes: a stimulation unit which performs stimulation on a living body; a measurement unit which measures an evoked response evoked by the stimulation; a calculator which calculates a feature amount of the evoked response; a display unit; and a display controller which, based on the feature amount calculated by the calculator, displays a bar-shaped image on the display unit, each time when the stimulation is performed, the bar-shaped image corresponding with the evoked response on the display unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting hearing impairment and a device thereof are provided. The device includes a sound collecting unit and analyzing unit. The sound collecting unit is used for receiving a voice signal from a subject based on the subject pronouncing a vowel. The analyzing unit is coupled to the sound collecting unit and is used for receiving the voice signal and performing a signal processing and a predetermined operation for the voice signal to provide the power of low-frequency oscillations of the voice fundamental frequency of the subject, wherein the hearing impairment of the subject is linear dependency with the low frequency oscillations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recipient customization of a bone conducting hearing device. Customization of the bone conducting hearing device may include attaching the bone conducting hearing device to a recipient, establishing communication between the hearing device and an external device, generating at least one control setting with the external device, and storing the at least one control setting in a memory device in the hearing device.

Abstract: A novel monitoring electrode for monitoring dorsal cochlear nucleus action potentials is provided, which has a superior performance in accuracy, adherent property, comprehensiveness, recording sensitivity, and recording specificity. The monitoring electrode is easily inserted through a foramen of Luschka, stably held on a region of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, and clearly records the dorsal cochlear nucleus action potentials. Additionally, a novel monitoring device for monitoring the dorsal cochlear nucleus action potentials using the monitoring electrode thereof is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically assessing loss of hearing sensitivity and compression (recruitment) with user defined frequency resolution by means of extrapolated DPOAE I/O functions and ABRs as well as for automatically fitting hearing aids without any cooperation of the subject tested using a device having a display screen attached to a handheld device generating and collecting otoacoustic emission signals and brain stem response signals into a programmed with a clinical audiogram with fitting parameters for hearing aids calculated on the basis of assessed hearing threshold and compression and identifying the type of hearing required for the individual.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis (14, 14?) is adapted for compensation of hearing loss and for sound pressure determination. During calibration of the sound field to be used during fine-tuning of the auditory prosthesis, the auditory prosthesis is positioned at an observation point in the sound field, and the sound pressure at the auditory prosthesis is adjusted based on determinations of sound pressures performed with the auditory prosthesis. Thus, the need for dedicated calibrated sound pressure determining equipment is eliminated. The invention provides an auditory prosthesis, a method and a system for calibration of a sound field.

Abstract: Methods for determining whether the brain activity of a human subject in response to a stimulus of interest or question of interest is characteristic of a state of interest, such as a deceptive state or a truthful state, are disclosed. Some methods include the use of control questions, including truthful control questions and deceptive control questions, to provide bases for comparison for responses to stimuli of interest or questions of interest. In some methods, brain maps are generated and compared. Also disclosed are systems for detecting deception by measuring brain activity.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the response of a nervous system of a body to a stimulus. The method comprises collecting a set of voltage measurements between selected areas on a surface of the body while current is being passed between selected regions of the surface of the body. The set of voltage measurements is collected over a predetermined measurement period, the predetermined measurement period is initiated at a predetermined time after application of the stimulus, and the collected voltage measurements are compared with reference to determine normal or abnormal response of the nervous system.

Abstract: Objectively measuring tinnitus in human and animal subjects. A subject is exposed to an alteration in a sound pattern otherwise qualitatively similar to the subject's tinnitus and a startle reflex is induced. The subject's acoustic startle response is obtained and used to determine whether the subject detected the alteration of the sound pattern.