Abstract: A method for fitting a cochlear prosthesis to a cochlea having residual acoustic hearing capability, in order to exploit the residual acoustic hearing capability to the extent possible. A portion of the cochlea having residual acoustic hearing capability is determined by measuring the neural response to acoustic and/or electrical stimulations. Electrical stimulations are applied only to the portions of the cochlea lacking acoustic hearing capability, or possessing only partial acoustic hearing capability. Surgical implantation depth may be optimised by the method, and/or a patient map may be suitably defined to implement the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for auditory skills Improvement and, more specifically, for improving auditory perception using a system and method that screens, diagnoses and trains the auditory system. The system is compatible for hearing aid users and for children. The training is specific to the auditory profile of the patients with different task difficulties. To monitor and control the training, the system transfer specific data to a remote server.

Abstract: An audiogram classification system is provided. The classification system includes categories for configuration, severity, site of lesion and/or symmetry of an audiogram. A set of rules can be provided for selecting the categories, wherein the set of rules ignore one or more local irregularities on an audiogram and have been validated to maximize agreement with judges.

Abstract: An ear coupler includes a dome-shape member having a wall, a flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a part of the member, and an opening in the wall of the member. An ear coupler includes a member having a cavity for accommodating an ear, a flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a part of the member, and a structure extending from the wall, the structure having an end with a port.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides on ore more imaging techniques during passive auditory stimulation to objectively provide a diagnostic indicator of ASD. These techniques include functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that uniquely provides an objective (imaging) physiological technique to diagnose early autism and to monitor progress following therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the reactivity observable in a certain physiological signal, especially the EEG signal, of a comatose subject. In order to obtain an objective and a reliable measure of the reactivity automatically and without the presence of a trained EEG specialist, a time reference corresponding to a stimulus is detected and the physiological signal data obtained from the subject is aligned with the time reference. Two sets of values are determined for a measure indicative of the amount of irregularity in the physiological signal data, both sets including at least one value of the said measure and having defined positions with respect to the time reference in time domain. Based on the two sets, the apparatus determines whether reactivity is present in the physiological signal data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

Abstract: The present application discloses a hearing prosthesis comprising a stimulation assembly configured to be implanted into a cochlea. The stimulation assembly comprises a plurality of electrodes and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be configured to measure pressure within the cochlea. The pressure measurements may include (i) measurements of pressure corresponding to a physical contact of the one or more sensors with internal cochlear structures, (ii) measurements of perilymph fluid pressure, or (iii) measurements of pressure waves in the perilymph fluid corresponding to external sound waves. In one aspect, the sensor may be used by a system to help surgeons avoid damage to the cochlea during surgical implantation of the stimulation assembly. In another aspect, the sensor may be one component of an implantable microphone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reproducing a music file in a terminal equipped to reproduce the music file, the method including determining equalizing reproduction characteristics of the music file when reproduction of the music file is requested, determining and setting an output equalizer setting value of an audio signal, according to the equalizing reproduction characteristics and pre-measured individual hearing ability state information representing hearing ability characteristics of a user, and reproducing the music file so as to output the audio signal according to the output equalizer setting value.

Abstract: A portable wireless hearing testing device, the device including: left and right earpieces connected together by a headband and arranged as headphones; the left and right earpiece each including an earpiece housing shaped to surround the left and right ears of a subject respectively to substantially prevent ambient sounds reaching the ear of the subject; left and right loudspeakers located within the left and right earpiece housings respectively; and control circuitry located within the left and/or right earpiece housings and coupled to drive the loudspeakers, the control circuitry being arranged to produce left and right test signals which are applied to the left and right loudspeakers respectively, the test signals being operative to cause the left and right loudspeakers to provide a respective series of tones at frequencies corresponding to the test signals and wherein the test signals do not include significant harmonic components of the tones.

Abstract: Systems for fitting an implantable cochlear stimulator to a patient include an interface unit configured to display a graphical representation of an implant fitting line as part of a graphical user interface. The implant fitting line has a slope and a horizontal position and represents a mapping relationship between a plurality of audio frequencies and a plurality of stimulation sites within a cochlea of the patient. The interface unit is further configured to facilitate adjustment of the slope and/or horizontal position of the fitting line.

Abstract: A system and method of central auditory processing testing and evaluation provides for identifying clinically relevant neural synchrony in the auditory brainstem pathway. The system or method finds use as a tool to evaluate auditory processing disorders, and hence, potential auditory system and/or learning disabilities. The system or method may further find use in the selection and fitting of hearing corrective appliances such as hearing aid or cochlear implant devices and/or in the selection and implementation of auditory training regimens.

Abstract: A method of testing hearing ability using a sound source reproducing apparatus, the method comprises outputting at least one test sound representing at least one frequency band, acquiring a response of a testee to a degree of audibility of the at least one test sound, and testing hearing ability of the testee in the at least one frequency band corresponding to each of the at least one test sound, respectively, according to the response of the testee.

Abstract: An automated method for treating tinnitus by habituation through use of neurological feedback, comprising the steps of connecting a subject through a set of attached headphones to an electronic sound player that is connected to a PC workstation presenting sound examples by software to the subject who can refine them by manipulating a series of controllers on the player, making an electronic recording of the sound in a digital music format, storing the recording in the computer, transferring a copy of the electronic sound file to the subject's electronic music player, generating an EEC signature of the subject's brain activity in response to the presented sound, sound using the customized sound to stimulate the auditory system while the brain activity is recorded, wherein the computer continuously monitors for the feedback signatures and drives the sound stimuli appropriately.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

Abstract: An illuminated acoustical stimulation ear probe with outer ear illumination and a probe-fit status indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device's communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the objective detection of auditive disorders, by recording arising potentials of a steady state with simultaneous acoustic stimulation via the bones or the airway to be used in newborns. The apparatus comprises the necessary means for the independent generation of two different sound stimuli presented to the subject simultaneously via osseous and airway electroacoustic transducers, the synchronous recording of the cerebral electrical activity of the subject, the continuous evaluation of the contact of the electrodes, the interactive measurement of the levels of ambient noise, and the wireless digital transmission of the bioelectric activity towards a computer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining shifts in the attentional state of a subject. These methods are useful for diagnosing subjects with a psychological or behavioral disorder. The invention also features methods for determining the effect of a therapy on the overall attentional state and shifts in the attentional state of a subject.

Abstract: Pathological binaural phase time delay (PBTD) asynchrony is measured at a variety of frequencies and speech stimuli to develop a BPTD profile for a subject. A corrective device (600, 1000) is designed to apply clinical PBTD to compensate for the subject's pathological BPTD. An electronic device (500) is used to measure the subject's ability to comprehend words at a variety of relative time delays between ears to estimate the ideal overall relative time delay. The optimal relative phase shift at a variety of frequencies is also measured. An electronic device (600) may be used to correct the pathological BPTD by delaying sound in different frequency bands differently to the target ear, according to the BPTD profile, or a passive filtered earplug (1000) may be used to correct smaller amounts of BPTD.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing and treating an auditory processing disorder. The diagnosis phase includes presenting, simultaneously at least one different audible sound in a user's left ear and right ear. Each sound is different for each ear. A determination is made if the user can correctly recall the sound, whereby incorrect recollection indicates a disorder. The treatment phase includes repetitively presenting over time, the patient/user with different audio signals to each ear with the signals being presented simultaneously. An interface is provided for the patient/user to attempt to reproduce said audio signals presented. The patient's/user's ability to accurately reproduce the correct signals over a period of time is monitored with increasing complexity in the exercises.

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 computer-controlled sensory testing system is disclosed that can be used to further pain research and aid in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes. The system includes actuators to deliver pressure/deformation (strain), auditory, olfactory, and other stimuli to a subject. The system includes software to control the delivery of the stimuli. The system is further operable to receive feedback regarding the stimuli received.

Abstract: A replacement adhesive unit for optimizing adhesion to a disposable ear coupler and an ear of an infant comprises at least one adhesive layer that can be attached to a skin side flange of the disposable ear coupler, at least one structural tie layer to attach with a bottom side of the adhesive layer, and at least one adhesive ring having a top side and a bottom side, the top side being attached at a bottom surface of the structural tie layer. The structural tie layer provides structural support to the replacement adhesive unit and the application of at least one surface tape and the replacement adhesive unit in a laminated arrangement makes the disposable ear coupler reusable.

Abstract: An acoustic immittance measurement system converts a measure of acoustic immittance (i.e. impedance and/or admittance) of a subject's middle ear to the frequency domain such that variations in magnitude and/or phase are diagnosed using either open-loop or closed-loop measurement techniques.

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: In accordance with the present invention the hearing aid programmer includes a program memory for receiving firmware programming instructions and a parameter memory for receiving patient-specific hearing aid parameters to be programmed into a coupled programmable hearing aid. A software hearing aid fitting system executed on a computer such as a PC provides the parameters. In response to a user command, the computer causes a firmware program (selected from one or more firmware programs stored on the computer) appropriate to the hearing aid to be programmed to be downloaded to the programmer.

Abstract: A method of testing a hearing ability of a user using a portable sound source playing apparatus includes; outputting a signal indicating at least one phoneme, obtaining a response of a user regarding a degree of audibility of the output signal, and testing the hearing ability of a user based on hearing characteristics of the user showing the degree of audibility of a frequency band comprising a frequency of the at least one phoneme based on the obtained response.

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: An auditory stimulation treatment for alleviating tinnitus and hyperacusis by compensating for hearing loss and loss of non-linear compression. Natural auditory signals are delivered correcting for hearing loss and compressive non-linearity, both determined at separate frequency bands for the individual subject. This differs from existing treatment in that synthetic “masking” signals are not delivered, but rather the natural auditory input to the subject is modified. Consequently, the method is more akin to a conventional hearing aid. In contrast to conventional hearing aids, however, perception thresholds are specifically corrected and non-linear compression is matched to the specific hearing deficit of the user.

Abstract: Method for hearing-related examination comprising the steps of generating sound signals and/or electrical signals in an examination unit (12). The method includes the steps of removably connecting the examination unit (12) as a modular unit to a base unit (11) and removably connecting a function card (13) to the base unit (11). Further steps are sending control signals from the function card (13) to the examination/module unit (12) for performing a specific examination, and obtaining test result data in the examination unit (12) and collecting said test result data to the function card for storage therein. The device comprises a base unit (11) having a display (15), input means (16; 17; 45) and output means (15) for performing the examination.

Abstract: A tip for coupling sound between a medical instrument and an ear includes a sealing surface configured to substantially conform the tip to an auditory canal of the ear. The tip includes an acoustic tube acoustically coupled to at least one of the plurality of openings and defining a first acoustic path. The tip also includes a second acoustic path acoustically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of openings in the sealing surface. The acoustic tube of the first acoustic path is configured to substantially acoustically isolate the first acoustic path from the second acoustic path. A tympanometric instrument is configured to use the tip and to provide an acoustic measurement of the ear of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fitting a bone conduction device are provided herein. These methods and systems comprise obtaining dynamic range parameters for a bone conduction device. These dynamic range parameters may include threshold and a maximum comfort levels for the bone conduction device. Once determined, the bone conduction device may use the dynamic range parameters in applying stimulation to a recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of evaluating the human subconscious response to smell and a method of evaluating a subject's subconscious response to an aroma stimulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining transfer functions of the HRTF type for an individual, that comprises: measuring, for a first number of directions, the transfer functions of the HRTF type specific to said individual; matching the directivity functions associated with said measured functions of the HRTF type, with reference directivity functions associated with reference transfer functions of the HRTF type, said reference functions of the HRTF type being determined for a second number of directions higher that said first number of directions and reconstructing the measured directivity functions from said reference directivity functions.

Abstract: An audiometric testing device is provided including a housing having one or more integral calibration couplers adapted to couple with a testing transducer. The testing device also includes a tone generator that generates tones of various frequencies and intensities during a hearing test. A calibration transducer is positioned proximate the coupler and converts an output of the testing transducer into a calibration signal. The calibration signal is measured by a signal measurement module within the housing, which generates a calibration measurement that can then be used to correct for undesired intensity level variations produced by the tone generator. Audiometric testing systems and calibration methods are also provided. In some cases a testing and/or calibration of an audiometric testing device is controlled by an external computing device coupled to the testing device.

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: 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: System and method for remotely obtaining audiometric measurements and adjusting hearing aids via the Internet, using telematic means such as video conferencing and e-mail to establish a remote connection between the patient who may be at home, in a medical centre or in a pharmacy and a hearing aid specialist at an audiometry laboratory or clinic, whereby the specialist remotely provides the patient with instructions for carrying out an audiometry test and, depending on the results, subsequently transmits adjustment signals via the Internet to the patient's hearing aid which is connected to a computer to which the patient has access.

Abstract: A non-lethal and non-destructive electromagnetic personnel interdiction control stun type weapon system and method utilizes beamed radio frequency energy in a frequency range and modulated to impose a Lorentz force on the vestibular system or sensory cells of a remote human subject sufficient to disrupt the mechanical transduction process and/or the chemical engine by which sound, position and other sensory input are converted to messages by nerve cells and processed by the brain to produce complete disorientation, confusion, and incapacitation sufficient to temporarily render the subject powerless to resist arrest or subjugation. Removal of the electromagnetic energy leaves the nerve cells and surrounding tissues with no damage and second order effects of severe motion sickness and psychological effects of helplessness remains until the subject's body chemistry returns to normal.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for estimating a response of at least a part of a physiological system to a first deterministic stimulus signal. The methods include separating a measured first signal into a plurality of segments, each segment representing a response of the physiological system to a corresponding portion of the first stimulus signal and generating a template signal representing the plurality of segments. The methods further include calculating a measure of similarity of each segment in the plurality of segments to the template signal to provide a set of scalar quantities, and determining a metric representing a characteristic of the response of at least a part of the physiological system to the first stimulus signal.

Abstract: An adaptive place-pitch ranking procedure for use with a cochlear implant or other neural stimulation system provides a systematic method for quantifying the magnitude and direction of errors along the place-pitch continuum. The method may be conducted and completed in a relatively short period of time. In use, the implant user or listener is asked to rank the percepts obtained after a sequential presentation of monopolar stimulation pulses are applied to a selected spatially-defined electrode pair. The spatially-defined electrode pair may be a physical electrode pair or a virtual electrode pair. A virtual electrode pair includes at least one virtual electrode contact. Should the patient's judgment of pitch order be correct for all applied interrogations, then no further testing involving the tested electrode pair (two electrode contacts) is undertaken.

Abstract: An adaptive place-pitch ranking procedure for use with a cochlear implant or other neural stimulation system provides a systematic method for quantifying the magnitude and direction of errors along the place-pitch continuum. The method may be conducted and completed in a relatively short period of time. In use, the implant user or listener is asked to rank the percepts obtained after a sequential presentation of monopolar stimulation pulses are applied to a selected spatially-defined electrode pair. The spatially-defined electrode pair may be a physical electrode pair or a virtual electrode pair. A virtual electrode pair includes at least one virtual electrode contact. Should the patient's judgment of pitch order be correct for all applied interrogations, then no further testing involving the tested electrode pair (two electrode contacts) is undertaken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transrectal probe and method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate. The probe is equipped with dual-array pressure sensors—one on the probe head and another on the shaft of the probe spaced away from the head with an angular and linear offset forming an S-shaped transition between the shaft and the head of the probe. The addition of the shaft pressure sensor array together with orientation tracking sensors allows precise calculation of the current head position throughout the examination of the prostate. Display means are used to guide the user in the proper manipulation of the probe in order to reduce the forces on surrounding tissues and organs and to minimize patient's discomfort.

Abstract: Method and System are disclosed for a computer-assisted diagnostic hearing test. The computer-assisted diagnostic hearing test includes an ambient noise monitoring module configured to monitor an ambient noise in a surrounding environment, a patient information module configured to receive patient information and hearing related tests selections, and a pure tone threshold module configured to facilitate manual testing of a pure tone threshold test. The computer-assisted diagnostic hearing test further includes a speech reception threshold module configured to facilitate manual testing of a speech reception threshold test, and a speech discrimination module configured to facilitate manual testing of a speech discrimination test.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating device comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11) having a plurality of electrodes thereon. The electrodes are preferably disposed in a linear array on the carrier member (11) and are adapted to apply a preselected tissue stimulation to the cochlea. The carrier member (11) is preformed from a resiliently flexible biocompatible silicone and extends from a distal end (12) to a stop member (13). The carrier member (11) is adapted for intracochlear but extraluminar insertion within the cochlea of an implantee. In particular, the carrier member (11) is adapted to be implanted in the crevice (21) between the spiral ligament (22) and the endosteum (23) of the lateral wall of the cochlea (20). This is a quite different location to the normal placement of the cochlear implant electrode array in the scala tympani (24) of the cochlea (20).

Abstract: An auditory stimulus device in a first aspect for applying an auditory stimulus to at least one ear of a subject; at least three electrodes for electrically connecting to at least three different positions on a head of the subject for measuring respective potential changes in response to the auditory stimulus; two galvanically isolated power supplies; two differential amplifiers arranged for receiving galvanically isolated supply voltages from the power supplies.

Abstract: A method for providing a hearing aid, which is adapted to the individual needs of a hearing aid user, wherein hearing loss data is measured on an individual. In order to allow time and cost savings during the fitting procedure of said hearing aid and to provide a ready-to-wear hearing aid the method comprises the steps of—assessing the admissibility of the measured hearing loss by determining if said measured hearing loss data is located within a predetermined admissibility range; attributing said measured hearing loss data to one of a set of standardized profiles, wherein each standardized profile corresponds to a certain type of hearing loss generally located within said admissibility range and is associated with a set of standardized programming parameters of a hearing aid; providing a hearing aid (104, 114) which is programmed according to the set of standardized programming parameters that is associated with said attributed standardized profile.

Abstract: An audiometer including a processor controlled test signal generator is adjustable so as to produce a uniform output signal when coupled with a transducer load. Each transducer set to be used with the test signal generator includes recordable indicia in written or electronic form, upon which correction values for adjusting the electronic signal output of the audiometer module to produce a desired sound output from the each transducer in the transducer set. When the transducer set is connected to the audiometer module, the correction values are either retrieved automatically from the electronic indicia, which may be an EEPROM, or are input to the processor manually by a user through an interface such as a keyboard. These correction values are then used by the processor to dynamically adjust the output of the audiometer to correct for sound output response deviation of each transducer in the transducer set.

Abstract: A method for assessing vestibular system function includes stimulating the inner ear with an audible range signal; collecting data representative of audible range ocular motion; and on the basis of the data, evaluating vestibular system function.