Abstract: A method for conducting a cross frequency simultaneous masking (xF SM) test begins with generating a signal probe and a masker probe. The center frequencies of the signal and masker probes are separated by a fixed frequency ratio. An xF SM curve is generated by sweeping the signal and masker probes across a given frequency range, while maintaining the fixed frequency ratio between the two. While sweeping, the masker probe is maintained at a pre-determined masker amplitude or a series of pre-determined masker amplitudes. The amplitude of the signal probe is adjusted in response to a series of user inputs, which are then interpolated to generate the xF SM curve. Additionally, while sweeping, the signal probe can be maintained at one or more pre-determine amplitudes and the amplitude of the masker probe adjusted in response to user inputs, which are then interpolated to generate the xF SM curve.

Abstract: A hearing test system includes a sound generating unit, an user interface, and a control unit. The sound generating unit is configured to generate a first testing sound at a frequency for a subject. The user interface is configured to receive a first feedback of the subject based on the first testing sound. The control unit is configured to determine whether the first feedback is of heard response or an unheard response. When the control unit confirms that the first feedback is of the heard response, the control unit drives the sound generating unit to generate a second testing sound based on a lower testing limit at the frequency, in which a volume of the second testing sound is less than or substantially equal to a volume of the first testing sound.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for user-dependent conditioning of stimuli in tests to elicit user responses to variations of one or more adaptive parameters of a user stimulus signal. The user stimulus signal is generated based on first and second adaptive parameters. The first adaptive parameter is modified to thereby generate a plurality of successive variations in the user stimulus signal, over one or more ranges of values of the second adaptive parameter. In response to modifying the first adaptive parameter, a plurality of user responses from a given user are received. Each user response indicates that one of the plurality of successive variations in the user stimulus signal has occurred. Based on an expected user response curve for the given user and a calculated time interval between successive user responses, an instantaneous rate of change for modifying the first adaptive parameter is adjusted such that the user responses are steered toward a neutral state around the expected user response curve.

Abstract: A method for conducting a cross frequency simultaneous masking (xF SM) test begins with generating a signal probe and a masker probe. The center frequencies of the signal and masker probes are separated by a fixed frequency ratio. An xF SM curve is generated by sweeping the signal and masker probes across a given frequency range, while maintaining the fixed frequency ratio between the two. While sweeping, the masker probe is maintained at a pre-determined masker amplitude or a series of pre-determined masker amplitudes. The amplitude of the signal probe is adjusted in response to a series of user inputs, which are then interpolated to generate the xF SM curve. Additionally, while sweeping, the signal probe can be maintained at one or more pre-determine amplitudes and the amplitude of the masker probe adjusted in response to user inputs, which are then interpolated to generate the xF SM curve.

Abstract: An audio calibration system applied to a hearing detection device includes an audio generator, a cloud server, a mobile computing device, and an audio playback unit. The audio generator plays a first test sound. A sound pressure level of the first test sound at any frequency between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz is Z. A computing unit of the mobile computing device generates a first value X after receiving the first test sound through a microphone, and the computing unit generates a second value Y after receiving a second test sound through the microphone. The audio playback unit receives an audio command from an audio control interface, and plays the second test sound to the microphone. The computing unit obtains a calibration value through a relational expression of Z+(Y?X).

Abstract: A pulse measurement device is provided, including: a pulse sensor that senses a user's pulse while in contact with the user's temple, and outputs the sensed result as a sensing signal; a signal processing unit that processes the sensing signal and outputs the processed result as a data signal; and a signal conversion unit that converts the data signal from an analogue form to a digital form and outputs the converted data signal as a pulse signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for discontinuously recording audio input representative of an audio environment. The audio environment can be an environment of a recipient of a hearing prosthesis and the discontinuously recorded audio input can be used to characterize the audio environment of the recipient, to control settings of the hearing prosthesis, or to provide some other application. Discontinuously recording the audio input can provide a recording that characterizes the audio environment of the recipient while protecting the privacy of individuals speaking nearby the recipient. Discontinuously recording the audio input may include recording discontinuous time segments of the audio input such that the semantic content of speech within the audio input, the identity of speakers in the audio input, or other private information present in the audio input is masked.

Abstract: A nonlinear power supply generator is provided that nonlinearly changes a power supply voltage for a circuit during power up of the circuit to reduce high-frequency noise in an output signal from the circuit.

Abstract: Employing outputted tones on a client device and/or headset is facilitated to identify hearing sensitivity of a user for both ears at various frequency bands and provide an indication of the users hearing sensitivity as compared to a normal hearing curve of a plurality of users on the same client device and/or headset or differing client devices and/or headsets.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically configuring a medical device that is at least partially implanted in a human recipient and that includes a transducer arranged to stimulate a physiological system of the recipient, such as a middle-ear implant for instance. The energy level of a signal provided to drive the transducer is progressively increased until there is a threshold electrical change indicative of a threshold change in impedance of the transducer. In the context of a middle-ear implant, for instance, the threshold electrical change indicative of the threshold change in impedance of the transducer may be indicative of the acoustic reflex. The energy level of the signal at that point is then used as a basis to set an operational parameter of the medical device, such as a comfort-level of the middle-ear implant for instance.

Abstract: A noise dosimeter (xOO) for monitoring the exposure to noise of a user wearing a headset is described. The noise dosimeter includes a housing to be worn external to the ear of the user, an earpiece (xO1) for placement in or near an ear canal of the user, a microphone transducer, and a signal transmission means (xO3) for transmission of a signal from the earpiece (xO1) to the housing. The earpiece (xO1) comprises sound collection means (xO4) for collecting sound emitted from a speaker of the headset, and the housing comprises signal processing circuitry for processing and accumulating signals from the microphone transducer in order to evaluate a user's exposure to noise when using the headset. The noise dosimeter can be integrated in a headset.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus that may measure a vibration amount weighted by cartilage conduction characteristics of the human ear and thus allows for accurate evaluation of an electronic device having a vibrator. A measuring apparatus 10 for evaluating an electronic device 100 that delivers a sound through vibration transmission from a vibrator 102 retained in a housing 101 held against the human ear includes an ear simulator 50 simulating the human ear and a vibration detector 55 disposed on an artificial eardrum 57 formed in the ear simulator 50.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an earphone apparatus adapted for use in audiometry examinations. The earphone apparatus comprises a housing and a receiver having an acoustic output adapted to connect with an audio signal source. The earphone apparatus can also include a circuit board with an electrical equalization network connected to the receiver. A coupling can be connected to the acoustic output of the receiver. A sound tube can be connected to the acoustic output and extends out from the housing to an ear piece. The earphone also includes a resonance cancellation assembly comprising a damping chamber and a tubing section acoustically connecting the damping chamber to the coupling. The damping chamber can provide an acoustic compliance to the sound delivered by the receiver. The earphone can also comprise an electrical connector with a protector that is adapted to connect with a female connector delivering electrical power.

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: 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 usefulness and sensitivity of a hearing-test method that can be performed over the Internet should be improved. To this end, it is proposed that meaningless syllables, so-called logatomes, are presented to a test person in fluctuating interference noise. Hence, the test can be offered internationally without change and there is no need to calibrate a computer used by the test person.

Abstract: A test battery method and system 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 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 system for use in installation of blown fiber for detecting a signal indicative of presence of at least one of a gas flow or an optical fiber at a remote location, comprising a gas vibration detector configured to acoustically couple with an installation duct through which the signal can travel after its generation at the remote location, and a processor arranged to receive an input from the vibration detector and to process the input to identify the signal present within the input; and a sensor for generating the signal upon sensing the presence of at least one of the gas flow or the optical fiber at the remote location. The signal can be provided by a whistle mounted on the remote end of the installation duct. The vibration sensor is typically a microphone.

Abstract: An ear canal pressurization device optimized for aural acoustic immittance testing is disclosed. Changes in volume of a first flexible chamber, due to motor movement, produce changes in ear canal pressure based on Boyle's law. A vent may be opened to allow ear canal pressure to gently equalize to ambient air pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps free of pressure baseline offset. The vent may be closed to set a static ear canal pressure or to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an incidental baseline offset. The vent may be controlled to generate ear canal pressure sweeps with an intended baseline offset. The device produces ear canal pressure proportional to drive voltage, so any desired pressure versus time function can be generated by applying a coil driving voltage with the appropriate amplitude versus time function.

Abstract: A multimedia user interface for an automated diagnostic hearing test allows a patient to interact with the automated hearing test in order to conduct various hearing related tests. The patient is given instructions and guidance for every test, and can call the operator at any time for help. Warning messages and progress indicators are provided to help the patient gauge his progress. This allows the patient to test his own hearing with minimal or no assistance from an audiologist or other hearing health professional. The user interface also allows the operator to configure and customize the automated hearing test as needed. The results of the hearing related tests are summarized in a single report that is concise, convenient, and thorough. The report may include interpretive comments that point out possible inconsistencies, asymmetries, or areas of concern in the test results and, where appropriate, also recommend certain types of medical treatment.

Abstract: A method for providing motor control therapy for a user by altering a user's motional response is generally described. The method includes directing a user to perform a specified motion in accordance with a schedule. The method also includes detecting the user's motions and providing vestibular stimulation in an effort to teach a proper response.

Abstract: A system is generally described for altering a user's motional response to sensory input and includes a current source and a first sensory input device configured to provide a first sensory input to a user. The system also includes a second sensory input device configured to provide a second sensory input to a user and a sensor device configured to detect motions associated with the user. Further, the system includes a control unit configured to receive signals from the sensor and receive sensory signals related to the first and second sensory inputs. The control unit generates control signals based on the signals and the sensory signals. Further still, the system includes electrical contacts configured to contact flesh of the user and deliver current from the current source to the vestibular system of the user in response to the control signals and the current is configured to cause the user to move in a predetermined manner if the user is not in the process of making the predetermined motion.

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: 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 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: Methods of operating an audio device are provided. A method includes measuring sound pressure levels (SPLECM) for acoustic energy received by an ear canal microphone (ECM) during a time increment ?t; and calculating a SPL_Dose?t during the time increment ?t using SPLECM.

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: Methods of operating an audio device are provided. A method includes calculating estimated sound pressure levels (SPLs) for drive signals directed to an ear canal receiver (ECR) during a time increment ?t; calculating an estimated SPL_Dose during the time increment ?t using the estimated sound pressure levels; and calculating a total SPL_Dose at a time t of the audio device using the estimated SPL_Dose.

Abstract: Provided is a hearing-ability measurement device and a method thereof for measuring a masking curve more correctly and in a shorter time. A test sound generation unit generates a test sound including a probe and a masker, and outputs the test sound from a test sound output unit. A perception examination unit examines whether or not the subject perceives the probe. An adjustment unit adjusts acoustic properties of the test sound, based on a result of the examination. Here, kinds of adjusted acoustic properties are different between the situation of prove perception success and the situation of prove perception failure. As a result, the masking curve is directly tracked and the measurement is performed more correctly and in a shorter time.

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: A method and apparatus for administering a hearing test that emits a test sound with changing volume with respect to elapsed time. The volume changes according to a pre-determined relationship between the volume and elapsed time. The hearing test utilizes the elapsed time until a subject signals the test sound is audible, and the pre-determined relationship, to determine the subject sound pressure level threshold for the test sound.

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 spontaneous acceptance by a hearing device wearer in respect of a new hearing device is to be improved. To this end, a method for adjusting the amplification of a hearing device to an individual hearing device wearer is proposed, with which a target amplification for the hearing device wearer is determined on the basis of his/her hearing loss. Data relating to the gender of the hearing device wearer is provided in order to improve the adjustment. The target amplification is then also determined on the basis of the gender of the hearing device wearer. With the gender-specific target amplification, it is possible for instance to take account of the fact that women exhibit a more sensitive perception for average voice levels than men, thereby allowing the target amplification to correspondingly drop much lower.

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: A calibration device for calibrating a dynamic pressure sensor includes a power/control box and a portable calibration head disposed in electrical communication with the power/control box. The portable calibration head may include a calibration head housing having a housing opening and a speaker provided in the calibration head housing and communicating with the housing opening. The power/control box may be configured to induce emission of an acoustic calibration signal from the speaker of the calibration head.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic transducer assembly includes a first component. The first component includes at least one magnet, and optionally a first attachment mechanism for attaching the first component to a vibrating structure. A coil assembly includes a second attachment mechanism for removably attaching the coil assembly to the first component. The coil assembly further includes at least one coil that produces a signal representative of the vibration of the at least one magnet. An output port provides the signal.

Abstract: The usefulness and sensitivity of a hearing-test method that can be performed over the Internet should be improved. To this end, it is proposed that meaningless syllables, so-called logatomes, are presented to a test person in fluctuating interference noise. Hence, the test can be offered internationally without change and there is no need to calibrate a computer used by the test person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering a hearing test that emits a test sound with changing volume with respect to elapsed time. The volume changes according to a pre-determined relationship between the volume and elapsed time. The hearing test utilizes the elapsed time until a subject signals the test sound is audible, and the pre-determined relationship, to determine the subject sound pressure level threshold for the test sound.

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 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: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for predicting long-term exposure to a hazardous environment based on a user-controllable measurement interval of short duration. In an embodiment, the system includes an electronic circuit for receiving one or more signals representative of the level of a hazard in an environment using one or more of a hazard level sensor and a direct input jack. The system further includes a processor within the electronic circuit for determining an accumulated dose over a user-controllable measurement interval. In addition, the processor predicts hazardous exposure for a user-settable extended period greater than the user-controllable measurement interval and based on the accumulated dose. The dosimeter also includes a user-operable switch within the electronic circuit and in communication with the processor for controlling the user-controllable measurement interval to be less than a nominal measurement interval.

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 hearing test and screening system for testing and screening the hearing acuity of a person which includes a computer having built therein a graphic-control program for generating a pure tone signal required for a hearing test, an audio apparatus having a connection port coupled to the computer for receiving the pure tone signal from the computer and outputting a set of test signals, each having 3 frequencies minimum, at a constant sound volume upon receipt of the pure tone signal and a response button for operation by the test person to provide a feedback signal to the computer, and earphones coupled to the audio apparatus for enabling the test person to hear the set of test signals outputted by the audio apparatus.

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 of detecting a change in hearing of a user includes providing a sound generating device for providing both a content audio signal and a hearing test audio signal. The sound generating device is used to provide hearing test audio sounds of different loudnesses around a threshold of hearing of the user. None of these sounds is calibrated to a pre-specified decibel level. A first threshold of hearing is determined at a first time and a second threshold of hearing is determined at a second time. The first threshold of hearing is compared with the second threshold of hearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for improving testing of hearing devices, including soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants. In particular, the present invention provides a microphone system utilizing reverse transfer function to assess the operability of implanted hearing improvement devices, including but not limited to soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants.

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: Embodiments include an acoustic source for use in a hemi-anechoic chamber comprising a source assembly and a waveguide assembly for producing sound outside of a measurement hemisphere and channeling the sound into the measurement hemisphere. A waveguide end from which sound emanates is positioned close to the reflecting plane of the chamber and can approximate a point source.

Abstract: A stimulus analysis system and artifact rejection method are disclosed. The method may be used in many applications, such as, for example, DPOAE testing, TEOAE testing, BAER testing, ultrasound, MRI, RADAR, GPS, EEG, EKG, or communications. In one embodiment, a system receives a signal, and depending on the noise power of the signal, the signal is placed in one of a plurality of buffers or is discarded. This process is repeated. The combination of buffers that yields the lowest noise power is then selected. The selected combination of buffers may then be used to calculate a signal to noise ratio, which may be used to determine whether the signal received is acceptable, indicating, for example, that a test has been passed or failed.

Abstract: An audiometer having an air-conduction receiver, a bone-conduction receiver, a masking receiver and an audiometer body is provided, in which the air-conduction receiver, the bone-conduction receiver, and the masking receiver are respectively provided with serial ROMs in which identification information and calibration information of each receiver are stored. The audiometer body comprises a misconnection detector for detecting misconnection of each receiver, a calibration period judging mechanism for judging a calibration transition period of each receiver, and a correction amount computer for computing a correction amount of sound pressure based on the information stored in the serial ROMs.