Abstract: A system and method is provided for confirming the identity of a user, where the confirmation is made using biometric data. The system includes an internal speaker having an audio port, which is positioned within the ear of the user, and is adapted for producing a signal having one or more frequencies. The system further includes an internal microphone having an audio port, which is positioned within the ear of the user, and is adapted for detecting a resulting signal including the signal produced by the internal speaker and any corresponding signal reflections. A determination is then made as to whether the resulting signal detected by the internal microphone matches the corresponding predetermined expected signal, based upon a prestored hearing 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 device which uses an input of speech and measures latency between stimulus and response. The device generally includes an input transducer for converting a stimulus speech sound into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to an electric circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the electric circuit includes a central processing unit which utilizes delay time counters to measure the length of time between signals. A second input transducer is used to convert a response speech sound into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the electric circuit. Each input transducer operates on a separate channel, so that the central processing unit may easily distinguish between stimulus sounds and response sounds.

Abstract: A method of enhancing detection for a specific object in a body. A nanoparticulate is administered to the body for location in an area to be explored for detection of the object, if present. The nanoparticulate is at least partially metallic, has a formed non-spherical shape having a minimal characteristic dimension in the range from about 1 to about 3000 nanometers, and has a formed composition capable of producing thermal pressure either in the nanoparticulate or in the object greater than the object could produce in the absence of the nanoparticulate. Electromagnetic radiation is directed into the body. The electromagnetic radiation has a specific wavelength or spectrum of wavelengths in the range from 300 nm to 300 mm selected so that the wavelength or wavelength spectrum is longer by a factor of at least 3 than the minimum characteristic dimension of the nanoparticulate.

Abstract: A hearing testing device (2) for self-testing the hearing of a subject including: an earpiece housing (4); a loud speaker (46) located within the housing; and control circuitry (14) coupled to drive the loudspeaker, the control circuitry being arranged to produce a sequence of test signals which are inputted to the loudspeaker to produce a series of tones at frequencies corresponding to said test signals wherein said test signals do not include significant harmonic components.

Abstract: A portable audiometer for performing hearing testing enclosed within a patient response mechanism housing is disclosed. The audiometer may include a printed circuit board containing circuitry, plugs or other connectors for wired or wireless headphones and bone conductor, a battery charging unit, and one or more buttons for indicating response to pure tone and other stimuli, including, but not limited to noise, speech, and visual and audio instructions and graphical representations of objects or concepts used in a comprehensive hearing test. The instrument can be connected via a wired or wireless interface to a variety of controlling devices, including PC's, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, smartphones, including hybrid phone and PDA, and other devices such as media players, gaming systems, personal audio players, and other devices that can operatively communicate with the portable device.

Abstract: A hearing screener apparatus is disclosed and may include a housing and a testing probe operatively coupled to the housing. The testing probe may generate electrical signals based on otoacoustic emissions of the inner ear of a test subject, when the testing probe is inserted into the ear canal of the test subject. The hearing screener apparatus may also include a housing, a digital signal processor (DSP) within the housing, and a testing probe operatively coupled to the housing. The DSP may generate measurement data based on the electrical signals. At least one microphone may be mounted with the testing probe for generating the electrical signals based on the otoacoustic emissions. The testing probe may be vibrationally isolated from the housing. The testing probe may be elastically coupled to the housing. The hearing screener apparatus may also include an isolation body elastically coupled between the testing probe and the housing.

Abstract: A hearing device fitting device that includes a computing device (3), connected on an input side with a connection (E3) for data entry and on an output side with a connection (A3) for a hearing device. The hearing device fitting device further includes an audio storage medium play-back unit having a control input (E9) connected to a computing device (3) output and having an audio output (A3) connectable to a loud speaker unit (11) input. The device supports a method a method for fitting the hearing device in situ by applying the hearing device to an individual; subjecting the individual to an audio test signal; having the individual appraise said audio test signal; and automatically selecting, in dependency of said appraising, a subsequent audio test signal.

Abstract: Method for accurately measuring hearing loss includes the steps of selecting a series of audio tones within the normal range of hearing (502) and then measuring a relative sensitivity of a test subject with respect to the ability to hear each of the audio tones, exclusive of the effects of tinnitus. (504, 506, 508, 510, 512) The relative sensitivity of the test subject to hear the tones can be measured by determining (510) for each tone an intensity necessary for the test subject to hear the tones at a subjectively equal loudness level which is selected to exceed a perceived level of noise attributable to tinnitus for the test 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 ear canal according to the following formula: P + = P m 1 + R .

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: 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 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 portable audiometer for performing hearing testing enclosed within a patient response mechanism housing is disclosed. The audiometer may include a printed circuit board containing circuitry, plugs or other connectors for wired or wireless headphones and bone conductor, a battery charging unit, and one or more buttons for indicating response to pure tone and other stimuli, including, but not limited to noise, speech, and visual and audio instructions and graphical representations of objects or concepts used in a comprehensive hearing test. The instrument can be connected via a wired or wireless interface to a variety of controlling devices, including PC's, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, smartphones, including hybrid phone and PDA, and other devices such as media players, gaming systems, personal audio players, and other devices that can operatively communicate with the portable device.

Abstract: A portable audiometer for performing hearing testing enclosed within a patient response mechanism housing is disclosed. The audiometer may include a printed circuit board containing circuitry, plugs or other connectors for wired or wireless headphones and bone conductor, a battery charging unit, and one or more buttons for indicating response to pure tone and other stimuli, including, but not limited to noise, speech, and visual and audio instructions and graphical representations of objects or concepts used in a comprehensive hearing test. The instrument can be connected via a wired or wireless interface to a variety of controlling devices, including PC's, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, smartphones, including hybrid phone and PDA, and other devices such as media players, gaming systems, personal audio players, and other devices that can operatively communicate with the portable device.

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.

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: A system for conducting multiple diagnostic hearing tests is disclosed. The system comprises a yoke wearable around the neck of a patient, for providing a housing for conduits and wiring to conduct the hearing tests. The yoke may also coupled to one or more ear probes for engaging the ear of the patient, and to at least one microphone for measuring ambient noise during at least a portion of a hearing test.

Abstract: The aim is to simplify resource planning in a clinic or by a hearing aid technician. For this purpose, an audiometer and a method for operating an audiometer are proposed in which, following a simple hearing test, in addition to information as to whether treatment of a user with a hearing aid is necessary, the presence of any hearing-loss class in which the user can be grouped is also shown. In this way, the expense with regard to time, materials and personnel required for matching a hearing aid to a particular user can be more easily estimated.

Abstract: Errors in pitch (frequency) allocation within a cochlear implant are corrected in order to provide a significant and profound improvement in the quality of sound perceived by the cochlear implant user. In one embodiment, the user is stimulated with a reference signal, e.g., the tone “A” (440 Hz) and then the user is stimulated with a probe signal, separated from the reference signal by an octave, e.g., high “A” (880 Hz). The user adjusts the location where the probe signal is applied, using current steering, until the pitch of the probe signal, as perceived by the user, matches the pitch of the reference signal, as perceived by the user. In this manner, the user maps frequencies to stimulation locations in order to tune his or her implant system to his or her unique cochlea.

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: In a method for individualized training of hearing aid users a number of hearing training courses are stored in a databank. An individual user profile is acquired in a training device. A transmission of the hearing training data from the databank to the training device and/or vice versa ensues via a data network before or during the implementation of the hearing training. The training thus ensues adapted to the respective user profile by means of one or more individualized hearing training courses.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining hearing ability related data from a subject outputs tones or sounds and monitors the subject's responses to the tones or sounds. An error condition is detected based on the responses, and corrective instructions are automatically delivered based on the error condition detected. The hearing evaluation is resumed by outputting tones or sounds, and the steps of outputting, monitoring, detecting, automatically delivering and resuming are iterated until evaluation of the subject's hearing has been completed.

Abstract: A process and system for providing objective quality measurement of a target audio signal. Reference and target signals are processed by a peripheral ear processor, and compared to provide a basilar degradation signal. A cognitive processor employing a neural network then determines an objective quality measure from the basilar degradation signal by calculating certain key cognitive model components.

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: Pathological binaural phase time delay (BPTD) asynchrony is measured at a variety of frequencies and to speech stimuli to develop a BPTD profile for a subject. Then a corrective device (600, 1000) is designed to apply clinical BPTD 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 digital hearing aid according to the present invention is capable of measuring its own performance. The measurement and initialization capability may be entirely integral to the hearing aid, or an external processor may be used to download the measurement program and the run time program, and assist in computing the parameters. The hearing aid includes a test signal generator for feeding a test signal into the hearing aid amplifier. The response to the test signal is acquired at a specific point in the hearing aid, depending upon what aspect of performance is to be measured. Various elements of the hearing aid and/or the hearing aid feedback may be bypassed. The hearing aid further includes the capability of initializing hearing aid parameters based upon the performance measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting hearing tests with real-time ambient noise measurement are provided. More particularly, one or more microphones are provided to measure ambient noise in a test area during a time interval in which hearing test tones are provided to the patient. By measuring ambient noise during the actual presentation of the test tones, or at least near in time thereto, a much better indication of the reliability of the hearing test is provided. Methods of conducting a hearing test are also provided that comprise presenting a test tone to a patient and simultaneously measuring the ambient noise in the test area during at least a portion of the presentation of the test tone.

Abstract: A mountable sound pressure level (SPL) meter is described that includes a mechanism for mounting the SPL meter within an motor vehicle to measure motor vehicle audio system SPL values within the motor vehicle. The automotive SPL meter includes an internal microphone, or pressure sensor, that is designed for automotive use. Such pressure sensor improvements may include: use of a thicker and highly durable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microphone/pressure sensor diaphragm; use of a thicker, non-conducting gasket to increase microphone/pressure sensor excursion capability; use of a reduced number of microphone/pressure sensor back plate holes; and/or, reducing the diameter of microphone/pressure sensor back plate holes. The automotive SPL meter is highly resistant to operational environment temperature, humidity and decibel level extremes without sacrificing accuracy.

Abstract: A hand-held device includes an audio transducer (i.e., speaker) for delivering acoustic test stimuli to a test subject within the direct sound field range of the device. The device accurately delivers multi-level and multi-frequency test stimuli for the subjective response by the test subject holding the device. An ultrasonic position sensor within the device determines the position of the device with respect to the head or a portion of interest of the head of the test subject while the device is being held. The acoustic test stimuli are controlled and regulated based on the position of the device with respect to the test subject so that accurate levels of test stimuli are presented only when the device is within a proper range and irrespective of its exact position with respect to the test subject's head.

Abstract: An apparatus for bone conduction hearing testing is provided. The apparatus comprises a planar spring having opposed first and second elements to which are coupled, respectively, a bone conduction vibrator and an engagement element. The bone conduction vibrator contacts a first head portion, preferably the forehead, and the engagement element contacts a second head portion, preferably the rear of the head. The spring preferably has a lenticular shape, and may be either biconvex or D-shaped.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for applying a focused, directed audio beam at a fetus to stimulate the fetus in utero. An ultrasound signal is amplitude modulated with an audio range signal, and directed to an ultrasound transducer positioned on the abdomen of a pregnant woman. A focused beam from the ultrasound transducer is directed at the head of a fetus, wherein the resultant audio signal stimulates the middle ear, causing the fetus to move. Motion of the fetus can be tracked to test hearing in individual ears or to test the general health of the fetus. Furthermore, the focused beam can be successively directed at the fetus to cause to the fetus to move to a selected location in the womb for clinical testing or delivery.

Abstract: A portable hand-held electrical testing device including a processor housed within an enclosure. The processor is configured to operate on commands by a user to process sub-microvolt electrical signals received through an input/output interface. The input/output interface includes a capacitive coupled amplifier with adjustable gain settings. Onboard memory linked to the processor stores processing data and instructions. A display device is mounted to said enclosure and is operatively connected to the processor to display processing results in real time.

Abstract: A technique allows a web site visitor, or other user of a consumer electronics device that is remote from a hearing test server, to measure their hearing loss in an efficient and consistent way which is self-administered, and to store the measurements as a hearing profile which can be used for customizing audio products. The technique includes a method for conducting a hearing test using a computer program. The method includes establishing a communication channel between a remote device and server in a communication network. A first component of the computer program is executed on the server, and a second component of the computer program is executed at the remote device. The computer program according to the invention comprises a routine to manage interaction via an interface on the remote device, and adaptively select stimuli based upon the interaction to be produced at the remote device according to a convergent process to determine a hearing characteristic.

Abstract: Sounds input via a sound input device are corrected in accordance with age-based hearing characteristic data read from a memory or correction values for reference hearing characteristics for individual hearing characteristics-measured by an individual hearing characteristics measurement device, and the sounds corresponding to the hearing characteristics are measured and displayed by the display.

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: A method and device for audiological screening of infants and newborns by generating one or more stimuli with an audiologic screening device having acoustic transmitters in each ear canal to generate otoacoustic emissions, collecting and transmitting the otoacoustic emissions signals and brain stem response signals, analyzing the same, and transmitting the data to a remote central computer server via a built-in or attached modem or global information network for further analysis and storage.

Abstract: A hearing screener apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the hearing screener comprises a housing, a testing probe and one or microphones mounted with the testing probe. An elastic coupler may be used to suspend the testing probe from the housing. The testing probe may include a shaft and a removable probe tip mounted on the shaft. An ear tip is fitted onto an end of the removable probe tip. The ear tip may have a flexible flange arranged at its end to seal within the ear canal of the patient. The screener allows the testing probe to be manipulated about all axes and may have an isolation body or assembly that acts as the elastic coupler. The elastic coupler provides vibrational noise isolation due to movement of the patient and the user.

Abstract: A method and device for audiological screening of infants and newborns by generating one or more stimuli with an audiologic screening device having acoustic transmitters in each ear canal to generate otoacoustic emissions, collecting and transmitting the otoacoustic emissions signals and brain stem response signals, analyzing the same, and transmitting the data to a remote central computer server via a built-in or attached modem or global information network for further analysis and storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for applying a focused, directed audio beam at a fetus to stimulate the fetus in utero. An ultrasound signal is amplitude modulated with an audio range signal, and directed to an ultrasound transducer positioned on the abdomen of a pregnant woman. A focused beam from the ultrasound transducer is directed at the head of a fetus, wherein the resultant audio signal stimulates the middle ear, causing the fetus to move. Motion of the fetus can be tracked to test hearing in individual ears or to test the general health of the fetus. Furthermore, the focused beam can be successively directed at the fetus to cause to the fetus to move to a selected location in the womb for clinical testing or delivery.

Abstract: An auditory sense training device 1 to be used in an auditory sense training method for training auditory sense by listening to a sound formed by processing an original sound comprises a band attenuation processing method 20 for attenuating a predetermined frequency band of an original sound 10, a switching means 30 for selectively outputting either the original sound or the output from said band attenuation processing means, a panpot processing means 40 for performing a panpot process wherein a voice signal formed by attenuating an original sound of one channel is superposed to the original sound of another channel, and a phase reverse processing means 50 for performing a phase reverse process of reversing the phase of the original sound, wherein a trainee listens to the original sound and a band attenuation processed sound formed by attenuating a predetermined frequency band of the original sound alternately.

Abstract: A method for automatedly administering an audiometric test includes the steps of controlling an audiometer to selectively switch the audiometer output between test tones generated by the audiometer and sound signals generated from digital information; first switching the audiometer output to sound signals when the step of controlling indicates a beginning of a new test, a completion of a current test, or a test error; outputting sound representative of the sound signals after the step of first switching; second switching the audiometer output to test tones after the step of outputting; and outputting test tones until the next step of first switching.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for applying a focused, directed audio beam at a fetus to stimulate the fetus in utero. An ultrasound signal is amplitude modulated with an audio range signal, and directed to an ultrasound transducer positioned on the abdomen of a pregnant woman. A focused beam from the ultrasound transducer is directed at the head of a fetus, wherein the resultant audio signal stimulates the middle ear, causing the fetus to move. Motion of the fetus can be tracked to test hearing in individual ears or to test the general health of the fetus. Furthermore, the focused beam can be successively directed at the fetus to cause to the fetus to move to a selected location in the womb for clinical testing or delivery.

Abstract: An individual with a hearing loss often experiences at least two distinct problems: 1) the hearing loss itself i.e. an increase in hearing threshold level, and 2) a signal-to-noise ratio loss (SNR loss) i.e. a loss of ability to understand high level speech in noise as compared to normal hearing individuals. According to one aspect of the present invention, this problem is solved by selecting parameter values of a noise reduction algorithm or algorithms based on the individual user's SNR loss. Thereby, a degree of restoration/improvement of the SNR of noise-contaminated input signals of the hearing prosthesis has been made dependent on user specific loss data. According to another aspect of the present invention, a hearing prosthesis capable of controlling parameters of a noise reduction algorithms in dependence on the user's current listening environment as recognized and indicated by the environmental classifier has been provided.

Abstract: A hearing screener apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the hearing screener comprises a housing, a testing probe and one or microphones mounted with the testing probe. An elastic coupler may be used to suspend the testing probe from the housing. The testing probe may include a shaft and a removable probe tip mounted on the shaft. An ear tip is fitted onto an end of the removable probe tip. The ear tip may have a flexible flange arranged at its end to seal within the ear canal of the patient. The screener allows the testing probe to be manipulated about all axes and may have an isolation body or assembly that acts as the elastic coupler. The elastic coupler provides vibrational noise isolation due to movement of the patient and the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for determining in situ the acoustic seal provided by an in-ear device of a hearing protection/aid nature inserted into the ear canal of an individual. The in-ear device having a sound bore with an environment opening and an ear opening outside and inside the ear canal respectively, the environment opening is adapted to be removably engaged by a remote device such as a sound measurement device, a filter device, an amplifier device, a plug device and the like. The apparatus includes a sound measurement device having a probe microphone and a reference microphone isolated from each other and connected to a data processing unit having a control box and a speaker, both connected to a computer unit. Both microphones are adapted for measuring sound pressure levels inside said ear canal and outside in close proximity of said in-ear device respectively, the sound pressure levels corresponding to a known noise signal created by the speaker.

Abstract: This invention comprises a hardware and software system for automatically calibrating the audio output level of a personal computer used to evaluate human hearing. The invention requires hardware in the loop, which has the added benefit of preventing unauthorized use of the software.

Abstract: A method for automatedly administering an audiometric test includes the steps of controlling an audiometer to selectively switch the audiometer output between test tones generated by the audiometer and sound signals generated from digital information; first switching the audiometer output to sound signals when the step of controlling indicates a beginning of a new test, a completion of a current test, or a test error; outputting sound representative of the sound signals after the step of first switching; second switching the audiometer output to test tones after the step of outputting; and outputting test tones until the next step of first switching.

Abstract: In order to substantially realistically pre-operatively demonstrate to patients having an impaired hearing the effect and sound impression of an least partially implantable hearing system including a first electronic audio signal processing unit, a demonstration device is provided which comprises an electromechanical transducer adapted for being non-invasively coupled from the side of the external auditory canal to at least approximately the center of the tympanic membrane and thus to the end point of the manubrium mallei for producing mechanical vibrations of the tympanic membrane, an electronic audio signal generator unit, and a second electronic audio signal processing unit connected between the audio signal generator unit and the electromechanical transducer for driving the electromechanical transducer, wherein the second audio signal processing unit corresponds to or simulates the first electronic audio signal processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring magnetic hearing systems by receiving a magnetic hearing system in an acoustic hearing aid testing device and then detecting the magnetic field output by the magnetic hearing system with a magnetic-to-acoustic testing device when the magnetic hearing system is being tested by the acoustic hearing aid testing device. The magnetic-to-acoustic testing device then develops an acoustic output signal representative of the detected magnetic field which may then be used in traditional acoustic monitoring techniques, such as performing a listening check of the magnetic hearing aid system or performing standard ANSI types of measurements, by the audiologist or tester.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for assessing a subject's hearing by recording steady-state auditory evoked responses. The apparatus generates a steady-state auditory evoked potential stimulus, presents the stimulus to the subject, senses potentials while simultaneously presenting the stimulus and determines whether the sensed potentials contain responses to the stimulus. The stimulus may include an optimum vector combined amplitude modulation and frequency modulation signal adjusted to evoke responses with increased amplitudes, an independent amplitude modulation and frequency modulation signal and a signal whose envelope is modulated by an exponential modulation signal. The apparatus is also adapted to reduce noise in the sensed potentials by employing sample weighted averaging. The apparatus is also adapted to detect responses in the sensed potentials via the Phase weighted T-test or Phase zone technique.