Including Ear Or Hearing Testing Patents (Class 73/585)
  • Patent number: 6574340
    Abstract: In a method for determining a parameter set for a hearing aid during the computerized setting of the hearing aid, a macro call is determined, the macro call is converted into at least one setting command according to a macro definition, and the parameter set is determined dependent on the at least one setting command. Such a method is high-performance and nonetheless flexible and easy to manipulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Bindner, Eduard Kaiser, Ullrich Sigwanz, Roland Weidner
  • Publication number: 20030070485
    Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system that includes a computer and a speaker. The computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker and the speaker is operable to convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The computer system has a tone control that controls the spectral components of the electrical signal. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program setting the tone control; generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates whether the user heard the stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Benny B. Johansen, Ephram Cohen, Sunil Puria
  • Publication number: 20030073927
    Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system. The computer system includes a computer and a speaker. The computer includes a first audio source and a second audio source. In addition, the computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker from the first audio source and from the second audio source. Further, the speaker can convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program muting the first audio source; generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates that the user heard the stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Benny B. Johansen, Ephram Cohen, Sunil Puria
  • Patent number: 6532296
    Abstract: Active noise reduction headphones for audiometry where the earphone portion of said headphones has a cavity volume greater than 6 cc and including an acoustic-electric sensing means and an electro-acoustic transducing means which are used cooperatively and which has additional passive noise control means in the form of a circumaural seal around the ear for improving high frequency noise control performance, the headphone having a summing junction for combining the active noise reduction signal and an audiometry test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Allen Vaudrey, William Richard Saunders
  • Patent number: 6503207
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a multi-mode audiometric device comprising a stimulus generator adapted to transmit at least one true random stimulus sequence to a subject's inner ear, a first detector for detecting at least one AEP signal having at least a first waveform, a second detector for detecting at least one OAE signal having at least a second waveform; a signal analyzer for analyzing the AEP and OAE signals, the signal analyzer including a first averager for reconstructing the first waveform and a second averager for reconstructing the second waveform; and a synchronizer for synchronizing the stimulus generator and signal analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Natus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20020176584
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: James Mitchell Kates
  • Patent number: 6457362
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the identification and treatment of language perception problems in specific language impaired (SLI) individuals. The invention provides a method and apparatus for screening individuals for SLI and training individuals who suffer from SLI to remediate the effects of the impairment by using the spectral content of interfering sound stimuli and the temporal ordering or direction of the interference between the stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corporation
    Inventors: Beverly A. Wright, Michael M. Merzenich, Srikantan Nagarajan, Athanassios Protopapas
  • Patent number: 6447461
    Abstract: A hearing analyzer, and a user-operated, user-calibrated audiological test system which comprises software, a calibrator, and specified headphones. The frequency response of the headphones is measured. The soundcard of a computer is used to generate audiological test signals, and either the actual output level of those signals or the analysis of results is compensated by software to the frequency response of the headphones. The calibrator allows an accurate calibration level to be established for the soundcard output. The software provides for using the method of adjustment test procedure to perform several audiological tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sound ID
    Inventor: Steven Anthony Eldon
  • Publication number: 20020099306
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Shaw, Mead C. Killion
  • Publication number: 20020078750
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the identification and treatment of language perception problems in specific language impaired (SLI) individuals. The invention provides a method and apparatus for screening individuals for SLI and training individuals who suffer from SLI to remediate the effects of the impairment by using the spectral content of interfering sound stimuli and the temporal ordering or direction of the interference between the stimuli.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Beverly A. Wright, Michael M. Merzenich, Srikantan Nagarajan, Athanassios Protopapas
  • Patent number: 6386039
    Abstract: The method and apparatus according to the invention determines the acoustic spatial characteristics of an enclosure, particularly of a vehicle occupant compartment in a motor vehicle. A piece of equipment emits a useful sound together with a test sound. By analyzing a recorded analysis sound, the test sound is emitted in a psychoacoustic masking range of the useful sound. Advantageously, the covering range of the useful sound is determined in a useful-sound analysis block before the useful sound and the test sound are emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mike Peters
  • Patent number: 6379314
    Abstract: A method of allowing a community of users to self-administer a hearing test via a computer system accessed over the Internet is disclosed. A web site is generated which is accessible by a community of users over the Internet. The web site presents a screen to a user which gives instructions on responding to sounds. Electronic data is sent to users which instructs the user's computer to generate a series of sounds at different amplitudes and frequencies. The user blocks sound to one ear and responds to sounds detected by the other ear. The responses are analyzed against a known standard to provide information on user hearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Health Performance, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Horn
  • Patent number: 6368288
    Abstract: An acoustic coupling device for a hearing screening device comprising engagement means being adapted to receive an acoustic stimulus from the hearing screening device and transmit at least one response signal from a subject (or patient) to the hearing screening device, stimulus monitoring means in communication with the engagement means for monitoring the acoustic stimulus, at least a first earpiece disposed proximate the cavity of at least one of said subject's ears having a stimulus input in communication with the engagement means adapted to receive the acoustic stimulus, the stimulus input being further adapted to receive and transmit the response signal from the subject to the engagement means, the earpiece further including a response signal output adapted to receive and transmit the response signal, and response signal monitoring means in communication with the response signal output for monitoring the response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kinderlife Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Stone
  • Patent number: 6368289
    Abstract: An acoustic coupling device for a hearing screening device comprising a coupling input adapted to removeably engage a hearing screening device, the coupling input being adapted to receive an acoustic stimulus from the hearing screening device and transmit at least one response signal from a subject (or patient) to the hearing screening device; a first passive attenuator adapted to attenuate a first frequency of the acoustic stimulus; a second passive attenuator adapted to attenuate a second frequency of the acoustic stimulus, the first and second passive attenuators in combination providing a second acoustic stimulus having a substantially balanced acoustic spectrum; at least a first earpiece disposed proximate the ear canal of one of the subject's ears, the earpiece including a stimulus input adapted to transmit at least the second acoustic stimulus to the subject and receive at least a first response signal having a first volume from the subject's ear; and a response signal compensator adapted to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Kinderlife Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Stone
  • Patent number: 6349598
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the identification and treatment of language perception problems in specific language impaired (SLI) individuals. The invention provides a method and apparatus for screening individuals for SLI and training individuals who suffer from SLI to remediate the effects of the impairment by using the spectral content of interfering sound stimuli and the temporal ordering or direction of the interference between the stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corporation
    Inventors: Beverly A. Wright, Michael M. Merzenich, Srikantan Nagarajan, Athanassios Protopapas
  • Patent number: 6331164
    Abstract: A hearing test device and artifact rejection method are disclosed. The device and method may be used in, for example, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing. In one embodiment, the device presents a plurality of stimuli into the ear canal of a test subject, and receives responses from the ear canal. Depending on the noise power of each response received, the response is placed in one of a plurality of buffers or is discarded. 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 test has been passed or failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Shaw, Mead C. Killion
  • Patent number: 6327366
    Abstract: An adjustment method for a hearing device and an apparatus to do it are proposed, by which a model for the perception of a psycho-acoustic variable, especially of the loudness, is parametrized for a standard group of individuals (LN) as well as for an individual (LI). On grounds of model differences, especially in relation to their parametrization, the adjustment values are determined, whereas the signal transmission is planned or adjusted at a hearing device (HG) ex situ or is guided in situ, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Bohumir Uvacek, Herbert Bächler
  • Patent number: 6299584
    Abstract: A hearing screener apparatus is provided. The hearing screener includes a housing, a testing probe and an elastic coupler suspending the testing probe from the housing. The testing probe preferably includes 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 preferably has 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Iseberg
  • Patent number: 6295467
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of detecting a reflex of the human stapedius muscle, in particular for a hearing test. According to the method, the reflex is triggered by means of an acoustic signal, and the impedance or the variation in impedance brought about by means of the reflex at the eardrum is measured by means of a further acoustic signal. The object of the invention is to further improve the stapedius reflex audiometry method so that it can be applied in practice. To that end, at least two chronologically successive or mutually overlapping substantially identical acoustic signals are used. The information concerning a possible impedance variation at the eardrums obtained by forming the difference between the acoustic characteristics produced and registered by the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Birger Kollmeier, Joachim Neumann
  • Patent number: 6231521
    Abstract: An audiological screening and testing method for newborns and infants employing audiological screening via statistical phase analysis of otoacoustic emissions in response to acoustic stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Zoth, Armin Giebel, Franz Fischer
  • Patent number: 6175635
    Abstract: A hearing device has a microphone, a signal processor, an earphone and a number of externally accessible final control elements for setting audiological/acoustical parameters of the signal processor. An allocation stage is connected between the signal processor and the final control elements for allowing a number of combined and/or derived parameters to be simultaneously set by actuation of a single final control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Meyer, Ullrich Sigwanz, Hans-Joachim Weiss
  • Patent number: 6154546
    Abstract: Real ear measurements for a digital hearing aid (DHA) fitting are effected using a probe microphone which senses sound from within the patient's ear. The sound, which is conveyed to the probe microphone using a probe tube, is converted to electrical signals which are input to a direct audio input of the DHA. The electrical signals are digitized by the DHA and relayed to a processing unit which effects the real ear measurements. Alternatively, the DHA itself performs all real ear measurements with only a wired, wireless or no external connection to a command unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Resound Corporation
    Inventor: Bohumir Uvacek
  • Patent number: 6139507
    Abstract: A system and method for accurately determining the power flow within a test subject's ear canal. A calibration device (300) is used in conjunction with a probe device (400) that measures the frequency response of a cavity. The probe (400), with eartip (440), is inserted into a patient's ear and a transducer (460,470) emits a periodic signal into the ear canal. The transducer (460,470) also measures the frequency response of the ear canal and relays the data back to a digital signal processor. The same probe setup (400) is then calibrated by measuring the frequency response of a plurality of cavities (340a, 340b, 350c, 350d) having known geometries. Mean cavity length is solved for based upon the known geometries of the plurality of cavities. Consideration is also given to spreading mass wave phenomena due to point source transducer emission. Cavity temperature for calibration purposes is maintained as close as possible to body temperature thereby negating a farther source of error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Miomsa Acoustics Inc.
    Inventor: Patricia S. Jeng
  • Patent number: 6115478
    Abstract: A method is provided for programming a digital hearing aid using a program encoded in an audio band (20 Hz-20 kHz) signal, to transmit and verify programs and algorithm parameters. Preferably, this is in a digital hearing aid including filterbanks, filtering the audio signal into different frequency bands. The signal is encoded by the presence and absence of a signal in each frequency band or by other well-known modulation techniques used by computer modems. Special programming signals are provided alternating between the frequency bands in a manner to clearly distinguish the program data from any other interfering or normally present audio signal. The method does not require additional hardware, and offers reduced power consumption, as compared to some known wireless programming interfaces. It enables remote programming over a network using standard multimedia computer hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: dspfactory Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony Todd Schneider
  • Patent number: 6110126
    Abstract: An audiological screening and testing method for newborns and infants employing audiological screening via statistical phase analysis of otoacoustic emissions in response to acoustic stimili.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Peter Zoth, Armin Giebel, Franz Fischer
  • Patent number: 6109107
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the identification and treatment of language perception problems in specific language impaired (SLI) individuals. The invention provides a method and apparatus for screening individuals for SLI and training individuals who suffer from SLI to remediate the effects of the impairment by using the spectral content of interfering sound stimuli and the temporal ordering or direction of the interference between the stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corporation
    Inventors: Beverly A. Wright, Michael M. Merzenich, Srikantan Nagarajan, Athanassios Protopapas
  • Patent number: 6053875
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the tip has a conical portion. Four connection tabs are orthogonally and evenly spaced on the outer circumference of the conical portion. The tip has a flange surrounding an outer circumference of the conical portion and parallel to the connection tabs. Between the connection tabs and the flange is a gap. The connection tabs and gap have a size such that they securely connect the tip of the acoustic reflectometer. The tip also may have a set of handling tabs connected between the flange and the conical section which simplify attachment of the tip to and removal of the tip from the acoustic reflectometer. The inner diameter of the tip has a shape that provides a matching acoustic impedance to the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Marvin Rosenbaum, Paul Bertram
  • Patent number: 5970795
    Abstract: The system is designed for the purpose of providing a means of conducting objective assessment of the actual or "real world" attenuation which is provided by insert-type hearing protection (IHP) devices. A device is constructed to serve as the input device to any commercially available noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measuring device. A miniature microphone is mounted on, or embedded in the proximal surface of the IHP which is to be inserted in the ear or upon the ear of the user. The miniature microphone is hard wired to a miniature jack which is mounted on, or embedded in, the distal surface of the IFP device. A cable connects to the jack on the outside of the IHP device and to the input of the noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measurement device. Thereby, when the IHP device containing the above is used, the dosimetry or sound level measurement instrument conducts assessments of actual sound levels to which the hearing mechanism is exposed when IHP devices are in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sound Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Seidmann, Roger P. Juneau, Juan H. Sanchez, Gregory R. Siegle
  • Patent number: 5954669
    Abstract: A hearing screener apparatus is provided. The hearing screener includes a housing, a testing probe and an elastic coupler suspending the testing probe from the housing. The testing probe preferably includes a microphone housing having a first end and a second end. A cavity extends longitudinally into the first end of the microphone housing, and a microphone is mounted to the housing adjacent the cavity. An ear tip is fitted onto the first end of the microphone housing for insertion into a patient's ear. The ear tip preferably has a flexible flange arranged at its end to seal within the ear canal of the patient. A further elastic coupler suspends the ear tip assembly from the testing probe. Preferably. the elastic coupler is a number of elastic bands or o-rings distributed to concentrically suspend the probe within the housing. The screener allows the testing probe to be manipulated about all axes and has an isolation body which is also capable of being manipulated relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Iseberg
  • Patent number: 5928160
    Abstract: A home hearing test for use with a conventional home audio system comprising an audio player and a set of headphones connected to the audio player. The home hearing test includes an audio medium such as a compact disc playable in the audio player and containing a calibration tone recorded at a predetermined decibel level and a number of prerecorded sequences of tones. Each sequence has tones recorded at different decibel levels and decreasing by a step value. In a first sequence for obtaining a rough estimation of hearing threshold level, the tones start at 70 dB HL and decrease by 10 dB steps to 0 dB HL. In secondary sequences, tones start and end with tones from the first sequence and decrease in 2 dB steps. The home hearing system includes a calibration device for calibrating the output of the audio system to the ears of a person wearing the headphones against the predetermined decibel level of the calibration tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Richard L. Clark, David Navone, Charles Watson, Diane Kewley-Port, Howard Hoyt, Carl V. Miller
  • Patent number: 5916174
    Abstract: An audiometric screening apparatus and associated method provides fast, low-cost, noninvasive screening of a subject's hearing. The apparatus includes a signal processor for generating a stimulus signal and a probe electrically coupled to the signal processor and insertible in a subject's ear. The probe includes a transmitter to transmit the stimulus signal into the ear and a receiver for receiving a first response signal from the subject's ear. An electrode, electrically coupled to the signal processor, is attached to the subject's scalp for sensing a second response signal. The signal processor processes the first response signal to provide an evoked otoacoustic emission signal and processes the second response signal to provide an auditory evoked potential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Sonamed Corporation
    Inventor: William F. Dolphin
  • Patent number: 5902252
    Abstract: A device and a process for analysis of acoustic reflectance directs acoustic energy for a range of frequencies including resonance frequencies of the object being analyzed. The device detects waves reflected by the object to produce what is called an acoustic reflectance curve. The electronic signal applied to an acoustic transducer at each frequency is gradually increased in amplitude to a desired amplitude. After applying the signal for a period of time at the desired amplitude, the amplitude is gradually decreased. This technique reduces noise that would otherwise occur if a signal of the desired amplitude was applied directly. The signal applied to the acoustic transducer also may be scaled according to a measured response of the device to open air, i.e., without any expected reflectance. Normalizing the signal applied to the acoustic transducer rather than the signal received from a microphone increases the dynamic range of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: MDI Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Hohlfeld, Geoffrey Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5885225
    Abstract: A system and method for using double-evoked otoacoustic emission (2EOAE) signals to elicit an evoked response from the cochlea. A three sample stimulus includes a first signal, a time delayed second signal and the superposition of the first and second signals. The time delay is selected to be less than the maximum latency of the cochlear emission. Each of the three signals elicits a response from the cochlea that include a linear response. The linear response is eliminated by subtracting the response to the first and second individual signals from the response to the superposition signal. One class of signals arises when the time delayed signal is a scaled version of the first signal. The signals can include click signals, chirp signal and the like. Chirp signals can be used to mimic classical distortion product (DP) responses. The signals may be presented using a single acoustic source or separate acoustic sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Boys Town National Research Hospital
    Inventors: Douglas H. Keefe, Robert Ling
  • Patent number: 5833626
    Abstract: A device for electromechanical stimulation and testing of hearing in which an electromechanical transducer transmits audiologic signals as mechanical deflections via a coupling element from the outside, noninvasively through the external auditory canal, by direct mechanical coupling with the manubrium of the malleus to the ossicular chain. In preferred embodiments, by suitable selection of the transducer principle disruptive magnetic stray fields and acoustic stimulation by sound transmission to the contralateral ear, which is not being examined, are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Implex GmbH Spezialhorgerate
    Inventor: Hans Leysieffer
  • Patent number: 5811681
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Finnigan Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy Braun, Jack Foreman
  • Patent number: 5792072
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring the linear and nonlinear power-based responses of the ear uses a small probe assembly containing a sound source and microphone inserted into the ear. The linear power-based responses, or transfer functions, measured by the system include reflectance, admittance and impedance calculated in the time and frequency domains. A calibration procedure is based upon measured pressure responses in one or more calibration waveguides, and upon a model of the transfer function of each of the calibration waveguides that incorporates viscothermal losses. The linear transfer functions and the measured pressure responses in the ear may be combined to calculate sound power absorbed by the ear. The system is further able to measure the corresponding nonlinear power-based response of the ear by measuring any of the above transfer functions at different levels of the acoustic stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventor: Douglas H. Keefe
  • Patent number: 5792073
    Abstract: A system and method for measurement of acoustic response, such as occurs in the ear canal when double-evoked otoacoustic emission signals elicit an evoked response from the cochlea. A three sample stimulus includes a first signal, a time delayed second signal and the useful superposition of the first and second signals. The time delay is less than the maximum latency of the cochlear emission. Each signal elicits a cochlear response that includes a linear response, which is eliminated by subtracting the first and second individual signal responses from the response to the useful superposition signal. One class of signals arises when the time delayed signal is a scaled version of the first signal. The signals may be presented using a single acoustic source or separate acoustic sources. Appropriate selection of time delays greatly reduces nonlinear response due to probe distortion. Using two acoustic sources, probe distortion can be virtually eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Boys Town National Research Hospital
    Inventor: Douglas H. Keefe
  • Patent number: 5757930
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is designed for the purpose of providing a system for conducting objective assessment of the actual or "real world" attenuation which is provided by insert-type hearing protection (IHP) devices. The device is constructed to serve as the input device to any commercially available noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measuring device. A miniature microphone is mounted on, or embedded in the proximal surface of the IHP which is to be inserted in the ear or upon the ear of the user. The miniature microphone is hard wired to a miniature jack which is mounted on, or embedded in the distal surface of the IHP device. A cable connects to the jack on the outside of the IHP device and to the input of the noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Sound Tehcnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Seidemann, Roger P. Juneau, Juan H. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5732396
    Abstract: A hand held hearing screening device includes a housing with a spacing element extending therefrom. Word generating circuitry is carried within the housing. A control switch on the housing cycles the generating circuitry to produce one or more output word or phrase sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Beltone Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Posen, Miles P. Posen, Erik A. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 5710377
    Abstract: A system for detecting ultrasonic vibrations, such as those generated by a small leak in a pressurized container, vessel, pipe, or the like, comprises an ultrasonic transducer assembly and a processing circuit for converting transducer signals into an audio frequency range signal. The audio frequency range signal can be used to drive a pair of headphones worn by an operator. A diode rectifier based mixing circuit provides a simple, inexpensive way to mix the transducer signal with a square wave signal generated by an oscillator, and thereby generate the audio frequency signal. The sensitivity of the system is greatly increased through proper selection and matching of the system components, and the use of noise rejection filters and elements. In addition, a parabolic collecting horn is preferably employed which is mounted on the transducer assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert C. Youngquist, J. Steven Moerk
  • Patent number: 5699435
    Abstract: A probe tube for use with an occluding object to test sound pressure levels within the ear canal is set forth. The probe tube has a flexible body portion having an elongated cross section. The elongated cross-section has a generally arcuate first side that contacts the wall of the ear canal and a generally arcuate second side that generally conforms to a surface of the occluding object. The flexible body portion also includes an aperture for conducting sound through the probe tube. The aperture extends along at least a portion of the length of the flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Mead Killion
  • Patent number: 5651371
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring the linear and nonlinear response of an unknown acoustic termination uses a small probe assembly containing a sound source and microphone to determine the reflection function of the unknown acoustic termination. The probe assembly is used with a calibration tube to calculate an electrical signal that will provide a desired acoustic stimulus signal to the acoustic termination. The calibration tube is also used to characterize the signal processing properties of the sound source and microphone, as well as other associated signal processing circuits such as amplifiers, filters, and the like. The calibrated system is subsequently coupled to the unknown acoustic termination to deliver the acoustic stimulus signal. The reflection function is indicative of the power transferred to the unknown acoustic termination. The measurement of the linear transfer characteristic is applicable to any unknown acoustic termination such as a musical instrument or the auditory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: The University of Washington
    Inventor: Douglas H. Keefe
  • Patent number: 5601091
    Abstract: An audiometric screening apparatus and associated method provides fast, low-cost, noninvasive screening of a subject's heating. The apparatus includes a signal processor for generating a stimulus signal and a probe electrically coupled to the signal processor and insertible in a subject's ear. The probe includes a transmitter to transmit the stimulus signal into the ear and a receiver for receiving a first response signal from the subject's ear. An electrode, electrically coupled to the signal processor, is attached to the subject's scalp for sensing a second response signal. The signal processor processes the first response signal to provide an evoked otoacoustic emission signal and processes the second response signal to provide an auditory evoked potential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: SonaMed Corporation
    Inventor: William F. Dolphin
  • Patent number: 5594174
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring the linear and nonlinear response of an unknown acoustic termination uses a small probe assembly containing a sound source and microphone to determine the reflection function of the unknown acoustic termination. The probe assembly is used with a calibration tube to calculate an electrical signal that will provide a desired acoustic stimulus signal to the acoustic termination. The calibration tube is also used to characterize the signal processing properties of the sound source and microphone, as well as other associated signal processing circuits such as amplifiers, filters, and the like. The calibrated system is subsequently coupled to the unknown acoustic termination to deliver the acoustic stimulus signal. The reflection function is indicative of the power transferred to the unknown acoustic termination. The measurement of the linear transfer characteristic is applicable to any unknown acoustic termination such as a musical instrument or the auditory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventor: Douglas H. Keefe
  • Patent number: 5428998
    Abstract: An infant hearing test apparatus, primarily intended for use in the early detection of hearing problems of human infants in the birth to eighteen month age group, subjects an infant under test to two low intensity test sounds of an electronically filtered human voice in the frequency range of about 2000 to 4000 Hz. Of particular utility are the higher frequency sounds that are associated with the voice of a human female, for example a mother speaking a language dependent endearing term such as "Hi Baby", and a language independent sound to which the infant is sensitive, such as the sound of an infant crying. Both of these sounds are used to test the infant for body movement, for example head movement, with both sounds being reproduced at a relatively low intensity of about 46 dB and at a distance of about 12 inches from the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: BAM World Markets, Inc.
    Inventor: Marion P. Downs
  • Patent number: 5413114
    Abstract: Multiple single-frequency tones are presented simultaneously to a subject by each of two transducers for the purpose of testing hearing. One transducer is employed to present a plurality of f.sub.1 primaries and the other transducer a plurality of f.sub.2 primaries so as to make the ratio of f.sub.2 to f.sub.1 sufficient to produce evoked distortion products by the pair. Proper selection of the frequencies prevents numerous intermodulation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Sensimetrics Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Zurek, William M. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 5291785
    Abstract: An infant hearing test apparatus, primarily intended for use in the early detection of hearing problems of human infants in the birth to eighteen month age group, subjects an infant under test to two low intensity test sounds of an electronically filtered human voice in the frequency range of about 2000 to 4000 Hz. Of particular utility are the higher frequency sounds that are associated with the voice of a human female, for example a mother speaking a language dependent endearing term such as "Hi Baby", and a language independent sound to which the infant is sensitive, such as the sound of an infant crying. Both of these sounds are used to test the infant for body movement, for example head movement, with both sounds being reproduced at a relatively low intensity of about 46 dB and at a distance of about 12 inches from the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: BAM World Markets, Inc.
    Inventor: Marion P. Downs
  • Patent number: 5267571
    Abstract: Multiple single-frequency tones are presented simultaneously to a subject by each of two transducers for the purpose of testing hearing. One transducer is employed to present a plurality of f.sub.1 primaries and the other transducer a plurality of f.sub.2 primaries so as to make the ratio of f.sub.2 to f.sub.1 sufficient to produce evoked distortion products by the pair. Proper selection of the frequencies prevents numerous intermodulation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Sensimetrics Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Zurek, William M. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 5239872
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the sensitivity of the subject to a perception of a vibration comprises a vibration emitter, a signal device which can be activated by the subject as a perception threshold is cross, and an electronic processing unit which includes devices for storing the frequency and level of vibration of each crossing, a device for controlling the frequency and level of vibration, a device for exploring a reference frequency level by a frequency scan and a device for searching the perception threshold corresponding to the vibration levels different from the reference level, by a series of iterative frequency scans carried out starting from a zone of non-perception and ending towards either a high frequency or a low frequency as soon as the perception threshold is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Christian Meyer-Bisch
  • Patent number: RE34961
    Abstract: A software model of the auditory characteristics of an auditory prosthesis is stored independently of the actual auditory prosthesis being fitted to determine the acoustic parameters to be utilized. A transfer function of the auditory characterictics of the individual auditory prosthesis to be fitted, or of an exemplary model of such an auditory prosthesis, is created, transformed into a table, or other usable form, and stored in software usable by the automated fitting program. The automated fitting program may then "test" or try by iterative process, the various settings for the acoustic parameters of the auditory prosthesis and determine accurately the results without actual resort the physical auditory prosthesis itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregory P. Widin, Mats B. Dotevall