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.

A new wideband acoustic immittance measurement apparatus is provided for determination of wideband acoustic immittance in the ear of the human, the apparatus comprising an ear probe for insertion in an ear canal of the human and having an acoustic output port for emission of sound into the ear canal of the human, and an acoustic input port for reception of sound from the ear canal of the human, and a loudspeaker that is arranged for acoustical connection with the acoustic output port of the ear probe for emission of the sound, and a microphone that is arranged for acoustical connection with the acoustic input port of the ear probe for generation of an audio signal as a function of sound received at the acoustic input port, and a processor that is adapted for controlling the loudspeaker to emit sound spanning a frequency range, and receiving the audio signal of the microphone, determining a complex acoustic admittance Y(f)=G(f)+jB(f) as a function of frequency f based on the emitted sound and the received audio signal, and identifying at least one middle ear resonance based on both the real and imaginary part of the determined acoustic admittance as a function of frequency f.

Systems and methods for enhanced hearing protection and data recording are disclosed. Recorded data is analyzed to determine user compliance with standard operating procedures. Additionally, hearing loss is monitored using neurological response of the auditory system to environmental noise. Optional sensors such as temperature sensors, accelerometers, GPS sensors are used to correlate noise data with external events. An optional acoustic source may be used to identify unusual conditions such as ear drum perforations and capture information related to health of the tympanic membrane and external auditory meatus. The systems and methods may also be used to protect the hearing and utility of military working dogs.

A system having a scope with a longitudinal length extending between a proximal end and a distal end includes a plurality of markers spaced along the longitudinal length. The system also includes a disassociation and positioning device that is configured to enhance unsedated transnasal endoscopic procedures by at least partially occluding the vision of a patient while enabling body cavity access, and optionally record and sense body functions such as temperature, heart rate and oxygenation of the blood stream. The system further includes a sensor integrated into the distraction device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the markers on the longitudinal length of the scope.

Non-invasive methods of detecting hidden hearing loss (cochlear synaptopathy) based on detection of an abnormal ratio of Summating Potential (SP)/Action Potential (AP) (SP/AP) Ratios.

A system for a healthcare provider to administer a portable interactive hearing assessment is provided. The system allows the healthcare provider to administer the hearing assessment in a way that accurately detects hearing loss and provides recommendations for seeking further assistance from qualified hearing health specialists and/or an ENT physician. The system includes a hearing test device, and a processor that receives and processes a pressure test result associated with each of the patient's ear from a tympanometer and the patient's response to one or more pure tone frequencies transmitted by the hearing test device. The processor may also provide a report and recommendation based on received pressure test result and the determined hearing results, and demonstrate effects of any hearing loss to a person accompanying the patient so that the accompanying person understands a scope of the patient's hearing loss.

Diagnosing and treating presbycusis (age related hearing loss) includes measuring basilar membrane stiffness. In an example, a low frequency component of an electrocochleogram stimulation signal is used to bias a region of the basilar membrane, the results of which are used basilar membrane stiffness. The resulting measurement is used to measure a subcomponent of presbycusis. Further, the measurement can be combined with known diagnostic methods to reveal or distinguish other origins of hearing loss such as strial presbycusis, sensory presbycusis, neural presbycusis, and cochlea conductive presbycusis. The relative contributions for each of the diagnosed origins of hearing loss can be determined.

A sensor system includes an actuator, an accelerometer coupled with the actuator, a rigid member, a transducer, and one or more processors. The actuator generates motion. The accelerometer outputs an acceleration signal responsive to at least the motion of the actuator. The rigid member extends from a first end coupled with the accelerometer to a second end. The transducer is coupled with the second end of the rigid member. The transducer can be configured to couple with a load, and can output a force signal responsive to at least a portion of the motion of the actuator transmitted to the transducer via the rigid member. The one or more processors determine a mechanical impedance of the load based at least on the acceleration signal and the force signal.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an acoustic measurement device configured to provide acoustic property values for objective ear-condition evaluation of a patient's ear, in particular a human's ear. Said acoustic measurement device can be configured to be positioned within an ear canal of said patient and configured to take a resting position within said ear canal. Embodiments of the acoustic measurement device can include an air-pump arrangement, said air-pump arrangement, at least in said resting position, being in fluid connection with said ear canal through at least one tube running via said ear probe.

An exemplary method for characterizing a quality of a membrane measurement may comprise receiving a reflected signal from a tympanic membrane in response to a pneumatic challenge; characterizing a quality of a seal in response to the reflected signal, wherein the quality of the seal is characterized based on a leak rate; and providing an indication that the leak rate is sufficiently small to continue with a measurement.