An instrument configured to test the middle-ear function of a test subject, such as in tympanometry and impedance audiometry is provided. The instrument comprises an ear probe for insertion in an ear of test subject, the ear probe comprises an acoustic output unit comprising a receiver, the acoustic output unit being configured to provide a stimulus into the ear of the test subject via said receiver, an acoustic input unit comprising a microphone, the acoustic input unit being configured to receive a reflected part of said stimulus via said microphone and provide an electrical input signal, an ear-probe body for accommodating said microphone and said receiver, and an ear-probe tip comprising a tip opening for outputting said stimulus and receiving said reflected part of the stimulus, wherein the ear-probe tip comprises a sound tube with a longitudinal axis (A), where said sound tube provides access between a receiver opening and a microphone opening, respectively, and said tip opening, which receiver opening and microphone opening are arranged at a distance (L) from said tip opening along said longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the instrument is configured to provide said stimulus comprising one or more frequencies above 226 Hz into the ear of the test subject via said receiver.

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for detection and compensation for an oblique ear-probe insertion in especially hearing testing diagnostic setups. More particularly the disclosure relates to detecting an oblique probe insertion from an ear-probe measurement and estimated characteristic impedances and compensate for its effect on the ear-canal reflectance.

A smartphone and tympanometer-based middle ear abnormality detection mobile system and a method for detecting middle ear abnormalities by a mobile computing device coupled to a tympanometer is disclosed. The method detects middle ear abnormalities by a smartphone-based tympanometer, thereby allowing mobility for medical practitioners to check for middle ear abnormalities in people unable to visit an ENT at a medical facility. The method is implemented as a software application that runs on the mobile computing device and displays results instantly to help determine any of several types of middle ear infection which may be present. This is a huge improvement over existing process where a doctor has to make that determination based on his/her interpretation of the tympanogram.

The present application relates to a spectro-temporal modulation (STM) detection test unit comprising a stimulus generation unit comprising at least one output unit configured to present a first probe stimulus to one ear of a user and to present a second probe stimulus to another ear of the user, an analysis unit configured to determine, in response to presenting the probe stimuli, a modulation-detection threshold of the user, where the stimulus generation unit being configured to generate each of the first probe stimulus and the second probe stimulus based on a carrier signal with a spectro-temporal modulation added, and where the spectro-temporal modulation of the first probe stimulus is different from the spectro-temporal modulation of the second probe stimulus. The present application further relates to a system and a method.

An ear ailment diagnostic device generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

An ultrasound signal processor uses an excitation generator to cause displacement of a tympanic membrane while a series of ultrasound pulses are applied to the tympanic membrane. Phase differences between a transmitted signal and received signal are examined to determine the movement of the tympanic membrane in response to the applied excitation. An examination of the phase response of the tympanic membrane provides a determination as to whether the fluid type behind the tympanic membrane is one of: no fluid, serum fluid, or purulent fluid.

A system and method for automatically and dynamically controlling the output (e.g., volume) of an audio headphone device is disclosed, which includes detecting the invocation of the acoustic reflex with an audio headphone device. The disclosed system can measure the response of the tympanic membrane and middle ear to various SPL and frequencies. That information may be used for automated or customized warning or limiting levels either within the headphone, or at the audio playback device.

A system and a method for a healthcare provider to easily, accurately and efficiently provide a hearing test and a pressure test, i.e., a hearing assessment, for their patients, in a way that accurately detects hearing loss and provides recommendations for seeking further assistance from qualified hearing health specialists is provided.

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.

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.