Patent ID: 7223245
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: A61B,G01N,H04R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for automatically assessing loss of hearing sensitivity and loss of compression (recruitment) with user defined frequency resolution by means of extrapolated OAE I/O-functions and ABRs as well as for automatically fitting hearing aids comprising: means for generating one or more stimuli with acoustic transmitters in each ear canal of a subject, signal collecting means for collecting any transient evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emissions generated by the cochlea in response to the stimulus with microphone means placed in the ear canal for generating a frequency mixed product electric signal, and/or brain stem responses via scalp attached electrodes, computer means with computer display for analyzing the response signal distortion product otoacoustic emission input/output functions (DPOAE I/O-functions), which mirror the sensitivity and non-linear compression of cochlear outer hair cells, and/or auditory brainstem responses, especially, high rate click evoked ABRs and amplitude modulated following responses (AMFRs), means for representing neural sound processing in afferent nerve fibers using binomial statistics, different artifact categories by a digital signal processor associated with the signal collecting means, means for displaying the signal responses of the subject, means for employing a hardware interface for hearing instruments (HIPRO box) associated with the signal collecting means allowing the test subject to interact with a computer display of test responses, and calculating hearing aid fitting parameters at selected f means for fitting a hearing aid to supply frequency specific and input level dependent amplification to provide for a subject's needs, and means for displaying the results.