Patent ID: 8437479

Claim:
A method of audiometric testing using a calibrated headset, the method comprising: a) providing a calibrated headset comprising: i) at least one speaker; ii) a digital data interface adapted for connection with a computer; iii) an electronic memory module adapted for storing a unique calibration reference relating to the said at least one speaker, the said unique calibration reference relating analog electrical input signals which can be delivered to the at least one speaker with frequency and volume characteristics of sound outputs from said at least one speaker; iv) a microprocessor adapted for processing digital data received from said computer via the said interface, the said digital data corresponding to a desired sound output, the microprocessor adapted to electronically access the said unique calibration reference to determine the analog signal to be delivered to the said at least one speaker in order to emit the said desired sound output, the said unique calibration reference being required to illicit an exact reproduction from the said at least one speaker of the sound output; and, v) a digital to analog converter adapted for converting the said digital data processed by the microprocessor to the analog signal and adapted for delivering the analog signal to the said at least one speaker; b) interconnecting the said digital data interface with the computer; c) administering a software generated audiometric test using the said calibrated digital headset the test comprising the emission of a first set of sound outputs having pre-specified frequency and/or volume characteristics; d) receiving into the said computer user feedback concerning the audibility of the first set of sound outputs; e) generating using the said computer a user hearing profile based upon the results of one or more audiometric tests; f) analyzing the user hearing profile with the computer to determine at least one region of hearing loss; g) comparing the user hearing profile with a previously determined partner hearing profile using the computer; h) for the partner hearing profile, determining using the computer the required amplification or deamplification of frequencies within the region of hearing loss in order to match the partner hearing profile with the user hearing profile; and i) using the digital headset, emitting a series of sounds modified by the required amplification or deamplification in order to audibly emulate for the partner how those sounds are perceived by the user.