Method for automatic non-cooperative frequency specific assessment of hearing impairment and fitting of hearing aids
AssigneeNatus Medical Incorporated
InventorsPeter Zoth, Thomas Jennsen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and device for automatically assessing loss of hearing sensitivity and compression (recruitment) with user defined frequency resolution by means of extrapolated DPOAE I/O functions and ABRs as well as for automatically fitting hearing aids without any cooperation of the subject tested using a device having a display screen attached to a handheld device generating and collecting otoacoustic emission signals and brain stem response signals into a programmed with a clinical audiogram with fitting parameters for hearing aids calculated on the basis of assessed hearing threshold and compression and identifying the type of hearing required for the individual.
Claims9
A method 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 with or without any cooperation of the subject tested comprising:
- a. generating one or more stimuli with acoustic transmitters in each ear canal of a patient,
- b. collecting any transient evoked and/or distortion product otoacoustic emission signals generated by the cochlea in response to the stimulus and brainstem response signals,
- c. analyzing the response signals distortion product otoacoustic emission input/output functions (DPOAE I/O-functions), which mirror the sensitivity and non-linear compression of cochlear outer hair cells, as well as the auditory brainstem responses, especially, high rate click evoked ABRs and amplitude modulated following responses (AMFRs) representing neural sound processing in afferent nerve fibers,
- d. displaying the signal responses of the patient and
- e. fitting a hearing aid to supply frequency specific and input level dependent amplification to provide for a patient's needs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.