Ear canal obstruction detecting acoustical stimulation ear probe
Inventors
Zoth, Peter • Lodwig, Andre • Oswald, Johann • Janssen, Thomas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7976474-B2
Publication Date
2011-07-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
An illuminated acoustical stimulation ear probe with outer ear illumination and a probe-fit status indicator.
Core Innovation
An ear canal obstruction detecting acoustical stimulation ear probe is provided that includes a housing with a tip exterior structured to fit and seal within the ear canal so that a tip opening is in communication with an ear canal when inserted. A light mounted within the housing radiates energy through a tip opening light passageway to illuminate the outer ear canal, and the illumination is used to identify wax or other debris for removal before sound testing and to aid in probe placement.
The probe further includes at least one acoustical transducer mounted to the housing with leads extending from the housing, where the transducer sends sound signals and receives otoacoustical and/or obstruction reflection signals. A power source operably associated with the leads activates the acoustical transducers to send sound signals and receive otoacoustical and/or obstruction reflection signals, and a microprocessor associated with the acoustical transducers processes the signals for display.
In another configuration, the probe includes an interior defining a light transmission and inspection passageway in communication with the tip opening, and a light mounted within the housing passageway that transmits light through the passageway and tip opening to illuminate the outer ear while the probe is being placed. The probe also includes a frequency emitter associated with the housing passageway to radiate energy into the ear canal to identify wax or other debris for removal before sound testing, as well as a sensor associated with the housing tip that generates an ongoing sensor signal to the microprocessor when the housing tip is properly seated within the outer ear channel.
An indicator attached to the exterior activates when the sensor signal indicates proper seating, and the microprocessor processes otoacoustical signals. Optional implementations described include visualization enhancements such as a magnifier lens or a camera associated with the housing passageway for inspection of the ear canal, and tympanometry testing using a tube connection to apply static air pressure controlled by the microprocessor.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive coverage includes illuminating and inspecting the outer ear canal to identify wax or other debris and aid placement, acoustical stimulation with otoacoustical signal reception and microprocessor processing for display, and sensor-based determination of proper probe seating with an indicator, with optional visualization and tympanometry features described in dependent claim refinements.
Illumination for identifying wax or other debris and aiding probe placement
A light mounted within the housing structured to radiate energy through the tip opening light passageway into the ear canal to illuminate the outer ear canal to identify wax or other debris for removal before sound testing and to aid in probe placement.
Acoustical transducer for sending sound signals and receiving otoacoustical and/or obstruction reflection signals
At least one acoustical transducer, which sends sound signals and receives otoacoustical and/or obstruction reflection signals, mounted to the housing with leads extending from the housing.
Microprocessor processing signals for display
A microprocessor associated with the acoustical transducers to process the signals for display.
Light transmission and inspection passageway with illuminated outer ear while probe is being placed
A light mounted within the housing passageway and powered by the power source to transmit light through the light transmission and inspection passageway through the tip opening to illuminate the outer ear to expose wax and debris while the probe is being placed.
Frequency emitter associated with the housing passageway for identifying wax or other debris
A frequency emitter associated with the housing passageway to radiate energy from the passageway into the ear canal to identify wax or other debris for removal before sound testing.
Sensor generating an ongoing signal for proper seating and an indicator activating based on the sensor signal
A sensor associated with the housing tip, which generates an ongoing sensor signal to the microprocessor when the housing tip is properly seated within the outer ear channel of a test subject, and an indicator attached to the exterior of the housing and associated with the microprocessor, which activates the indicator when the sensor signal indicates the housing tip is properly seated within the outer ear channel of the test subject.
Acoustical transducer and microprocessor processing otoacoustical signals
An acoustical transducer, which sends sound signals and receives otoacoustical signals mounted within the housing passageway with leads extending from the housing, and a microprocessor associated with the acoustical transducer to process the otoacoustical signals.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on using a housing tip that seals in the ear canal with an internal light transmission and inspection passageway to illuminate the outer ear canal for identifying wax or other debris before sound testing and for aiding probe placement, combined with acoustical stimulation that sends sound signals and receives otoacoustical and/or obstruction reflection signals processed by a microprocessor for display, and sensor-based determination of proper probe seating with an exterior indicator. In the second independent claim, a frequency emitter associated with the housing passageway is included to identify wax or other debris prior to sound testing.
Stated Advantages
Identifies wax or other debris for removal before sound testing.
Aids in probe placement.
Exposes wax and debris while the probe is being placed.
Activates an indicator when the housing tip is properly seated within the outer ear channel.
Processes otoacoustical and/or obstruction reflection signals for display.
Documented Applications
Ear canal obstruction detection using an acoustical stimulation ear probe, including illuminating the outer ear canal and performing sound testing where wax or other debris is identified before sound testing.
Tympanometry testing using a tube connection applying static air pressure under microprocessor control.
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