Glen O Martin

US Patent:

56645775, Sep 9, 1997

Filed:

Jun 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/662881

Inventors:

Glen K. Martin - Houston TX

Assignee:

Baylor College of Medicine - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06G 760

US Classification:

128746

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for the recording of distortion product emission (DPE) levels in human beings. At least one microphone and a sound-delivery system is inserted in the external ear canal. Two primary tones T. sub. f1, T. sub. f2 are applied simultaneously to the ear. The cochlea of the inner ear produces a DPE tone which is sensed by the microphone. DPE levels are sensed as a function of input frequencies f. sub. 1 and f. sub. 2. Such DPE frequency is equal to 2f. sub. 1 -f. sub. 2. Such DPE frequencies are collected in 100 Hz step by adjusting f. sub. 1 and f. sub. 2 and maintaining a substantially constant ratio between f. sub. 1 and f. sub. 2. Two output forms are created: an DPE audiogram and a DPE input/output function. Noise picked up is reduced by averaging the DPE signals many times, yet causing each of the DPE signals that is averaged to be of the same phase a every other DPE signal. Random phase noise is reduced by the averaging process.

US Patent:

55268196, Jun 18, 1996

Filed:

Aug 26, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/296868

Inventors:

Glen K. Martin - Houston TX

Assignee:

Baylor College of Medicine - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F15900

US Classification:

128746

Abstract:

Apparatus and method are disclosed for the recording of distortion product emission (DPE) levels in human beings. At least one microphone and a sound-delivery system is inserted in the external ear canal in a manner similar to that required to position a small hearing aid. Two primary tones T. sub. f1, T. sub. f2 are applied simultaneously to the ear. The cochlea of the inner ear produces a DPE tone which is sensed by the microphone. DPE levels are sensed as a function of input frequencies f. sub. 1 and f. sub. 2. Such DPE frequency is equal to 2f. sub. 1 -f. sub. 2. Such DPE frequencies are collected in 100 Hz steps by adjusting f. sub. 1 and f. sub. 2 and maintaining a substantially constant ratio between f. sub. 1 and f. sub. 2. Two output forms are created: an DPE audiogram and a DPE input/output function. Noise picked up by the microphone is reduced by averaging the DPE signal many times, yet causing each of the DPE signals that is averaged to be of the same phase as every other DPE signal.