Multimedia auditory test instrument
First Claim
1. An auditory test instrument comprising:
- an audiometer;
a plurality of speakers, wherein said speakers are used during testing procedures and hearing instrument evaluation procedures; and
means coupled to said audiometer for calibrating said plurality of speakers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An auditory instrument that includes a plurality of loud speakers is provided. Typically five speakers are used, although both fewer and greater numbers of speakers can be used depending upon the desired sound field quality as well as the desired system complexity and cost. The speakers can be wired or wirelessly connected to the audiometer. The system can be configured to provide automatic speaker calibration, thereby minimizing the effects of the speakers, speaker placement, and environmental characteristics. The speakers, in conjunction with the audiometer, are used during patient testing and hearing instrument evaluation. As part of the evaluation, the system can be used to reproduce typical sound fields.
32 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An auditory test instrument comprising:
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an audiometer;
a plurality of speakers, wherein said speakers are used during testing procedures and hearing instrument evaluation procedures; and
means coupled to said audiometer for calibrating said plurality of speakers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of calibrating an auditory test instrument, comprising the steps of:
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coupling a plurality of speakers to an audiometer;
coupling a microphone to said audiometer;
automatically emitting a plurality of frequencies and timing signals through each of said plurality of speakers, wherein said automatic emitting step is controlled by said audiometer;
automatically calculating speaker levels and timing delays for each of said plurality of speakers, wherein said automatic calculating step is controlled by said audiometer; and
automatically calibrating individual speakers with a multi-band equalizer, wherein said automatic calibrating step is controlled by said audiometer and wherein said multi-band equalizer is integrated into said audiometer.
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Specification