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Department of Engineering, ICT and Technologies for Energy and Transport Patent Title Apparatus for clinical-audiometric invesƟŐĂƟon. Ref. CNR 10179 Assignee(s): CNR CNR InƐƟƚute: IDASC Main Inventor: Domenico Stanzial Countries: IT, EP Priority date: 03/01/2012 Abstract The present inveŶƟŽŶ refers to a device that consists of a broadband acousƟc sƟmulator and a micro- probe able to transduce the pressure and acousƟc velocity (p-v) signals simultaneously. These sub- systems are all assembled in a headset adapter to be applied at the entrance of the ear canal. The p-v signals are then sampled and undergo a two-channel original digital post-processing. This ĐŽŵƉƵƚĂƟŽŶ gives the reliable and accurate measurement of sound energy quanƟƟĞƐ characterizing the ŝŵŵŝƩĂnce and acousƟĐ absorbance of outer and middle ear. Obtained results are then graphically rendered for clinical diagnosƟĐ invesƟgĂƟons in the audiometric Įeld. The system can be used also for the recording and analysis of oto-acousƟĐ emissions. Background The measurement of the ear-canal impedance, also called "tympanometry“, allows to make an ŽďũĞĐƟǀe analysis of the ĨƵŶĐƟonal state of the outer and middle ear, in order to diagnose major diseases. The tympanometric test is currently conducted with indirect measurements using single-frequency sƟmuli and with an invasive method ;ĂƌƟĮcial vĂƌŝĂƟon of the staƟc pressure in the ear canal) that is pĂƌƟĐƵůĂƌly troublesome, especially in newborn and child aged subjects. Technology The microprobe used for the direct measurement of acousƟc impedance inside the ear canal is based on MEMS technology, both for the microphone (pressure) signal and the velocimetric sensor. The ůĂƩer, in ƉĂƌƟcular, is manufactured with a standard CMOS process that greatly reduces the cost of ƉƌŽĚƵĐƟon and makes it commercially ĂƩƌĂĐƟve. Advantages and ApplicaƟons Wideband tympanometry when carried out with direct measurements of the pressure and ƉĂƌƟĐůĞ velocity signals makes the audiometric test rapid, complete, accurate, repeatable and non-invasive. The p-v measures are carried out at ambient pressure without annoying sƚĂƟĐ pressure changes in the ƉĂƟĞŶƚ͛sear- canal and so making audiometric tesƟng not only more reliable but also easy to perform and therefore convenient for self-diagnosis or telemedicine apƉůŝĐĂƟŽns. Development stage The inveŶƟŽn is currently in the stage of hardware prototype, being adapted to a generic two-channel acquisŝƟŽŶ system and p-v signals post-processing. ValidaƟon tests and clinical-diagnosƟĐ ŝŶƚĞƌƉƌĞƚĂƟŽŶ of the obtained results have not yet been performed. Only comparison measures with the data obtained by standard tympanometers have been carried out. 11