JP3337371B2 - Audiometer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an audiometer used for otolaryngological medical treatment, and also relates to an audiometry apparatus which can be used in combination with an audiometer and an impedance audiometer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An audiometer simply gives a subject a test sound and a masking noise from an oscillation circuit via an amplifier, an attenuator, and an air-conducting or bone-conducting receiver, and responds to the subject. Used to measure the minimum audible threshold based on The impedance audiometer is used to measure the mobility of the eardrum by displaying / recording a change in compliance value when the pressure in the closed ear canal is increased / decreased on a two-dimensional screen,
This provides information for diagnosing otosclerosis, ossicle transection, otitis media with effusion, and the like. These impedance meters and impedance audiometers
It is the most frequently used testing device in the field of otolaryngology.

A front view of a typical prior art audiometer is shown in FIG. In FIG. 31, LEDs (light emitting diodes) 63, which are display elements for displaying the right and left test ears, near the test ear selection switch 62 for switching the test ears on the operation panel of the audiometer 61,
64 is provided, and an operation area 65 is provided at a position distant from them, and here an inspection sound level knob 66 which is rotated to set the hearing level of the inspection sound, and a level of masking noise are set. For this purpose, a noise level knob 67 that is rotated is arranged. Between these knobs 66 and 67, an interrupter switch 68 for interrupting the inspection sound is arranged.

In the prior art shown in FIG. 31, when operating the knobs 66 and 67 and the interrupter switch 68 provided in the operation area 65, it is intuitive whether the current test ear is right or left. It is difficult to visually grasp, and it is necessary to look at the LEDs 63 and 64 while changing the line of sight.

In the prior art audiometer, when recording and reading out data as an inspection result, the LEDs 63 and 64 are used to know whether the data being read out is the data of the right or left ear. Operability is poor.

In still another prior art audiometer, as shown in FIG. 32, an inspection sound corresponding to a symbol 69 provided at a fixed position is provided on the outer periphery of a knob 66 for setting the inspection sound level. Numerals 70 are printed or stamped to indicate the level of the image. Therefore, the numeral 70 is small and difficult to read, and it is difficult for the operator to grasp the sound pressure given to the test ear. The same applies to the knob 67 for another masking noise.

Further, in the conventional audiometer, in addition to the examination ear selection switch 62, the knobs 66 and 67, and the interrupter switch 68, various kinds of operation switches are arranged on the operation panel. There is a problem that operability is poor because the arrangement is not based on the frequency.

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

Conventional audiometers and impedance audiometers are provided with display means for visually displaying inspection results and a printer as print display means for printing and recording on recording paper. It is configured such that the meter alone and the impedance audiometer alone can be used.
Therefore, the visual display and the print display means are provided in each of the audiometer and the impedance audiometer, and there is a problem that the installation space becomes large.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an audiometer having improved operability without imposing a burden on an operator.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hearing test apparatus capable of simplifying the configuration of an audiometer and an impedance audiometer and reducing the installation space.

[0019]

According to the present invention, there are provided a level output means for outputting an electric signal representing the level of a test sound of the right ear or the left ear, and a plurality of level values of the electric signal given from the level output means. A level indicator for digitally displaying in color, and control means for displaying the color signal corresponding to the electric signal of the right ear or the left ear given to the level indicator from the level output means by the level indicator. Outputs an electrical signal in a measurement mode in which an inspection is performed and in a read mode in which the inspection result is read from a memory in which the inspection result is stored. One of an operation and a blinking display operation, and the other of a continuous lighting display operation and a blinking display operation in a read mode. Is Jiometa. Further, the present invention provides, in an audiometer, a frequency selection switch for selecting a test sound of each of a plurality of frequencies, and a frequency selection display provided individually corresponding to each frequency and capable of lighting in a plurality of colors. A memory for storing the level of the test sound for each test frequency, and a memory for storing the level of the frequency selected by the frequency select switch in the test mode in response to the output of the frequency select switch and the memory. The frequency selection display is operated in continuous lighting display operation and blinking display operation in one predetermined color corresponding to the time when the frequency is selected and the time when the frequency is not stored. When the level of the frequency is stored in the memory and when it is not, the frequency selection indicator of the non-selected frequency,
Control means for performing a light-on display operation and a light-off display operation in another predetermined color. Further, the present invention provides a noise level output means for outputting an electric signal representing a plurality of levels of masking noise, and a noise level display for digitally displaying a noise level value of the electric signal given from the noise level output means in a plurality of colors. An audiometer, comprising: a display unit; and a control unit for displaying a color signal corresponding to each type of noise from the noise level output unit on a noise level display unit. Further, according to the present invention, the audiometer outputs a first electric signal representing a test result of a pure tone hearing test, performs a sound transmission function test, and outputs a second electric signal representing the test result; Receiving the first and second electrical signals,
Display output means for switching and outputting the display. The present invention also provides an audiometer for performing a pure tone hearing test and outputting a first electric signal representing the test result, and an impedance audio system for conducting a sound transmission function test and outputting a second electric signal representing the test result. A hearing test apparatus comprising: a meter; and a display output unit that receives the first and second electric signals and switches and displays each test result. The present invention also provides an audiometer for performing a pure tone hearing test and outputting a first electric signal representing the test result, and an impedance audio system for conducting a sound transmission function test and outputting a second electric signal representing the test result. Receiving the meter and the first and second electrical signals,
Display output means for switching and outputting a display, detachable first connector means for electrically connecting the audiometer and the display output means, and detachable means for electrically connecting the impedance audiometer and the display output means. Possible second
The audiometer includes a first operation panel for pure tone hearing test, and a first mounting table provided behind the first operation panel for mounting the impedance audiometer or the display output means. The impedance audiometer has a second operation panel for testing the sound transmission function, and a second mounting table provided behind the second operation panel for mounting the display output means. This is a hearing test device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operator can know the level of the inspection sound or the mamasking noise displayed on the level indicator numerically, that is, digitally, and the color of the digital display is changed. , Respectively, corresponding to the right and left ears, for example, in orange and green respectively. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively and easily know the test sound given to the right or left ear of the subject,
This facilitates operability. By knowing whether the level of the inspection sound or masking noise digitally displayed on the level indicator is a continuous lighting display operation or a blinking display operation, whether the measurement mode or the memory reading mode is selected. You can easily find out. This also improves operability and does not confuse the left and right ear data. According to the invention of claim 2, there is provided a frequency selection display that can be lit in a plurality of colors corresponding to the frequencies of the test sound, and thereby, in the measurement mode,
When the level of the selected frequency is stored in the memory, the indicator of the selected frequency indicates a predetermined 1
The continuous lighting display operation is performed in one color, and if not stored in the memory, the blinking display is performed in the predetermined one color.
In addition, the frequency selection display of the non-selected frequency performs a lighting display operation in another predetermined color if it is stored in the memory, that is, a continuous lighting display operation or a blinking display operation if it is not stored in the memory. I do. This makes it possible to intuitively know the storage state of the memory in the measurement mode. According to the third aspect of the present invention, whether the masking noise is white noise or band noise corresponds to the color of the display that displays the noise level, so that the level of the masking noise can be easily known. And the type can be intuitively known to the operator, which also improves the operability. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to use a display output means for performing a visual display or a recording display for printing on a recording paper in common with the audiometer and the impedance audiometer in the hearing test apparatus. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified, so that the installation space can be reduced. Moreover, the display output means receives the first and second electric signals from the audiometer and the impedance audiometer and switches and outputs the results of each test, so that a communication operation by an interface for achieving such an operation can be performed. , Can be performed without error. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the impedance audiometer is disposed on the first mounting table of the audiometer, and the display output means is mounted on the second mounting table of the impedance audiometer. By connecting the display output means with the first connector means and connecting the impedance audiometer and the display output means with the second connector means, the hearing test can be performed in the first combination mode. Further, the display output means is mounted on the first mounting table of the audiometer, and the audiometer and the display output means are connected by the first connector means. Thus, the hearing test can be performed in the second combination mode. Further, by mounting the display output means on the second mounting table of the impedance audiometer and connecting the display output means with the second connector means, the hearing test can be performed in the third combination mode.

[0021]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an operation panel 74 of an audiometer 73 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This audiometer 73 is used for performing pure tone audiometry including air conduction audiometry and bone conduction audiometry,
In addition, ABLB (Alternative Bina)
ural Loudness Balance) inspection and SISI (Short Incre)
mentSensitivity Index).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the audiometer 73. Control means 76 is connected to the audiometer main body 75, and the control means 76 includes:
The operation panel 74 is connected, and the signal input / output means 77 is connected. A rotation detection circuit 79 is connected to a processing circuit 78 such as a microcomputer provided in the control means 76. The left knob 55 and the right knob 34 provided on the operation panel 74 are connected to the rotation detection circuit 79. The display control circuit 80 controls the continuous lighting, blinking lighting, and extinguishment display operations of the LEDs provided on the operation panel 74 that emit light in a single color or a plurality of colors, and these LEDs are referred to collectively. This is indicated by reference numeral 81. A number of operation switches provided on the operation panel 74 are indicated by reference numeral 82 and are provided to the processing circuit 78 via the switch input circuit 83 of the control means 76. The memory 84 is connected to the processing circuit 78.

The audiometer main body 75 is provided with a pure tone generating circuit 85. A circuit 86 for generating masking noise is provided. The test sound, which is a pure tone, and each electric signal of white noise or band noise from the masking noise generating circuit 86 passes through an input / output switching circuit 87, passes through attenuators 88 and 89 that perform an attenuating operation, and passes through a power amplifying circuit 90 and 90. Amplified at 91 and output switching circuit 92
Through the air conduction handsets 93, 94 for the right and left ears
To the bone conduction receiver 95, and further to the masking noise receiver 96 used during the air conduction hearing test and the bone conduction hearing test.

In the signal input / output means 77, the processing circuit 7
8 is an interface 9 for connecting to an external circuit.
7 is connected to a display output unit 99, which is an external circuit, which will be described later, via a line 98. Further, the response switch 100 is used to be operated by the subject. The output from the response switch 100 is provided to the processing circuit 78 via the response switch input circuit 101. An impedance audiometer 102 described later may be used together with the audiometer 73. A knob 55 that is rotated to set the hearing level of the test sound and a knob that is rotated to set the level of the masking noise are provided on the operation panel 74. Knob 5
The hearing level set by 5 is displayed by a level indicator 5 that digitally displays numbers in orange and green. Further, in order to digitally display the masking noise level by a numeral, a level indicator 21 for displaying the masking noise level in orange and green is provided. The knob 55 is operated by the left hand 103 of the operator. Interrupter switch 14 and read switch 22 operated to set a read mode for performing a read operation from memory 84
Is operated by the index finger 105 of the operator's left hand 104, and the clear switch 106 can also be operated by the index finger 105. The set switch 15 that is pressed to store data in the memory 84 is the middle finger 10
7, the scale-out switch 37 is used when the test sound and / or the masking noise level is pressed when the test result is not obtained even when the level of the test sound exceeds the maximum possible sound of the audiometer. Can be operated by the operator's ring finger 108. These knobs 55, 34, level indicators 5, 21, and switches 22, 106, 14, 15,
37 and the like are arranged in the lower area 109 of the operation panel 74.

In the middle area 110 of the operation panel 74, an examination ear selection switch 10 operated by the index finger 111 or the middle finger 112 of the right hand 103 to switch between the right and left ears of the examination ear, and an examination sound as a pure tone are continuously displayed. A switch 27 for switching to output or intermittent output and an interrupter forward / reverse selection switch 30 operated to determine whether to output or shut off a test sound when the interrupter switch 14 is pressed are provided. Further, a frequency selection switch 1 individually corresponding to the frequency of the inspection sound.
2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Further noise output /
A noise sound / off switch 17 for selecting cutoff;
A blanking noise selection switch 29 operated to select white noise or band noise as the type of the blanking noise is provided.

An air conduction hearing test switch 2 for selecting a type of a hearing test is provided in an upper area 113 of the operation panel 74.
6. A bone conduction hearing test switch 35, an ABLB test switch 49, and a SISI test switch 39 are provided. Further, 1 dB or 5d, which is the interval between the output levels of the inspection sound or blanking noise due to the angular displacement of the knobs 55 and 34
A switch 41 for setting B, a switch 46 for performing a start operation, a digital display 48 for performing display at the time of SISI inspection, and the like are provided.

For visual display, the above-mentioned level indicator 5,
21, the read area LE illuminated in orange in the read mode for performing the read operation of the memory 84 is provided in the lower area 109.
D38 is provided. A presentation LED 24 that lights up in orange or green when a test sound is given to the subject.
And an LED 23 that lights up in green when the subject responds to the response switch 100.

In the middle area 110, an LED 11 that lights up in orange when the right ear is selected and an LED 16 that lights up in green when the left ear is selected are located above and near the examination ear selection switch 10.
Is provided. An LED 28 for displaying a continuous output state in orange and an LED 29 for displaying an intermittent state in green are provided to indicate the continuity or intermittentness of the test sound. The normal / reverse operation setting state by the interrupter switch 14 is displayed by the LED 31 or 32.

Each of the LEDs 13 constituting a frequency selection display which emits light in orange, green and red is provided in correspondence with the frequency selection switch 12 individually. LE lights up in green to indicate the noise sound setting status
D18 is provided. When white noise is selected, the orange LED 33 is turned on, and when band noise is selected, the green LED 20 is turned on.

In the upper area 113, the above-mentioned green LEDs 25, 36, and 5 are displayed for displaying an air conduction hearing test, a bone conduction hearing test, an ABLB test, and a SISI test for display.
0 and 40 are provided. At the time of the start operation of the start switch 46, the LED 47 that performs a green lighting operation is operated. The unit change amount of the level of the knobs 55 and 34 is 1d
An LED 42 illuminated in orange is provided to indicate that B has been set, and a green LED 43 illuminates when set to 5 dB. Green LEDs 45 and 56 are provided to indicate the presentation state of the sound during the SISI test and the response state of the response switch 100 by the subject. Further, the upper area 113 is provided with an operation switch 57 that can be used as a speech geometry for performing a speech hearing test. The power switch 58 is disposed on the rightmost side of the upper region 113.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a simplified configuration of a part of the level display 5. In order to display a multi-digit number on the level indicator 5, a day-shaped segment 11 is provided for each digit.
5 are provided. The sun-shaped segment 115 has eight LED segments (A to G) for emitting red light and LED segments (a to g) for emitting green light at the same position, and further includes red and green LED segments for decimal points. LED segments (P, p) are combined at the same position. Since the red and green LEDs are arranged close to each other, it is possible to emit orange light by simultaneously turning on the red and green LEDs.

FIG. 4 is a simplified electrical circuit diagram for driving the sun-shaped segments. Drive circuit 1 for each digit
16 are provided, and each of the segments A to P and a to p of red, green or both red and green is selected and driven by the switching signal S1. A data signal S2 corresponding to a number is provided for each digit for the lighting operation of each segment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one segment A, a according to another embodiment of the present invention. LEDA for each digit,
a is connected in parallel with the opposite polarity. Accordingly, each of the LEDs A and a is turned on in accordance with the direction of the drive current. The drive circuit 116 selects the direction of the drive current for each of the segments A and a according to the switching signal S1. Such a configuration is the same for the remaining segments BP and bp. Further, although each of the above-described configurations has been described with reference to the level indicator 5, another level indicator 2 is provided.
1 also has a similar configuration. In particular, in this level indicator 21, in addition to orange and green, a red display is also possible. Can be

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the processing circuit 78. In performing the hearing test, the process proceeds from step a1 to step a2, and the test mode, that is, the type of the hearing test, the right or left ear test ear, the type of the masking noise is white noise or band noise, and the type thereof On / off of whether or not to use masking noise is initially set to a predetermined state. In step a3, a signal obtained by operating each switch of the operation panel 74 is read. In step a4, it is determined whether or not the test mode, which is the type of hearing test, has been changed. If the test mode has been changed, the test mode is set. Make a change so that a hearing test is performed. Step a
In step 6, it is detected whether the test ear has been changed to the right ear or the left ear. If the test ear has been changed, in step a7, a change is made so that the test sound or masking noise is output from the changed test ear. Is set. In step a9, it is determined whether the masking noise is white noise or band noise. When the type of the masking noise is changed, the operation is performed so that the masking noise changed in step a9 is output. You. In step a10, it is determined whether or not the masking noise is used. If the masking noise has been changed, the use or non-use of the masking noise is set in step a11. At the time of setting the inspection mode in step a4, the operation of the switches 26, 35, 49, and 39 is detected. At the time of determining the change of the test ear in step a6,
The operation by the switch 20 is determined. In determining the type of the masking noise in step a8, the operation of the switch 19 is detected. In determining whether to use masking noise in step a10,
The operation of the switch 17 is detected.

After step a11 in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to step a12 in FIG. 7, and when the test mode, which is the type of the hearing test, is an air conduction hearing test, a bone conduction hearing test, or a SISI test, the process proceeds to step a13. It is determined whether the test ear is the right ear or the left ear. When you are in your right ear,
In step a14, the level indicator 5 for displaying the sound pressure level of the pure tone, which is the inspection sound, is displayed in orange. When the left ear is selected, the level indicator 5 is lit in green in step a14. When it is determined in step a15 that the masking noise is white noise, in step a19, it is determined whether or not the masking noise is used. When the masking noise is used, the level of the masking noise is reduced in step a20. The displayed level indicator 21 is lit in orange, and when noise is not used, step a
At 21, blinking display is performed in orange.

In step a21, the reason why the level of the white noise, which is the masking noise set by the knob 34, is displayed is that the switch 17 is then operated to suddenly give the subject excessive white noise without a forward swing. This is for notifying the operator of the currently set noise level in order to prevent the noise level from being set. When it is determined that the band noise is selected in step a15, it is determined in step a16 whether or not the band noise that is the masking noise is used.
When used, the level indicator 21 displays green light, and when not used, the level of the band noise which is the masking noise set by the knob 34 in step a17 blinks green. The reason why the level of the band noise when not in use is displayed in step a17 is the same as that in step a21 described above. In order to prevent the operator from suddenly giving excessive noise to the inspector by operating the switch 17, the operator is prompted. This is for notifying the currently set noise level.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the memory 84 at the time of the pure tone test. The stored contents shown in FIG. 8 are used for an air conduction hearing test and a bone conduction hearing test which are pure tone hearing tests. The operating procedure of the audiometer 73 for the pure tone inspection, the LEDs for each display, and the display operations thereof are as shown in Tables 1 to 6.

[0038]

[Table 1]

[0039]

[Table 2]

[0040]

[Table 3]

[0041]

[Table 4]

[0042]

[Table 5]

[0043]

[Table 6]

An air conduction hearing test and a bone conduction hearing test are performed according to Tables 1 to 6 described above. The level display 5 performs an orange digital display for the operation of the right ear, the right ear selection LED 11 performs an orange display, and the left display digitally displays the left ear for the left ear. LE
D16 performs a green display. Therefore, the test state of the left and right ears can be intuitively known in the measurement mode without using the audiometer 73 alone and the display output means 99 described later, and the reading of the output data from the memory 84 can be performed. Can be intuitively known for the left and right ears. This allows data being measured or read out to be handled without confusion with respect to the left and right ears.

The pure tone hearing test can be simply described as follows.
It is as follows. First, determine whether or not to use masking noise. When using masking noise,
Operate the noise on / off switch 17 to turn on the noise on L
The ED 18 is turned on in green. Noise selection switch 19
By operating, for example, if band noise is selected, the band noise LED is lit in green, and if white noise is selected, the white noise LED 33 is lit in orange. Each time the noise selection switch 19 is pressed, the selection between white noise and band noise is alternately switched. When no masking noise is selected,
The level indicator 21 for the masking level blinks the masking noise level set by the knob 34 to indicate that the masking noise has not been selected. The level indicator 21 blinks the level of the masking noise to display the noise on / off state.
When the off switch 17 is operated, the level of the masking noise given to the subject can be known, thereby preventing the subject from being suddenly given an excessive sound pressure level of the masking noise. The masking noise level can be set to a low level in advance, and then the noise on / off switch 17 can be operated to give the subject low level masking noise.

In Table 2, the type and use state of the masking noise can be intuitively recognized by the level indicator 21 for displaying the level of the masking noise in step 5 based on the color and the lighting state.

In step 6 of Table 3, an air conduction hearing test is first performed from the right ear. In step 6, the left and right sides of the test ear can be intuitively recognized by the color of the level indicator 5 that displays the hearing level. This inspection ear selection switch 1
By operating 0, the right ear is selected, whereby the right ear selection LED 11 provided on the upper part of the examination ear selection switch 10 lights up in orange, indicating that the right ear is selected as the examination ear, A level indicator 5 indicating the set value of the hearing level is arranged near and next to the knob 55,
The level of the inspection sound set by the knob 55 is displayed digitally in orange. The frequency selection switch 12 is first operated corresponding to 1 kHz, and is set to a green color corresponding to a right inspection ear provided above the 1 kHz switch 12.
The kHz LED 13 is turned on.

The knob 55 for setting the hearing level and the interrupter switch 14 are operated to start measurement from 0 dBHL. The operator operates the interrupter switch 14 to show / hide the test sound, and determines the response of the subject to the response L
Confirm by ED23. When there is a response from the subject, the knob 55 is operated to reduce the sound. When there is no response from the subject, the same hearing level 55 is operated to increase the sound.
By repeating such an operation, the minimum sound pressure level at which the subject's response is certain is detected, and the minimum audible range value obtained at this time is displayed on the level display 5,
By operating the data set switch 15, the hearing level at the selected frequency 1 kHz is stored in the memory 84.
Is stored as shown in FIG. Such an operation is performed for each frequency and the left and right test ears. After the above-described examination of the right ear is performed for each frequency, the examination ear selection switch 10 is operated to switch the examination ear to the left ear. The right ear selection switch 11 above the test ear selection switch 10 is turned off, the left ear selection LED 16 near the switch turns on green corresponding to the left ear, and the level indicator 5 for displaying the hearing level is green. To display digitally. With respect to the left ear, the air conduction hearing test for each of a plurality of frequencies is performed in the same procedure as the above-mentioned right ear, and the hearing level of the minimum audible range value is recorded in the memory 84.

After the air conduction hearing test, a bone conduction hearing test is similarly performed.

When the examination is completed, the read switch 22 is operated to read the hearing level stored in the memory 84. The data of the frequency LED 13 is stored in the memory 84
The LED 13 corresponding to the frequency stored in the LED starts blinking, and the frequency LED 13 to be read out lights in red. At this time, the data corresponding to the frequency is displayed on the next level indicator 5 in orange when it is the data of the right ear and in green when it is the data of the left ear. By operating the hearing level knob 55 or the frequency selection switch 12 in the same procedure, the hearing level stored in the memory 84 is sequentially read out and transcribed to an audiogram recording sheet to create an audiogram. .

By coloring the left and right ears to be examined into orange and green in this way, the ears to be examined can always be confirmed, and the hearing level memory 84 can be checked.
Also, when recording and reading, the hearing level stored in the memory 84 is read out and displayed on the level display 5 without confusion regarding the data of the left and right test ears. Can be transcribed to recording paper, and an audiogram can be created accurately.

By using the level display 5, the hearing level of the test sound is numerically displayed in a large shape, and the operator is clearly notified of the current sound pressure of the test sound and the sound pressure stored in the memory 84. be able to.

In step 8 of Table 3, the type and use state of the masking noise can be intuitively recognized by the color and the lighting state of the level indicator 21 for the masking noise.

In step 9 in Table 3, in the pure tone hearing test, the presentation LED 24 is displayed in green regardless of the left and right test ears. At the time of the ABLB test described later, the color of the presentation LED 24 is different between the right ear and the left ear. By pressing the scale-out switch 37 in step 10, the fact that the scale-out has occurred is stored in the memory 84. At the time of clearing, by pressing the set switch 15 immediately before, the contents stored in the memory 84 are reset, and the error can be corrected.

In step 11, the presence or absence of data stored in the memory 84 can be recognized based on the color and the lighting state of the frequency LED 13.

In step 12, the left and right sides of the test ear can be recognized based on the color of the level indicator 5 for displaying the hearing level.

At the time of setting the minimum audible threshold value to be stored in the memory 84 in step 16, the level of the masking noise of the bone conduction hearing test is also stored in the memory at the same time. This is the same in step 18.

In step 23, the reading of the right ear can be recognized from the blinking of the orange color based on the color and the lighting state of the level indicator 5 for displaying the hearing level.

In step 24, the frequency LED 13
The lights corresponding to the frequencies with no data other than the read frequency are turned off. The level indicator 5, which is a segment LED for hearing level in step 24, distinguishes scale-out data by adding a decimal point to the minimum audible range value, and does not add a decimal point to data that does not scale out. In this step 24, the right /
On the left, the distinction between noise band and white can be recognized by the colors of the level indicators 5 and 21.

In step 25, the reading of the left ear can be recognized from the blinking green color based on the color and the lighting state of the level indicator 5.

In Tables 1 to 6 and Tables 7 to 14 described later, lighting means continuous lighting. The threshold represents the hearing level that is the minimum audible threshold.

FIG. 9 shows the memory 8 during the ABLB inspection.
4 is a diagram of a memory map showing storage contents of No. 4; FIG. ABLB
At the time of inspection, the memory 84 is used during the operation according to Tables 7 to 9. This ABLB inspection is performed as shown in Tables 7 to 9.

[0063]

[Table 7]

[0064]

[Table 8]

[0065]

[Table 9]

In Steps 44 and 47 of Table 7, the frequency LED 13 corresponding to the non-selected frequency remains off, and in Step 49, the LED 13 having the non-selected frequency and no data is turned off.

In step 43, the left and right sides of the good hearing ear can be recognized by the level indicator 5 indicating the hearing level. The left and right sides of the hearing-impaired ear can be recognized by the color of the level indicator 21 that indicates the level of the masking noise.

In step 46, it is possible to recognize which of the left and right ears the test sound is being presented from the color of the presentation LED 24. In step 47, the presence or absence of data storage in the memory 84 can be easily confirmed by the presence or absence of the decimal point of the level indicator 21 for the masking noise.

In step 49, the presence and absence of data stored in the memory 84, that is, the state of the inspection can be recognized by the color and the lighting state of the frequency LED 13.

In step 53, the level indicators 5, 21
It is possible to easily recognize whether the data stored in the memory 84 is related to the right ear or to the left ear by the colors of.

The SISI inspection is performed as shown in Tables 10 and 11.

[0072]

[Table 10]

[0073]

[Table 11]

In step 69, the response LED 56 is lit in green. By recognizing whether the presentation LED 24 is red or green, it is possible to intuitively know whether or not the sound is increased.

Table 12 summarizes the operation of the level indicator 5 for displaying the hearing level in the test mode.

[0076]

[Table 12]

Table 13 summarizes the operation of the frequency LED 13 in the inspection mode.

[0078]

[Table 13]

At the time of air conduction inspection, when no data is stored in the memory 84 in the measurement mode, the non-selection frequency LE
D13 is off. In the reading mode in the air conduction hearing test, the unselected frequency LED 13 is stored in the memory 84.
Is off when no data is stored in the

Table 14 summarizes the operation of the level indicator 21 for displaying the level of the masking noise in the inspection mode.

[0081]

[Table 14]

When the red color of Table 14 flashes, the level display 21 displays the character "OFF".

In the operation panel 74 described with reference to FIG. 1, the knobs 55 and 34, the level indicators 5 and 21, and the other operation switches and LEDs for display are arranged such that the fingers of the operator's hands are naturally placed. It is arranged at a position where it can be moved to reduce the burden on the operator. Furthermore, in the lower region 109, the middle region 110, and the upper region 113, they are separately arranged corresponding to the large, medium, and small usage frequencies, and the ones with low usage frequency are far from the operator, that is, in the middle 110 and the upper region 113, and Those frequently used are arranged in the lower region 109 near the operator. Particularly, the interrupter switch 14 and the set switch 15, which are frequently used, are provided at positions close to the natural arrangement of the finger of the left hand 104 of the operator to improve operability. Therefore, the knobs 55, 34 and various switches on the operation panel 74 are arranged in the lower area 109, the middle area 110, and the upper area 113 in accordance with the function and the frequency of use. Is easy to catch, the movement of the operator's hands 103 and 104 and the finger is small, and the operation burden of the operator can be reduced. That is, the test item is set in the upper region 113 of the uppermost line, the test sound selection, the interrupter selection, the frequency selection, and the setting of the masking noise are set in the middle region 110, and the hearing level is set in the lower lower region 109 closest to the operator. The level knob 55 and switches for reading, clearing, setting data, and scaling out data are arranged, and the interrupter switch 14 is arranged.

When a normal air conduction hearing test and a bone conduction hearing test are performed, the ratio of operating the knobs and switches of the lower region 109, the middle region 110, and the upper region 113 is determined to obtain one minimum audible range value. If the interrupter switch 14 is operated nine times, for example, the ratio is, for example, about 1: 4: 80, and the movement of the operator's hands 103, 104 and fingers is minimized according to the present invention. be able to.

The interrupter switch 14, which is particularly frequently used, automatically switches the middle finger 107 on the data set switch 15 automatically when the index finger of the right hand is placed on the interrupter switch. , And when placed on the knob 55 for setting the hearing level of the left hand 103, the index finger 111 or the middle finger 112 is placed on the inspection ear selection switch 10 without moving the left hand 103. Thus, the movement of both hands 103 and 104 can be reduced. As a result, the burden on the operator for operation can be reduced.

Alternatively, assuming that the operation of the interrupter switch 14 is performed nine times in order to examine one hearing level, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 10 Hz
00Hz, 2000Hz, 4000Hz, 8000Hz
The ratio of each of the test frequencies and the number of times of operation of the operation switches when the left and right ears are tested is as follows: test ear selection switch 10: frequency selection switch 12: interrupter switch 14: data set switch 15 = 1: 7: 63: It becomes 7. In the embodiment of the present invention, the switching of the frequency can be automatically performed, so that this can be omitted, and the number of operations of the interrupter switch 14 and the data set switch 15 can be reduced to one, and the test ear selection switch 10: (interrupter switch 14+ The ratio of the data set switch 15) is 1:70. The hearing level knob 1 is operated once for three times of the interrupter switch 14.

Since these operations are the basis of the inspection, the switches and knobs are arranged on the operation panel 74 of FIG. 1 so that the movement of the hand and the line of sight is minimized. In this arrangement example, when the left hand is placed on the hearing level knob 55, the segment LED 5 for displaying the hearing level is arranged immediately nearby, and
An inspection ear selection switch 10 is provided above the hearing level knob 1 within a range where a finger can reach without moving the hand itself, and these operations can be performed without moving the left hand itself. On the other hand, when the right index finger is placed on the interrupter switch 14, the data set switch 15
The data set switch 15 is arranged so that the test sound is present, and a presentation LED 24 indicating the presentation / non-presentation of the test sound and a response LE indicating the response of the subject are provided above the interrupter switch 14.
The display of D23 is arranged. At this time, the position of the left and right hands is, for example, like a computer keyboard,
The level indicator 5, the presentation LED 24, and the response LED 23 that keep the distance when the hand is naturally placed and display the hearing level during that time come. In addition, the display color of the segment LED 5 changes to orange for the right ear and green for the left ear according to the ear to be inspected, so that the left or right inspection is always performed without moving the line of sight to the display near the inspection ear selection switch. Can be confirmed.

Also, regarding the masking noise, the display color and the lighting state of the level indicator 21 for the masking level (band noise is green, white noise is orange)
Therefore, the selection state of the masking noise can be confirmed without moving the line of sight to the vicinity of the noise selection switch 19.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the knob 55, the level indicator 55, and the interrupter switch 14 are provided on the front of the operation panel 74 in the direction from left to right of the operator.
Are arranged in this order. The knobs 55 and 34 may be configured to perform linear movement in another embodiment of the present invention, but are configured to be rotated in the illustrated embodiment.

The test ear selection switch 10 is located near the knob 55 and above or to the left of the knob 55. The set switch 15 is disposed near the interrupter switch 14 and to the right of the interrupter switch 14.

The present LED 24 and the response LED 23 are arranged near the interrupter switch 14 and above the interrupter switch 14. In another embodiment of the present invention, these LEDs 24 and 23 may be arranged between the knob 55 and the interrupter switch 14.

On the right side of the set switch 15, a level indicator 21 for displaying a noise level and a knob 34 for changing the level of the masking noise by rotating are arranged in this order. Switch 1 for selecting the type of noise
9 is located near the knob 34 and above the knob 34.

In the middle area 110, the inspection ear selection switch 10 is disposed near the knob 55 and above or to the left of the knob 55, and further to the right of the knob 55, the frequency selection switch 12 is disposed. The frequency selection LED 13 is arranged.

FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view showing the structure related to the knob 55 for setting the level of the inspection sound. The rotary encoder 121 is attached to the rotating shaft 120 fixed to the knob 55. In a housing 122 of the rotary encoder 121, a disk-shaped rotating member 124 having a number of notches 123 made of a ferromagnetic material is fixed to a rotating shaft 120. Since the permanent magnet piece 125 is fixed to the fixed position of the housing 122, the attracting piece 125 corresponds to the convex portion 126 of the rotating member 124, and a click feeling is given to the rotating operation of the knob 55 by the magnetic attraction force. Since such a click feeling can be achieved without generating noise, it is suitable for a hearing test. Detection holes 127 are formed in the rotating member 124 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In the housing 122, a light source 128 realized by an LED or the like is arranged on one side of the rotating member 124, and light is given to the inspection hole 127 via the condenser lens 129.

FIG. 11 shows the light source 128 and the rotating member 12.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration related to an inspection hole 1;
FIG. 27 is a development in a circumferential direction centered on a rotation axis passing through 27.
On the opposite side of the rotating member 124 from the light source 128 and the lens 129, a total of four light receiving elements 130A to 130D (generally indicated by reference numeral 130) are arranged in the circumferential direction.
The light from the light source 128 via the lens 129 is
The light is supplied to these light receiving elements 130 through 27. The output of each of these light receiving elements 130 is provided to a rotation detection circuit 79. FIG. 12 shows the waveforms of two output electric signals X and Y of the rotation detection circuit 79, respectively. Rotating member 1
24, the waveforms of the electric signals X and Y are changed according to the two forward and reverse rotation directions CW and CCW. The output waveforms of these electric signals X and Y are shifted from each other by a half cycle, and the range of each phase is indicated by reference numeral Irohani.

When the knob 55 and the rotary member 124 rotate in the rotation direction CW, the output of the light receiving element 130 becomes
5

[0097]

[Table 15]

On the contrary, the rotating member 124 is rotated in the rotation direction C.
When rotated to CW, the output of the light receiving element 130 is as shown in Table 16.

[0099]

[Table 16]

The rotation detecting circuit 79 is provided with these light receiving elements 1
In response to the output of 30, the output electric signal XY is created and derived as shown in Table 17.

[0101]

[Table 17]

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of main processing circuit 78 in response to output signals X and Y from rotation detection circuit 79. From step b1 to step b2, the output of the rotation detection circuit 79 of the rotary encoder 122 is read, and the output is stored in the memory E provided in the main processing circuit 78. In step b3, it is determined whether the content E stored in the memory corresponds to any of the periods A, B, C, and D in FIG. 12 according to Table 9 described above. Then, the output of the rotation detection circuit 79 of the rotary encoder 122 is read, and in step b5, it is determined which of the periods A, B, and C corresponds.

If it is determined in step b5 that the period is C, it is determined that the knob 55 has been rotated in the sound increasing direction. That is, in the period b, X = 1 and Y = 0 in the period b, and when the knob 55 is further rotated slightly to reach X = 1 and Y = 1 in the period c, the knob 55 is rotated in the rotation direction CW in the sound increasing direction. Is detected.

If it is determined in step b3 that the period is C, the output of the light receiving element 130 is further read in step b7. If it is determined in step b8 that the period is B, the rotation direction is CCW in the sound reduction direction. Is determined in step b9. That is, when the output of the rotation detection circuit 79 changes from the period C to the period B, it is determined that the sound is in the sound reduction direction. The notch 123 and the protrusion 126 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotating member 124 is made of a light-shielding material.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the main processing circuit 78 after detecting the sound increasing and sound decreasing directions in FIG. 13 in response to the electric signals X and Y output from the rotation detecting circuit 79. . Even if the knob 55 is rapidly operated in the sound increasing direction, an excessive sound pressure is not applied to the subject, and this operation is performed in steps c1 to c3 and c8 to c8 in FIG.
achieved at c14. When the power is turned on, and the frequency changeover switch 12 and the test ear selection switch 1
In order to prevent the subject from suddenly receiving an excessive test sound when 0 is operated, steps c4 to c4 in FIG.
The operation of c7 is performed.

The process proceeds from step c1 to step c2. When the power is turned on, the set value L1 used when the frequency changeover switch 12 and the test ear selection switch 10 are operated is set to a safe value preset in the memory 84 by the operator as a user. An initial setting value of a level, for example, 0 or 10 dBHL is set. In the next step c3, the timer for the sound increase check starts the clocking operation, and sets the end flag F1. In step c4, a safe sound pressure value stored in the memory 84, for example, 0 dBHL or 10 dB
It is determined whether HL is less than the set value L1 set in step c2 (L1> L0), and if so, the set value L1 is changed to a previously stored safe sound pressure value L0, and step c6 is performed. Then, the sound pressure value is set to the set value L1 in step c2 or c5. In step c7, it is determined whether or not the frequency selection switch 12 and the test ear selection switch 10 have been operated.
Move on to

At step c8, the hearing level knob 55
Is output to the rotation detecting circuit 79, and in response to the output electric signals X and Y, it is determined in step c9 whether or not the sound is in the sound increasing direction (see FIG. 13). If it is the sound reduction direction, the process proceeds to step c10, and the sound reduction operation is performed with the level change amount corresponding to the rotation operation angle of the hearing level knob 55. If it is the sound increasing direction, the process proceeds from the next step c9 to step c11, where it is determined whether or not the end flag F1 of the sound increasing check timer is set. This timer has a configuration that is set after a predetermined time, for example, one second has elapsed. If within the predetermined time, step c11
From step c7. When the knob 55 is operated at a speed higher than a predetermined speed corresponding to the time limit of the timer, every time one second elapses, in step c12, a predetermined sound pressure level changing unit, that is, 1 set by the switch 41,
Increase by dBHL or 5 dBHL. Step c
At 3, the end flag F1 of the sound reduction check timer is reset and cleared, and the clocking operation of the sound reduction check timer is started at the next step c14.

At step c15, it is determined whether or not the current sound pressure value L2 is larger than the set value L1 set at step c2 or c5 (L2> L1). L2 is changed to the set value L1.

The processing circuit 78 responding to the output electric signals X and Y of the rotation detecting circuit 79 in this way, when the knob 55 is rotated in the sound increasing direction, the operation speed and the receiver 93, 94, 95 The time change rate of the level of the test sound given via the above is changed as shown in FIG.

The operation will be briefly described below. The optical rotary encoder 122 interlocking the hearing level knob 55 is used.
, Pulses having different phases depending on the rotation direction are output in proportion to the rotation speed (rotation amount), and the rotation direction and rotation speed of the hearing level knob 55 are always detected by the processing circuit 78 which sequentially reads the output. . When the hearing level knob 55 is rotated in the sound reduction direction, the rotation detection circuit 79
The processing circuit 78 controls the attenuators 88 and 89 in proportion to the number of pulses due to rotation, thereby reducing the sound of, for example, 1 dBHL or 5 dBHL per pulse, and changing the display of the segment LED 5. At this time, the reading of the rotation speed is almost directly reflected. When the hearing level knob 1 is rotated in the sound increasing direction, the sound of 5 dBHL is increased by the first pulse, and the display of the level indicator 5 is changed. At the same time, the processing circuit 78 starts a built-in sound increase wait timer. Thereafter, pulse detection is performed only when the sound increase wait timer ends, the attenuators 88 and 89 are controlled, the sound increase wait timer is started again, and the wait is continued until the next detection.

By repeating the above operation, even if the sudden operation of the hearing level knob 1 is performed, it is possible to prevent the excessive sound pressure from being presented to the subject without notice and preparation. Can be.

Further, first, when the power is turned on, the processing circuit reads an initial value set by the examiner from the memory 84 including an EEPROM or the like, and determines whether the value is a sound pressure that does not affect the examinee. If the sound pressure does not affect the sound pressure, the sound pressure is adjusted by controlling the attenuators 88 and 89 after changing the sound pressure to the sound pressure not affecting the subject. And present it to the subject. When the frequency to be tested or the ear to be tested is changed by the operation switches 10 and 13, it is determined whether the currently set sound pressure is a sound pressure that does not affect the subject, If the sound pressure has no effect,
If it does, the sound pressure is changed to a value that does not affect the subject, and then the frequency or the attenuators 88 and 89 are controlled to adjust the sound pressure, the display of the segment LED 5 is changed, and the pure tone generation circuit 85 is changed. Alternatively, the output switching circuit 92 is controlled and presented to the subject.

By performing the above flow, the power is turned on.
It is also possible to prevent the subject from being presented with excessive sound pressure without notice and preparation at the time and when switching the frequency and the test ear. In addition, the inspection sound pressure at the time of power-on is set to a sound pressure that has little effect on the subject. Furthermore, when the frequency selector switch or the test ear selection switch is operated, or when the sound pressure level before operation is high, the sound pressure is automatically set to a level that has little effect on the subject, and the switch operation is reflected. To do it. The same applies to the knob 34 relating to masking noise.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a hearing test apparatus 137 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a plan view of the test apparatus 137, and FIG. 18 is a left side view of the test apparatus 137. FIG. 19 is a right side view of the audiometry 137, FIG. 20 is a rear view of the audiometry 137, and FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the audiometry 137. Referring to these drawings, an impedance audiometer 102 is stacked on the above-described audiometer 73,
Further, display output means 99 is stacked on the impedance audiometer 102.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the audiometer 73. FIG. The audiometer 73 is provided with the operation panel 74 described above.
The mounting table 138 continues behind the operation panel 74 (above in FIG. 22, on the left side in FIG. 18, and on the right side in FIG. 19).

FIG. 23 shows an impedance audiometer 1.
02 is a plan view, and FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the impedance audiometer 102. The impedance audiometer 102 has an operation panel 139 operated for performing a sound transmission function test, and an operation panel 139 behind the operation panel 139 (above in FIG. 23, left in FIG. 18, and right in FIG. 19).
And a mounting table 140 connected to the table.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the display output means 99. The audiometer 73, the impedance audiometer 102, and the display output means 99 shown in FIGS. 16 to 25 are stacked and combined in this order from bottom to top to form the rear panel 14 of each of the devices 73, 102, and 99.
2, 143, 144 are in a vertical virtual plane, and the left and right side surfaces of their respective devices 73, 102, 99 are in vertical, mutually parallel virtual planes. Further, the operation panel 139 of the impedance audiometer 102 and the operation panel 145 of the display output means 99 have inclination angles θ2 and θ3 with respect to the mounting surface 146 of the audiometer 73 as clearly shown in FIG. Where θ2 = θ3
It is. The operation panel 74 of the audiometer 73 forms an inclination angle θ1 with the mounting surface 146. In this embodiment, for example, the audiometer 73 placed on a table while sitting on a chair is set to θ1 <θ2, θ1 <θ3 so that the operator can easily operate the operation panel 74.

At the bottom of the audiometer 73, the impedance audiometer 102, and the display output means 99, four support legs 147 to 149 projecting downward from the bottom and made of elastic rubber or the like are fixed to the corners. Is done. The upper portions 151 and 152 of the operation panels 74 and 139 have a height H2 (H2> H1) higher than the height H1 of the support legs 148 and 149 from the mounting tables 138 and 140, and the raised portion 15 having a high height.
1,152. The hearing test operation 1
When the 37 is viewed from the front, the support legs 148 and 149 are not visible due to the raised portions 151 and 152, and
3. The sense of unity of the impedance audiometer 102 and the display output means 99 is further increased, and the beauty is improved.

That is, the display output means 99 and the raised portion 15 at the lower front of the equipment of the impedance audiometer 102.
1, 152 have a shape that is raised forward from the bottom surface, the front of the stacked portion of the audiometer 73 has a shape that matches the lower front shape of the impedance audiometer 102, and the impedance audiometer The front portion of the stacking portion 102 has a shape that matches the shape of the lower front surface of the display output means 99. When viewing the stacked devices from the operation panel surface, the gap between the devices is small, and the support legs of the devices are provided. The structure is invisible.

Furthermore, the impedance audiometer 1
02 and the operation panels 139 and 145 of the display output means 99 are formed on the same plane, and in the configuration including the audiometer 73, the side panel surfaces of each device are formed on the same plane, and the back of each device is further formed. Panels 142, 143, 14
4 are formed on the same plane.

The switch shapes and colors of the operation panels 74, 139, 145 are unified, and the devices 73, 102, 99
The position of the power switch is collected on the left side of the device, and the operability of each device is unified.

With the above configuration, it is possible to stack two different types of inspection equipment with one display output unit 99 without deteriorating the sense of unity of the equipment, thereby unifying the operability.

FIG. 26 is a left side view showing a state in which the impedance audiometer 102 and the display output means 99 are combined. When the audiometer 73 is not used, such a combination mode as shown in FIG. 26 is realized.

FIG. 27 is a left side view showing still another embodiment in which the audiometer 73 and the display output means 99 are combined. The operation panel 74 of the audiometer 73 includes an operation panel 145 of the display output unit 99.
In addition, when viewed from the front, they are connected with a sense of unity. In the above-described embodiment, the operation panels 74, 139, and 145 are configured in a planar shape. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the operation panels 74, 139, and 145 may be curved arcuate surfaces that are recessed behind. It may be a convex curved surface protruding from the surface. Since the display output unit 99 can be shared by the audiometer 73 and the impedance audiometer 102 in this manner, it is not necessary to provide a separate display output unit for each of the devices 73 and 102, and the configuration can be simplified. In addition, in a mode in which these devices 73, 102, and 99 are stacked and combined, it is possible to give a sense of unity of the hearing test device.

The display output means 99 can visually display a graph such as an audiogram or a tympanogram in two dimensions by a visual display means 153 which is a liquid crystal or a cathode ray tube. A printer 154 for printing and displaying the graph is provided.

Next, an example in which two display devices (audiometer 73 and impedance audiometer 102) are connected to one display output means 99 to interfaces COM0 and COM1 of the display output means 99, respectively, will be described as an example. . Each device is stacked in the lower, middle, and upper tiers. In this example, the audiometer 73 is placed on the lower stage, the interface audiometer 102 is placed on the middle stage, and the display output unit 99 is placed on the upper stage.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration in which the display output means 99 is detachably connected to the audiometer 73 and / or the impedance audiometer 102. The display output unit 99 has a processing circuit 155 realized by a microcomputer or the like. The processing circuit 155 is connected to interfaces COM1 and COM0, which are detachable connector units. The processing circuit 155 controls the operations of the visual display unit 153 and the printer 154 by operating switches generally indicated by reference numeral 156 provided on the operation panel 145.
The interface COM0 is detachably connected to the external interface 97 of the audiometer 73 via the line 98 described above. The interface COM1 is detachably connected to an external interface 157 of the impedance audiometer 102 via a line 158. In the audiometer 102, a processing circuit 159 realized by a microcomputer or the like is connected to the external interface 157, and the operation panel 13
The control is performed by operation switches generally designated by reference numeral 160 provided in 9.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of communicating with the display output means 99 of the processing circuit 78 of the audiometer 73. The processing circuit 159 of the impedance audiometer 102 also communicates with the display output unit 99 as in FIG. Further, display output means 99
Performs the operation shown in FIG. 29 and 30, two display devices (audiometer 73 and impedance audiometer 102) are provided on one display output unit 99, and interfaces COM0 and COM1 of display output unit 99, respectively.
Let's take the case where it is connected as an example. Regarding the connection, the interfaces of the impedance audiometer 102, the audiometer 73 and the display output means 99 are connected by lines 98 and 158, which are signal cables.

In steps d1 and e1, the individual devices 73 and 9
When the power of the devices 9 and 102 is turned on, the devices 73, 99 and 102 communicate with the devices 73, 99 and 102 connected through the connected interfaces COM0 and 97 and COM1 and 157 in steps d2 and e2. The device type and operation state are transmitted, and a standby state is entered until a reply is returned in steps d3 and e3. Device 7 that received the signal
3, 99 and 102 transmit the reception to confirm each other that the communication state has been established.

At step e5, the display output means 99 transmits a standby command to the connected device 102 to the COM1 side (here, the impedance audiometer 102). The impedance audiometer 102 that has received the standby command puts the device 102 in a standby state in step d4 and transmits a standby acknowledge to the display output unit 99.

The display output means 99 which has received the reply of the stand-by acknowledge in step e6 transmits the operable state in step e7 to the COM0 side (here, the audiometer 73), and visually checks the audiometer 73 in step e8. The display and print program are started, and the state shifts to a state where data can be received and printed.

When the audiometer 73 receives the operable state in step d5, the audiometer 73 shifts from the standby state to the measurable state in step d6. Thereafter, the audiometer 73 operates according to the operation of the examiner, and transmits the measured data to the display output means 99. Send.

The display output means 99 performs display processing according to the data received in step e9. When the connected device changeover switch 161 of the display output unit 99 is operated in step e10, the display output unit 99 transmits a standby command to the audiometer 73 in step e11.

The audiometer 73 that has received the standby command in step d7 puts the device in a standby state and transmits a standby acknowledge to the display output means.

In step e12, the display output means 99 having received the reply of the standby completion is sent to the impedance audiometer 102 on the interface COM1 side in step e13.
Is transmitted to step e1.
In step 4, the display and print program of the impedance audiometer 102 is started, and in step e15, the state shifts to a state where data can be received and printed.

When the impedance audiometer 102 receives the operation enable at step d5, the impedance audiometer 102 shifts from the standby state to the measurable state. Thereafter, at step d6, the impedance audiometer 102 operates according to the operation of the examiner, and displays the measured data on the display output means 99 Send to

The display output means 99 determines in step e15 that
Display processing is performed according to the received data, and the routine goes to Step e16.

By arbitrarily performing the operations of the above flow chart, one display output unit 99 can switch and use two inspection instruments (audiometer 73 and impedance audiometer 102) by a simple operation. Can be.

By operating the print switch 162 and the paper feed switch 163 of the display output means 99 in an arbitrary connection state, a hard copy of data or display contents can be obtained and paper can be fed.

Further, by operating the menu switch 164 of the display output unit 99, a menu screen corresponding to the connection state can be called, and setting of inspection equipment can be performed.

Since these printing and setting operations are performed on the same display output means 99, the operational feeling can be unified without depending on the connected device.

According to the concept of the present invention, the following configuration is implemented. (1) level output means for outputting an electric signal indicating the level of the test sound of the right or left ear, and a level indicator for digitally displaying the level value of the electric signal provided from the level output means in a plurality of colors; Control means for causing the level indicator to display the color corresponding to the electric signal of the right ear or the left ear given to the level indicator from the level output means. (2) During the period in which the test sound is given to the receiver, a presentation indicator that continuously lights and displays the plurality of colors is provided.
The audiometer according to the above configuration (1), wherein a presentation display is displayed in the color corresponding to the right ear or the left ear, respectively. (3) The level output means outputs an electric signal in a measurement mode in which the test is performed and a read mode in which the test result is read from a memory in which the test result is stored. The audiometer having the configuration (1), wherein one of a continuous lighting display operation and a blinking display operation is performed in a measurement mode, and the other of the continuous lighting display operation and a blinking display operation is performed in a readout mode. .

(4) In the audiometer, a frequency selection switch for selecting a plurality of test sounds at each frequency, and a frequency selection display provided individually corresponding to each frequency and capable of lighting in a plurality of colors. And a memory for storing the level of the test sound for each test frequency, and a measurement mode in response to the output of the frequency selection switch and the memory,
When the level of the frequency selected by the frequency selection switch is stored in the memory and when the level is not stored, the frequency selection display is set to a continuous lighting display operation in one predetermined color and A blinking display operation is performed, and when the level of the non-selected frequency not selected by the frequency selection switch is stored in the memory and when the level is not present, the frequency selection display of the non-selected frequency is set to another predetermined value. And a control means for performing a light-on display operation and a light-off display operation in the colors described above. (5) In the read mode for reading the level stored in the memory, the control means further performs a lighting / display operation of a frequency selection display corresponding to the read frequency selected by the frequency selection switch in yet another predetermined color. And the non-selected frequency other than the readout frequency and the frequency selection display of the non-selected frequency is lit in the other predetermined color corresponding to when the level is stored in the memory and when the level is not present. The audiometer according to the above configuration (4), which performs a display operation and a light-off display operation.

(6) noise level output means for outputting an electric signal indicating a plurality of types of masking noise levels;
A noise level display for digitally displaying the noise level value of the electric signal given from the noise level output means in a plurality of colors; and a noise corresponding to each type of noise from the noise level output means. An audiometer, comprising: control means for displaying the level on a level indicator. (7) The noise level output means outputs an electric signal in a measurement mode in which the test is performed and a read mode in which the test result is read from a memory in which the test result is stored, and the control means includes a noise level display. In the measurement mode using noise, one of the continuous lighting display operation and the blinking display operation is performed, and in the read mode, the other of the continuous lighting display operation and the blinking display operation is performed. The audiometer according to the configuration (6). (8) In the read mode, when the masking noise is not used in the readout mode, the noise level indicator is further turned on or blinked by another color indicating that the masking noise is not used. The audiometer according to the above configuration (7).

(9) On the front of the operation panel, a test sound knob operated to change the level of the test sound given to each of the right and left handsets in the direction from left to right of the operator; An audiometer characterized in that a hearing level indicator for digitally displaying a hearing level value and an interrupter switch for operating to interrupt the sound of the receiver are arranged in this order. (10) The inspection sound knob has a configuration that is operated to rotate, and in order to select the left and right inspection ears that give the inspection sound near or close to the inspection sound knob and above or to the left of the inspection sound knob. The configuration (9), wherein an examination ear selection switch to be operated is arranged, and a set switch operated to store an examination result in a memory is arranged near the interrupter switch and to the right of the interrupter switch.
Audiometer. (11) A presentation indicator for indicating that a test sound is given to the handset, and a response indicator for indicating a response by the subject, (a) near the interrupter switch and above the interrupter switch, or (b) The audiometer according to the above configuration (9) or (10), wherein the audiometer is arranged between the inspection sound knob and the interrupter switch. (12) On the right side of the set switch, a noise level display for digitally displaying the level of the masking noise and a noise knob for changing the level of the masking noise are arranged in this order (10). ) Or the audiometer of configuration (11). (13) The audiometer according to the above configuration (12), wherein a noise selection switch for selecting the type of masking noise is arranged near the noise knob and above the noise knob.

(14) On the front of the operation panel, the lower, middle, and upper areas are set in this order as they move away from the near side, and the lower area includes, in the left to right direction of the operator, the right and left areas. A knob operated to change the level of the test sound given to each left handset, a hearing level indicator digitally displaying a hearing level value from the handset, and an interrupter switch operated to interrupt the sound of the handset Are arranged in this order, and in the middle area, in the vicinity of the knob, above or to the left of the knob, an inspection ear selection switch or / and / or operated to select the left and right inspection ears that provide the inspection sound. A frequency selection switch is arranged,
An audiometer, wherein a switch for selecting a type of a hearing test including at least an air conduction test and a bone conduction test is arranged in the upper region. (15) In the lower area, a set switch operated to store the test result in the memory is disposed near the interrupter switch and to the right of the interrupter switch, and a presentation indicating that the test sound is given to the handset. A display and a response display for displaying the response by the subject,
(A) a noise level display which is disposed near the interrupter switch and above the interrupter switch, or (b) is disposed between the knob and the interrupter switch and further to the right of the set switch, which digitally indicates the level of the masking noise. And a noise knob for changing the level of the masking noise are arranged in this order, and a noise selection switch for selecting the type of masking noise is arranged in the middle area near the noise knob and above the noise knob. The configuration (14) characterized in that
Audiometer. (16) The audiometer according to the above configuration (15), further including a frequency selection switch for selecting a frequency of the test sound in the middle region.

(17) A knob operated to change the hearing level of the test sound in each of the increasing and decreasing directions, and whether the operation of the knob is in the increasing or decreasing direction in conjunction with the knob. And a knob detecting means for detecting the operation amount of the knob, and a sudden sound detecting means for responding to the output of the knob detecting means and detecting that the knob has been operated in the sound increasing direction and at a speed higher than a predetermined speed. In response to the output of the sudden increase detection means, when the sudden increase detection output from the sudden increase detection means is obtained, the time change rate of the level with respect to the operation speed of the knob is greater than when the sudden increase detection output is not obtained. And a control means for reducing the size of the audiometer. (18) The knob detection means outputs a pair of pulses for each predetermined unit operation amount of the knob, and these pulses have a phase difference corresponding to the increasing or decreasing direction of the operation of the knob, respectively. The sudden increase sound detecting means includes a timer for counting a predetermined time limit, and responds to a pulse from the knob detecting means, and when a phase difference of the pulse with respect to the sound increasing direction is detected, the knob is detected within the time limit. When the number of pulses in the sound increasing direction from the means is less than a predetermined number of pulses, an output for increasing the level change amount of the test sound corresponding to the number of pulses is derived, and the number of pulses in the sound increasing direction is equal to or more than the predetermined number of pulses. , An output for increasing the level change amount of the predetermined test sound by the predetermined level change amount for each time limit time is derived, and the phase difference of the pulse corresponding to the sound increasing direction is derived. If detected, the arrangement characterized by deriving an output for sound reduction level variation of the test sound corresponding to the pulse number of the pulse number of sound reduction direction (17)
Audiometer.

(19) A first memory for storing a set level arbitrarily set by operating to change the level of the inspection sound or the masking noise, a second memory for storing a relatively small predetermined safety level, Switching detection means for detecting switching of an operation including a power-on operation, and a set level stored in the first memory being less than a safety level stored in the second memory when the operation is switched, in response to an output of the switching detection means. Control means for outputting an inspection sound or a noise sound at a set level after the operation is switched, and outputting an inspection sound or a masking noise at a safety level when the set level is equal to or higher than the safety level. And an audiometer. (20) The switching detecting means detects the switching of the frequency of the test sound and the switching of the left and right test ears to which the test sound is to be given, in addition to the power-on.
9) Audiometer.

(21) An audiometer that performs a pure tone hearing test and outputs a first electric signal indicating the test result, and an impedance audiometer that performs a sound transmission function test and outputs a second electric signal indicating the test result And a display output means for receiving the first and second electric signals and switching and displaying each test result for display. (22) The audiometer according to the above configuration (21), wherein the audiometer includes a visual indicator for visually displaying an inspection result.

(23) An audiometer that performs a pure tone hearing test and outputs a first electric signal indicating the test result, and an impedance audiometer that performs a sound transmission function test and outputs a second electric signal indicating the test result Display output means for receiving the first and second electric signals, switching and displaying each test result, and detachable first connector means for electrically connecting the audiometer and the display output means. When,
A detachable second connector means for electrically connecting the impedance audiometer and the display output means, wherein the audiometer is provided on a first operation panel for a pure tone hearing test and behind the first operation panel. And a first mounting table for mounting the impedance audiometer or the display output means, wherein the impedance audiometer has:
A hearing test apparatus comprising: a second operation panel for testing a sound transmission function; and a second mounting table provided behind the second operation panel for mounting a display output unit. (24) The first inclination angle θ1 of the first operation panel with respect to the mounting surface of the audiometer is larger than the second inclination angle θ2 of the second operation panel and the third inclination angle θ3 of the third operation panel of the display output means. The hearing test apparatus according to the above configuration (23), wherein the second tilt angle θ2 is substantially equal to the third tilt angle θ3. (25) The impedance audiometer and the display output means have support legs projecting downward from their respective bottoms, and the upper portions of the first and second operation panels are connected to the support legs from the first and second mounting tables. The hearing test apparatus according to the above configuration (24), further comprising a raised portion that is higher than or equal to the height.

[0151]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the level value of the test sound or the noise level displayed by the level display is digitally displayed by a numeral, and when the operator sees the level value, the display is performed. It is possible to know the right or left ear corresponding to the selected color, so that the measurement data of the right or left ear can be intuitively distinguished and known, and in the measurement mode and the reading mode of the test result from the memory. The operability of the operator at the time becomes easier, the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the operator can handle the measurement result without confusion.

By looking at the digital display of the level indicator, it is possible to intuitively know whether it is in the measurement mode or the reading mode in response to the continuous lighting display operation or the blinking display operation. Also, the operability will be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether the color of the frequency selection display individually corresponding to the frequency of the test sound is one predetermined color or another predetermined color. It is possible to intuitively know whether the frequency is selected or not selected in the measurement mode at the time, and the display state of the predetermined color, which is the selected frequency, is displayed. By knowing whether it is a continuous lighting display operation or a blinking display operation, it is possible to intuitively know whether or not the level that is the inspection result is stored in the memory, and to use the frequency selection display of the non-selected frequency. The level is recorded in the memory depending on whether the lighting display operation of either the continuous lighting or the blinking is performed or the light is turned off in the predetermined other color. It is possible to know how to intuitive. Thereby, the operability of the operator can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the types of colors displayed by the level display and the frequency selection display are reduced as much as possible by performing the respective display operations of continuous lighting, blinking, and extinguishing. It is also possible to simplify the configuration of the level display and the frequency selection display.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the level of the masking noise is displayed in a different color on the noise level display to indicate, for example, white noise or band noise. Therefore, the operator can intuitively know the level and type of the noise,
This also improves operability.

[0156]

[0157]

[0158]

[0159]

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a visual inspection or a printing on a recording paper is performed in common with the audiometer and the impedance audiometer according to any one of the first to third aspects for performing a hearing test. A display output means for performing display can be used, and as an additional effect to the effect according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the configuration can be simplified and the installation space can be reduced. For example, the communication between the audiometer and the display output means by the interface and the communication between the impedance audiometer and the display output means are reliably prevented, and the audiometer test result is reliably displayed on the display output means. Inspection results can be reliably displayed on the display output means.

According to the present invention of claim 5, claims 1 to 3 are provided.
A combination of the audiometer, the impedance audiometer and the display output means according to any one of the first to third aspects.
, A second combination mode using an audiometer and a display output unit in combination, and a third combination mode using an impedance audiometer and a display output unit in combination, respectively. As an additional effect to the effect described in one of the items 1 to 3,
Since these audiometer, impedance audiometer and display output means are vertically stacked and combined, the effect of simplifying the configuration as much as possible and minimizing the installation space can be achieved. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an operation panel 74 of an audiometer 73 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of an audiometer 73.

FIG. 3 is a simplified front view showing a configuration of a part of a level indicator 5;

FIG. 4 is a simplified electrical circuit diagram for driving a day shaped segment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one segment A, a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the processing circuit 78;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the processing circuit 78;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing stored contents of a memory 84;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a memory map showing contents stored in a memory 84 at the time of LED inspection.

FIG. 10 is a knob 55 for setting a test sound level.
FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view showing a configuration related to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration related to the light source 128 and the rotating member 124, and is a development in a circumferential direction centered on a rotation axis passing through the inspection hole 127.

12 shows waveforms of two output electric signals X and Y of the rotation detection circuit 79, respectively.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rotation detection circuit 79;

FIG. 14 shows output electric signals X and Y from a rotation detection circuit 79.
9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the processing circuit 78 responding to the above.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a temporal change rate of a level with respect to an operation speed of a knob.

FIG. 16 is a hearing test apparatus 137 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a hearing test apparatus 137.

18 is a left side view of the hearing test device 137. FIG.

19 is a right side view of the hearing test apparatus 137. FIG.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the hearing test apparatus 137.

21 is a bottom view of the hearing test apparatus 137. FIG.

22 is a plan view of the audiometer 73. FIG.

23 is a plan view of the impedance audiometer 102. FIG.

24 is a bottom view of the impedance audiometer 102. FIG.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the display output means 99.

FIG. 26 is a left side view showing a state where the impedance audiometer 102 and the display output means 99 are combined.

FIG. 27 is a left side view showing still another mode in which the audiometer 73 and the display output unit 99 are combined.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration in which a display output unit 99 is detachably connected to the audiometer 73 and / or the impedance audiometer 102.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of communicating with the display output unit 99 of the processing circuit 78 of the audiometer 73 and the processing circuit 159 of the impedance audiometer 102.

30 shows a processing circuit 15 provided in the display output means 99.
5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of performing communication with the audiometer 73 and the impedance audiometer 102.

FIG. 31 is a simplified plan view showing an operation panel of a prior art audiometer 61.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a knob 66 operated to set a test sound level in a prior art audiometer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 73 audiometer 74 operation panel 75 audiometer body 76 control means 77 signal input / output means 78 processing circuit 79 rotation detection circuit 80 display control circuit 85 pure tone generation circuit 86 masking noise generation circuit 87 input / output switching circuit 88, 89 attenuator 102 impedance audio Meter 137 Hearing test device

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Eiji Yoshikawa 680 Higashihama-machi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan Morita Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-7-143976 (JP, A) JP-A-59-183734 (JP) , A) Japanese Utility Model Showa 60-85450 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 58-61215 (JP, U) (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 5/12

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A level output means for outputting an electric signal representing a level of a test sound of a right ear or a left ear, and a level value of an electric signal given from the level output means,
A level indicator for digitally displaying in a plurality of colors; and control means for displaying on the level indicator in a color corresponding to the electric signal of the right or left ear given to the level indicator from the level output means, respectively. The output means outputs an electric signal in a measurement mode in which the inspection is performed, and in a read mode in which the inspection result is read from a memory in which the inspection result is stored. An audiometer characterized by performing one of a lighting display operation and a blinking display operation, and performing the other of a continuous lighting display operation and a blinking display operation in a reading mode. 2. An audiometer, comprising: a frequency selection switch for selecting a plurality of test sounds at each frequency; and a frequency selection display provided individually corresponding to each frequency and capable of lighting in a plurality of colors. A memory for storing the level of the test sound for each test frequency; and a memory for storing the level of the frequency selected by the frequency select switch in the measurement mode under test in response to the output of the frequency select switch and the memory. The frequency selection display is operated in continuous lighting display operation and blinking display operation in one predetermined color corresponding to the time when the frequency is selected and the time when the frequency is not stored. When the level of the frequency is stored in the memory and when it is not,
An audiometer, comprising: control means for causing a frequency selection display of a non-selected frequency to perform a light-on display operation and a light-off display operation in another predetermined color. 3. A noise level output means for outputting an electric signal representing a plurality of levels of masking noise, and a noise level display for digitally displaying a noise level value of the electric signal provided from the noise level output means in a plurality of colors. An audiometer, comprising: a display unit; and a control unit for displaying a color corresponding to each type of noise from the noise level output unit on a noise level display unit. 4. The audiometer according to claim 1, which performs a pure tone hearing test and outputs a first electric signal indicating the test result, and performs a sound transmission function test and the test result. A hearing test apparatus comprising: an impedance audiometer that outputs a second electric signal representing the following, and display output means that receives the first and second electric signals, and switches and outputs each test result. 5. The audiometer according to claim 1, which performs a pure tone hearing test and outputs a first electric signal representing the test result, and performs a sound transmission function test and the test result. An impedance audiometer for outputting a second electric signal representing the following, display output means for receiving the first and second electric signals, switching and displaying each test result, and electrically connecting the audiometer and the display output means. Detachable second connector means for electrically connecting the impedance audiometer and the display output means to each other, the audiometer comprising: A first operation panel, and a first mounting table provided behind the first operation panel, on which the impedance audiometer or the display output means is mounted. An audiometer, comprising: a second operation panel for testing a sound transmission function; and a second mounting table provided behind the second operation panel for mounting a display output unit. .