JP5778763B2 - Ear coupler and hearing test system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to ear couplers and hearing test systems, for example used in hearing devices, and more particularly to hearing measurement devices and methods.

  A person may suffer hearing loss during childhood. Hearing impairment can occur in infants as soon as they are born. If hearing impairment is not detected early, the child's language skills may be adversely affected, leading to long-term disability. Therefore, the most ideal time to test infants for hearing impairment is the earliest. Such early detection allows for early treatment. However, a conventional hearing test requires the subject to provide feedback on whether or not various stimulus signals can be heard, and infants cannot receive such hearing tests, so hearing tests on infants are not possible. It can be difficult.

  Devices and methods have been used to assess infant hearing by applying auditory stimuli to the infant and then measuring various responses to the stimulus, such as an electroencephalographic response or an otoacoustic response. Some existing hearing test devices include a probe that is inserted into an infant's ear. Such devices require the user to hold the probe by hand to stabilize the device against the infant during use, especially if it takes a long time to perform the hearing test. Can be inconvenient. Also, since the use of such a device requires the probe to be in contact with the inner wall of the infant's ear canal, the probe of such a device may not be comfortable for the infant's ear. Furthermore, such devices may not be safe for infants because the distal tip of the probe can damage the infant's ear canal.

  An important advantage of the ear coupler of the present invention is that it facilitates auditory testing with virtually no risk to the person being tested.

  Accordingly, an ear coupler comprising a dome-shaped member having a wall, a flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a portion of the member, and optionally, an opening in the wall of the member. An ear coupler is disclosed. The ear coupler can include a structure extending from the wall, the structure having an end with a port. The port can communicate with the cavity formed by the dome-shaped member through the opening in the wall.

  Also, an ear coupler, for example, a member having a cavity for receiving an ear, such as a dome-shaped member, a flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a part of the member, and a structure extending from the wall An ear coupler is also disclosed, wherein the structure has an end with a port.

  An audiometry system is also disclosed that includes an ear coupler and a device adapted to couple to the ear coupler. The device can comprise an acoustic transducer and / or the device is configured to perform one or more of an otoacoustic emission test, an auditory brainstem response test, an acoustic reflectometry test and an eardrum hearing test. Can do.

  Other further aspects and features will become apparent from reading the following detailed description of embodiments that are intended to illustrate but not limit the invention.

  The drawings illustrate aspects and utilities of embodiments, wherein like elements are referenced by common reference numerals. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For a better understanding of the advantages and objectives listed above as well as other advantages and objectives, a more detailed description of the embodiments is provided, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict merely exemplary embodiments and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an ear coupler according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the ear coupler of FIG. 1. The top view of the ear coupler of FIG. 1 is shown. 2 illustrates a method of using the ear coupler of FIG. 3 shows an ear coupler according to another embodiment. 3 shows an ear coupler according to another embodiment. 3 shows an ear coupler according to another embodiment. 3 shows an ear coupler according to another embodiment. 3 shows an ear coupler according to another embodiment. 2 shows an inspection system including the ear coupler shown in FIG. 6 shows an inspection system comprising the ear coupler shown in FIG. A part of the structure is shown.

  The ear coupler of the present invention enables testing for a person with reduced or no risk of damage to or damage to the ear canal of the person being tested.

  The ear coupler includes a member having a wall and a flange circumscribing at least a part of the member. An opening is formed in the wall of the aforementioned member, for example to guide or allow inspection signals to enter the cavity. For example, in order to correctly position the ear coupler relative to the person, the aforementioned member or a part thereof may be transparent. The first portion of the member can be more transparent than the second portion of the member.

  The member of the ear coupler can include a first part and a second part attached to the first part. The first part can include a first material and the second part can include a second material. The second material can be harder than the first material. For example, the first part can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer, for example having a hardness in the range of Shore A25 to Shore A40, for example about Shore A35. The second part can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer, for example having a hardness in the range of Shore A40 to Shore A55, for example about Shore A45.

  The first part can comprise a first wall and the second part can comprise a second wall. The second wall can overlap at least a portion of the first wall, or can be sandwiched therebetween. The first portion can include a first end from which the flange extends and optionally a second end that defines the opening. The second part can cover the opening at the second end of the first part.

  The ear coupler may have an adhesive on the flange. The first side of the flange facing the person can be partially or fully coated with an adhesive.

  The ear coupler can include a barrier that covers at least a portion of the adhesive.

  The ear coupler can include one or more tabs extending from the flange, for example, to facilitate removal or attachment of the ear coupler. The flange can be detachably fixed to the member.

  The ear coupler can include a structure extending from the wall, the structure having an end with a port, eg, a first end. The second end of the structure can be attached to the wall or placed in the cavity. The port can communicate with the cavity through an opening in the member wall. The port can be sized such that the device can be coupled to the port via an interference fit or press fit. The structure can extend into the cavity of the member. Additionally or alternatively, the structure can extend outward from the wall. The structure can have a tubular form having an inner surface that at least partially defines a cylinder. The cylinder or structure may be at least 2 mm in length, such as at least 3 mm or at least 4 mm. Preferably, it may be in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm or even longer cylinder or structure length. The structure can comprise a tubular element having an open first end and a second end defining a port. The second end can be attached to the wall. The second end can be inclined, for example, the edge of the second end can be 10 °, such as an angle between the central axis of the tubular element and the second plane ranging from about 30 ° to about 60 °. Can extend substantially in the second plane such that it is in the range of 80 ° to 80 °, for example about 45 °. The tubular element can have any desired cross section, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, or other shapes such as customized shapes. The tubular element can extend from the wall such that its central axis is substantially parallel to the flange surface. An angle in the range of 0 ° to about 60 °, for example less than 45 °, can be formed between the central axis of the tubular element and the flange surface.

  The length of the structure is determined by crossing the central axis at the first end of the structure and the first plane along the central axis of the structure, and the central axis and the second plane at the second end of the structure. It can be defined as the distance between

The inner surface of the structure may at least partially define a cylinder from the first end toward the second end. The inner surface of the structure can be adapted to connect the hearing test system tube to the ear coupler. The structure can be adapted to press fit the end of the tube into the structure so as to couple the hearing test system to the ear coupler. For example, the inner surface of the structure includes a first cross-sectional diameter d ₁ at or near the first end of the structure and a second cross-sectional diameter d ₂ at or near the second end of the structure and d _1. There than _two frustoconical d, may at least partially define. Additionally or alternatively, one or more ridges or protrusions on the inner surface can allow a press-fit engagement between the ear coupler and the test tube. One or more recesses in the inner surface of the structure wall or slot may be configured to engage the test tube end or test tube connector to couple the hearing test system to the ear coupler. Structures configured for test tube press-fit can use different sizes of test tubes for ear couplers, thereby adapting ear couplers to different sizes of test tubes. Can be advantageous.

  The member can have a dome shape. The dome shape can be defined as a double curved surface having a substantially smooth surface. A tangent to the outer surface of the wall of the dome-shaped member may form an angle with the flange surface in the range of 0 ° to about 85 °, such as less than 80 °, for example less than 75 °. The dome-shaped member can improve the mechanical stability of the member.

  In the following, various exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and elements of similar structure or function are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Moreover, the illustrated embodiments need not have all of the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and they can be implemented in any other embodiment, even though not illustrated.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an ear coupler 10 according to some embodiments. The ear coupler 10 includes a dome-shaped member 12, a flange 14, and a structure 16 having an end 18 having a port 20. The dome-shaped member 12 has a wall 30 from which the flange 14 extends. The flange 14 circumscribes the periphery of the member 12 and has a surface 40 having an adhesive 42 (shown in FIG. 3). Ear coupler 10 may further include a barrier 44 that includes an adhesive 42 prior to use (see FIG. 3 showing a portion of barrier 44 being removed from flange 14).

  FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an ear coupler 10 according to some embodiments. As shown in the figure, the member 12 includes a first part 50 and a second part 52. The first part 50 has a first wall part 60, and the second part 52 partially overlaps the first wall part 60 to form at least a part of the wall 30 of the ear coupler 10. have. In the illustrated embodiment, the second part 52 is made of a material harder than the first part 50. For example, in some embodiments, the first part 50 can be made from a material (TP1) having a hardness of Shore A35 and the second part 52 is a material (TP2) having a hardness of Shore A45. It can be made from. Such a configuration is advantageous because the second portion 52 can function as a reinforcing element that reinforces at least a portion of the member 12. In other embodiments, the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 can be made from the same material. Each of the first part 50 and the second part 52 can be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), silicone rubber, or any other type of rubber or polymer. In a further embodiment, the second part 52 may be larger so as to completely overlap the first part 50. The length L of the structure 16 is about 7 mm.

  The second part 52 can be overmolded with the first part 50 during the manufacturing process. In such a case, the first part 50 and the second part 52 are fused. In other embodiments, the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 can be attached to each other by other techniques, such as via adhesives, screws, snap-fit couplers, or other types of mechanical connections.

  As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the wall 30 of the member 12 has an opening 70 corresponding to the structure 16. The structure 16 has a tubular configuration, thereby defining a port 20 at the end 18 of the structure 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the port 20 at the first end of the structure 16 has a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the port 20 can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as elliptical, square, rectangular, or other shapes such as customized shapes. Port 20 is sized and shaped such that an audio device 76 (shown in FIG. 4), such as an audiometry device, can be coupled to.

  FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the ear coupler 10. As illustrated, the ear coupler 10 further includes a plurality of tabs 80 extending from the flange 14. The tab 80 allows the user to separate the ear coupler 10 from the subject by holding one of the tabs 80 and pulling the flange 14 away from the subject's skin. In the illustrated embodiment, the ear coupler 10 has two tabs 80. In other embodiments, the ear coupler 10 may have more than two tabs 80, or fewer than two tabs 80 (ie, one tab 80). In a further embodiment, the tab 80 is optional and the ear coupler 10 does not have any tab 80. In such a case, the ear coupler 10 can be separated from the subject by pulling the flange 14 away from the subject's skin.

  In some embodiments, the entire ear coupler 10 is transparent. Alternatively, a portion of the ear coupler 10 can have one or more colors. For example, a part of the ear coupler 10 may have a colored pattern 81. In other embodiments, a portion of the ear coupler 10 may be more transparent than another portion of the ear coupler 10. For example, in other embodiments, both the first part 50 and the second part 52 may be transparent, and the first part 50 is more transparent than the second part 52. By being transparent, the user can see at least a portion of the subject's ear while placing the ear coupler 10 on the subject, thereby allowing the user to place the ear coupler 10 on the subject's ear. It can be placed at a desired position relative to the ear.

  As described above, the ear coupler 10 is configured to be used in an audio device such as an audiometry device. In some embodiments, the audiometry device can be configured to perform one or more tests that test the hearing of a subject, such as an infant. Examples of tests that can be performed using an audiometry device include an otoacoustic emission test, an auditory brainstem response test, an acoustic reflectivity test, and an eardrum hearing test. As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the hearing measurement device 76 includes a handheld unit 200 with a display screen 202, a first cable 204, and a second cable 208. The first cable 204 has three electrodes 206a-206c that are configured to be coupled to the subject's forehead, cheekbone and neck, respectively, in use. The second cable 208 has two transducers 210 (one shown) that detachably couple in use to two respective ear couplers 10 (one shown). The hearing measurement device 76 is configured to generate one or more stimulation signals that are transmitted to the subject's ear via the ear coupler 10. The stimulus signal performs an auditory brainstem response test by inducing a neural response measured by the electrodes 206a-206c. The same stimulus signal or other stimulus signals can be used to elicit another response to the otoacoustic emission test measured by the transducer 210. The display 202 is configured to display information related to the hearing test, such as parameters for testing and test results.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a method of using the ear coupler 10 according to some embodiments. During use, the barrier 44 is removed to expose the adhesive 42 on the flange 14. The ear coupler 10 is attached to the subject's skin via the adhesive 42. If a portion of the ear coupler 10 is transparent, the user of the ear coupler 10 can see through the ear coupler 10 to see the subject's ear so that the user can see the ear against the subject's ear. The coupler 10 can be centered. An audio device 76 is removably coupled to the port 20 of the ear coupler 10 during use. In particular, the transducer 210 of the audio device 76 is detachably coupled to the ear coupler 10 via the port 20. Another transducer (not shown) that connects to the audio device 76 is also coupled to another ear coupler (not shown). Moreover, the electrodes 206a to 206c from the audio device 76 are fixed to the subject. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio device 76 is an audiometry device configured to perform an otoacoustic emission test and an auditory brainstem response test on a subject. In some embodiments, the audio device 76 is configured to elicit a first response and a second response from the subject by providing a stimulation signal via the cable 208, where the first response ( (Measured using transducer 210) is for otoacoustic emission testing and the second response (measured using electrodes 206a-206c) is for auditory brainstem response testing. In other embodiments, the audio device 76 provides a first stimulus signal to induce a first response for otoacoustic emission testing and provides a second stimulation signal to provide a second response for an auditory brainstem response test. Is configured to trigger.

  Further, instead of performing both the otoacoustic emission test and the auditory brainstem reaction test using the ear coupler 10, only one of the otoacoustic emission test and the audible brainstem reaction test can be performed using the ear coupler 10. In such cases, when performing the other of the otoacoustic emission test and the auditory brainstem response test, the ear coupler 10 is removed from the subject and the cable 208 is removed from the subject (eg, by removing the ear coupler 10 from the transducer 210 or from the audio device 76). Can be removed from the audio device 76). A probe (not shown) can then be attached to the audio device 76 (eg, by attaching the probe to the transducer 210), and the probe will deliver the stimulus signal to perform the other test. Is inserted inside.

  As shown, such ear couplers eliminate the need to insert a probe into a subject's ear during an audiometry that may be uncomfortable for the subject and / or hurt the subject's ear. 10 is advantageous. Further, since the ear coupler 10 can be fixed to the subject itself, the use of the ear coupler 10 does not require the user to stabilize the ear coupler 10 with respect to the subject's ear by hand. Furthermore, the dome shape of the member 12 causes the member 12 to deform and (as compared to the member 12 with a flat cover) because of the arcuate action provided by the dome shape in response to externally applied pressure or force. Less susceptible to damage. Furthermore, providing the port 20 via the structure 16 is more advantageous than providing a coupling port on the wall 30 of the member 12 for coupling to the audio device 76. This is because the structure 16 functions as a reinforcing device that improves the integrity of the port 20. If the device 10 does not have the structure 16, the transducer 210 needs to be coupled directly to the ear coupler 10 via the wall 30 port, thereby weakening the wall 30. This configuration is also undesirable because the wall 30 bends during insertion and removal of the transducer 210 from the wall 30. In some embodiments, the opening 70 is configured to be larger than the port 20 so that the converter 210 does not contact the wall defining the opening 70 when the converter 210 is inserted into the port 20. Has been. This has the advantage that it ensures that the structural integrity of the wall defining the opening 70 is maintained.

  In the above embodiment, the first part 50 has a dome shape, and the second part 52 overlaps a part of the wall of the first part 50. In other embodiments, the first portion 50 can have different configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the first part 50 includes a first end 82 having a first opening 84 and a second end 86 having a second opening 88. Can have. The first end 82 is attached (eg, integrally) to the flange 14.

  The second part 52 (including the structure 16) is configured to cover the opening 88 of the second end 86 of the first part 60, thereby forming the dome-shaped member 12. In some embodiments, the second part 52 can be overmolded over the first part 50. Alternatively, the second portion 52 can be attached to the first portion 50 by an adhesive, screw, snap-fit connector, or other type of connector.

  In further embodiments, the second portion 52 can be configured to be removably coupled to the first portion 50 (eg, via clips, threads, snap-fit connectors, friction, etc.), thereby The second part 52 can function like a removable cover. Such a configuration is advantageous in that the user can selectively open the cover 52 to directly view and / or interact with the subject's ear. Such a configuration also allows the user to remove the cover 52 along with the structure 16 and attach another cover 52 to the rest of the ear coupler 10. This is advantageous because the user can replace the cover 52 if it is damaged. In such a case, the ear coupler 10 has a plurality of covers 52 having the same size and shape. In other embodiments, the removable configuration allows the user to include the cover 52 with different forms of structure 16 (eg, structures 16 of different sizes and / or shapes for coupling to different audio devices). It is also possible to replace the cover 52). In such a case, the ear coupler 10 can have a plurality of covers 52 with respective structures 16 that differ in form (eg, size and / or shape), in which case each structure 16 has an ear coupler at one end. 10 and configured to be removably coupled to the audio device at the other end of the structure 16. It should be noted that the cover 52 can be considered to be part of the ear coupler 10 or a separate component that is configured to be coupled to the ear coupler 10.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the first part 50 and the second part 52 can be made from the same material. Alternatively, the second part 52 can be made from a different material than the first part 50. For example, in some embodiments, the second portion 52 can be made of a material that is harder than the first portion 50.

  In other embodiments, the member 12 and flange 14 of the ear coupler 10 can be formed as a single unit during the manufacturing process, and the structure 16 is a separate component that is attached to the remainder of the ear coupler 10 ( FIG. 6). For example, the structure 16 can be overmolded on the wall 30 of the member 12. Alternatively, the structure 16 can be attached to the member 12 by adhesives, screws, snap-fit connectors or other types of connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, member 12 and structure 16 can be made from the same material. Alternatively, the structure 16 can be made from a different material than the member 12. For example, in some embodiments, the structure 16 can be made from a softer material than the member 12.

  In further embodiments, the structure 16 can be configured to be removably coupled to the member 12 (eg, via clips, threads, snap-fit connectors, friction, etc.). This configuration allows the user to remove structure 16 from member 12 and attach another structure 16 to the rest of ear coupler 10. This is advantageous because the user can replace the structure 16 if it is damaged. In such a case, the ear coupler 10 can have a plurality of structures 16 that are the same size and shape. In other embodiments, the removable configuration allows a user to place the structure 16 in another form of another structure 16 (eg, structures of different sizes and / or shapes for coupling to different audio devices). It is also possible to exchange with 16). In such a case, the ear coupler 10 may have a plurality of structures 16 that differ in form (eg, size and / or shape), where each structure 16 is at one end of the ear coupler 10 and the structure. The other end of the body 16 is configured to be detachably coupled to the audio device.

  In some embodiments, the structure 16 can be made from a bendable material that can be bent by the user during use. This configuration allows the user to selectively position the audio device (coupled to the ear coupler 10) such that the audio device is in a desired position relative to the ear coupler 10.

  In other embodiments, the wall 30 and structure 16 of the ear coupler 10 can be unitarily formed during the manufacturing process, and the flange 14 is a separate component that is attached to the rest of the ear coupler 10 (FIG. 7). . For example, the flange 14 can be overmolded to the wall 30 of the member 12. Alternatively, the flange 14 can be attached to the member 12 by glue, screws, snap-fit connectors, or other types of connectors. In a further embodiment, the wall 30 of the member 12 can have a slot 90, and the flange 14 can have a protrusion 92 that is configured to mate with the slot 90 (FIG. 8), Thus, the flange 14 is fixed to the member 12. In other embodiments, the slot-projection configuration can be reversed, i.e., the flange 14 can have a slot, and the wall 30 of the member 12 has a projection that mates with the slot in the flange 14. Can have.

  In further embodiments, the flange 14 can be configured to be removably coupled to the member 12 (eg, via clips, threads, snap-fit connectors, friction, etc.). This configuration allows the user to remove the flange 14 from the member 12 and attach another flange 14 to the rest of the ear coupler 10. In some embodiments, the ear coupler 10 can have multiple flanges 14 that are the same size and shape. This is advantageous because the user can replace the flange 14 if the flange 14 breaks or if the adhesive 42 is no longer tacky. Alternatively or additionally, the ear coupler 10 can have a plurality of flanges 14 that differ in form (eg, size and / or shape), where each flange 14 is detachable from the member 12 of the ear coupler 10. Configured to bind to. Such a system allows the user to replace the flange 14 with another flange 14 of a different form (eg, a flange 14 of different size and / or shape).

  In the illustrated embodiment, member 12 and flange 14 can be made from the same material. Alternatively, the flange 14 can be made from a different material than the member 12. For example, in some embodiments, the flange 14 can be made from a softer material than the member 12. Such a configuration allows the flange 14 to follow the contours of the subject's skin during use. In some embodiments, the flange 14 can be made of a flexible material that can easily bend or deform when pressed against the subject's skin.

  In a further embodiment, the ear coupler 10 can be made from one material and the entire ear coupler 10 can be integrally formed as a single body having a single configuration. FIG. 9 shows another ear coupler 10 according to another embodiment. As shown in this figure, the entire ear coupler 10 having the wall 30 of the member 12 of the ear coupler 10, the flange 14 and the structure 16 is formed (eg, molded) as a single unit during the manufacturing process.

  FIG. 10 shows an ear coupler system 100 having a plurality of ear couplers 10 having different forms. Each of the ear couplers 10 can have any of the forms described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the ear couplers 10 are different sizes so that each accommodates a different subject's ear of a different size. In other embodiments, the ear coupler 10 is differently shaped to accommodate different subject ears, each having a different shape. Each of the ear couplers 10 has a structure 16 with a port 20 that removably couples to a connector 210 of an audio device such as the hearing measurement device 76 of FIG. In the figure, one ear coupler of each size is shown. However, in some embodiments, the system 100 can provide pairs of ear couplers 10 (one for the left ear and one for the right ear) in different sizes (eg, a pair of ears). It should be understood that the ear coupler 10 is one size and another pair of ear couplers 10 is another size). In a further embodiment, the system 100 can also have more than two pairs of ear couplers 10.

  In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, each of the ear couplers 10 may have the configuration shown in FIG. In such a case, the same cover 52 can be used to detachably couple the audio device to a selected one of the ear couplers 10. In the figure, one ear coupler of each size is shown. However, in some embodiments, the system 100 can provide pairs of ear couplers 10 (one for the left ear and one for the right ear) in different sizes (eg, a pair of ears). It should be understood that the ear coupler is one size and another pair of ear couplers is another size). In further embodiments, the hearing test system 100 can have more than two pairs of ear couplers 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of structure 16 extending from the ear coupler wall. The inner surface of the structure wall, first with a cross-sectional diameter d ₁ to the first end of the structure forming the port 20 or near the second cross-sectional diameter d toward the second end of the structure ₂ and defining at least part of the truncated cone, d ₁ being greater than d ₂ . The first cross-sectional diameter d ₁ (base diameter) can be selected to be larger than the typical maximum outer diameter of the test tube, and the second cross-sectional diameter d ₂ (top diameter) can be selected as the typical minimum of the test tube. It can be selected to be smaller than the outer diameter. For example, d ₁ can range from 6 mm to 10 mm and d ₂ can range from 2 mm to 8 mm. The truncated cone formed by at least a portion of the inner surface has a height from 2 mm to about 20 mm, and can range, for example, from 4 mm to 12 mm. The length L of the structure may be at least 2 mm, for example about equal.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the preferred embodiments and those skilled in the art will recognize from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made without departing. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (13)

A member having a wall forming a cavity for receiving an ear;
A flange extending from the wall and circumscribing at least a portion of the member;
A structure extending from the wall and having an end with a port;
It has
The member has a dome shape ;
The member includes a first part attached to the flange and a second part attached to the first part;
The first part is disposed between the second part and the flange;
The flange is softer than the first part, and the first part is softer than the second part .   The ear coupler according to claim 1, wherein the structure has a length of at least 2 mm.   The ear coupler according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the member is more transparent than the second portion of the member. The ear coupler according to claim 1, wherein the first part includes a first material, and the second part includes a second material that is harder than the first material. The first part comprises a first wall portion, the second portion comprises a second wall portion, the ear coupler according to any one of claims 1-4. The ear coupler according to claim 5 , wherein the second wall portion overlaps at least a part of the first wall portion. The first portion includes a first end portion from which the flange extends and a second end portion defining an opening, and the second portion is the opening at the second end of the first portion. covering parts, ear coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Having an adhesive on the flange, ear coupler according to any one of claims 1-7. It comprises one or more tabs extending from the flange, ear coupler according to any one of claims 1-8. It said port, device is sized such that it can bind to the port via an interference fit or press fit ear coupler according to any one of claims 1-9. One or more ear coupler and, hearing test system comprising a device adapted to bind to said ear coupler according to any one of claims 1-10. The hearing test system of claim 11 , wherein the device comprises an acoustic transducer. The hearing test system of claim 11 or 12 , wherein the device is configured to perform one or more of an otoacoustic emission test, an auditory brainstem response test, an acoustic reflectivity test, and a tympanic hearing test.

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