US20020058881A1 - Ear probe tip - Google Patents
Ear probe tip Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020058881A1 US20020058881A1 US09/901,244 US90124401A US2002058881A1 US 20020058881 A1 US20020058881 A1 US 20020058881A1 US 90124401 A US90124401 A US 90124401A US 2002058881 A1 US2002058881 A1 US 2002058881A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ear
- body portion
- probe tip
- tip
- probe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 159
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 208000032625 disorder of ear Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 210000000883 ear external Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000010370 hearing loss Effects 0.000 description 3
- 231100000888 hearing loss Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 208000016354 hearing loss disease Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 206010011878 Deafness Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000133 brain stem Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000002939 cerumen Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000959 ear middle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012074 hearing test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000644 propagated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012956 testing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/12—Audiometering
Definitions
- the present invention relates to ear probe tips, and more particularly to removable ear probe tips that provide for protection of the ear canal and provide for an enhanced self-adjusting acoustical seal between the ear probe tip and the ear canal.
- Ear probe tips of various types are well known in the art. Such devices are typically used in combination with testing equipment for clinical evaluation of hearing loss and/or ear disease. For example, there are procedures for evaluating hearing loss, ear disease or other ear disorders which are known as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing and auditory brain-stem response (ABR)testing. Such tests, which rely on acoustical measurements made within the patient's ear canal, include the step of closing off the ear canal with a probe or a removable probe tip. The probe tip may form a seal between the ear canal and the probe tip so that the transmission and receipt of acoustical signals within the closed cavity may be controlled. Several other hearing tests use probes with tips.
- OAE otoacoustic emissions
- ABR auditory brain-stem response
- the present invention overcomes these and other problems inherent in existing ear probe tips.
- the present invention provides an ear probe tip that fits around the probe.
- a feature of an embodiment of the ear probe tip is that flexible flanges form a substantial acoustic seal between the probe and the outer ear canal for a wide range of ear canal size, thereby permitting ear testing to be done quickly and conveniently without critical adjustments of the probe or of the probe tip. This is of particular value in the case of children or other patients who may have a short attention span or an inability to cooperate in the test procedures.
- the probe tip is designed so that it can receive the probe, whereby the probe tip can be positioned fully over the probe while still allowing the probe tip's end to slightly extend past the end of the probe.
- each probe tip does not require each probe tip to comprise an acoustical channel, thereby minimizing the cost to manufacture each probe tip. Further, since the cost is minimized, the probe tip can be disposed of after one use thereby eliminating the need for probe cleaning and providing optimal infection control.
- the principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved ear probe tip for use with testing apparatus for hearing loss or other ear problems.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip of more efficient form for providing better sealing between the probe tip and a wide range of ear canal size.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip that protects the ear from the probe when the probe is inserted into the ear canal.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip that will provide for enhanced retention of the ear probe tip once the ear probe tip is received by the ear canal.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel removable ear probe tip that secures easily to a probe end.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip which is simple in design and inexpensive to construct, and is durable and rugged in structure.
- an ear probe tip of the present invention comprises a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end.
- the body portion inner surface defines a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion.
- the ear probe tip also has a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals on the outer surface of the body portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ear probe tip of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a view of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1 shown in place on an ear probe end;
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1 shown in place on an ear probe end.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ear probe tip 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- the ear probe tip 10 comprises a body portion 20 and a plurality of flexible annular flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 .
- the body portion 20 may be tube shaped and hollow (as shown in FIG. 1) and have a passage 22 , a first end 27 and a second end 28 .
- the passage 22 extends the entire length of and runs axially through the body portion 20 .
- the second end 28 of the body portion 20 has a chamfer 29 (see FIG. 2).
- the chamfer 29 may, for example, be cut at a 45 degree angle from the passage 22 longitudinal centerline.
- Body portion 20 may, for example, have an inner diameter of 0.134 inches and an outer diameter of 0.154 inches or any other diameters that provide for proper operation of the tip 10 for use in a specific application.
- Passage 22 may, in an alternate embodiment, run the entire length of the body portion 20 at a distance offset the body portion 20 axis.
- a plurality of flexible annular flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 are disposed on the exterior of body portion 20 . As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 are attached substantially perpendicular to the body portion 20 . As an example, the flange 23 proximal the first end 27 may have an outer diameter of 0.200 inches, so as to fit securely and sealably into the internal portion of the ear canal. Also, as measured from the flange 23 longitudinal centerline, the flange 23 may be offset from the first aperture 0.096 inches or any other distance that is necessary for proper performance of the tip 10 . In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS.
- each flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 that is distal the flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 has a progressively greater outer diameter. Accordingly, flange 24 , 25 , 26 may have outer diameters of 0.238, 0.275 and 0.312 inches, respectively, to sealably and securely fit into the ear canal.
- Each flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 may be 0.112 inches apart from the flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 adjacent to it as measured along the longitudinal centerline of each flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 or the flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 longitudinal centerline spacing can be any other distance necessary for proper performance of the tip 10 . As shown in FIGS.
- the tip 10 has four flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 .
- alternate embodiments can have any number of flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 that provide for proper operation of the tip 10 .
- an alternate embodiment may have no flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 .
- the body portion 20 provides the necessary seal with the ear canal.
- alternate embodiments may provide flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 of varying thickness and shapes.
- the cross-sectional shape of the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 for example, may have virtually any shape such as a circle, triangle, square, etc.
- Flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 may taper as they extend outwardly away from the body portion 20 .
- the tip 10 may be made of alpha gary pvc 3019-40/45 or some other suitable soft flexible material such as latex or silicone. This type of material will also prevent the patient's ear from being scratched or otherwise injured by the tip 10 .
- the material can also be transparent to allow for easy detection of vernix, cerumen, or wax build-up in the tip 10 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the tip 10 in place over a probe 50 and positioned adjacent a probe base 48 .
- the probe base 48 and probe 50 are components of an existing hearing testing apparatus.
- the tip 10 When the tip 10 is fully positioned over a probe end 52 (as in FIG. 3), the tip 10 extends past the end of the probe end 52 , thereby preventing the probe end 52 from coming into contact with the ear. This further ensures that the patient's ear will not be scratched or otherwise injured by the rigid probe end 52 . Also, as can best be seen in FIG.
- the passage 22 should be adapted and sized to accept the probe end 52 so that substantially the entire length of the passage 22 can receive the probe end 52 thereby eliminating the need for the passage 22 to form an acoustic channel.
- This design feature considerably reduces the manufacturing costs of the tip 10 .
- the second end 28 may rest substantially flush against the probe base 48 . This arrangement further ensures that the tip 10 does not move out of proper operating position with respect to the probe end 52 when the tip 10 is inserted into the ear canal.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the tip 10 of the present invention.
- the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 may be attached to the body portion 20 so that the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 extend outwardly and rearwardly toward second end 28 .
- this flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 arrangement may further prevent the tip 10 from slipping out of the ear canal.
- This flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 arrangement may also provide an enhanced acoustical seal between the ear canal and the tip 10 .
- FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the tip 10 of the present invention.
- body portion sections 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 may be of varying outer diameters, e.g., 0.140, 0.155, 0.165, 0.175, 0.185 inches, respectively.
- varied outer diameters of body portion sections 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 may further provide an enhanced acoustical seal between the ear canal and the tip 10 .
- This body portion section 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 configuration may further prevent the tip 10 from slipping out of the ear canal.
- a ring 30 may be disposed on the body portion 20 between the second end 28 and the flange 26 .
- the ring 30 may be grasped by hand to facilitate positioning the ear probe tip 10 over the probe 50 . Further, it is desirable to grasp the ring 30 instead of the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , because if the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 are damaged the ear probe tip 10 will not operate properly. Accordingly, the ring 30 may be located 0.100 inches from the second end 28 as measured from the ring center line.
- the ring 30 may have a radius of 0.050 inches or whatever other radius necessary for proper performance of the ear probe tip 10 .
- the ring 30 cross sectional area may be in the shape of a half circle or any other shape necessary for proper performance of the ear probe tip 10 .
- the ring 30 may be continuous or non-continuous around the outer surface of the body portion 20 .
- body portion 20 inner surface diameter may increase in size along the length of the body portion 20 toward the second end 28 .
- Body portion inner surface diameter at the first end 27 and the second end 28 may be, for example, 0.110 and 0.127 inches, respectively. This configuration may provide for enhanced positioning of the ear probe tip 10 over the probe 10 .
- FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of still another alternate embodiment of the tip 10 of the present invention shown in place on an ear probe end.
- body portion 20 inner surface diameter may increase in size near the second end 28 so that it is sized to fit snugly over a probe base extension 49 when the tip 10 is fully in place over the probe end 52 and the second end 28 is substantially flush against probe base 48 .
- This configuration may provide for enhanced positioning of the ear probe tip 10 over the probe end 52 .
- body portion sections 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 may be of varying outer diameters, e.g., 0.140, 0.155, 0.165, 0.175, 0.185 inches, respectively.
- varied outer diameters of body portion sections 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 may further provide an enhanced acoustical seal between the ear canal and the tip 10 .
- This body portion section 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , 40 configuration may further prevent the tip 10 from slipping out of the ear canal.
- alternate embodiments can have any number of flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 that provide for proper operation of the tip 10 .
- an alternate embodiment may have no flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 .
- the body portion 20 provides the necessary seal with the ear canal.
- alternate embodiments may provide flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 of varying thickness and shapes.
- the cross-sectional shape of the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 for example, may have virtually any shape such as a circle, triangle, square, etc.
- Flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 may taper as they extend outwardly away from the body portion 20 .
- a ring 30 may be disposed on the body portion end 21 (or body portion 20 ) between the second end 28 and the flange 26 .
- the ring 30 may be grasped by hand to facilitate positioning the ear probe tip 10 over the probe end 52 . Further, it is desirable to grasp the ring 30 instead of the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , because if the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 are damaged the ear probe tip 10 may not operate properly. Accordingly, the ring 30 may be located 0.100 inches from the second end 28 as measured from the ring center line.
- the ring 30 may have a radius of 0.050 inches or whatever other radius necessary for proper performance of the ear probe tip 10 .
- the ring 30 cross sectional area may be in the shape of a half circle or any other shape necessary for proper performance of the ear probe tip 10 .
- the ring 30 may be continuous or non-continuous around the outer surface of the body portion 20 .
- the tip 10 when using the tip 10 , the tip 10 (or if present the ring 30 ) is grasped by hand and the tip 10 is pushed over the probe end 52 .
- the tip 10 is positioned over the probe end 52 so that tip 10 extends past the probe end 52 .
- the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 bend and flex where necessary so that the plurality of flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 form a self-adjusting acoustic seal between the tip 10 and the outer ear canal of the user.
- the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 are designed to ensure that the radial extent of the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 provides the necessary contact area between each flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 and the ear canal to create the required seal.
- the seal substantially prevents ambient noise from entering the ear canal.
- the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 also provide for the tip 10 to remain securely positioned in the ear canal, thereby minimizing the amount of time necessary to perform the procedure. This is especially desirable in the case of children and certain other patients who may have a short attention span or an inability to cooperate during the test procedures.
- body portion 20 is designed to prevent appreciable compression in the longitudinal direction in order to prevent the probe end 52 from exiting the first aperture 27 , extending past the tip 10 and scratching or otherwise injuring the ear.
- the flange 23 it is desirable for the flange 23 to be offset from the first end 27 because the body portion 20 may by itself provide a proper seal when it is inserted into an ear canal that is substantially the same dimension as the outer diameter of the body portion 20 . Therefore, by having the flange 23 offset from the first end 27 , the tip 10 can adapt to fit a larger variety of ear canal sizes. Provided the tip 10 is secured in the ear canal, whether by at least one flange 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , or by just the body portion 20 and the seal is formed, the appropriate testing can commence.
- one form of clinical test that requires a probe be inserted into a patient's ear canal is OAE.
- OAE testing two signals are delivered to the probe 50 and pass through the probe 50 past the first end 27 and into the patient's ear.
- the tones then travel through the patient's ear canal until they come into the middle ear where they are partially absorbed and partially result in a return difference signal propagated back toward the first end 27 whereby they are channeled back into the passage 22 because of the seal created by the flanges 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 and the users ear canal.
- the signal channeled back into the passage 22 continues into the probe 50 and is detected by a low noise microphone which delivers a signal to the OAE testing device being used during this specific testing procedure.
- the signal is subsequently analyzed to determine the condition of the patient's ear.
Abstract
An improved ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal. The ear probe tip comprises a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end. The body portion inner surface defines a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion. The ear probe tip also has a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals on the outer surface of the body portion.
Description
- The present invention relates to ear probe tips, and more particularly to removable ear probe tips that provide for protection of the ear canal and provide for an enhanced self-adjusting acoustical seal between the ear probe tip and the ear canal.
- Ear probe tips of various types are well known in the art. Such devices are typically used in combination with testing equipment for clinical evaluation of hearing loss and/or ear disease. For example, there are procedures for evaluating hearing loss, ear disease or other ear disorders which are known as otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing and auditory brain-stem response (ABR)testing. Such tests, which rely on acoustical measurements made within the patient's ear canal, include the step of closing off the ear canal with a probe or a removable probe tip. The probe tip may form a seal between the ear canal and the probe tip so that the transmission and receipt of acoustical signals within the closed cavity may be controlled. Several other hearing tests use probes with tips.
- However, previous ear probe tips have some inherent disadvantages. One of the disadvantages with prior art tips is that they require an acoustical sound passage or else the test procedure will produce unreliable results. Requiring the tip to include an acoustical sound passage is undesirable because this adds to the cost of manufacturing each tip.
- Another disadvantage is that they are not well adapted to different ears. Persons' ears differ in size and shape and have outer ear canals of varying configurations. As a result, great difficulties have been encountered with prior ear probe tips because in most situations, the tip exerts too great a pressure on the ear canal, fails to provide a good acoustic seal between it and the ear canal, or does not prevent the hard inflexible probe end from extending past the tip thereby increasing the risk of resulting damage to the person's ear.
- The present invention overcomes these and other problems inherent in existing ear probe tips. The present invention provides an ear probe tip that fits around the probe. A feature of an embodiment of the ear probe tip is that flexible flanges form a substantial acoustic seal between the probe and the outer ear canal for a wide range of ear canal size, thereby permitting ear testing to be done quickly and conveniently without critical adjustments of the probe or of the probe tip. This is of particular value in the case of children or other patients who may have a short attention span or an inability to cooperate in the test procedures. Further, in one embodiment, the probe tip is designed so that it can receive the probe, whereby the probe tip can be positioned fully over the probe while still allowing the probe tip's end to slightly extend past the end of the probe. This configuration does not require each probe tip to comprise an acoustical channel, thereby minimizing the cost to manufacture each probe tip. Further, since the cost is minimized, the probe tip can be disposed of after one use thereby eliminating the need for probe cleaning and providing optimal infection control.
- The principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved ear probe tip for use with testing apparatus for hearing loss or other ear problems.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip of more efficient form for providing better sealing between the probe tip and a wide range of ear canal size.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip that protects the ear from the probe when the probe is inserted into the ear canal.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip that will provide for enhanced retention of the ear probe tip once the ear probe tip is received by the ear canal.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel removable ear probe tip that secures easily to a probe end.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel ear probe tip which is simple in design and inexpensive to construct, and is durable and rugged in structure.
- Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings of the invention.
- These and other objects are achieved by an ear probe tip of the present invention. In one form of the invention, an ear probe tip is provided which comprises a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end. The body portion inner surface defines a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion. The ear probe tip also has a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals on the outer surface of the body portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the ear probe tip of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a view of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1 shown in place on an ear probe end;
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the ear probe tip of FIG. 1 shown in place on an ear probe end.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
ear probe tip 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 1, theear probe tip 10 comprises abody portion 20 and a plurality of flexibleannular flanges body portion 20 may be tube shaped and hollow (as shown in FIG. 1) and have apassage 22, afirst end 27 and asecond end 28. In one embodiment, thepassage 22 extends the entire length of and runs axially through thebody portion 20. Thesecond end 28 of thebody portion 20 has a chamfer 29 (see FIG. 2). Thechamfer 29 may, for example, be cut at a 45 degree angle from thepassage 22 longitudinal centerline. Thechamfer 29 facilitates the insertion of theprobe 50 into thetip 10.Body portion 20 may, for example, have an inner diameter of 0.134 inches and an outer diameter of 0.154 inches or any other diameters that provide for proper operation of thetip 10 for use in a specific application.Passage 22 may, in an alternate embodiment, run the entire length of thebody portion 20 at a distance offset thebody portion 20 axis. - A plurality of flexible
annular flanges body portion 20. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment theflanges body portion 20. As an example, theflange 23 proximal thefirst end 27 may have an outer diameter of 0.200 inches, so as to fit securely and sealably into the internal portion of the ear canal. Also, as measured from theflange 23 longitudinal centerline, theflange 23 may be offset from the first aperture 0.096 inches or any other distance that is necessary for proper performance of thetip 10. In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 1, 2, 3), eachflange flange flange flange flange flange flange tip 10. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in the illustrated embodiment thetip 10 has fourflanges flanges tip 10. Also, an alternate embodiment may have noflanges body portion 20 provides the necessary seal with the ear canal. Further, alternate embodiments may provideflanges flanges Flanges body portion 20. - To ensure a comfortable fit and to provide the necessary seal, in one embodiment the
tip 10 may be made of alpha gary pvc 3019-40/45 or some other suitable soft flexible material such as latex or silicone. This type of material will also prevent the patient's ear from being scratched or otherwise injured by thetip 10. The material can also be transparent to allow for easy detection of vernix, cerumen, or wax build-up in thetip 10. - FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the
tip 10 in place over aprobe 50 and positioned adjacent aprobe base 48. Theprobe base 48 andprobe 50 are components of an existing hearing testing apparatus. When thetip 10 is fully positioned over a probe end 52 (as in FIG. 3), thetip 10 extends past the end of theprobe end 52, thereby preventing the probe end 52 from coming into contact with the ear. This further ensures that the patient's ear will not be scratched or otherwise injured by therigid probe end 52. Also, as can best be seen in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment thepassage 22 should be adapted and sized to accept theprobe end 52 so that substantially the entire length of thepassage 22 can receive theprobe end 52 thereby eliminating the need for thepassage 22 to form an acoustic channel. This design feature considerably reduces the manufacturing costs of thetip 10. Further, when fully in place over theprobe end 52, thesecond end 28 may rest substantially flush against theprobe base 48. This arrangement further ensures that thetip 10 does not move out of proper operating position with respect to theprobe end 52 when thetip 10 is inserted into the ear canal. - FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the
tip 10 of the present invention. Theflanges body portion 20 so that theflanges second end 28. Depending on the configuration of the ear canal that thetip 10 is inserted into, thisflange tip 10 from slipping out of the ear canal. Thisflange tip 10. - FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the
tip 10 of the present invention. As shown in the example of FIG. 5,body portion sections tip 10 is inserted into, varied outer diameters ofbody portion sections tip 10. Thisbody portion section tip 10 from slipping out of the ear canal. - Also, a
ring 30 may be disposed on thebody portion 20 between thesecond end 28 and theflange 26. Thering 30 may be grasped by hand to facilitate positioning theear probe tip 10 over theprobe 50. Further, it is desirable to grasp thering 30 instead of theflanges flanges ear probe tip 10 will not operate properly. Accordingly, thering 30 may be located 0.100 inches from thesecond end 28 as measured from the ring center line. Thering 30 may have a radius of 0.050 inches or whatever other radius necessary for proper performance of theear probe tip 10. Thering 30 cross sectional area may be in the shape of a half circle or any other shape necessary for proper performance of theear probe tip 10. Thering 30 may be continuous or non-continuous around the outer surface of thebody portion 20. - Further, in an alternate embodiment,
body portion 20 inner surface diameter may increase in size along the length of thebody portion 20 toward thesecond end 28. Body portion inner surface diameter at thefirst end 27 and thesecond end 28 may be, for example, 0.110 and 0.127 inches, respectively. This configuration may provide for enhanced positioning of theear probe tip 10 over theprobe 10. - FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of still another alternate embodiment of the
tip 10 of the present invention shown in place on an ear probe end. As illustrated in FIG. 6,body portion 20 inner surface diameter may increase in size near thesecond end 28 so that it is sized to fit snugly over aprobe base extension 49 when thetip 10 is fully in place over theprobe end 52 and thesecond end 28 is substantially flush againstprobe base 48. This configuration may provide for enhanced positioning of theear probe tip 10 over theprobe end 52. As shown in FIG. 6, there may be more than oneprobe end 52 positioned adjacent each other that thetip 10 will fit over. - As shown in FIG. 6,
body portion sections tip 10 is inserted into, varied outer diameters ofbody portion sections tip 10. Thisbody portion section tip 10 from slipping out of the ear canal. - However, alternate embodiments can have any number of
flanges tip 10. Also, an alternate embodiment may have noflanges body portion 20 provides the necessary seal with the ear canal. Further, alternate embodiments may provideflanges flanges Flanges body portion 20. - Also, a
ring 30 may be disposed on the body portion end 21 (or body portion 20) between thesecond end 28 and theflange 26. Thering 30 may be grasped by hand to facilitate positioning theear probe tip 10 over theprobe end 52. Further, it is desirable to grasp thering 30 instead of theflanges flanges ear probe tip 10 may not operate properly. Accordingly, thering 30 may be located 0.100 inches from thesecond end 28 as measured from the ring center line. Thering 30 may have a radius of 0.050 inches or whatever other radius necessary for proper performance of theear probe tip 10. Thering 30 cross sectional area may be in the shape of a half circle or any other shape necessary for proper performance of theear probe tip 10. Thering 30 may be continuous or non-continuous around the outer surface of thebody portion 20. - Referring back to FIG. 3, when using the
tip 10, the tip 10 (or if present the ring 30) is grasped by hand and thetip 10 is pushed over theprobe end 52. Thetip 10 is positioned over theprobe end 52 so thattip 10 extends past theprobe end 52. When theprobe end 52 with thetip 10 securely in place is inserted into the patient's ear canal, theflanges flanges tip 10 and the outer ear canal of the user. Theflanges flanges flange flanges tip 10 to remain securely positioned in the ear canal, thereby minimizing the amount of time necessary to perform the procedure. This is especially desirable in the case of children and certain other patients who may have a short attention span or an inability to cooperate during the test procedures. Further,body portion 20 is designed to prevent appreciable compression in the longitudinal direction in order to prevent the probe end 52 from exiting thefirst aperture 27, extending past thetip 10 and scratching or otherwise injuring the ear. Also note that it is desirable for theflange 23 to be offset from thefirst end 27 because thebody portion 20 may by itself provide a proper seal when it is inserted into an ear canal that is substantially the same dimension as the outer diameter of thebody portion 20. Therefore, by having theflange 23 offset from thefirst end 27, thetip 10 can adapt to fit a larger variety of ear canal sizes. Provided thetip 10 is secured in the ear canal, whether by at least oneflange body portion 20 and the seal is formed, the appropriate testing can commence. - For example, one form of clinical test that requires a probe be inserted into a patient's ear canal is OAE. During OAE testing, two signals are delivered to the
probe 50 and pass through theprobe 50 past thefirst end 27 and into the patient's ear. The tones then travel through the patient's ear canal until they come into the middle ear where they are partially absorbed and partially result in a return difference signal propagated back toward thefirst end 27 whereby they are channeled back into thepassage 22 because of the seal created by theflanges passage 22 continues into theprobe 50 and is detected by a low noise microphone which delivers a signal to the OAE testing device being used during this specific testing procedure. The signal is subsequently analyzed to determine the condition of the patient's ear. - Specific embodiments of novel methods and apparatus for construction of novel ear probe tips according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.
Claims (31)
1. An ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal, the ear probe tip comprising:
a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface defining a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion; and
a plurality of flexible annular flanges disposed at spaced intervals on the outer surface of the body portion.
2. The ear probe tip of claim 1 wherein the body portion is tube shaped.
3. The ear probe tip of claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of flanges is located proximal the first end and is disposed on the body portion at a distance from the first end.
4. The ear probe tip of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexible annular flanges have increasingly larger diameters toward the second end.
5. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the plurality of flanges are disposed on the body portion at a backward angle toward the second end.
6. The ear probe tip of claim 4 further comprising a means for pushing the tip onto the probe.
7. The ear probe tip of claim 6 wherein the means for pushing the tip onto the probe is a ring disposed on the body portion proximal the second end.
8. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the body portion outer surface diameter increases along the length of the body portion toward the second end.
9. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the second end further includes a chamfer adjacent the body portion inner surface.
10. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the tube and the flanges are constructed of a transparent material.
11. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the tube and the flanges are constructed of alpha gary pvc 3019-40/45.
12. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the body portion inner surface is dimensioned to receive the probe end.
13. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the body portion first end outer diameter is between 0.140 and 0.185 inches.
14. The ear probe tip of claim 4 wherein the body portion first end inner surface further comprises a flange.
15. An ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal, the ear probe tip comprising:
a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface defining a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion; and
a means for creating an acoustical seal between the ear tip and the ear canal, disposed at spaced intervals on the outer surface of the body portion.
16. A method for acoustically sealing an ear canal with an ear probe tip positioned over a probe end which comprises the steps of:
providing the ear probe tip;
placing the ear probe tip substantially over the probe end whereby the probe end does not extend past the ear probe tip;
inserting the probe end with the ear tip into the ear canal; and
flexing the ear probe tip so that an acoustical seal forms between the ear probe tip and the ear canal.
17. An ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal, said ear probe tip comprising:
a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface defining a passage that extends the entire length of the body portion; and
at least one flexible annular flange disposed on the outer surface of the body portion.
18. The ear probe tip of claim 17 wherein the at least one flange located proximal the first end is disposed on the body portion at a distance from the first end.
19. The ear probe tip of claim 17 wherein the body portion outer surface diameter increases along the length of the body portion toward the second end.
20. The ear probe tip of claim 17 wherein the at least one flange is disposed on the body portion at a backward angle toward the second end.
21. The ear probe tip of claim 17 wherein the inner surface diameter of the body portion increases in size along the length of the body portion toward the second end.
22. The ear probe tip of claim 17 wherein the inner surface diameter of the body portion increases in size along the length of the body portion toward the second end and communicates with a cavity located proximal the second end.
23. The ear probe tip of claim 22 further comprising a means for pushing the tip onto the probe.
24. The ear probe tip of claim 23 wherein the means for pushing the tip onto the probe is a ring disposed on the body portion proximal the second end.
25. An ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal, said ear probe tip comprising:
a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, wherein the outer surface has a diameter which increases along the antecedent length of the body portion toward the second end; and
a passage defined by the inner surface that extends substantially the length of the body portion.
26. The ear probe tip of claim 25 wherein the passage has a diameter which increases from the first end to the second end.
27. The ear probe tip of claim 26 further comprising a means for pushing the tip onto the probe.
28. The ear probe tip of claim 27 wherein the means for pushing the tip onto the probe is a ring disposed on the body portion proximal the second end.
29. The ear probe tip of claim 25 wherein the inner surface diameter of the body portion increases in size near the second end.
30. An ear probe tip for the end of a probe which can be inserted into an ear canal, said ear probe tip comprising:
a body portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, wherein the inner surface diameter of the body portion increases in size near the second end; and
a ring disposed on the outer surface of the body portion proximal the second end.
31. The ear probe tip of claim 30 further comprising at least one flexible annular flange disposed on the outer surface of the body portion at a distance from the first end.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/901,244 US20020058881A1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 2001-07-09 | Ear probe tip |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/225,754 US6258043B1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 1999-01-05 | Ear probe tip |
US09/901,244 US20020058881A1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 2001-07-09 | Ear probe tip |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/225,754 Continuation US6258043B1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 1999-01-05 | Ear probe tip |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020058881A1 true US20020058881A1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
Family
ID=22846093
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/225,754 Expired - Lifetime US6258043B1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 1999-01-05 | Ear probe tip |
US09/901,244 Abandoned US20020058881A1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 2001-07-09 | Ear probe tip |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/225,754 Expired - Lifetime US6258043B1 (en) | 1999-01-05 | 1999-01-05 | Ear probe tip |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6258043B1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060025653A1 (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2006-02-02 | Phonak Ag | Structure for probe insertion |
WO2008051307A2 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2008-05-02 | Klipsch, Llc | Ear tip |
US20090190786A1 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2009-07-30 | Edward Miskiel | Audiometric Devices |
US20090321177A1 (en) * | 2008-06-26 | 2009-12-31 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Acoustic measurement tip |
USD611929S1 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2010-03-16 | Klipsch, Llc | Headphone ear tips |
US20120191004A1 (en) * | 2011-01-24 | 2012-07-26 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Hearing testing probe apparatus with digital interface |
US9088846B2 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2015-07-21 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Oval variable wall earbud |
US9265458B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2016-02-23 | Sync-Think, Inc. | Application of smooth pursuit cognitive testing paradigms to clinical drug development |
US9369792B2 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2016-06-14 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Round variable wall earbud |
US9380976B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2016-07-05 | Sync-Think, Inc. | Optical neuroinformatics |
US9584895B2 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2017-02-28 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Teardrop variable wall earbud |
DE102017112602A1 (en) * | 2017-06-08 | 2018-12-13 | Sennheiser Electronic Gmbh & Co. Kg | Ohrkanalhörer |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6258043B1 (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 2001-07-10 | Gabriel Raviv | Ear probe tip |
US20040226771A1 (en) * | 2003-05-15 | 2004-11-18 | Werblud Marc S | Stethoscope |
US20070161924A1 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2007-07-12 | Dolphin William F | Ear probe and disposable ear tip system |
WO2011076246A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2011-06-30 | Widex A/S | Ear plug for a hearing aid and a hearing aid |
CN203225872U (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2013-10-02 | 西门子(深圳)磁共振有限公司 | An earphone |
TWI621358B (en) * | 2016-09-09 | 2018-04-11 | Pad body for earphone, mold device for manufacturing pad body and manufacturing method thereof | |
EP3422740A1 (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2019-01-02 | Oticon A/s | A reinforced dome for a hearing aid |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3105876A (en) * | 1963-10-01 | Output sxlector | ||
US5113967A (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1992-05-19 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Audibility earplug |
US5653239A (en) * | 1991-03-08 | 1997-08-05 | Exergen Corporation | Continuous temperature monitor |
US6053875A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-04-25 | Rosenbaum; Marvin | Removable tip for an acoustic reflectometer |
US6148821A (en) * | 1998-04-29 | 2000-11-21 | Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation | Selective nonlinear attenuating earplug |
US6258043B1 (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 2001-07-10 | Gabriel Raviv | Ear probe tip |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2487038A (en) | 1944-03-25 | 1949-11-08 | Sonotone Corp | Ear insert for earphones |
US3097643A (en) | 1960-08-26 | 1963-07-16 | Santi Louis | Ear-plugs |
US3949735A (en) | 1974-08-20 | 1976-04-13 | American Electromedics Corporation | Method and apparatus for an ipsilateral reflex test |
US3935401A (en) | 1974-08-29 | 1976-01-27 | Shore Sidney X | Earpiece for acoustic headset |
US4055233A (en) | 1975-12-22 | 1977-10-25 | Electronic Engineering Co. Of California | Ear coupler |
US4057051A (en) | 1975-12-29 | 1977-11-08 | American Electromedics Corporation | Hand held ear test probe |
US4122841A (en) | 1976-01-09 | 1978-10-31 | American Electromedics Corporation | Probe tip |
US4374527A (en) | 1978-07-19 | 1983-02-22 | Medtronic, Inc. | Body stimulation lead |
USD265129S (en) | 1979-09-10 | 1982-06-22 | Charles Leight | Ear plug with flanges |
JPS6031748A (en) | 1983-08-03 | 1985-02-18 | アサオカ株式会社 | Ear plug |
JPH045180Y2 (en) | 1988-07-22 | 1992-02-14 | ||
US5357576A (en) * | 1993-08-27 | 1994-10-18 | Unitron Industries Ltd. | In the canal hearing aid with protruding shell portion |
-
1999
- 1999-01-05 US US09/225,754 patent/US6258043B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-07-09 US US09/901,244 patent/US20020058881A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3105876A (en) * | 1963-10-01 | Output sxlector | ||
US5113967A (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1992-05-19 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Audibility earplug |
US5653239A (en) * | 1991-03-08 | 1997-08-05 | Exergen Corporation | Continuous temperature monitor |
US6053875A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-04-25 | Rosenbaum; Marvin | Removable tip for an acoustic reflectometer |
US6148821A (en) * | 1998-04-29 | 2000-11-21 | Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation | Selective nonlinear attenuating earplug |
US6258043B1 (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 2001-07-10 | Gabriel Raviv | Ear probe tip |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8357084B2 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2013-01-22 | Phonak Ag | Structure for probe insertion |
US20060025653A1 (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2006-02-02 | Phonak Ag | Structure for probe insertion |
US20090112224A1 (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2009-04-30 | Phonak Ag | Structure for probe insertion |
WO2008051307A3 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2008-10-23 | Klipsch Llc | Ear tip |
US20080187159A1 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2008-08-07 | Klipsch, Llc | Ear tip |
WO2008051307A2 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2008-05-02 | Klipsch, Llc | Ear tip |
US7681577B2 (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2010-03-23 | Klipsch, Llc | Ear tip |
US20100084217A1 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2010-04-08 | Klipsch, Llc | Ear tip |
US8201561B2 (en) * | 2006-10-23 | 2012-06-19 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Ear tip |
US20090190786A1 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2009-07-30 | Edward Miskiel | Audiometric Devices |
US8363876B2 (en) | 2007-12-14 | 2013-01-29 | Mednax Services, Inc. | Audiometric devices |
USD611929S1 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2010-03-16 | Klipsch, Llc | Headphone ear tips |
USD624901S1 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2010-10-05 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Headphone ear tips |
US20090321177A1 (en) * | 2008-06-26 | 2009-12-31 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Acoustic measurement tip |
US7882928B2 (en) * | 2008-06-26 | 2011-02-08 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Acoustic measurement tip |
US20120191004A1 (en) * | 2011-01-24 | 2012-07-26 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Hearing testing probe apparatus with digital interface |
US9155494B2 (en) * | 2011-01-24 | 2015-10-13 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Hearing testing probe apparatus with digital interface |
US10624562B2 (en) | 2011-01-24 | 2020-04-21 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Hearing testing probe apparatus with digital interface |
US9265458B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2016-02-23 | Sync-Think, Inc. | Application of smooth pursuit cognitive testing paradigms to clinical drug development |
US9380976B2 (en) | 2013-03-11 | 2016-07-05 | Sync-Think, Inc. | Optical neuroinformatics |
US9088846B2 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2015-07-21 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Oval variable wall earbud |
US9369792B2 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2016-06-14 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Round variable wall earbud |
US9584895B2 (en) | 2013-08-14 | 2017-02-28 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Teardrop variable wall earbud |
DE102017112602A1 (en) * | 2017-06-08 | 2018-12-13 | Sennheiser Electronic Gmbh & Co. Kg | Ohrkanalhörer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6258043B1 (en) | 2001-07-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6258043B1 (en) | Ear probe tip | |
US7464786B2 (en) | High sound attenuating hearing protection device | |
US4055233A (en) | Ear coupler | |
JP4143939B2 (en) | Hearing protection earplugs and methods of selectively attenuating sound in earplugs | |
US4122841A (en) | Probe tip | |
US8201561B2 (en) | Ear tip | |
EP0959773B1 (en) | Ear tips having a plurality of ear contacting surfaces | |
US5113967A (en) | Audibility earplug | |
AU2004216223C1 (en) | Conforming earplug | |
US5797834A (en) | Hearing improvement device | |
US10624562B2 (en) | Hearing testing probe apparatus with digital interface | |
WO2006031516A1 (en) | Shell and tip for hearing aid | |
GB2051584A (en) | Stethoscopes | |
JP2007529927A (en) | Real ear measurement method and apparatus | |
US6491641B1 (en) | Apparatus and methods for acoustic rhinometry | |
US11666302B2 (en) | One-piece diaphragm and ring for stethoscope chestpiece | |
JP2002517279A (en) | Earplug | |
EP2901916B1 (en) | Hearing test probe | |
US20230277044A1 (en) | Otoscope seal devices and methods | |
JP5021285B2 (en) | Hollow needle and tube placement instrument | |
EP0489075A1 (en) | Plug to be inserted into the ear canal for noise attenuation, and instrument for inserting such a plug | |
WO1992014427A1 (en) | Instrument for insertion of a plug into the ear canal | |
US20230058747A1 (en) | Earpiece-foam sizing apparatus and method | |
CN111035406A (en) | One-piece diaphragm, ring and earphone head | |
KR101114920B1 (en) | Treatment device for voice disorders |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BIO-LOGIC SYSTEMS CORPORATION, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RAVIV, GABRIEL;ROLFSEN, RON;TARASEWICZ, ROBERT;REEL/FRAME:012544/0494 Effective date: 20011011 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |