A device and process for generating and measuring the shape of an acoustic reflectance curve of an ear

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A device or a process for analysis of acoustic reflectance of components of an ear involves directing, into the ear canal acoustic , waves covering a range of frequencies including resonance frequencies of ear components such as the tympanic membrane. Measurements are made without pressurizing the ear canal and contact between the device and the ear does not need to be air-tight. Accordingly the patient experiences essentially no discomfort from use of the device. The device detects and combines the incident and reflected waves to produce what is called an acoustic reflectance curve. The shape of a region of the acoustic reflectance curve is electronically measured in order to obtain …