SBIR-STTR Award

Current otoacoustic emission probes used for diagnostic evaluation of the middle and inner ear components of hearing can not produce well-calibrated, high-quality acoustic stimuli that cover the upper frequency range of human hearing that is most easily damaged by ototoxic drugs, noise and the normal process of aging. The microphones in these devices are also not calibrated to allow accurate presentation of acoustic stimuli or measure the acoustic emissions generated by the inner ear. Through a large-scale NIH-sponsored translational study at Northwestern University we have developed a prototype research-quality instrument that already satisfies nearly all of the specifications of the present call for proposals, but is also providing strong evidence that such measurements are likely to be of great diagnostic value. In partnership with Etymotic Research, Inc., we propose to create a practical and robust otoacoustic emission probe that satisfies the stated performance criteria. Although we already have a strong basis in experiments and theory to think about how to achieve this goal, we also understand how to thoroughly test components of the new probe, separately and in combination, to be able to propose a solution that will be virtually certain to work as specified.

Benefit:
Developing this probe would likely replace many of these devices used in research labs around the world and a large fraction of emission probe systems used in diagnostic otoacoustic emission systems in hearing clinics. The distinct advantage of designing a self-contained probe assembly follows Etymotic's approach of keeping the emission probe separate from the proprietary computer hardware and associated software in all commercial otoacoustic emission systems sold worldwide. This flexibility allows researchers to continue to develop the state of the art in emission measurement techniques and in elucidating the mechanisms of otoacoustic emissions. Better understanding of the science of emissions will continue to be translated into improved application in the clinic.

Keywords:
hearing assessment, hearing assessment, hearing conservation, otoacoustic emissions, ototoxicity, otoacoustic emission probe, high frequencies, inner ear function, diagnostic audiology, noise-induced hearing loss

Current otoacostic emission probes used diagnostic evaluation middle and inner ear components of hearing are not capable of producing well-calibrated and high-quality acoustic stimuli that cover the entire frequency range of human hearing and are thus unsuited for rapid evaluation of the range of inner ear damage from ototoxic drugs, noise and the normal process of aging. The accuracy of stimulus calibration is a particular problem for serial monitoring of accumulating damage over time or to accurately and sensitively assess damage in populations. The topic solicitation stated specific performance criteria that a new otoacoustic emission probe should satisfy In our Phase I partnership with Etymotic Research, Inc., we have developed a first-generation prototype with high-quality internal sound sources that already comes close to meeting all the performance criteria. Phase II efforts will be devoted to the considerable remaining effort to refine the prototype and to rigorously test its suitability for widespread application for research and clinical assessment. We will focus particularly on developing the capacity to perform measurements in the relatively high ambient noise levels typically found on Navy ships that would also facilitate widespread application to hearing evaluation in civilians.

Benefit:
It is anticipated that the probe we are developing will perform so much better than current probes used in both research and clinics that it could replace most of them. The probe system will be configured flexibly in ways to maximize its benefit in both research and fixed site clinic testing. The basic technology will also be configured into a new generation of Etymotics Eroscan hand-held screening instruments.

Keywords:
otoacoustic emission probe, diagnostic audiology, hearing assessment, hearing conservation, otoacoustic emissions, noise-induced hearing loss, inner ear function, high frequencies, ototoxicity