Middle ear analyzer

Abstract

The invention discloses a middle ear analyzer, which comprises a shell, an electric control device, a control device and an air pressure device, and is characterized in that the electric control device is arranged in the shell; the control device is arranged in the shell and connected with the electric control device, the control device and the surface of the shell are exposed, the air pressure device comprises an air pump assembly and a pneumatic pressure structure, the air pump assembly is provided with an input end and an output end, and a plurality of pressure buffer cavities which are separated from one another are formed in the air pump assembly and located between the input end and the output end. Every two adjacent pressure buffering cavities communicate with each other through a capillary pipeline, the pneumatic pressure structures are electrically connected with the electric control device, and the input ends of the pneumatic pressure structures communicate with the pressure buffering cavities through the input ends. According to the technical scheme, the middle ear analyzer can prevent the instantaneous pressure from being too large.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of middle ear analyzers, and particularly to a middle ear analyzer. Background Art

[0002] The middle ear analyzer is also called an acoustic impedance audiometer. It uses probe tones of one or more frequencies to test the function of the middle ear system, thereby judging the health status of the middle ear. The accuracy of the probe tone directly affects the accuracy of the middle ear admittance test result. The middle ear analyzer can be used to understand and diagnose middle ear inflammation, eustachian tube function, and stapedius reflex. It is generally used for the examination of patients with conductive deafness, a bone-air conduction gap greater than 15 dB, etc. During the pressurization process of the traditional middle ear analyzer, the instantaneous air pressure is likely to be too high, causing damage to the ear. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main object of the present invention is to propose a middle ear analyzer, aiming to solve the problem of excessive instantaneous pressure of the middle ear analyzer.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the middle ear analyzer proposed by the present invention includes:

[0005] A housing;

[0006] An electric control device, disposed inside the housing;

[0007] A control device, disposed on the housing and connected to the electric control device, and the control device is exposed on the surface of the housing; and

[0008] A pneumatic device, including an air pump assembly and a pneumatic pressure structure. The air pump assembly has an input end and an output end. Inside the air pump assembly and between the input end and the output end, a plurality of mutually separated pressure buffer chambers are provided. Adjacent two of the pressure buffer chambers are connected through a capillary pipeline. The pneumatic pressure structure is electrically connected to the electric control device, and the input end of the pneumatic pressure structure is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber through the input end.

[0009] Optionally, the capillary pipeline is arranged in multiple sections with bends.

[0010] Optionally, the pneumatic device further includes a pressure relief structure and a gas storage cylinder. The input end of the pressure relief structure is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber. The output end of the pressure relief structure is communicated with the input end of the gas storage cylinder. The output end of the gas storage cylinder is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber.

[0011] Optionally, the pressure relief structure includes an electromagnetic valve. The input end of the electromagnetic valve is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber. The output end of the electromagnetic valve is communicated with the input end of the gas storage cylinder.

[0012] Optionally, the pneumatic pressure structure includes a rotary vane pump, and an input end of the rotary vane pump communicates with the pressure buffer chamber through the input end.

[0013] Optionally, the middle ear analyzer further includes a probe and a first air pressure detection sensor. The probe communicates with the output end, and the first air pressure detection sensor is disposed at a control end of the probe.

[0014] Optionally, the air pump assembly is provided with an installation port, the installation port communicates with the pressure buffer chamber, and the installation port and the output end are located on the same side. The middle ear analyzer further includes a second air pressure detection sensor, and the second air pressure detection sensor is installed at the installation port.

[0015] Optionally, the air pressure device further includes an installation plate, and the middle ear analyzer further includes an installation plate. The installation plate is detachably installed in the housing, and the air pressure device is installed on the installation plate.

[0016] Optionally, the middle ear analyzer further includes a display screen. The display screen is installed on a surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the electronic control device. The display screen is used for displaying test results.

[0017] Optionally, the display screen of the air pressure device includes a touch screen.

[0018] Optionally, an anti-slip pad is provided on a bottom surface of the housing.

[0019] In the technical solution of the present invention, the electronic control device is disposed in the housing, the control device is disposed in the housing and is connected to the electronic control device, and the control device is exposed on a surface of the housing; the air pressure device includes an air pump assembly and a pneumatic pressure structure, and the air pump assembly has an input end and an output end. A plurality of mutually separated pressure buffer chambers are provided inside the air pump assembly and between the input end and the output end. Adjacent two pressure buffer chambers are communicated through capillary tubes. The pneumatic pressure structure is electrically connected to the electronic control device, and an input end of the pneumatic pressure structure communicates with the pressure buffer chamber through the input end. In this way, the transmission and control of air pressure are realized by communicating the input end of the air pump assembly with the pressure buffer chamber, and rapid pressurization is performed through capillary tubes, so that rapid pressurization can be performed under the condition of low output rate to ensure the air pressure output intensity. The plurality of pressure buffer chambers can be used for pressure buffering, and can effectively prevent excessive instantaneous pressure, that is, avoid the risk of injury to the subject during the test. Description of the Drawings

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of an ear analyzer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 Side view of the ear analyzer in

[0023] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the ear analyzer in

[0024] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 Structural schematic diagram of the air pressure device in

[0025] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 Structural schematic diagram of the air pump assembly in

[0026] Figure 6 Is Figure 1 Side view of the ear analyzer in

[0027] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0028] 10. Housing; 11. Upper shell; 12. Lower shell; 13. Installation cavity; 20. Electric control device; 30. Control device; 40. Air pressure device; 41. Air pump assembly; 411. Pressure buffer cavity; 412. Capillary line; 42. Pneumatic pressure structure; 43. Pressure relief structure; 44. Gas storage cylinder; 50. Display screen; 60. Anti-slip pad

[0029] The realization, functional features and advantages of the objectives of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the drawings. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement conditions, etc. between components in a specific posture (as shown in the drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0032] In addition, if there are descriptions such as "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing throughout the text is that it includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, or solution B, or the solution where A and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions between various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that those skilled in the art can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions results in contradictions or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope required by the present invention.

[0033] The present invention provides a middle ear analyzer.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure n, the middle ear analyzer includes a housing 10, an electronic control device 20, a control device 30, and a pneumatic device 40.

[0035] Specifically, the housing 10 has an installation cavity 13, and the electronic control device 20 is disposed in the installation cavity 13;

[0036] The control device 30 is disposed on the housing 10 and is connected to the electronic control device 20, and the control device 30 is exposed on the surface of the housing 10; the pneumatic device 40 includes an air pump assembly 41 and a pneumatic pressure structure 42. The air pump assembly 41 has an input end and an output end. A plurality of mutually separated pressure buffer cavities 411 are provided inside the air pump assembly 41 and between the input end and the output end. Adjacent two pressure buffer cavities 411 are communicated through a capillary tube 412. The pneumatic pressure structure 42 is electrically connected to the electronic control device 20, and the input end of the pneumatic pressure structure 42 is communicated with the pressure buffer cavity 411 through the input end.

[0037] The control device 30 is installed on the housing 10 and connected to the electric control device 20. Part of its structure is exposed on the surface of the housing 10 for the convenience of user operation and monitoring. Inside the air pump assembly 41, a plurality of mutually separated pressure buffer chambers 411 are provided between the input end and the output end. Two adjacent pressure buffer chambers 411 are connected by a capillary pipeline 412 for regulating air pressure. The pneumatic pressure structure 42 is electrically connected to the electric control device 20 and is controlled by the electric control device 20. The input end of the pneumatic pressure structure 42 communicates with the pressure buffer chamber 411 through the input end of the air pump assembly 41 to achieve the transmission and control of air pressure. Rapid pressurization is carried out through the capillary pipeline 412, which can rapidly increase the pressure under the condition of low output rate to ensure the air pressure output intensity. The plurality of pressure buffer chambers 411 can be used for pressure buffering and can effectively prevent excessive instantaneous pressure.

[0038] In the technical solution of the present invention, the electric control device 20 is arranged inside the housing 10, the control device 30 is arranged on the housing 10 and connected to the electric control device 20, and the control device 30 is exposed on the surface of the housing 10; the pneumatic device 40 includes an air pump assembly 41 and a pneumatic pressure structure 42, and the air pump assembly 41 has an input end and an output end. Inside the air pump assembly 41 and between the input end and the output end, a plurality of mutually separated pressure buffer chambers 411 are provided. Two adjacent pressure buffer chambers 411 are communicated through a capillary pipeline 412. The pneumatic pressure structure 42 is electrically connected to the electric control device 20, and the input end of the pneumatic pressure structure 42 communicates with the pressure buffer chamber 411 through the input end. In this way, through the communication between the input end of the air pump assembly 41 and the pressure buffer chamber 411, the transmission and control of air pressure are realized. Rapid pressurization is carried out through the capillary pipeline 412, which can rapidly increase the pressure under the condition of low output rate to ensure the air pressure output intensity. The plurality of pressure buffer chambers 411 can be used for pressure buffering and can effectively prevent excessive instantaneous pressure, that is, the risk of injury to the subject during the test is avoided.

[0039] In some embodiments, the capillary pipeline 412 is arranged in multiple sections and bent. Specifically, the multi-section bent capillary pipeline is composed of multiple sections of bent or folded pipelines. This design can increase the path length of gas flow, thereby better buffering and stabilizing air pressure changes and reducing the impact of air pressure fluctuations on the system. Moreover, the multi-section bent capillary pipeline 412 can also realize more complex air pressure regulation functions in a limited space, improving the compactness and efficiency of the system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pneumatic device further includes a pressure relief structure 43 and a gas storage cylinder 44. The input end of the pressure relief structure 43 is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber 411, the output end of the pressure relief structure 43 is communicated with the input end of the gas storage cylinder 44, and the output end of the gas storage cylinder 44 is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber 411.

[0041] Specifically, the pressure relief structure 43 is an important part of the pneumatic device, which is used to regulate and release excessive air pressure. The input end of the pressure relief structure 43 is connected to the pressure buffer chamber 411. When the air pressure in the pressure buffer chamber 411 exceeds the set value, the gas can be discharged through the pressure relief structure 43. The output end of the pressure relief structure 43 is connected to the input end of the gas storage cylinder 44, and the discharged gas is guided into the gas storage cylinder 44 for storage. The gas storage cylinder 44 is used to temporarily store the gas discharged from the pressure relief structure 43 to prevent the gas from being directly discharged into the external environment.

[0042] The output end of the gas storage cylinder 44 is connected to the pressure buffer chamber 411. When the system needs to supplement gas or regulate air pressure, the gas in the gas storage cylinder 44 can flow back into the pressure buffer chamber 411 to realize the recycling of gas. That is, through the cooperation of the pressure relief structure 43 and the gas storage cylinder 44, the air pressure can be controlled more precisely, avoiding too high or too low air pressure. The setting of the gas storage cylinder 44 enables the gas to be recycled internally, improving the energy utilization efficiency, while the setting of the pressure relief structure 43 effectively prevents system damage or safety hazards caused by too high air pressure.

[0043] Specifically, during actual use, when the air pressure in the pressure buffer chamber 411 of the pneumatic device 40 is too high, the gas is discharged through the pressure relief structure 43 and enters the gas storage cylinder 44 for temporary storage. When the system needs to reduce air pressure or supplement gas, the gas in the gas storage cylinder 44 can flow back into the pressure buffer chamber 411 through the output end. This not only realizes the dynamic regulation of air pressure but also improves the utilization efficiency of gas and reduces waste.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pressure relief structure 43 includes an electromagnetic valve. The input end of the electromagnetic valve is connected to the pressure buffer chamber 411, and the output end of the electromagnetic valve is connected to the input end of the gas storage cylinder 44.

[0045] Specifically, the input end of the electromagnetic valve is connected to the pressure buffer chamber 411. When the air pressure in the pressure buffer chamber 411 exceeds the set value, the electromagnetic valve opens to allow the gas to pass through. The electromagnetic valve is controlled by the electric control device 20, which can realize fast and precise pressure relief operations to ensure that the air pressure is stable within the set range.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pneumatic pressure structure 42 includes a rotary vane pump. The input end of the rotary vane pump is connected to the pressure buffer chamber 411 through the input end.

[0047] Specifically, the rotary vane pump can efficiently generate and regulate air pressure to meet the air pressure requirements of middle ear analysis. The operation of the rotary vane pump is controlled by the electric control device 20, which can realize precise air pressure regulation to ensure the stable operation of the system. This further enhances the air pressure control ability and operation efficiency of the middle ear analyzer. Moreover, setting the pneumatic pressure structure 42 as a rotary vane pump makes the structure of the pneumatic device 40 more compact, which is beneficial to reducing the occupied space.

[0048] In some embodiments, the middle ear analyzer further includes a probe and a first air pressure detection sensor. The probe is in communication with the output end, and the first air pressure detection sensor is disposed at the control end of the probe.

[0049] Specifically, the probe transmits an air pressure signal to the middle ear for detecting the pressure state of the middle ear or performing related tests. The first air pressure detection sensor is installed at the control end of the probe for real-time monitoring of the air pressure transmitted by the probe. By real-time monitoring of the air pressure state of the probe through the first air pressure detection sensor, the accuracy and safety of the test can be ensured.

[0050] The first air pressure detection sensor can also feedback the detected air pressure data to the control device 30 so that the system can perform dynamic adjustment or recording according to the detection results. Through the feedback data of the first air pressure detection, the system can dynamically adjust the working state of the air pressure device 40 to achieve precise air pressure control. Moreover, the probe is directly in communication with the output end of the air pressure device 40, which simplifies the device structure and facilitates operation and maintenance. In addition, in other embodiments, the middle ear analyzer does not provide the first air pressure detection sensor.

[0051] In some embodiments, the air pump assembly 41 is provided with an installation port. The installation port is in communication with the pressure buffer chamber 411, and the installation port and the output end are located on the same side. The middle ear analyzer further includes a second air pressure detection sensor, and the second air pressure detection sensor is installed at the installation port.

[0052] Specifically, the second air pressure detection sensor is used for real-time monitoring of the air pressure state in the pressure buffer chamber 411 and feedbacking the detected air pressure data to the control device 30. The control device 30 performs dynamic adjustment or records the test results according to the feedback data. The second air pressure detection sensor real-time monitors the air pressure state of the pressure buffer chamber 411 to ensure that the system can adjust the air pressure in a timely manner and guarantee the accuracy and safety of the test.

[0053] By monitoring the air pressure state of the probe through the first air pressure detection sensor and monitoring the air pressure state of the pressure buffer chamber 411 through the second air pressure detection sensor, dual air pressure monitoring is achieved, improving the reliability and test accuracy of the middle ear analyzer. Moreover, the installation port and the output end are located on the same side, making the air pressure detection and output more concentrated, facilitating system integration and operation. In addition, in other embodiments, the middle ear analyzer does not provide the second air pressure detection sensor.

[0054] In some embodiments, the middle ear analyzer further includes a mounting plate, which is detachably mounted inside the housing 10, and the pneumatic device 40 is mounted on the mounting plate. Specifically, the mounting plate provides a mounting position for the pneumatic device 40. During installation, the pneumatic device 40 can be first mounted on the mounting plate and then the mounting plate can be mounted inside the housing 10. Such a design is conducive to reducing the installation difficulty of the pneumatic device 40. In addition, in other embodiments, the middle ear analyzer does not have a mounting plate.

[0055] In some embodiments, the middle ear analyzer further includes a display screen 50, which is mounted on the surface of the housing 10 and electrically connected to the electronic control device 20. The display screen 50 is used to display test results.

[0056] Specifically, the display screen 50 being electrically connected to the electronic control device 20 can display the test data and analysis results transmitted from the electronic control device 20 in real time. The display screen 50 is mounted on the surface of the housing 10, facilitating the user to directly view the test results, enabling the user to intuitively see the test data and analysis results, and facilitating further operations or diagnoses. Optionally, the display screen 50 is a touch screen, thus facilitating the subject to directly operate on the display screen 50. In addition, in other embodiments, the middle ear analyzer does not have a display screen 50.

[0057] In some embodiments, an anti-slip pad 60 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 10. Specifically, the anti-slip pad 60 is used to increase the friction with the tabletop to improve the placement stability of the middle ear analyzer. Among them, the anti-slip pad 60 is made of a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, silica gel or other soft anti-slip materials.

[0058] Specifically, there are various ways to set the anti-slip pad 60. In one embodiment, the anti-slip pad 60 is provided at the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the housing 10 and is in a ring shape extending along the circumferential direction of the housing 10. In this embodiment, a plurality of anti-slip pads 60 are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 10, and the plurality of anti-slip pads 60 are respectively arranged at the four corners of the housing 10. In addition, in other embodiments, the anti-slip pad 60 is not provided on the bottom surface of the housing 10.

[0059] In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes an upper shell 11 and a lower shell 12. An installation cavity 13 is formed between the upper shell 11 and the lower shell 12. The control device 30, the electronic control device 20 and the pneumatic device 40 are all mounted in the installation cavity 13, and the control device 30 is exposed from the surface of the housing 10. Specifically, the split design of the upper shell 11 and the lower shell 12 enables the control device 30 and the electronic control device 20 to be first mounted on the inner wall of the upper shell 11 and the pneumatic device 40 to be mounted on the lower shell 12 during the assembly of the middle ear analyzer, and then the upper shell 11 and the lower shell 12 are combined. Such a setting makes the assembly and maintenance of the middle ear analyzer more convenient. Optionally, a sealing ring is provided between the upper shell 11 and the lower shell 12 to improve the sealing performance of the middle ear analyzer.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electronic control device 20 includes an enhancement module and circuit components. The enhancement module is electrically connected to the circuit components. The control device 30 includes an increase button that is connected to the enhancement module and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10. The enhancement module is used to increase the stimulation signal.

[0061] Specifically, the enhancement module can increase the stimulation signal to meet the test requirements of different testers. That is to say, it can be adjusted according to the test requirements, support a wider range of test scenarios, and improve the functionality of the middle ear analyzer. In addition, in other embodiments, the electronic control device 20 does not have an enhancement module.

[0062] Specifically, the enhancement mode can be entered by pressing the increase button. In this mode, the change in the reflex amplitude can be analyzed relative to the increase in the stimulation intensity. Up to two different stimulation signals (specific combinations of output / stimulation types) can be checked on each side. The reflex measured at gradually increasing intensities is displayed.

[0063] The operator can select the increment value (the optional values are 1 dB, 2 dB, and 5 dB) and the maximum possible stimulation intensity. The test can also be set to continue searching until the threshold is found, and then only the first three boxes are displayed. These parameters are established in the settings window and can be accessed through the SETTINGS function button.

[0064] The method of starting the program is the same as that of other types of reflex tests. During the examination, four or more stimulation signals automatically generated at increasing intensities are presented to the patient. If the intensity exceeds the maximum set value or the maximum value allowed by the stimulation / transducer type, the test will be interrupted.

[0065] In some embodiments, the electronic control module further includes a tympanogram test module, a test module for perforated tympanic membrane, an eustachian tube function test module, an ARLT acoustic reflex latency test module, and a reflex decay test module. The control module includes a tympanogram test button, a test button for perforated tympanic membrane, an eustachian tube function test button, an ARLT acoustic reflex latency test button, and a reflex decay test button. The tympanogram test button is connected to the tympanogram test module and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10. The test button for perforated tympanic membrane is connected to the test module for perforated tympanic membrane and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10. The eustachian tube function test button is connected to the eustachian tube function test module and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10. The ARLT acoustic reflex latency test button is connected to the ARLT acoustic reflex latency test module and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10. The reflex decay test button is connected to the reflex decay test module and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10.

[0066] The following specifically introduces the use / test method of the middle ear analyzer of the present application:

[0067] Among them, when performing tympanogram testing, the operator only needs to press the tympanogram test button on the keyboard. The name of the current test is indicated in the upper left corner of the screen, along with the status of the two probes related to the project information and the test progress. Further down, the screen displays the characteristic information of this particular test, namely: the stimulation aspect; the mode representing the tympanogram (compensated or absolute); the rate at which pressure scanning occurs during the test; the choice of single or multiple scans for the side being tested; the graphic display mode (single or bilateral).

[0068] The central area of the screen is occupied by the tympanogram related to the currently selected ear or the graphics of both ears. The pressure values indicated at the ends of the horizontal scale correspond to the initial positive value and the final negative value of the scan. When the tympanogram is represented in absolute mode, a dash appears on the right side of the chart, indicating the measured value of the current component (Y, B, or G). The test results are displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0069] Among these, the default detection audio frequency is always 226 Hz, and it can also be switched to 678 Hz, 800 Hz, or 1000 Hz. The value can be changed by pressing the relative area with a yellow background in the upper left corner of the screen.

[0070] For the multi-component tympanometry used to measure admittance (Y), susceptance (B), and conductance (G) values, pressing the third soft-touch button determines which one to display. If the "single scan mode" is selected, components B and G can also be displayed together.

[0071] The rate of change of the pressure scan adopted during the inspection can be changed by touching the dedicated area (pressure scan) with a yellow background; the selectable values for this parameter are: 15, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 daPa / sec, and 200 - 600 daPa / sec. In the latter mode, according to the obtained consistency measurement values, the rate of change is automatically adjusted to 200 daPa / sec or 600 daPa / sec; when the compliance change is low, the rate is high, and when the change is high, the rate is low.

[0072] Tympanogram tests can be performed in single-scan mode with just one downward pressure scan, or repeated three times continuously, either ascending or descending scans. Touching the dedicated area of the screen with a yellow background can change this option. When two graphs are displayed on the screen, it is not possible to switch to multiple scan modes. Different components can be shown. If the test is accidentally interrupted in multi-scan mode, simply press the control button to resume the tracking program as it was before [START / STOP]. To adjust the compliance scale on the graph, simply press the FUNCTION button SCALE. The available scale values differ according to the current method of representing the tympanogram (compensated or absolute). In either case, the "Auto" option can also be selected, in which case the scale to be used is automatically chosen so as to represent the acquired data at the highest possible resolution. The indication of the currently selected scale is provided by the relative soft key.

[0073] By touching the dedicated area of the screen with a yellow background, it is possible to switch between the compensated or absolute tympanogram viewing modes. In the absolute mode, the measured compliance values are displayed directly, while in the compensated mode, these values are shown minus the equivalent ear canal volume (ECV).

[0074] Similarly, it is possible to switch the viewing mode of the graphs - only one or both - by touching the dedicated area of the screen. All the above parameters are automatically saved by the instrument and remain unchanged upon each successive power-on. The middle ear analyzer can also display the results of tympanogram tests at 226 Hz as well as the results of acoustic reflex tests. Press the RESULTS function key to access this screen.

[0075] It is worth noting that the middle ear analyzer of the present application has an automatic mode and a manual mode.

[0076] Specifically, in the automatic mode:

[0077] After selecting the ear to be tested, left or right, and the scan mode, simply press the [START / STOP] button or the corresponding button on the control box to start the program.

[0078] In the case of multiple scans, once the first downward scan is completed, the direction can be maintained or switched, and then further scans are activated by pressing the [PRESSURE + / PRESSURE -] or [START / STOP] button on the control box.

[0079] Select the preferred options from the test settings, and once the instrument detects that the probe is correctly positioned in the ear canal, the examination can start automatically.

[0080] In the manual mode:

[0081] After selecting left or right and setting the scan mode, simply press the

Pressure

[0082] In the case of multiple scans, when the direction of rotation of the knob is reversed, the system will proceed to the next test.

[0083] Once the test is in progress, the instrument raises the pressure in the ear canal to the established maximum positive value, and the recording of the tympanogram will begin and continue until the pressure drops to the minimum value at the selected rate.

[0084] Now the indices described in the previous heading are calculated and displayed, and the pressure in the ear canal is restored to atmospheric pressure, terminating the examination.

[0085] During the entire test, the current pressure value is indicated by a vertical dashboard, below the "x" axis of the tympanogram. The graph is usually displayed in absolute (uncompensated) mode and only in compensated mode at the end of the test (if selected).

[0086] Furthermore, when acoustic reflex, reflex decay, ARLT, and fast tests are required: To perform an acoustic reflex test, the operator simply presses the corresponding key.

[0087] This test can be performed in different modes, which will be described in further detail below. The current mode is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, on a gray background.

[0088] Independent of the current mode, the lower left part of the display will show information items related to the ear being examined (side), the pressure used during the test (pressed), and the current stimulus, namely:

[0089] Transducer (Out), Ipsi or Contra;

[0090] Frequency of the stimulus tone or type of noise (Stim);

[0091] Intensity of the stimulus tone (Lev).

[0092] Regarding pressure, the operator can choose to perform the test either exactly at atmospheric pressure (displaying the label "Atm") or at the peak pressure of the tympanogram. If tympanometry has not been performed, the pressure will be set to 0 daPa in any case.

[0093] When performing a reflex test, the pressure at which the test is performed can be manually adjusted (the title "Man." appears next to the pressure value shown); this function will be described further.

[0094] Most of the screen is occupied by eight boxes, each of which displays the reflection curve obtained with a given stimulus signal. By pressing the SCALE function button, the operator can change the scale of the compliance axis; the possible intervals are -0.05 to 0.2 ml and -0.1 to 0.4 ml. The polarity of the reflection curve can also be changed.

[0095] The green bar inside each box represents the punctuality of the stimulus, in other words, the duration of the stimulus activity. The duration of the on-time is configurable.

[0096] Below each box, the details of the stimulus to which the curve pertains (side, frequency, and intensity) are indicated. For better visual clarity, the reflection curves generated with ipsilateral signals are represented in a darker color than the color that displays the contralateral signals.

[0097] The current box is highlighted with a yellow background; to navigate from one box to another, simply turn the right hand knob.

[0098] Touching the ZOOM area of the display with a yellow background allows viewing the current box in full screen mode; this allows the operator to view the reflection curve in more detail. Also in this mode, the amplitude of the reflection is indicated. To exit full screen mode, press "ZOOM" again, or use the [RETURN] button.

[0099] By pressing the SETTINGS function button, the operator can access a window that allows selection of the settings related to the method of conducting the reflection test.

[0100] In some embodiments, the electrocontrol device 20 includes an enhancement module and circuit components, the enhancement module is electrically connected to the circuit components, the control device 30 includes an increase button, the increase button is connected to the increase module and is exposed on the surface of the housing 10, and the increase module is used to increase the stimulus signal.

[0101] Specifically, the enhancement mode can be entered by pressing the increase button, in which mode, the change in the reflection amplitude can be analyzed with respect to the increase in the stimulus intensity. Up to two different stimulus signals (specific combinations of output / stimulus types) can be checked on each side. The reflections measured at gradually increasing intensities are displayed.

[0102] The operator can select the increment value (the selectable values are 1 dB, 2 dB, and 5 dB) and the maximum possible stimulus intensity. The test can also be set to continue the search until the threshold is found, and then only the first three boxes are displayed. These parameters are established in the settings window, which can be accessed via the SETTINGS function button.

[0103] The method of starting the program is the same as that of other types of reflex tests. During the examination, four or more stimulus signals automatically generated with increasing intensity are presented to the patient. If the intensity exceeds the maximum set value or the maximum value allowed for the stimulus / transducer type, the test will be interrupted.

[0104] For example, when a reflex decay test is required:

[0105] The acoustic reflex decay test can be performed simply by pressing the reflex decay test button. At this time, the organization of the interface is similar to that of the acoustic reflex test.

[0106] There are four graphs for each ear, exactly the same as in the acoustic reflex test. By means of two of the four graphs displayed on the test screen, the operator can navigate from one to another using the right - hand knob.

[0107] Regarding the conduct of the examination, the method applied is the same as that used in the acoustic reflex test in manual mode. In addition, the test can also be carried out without any stimulus ("without STIM.").

[0108] Once the test is in progress, the following information will be superimposed on the current graph: the number of tests, the threshold intensity (ART) associated with the current stimulus (obtained during the reflex test), and the characteristics of the stimulus.

[0109] The ART information is useful because the decay test is usually carried out 10 dB above the reflex threshold. The stimulus on - time can be set to 10 or 20 seconds.

[0110] If you want to change the pressure value, simply press the [Pressure] button to access the pressure adjustment screen.

[0111] At the end of the examination, the results are displayed below the corresponding graph and the characteristics of the stimulus.

[0112] The indices displayed are: -T(50%)

[0113] The moment of the reflex record decay (in seconds), corresponding to 50% of the maximum amplitude. In addition, the area of the graph where the decay is less than 50% appears in a light green color; -C(10s) or C(20s), the percentage reduction in the reflex amplitude at the end of the stimulus compared to the maximum value.

[0114] If the test has not been carried out or cannot be calculated, the index will display the label "-".

[0115] Furthermore, when an ARLT acoustic reflex latency test is required: The ARLT acoustic reflex latency test can be performed by pressing the ARLT acoustic reflex latency test button.

[0116] Among them, to perform the acoustic reflex latency test (ARLT), press the [Other Tests] button, and then use the left knob to select. The interface is organized similarly to that of the standard acoustic reflex test. The left hand part of the display shows information about the current stimulus, and the remaining area is occupied by the graph.

[0117] Regarding the examination, the method applied is the same as that used in the acoustic reflex test in manual mode.

[0118] Once the test is in progress, the following information will be superimposed on the current graph: the number of tests, the threshold (ART) intensity related to the current stimulus (obtained during the reflex test), and the characteristics of the stimulus.

[0119] The ART information is useful because the attenuation test is usually carried out 10 dB above the reflex threshold. The duration of the stimulus can be set to select a value between 300 milliseconds and 1700 milliseconds.

[0120] If the operator intends to change the pressure value, he / she only needs to press the [Pressure] button to access the pressure adjustment screen.

[0121] At the end of the examination, the results are displayed together with the corresponding graph, along with the characteristics of the stimulus used and the test results.

[0122] Furthermore, when the eustachian tube function test is required: only need to press the eustachian tube function test button to perform the eustachian tube function test.

[0123] At this time, the test can be performed on patients with intact eardrums and patients with tympanic membrane perforations.

[0124] For the ETF test of an intact eardrum, to access the ETF test, simply press (Other Tests) on the instrument keyboard, and then use the left knob to select the option. The function buttons are used to select the test type, namely with an intact tympanic membrane (ETF-TM intact) or a perforated tympanic membrane (ETF-TM perforated).

[0125] The graphical interface is very similar to the tympanogram test; the only difference is on the right side of the screen, where the examination results are shown, which will be introduced in detail on the following pages.

[0126] The central area of the screen is occupied by a graph related to the currently selected ear. The pressure values indicated at the ends of the horizontal scale correspond to the initial positive value and the final negative value of the scan.

[0127] As in the case of the tympanogram test, when the tympanogram is represented in absolute mode, a dash appears on the right side of the graph, indicating the current compliance measurement.

[0128] Furthermore, when the ETF test with a perforated tympanic membrane is required:

[0129] The ETF test for a perforated eardrum can be performed simply by pressing the ETF test button for the perforated eardrum. At this time, the organization of the interface is the same as that of all other tests. The left part of the window shows information related to the probe status and the examination: progress, maximum pressure value, and duration.

[0130] The central area of the screen is occupied by a graph related to the currently selected ear. This graph shows a curve representing the pressure level in the ear canal during the test.

[0131] All parameters of this test can be directly set from the ETF screen, then automatically saved by the instrument, and maintained during each successive power-on. In particular, the user can select the maximum pressure (function button PRESS.MAX), or rather, the pressure that must be established in the patient's middle ear to allow the assessment of the eustachian tube function. Pressure values between -600 daPa and +400 daPa can be selected, with an increment of 50 daPa (atmospheric pressure cannot be selected).

[0132] To adjust the test duration, simply press the DURATION function button. The selectable values are 20, 30, 40, or 50 seconds.

[0133] As mentioned before, the user can switch to the ETF test window for an intact eardrum by pressing the TM INTACT function button.

[0134] Select the earplug that best suits the patient to be examined, and introduce the probe into the patient's ear canal together with the earplug. Just select the side, left or right, and then press the [START / STOP] button (or the relevant button) to start the test.

[0135] Once the test starts, the patient's ear canal is pressurized to the selected value, and then the pressure pump automatically shuts off. Thereafter, the patient will be asked to swallow repeatedly so that the eustachian tube can be forced open. If this happens, the user will see the pressure level measured by the instrument drop.

[0136] The results are automatically calculated and displayed in a table with three pairs of values on the right side of the window. Each pair of values includes two pressures, where the first represents the measured value of a significant pressure change, and the second represents the same value when stable. Therefore, these pairs of values can identify the pressures at which the eustachian tube opens and closes.

[0137] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A middle ear analyzer, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing; An electronic control device, disposed within the housing; A control device, disposed within the housing and connected to the electronic control device, and the control device is exposed on the surface of the housing; And A pneumatic device, including an air pump assembly and a pneumatic pressure structure. The air pump assembly has an input end and an output end. Multiple mutually separated pressure buffer chambers are provided within the air pump assembly and between the input end and the output end. Adjacent two of the pressure buffer chambers are communicated through capillary pipelines. The pneumatic pressure structure is electrically connected to the electronic control device, and the input end of the pneumatic pressure structure is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber through the input end.

2. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capillary pipeline is arranged in multiple sections with bends.

3. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that The pneumatic device further includes a pressure relief structure and a gas storage cylinder. The input end of the pressure relief structure is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber. The output end of the pressure relief structure is communicated with the input end of the gas storage cylinder. The output end of the gas storage cylinder is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber.

4. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 3, wherein The pressure relief structure includes an electromagnetic valve. The input end of the electromagnetic valve is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber. The output end of the electromagnetic valve is communicated with the input end of the gas storage cylinder; The pneumatic pressure structure includes a rotary vane pump. The input end of the rotary vane pump is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber through the input end.

5. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The middle ear analyzer further includes a probe and a first air pressure detection sensor. The probe is communicated with the output end. The first air pressure detection sensor is disposed at the control end of the probe.

6. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air pump assembly is provided with an installation port, which is communicated with the pressure buffer chamber, and the installation port and the output end are on the same side. The middle ear analyzer further includes a second air pressure detection sensor, and the second air pressure detection sensor is installed at the installation port.

7. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The pneumatic device further includes an installation plate, and the middle ear analyzer further includes an installation plate. The installation plate is detachably installed within the housing, and the pneumatic device is installed on the installation plate.

8. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle ear analyzer further includes a display screen, which is installed on the surface of the housing and electrically connected to the electronic control device. The display screen is used to display test results.

9. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pneumatic device further includes the display screen includes a touch screen.

10. The middle ear analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the housing is provided with an anti-slip pad.

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