hearing measurement device

Abstract

To provide a technology for supporting appropriate auditory sense measurement.SOLUTION: In over-masking determination processing executed in a process of various kinds of measurements for executing masking for a non-examined ear by an auditory sense measuring device 100, a level of an examined ear transition masking sound, which serves as an index showing at what level a masking sound presented to a non-examined ear is reaching the internal ear on an examined ear side, is calculated (S10), and displayed on a screen in a color similar to that of a symbol of the examined ear (S11). If the level of the examined ear transition masking sound is equal to or higher than any of a bone conduction threshold of the examined ear, a non-defective hearing ear bone conduction threshold, an aerial conduction threshold of the examined ear, and an examination sound level (Yes in S13), suspicion of over-masking is determined (S15), and an alert notifying a user of that effect is displayed in the screen (S16). By this display, it is possible for an examiner to recognize the situation in which over-masking is suspected quickly and take appropriate measures, thereby bringing about accurate measurement results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing various hearing-related measurements, and in particular to an apparatus for performing measurements in which interaural transitions occur. [Background technology]

[0002] In hearing tests (measurements), if there is a possibility of shadow hearing, masking must be considered. In this regard, the Japan Audiological Society has established the Japan Audiological Society Hearing Testing Method, which clearly specifies the test method when masking is required. Known masking methods for standard pure tone audiometry include the plateau method and the ABC masking method. Furthermore, devices designed to generate masking sounds at an appropriate level in hearing tests have been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 61-49973 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 01-11292 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The knowledge and skills required for masking are highly complex and require time to master. The examiner who sets up and operates the audiometer cannot immediately read from the audiometer screen the level at which the test sound presented to the subject's tested ear and the masking sound presented to the non-tested ear reach the opposite inner ear. Therefore, every time the examiner changes the test sound or masking level on the audiometer, they must subtract the interaural attenuation (the sound pressure attenuated when a sound presented to one ear reaches the other inner ear) from each level, add a correction factor for ear canal closure if necessary, and take into account the air-bone conduction gap before instantly determining whether the opposite ear is hearing. This complexity is one of the factors that makes masking difficult.

[0005] It is assumed that the above-mentioned prior art can generate a masking sound at an appropriate level to some extent. However, considering that test subjects are unfamiliar with the test, it is considered more realistic to conduct an accurate hearing test with the intervention of an examiner rather than a fully automated system. In that case, in the prior art, the examiner must input the values ​​required for condition judgment each time. In other words, the prior art still does not eliminate the complexity.

[0006] As such, hearing tests, especially those dealing with masking, require skilled techniques, and this presents a challenge for inexperienced examiners and in medical settings where there is a high turnover of examiners. If the test is performed using an incorrect method, overmasking and shadow listening can lead to inaccurate test results, which can also lead to inaccurate judgments based on the results. Therefore, some kind of measure is needed to make it easier to perform correct tests (measurements).

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that supports appropriate hearing measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following hearing measurement device. Note that the following words in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0009] In other words, the hearing measurement device of the present invention is equipped with a judgment unit that calculates a predetermined index level that indicates the degree to which sound presented to one ear reaches the other inner ear, and determines that a predetermined phenomenon is suspected to be occurring if the predetermined index level meets predetermined conditions, and a display unit that displays a warning regarding the predetermined phenomenon if it is determined that the predetermined phenomenon is suspected to be occurring.

[0010] According to this aspect of the hearing measurement device, the predetermined index level is calculated automatically, eliminating the need for the person performing the calculation manually as in the past, thereby eliminating the burden on the person performing the calculation. Furthermore, according to this aspect of the hearing measurement device, if it is determined that a predetermined phenomenon is suspected based on the predetermined index level, a warning message regarding the predetermined phenomenon is displayed, thereby informing the person performing the measurement that caution is required, and the person performing the measurement can take necessary measures, such as adjusting the masking level, in response to this message. As a result, accurate measurement results can be obtained more easily.

[0011] Preferably, in the hearing measurement device according to the above aspect, the display unit displays an audiogram and also displays a predetermined index level on the audiogram.

[0012] With this type of hearing measurement device, a predetermined index level is displayed on the audiogram, allowing the person being measured to grasp at a glance how much of the sound presented to one ear is reaching the other ear, and the current situation can be easily recognized in relation to other symbols (symbols indicating thresholds).

[0013] More preferably, in any of the above-described aspects of the hearing measurement device, the determination unit calculates a measurement ear transition level that indicates the degree to which the masking sound presented to the non-measurement ear reaches the inner ear of the measurement ear, and determines that overmasking is suspected to be occurring if the measurement ear transition level satisfies predetermined measurement ear-related conditions, and the display unit displays a warning about overmasking if it determines that overmasking is suspected to be occurring.

[0014] With this type of hearing measurement device, if it is determined that overmasking is suspected, a warning message regarding overmasking is displayed, thereby informing the person being measured that overmasking is suspected, and in response to this message, the person being measured can take necessary measures, such as lowering the masking level.

[0015] More preferably, in any of the above-described aspects of the hearing measurement device, the determination unit calculates a non-measurement ear transition level that indicates the extent to which the measurement sound presented to the measurement ear reaches the non-measurement ear, and if the non-measurement ear transition level meets predetermined non-measurement ear-related conditions, determines that shadow hearing is suspected to be occurring, and if it is determined that shadow hearing is suspected to be occurring, the display unit displays a warning regarding shadow hearing.

[0016] With this type of hearing measurement device, if it is determined that shadow hearing is suspected to be occurring, a warning message regarding shadow hearing is displayed, thereby informing the person being measured that the situation is suspected of shadow hearing, and in response to this message the person being measured can take necessary measures, such as increasing the masking level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to assist in appropriate hearing measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an auditory perception measurement device 100. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing correction values ​​for interaural transition attenuation and ear canal closure effect. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an overmasking determination process. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert that notifies of suspected overmasking. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for shadow audibility determination processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alert that notifies of suspected shadow hearing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of measurement results when a threshold is determined in a state where overmasking or shadow hearing is suspected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are preferred examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following description, the term "measurement" includes the meaning of "examination," "examiner" refers to the person who performs the measurement (measurer), "examinee" refers to the person who receives the measurement (subject), "testing ear" refers to the ear that receives the measurement (measurement ear), "non-testing ear" refers to the ear that is not tested (non-test ear), and "test sound" refers to the sound presented to the testing ear during measurement (measurement sound).

[0020] [Configuration of hearing measurement device 100] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an auditory perception measurement device 100. As shown in FIG. The hearing measurement device 100 is a device that performs various hearing-related tests and has a function of displaying an alert if overmasking or shadow hearing is suspected during the test. The hearing measurement device 100 includes, for example, a measurement control unit 10, a sound presentation unit 20, a response unit 30, a determination unit 40, a memory unit 50, a display unit 60, and the like.

[0021] The measurement control unit 10 controls the progress of the measurement and the processes executed in association with it. The sound presentation unit 20 is, for example, a receiver (air conduction receiver or bone conduction receiver) or an insertable earphone, and presents a test sound (pure tone, etc.) of a frequency and sound pressure level specified by the measurement control unit 10 to the subject's ear, and presents a masking sound (band noise, etc.) of a specified frequency and sound pressure level to the subject's ear. The response unit 30 is, for example, a response button or other input device, and accepts responses to the test sounds from the subject and notifies the measurement control unit 10 of the response.

[0022] The determination unit 40 calculates predetermined index levels (the levels of the ear-transfer masking sound and the non-ear-transfer test sound, which will be described later) based on the levels of the masking sound and the test sound, the amount of interaural attenuation, a correction value for the ear canal closure effect, etc., and determines that there is a suspicion of overmasking or shadow hearing if the index levels meet predetermined conditions. The index levels calculated by the determination unit 40 and the specific contents of the determination process will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing.

[0023] The storage unit 50 is, for example, a RAM or a HDD, and stores in advance correction values ​​for interaural transition attenuation and ear canal closure effect that are used when the determination unit 40 calculates the index level. The storage unit 50 also stores thresholds determined by measurement and provisional thresholds input by the examiner based on responses from the subject during the measurement process.

[0024] The display unit 60 is, for example, a display, and displays an audiogram, operation buttons related to the measurement, etc. on its screen, and also displays an alert to that effect if the judgment unit 40 judges that there is a suspicion of overmasking or shadow hearing. When the measurement is completed, the measurement results (audiogram, etc.) are output from an output unit (not shown). Output from the output unit may be performed, for example, by printing on paper, or by an electromagnetic method such as sending a file via email or to a folder over a network.

[0025] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, FIG. 1 shows only the minimum configuration required to explain the features of the hearing measurement device 100, but the hearing measurement device 100 may also have other additional configurations.

[0026] 2 is a diagram showing the aural transition attenuation and the correction value of the ear canal closure effect used when the determination unit 40 calculates the index level. Of these, (A) represents the aural transition attenuation of an air conduction receiver, (B) represents the aural transition attenuation when a bone conduction receiver is attached to the mastoid, and (C) represents the correction value of the ear canal closure effect.

[0027] (A) in Figure 2 shows the interaural attenuation of an air conduction receiver, (B) in Figure 2 shows the interaural attenuation when a bone conduction receiver is attached to the mastoid, and (C) in Figure 2 shows the correction value for the ear canal closure effect.The values ​​in these tables are those published in "Hearing Testing Methods (1990)" (p.799) by the Japan Audiological Society.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, values ​​described in known literature are used as the interaural transition attenuation and the correction value for the ear canal closure effect. However, these values ​​may be used as initial values, and the user (examiner, etc.) may be able to change the setting value for each frequency. Furthermore, assuming that insert earphones are used as the sound presentation unit 20, the interaural transition attenuation of the insert earphones may be further stored. In this case, for example, data published by the insert earphone manufacturer for each product can be used as the interaural transition attenuation of the insert earphones. Furthermore, an operation button may be provided, for example, on the screen of the display unit 60, so that the examiner can switch whether or not to apply the correction value for the ear canal closure effect depending on the presence or absence of conductive hearing loss that affects the ear canal closure effect.

[0029] [Overmasking determination process] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the overmasking determination process. The overmasking determination process is a process for determining whether or not overmasking is suspected to be occurring. It is executed each time the test sound level, masking level, air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold, or better-hearing ear bone conduction threshold is changed during various measurements in which masking is performed on the non-test ear in the hearing measurement device 100 (e.g., standard pure-tone audiometry, sound-field threshold measurement, speech audiometry, sound-field speech audiometry, tinnitus measurement, etc.). Here, the "bone conduction threshold of the better-hearing ear" refers to the bone conduction threshold measured without masking, and refers to the bone conduction threshold of the side with better hearing, although the left / right side is unknown, assuming that the interaural attenuation of bone conduction is 0 dB. If bone conduction thresholds measured without masking are input for both the left and right sides, the lower value is taken as the better-hearing ear bone conduction threshold. An example of the procedure is described below.

[0030] Step S10: The determination unit 40 calculates the levels of the ear-test-transfer masking sound and the non-ear-test-transfer test sound. Here, the "ear-test-transfer masking sound" is an index indicating the level at which the masking sound presented to the non-test ear by the sound presentation unit 20 reaches the inner ear on the test ear side. The level of the ear-test-transfer masking sound (test-ear transition level) is calculated using the following formula:

[0031] [Formula 1] Level of the masking sound during ear testing = Masking level during non-ear testing - Aural transfer attenuation of air conduction receivers (+ correction value for ear canal closure effect - Air-bone gap in ear testing)

[0032] That is, the level of the test-ear transition masking sound is calculated by subtracting the binaural transition attenuation of the masking receiver from the masking level presented by the sound presentation unit 20 to the non-tested ear, adding a correction value for the ear canal closure effect as needed, and further subtracting the air-bone conduction gap of the test ear. For the binaural transition attenuation, if the test receiver used to present the masking sound is an air conduction receiver, the binaural transition attenuation of the air conduction receiver is used. If the test receiver used to present the masking sound is an insert earphone, the binaural transition attenuation of the insert earphone is used. The correction value for the ear canal closure effect is added only when the test ear is covered by an air conduction receiver or the like (i.e., under conditions where the ear canal closure effect occurs in the test ear). The air-bone conduction gap of the test ear is the value obtained by subtracting the ipsilateral bone conduction threshold from the air conduction threshold of the test ear. If this value is less than 0 dB, the result of this subtraction is treated as 0 dB. Since the air-bone gap may not affect the effect of ear canal closure, it is preferable that the examiner be able to switch whether or not to apply subtraction of the air-bone gap in ear testing.

[0033] If the result of subtracting the air-bone conduction gap of the test ear from the corrected value of the ear canal closure effect is less than 0 dB, the subtraction result is set to 0 dB and the level of the test ear transition masking sound is calculated. Furthermore, if at least one of the air conduction threshold and bone conduction threshold of the test ear has not been determined, the air-bone conduction gap of the test ear is not included in the calculation (the air-bone conduction gap of the test ear is treated as 0 dB).

[0034] The "non-ear detection-transfer test sound" is an index showing the level at which the test sound presented to the ear by the sound presentation unit 20 reaches the non-ear detection side. The level of the non-ear detection-transfer test sound (non-ear detection-transfer level) is calculated using the following formula:

[0035] [Formula 2] Non-ear transfer test sound level = Ear transfer test sound level -Aural transition attenuation according to the test receiver (+ correction value for ear canal closure effect - Non-ear test air-bone gap

[0036] That is, the level of the non-tested ear transfer test sound is calculated by subtracting the binaural transfer attenuation corresponding to the test receiver from the level of the test sound presented to the test ear by the sound presentation unit 20, adding a correction value for the ear canal closure effect as needed, and further subtracting the air-bone conduction gap of the non-tested ear. For the binaural transfer attenuation, if the test receiver is an air conduction receiver (i.e., in the case of air conduction measurement), the binaural transfer attenuation of the air conduction receiver is used. If the test receiver is a bone conduction receiver (i.e., in the case of bone conduction measurement), the binaural transfer attenuation of the bone conduction receiver is used. If the test receiver is an insert earphone (i.e., in the case of air conduction measurement), the binaural transfer attenuation of the insert earphone is used. The correction value for the ear canal closure effect is added only when the non-tested ear is covered by an air conduction receiver or the like (i.e., under circumstances where the ear canal closure effect occurs in the non-tested ear). The air-bone gap of the non-tested ear is the value obtained by subtracting the ipsilateral bone conduction threshold from the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear, and if this value is less than 0 dB, the result of this subtraction is treated as 0 dB. Because the air-bone gap may not affect the effectiveness of ear canal closure, it is preferable for the examiner to be able to switch whether or not to apply the subtraction of the air-bone gap of the non-tested ear.

[0037] If the result of subtracting the air-bone gap of the non-tested ear from the corrected value for ear canal closure effect is less than 0 dB, the result is treated as 0 dB and the level of the non-tested transition test sound is calculated. Furthermore, if at least one of the air conduction threshold and bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear has not been determined, the air-bone gap of the non-tested ear is not included in the calculation (the air-bone gap of the non-tested ear is treated as 0 dB).

[0038] Step S11: The display unit 60 displays the levels of the ear-transfer masking sound and the non-ear-transfer test sound calculated in step S10 on the audiogram on the screen. Note that examples of displaying each level will be described later using other drawings.

[0039] Steps S13 to S16: The determination unit 40 checks whether the level of the ear test transition masking sound is equal to or greater than any one of the bone conduction threshold of the ear test, the bone conduction threshold of the good hearing ear, the air conduction threshold of the ear test, and the test sound level.

[0040] If the result of the check is that the level of the ear detection transition masking sound is not equal to or greater than any of the above values, i.e., is less than any of the above values ​​(step S13: No), the determination unit 40 determines that there is no suspicion of overmasking (step S14). On the other hand, if the level of the ear detection transition masking sound is equal to or greater than any of the above values ​​(step S13: Yes), the determination unit 40 determines that there is a suspicion of overmasking (step S15). In response to this, the display unit 60 displays an alert to that effect on the screen to call attention to the possibility of overmasking (step S16).

[0041] Incidentally, each value compared with the level of the ear-testing transition masking sound in step S13 above is a target for comparison if it can be referenced by the determination unit 40 (hearing measurement device 100). For example, when measuring a bone conduction threshold, the bone conduction threshold of the ear test cannot be accurately determined until the measurement is completed. However, even during the measurement, if the examiner plots a symbol on the audiogram displayed on the screen as a provisional threshold before a majority of the subjects respond at a certain level, the provisional threshold is stored in the memory unit 50. In this case, the determination unit 40 can reference the stored value, and since it cannot determine whether this value is a provisional threshold or a confirmed threshold, it can be a target for comparison. Also, for example, in bone conduction measurement of standard pure tone audiometry, the measurement frequency is gradually increased from 1000 Hz to 2000 Hz to 4000 Hz, then 1000 Hz is measured again, and then gradually lower frequencies are measured.However, when measuring 1000 Hz for the second time, the threshold data from the first measurement is stored in memory unit 50, so the bone conduction threshold measured the first time is used for comparison.

[0042] The procedure example shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate depending on the situation.

[0043] [Overmasking information] 4 shows a specific example of the content displayed on the screen of the display unit 60 during measurement. This display example includes an alert to notify of suspected overmasking.

[0044] The top part of the screen shows the audiogram. The bottom part of the screen shows the details of the current measurement, and in the center there is a symbol P that indicates the main handset. M , the figure P showing the sub-side handset S , Figure A showing the main and sub response buttons M ,A S In the example shown, the main side is the ear test side for bone conduction measurement, and the sub side is the non-ear test side where masking noise is presented, so the figure P M The shape is similar to a bone conduction receiver, and the figure P S The shapes are shaped like telephone receivers. These figures light up when sound is being presented from the corresponding device (=active state), and are turned off when no sound is being presented (=inactive state). For example, while the sound presentation unit 20 is presenting the test sound, the figure P M When the indicator lights up and the response unit 30 receives a response from the main unit to the test sound from the subject (=active state), the figure A M In Figure 4, the active state is indicated by a solid line and a shaded area, and the inactive state is indicated by a dashed line. From the display in Figure 4, it can be seen that at this point, the test sound is being presented from the bone conduction receiver, and the masking noise is being presented from the masking receiver.

[0045] Also, on the audiogram, a figure P indicating the main handset is displayed. M A reduced version of the figure R M is displayed at the point where the measurement frequency and the current test sound level intersect, and the symbol P indicating the sub-handset S A reduced version of the figure R S is displayed at the right end of the horizontal line indicating the current masking level. From this display, the current measurement frequency and the levels of the test sound and masking sound can be easily grasped.

[0046] Due to the limitations of patent drawings, Figure 4 is shown in grayscale, but on the actual screen of the display unit 60, the symbol for the right ear and its connecting line plotted on the audiogram are shown in red, and the symbol for the left ear and its connecting line are shown in blue, in accordance with the provisions of JIS T 1201-1.

[0047] As described above, during measurement, the overmasking determination process (Fig. 3) is executed to determine whether or not there is a suspicion of overmasking. As an example, when measuring the left ear in bone conduction measurement of standard pure tone audiometry, a pure tone of "2000 Hz" and "30 dB" is presented to the left ear (the tested ear) from a bone conduction receiver, while a masking sound of "2000 Hz" and "95 dB" is presented to the right ear (the non-tested ear) from a masking receiver. The process flow will be explained below, following the steps shown in Fig. 3.

[0048] In this case, the masking level of the non-tested ear is "95 dB," and the interaural attenuation of the air conduction receiver at 2000 Hz is "60 dB." Because a bone conduction receiver is selected as the test receiver and the ear canal is not covered by the test receiver, the ear canal occlusion effect is treated as "0 dB." At this stage, the bone conduction threshold at 2000 Hz of the test ear is still being measured and has not yet been determined, so the air-bone conduction gap at 2000 Hz of the test ear is treated as "0 dB." Therefore, using Equation 1 above, the level of the test ear transition masking sound is calculated as "95 dB - 60 dB + (0 dB - 0 dB) = 35 dB" (step S10). The calculated level of the test ear transition masking sound is displayed on the audiogram as a band MT (step S11). The band MT is displayed in, for example, a translucent blue color to match the blue color representing the symbol and connecting line of the left ear, which is the test ear.

[0049] Additionally, the ear test sound level is "30 dB," the interaural attenuation at 2000 Hz of the bone conduction receiver (the test receiver) is "10 dB," and the correction value for the ear canal occlusion effect at 2000 Hz is "0 dB." At this stage, the bone conduction threshold at 2000 Hz for the non-tested ear is still being measured and has not yet been determined, so the air-bone conduction gap at 2000 Hz for the non-tested ear is treated as "0 dB." Therefore, using Equation 2 above, the level of the non-tested test sound is calculated as "30 dB - 10 dB + (0 dB - 0 dB) = 20 dB" (step S10). The calculated level of the non-tested test sound is displayed on the audiogram as band ST (step S11). Band ST is displayed in, for example, a semi-transparent red color to match the red color representing the right ear symbol and connecting line (the non-tested ear).

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, at this point, the band MT indicating the level of the ear-transition masking sound is replaced by a reduced figure R indicating the test sound level. M This display shows that the level of the ear-transfer masking sound exceeds the test sound level.

[0051] Because the level of the ear test transition masking sound, "35 dB," exceeds the current test sound level, "30 dB" (step S13: Yes), it is determined that there is a suspicion of overmasking (step S15), and an alert WM notifying this fact is displayed on the screen (step S16). In the illustrated example, the alert WM, which is neatly composed of a caution mark and the words "overmasking," is displayed in the upper left corner of the audiogram.

[0052] In step S13, the bone conduction threshold of the ear test and the bone conduction threshold of the good ear are not yet determined because they are still being measured. Therefore, they are not compared with the level of the ear test transition masking sound. Furthermore, the air conduction threshold of the ear test at 2000 Hz is "45 dB," which exceeds the level of the ear test transition masking sound, and therefore is not a factor in determining that there is a suspicion.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the level of the ear-testing transition masking sound is calculated during measurement, and the band MT indicating this level is displayed on the audiometer in the same color as the ear-testing symbol and connecting line. This display allows the examiner to intuitively understand, due to the commonality of colors, that the level of the band MT is related to the ear test. Furthermore, if it is determined that overmasking is suspected, an alert WM to that effect is displayed on the screen. This allows the examiner to quickly recognize that overmasking is suspected, and to take necessary measures, such as lowering the masking level.

[0054] [Shadow audibility determination processing] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the shadow audibility determination process. The shadow hearing determination process is a process for determining whether or not shadow hearing is suspected to be occurring, and is executed each time the test sound level, masking level, air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold, or better hearing ear bone conduction threshold is changed during various measurements in the hearing measurement device 100. An example of the procedure will be described below.

[0055] Step S20: The determination unit 40 calculates the levels of the ear-transmitting masking sound and the non-ear-transmitting test sound. The level of the ear-transmitting masking sound is calculated using the above-mentioned formula 1, and the level of the non-ear-transmitting test sound is calculated using the above-mentioned formula 2.

[0056] Step S21: The display unit 60 displays the levels of the ear-transfer masking sound and the non-ear-transfer test sound calculated in step S20 on the audiogram on the screen. An example of the display of each level will be described later using another drawing.

[0057] Step S22: If the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear has been recorded, the determination unit 40 calculates the reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear and displays it on the audiogram on the screen. Here, the "reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear" refers to the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear that has been reduced by masking. The reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear is calculated using the following formula.

[0058] [Formula 3] Decreased bone conduction threshold of non-tested ear = bone conduction threshold of non-tested ear + performance level = Non-examination bone conduction threshold + (non-tested ear masking level - non-tested ear air conduction threshold)

[0059] That is, the reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear is calculated by adding the effective level obtained by subtracting the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear from the masking level of the non-tested ear to the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear. Note that a display example of the reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear will be described further below using another drawing.

[0060] If the result of subtracting the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear from the masking level of the non-tested ear is less than 0 dB, the subtraction result is set to 0 dB and the reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear is calculated.

[0061] Steps S23 to S26: The judgment unit 40 checks whether the level of the non-tested ear transition test sound is equal to or greater than any one of the following values: the sum of the bone conduction threshold of the good hearing ear and the effective level, the sum of the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear and the effective level, and the reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear.

[0062] Here, "the sum of the bone conduction threshold of the better ear and the effective level" refers to the reduced bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear when the bone conduction threshold of the better ear is the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear. This sum is mainly used to determine whether or not there is a suspicion of shadow audibility at a stage when the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear has not yet been obtained. Furthermore, "the sum of the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear and the effective level" refers to the larger of the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear or the masking level of the non-tested ear. This sum is mainly used to determine whether or not there is a suspicion of shadow audibility at a stage when the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear or the bone conduction threshold of the better ear has not yet been obtained.

[0063] If the result of the check is that the level of the non-ear detection test sound is not equal to or greater than any of the above values, i.e., is less than any of the above values ​​(Step S23: No), the determination unit 40 determines that there is no suspicion of shadow hearing (Step S24). On the other hand, if the level of the non-ear detection test sound is equal to or greater than any of the above values ​​(Step S23: Yes), the determination unit 40 determines that there is a suspicion of shadow hearing (Step S25). In response to this, the display unit 60 displays an alert to that effect on the screen to call attention to the possibility of shadow hearing (Step S26).

[0064] The procedure example shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and is not limited to this and can be modified as appropriate depending on the situation.

[0065] [Indications regarding shadow hearing] 6 shows a specific example of the content displayed on the screen of the display unit 60 during measurement. This display example includes an alert to notify of suspected shadow hearing. Note that a description of elements common to the display example of FIG. 4 will be omitted.

[0066] As described above, during measurement, the shadow audibility determination process (Fig. 5) is executed to determine whether or not shadow audibility is suspected. As an example, when measuring the right ear in bone conduction measurement of standard pure tone audiometry, the process flow for presenting a pure tone of "1000 Hz" and "55 dB" from a bone conduction receiver to the right ear (the tested ear) while presenting a masking sound of "1000 Hz" and "55 dB" from a masking receiver to the left ear (the non-tested ear) will be described below, following the steps shown in Fig. 5.

[0067] In this case, the masking level of the non-tested ear is "55 dB," and the interaural attenuation of the air conduction receiver at 1000 Hz is "60 dB." Because a bone conduction receiver is selected as the test receiver and the ear canal is not covered by the test receiver, the ear canal occlusion effect is treated as "0 dB." At this stage, the bone conduction threshold at 1000 Hz of the test ear is still being measured and has not yet been determined, so the air-bone conduction gap at 1000 Hz of the test ear is treated as "0 dB." Therefore, using Equation 1 above, the level of the test ear transition masking sound is calculated as "55 dB - 60 dB + (0 dB - 0 dB) = -5 dB" (step S20). The calculated level of the test ear transition masking sound is displayed on the audiogram as a band MT (step S21). The band MT is displayed in, for example, a semitransparent red color to match the red color representing the symbol and connecting line of the right ear being tested.

[0068] In addition, the ear test sound level is 55 dB, the interaural attenuation at 1000 Hz of the bone conduction handset used as the test receiver is 5 dB, the correction value for the ear canal closure effect at 1000 Hz is 5 dB, and the air-bone conduction gap at 1000 Hz for the non-tested ear is 10 dB (= 45 dB - 35 dB). Since the result of subtracting the air-bone conduction gap at 1000 Hz for the non-tested ear from the correction value for the ear canal closure effect is 5 dB - 10 dB = -5 dB, which is less than 0 dB, this subtraction result is treated as 0 dB. Therefore, using Equation 2 above, the level of the non-tested test sound is calculated as 55 dB - 5 dB + (0 dB) = 50 dB (step S20). The calculated level of the non-tested test sound is displayed on the audiogram as band ST (step S21). The band ST is displayed in, for example, semi-transparent blue to match the blue color representing the symbol and connecting line of the left ear, which is not being tested.

[0069] Furthermore, the bone conduction threshold at 1000 Hz of the non-tested ear is "35 dB," the masking level of the non-tested ear is "55 dB," and the air conduction threshold of the non-tested ear is "45 dB." Therefore, using the above formula 3, the decreased bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear is calculated as "35 dB + (55 dB - 45 dB) = 45 dB," and is displayed as symbol DB on the audiogram (step S22). The symbol DB indicating the decreased bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear is represented by a thin line of the same color and shape as the symbol indicating the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear, and is displayed connected to the symbol indicating the bone conduction threshold of the non-tested ear by a straight line.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, at this point, the band ST indicating the level of the non-ear-transmitted test sound covers the symbol DB indicating the non-ear-transmitted lowered bone conduction threshold. This display shows that the level of the non-ear-transmitted test sound exceeds the non-ear-transmitted lowered bone conduction threshold.

[0071] Since the non-ear detection transition test sound level of "50 dB" exceeds the current non-ear detection transition bone conduction threshold of "45 dB" (step S23: Yes), it is determined that there is a suspicion of shadow hearing (step S25), and an alert WH notifying this fact is displayed on the screen (step S26). In the illustrated example, the alert WH, which is neatly composed of a caution mark and the words "shadow hearing," is displayed in the upper left corner of the audiogram.

[0072] In step S23, the bone conduction threshold of the better ear has not been determined at this point, so the sum of the bone conduction threshold of the better ear and the effective level is not subject to comparison. Also, the sum of the non-tested ear's 1000 Hz air conduction threshold of 45 dB and the effective level of 10 dB, 55 dB, exceeds the level of the non-tested ear transition test sound, so it is not a factor in determining that there is suspicion.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the level of the non-ear-transfer test sound is calculated during measurement, and the band ST indicating this level is displayed on the audiometer in the same color as the non-ear-transfer symbol and connecting line. This display allows the examiner to intuitively understand that the level of the band ST is related to non-ear-transfer sound due to the common color. Furthermore, if it is determined that shadow hearing is suspected, an alert WH is displayed on the screen to notify the examiner. This allows the examiner to quickly recognize that shadow hearing is suspected and to take necessary measures, such as increasing the masking level.

[0074] [Display when threshold is confirmed in a suspicious state] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the measurement results when the threshold is determined in a state where overmasking or shadow hearing is suspected.

[0075] For example, in bone conduction measurement of the left ear, if the measurement at 1000 Hz indicates that there is a suspicion of overmasking, and the measurement at 2000 Hz indicates that there is a suspicion of shadow hearing, and in both cases the masking level at the time of threshold determination is "70 dB," the table of masking noise displayed as part of the measurement results will be displayed in the format shown in Figure 7.

[0076] In this way, when displaying the measurement results, if a threshold is determined in a state where overmasking or shadow hearing is suspected, the corresponding section in the masking noise table will be displayed in a different manner than other sections (when the threshold is determined in a state where there is no suspicion).

[0077] Specifically, when a threshold is determined in a state where overmasking is suspected, the corresponding section in the masking noise table is displayed in a manner indicating this, for example, with a background of horizontal stripes in a similar color to the alert WM that notifies of suspected overmasking. Also, when a threshold is determined in a state where shadow hearing is suspected, the corresponding section in the masking noise table is displayed in a manner indicating this, for example, with a background of vertical stripes in a similar color to the alert WH that notifies of suspected shadow hearing. Displaying the measurement results in this manner makes it possible to grasp the state at the time the threshold was determined from the measurement results.

[0078] It should be noted that the display mode of the corresponding portion in the table of masking noises described above is merely an example, and the display may be performed in a mode different from the above.

[0079] As described above, the hearing measurement device 100 of this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0080] (1) With the hearing measurement device 100, each time the test sound level, masking level, air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold, or better-hearing-ear bone conduction threshold is changed during the measurement process, a determination is made as to whether or not overmasking is suspected. If a suspicion is determined, an alert WM to that effect is displayed on the screen. This allows the examiner to quickly recognize that overmasking is suspected, and to take necessary measures, such as lowering the masking level.

[0081] (2) With the hearing measurement device 100, a determination is made as to whether or not shadow hearing is suspected each time the test sound level, masking level, air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold, or better-hearing-ear bone conduction threshold is changed during the measurement process. If a suspicion is found, an alert WH is displayed on the screen to notify the examiner that shadow hearing is suspected. This allows the examiner to quickly recognize that a situation is suspected, and to take necessary measures, such as increasing the masking level.

[0082] (3) According to the hearing measurement device 100, when the alerts WM and WH are displayed on the screen during measurement, the examiner can take appropriate measures such as raising or lowering the masking level. This allows for appropriate masking to be performed to obtain accurate measurement results, and the condition can be clearly understood from the measurement results.

[0083] (4) According to the hearing measurement device 100, the levels of the ear-transfer masking sound and the non-ear-transfer test sound are calculated by the judgment unit and displayed on the audiometer on the screen, eliminating the need for the examiner to perform calculations manually (in their heads) as in the past. This eliminates the burden on the examiner associated with calculations and reduces the complexity of masking.

[0084] (5) According to the hearing measurement device 100, the band MT, which indicates the level of the ear-test-transition masking sound, is displayed on the audiometer screen in the same color as the ear-test symbol and connecting line, and the band ST, which indicates the level of the non-ear-test-transition test sound, is displayed in the same color as the non-ear-test symbol and connecting line. This commonality of color allows the examiner to intuitively understand that the level of the band MT is related to ear testing and the level of the band ST is related to non-ear testing. Furthermore, the examiner can easily recognize the current situation from the degree to which the bands MT and ST overlap with other symbols.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be practiced in various modified forms.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the hearing measurement device 100 is designed and implemented as a dedicated device, but it can also be implemented in a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU, RAM, HDD, various I / Fs, a display, etc.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the determination of whether or not there is a suspicion of overmasking and the determination of whether or not there is a suspicion of shadow hearing are performed as separate processes (overmasking determination process (FIG. 3) and shadow hearing determination process (FIG. 5)), but it is also possible to configure the system so that both determinations are performed within a single process. Note that in the display examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a determination is made that there is a suspicion in either the determination of overmasking or shadow hearing and an alert is displayed to notify this fact, but depending on the measurement situation, there may be cases where there is a suspicion in both determinations. In such cases, an alert will be displayed to indicate that there is a suspicion of both overmasking and shadow hearing.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the alerts WM and WH are both displayed in the upper left corner of the audiogram, but the display format and display position of each alert are not limited to this. For example, if the visibility of the audiogram and input operations on the screen are not impaired, the alerts may be displayed in a position overlapping the audiogram. Furthermore, if both overmasking and shadow hearing are suspected, the two alerts may be displayed side by side, or may be integrated into a single alert.

[0089] Considering the variations among individuals, measurement errors, equipment calibration errors, etc., for the interaural transfer attenuation, the correction value for the ear canal closure effect, the air conduction threshold, the bone conduction threshold, etc., the suspicion of overmasking or shadow hearing may be assessed in stages, and a display may be provided in stages according to the assessment. For example, a staged display method may be used in which, when the index values ​​(the levels of the ear-transfer masking sound and the non-ear-transfer test sound) used to assess the suspicion of overmasking or shadow hearing (FIGS. 3 and 5) reach a level 10 dB lower than any of the comparison values ​​(the values ​​listed in step S13 in FIG. 3 and step S23 in FIG. 5), a display providing information to that effect is provided, and when the index value reaches any of the comparison values, the display changes to a warning.

[0090] Furthermore, the configurations and numerical values ​​given in the course of explaining the hearing measurement device 100 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be modified as appropriate when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Measurement control section 20 Sound presentation section 30 Response section 40 Judgment section 50 Storage section 60 Display section 100 Hearing measurement device

Claims

1. a determination unit that calculates a predetermined index level indicating the degree to which a sound presented to one ear reaches the other inner ear at least each time the measurement sound level and the masking level are changed, and determines that a predetermined phenomenon is suspected to be occurring when the predetermined index level meets a predetermined condition; a display unit that, when it is determined that the predetermined phenomenon is suspected to have occurred, displays a warning regarding the predetermined phenomenon during measurement; An audiometric measuring device comprising:

2. 2. The hearing measurement device according to claim 1, The display unit 1. An audiometric measuring device that displays an audiogram and indicates the predetermined index level on the audiogram using a graphic and a predetermined color during measurement.

3. 3. The hearing measurement device according to claim 1, The determination unit calculating a test ear transfer level indicating the degree to which the masking sound presented to the non-test ear reaches the inner ear of the test ear, and determining that overmasking is suspected to be occurring if the test ear transfer level satisfies a predetermined test ear-related condition; The display unit An audiometric measuring device that displays a warning about overmasking when it is determined that overmasking is suspected to be occurring.

4. 4. The hearing measurement device according to claim 1, The determination unit calculating a non-measurement ear transfer level indicating the degree to which the measurement sound presented to the measurement ear reaches the non-measurement ear, and determining that shadow hearing is suspected to be occurring if the non-measurement ear transfer level satisfies a predetermined non-measurement ear-related condition; The display unit An audiometric measuring device that displays a warning about shadow hearing when it is determined that shadow hearing is suspected to be occurring.

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