Method for evaluating inner ear hearing loss

Abstract

A method for evaluating the electromotility of hair cells within the cochlea of a mammalian ear by providing an electrode in proximate relation with the round window and applying electricity therethrough in order to electrically excite hair cells within the cochlea to produce electrically-evoked otoacoustic emissions therefrom. The electrically-evoked otoacoustic emissions further excite the internal structure of the cochlea which produces vibrations at the oval window that act through the bones of the middle ear to drive the tympanic membrane, producing corresponding acoustic sounds in the ear canal. The resulting acoustic sounds in the ear canal are subsequently detected with a microphone where they are later measured and characterized via readily available signal processing techniques. A hearing aid device is also provided by this invention utilizing the features of the before mentioned analysis technique wherein a traditional hearing aid device acoustically captures a sound adjacent the outer ear and converts it to an electrical signal which is fed to the electrode in order to excite the hair cells within the cochlea and produce electrically-evoked pressure waves therein. The resulting electrically-evoked pressure waves subsequently excite the cochlea and produce perceived hearing in the brain of the test subject through the normal hearing processes of hair cells and conducting neurons.