Abstract Objective Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) mapping characterises cochlear function, can include both the 2f1-2f2 and 2f2-2f1 DPOAEs, and shows promise for tracking cochlear changes. DPOAE amplitude measurements are not as repeatable longitudinally as pure-tone audiometry, likely due in part to probe placement sensitivity. We hypothesised that DPOAE level map variation over multiple testing sessions could be minimised by replacing traditional rubber tips with custom-moulded probe tips. Design Traditional rubber tips (TRT) and custom-moulded probes tips (CMPT) were used to measure DPOAE level maps repeatedly over five sessions. Probe placement was assessed using a frequency sweep in the ear canal. Repeatability of the DPOAE level maps was assessed using a Bland-Altman analysis. Overall map repeatability was assessed by measuring differences in distortion product amplitude over sessions. Study sample Crossover study with a convenience sample size of six adults. Results The CMPT frequency sweeps showed reduced variability in probe placement. The repeatability coefficient for individual DPOAEs measurements improved from 6.9 dB SPL with the TRT to 5.1 dB SPL with the CMPT. Map repeatability improved for most subjects with the CMPT.

Objectives: In a cross-sectional study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults, the authors showed lower distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in HIV+ individuals compared with controls as well as findings consistent with a central auditory processing deficit in HIV+ adults on antiretroviral therapy. The authors hypothesized that HIV+ children would also have a higher prevalence of abnormal central and peripheral hearing test results compared with HIV-controls.Design: Pure-tone thresholds, DPOAEs, and tympanometry were performed on 244 subjects (131 HIV+ and 113 HIV-subjects). Thirty-five of the HIV+, and 3 of the HIV-subjects had a history of tuberculosis treatment. Gap detection results were available for 18 HIV-and 44 HIV+ children. Auditory brainstem response results were available for 72 HIV-and 72 HIV+ children. Data from ears with abnormal tympanograms were excluded.Results: HIV+ subjects were significantly more likely to have abnormal tympanograms, histories of ear drainage, tuberculosis, or dizziness. All audiometric results were compared between groups using a two-way ANOVA with HIV status and ear drainage history as grouping variables. Mean audiometric thresholds, gap detection thresholds, and auditory brainstem response latencies did not differ between groups, although the HIV+ group had a higher proportion of individuals with a hearing loss >25 dB HL in the better ear. The HIV+ group had reduced DPOAE levels (p < 0.05) at multiple frequencies compared with HIV-subjects. No relationships were found between treatment regimens or delay in starting treatment and audiological parameters.Conclusions: As expected, children with HIV+ were more likely to have a history of ear drainage, and to have abnormal tympanograms. Similar to the adult findings, the HIV+ group did not show significantly reduced audiometric thresholds, but did have significantly lower DPOAE magnitudes. These data suggest that (1) HIV+ children often have middle ear damage which complicates understanding the direct effects of HIV on the hearing system, and (2) even when corrected for confounders DPOAEs were lower in the HIV+ group. Previous studies suggest ototoxicity from antiretroviral drugs is an unlikely cause of the reduced DPOAE magnitudes. Other possibilities include effects on efferent pathways connecting to outer hair cells or a direct effect of HIV on the cochlea.

Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) level mapping may be useful for detecting noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) early. Employing DPOAE mapping effectively requires knowledge of the optimal mapping parameters to use for detecting noise-induced changes. The goal of this project was to show the map regions that differ most between normal and noise-damaged cochlea to determine the optimal mapping parameters for detecting NIHL. DPOAE level maps were generated for the 2f 1 -f 2 and the 2f 2 -f 1 DPOAEs for 17 normal hearing male subjects and 19 male subjects with NIHL. DPOAEs were measured in DPOAE frequency steps of approximately 44 Hz from 0.5 kHz to 6 kHz using constant f 2 /f 1 ratios incremented in 0.025 steps from 1.025 to 1.5 using both unequal-level (L1,L2 = 65,55 dB sound pressure level (SPL)) and equi-level (L1,L2 = 75,75 dB SPL) stimulus paradigms. Maximal responses for the 2f 2 -f 1 emission at L1,L2 = 65,55 dB SPL were found at lower ratios compared to previous studies. The map regions where NIHL eliminated or reduced DPOAE magnitude were identified. DPOAE level mapping using higher-level, equi-level primaries produced significantly more detectable emissions particularly for the 2f 2 -f 1 emission. The data from this study can be used to optimize DPOAE level mapping parameters for tracking noise-exposed subjects longitudinally.

Objective: Our objective was to obtain reliable threshold measurements without a sound booth by using a passive noise-attenuating hearing protector combined with in-ear 1/3-octave band noise measurements to verify the ear canal was suitably quiet. Design: We deployed laptop-based hearing testing systems to Tanzania as part of a study of HIV infection and hearing. An in-ear probe containing a microphone was used under the hearing protector for both the in-ear noise measurements and threshold audiometry. The 1/3-octave band noise spectrum from the microphone was displayed on the operator's screen with acceptable levels in grey and unacceptable levels in red. Operators attempted to make all bars grey, but focused on achieving grey bars at 2000 Hz and above. Study sample: 624 adults and 197 children provided 3381 in-ear octave band measurements. Repeated measurements from 144 individuals who returned for testing on three separate occasions were also analysed. Results: In-ear noise levels exceeded the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANL) for ears not covered, but not the dB SPL levels corresponding to 0 dB HL between 2000-4000 Hz. In-ear noise measurements were repeatable over time. Conclusions: Reliable audiometry can be performed using a passive noise-attenuating hearing protector and in-ear noise measurements.

High-resolution ultrasound imaging of the anterior portion of the eye has been shown to provide important information for sizing of intraocular lens implants, diagnosis of pathological conditions, and creation of detailed maps of corneal topography to guide refractive surgery. Current ultrasound imaging systems rely on mechanical scanning of a single acoustic element over the surface of the eye to create the three-dimensional information needed by clinicians. This mechanical scanning process is time-consuming and subject to errors caused by eye movement during the scanning period. This paper describes development of linear ultrasound imaging arrays intended to increase the speed of image acquisition and reduce problems associated with ocular motion. The arrays consist of a linear arrangement of high-frequency transducer elements designed to operate in the 50 - 75 MHz frequency range. The arrays are produced using single-crystal lithium niobate piezoelectric material, thin film electrodes, and epoxy-based acoustic layers. The array elements have been used to image steel test structures and bovine cornea.

In the event that ground-based and satellite-based navigational aids become unavailable, an inexpensive means of providing continued navigation for aerial vehicles would be valuable. Utilizing an existing map of local variations in the magnitude of the Earth's magnetic field, in combination with magnetic measurements taken in flight, we have developed a magnetically-aided dead-reckoning system that provides such a navigation solution. The resulting navigation system is completely passive.This method is expected to work best in geographic regions with sufficient spatial variation in the magnetic field. In addition, because local spatial variations in the magnetic field decrease with altitude, the method will work best for altitudes less than an upper limit that is dependent on the quality of magnetic measuring equipment used. Position accuracy using this method is sensitive to the accuracy of the magnetic field measurements in the aircraft and to the magnitude of temporal variations in wind speed and direction. Flight data taken in gusty conditions with only modest efforts to calibrate out magnetometer errors has yielded typical errors between 600 and 1200 meters for flight durations in excess of 1 hour.The position-update algorithm utilized for this navigation approach is generally applicable using any measurable scalar quantity for which a spatial map exists. One such example is vehicle height above terrain in a region with sufficient elevation variations. Combining a terrain map with the use of a sensor that detects vehicle height above ground would yield position information in a similar manner to the use of magnetic magnitude in the results reported here.

Telerobotic systems are used when the environment that requires manipulation is not easily accessible to humans, as in space, remote, hazardous, or microscopic applications or to extend the capabilities of an operator by scaling motions and forces. The Creare control algorithm and software is an enabling technology that makes possible guaranteed stability and high performance for force-feedback telerobots. We have developed the necessary theory, structure, and software design required to implement high performance telerobot systems with time delay. This includes controllers for the master and slave manipulators, the manipulator servo levels, the communication link, and impedance shaping modules. We verified the performance using both bench top hardware as well as a commercial microsurgery system.

Creare is developing microfabrication techniques to manufacture low-cost, two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer arrays with multilayer piezoelectric elements. The approach is scaleable for fabrication of arrays in the frequency range of 1-100 MHz in dense or sparse array designs. Our approach employs the following processes: (1) high-rate physical vapor deposition (sputtering) of high-quality, dense, perovskite lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) films as the piezoelectric material using reactive sputtering of a metallic target and (2) photolithography and masking to provide the interlayer electrodes. A 50 /spl mu/m thick PZT film was used to measure a thickness mode coupling coefficient of approximately 0.4.