News Article

Automated Hearing Tests
Date: Oct 05, 2006
Source: NIH Success Stories ( click here to go to the source)

Featured firm in this article: Audiology Inc of Arden Hills, MN



Technology Developed:
An automated pure-tone hearing test was developed with embedded quality indicators that assess the accuracy of the test. An automated test of speech understanding and an improved earphone for hearing testing are in development.

Uses of Technology/Products/Service:
Clinical and industrial hearing testing.

Benefit to Company:
SBIR/STTR funding was essential in developing these products.
The funding provided the capability to partner with research institutions and other companies to assemble a team with expertise in many areas.

Two license agreements have been executed which will provide the mechanism for marketing, distributing, and supporting the products.

STTR grant funding with its peer-review process provides a level of credibility that is attractive to industry and helpful in establishing licensing agreements.

STTR funding eliminated the need to obtain venture capital, positioning the company for competitive pricing.

How Product Was Commercialized:
The products will be commercialized through license agreements with established manufacturers of hearing test equipment.