Audiologic testing method and apparatus with compensating means for soundwave attenuation through a transmitting medium

An audiological analyzer includes a speaker (12) for generating soundwaves, which are generated by a test pattern generator (20). A frequency/level shaper (18) is disposed between the test pattern generator (20) and the speaker (12) for determining both the level and the frequency response of a given signal. A TDS/ETC analyzer (28) is connected to a transducer (34) which is disposed adjacent the ear (14) of a patient. The analyzer (28) allows for exact inplace measurement of the medium through which the soundwaves are transmitted. This information is stored in a memory (40) in the form of a calibration response curve. This data available in order to compensate for attenuation through the medium. This compensation ensures proper sound pressure level delivery to the ear (14). In addition, the frequency/level shaper (18) has equalizers (90) and (92) disposed therein for entering a predetermined response. This predetermined response represents the response of a corrective device such that the tests can be run again with the response for the corrected device adjusted for. In this manner, the patient can be tested without a device and with a simulated device.