Abstract
This white paper aims to establish the GeoAxon Kuduwave (Prime, Pro, and Pro TMP models) as a Type 1 Clinical Audiometer, compliant with stringent international standards including IEC 60645-1 for pure-tone audiometry and IEC 60645-5 for immittance audiometry (Pro TMP model). It details the Kuduwave’s extensive diagnostic capabilities, encompassing air and bone conduction (including extended high frequencies), speech audiometry, and, for the Pro TMP model, comprehensive immittance testing including tympanometry (226 Hz probe tone, bilateral simultaneous capability) and acoustic reflexes (ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral). The paper synthesizes evidence from GeoAxon’s internal certification and testing documentation, alongside a robust body of peer-reviewed publications and clinical validation studies. It addresses the evolution from earlier eMoyo-manufactured Kuduwave models, which included Type 3 diagnostic audiometers, to the current advanced GeoAxon platform. The Kuduwave’s performance, validated in both traditional sound booth environments and innovative boothless settings, underscores its accuracy, reliability, and versatility. This document provides compelling evidence for audiologists and ENT surgeons that the GeoAxon Kuduwave is a sophisticated, reliable, and comprehensive diagnostic tool for contemporary audiological practice.
The GeoAxon Kuduwave
A Validated Type 1 Clinical Audiometer for Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment, Anywhere.
Meeting the Gold Standard of Diagnostics
The classification of audiometric equipment is governed by rigorous international standards. A Type 1 classification represents the highest echelon, signifying suitability for comprehensive clinical and diagnostic evaluations. The GeoAxon Kuduwave series unequivocally meets these premier standards.
Type 1 Pure-Tone Audiometer
The Kuduwave Pro/Pro TMP/Prime models are fully compliant with IEC 60645-1 and ANSI S3.6, affirming the highest standards for diagnostic pure-tone audiometry, including air conduction, bone conduction, and extended high-frequency testing.
Type 1 Aural Admittance Instrument
The Kuduwave Pro TMP model achieves Type 1 classification according to IEC 60645-5 and ANSI S3.39, signifying its suitability for comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of middle ear function, including tympanometry and acoustic reflexes.
Evolution of Excellence
The Kuduwave platform has undergone significant advancement, evolving from earlier models to the current premier clinical-grade GeoAxon system. This progression demonstrates a focused engineering effort to achieve the highest standards.
eMoyo Kuduwave
Early Models
Classified as Type 2/3 for certain functionalities. Laid the foundation for portable audiometry.
GeoAxon Kuduwave
Current Platform
Consistently classified as Type 1 for both audiometry and immittance, reflecting a distinct, more advanced diagnostic instrument.
A Complete Diagnostic Arsenal
The GeoAxon Kuduwave integrates a comprehensive test battery into a single, portable device, empowering clinicians to conduct thorough evaluations from basic screening to complex middle ear analysis.
Pure-Tone & Speech Audiometry
Full frequency range testing for air and bone conduction, meeting the highest diagnostic standards. Includes Extended High-Frequency (EHF) capabilities up to 16 kHz.
Integrated speech audiometry includes Speech Reception Thresholds (SRT) and Word Recognition (WR) scores with calibrated, pre-recorded word lists and multiple masking options for accurate assessment.
Speech Reception Threshold (SRT)
Determine the faintest level of speech understanding.
Word Recognition (WR)
Assess speech clarity at suprathreshold levels.
Effective Masking
Speech-weighted and babble noise for ear-specific results.
Immittance Suite (Kuduwave Pro TMP)
A complete middle ear analysis toolkit, featuring innovative time-saving technology.
Tympanometry
226 Hz probe tone with a wide pressure range for accurate middle ear assessment.
Bilateral Simultaneous
A standout innovation that saves significant clinical time by testing both ears at once.
Acoustic Reflexes
Full ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral testing, including reflex decay.
Eustachian Tube
Includes protocols for assessing Eustachian tube function.
Proven Performance in the Real World
The Kuduwave's accuracy is substantiated by numerous independent, peer-reviewed clinical studies, consistently demonstrating equivalence to traditional, booth-based audiometry.
Accuracy vs. Conventional Audiometry
Clinical studies consistently show a high correlation between Kuduwave and conventional audiometer thresholds. The chart below visualizes data points from a validation study, with most results falling within the clinically acceptable +/- 5 dB range.
Boothless vs. In-Booth Performance
A cornerstone of the Kuduwave is accurate testing outside a sound booth. Studies demonstrate that thresholds obtained in typical room noise are highly comparable to those measured in a sound-treated booth, validating its boothless capability.
Pioneering Innovations
The Kuduwave moves beyond traditional limitations with features designed for modern, flexible service delivery models.
Boothless Freedom
Ambi-Dome™ technology provides passive sound attenuation while the system actively monitors environmental noise, ensuring valid thresholds without a sound booth.
Tele-Audiology Ready
Validated for both synchronous and asynchronous remote testing, extending the reach of specialists to underserved communities. Proven in extreme environments, including the International Space Station.
Clinical Efficiency
Features like automated testing protocols and bilateral simultaneous tympanometry streamline workflows, saving valuable clinical time and improving the patient experience.