(a) Identification. An audiometer or automated audiometer is an electroacoustic device that produces controlled levels of test tones and signals intended for use in conducting diagnostic hearing evaluations and assisting in the diagnosis of possible otologic disorders.

(b) Classification. Class II. Except for the otoacoustic emission device, the device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, if it is in compliance with American National Standard Institute S3.6-1996, “Specification for Audiometers,” and subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

(a) Identification. An acoustic chamber for audiometric testing is a room that is intended for use in conducting diagnostic hearing evaluations and that eliminates sound reflections and provides isolation from outside sounds.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

(a) Identification. A short increment sensitivity index (SISI) adapter is a device used with an audiometer in diagnostic hearing evaluations. A SISI adapter provides short periodic sound pulses in specific small decibel increments that are intended to be superimposed on the audiometer's output tone frequency.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9.

(a) Identification. An audiometer calibration set is an electronic reference device that is intended to calibrate an audiometer. It measures the sound frequency and intensity characteristics that emanate from an audiometer earphone. The device consists of an acoustic cavity of known volume, a sound level meter, a microphone with calibration traceable to the National Bureau of Standards, oscillators, frequency counters, microphone amplifiers, and a recorder. The device can measure selected audiometer test frequencies at a given intensity level, and selectable audiometer attenuation settings at a given test frequency.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

(a) Identification. An auditory impedance tester is a device that is intended to change the air pressure in the external auditory canal and measure and graph the mobility characteristics of the tympanic membrane to evaluate the functional condition of the middle ear. The device is used to determine abnormalities in the mobility of the tympanic membrane due to stiffness, flaccidity, or the presence of fluid in the middle ear cavity. The device is also used to measure the acoustic reflex threshold from contractions of the stapedial muscle, to monitor healing of tympanic membrane grafts or stapedectomies, or to monitor followup treatment for inflammation of the middle ear.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a tympanometer or auditory impedance tester that complies with FDA-recognized consensus standard ANSI S3.39, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

(a) Identification. An earphone cushion for audiometric testing is a device that is used to cover an audiometer earphone during audiometric testing to provide an acoustic coupling (sound connection path) between the audiometer earphone and the patient's ear.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9.

(a) Identification. An electronic noise generator for audiometric testing is a device that consists of a swept frequency generator, an amplifier, and an earphone. It is intended to introduce a masking noise into the non-test ear during an audiometric evaluation. The device minimizes the non-test ear's sensing of test tones and signals being generated for the ear being tested.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

(a) Identification. An electroglottograph is an AC-powered device that employs a pair of electrodes that are placed in contact with the skin on both sides of the larynx and held in place by a collar. It is intended to measure the electrical impedance of the larynx to aid in assessing the degree of closure of the vocal cords, confirm larygeal diagnosis, aid behavioral treatment of voice disorders, and aid research concerning the laryngeal mechanism.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.

(a) Identification. A gustometer is a battery-powered device that consists of two electrodes that are intended to be placed on both sides of the tongue at different taste centers and that provides a galvanic stimulus resulting in taste sensation. It is used for assessing the sense of taste.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9. If the device is not labeled or otherwise represented as sterile, it is exempt from the current good manufacturing practice requirements of the quality system regulation in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of § 820.180 of this chapter, with respect to general requirements concerning records, and § 820.198 of this chapter, with respect to complaint files.

(a) Identification. An olfactory test device is used to determine whether an olfactory loss is present. The device includes one or more odorants that are presented to the patient's nose to subjectively assess the patient's ability to perceive odors.

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special control for these devices is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Olfactory Test Device.” For the availability of this guidance document, see § 874.1(e). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9. When indicated for the screening or diagnosis of diseases or conditions other than the loss of olfactory function, the device is not exempt from premarket notification procedures.

(a) Identification. An air or water caloric stimulator is a device that delivers a stream of air or water to the ear canal at controlled rates of flow and temperature and that is intended for vestibular function testing of a patient's body balance system. The vestibular stimulation of the semicircular canals produce involuntary eye movements that are measured and recorded by a nystagmograph.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9.

(a) Identification. A surgical nerve stimulator/locator is a device that is intended to provide electrical stimulation to the body to locate and identify nerves and to test their excitability.

(b) Classification. Class II.

(a) Identification. The toynbee diagnostic tube is a listening device intended to determine the degree of openness of the eustachian tube.

(b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 874.9.