AMPLIVOX OTOWAVE 102 HAND HELD PORTABLE TYMPANOMETER
Applicant
Amplivox, Ltd.
Product Code
ETY · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Jul 16, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.1090
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The Amplivox Otowave is designed for use by trained operators in hospitals, ENT clinics, and audiologist offices for the detection of possible otologic disorders associated with the functioning of the middle ear. The instrument performs two types of measurement: Tympanometry is used to measure the compliance of the tympanic membrane and middle ear at a fixed frequency over a range of pressures. Reflex tests are used to measure stapedial reflexes. The Otowave measures ipsilateral reflexes and, when selected, reflex measurement is automatically carried out after a tympanogram is taken.
Device Story
Handheld portable tympanometer; used in hospitals, ENT clinics, and audiologist offices by trained operators. Inputs: ear canal pressure and acoustic impedance measurements. Device performs automatic measurements of ear canal volume, tympanic compliance peak, peak placement, and gradient; automatically detects stapedial reflexes. Outputs: tympanograms and reflex test results displayed on LCD; data stored in non-volatile memory (up to 30 dual-ear tests). Connectivity: infrared link to thermal printer; IrDA link to Windows PC for storage/display via NOAH software. Assists clinicians in identifying middle ear disorders, monitoring tympanic membrane graft healing, or evaluating stapedectomy outcomes. Benefits include portable, automated assessment of middle ear function.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Safety and effectiveness were established through bench, user, and standards testing (including UL and IEC 60601-1 compliance) comparing the device to predicate tympanometers.
Technological Characteristics
Handheld portable tympanometer; battery-operated. Features LCD interface. Connectivity via infrared (IrDA) for printing and PC data transfer. Complies with UL and IEC 60601-1 safety standards. Performs automated measurements of ear canal volume, tympanic compliance, and stapedial reflexes.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by trained operators in hospitals, ENT clinics, and audiologist offices to detect otologic disorders associated with middle ear function in patients requiring tympanometry or stapedial reflex testing.
Regulatory Classification
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.
Special Controls
*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.
Predicate Devices
GSI 38 AUTO TYMP LUCAS GRASON-STADLER, INC. (K925585)
{0}------------------------------------------------
K081841
1/16/08
510(k) Summary K08
Amplivox Ltd 29-30 Station Approach, Kidlington Oxford, OXON OX5 1JD UNITED KINGDOM Tel: +44 (0)1865 842411 Fax: +44 (0)1865 841853 www.amplivox.ltd.uk Contact: Chris Roerig Date Prepared: May 16, 2008
- 1. Identification of the Device: Proprietary-Trade Name: Amplivox Otowave 102 Hand Held Portable Tympanometer. Classification Name: Tympanometer Product Codes Tympanometer: NAS (new product code, no 510(k)s under this code) Audiometer: EWO or Tester, auditory impedance ETY Common/Usual Name: Tympanometer.
- Equivalent legally marketed devices: K925585, GSI 38 AUTO TYMP LUCAS GRASON-2. STADLER, INC. and K060885 the Maico MI 44 Tympanometer. (Plus numerous others) ..
- 3. Indications for Use (intended use) The Amplivox Otowave is designed for use by trained operators in hospitals, ENT clinics, and audiologist offices for the detection of possible otologic disorders associated with the functioning of the middle ear. The instrument performs two types of measurement: Tympanometry is used to measure the compliance of the tympanic membrane and middle ear at a fixed frequency over a range of pressures. Reflex tests are used to measure stapedial reflexes. The Otowave measures ipsilateral reflexes and, when selected, reflex measurement is automatically carried out after a tympanogram is taken.
- 4. Description of the Device: This is a hand held portable tympanometer. It features:
- Automatic measurement of ear canal volume, tympanic compliance peak, placement . of the peak and the gradient.
- . Automatic detection of stapedial reflexes.
- Up to 30, dual-ear patient tests can be stored in non-volatile memory. 9
- Configurable settings for user preferences, held in non-volatile memory. .
- Printout via an infrared link to a thermal printer. .
- Transfer to Windows XP via an infrared IrDA link for storage and display using . NOAH..
- 5. Safety and Effectiveness, comparison to predicate device. The results of bench, user, and standards testing indicates that the new device is as safe and effective as the predicate devices.
- 6. Substantial Equivalence Chart (See next page)
{1}------------------------------------------------
K08184/
## JUL 1 6 2008
| Item | K925585, GSI 38 AUTO<br>TYMP LUCAS GRASON-STADLER, INC. | K060885 the Maico<br>MI 44<br>Tympanometer. | Amplivox<br>Otowave 102 |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use: | (Not found in FDA database)<br>but inferred from<br>classification: a device that is<br>intended to change the air<br>pressure in the external<br>auditory canal and measure<br>and graph the mobility<br>characteristics of the<br>tympanic membrane to<br>evaluate the functional<br>condition of the middle ear.<br>The device is used to<br>determine abnormalities in<br>the mobility of the tympanic<br>membrane due to stiffness,<br>flaccidity, or the presence of<br>fluid in the middle ear cavity.<br>The device is also used to<br>measure the acoustic reflex<br>threshold from contractions of<br>the stapedial muscle, to<br>monitor healing of tympanic<br>membrane grafts or<br>stapedectomies, or to monitor<br>followup treatment for<br>inflammation of the middle<br>ear. | The Maico<br>Diagnostics model<br>MI 44<br>tympanometer is<br>intended for use by<br>trained operators in<br>hospitals, ENT<br>clinics and<br>audiologist offices<br>for the detection of<br>possible otologic<br>disorders associated<br>with the functioning<br>of the middle ear.<br>This is<br>accomplished by<br>measuring the<br>acoustic impedance<br>of the ear canal<br>under various<br>conditions. | The Amplivox Otowave is<br>designed for use by trained<br>operators in hospitals, ENT<br>clinics, and audiologist<br>offices for the detection of<br>possible otologic disorders<br>associated with the<br>functioning of the middle<br>ear. The instrument<br>performs two types of<br>measurement:<br>Tympanometry is used to<br>measure the compliance of<br>the tympanic membrane and<br>middle ear at a fixed<br>frequency over a range of<br>pressures. Reflex tests are<br>used to measure stapedial<br>reflexes. The Otowave<br>measures ipsilateral reflexes<br>and, when selected, reflex<br>measurement is<br>automatically carried out<br>after a tympanogram is<br>taken. |
| User<br>Interface | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Form<br>factor | Desktop<br>Image: [Desktop] | Desktop<br>Image: [Desktop] | Handheld<br>Image: [Handheld] |
| Power<br>source | 120 Vac | 100 - 240 V /<br>50/60 Hz | Battery Operated |
| Safety | Specification not found. | IEC 601-1 (EN<br>60601-1) | UL and IEC 60601-1 |
- 7 . Conclusion After analyzing bench, user, and standards testing data, it is the conclusion of Amplivox Ltd. that the Otowave 102 Tympanometer is safe and effective as the predicate devices, has few technological differences, and have no new indications for use, thus rendering them substantially equivalent to the predicate devices
{2}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized caduceus, which is a symbol of medicine, with a double helix intertwined around a staff. The logo is surrounded by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## JUL 1 6 2008
Amplivox Ltd. c/o James W. Monroe Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 2307 E. Aurora Rd., Unit B7 Twinsburg, OH 44087
Re: K081841
Trade/Device Name: Amplivox Otowave 102 Hand Held Portable Tympanometer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.1090 Regulation Name: Auditory Impedance Tester Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ETY Dated: June 27, 2008 Received: June 30, 2008
Dear Mr. Monroe:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
{3}------------------------------------------------
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0115. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3474. For questions regarding of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at 240-276-3464. You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
M. B. Egelston, mD
Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{4}------------------------------------------------
08/84/
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): __
Device Name: Amplivox Otowave 102 Hand Held Portable Tympanometer.
Indications For Use:
The Amplivox Otowave is designed for use by trained operators in hospitals, ENT clinics, and audiologist offices for the detection of possible otologic disorders associated with the functioning of the middle ear. The instrument performs two types of measurement:
Tympanometry is used to measure the compliance of the tympanic membrane and middle ear at a fixed frequency over a range of pressures.
Reflex tests are used to measure stapedial reflexes. The Otowave measures ipsilateral reflexes and, when selected, reflex measurement is automatically carried out after a tympanogram is taken..
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Ophthalmic Ear,
Nose and Throat Devises
510(k) Number
Page 1 of 1
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.