The HiSonic-TRD tinnitus masker is a wearable behind-the-ear style ultrasonic, bone conducted broadband noise and/or sweep frequency stimuli noise generator intended to generate noise of sufficient intensity and bandwidth to be used for tinnitus habituation therapy and is also suitable for tinnitus masking therapy. The HiSonic-TRD is intended to be used by those individuals who experience tinnitus, and do not need or desire amplification. The intended use of the HiSonic-TRD includes it's fitting by a qualified audiologist or other hearing healthcare professional familiar with the diagnosis of tinnitus and subsequent rehabilitation therapies. The target population is the adult population over 18 years of age. This product is not intended for use in children under the age of 18.
Device Story
HiSonic-TRD is a wearable, behind-the-ear bone conduction tinnitus masker. Device inputs include user-selected settings (on/off, noise/sweep mode, volume) via a body-worn generator/amplifier unit. The system uses a piezoelectric ceramic transducer to convert electronic oscillations into ultrasonic energy (19.5kHz-25.8kHz), which is coupled to the mastoid bone to activate the auditory nervous system. Output consists of broadband noise or sweep frequency stimuli to mask tinnitus. Operated by the patient; fitted by audiologists or hearing healthcare professionals. Benefits include tinnitus habituation and masking without interfering with ambient sound perception or speech intelligibility.
Clinical Evidence
Safety study (n=11, ages 22-70) showed no significant changes in auditory thresholds or speech discrimination; two subjects reported headaches. Efficacy study (n=20) evaluated tinnitus masking using a threshold approach; results confirmed ultrasound emission is audible and provides effective masking similar to or exceeding predicate devices, with no interference with ambient sound perception. Bench testing confirmed output intensity is below thermal damage thresholds per IEC 61689.
Technological Characteristics
Wearable behind-the-ear device; piezoelectric ceramic transducer; 7.2V Lithium Ion battery. Operates in ultrasonic frequency range 19.5kHz-25.8kHz. Bone conduction coupling via headband. Output quantified as temporal-average acoustic power (mW/cm²). Complies with IEC 61689 safety limits.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adults over 18 years of age experiencing tinnitus who do not require hearing amplification. Contraindicated for children under 18.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tinnitus masker is an electronic device intended to generate noise of sufficient intensity and bandwidth to mask ringing in the ears or internal head noises. Because the device is able to mask internal noises, it is also used as an aid in hearing external noises and speech.
Special Controls
The special control for this device is patient labeling regarding:(1) Hearing health care professional diagnosis, fitting of the device, and followup care, (2) Risks, (3) Benefits, (4) Warnings for safe use, and (5) Specifications.
Predicate Devices
Starkey TM Air Conduction Tinnitus Masker (K963838)
{0}------------------------------------------------
K 013 253/51
APR = 5 2002
## 510(k) SUMMARY
## Hearing Innovations Incorporated HiSonic-TRD
### Name and Address of Submitter
Arthur S. Przybyl President and CEO Hearing Innovations Incorporated 9040 S. Rita Road Suite 2250 Tucson, Arizona 85747
Phone: 520-663-0544 Facsimile: 520-663-0018
וגם מסוג מסוג בית ം പ്രവർശ്വ C
Date Prepared: March 11, 2002
# Name of Device and Name/Address of Sponsor
HiSonic-TRD
Hearing Innovations Incorporated 9040 S. Rita Road Suite 2250 Tucson, Arizona 85747
Phone: 520-663-0544 Facsimile: 520-663-0018
Contact Person: Arthur S. Przybyl President and CEO
# Common or Usual Name
Bone Conduction Tinnitus Relief Device
# Classification Name
Tinnitus Masker
{1}------------------------------------------------
### Predicate Devices
K9638381 Starkey TM Air Conduction Tinnitus Masker, Starkey Labs K791790 Starkey TM-5 Behind Ear Tinnitus Masker, Starkey Labs K981704 Aurex-3 Tinnitus Masker, ADM-Tronics Unlimited, Inc. K951678 HiSonic Hearing Instrument, Hearing Innovations Incorporated
#### Intended Use
The HiSonic-TRD tinnitus masker is a wearable behind-the-ear style ultrasonic, bone conducted broadband noise and/or sweep frequency stimuli noise generator intended to generate noise of sufficient intensity and bandwidth to be used for tinnitus habituation therapy and is also suitable for tinnitus masking therapy. The HiSonic-TRD is intended to be used by those individuals who experience tinnitus, and do not need or desire amplification. The intended use of the HiSonic-TRD includes it's fitting by a qualified audiologist or other hearing healthcare professional familiar with the diagnosis of tinnitus and subsequent rehabilitation therapies. The target population is the adult population over 18 years of age. This product is not intended for use in children under the age of 18.
## Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence
The HiSonic-TRD generates ultrasound energy and couples the energy to the mastoid bone in order to activate the auditory nervous system, and produce auditory sensations that mask tinnitus. The device consists of a generator/amplifier unit, a piezoelectric transducer, and a headband to hold the transducer firmly against the mastoid bone. The bone conducted energy coupling of the HiSonic-TRD device is substantially similar to that used by two of the predicate devices (ADM-Tronic's Aurex-3; HiSonic Hearing Instrument). The HiSonic-TRD device produces auditory sensations that are substantially similar in effectiveness to that of the predicate tinnitus maskers (the Starkey Labs TM and TM-5 and the Aurex-3).
{2}------------------------------------------------
A 7.2V Lithium Ion battery powers the device. The tranducer is a piezoelectric ceramic that transmits ultrasonic energy in a typical operating frequency bandwidth of 19.5kHz-25.8kHz to the user. The generator/amplifier unit is worn on the body and houses the lithium ion battery. In addition, the body worn unit has an "on/off" switch, a noise/sweep selector switch and a volume control wheel for use by the patient. Both broadband noise and sweep frequency stimuli are incorporated in the device as masking stimuli.
The HiSonic-TRD generates and amplifies electronic oscillations, and then converts them into ultrasound energy with a piezoelectric ceramic transducer. The ultrasound energy is emitted as a broadband noise or as a sweep frequency.
The HiSonic-TRD is substantially equivalent to the other currently marketed tinnitus maskers that are referenced above. The HiSonic-TRD and three of the predicate devices are all tinnitus maskers. In addition, the Company's own 510(k) for an ultrasonic hearing instrument (K951678) supports equivalence of the HiSonic-TRD with regard to the piezoelectric ceramic transducer used to generate the ultrasound. Thus, the HiSonic-TRD raises no new issues of safety or effectiveness.
#### Performance Data
The company has conducted several safety and efficacy studies.
The University of Illinois Bioacoustics Research Laboratory measured the ultrasound energy emitted by the HiSonic-TRD at maximum output power levels against known injury mechanisms. The output intensity data were calculated against a standard thermal model supported by theoretical and experimental studies on blood and intact tissues. The ultrasound energy has been shown to be too low to produce thermal damage and too low to produce any other known damaging bio-effects. The output satisfies the safety limits of IEC 61689.
In a separate study, the University of Illinois Bioacoustics Research Laboratory, performed calibration measurements on the company's HiSonic-TRD device. The results of the calibration measurements demonstrated that
{3}------------------------------------------------
the device is calibrated and that due to the low level of acoustic intensity (mw/cm²)*, output power, generated by the HiSonic-TRD device that it is not possible to reach unsafe acoustic intensity output levels with the device, even at the highest possible setting on the volume wheel.
*The measured output of acoustic devices intended for use in the audiology market is specified in dbSPL (decibels, sound pressure level) for air-borne devices and bone conducted auditory devices. If the available national or international measurement standards were applied to the HiSonic-TRD device, the output data would be misleading. The company provides exposure data in terms of fundamental physical principles. The output of the device is quantified in terms of the temporal-average acoustic power. The unit of measure is the watt. The acoustic power is then normalized to the area of the transducer element; the area is 1.27cm². The ratio of acoustic power to area is defined as acoustic intensity. Watts/cm2=Acoustic intensity. Due to the low level of output power generated by the HiSonic-TRD the acoustic intensity is reported in milliwatts per cm2 (mw/cm2).
A safety study was conducted using eleven human subjects at the University at Buffalo Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic. Subjects ranged in age from 22-70 years, six females and five males. Subjects had normal hearing, hearing loss, tinnitus and no tinnitus present. The study was conducted to examine any changes in auditory thresholds, speech intelligibility and any extra-auditory effects that might occur when using the HiSonic-TRD device. The results demonstrated that there were no significant changes in threshold, there was no decrease in speech discrimination and no interference with speech understanding. With the exception of headaches reported in two subjects the study reported no adverse events as a result of patient use of the device. The safety of the HiSonic-TRD is comparable to the safety of the predicates.
An efficacy study was conducted using twenty human subjects at the Oregon Health Sciences University Tinnitus Clinic. The study was conducted to evaluate the ability of HiSonic-TRD devices to produce clinically useful masking of tinnitus and to determine the effect of any aftereffects. The selection criteria required that each subject's tinnitus was present for at least twelve months and that the tinnitus showed little variability in loudness, localization or sound quality. Baseline air-conduction sound thresholds were measured across the audible range of hearing on all subjects prior to tinnitus
4
{4}------------------------------------------------
assessment. The HiSonic-TRD device was evaluated using a threshold approach to audibility. The dynamic range (threshold to uncomfortable level) was measured and then the masking effects were assessed. The data obtained from this study indicate that the ultrasound emitted by the device is audible and produces effective masking in patients with clinically significant tinnitus. All subjects were easily able to hear the HiSonic-TRD masking sound (both sweep frequency tones and narrow band noise). The rate of masking achieved with the HiSonic-TRD device was similar to or slightly exceeded the rate of masking observed with FDA cleared tinnitus maskers. In addition, the study demonstrated a lack of interference with the patient's ability to hear ambient sounds during tinnitus masking. The study showed no adverse events as a result of patient use of the device.
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three stripes representing the department's services. The eagle is enclosed in a circle with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Hearing Innovations, Inc. c/o Arthur S. Przybyl President and CEO 9040 S. Rita Road, Suite 2250 Tucson, Arizona 85747
APR = 5 2002
Re: K013253/S001
Trade/Device Name: HiSonic-TRD Tinnitus Relief Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.3400 Regulation Name: Tinnitus Masker Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KLW Dated: March 6, 2002 Received: March 7, 2002
Dear Mr. Przybyl:
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.
{6}------------------------------------------------
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 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address . http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
A. Ralph Rosenthal
A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{7}------------------------------------------------
Indications for Use Form
510(k) Number (if known): K013253_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Device Name:
### HiSonic®-TRD Tinnitus Masker
Indications for Use:
The HiSonic-TRD tinnitus masker is a wearable behindthe-ear style ultrasonic, bone conducted broadband noise and/or sweep frequency stimuli noise generator intended to generate noise of sufficient intensity and bandwidth to be used for tinnitus habituation therapy and is also suitable for tinnitus masking therapy. The HiSonic-TRD is intended to be used by those individuals who experience tinnitus, and do not need or desire amplification. The intended use of the HiSonic-TRD includes it's fitting by a qualified audiologist or other hearing healthcare professional familiar with the diagnosis of tinnitus and subsequent rehabilitation therapies. The target population is the adult population over 18 years of age. This product is not intended for use in children under the age of 18.
### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -- CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
{8}------------------------------------------------
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 C.F.R. 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use_
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
Jams K. Raugho
1 3 GM of Ophthalmic Ear, roat Devises
510(k) Number K01325
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.