KALORIstar CT Air Caloric Irrigator

KALORIstar CT Air Caloric Irrigator With Active Cooling for Vestibular Testing

The KALORIstar CT is an air caloric irrigator from the German company BioMed Jena. It builds on the robust technology of the earlier KALORIstar Arctic, with a new design and an ultra-quiet pump system. It is used to perform the caloric test, one of the most popular methods in balance testing, by delivering warm or cool air at a precisely controlled temperature into the ear canal, instead of water, which is less convenient for the patient.

The device uses active cooling technology (ACT), which cools the air to 7 K below the ambient temperature (at an air flow of 8 l/min). BioMed Jena’s datasheet does not list a water tank to fill or maintain, which can be practical for clinics in warm climates such as the UAE, because it reduces the daily operating work for the medical staff.

iHear is the exclusive authorized distributor of BioMed Jena in the UAE. It offers the KALORIstar CT to hospitals and ENT centers that specialize in diagnosing dizziness and vertigo.

Air vs. Water Caloric Irrigation: What Are the Differences?

Caloric irrigation (warming or cooling the ear canal to stimulate the horizontal semicircular canal) is one of the most popular methods in balance testing. The traditional water method needs a water supply and drainage inside the examination room, and it can sometimes be uncomfortable for the patient. BioMed Jena states that, to achieve the same results as with water, the recommended temperatures for air irrigation are 24 °C for cold stimulation and 50 °C for warm stimulation. The KALORIstar CT works over a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C, which gives the examiner room to adjust the test protocol to each case, without needing water lines or drainage in the examination room.

Perforated Eardrum

Irrigation with water can cause irritation or discomfort when there is a perforation in the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Air irrigation may be considered as an alternative in these cases, so the patient does not have to be excluded from the test. The clinician decides for each patient.

Patient Comfort

There is no feeling of wetness or leakage in the ear canal, which can reduce discomfort during a test that may take several minutes for each ear. BioMed Jena states that using air instead of water is more convenient for the patient.

Temperature Accuracy and Stability

The electronically controlled air is held at the set temperature with an accuracy of ±0.3 K, according to BioMed Jena's datasheet.

Cleaning and Maintenance Between Patients

BioMed Jena's datasheet does not list a water tank, so there is no tank to clean and disinfect, which can reduce the daily maintenance work for the clinic. The datasheet also lists an automatic standby after irrigation and a maintenance reminder.

To achieve the same results as with water, BioMed Jena recommends 24 °C for cold stimulation and 50 °C for warm stimulation when using air.

Clinical Note

To achieve the same results as with water, BioMed Jena recommends 24 °C for cold stimulation and 50 °C for warm stimulation when using air. These values differ from the temperatures usually used in water irrigation protocols, so the clinician should set the protocol accordingly.

KALORIstar CT Technical Specifications

KALORIstar CT technical specifications
Specification	Details
Pump system	Ultra-quiet pump system
Temperature range	20 °C to 51 °C
Active cooling	7 K below ambient temperature (at an air flow of 8 l/min)
Temperature accuracy	±0.3 K
Control interface	Isolated USB
Automatic standby	Automatic standby after irrigation
Maintenance reminder	Built into the device
Dimensions	240 × 130 × 260 mm (W × H × D)
Weight	4 kg
Power consumption	Maximum 45 W
Operating environment	10 to 40 °C, humidity below 80%
Regulation	EU MDR 2017/745 (Annex VIII)

Specifications are from BioMed Jena's datasheet. Ask iHear for the conformity documents and the registration status for your facility.

KALORIstar CT Key Features

Active Cooling Technology (ACT)

ACT

Cools the air to 7 K below the ambient temperature at an air flow of 8 l/min, building on the active cooling concept of the KALORIstar Arctic.

High Temperature Accuracy

±0.3 K

An accuracy of ±0.3 K helps keep the stimulus consistent between the two ears, which is important for a reliable caloric test result.

Very Quick Regulation

Quick Reg

Very quick regulation of the temperature, which can shorten the waiting time between consecutive irrigations.

Ultra-Quiet Pump

Ultra Quiet

An ultra-quiet pump system, for a quieter test for both the patient and the examiner.

Circular Push-Pull Connector

Easy Connection

A circular connector with a push-pull mechanism and a high-quality engineered design, for quick connecting and disconnecting.

Intelligent Handle

Fast Service

When service or maintenance is needed, only the handle has to be sent in, not the whole device, which can reduce downtime and simplify maintenance logistics.

Maintenance Reminder and Standby

Smart Operation

An automatic maintenance reminder, and an automatic standby after irrigation.

Mounting Options and Flexibility

Flexible Design

A handle holder built into the device, with an optional wall-mounting option, to suit the space and layout of the clinic.

Easy Cleaning and Disinfection

Infection Control

A practical design intended to make cleaning and disinfection between patients easy and quick.

eVNG Software Control

Digital Control

The device can be fully remote controlled from the eVNG USB software, for one-button operation of the bithermal caloric test.

EU MDR Regulation

Regulation

BioMed Jena's datasheet lists MDR Annex VIII (EU 2017/745). Ask iHear for the conformity documents and the registration status for your facility.

Some options, such as the mounting options, should be confirmed with iHear for your configuration.

What Is the Caloric Test, and When Do ENT Specialists Use It?

What Is the Caloric Test?

The caloric test is one of the most popular methods in balance testing. It assesses the function of the horizontal semicircular canal in each ear separately, by stimulating the vestibular system with a stream of cool and warm air or water and observing the resulting nystagmus.

The test is used for:

Detecting unilateral vestibular weakness, which may result from vestibular neuritis, Ménière's disease, or labyrinthitis.

Helping the clinician tell apart causes of vertigo linked to the inner ear and those linked to the central nervous system, together with other tests.

Pre-surgery assessment, which may be used to check the vestibular function of the unaffected ear.

Following the recovery of patients after treatment or related surgery.

These uses are described in the clinical literature, not in the device datasheet. The clinician decides when a caloric test is appropriate and interprets the results.

How Does the KALORIstar CT Work?

Intelligent Handle

Easier Service

The handle can be sent in on its own for service or maintenance, without the whole device, which can reduce downtime and cost.

Circular Push-Pull Connector

Easy Connection

An innovative, high-quality design that makes connecting and disconnecting quick during busy daily use in the clinic.

One-Button Operation

Digital Control

When used with the eVNG USB software, the examiner can control the device from the computer, with one-button operation of the bithermal caloric test.

Ultra-Quiet Air Pump

Ultra-Quiet

An ultra-quiet pump system, for a quieter test for the patient, which may matter in small or closed examination rooms.

Automatic Standby

Energy Saving

The device goes into standby automatically after each irrigation, which saves energy.

Automatic Maintenance Reminder

Device Care

A reminder appears on the touchscreen, to help keep track of regular maintenance.

KALORIstar CT and eVNG USB: Working Together

The KALORIstar CT can be fully remote controlled by the eVNG USB software, so the bithermal caloric test becomes part of one vestibular testing workflow, with:

Recording of the eye movement that goes with the thermal stimulation, and displaying it in real time on the same eVNG screen.

Automatic calculation of unilateral weakness and directional preponderance.

The option to record spontaneous nystagmus before the irrigation starts, as part of the same test.

A detailed results printout from the eVNG software, for saving and comparing later.

The KALORIstar CT and the eVNG USB software work together: the KALORIstar CT delivers the stimulus, and the eVNG USB software records and analyzes the eye movement and controls the test. Both are needed for one-button operation of the caloric test, so ask iHear about the setup that suits your clinic.

KALORIstar CT vs. Other Air Caloric Irrigators: What to Compare

KALORIstar CT compared with other air caloric irrigators
Device	Manufacturer	Strengths	A neutral note
KALORIstar CT	BioMed Jena (through iHear)	Active cooling (ACT), ±0.3 K temperature accuracy, an intelligent handle that can be sent in on its own for service, one-button control from the eVNG USB software, and the EU MDR regulation listed in the datasheet	It does not include an integrated otoscope for viewing the eardrum during the test
Air caloric irrigators with an integrated otoscope	Offered by some manufacturers	An integrated otoscope can let the examiner see the eardrum directly while directing the stimulus	Specifications such as temperature accuracy and range vary by model; ask the manufacturer
Air caloric irrigators without an integrated otoscope	Offered by some manufacturers	Temperature range and integration with the manufacturer's own VNG or ENG system differ by model	An integrated otoscope may not be included; ask the manufacturer

KALORIstar CT values are from BioMed Jena's datasheet. Specifications of other devices differ by manufacturer and model and change over time, so check each manufacturer's current information. The right device depends on your protocols and budget; contact iHear to discuss it.

Who Is the KALORIstar CT Air Caloric Irrigator For?

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinics

ENT clinics and audiology and balance centers, as part of a VNG test battery (spontaneous nystagmus, positioning tests, and caloric testing), for example with the eVNG USB.

Advanced Hospitals

Hospitals that prefer to avoid water lines inside the examination room, since the device uses air instead of water.

Clinical Research Centers

Centers that value a temperature accuracy of ±0.3 K when they need to keep the stimulus consistent between sessions.

Buy the KALORIstar CT Air Caloric Irrigator in the UAE From iHear

The price of the KALORIstar CT depends on the configuration you need (on its own, or as part of a setup with the eVNG USB and the Combi Mask), so a quote is prepared after your clinic's needs are defined. Here is what iHear's team offers:

Exclusive authorized distributor: BioMed Jena (Germany) is the manufacturer, and iHear is its exclusive authorized distributor in the UAE, serving hospitals and dizziness and vertigo clinics across the country.

Technical consultation to decide whether your clinic needs the KALORIstar CT on its own, or together with the eVNG USB, the eHIT USB, and the eDM.

On-site training on the bithermal caloric test protocol and on setting the temperatures.

Technical support and maintenance locally, which can mean not shipping the whole device out of the country: thanks to the detachable intelligent handle, only the handle can be sent in when maintenance is needed. Ask iHear for the warranty and service terms that apply to your purchase.

Spare parts support locally, so you do not have to wait for international shipping. Ask iHear what applies to your purchase.

KALORIstar CT FAQ: Common Questions About Air Caloric Testing and the Air Caloric Irrigator

The KALORIstar CT is an air caloric irrigator from the German company BioMed Jena. It performs the caloric test with air instead of water, using active cooling technology (ACT), over a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C with an accuracy of ±0.3 K. It builds on the technology of the earlier KALORIstar Arctic.

The caloric test assesses the function of the horizontal semicircular canal in each ear separately. The vestibular system is stimulated with cool and warm air or water in the ear canal, and the resulting nystagmus is observed. It can show a weakness on one side (unilateral weakness) or a directional preponderance. The clinician interprets the results together with other tests. See also our vestibular diagnostic devices page.

The clinician directs a stream of cool and then warm air into the ear canal, one ear at a time, while the patient's eye movements are recorded with video goggles. The exact protocol is set by the clinician. With the KALORIstar CT, the test can be run from the eVNG USB software, which records the eye movements and controls the device with one button.

Water irrigation needs a water supply and drainage in the examination room and can sometimes be uncomfortable for the patient. BioMed Jena states that using air instead of water is more convenient for the patient, and that to achieve the same results as with water the recommended temperatures for air are 24 °C for cold stimulation and 50 °C for warm stimulation. The clinician chooses the method for each patient.

Air irrigation is often preferred when the eardrum has a perforation, because no liquid is introduced into the ear. The final decision always rests with the treating clinician, who assesses each case.

The KALORIstar CT works over a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C. To achieve the same results as with water, BioMed Jena recommends 24 °C for cold stimulation and 50 °C for warm stimulation when using air.

Active cooling technology (ACT) means the device actively cools the air to 7 K below the ambient temperature, at an air flow of 8 l/min, according to BioMed Jena's datasheet. The earlier KALORIstar Arctic already used active cooling, and the KALORIstar CT builds on its technology.

BioMed Jena's datasheet does not list a water tank for the KALORIstar CT, which is an air irrigator, so there is no tank to fill or maintain. The datasheet lists an automatic standby after irrigation and a maintenance reminder.

BioMed Jena lists operating conditions of 10 to 40 °C and humidity below 80%, and active cooling to 7 K below the ambient temperature at 8 l/min. Check the room conditions of your clinic with iHear before you buy.

BioMed Jena's datasheet lists a temperature accuracy of ±0.3 K and a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C.

Yes. BioMed Jena's datasheet states that the KALORIstar CT can be fully remote controlled by the eVNG USB software, giving one-button operation of the bithermal caloric test.

BioMed Jena's datasheet describes control from the eVNG USB software and lists an isolated USB control interface. The device in the datasheet picture also has a touchscreen. The datasheet does not describe stand-alone operation in detail, so ask iHear whether it suits your protocol.

BioMed Jena's datasheet picture of the eVNG USB software shows video of both eyes, graphs of horizontal eye position for warm and cold stimulation in each ear, and a results table that includes unilateral weakness and directional preponderance.

The KALORIstar CT delivers the stimulus, and the eVNG USB system records the eye movements, controls the device, and analyzes the test. Both are needed for the one-button operation described in the datasheet. Ask iHear about the setup that suits your clinic.

BioMed Jena states that, thanks to the intelligent handle, the customer only needs to send in the handle in case of service or maintenance, not the whole device. This can reduce downtime. Ask iHear for the service terms that apply to your purchase.

According to BioMed Jena's datasheets, the KALORIstar Arctic lists a cold stimulus 7 K below ambient temperature, an air flow of 5 liters per minute, and a blue display with 4-button operation. The KALORIstar CT lists a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C, active cooling 7 K below ambient temperature at 8 l/min, a temperature accuracy of ±0.3 K, an ultra-quiet pump system, an intelligent handle, an automatic standby, and a maintenance reminder.

According to BioMed Jena's datasheet: 240 x 130 x 260 mm (W x H x D), a weight of 4 kg, a maximum power consumption of 45 W, an operating environment of 10 to 40 °C with humidity below 80%, and an isolated USB control interface.

Neither replaces the other. The caloric test stimulates the horizontal canal thermally, which is a slower stimulus, while the video head impulse test (vHIT) measures the response to a fast head movement. They look at different parts of the vestibular response, so they complement each other. The clinician decides which tests are needed.

BioMed Jena states that air is more convenient for the patient than water, but some patients feel brief, mild dizziness during caloric testing, which passes within minutes. Patients are often asked to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and some anti-vertigo medications beforehand (after consulting the doctor). Follow your clinic's instructions.

A specialist ENT doctor, a neurologist, or an audiologist trained in reading vestibular reports interprets the results, not only the technician who performs the test.

Yes. BioMed Jena's catalogue lists the KALORIstar CT among the devices compatible with the eDM (Diagnostic Manager), so test data can be managed in one patient database together with other BioMed Jena devices.

BioMed Jena's datasheet lists MDR Annex VIII (EU 2017/745). CE marking is a European conformity marking, and use in the UAE is subject to the requirements of the relevant UAE health authority, so ask iHear for the conformity documents and the current registration status for your facility.

iHear (ihear.ae) is the exclusive authorized distributor of BioMed Jena devices, including the KALORIstar CT, in the UAE, headquartered in Al Ain with a branch in Abu Dhabi. To request a quote or a consultation, contact iHear on WhatsApp at +971 50 208 4569.

The price depends on the configuration, for example whether you buy the KALORIstar CT on its own or as part of a setup with the eVNG USB and the Combi Mask. Contact iHear for a quote based on your facility's needs.

iHear offers technical consultation, on-site training on the bithermal caloric test protocol, technical support and maintenance locally in the UAE, and spare parts support. Ask iHear for the warranty and service terms that apply to your purchase.

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