Abstract: The patient is presented with an audio sound. The patient is also presented with a visual representation of the sound at a visual display. A response to the audio sound and the visual representation is received from the patient via a first interface and the response indicates a perception of sound from the patient. Based upon the response from the patient, a first adjustment to the base setting parameters of the hearing instrument is performed that is effective to adjust the sound. The audio sound is re-presented to the patient with the adjusted sound. Subsequently, fine-tuning commands are received from the patient via a second interface that fine-tuning commands are effective to make a fine-tuning adjustment to the hearing instrument.

Abstract: A contract fee is obtained from the one or more licensed medical professionals who may lease all or part of a hearing center. The lease fee is applied exclusively to expenses associated with a hearing center and the hearing center utilizes an Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist. The patient is screened by the one or more licensed medical professionals according to one or more first screening methods. When the first screening indicates a potential hearing problem with the patient, the patient is referred to the hearing center. The patient undergoes an audiometric exam by the Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist for hearing loss at the hearing center. When the testing by the Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist indicates a need for a hearing instrument, a hearing instrument is ordered from the hearing instrument supplier. The hearing aid is fitted to the patient by the Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist onsite at the hearing center.

Abstract: A voice activated device for annunciating a message indicative of a distance of the device spaced from another location is disclosed. The device comprises a voice sensor for receiving a voice command requesting annunciation of a message indicative of the distance of the device spaced from the other location, converting circuitry coupled to the voice sensor for converting the received voice command to a corresponding electrical command, determining circuitry responsive to the electrical command for determining the distance of the device from the other location, and a speaker coupled to the determining circuitry for annunciating the message indicative of the determined distance of the device from the other location. The device may be used for informing a golfer of the golfer's distance from the pin.