Abstract: A method of assessing hearing characteristics of a subject is provided. The method includes determining a hearing capability of the subject based on responses of the subject to a series of sounds presented to the subject. Each sound corresponds to a presence, absence or irrelevance of a predetermined plurality of features. The method further includes assigning the subject to one of a predetermined plurality of classes based upon the responses of the subject, each of the plurality of classes being derived from hearing tests performed on a plurality of other subjects.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a test set for testing a subject using a computer system comprising logic-based processing circuitry is provided. The method includes the step of selecting one or more features from among a plurality of features, wherein a measurable effect on the subject of each feature selected is based on a predetermined threshold. The method also includes generating one or more classes of stimuli based on the selected features. The method further includes selecting stimuli from one or more of said classes for presenting to the subject.

Abstract: A method of tuning a digital hearing device can include playing portions of test audio, wherein each portion of test audio represents one or more distinctive features of speech. The method also can include receiving user responses to played portions of test audio heard through the digital hearing device and comparing the user responses with the portions of test audio. An operational parameter of the digital hearing device can be adjusted according to the comparing step, wherein the operational parameter is associated with one or more of the distinctive features of speech.