Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for and method of remotely, automatically, and routinely conducting diagnostic testing on a programmable hearing aid to ensure that it is functioning as intended when optimized for an individual's needs and preferences. Because hearing aids deteriorate with time and buildup of earwax, individuals can be uncertain whether their hearing is worsening or the hearing aid is malfunctioning. The net effect is diminished hearing aid performance—and thus diminished quality of life. The present invention tests the hearing aid for proper function as frequently as daily.

Abstract: A low-cost, programmable, time-limited hearing aid (104) and a means (102) to program the hearing aid with user-specific hearing-loss data (101) for the purpose of emulating the performance of a more permanent, but more costly, hearing aid device. The hearing aid is operational for only a limited time, and is intended for temporary, evaluative purposes. By providing the user with a low-cost, but temporary, means to evaluate the benefits of assisted hearing, he or she becomes more comfortable with its use, and therefore is more amenable to the more involved process and greater expense of being fitted for a more permanent hearing health solution. A method of use of the hearing health aid and the associated programming system that allows a hearing-loss candidate to evaluate the effectiveness of the hearing aid device is also presented.

Abstract: A data storage media including customized hearing training information is created using troublesome content identified based on testing of an individual's hearing profile. The identified content, and amplification factors associated with the hearing profile and corresponding to the identified content, are stored on the media. The individual can readily access the media, which can be portable, to generate sound output representative of the identified content without, and adjusted by, the corresponding amplification factor, such that the individual can train his brain on the identified troublesome content before receiving a hearing aid.

Abstract: A searchable database contains rehabilitation plans for individuals having the same medical condition. The rehabilitation plans are indexed by scores corresponding to physical dimensions and personal environment dimensions characteristics of the respective individuals having the same medical condition and also by scores representative of actual success results associated with prescribing the respective rehabilitation plans. The database can be queried to identify rehabilitation plans for a dimension whose assessment information matches individual assessment information for the same dimension of an individual requiring rehabilitation for the same medical condition. In addition, the actual success scores can be used to identify rehabilitation plans in the database likely to be successful when prescribed to an individual.

Abstract: A rehabilitation plan for an individual with a medical condition is selected in view of physical dimensions and personal environment dimensions of the individual that can impact successful use of an instrument for treating the medical condition. Measurement results obtained from assessments of respective physical dimensions and personal environment dimensions of the individual are used to define respective diagnostics metrics, and also to generate diagnostic and goal scores for the respective metrics. A rehabilitation plan for the individual is selected in view of the diagnostic and goal scores with the intention of increasing an individual's compatibility with the plan and the likelihood of success for rehabilitation. The selection of a rehabilitation plan can include querying a database including previously prescribed rehabilitation plans indexed by physical and personal environment dimensions characteristics of respective patients that were prescribed the rehabilitation plans.