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: The present invention is a system for and method of adjusting hearing aids (130) by discrete frequency ranges (FIG. 3a); continual tuning and reprogramming of the hearing aid is accomplished in real time via iterations between a patient (with hearing aid in ear, 120) and an audiologist (131). A test tone or other sound is played and the patient gives feedback on the test tone's suitability (such as loudness). The hearing aid (130) is further tuned and reprogrammed accordingly as the sound is replayed and the patient (120) gives additional feedback. These steps continue until the patient (120) considers the hearing optimized, compensating for both the patient's hearing loss and individual preferences in the discrete frequency ranges. The following are twelve commonly tested frequency ranges: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 750 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 5000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 8000 Hz, and 10,000 Hz.

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: Systems and methods for generating intelligent promotional recommendations and reports are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize longitudinal patient or physician level data and longitudinal data regarding sales and marketing techniques and approaches employed to train intelligent processing elements such as collaborative filters, neural networks, and combinations thereof. Intelligent recommendations are made and data is compiled regarding the recommendations implemented and physician and patient activities after the recommendations are implemented. Ongoing data is used as feedback to re-train the processing elements and refine the sales and marketing techniques and approaches employed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for monitoring dietary intake of food items. The method involves the steps of selecting a portion of food, weighing the portion, inputting the type and weight amount of the food into a computer, and obtaining the caloric content of the food by from a database. There is also provided an apparatus for monitoring dietary intake of food items. The apparatus includes a means for weighing a preselected portion of food, a computer for inputting the type and weight amount of the food therein, and a database operatively associated with the computer for obtaining the caloric content of the food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for implanting hair follicle-inducing cells within the scalp. The hair follicle cells are generated by the use of tissue culture process from autologous donor cells. The cells are placed upon a microprojection array for implantation within the scalp utilizing predetermined parameters of angle, density and depth.