Abstract: System and method for conducting a hearing test that is accessible to a mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss. The hearing test is stored on a centrally located computer (140) that is accessible via communications device (121). The system provides step-by-step guidance on the next steps to be taken if hearing loss is found, and provides a means to store and organize the user test data to create a means for reuse of the data.

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. Additionally, the present invention includes elements (201, 202) that enable the apparatus to perform a cleaning process to effectively remove earwax and other undesirable debris from the hearing aid. The cleaning process can occur prior to the diagnostic testing or as a result of the diagnostic testing.

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 training an individual on the use of a hearing aid. The training is conducted based on the individuals hearing profile such that specific words that are troublesome to the user are played to the user after changing the frequency and amplitude of the words, i.e. the user is trained on how the words will sound after wearing a hearing aid. The user can further fine-tune the frequency and amplitude of the words, and the modifications can be saved and used while ordering and fitting a hearing aid.

Abstract: Method and system (400) for becoming aware of some hearing loss and the need for a professional hearing test. Simple and professional hearing testing provide an understanding of the improvement in the quality of life that can be achieved through use of a hearing aid. Ordering and fitting of the hearing aid, and training on use of a hearing aid, are performed to further demonstrate and provide for improved quality of life. The system (400) includes a user (410), a hearing test unit (415), a test administrator computer (420), a pair of headphones (422), a keyboard (423), a monitor (426), a series of hearing test programs (446), a central hearing health system (440), a database, a device (433), and a set of individual results.

Abstract: An audiometer system (100) includes a user (105), a sound room (110), a Speaker (115), a pair of headphones (120), a pair of leads (125) and (130), a button (135), and an audiometer (140). User (105) is an individual on whom a hearing test is to be administered. User (105) is an individual on whom a hearing test is to be administrated. User (105) wears headphones (120) in sound room (100). An audiologist conducts a Hearing test by operating audiometer (150). Audiometer (140) produces a hearing test by operating audiometer (140). Audiometer (140) produces the required tones at the desires frequency and amplitudes, according to adjustments made to frequency adjust (150) and amplitude adjusts (150). Frequency adjust (145) and amplitude adjust (150) can be rotary or push button adjustments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hearing aid training systems (100). More particularly, the present invention relates to the simulation of a hearing aid environment (108) prior to a user's (105) purchase of a hearing aid. To create the simulated environment, the user's hearing profile (111) is collected from all prior hearing tests. Prior hearing tests include information on all aspects of the user's hearing, such as frequency and speech intelligibility. The software program (126) of this invention, and the audiologist using the software program (126), analyzes the user's hearing profile and creates a simulation that demonstrates to the user how he or she would hear with a hearing aid. Furthermore, this invention provides a way to make additional adjustments to the hearing aid's DSP data based upon user preferences prior to ordering the individual customized hearing aid.

Abstract: System and method for diagnosing hearing loss in an individual using a self-executable, interactive electronic hearing loss diagnosis apparatus including a data storage media and a media player for accessing data on the media. The diagnostic apparatus provides hearing loss diagnostic data to the individual in the form of coded data. A hearing loss professional can use the coded data to further diagnose the hearing loss of the individual.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid (100) combined with a headphone apparatus. The headphone apparatus may be directly interfaced with various types of electronic equipment so that the user is able to listen to music recordings, voice recordings, or other types of sound signals that are then corrected, via programming, for the user's particular hearing needs (104). A method of using the hearing aid combined with the headphones, including the associated programming system (102) for making corrections for the particular hearing needs are also provided.

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: The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to an expanse of skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a user output assembly, the user output assembly including: (i) a skin-contactable element having a skin contactable surface; (ii) a motor; and (iii) a transfer member for transferring energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element a transfer member for transferring energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element; (b) a sensing element in communication with the skin-contactable surface, wherein the sensing element is capable of sensing a state of at least one property associated with the expanse of skin, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of a thermal property, a chemical property, an optical property, and combinations thereof; and (c) a controller coupled to the sensing element and to the user output assembly, wherein the controller provides action instructions to the user output assembly based upon one or more of the at least one pr

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a user output assembly, the user output assembly including: (i) a skin-contactable element having a skin contactable surface; (ii) a motor; and (iii) a transfer member for transferring energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element a transfer member for transferring energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element; (b) a receiving element adapted to receive user-attribute data that is provided to the apparatus by a user; and (c) a controller coupled to the receiving element and the user output assembly, wherein the controller provides action instructions to the user output assembly based upon the user-attribute data received by the receiving element.

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.