At-Home Hearing Aid Testing and Clearing System
First Claim
1. A portable hearing aid testing apparatus comprising:
- a resealable housing defining a cavity for receiving a hearing aid, wherein the cavity comprises a microphone and has a configuration for securing the hearing aid in a position where a speaker of the hearing aid is situated opposite of the microphone;
means for cleaning the hearing aid when the hearing aid is received within the cavity and the housing is in a sealed condition;
a communications interface means for coupling to a data signal connection means of the hearing aid; and
a controller coupled to the communications interface means, the microphone and an indicia output means, wherein the controller is operable for at least one of a cleaning and a testing of the operation of the hearing aid.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A portable hearing aid testing apparatus comprising:
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a resealable housing defining a cavity for receiving a hearing aid, wherein the cavity comprises a microphone and has a configuration for securing the hearing aid in a position where a speaker of the hearing aid is situated opposite of the microphone; means for cleaning the hearing aid when the hearing aid is received within the cavity and the housing is in a sealed condition; a communications interface means for coupling to a data signal connection means of the hearing aid; and a controller coupled to the communications interface means, the microphone and an indicia output means, wherein the controller is operable for at least one of a cleaning and a testing of the operation of the hearing aid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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7. A method for testing the operation of a hearing aid, said method comprises:
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transmitting testing data from a controller to cause the hearing aid to generate a sound output; receiving the sound output at a microphone; forwarding sound data signals representative of the sound output to the controller; evaluating the sound data signals to determine whether frequencies and amplitudes of the sound signals correspond to expected frequencies and amplitudes associated with the testing data; and generating a selected indicia for output at an indicia output means. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification