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&#39;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.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/579,479 filed Jun. 14, 2004 and 60/579,220 filed Jun. 14, 2004, assigned to the assignee of this application and incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to hearing aids, specifically to a method of and apparatus for automatically testing an individual&#39;s hearing aid in the individual&#39;s home as frequently as daily in order to determine whether the hearing aid needs to be cleaned or serviced and performing the cleaning process if deemed necessary. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    About two million hearing aids are sold annually in the U.S., generating $2.6 billion in revenue. Although 28 million Americans are hearing impaired, only six million use hearing aids. Year after year, market penetration has increased little, making it apparent that factors other than user need have inhibited market penetration of hearing aids. Central among these factors is the product-centric (as opposed to patient-centric) approach that the hearing aid industry has taken to fitting hearing aids. Hearing aid manufacturers concentrate efforts almost solely on improving their devices, most notably with digital signal processing&#39;s (DSP), while other patient needs and preferences are virtually ignored. Resources have not gone to improving the consequently ponderous process which patients face in purchasing, using, and maintaining a hearing aid. 
         [0004]    The anatomy of the ear canal includes ceruminous glands that secrete a yellowish, wax-like substance called cerumen (earwax), which accumulates in the ear canal. Due to both the action of cilia located in the ear canal and the natural movements of the ear canal, the cerumen gradually migrates outward. When a hearing aid is inserted into the ear canal, it is susceptible to the effects of cerumen accumulation and migration. Cerumen often mixes with sloughed off skin and dirt, further impairing the performance of the hearing aid. 
         [0005]    Acoustic speakers in most modern hearing aids are particularly susceptible to performance problems and damage from cerumen accumulation; initially, cerumen blocks the speaker port, occluding the acoustic path, in turn preventing sound waves from reaching the tympanic membrane. Eventually, the cerumen can penetrate the receiver housing, damaging the sensitive mechanical and electrical components whose failure necessitates repair or replacement of the hearing aid. Not only is the cost in time and money significant, but also individuals are uncertain whether their hearing is worsening or the hearing aid is malfunctioning. The net effect is diminished hearing-aid performance—and thus a diminished quality of life. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,790, entitled, “Self-cleaning cerumen guard for a hearing device,” assigned to Sonic Innovations and incorporated by reference herein, describes a thermally activated cleaning element on the distal end of a hearing aid adjacent to the speaker, which retracts when heated by the inner ear to body temperature, then extends when cooled to room temperature. Upon removal of the hearing aid from the ear, the self-cleaning cerumen guard automatically removes any debris that has accumulated in the speaker port. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,920, entitled, “Cerumen filter for hearing aids,” and incorporated by reference herein, discloses a replaceable and disposable wax guard that is affixed over the sound port of an in-the-ear hearing aid by means of a pressure-sensitive tape. The filter itself is porous to sounds but is receptive to cerumen. While providing some level of protection against cerumen damage to the internal components of the hearing device, this and other similar types of filters become quickly soiled, resulting in poor device performance due to a blocked speaker port. As such, the user must frequently replace the disposable filter. The small size of these devices often requires a high level of visual acuity and dexterity for such maintenance. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,500, entitled, “Cerumen barrier for custom in the ear type hearing instruments,” and incorporated by reference herein, discloses a cerumen barrier for a custom, in-the-ear hearing aid. The cerumen barrier consists of a small door covering the receiver port that can be manually rotated open to provide cleaning under the door and around the receiver port. While also providing some level of protection against cerumen to the internal components of the hearing aid, significant user intervention is needed to clean the filter. 
         [0009]    With the exception of the &#39;790, the hearing aid devices from the prior art have a profound shortcoming of relying upon the hearing aid user to remember to periodically clear the cerumen that has accumulated on the device. Yet hearing aid users are no different from consumers of other products: all want convenience. Cleaning a hearing aid is one more thing to remember, so it is not done faithfully. This issue has become even more important as hearing aids have gotten smaller. Primarily to overcome the stigma of wearing a hearing aid, manufacturers have miniaturized hearing aids to the point that completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids reside out of sight deep in the ear canal, proximate to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This placement provides the overriding benefits of improving frequency response, reducing distortion due to jaw extrusion, and improving overall sound fidelity; however, it worsens the problem of earwax buildup. 
         [0010]    When users are unsure of or unhappy with their hearing aid&#39;s performance, they must bear the inconvenience and cost of taking it to their audiologist for assessment and adjustment. There is currently no way for users to test and calibrate their hearing aids to manufacturers&#39; standards, ensuring optimal hearing aid performance, from the convenience of their homes. Moreover, no automatic tests, i.e., tests that do not require the hearing aid users&#39; manual intervention, exist today. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,314, entitled, “Internet system for testing hearing,” assigned to Health Performance, Inc. and incorporated by reference herein, relates to a computer system that is accessible to a community of users for self-administered hearing tests over the Internet, which is a significant improvement to conventional hearing testing that requires sophisticated equipment at dedicated hearing and health centers by experienced personnel. Such automatic audiometers are becoming widely accepted in hearing screening applications such as in schools and industrial clinics. This automated approach results in minimal operator involvement, faster testing, and improved accuracy. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,847, entitled, “Audiometric testing, analyzing, and recording apparatus and method,” and incorporated by reference herein, discloses a microprocessor-based audiometry apparatus that includes a means of generating tones at variable frequency and intensities, memory for software, and patient data storage. The apparatus is capable of being networked with remote computers for data transfer. One of the main features of the &#39;847 patent is its ability to compare recent audiogram data with previously acquired data, and then automatically compute such changes as hearing threshold shifts. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,678, entitled, “Internet based remote diagnostic system,” assigned to General Electric Company and incorporated by reference herein, discloses a remote diagnostic communication system that uses a public or private remote access infrastructure to facilitate wide-area communications between the remote site and the diagnostic center and that requires only local telephone calls. The diagnostic center and one or more remote sites at which monitored equipment is located are coupled to a wide area network (WAN). When data is to be transferred from a remote site to the central diagnostic center, the remote site initiates a local telephone call to a point-of-presence (POP) server on the WAN backbone. This could be an Internet service provider (ISP) in the case of the Internet, or an intranet POP server in the case of a private network. Data is then transferred to a computer in the POP server or anywhere on the network, as long as it is outside the “firewall” electronically isolating the diagnostic center from unwanted communications. To complete the transfer, the diagnostic center transfers the data from the POP server to the diagnostic center via the public or private wide-area network (the Internet or an intranet). The data transfer can take place either on a scheduled basis, or when an alarm condition is detected at the remote site. The central diagnostic center can prompt the remote site to connect to the POP server via a wireless paging service or a direct-dial phone call. 
         [0014]    The &#39;314 patent demonstrates a means for conducting automatic hearing tests over the Internet while the &#39;678 patent discloses remote diagnostic testing of electronic equipment over the Internet, either on demand or as scheduled. The prior art, however, does not combine these means in a manner that provides a remote diagnostic test for hearing aids, much less an automated test, that does not rely on the faithful and concerted efforts of patients. Further, the prior art does not provide a means for an automatic cleaning process to be initiated in response to such diagnostics. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the process of diagnostic testing and maintaining hearing aids, so that the hearing aid testing can be done in a more convenient location for the user, such as the user&#39;s home. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide automatic, convenient, at-home remote diagnostic testing of a hearing aid that can be performed as frequently as daily and that can signal hearing aid status updates, such as improper functioning or the need for service. 
         [0017]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide automatic cleaning functionality in response to or in addition to the above-mentioned automatic diagnostic tests. 
         [0018]    The present invention is an at-home hearing aid testing and cleaning apparatus and a method of operating the testing and cleaning apparatus, which can be performed as frequently as daily. An individual places the hearing aid in a small countertop device at regular intervals, such as at the end of each day; the device tests the audio frequency range for which the hearing aid is designed and for which the device is soundproof. The device tests the hearing aid for proper function by pinging it with a series of audio waves, after which the device signals the individual as appropriate of such status as improper function, service required, etc. Additionally, the apparatus may be connected via Internet or other network connectivity to a central computer that remotely further diagnoses the hearing aid. The device may also issue a series of corrective tones (if the hearing aid is programmable) to provide some degree of servicing, for instance, adding amplification in response to the hearing aid&#39;s normal degradation over time. This networking capability also enables continuous updating of an individual&#39;s file on the central computer for reference and analysis by audiologists and other stakeholders to find ways to continually improve the individual&#39;s hearing. Additionally, the hearing aid testing and cleaning apparatus initiates a cleaning process that effectively removes earwax and other undesirable buildup from the hearing aid device. The cleaning process can be performed prior to the diagnostic testing or in response to the diagnostic testing (i.e., only when needed.) Further, the cleaning process can be performed iteratively. 
         [0019]    Thus, the present invention provides for a portable hearing aid cleaning and testing apparatus comprising: 
         [0020]    a resealable housing defining a cavity for receiving a hearing aid, wherein the cavity includes a microphone and has a configuration for securing the hearing aid in a position where a speaker of the hearing aid is opposite of the microphone; 
         [0021]    means for cleaning the hearing aid when the hearing aid is received within the cavity and the housing is in a sealed condition; 
         [0022]    communications interface means for coupling to a data signal connection means of the hearing aid; and 
         [0023]    a controller coupled to the communications interface means, the microphone and an indicia output means (e.g., indicator light), wherein the controller is operable to perform at least one of a cleaning and a testing of operation of the hearing aid. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the means for cleaning includes at least one of a means for filling and emptying the cavity with a cleaning fluid, a means for heating the cavity, a means for heating the cleaning fluid and a means for agitating the fluid when the fluid is in the cavity. 
         [0025]    In a further preferred embodiment, the testing of operation of the hearing aid by the controller comprises: 
         [0026]    transmitting testing data from the controller (e.g., directly to the hearing aid or to a speaker within the cavity) to cause the hearing aid to generate sound output; 
         [0027]    receiving the hearing aid sound output at the microphone and forwarding sound data signals representative of the sound output to the controller; 
         [0028]    evaluating the sound signals to determine whether frequencies and amplitudes of the sound signals correspond to respective expected frequencies and amplitudes associated with the testing data; and 
         [0029]    generating a selected indicia (e.g., pass, fail, clean hearing aid) for output at the indicia output means based on the evaluation. 
         [0030]    In a further preferred embodiment, the testing of operation of the hearing aid includes: 
         [0031]    downloading hearing aid programming from the hearing aid to the controller; 
         [0032]    writing testing data (such as user customized testing data) to a memory in the hearing aid; 
         [0033]    causing testing sound output to be generated at an external speaker output of the apparatus; 
         [0034]    receiving at the microphone hearing aid sound output resulting from operation of the testing data; 
         [0035]    forwarding sound data signals representative of the sound output to the controller; 
         [0036]    evaluating the sound signals to determine whether frequencies and amplitudes of the sound signals correspond to respective expected frequencies and amplitudes associated with the testing data; and 
         [0037]    generating a selected indicia (e.g., pass, fail, clean hearing aid) for output at the indicia output means based on the evaluation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0038]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating the basic operation of a hearing aid that is programmable by a serial interface. 
           [0039]      FIG. 1B  is a block diagram illustrating a serial interface for programming a hearing aid. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a device for in-home, routine, automatic diagnostic testing and cleaning of a hearing aid. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is an alternate embodiment of a device for in-home, routine, automatic diagnostic testing and cleaning of a hearing aid. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a method of conducting a routine automatic diagnostic test using the apparatus of the present invention with tones and other test data generated by the tester. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a method of conducting a routine automatic diagnostic test using the apparatus of the present invention with tones and other test data generated by the hearing aid. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a method of cleaning the hearing aid after diagnostic testing using the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a method of cleaning the hearing aid after diagnostic testing using the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the interface between an in-home, routine, diagnostic testing and cleaning apparatus and a hearing aid. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating the components of a basic prior art hearing aid  100 , and basic operation of a programmable hearing aid, which is programmable by a serial interface in order to be optimized for an individual patient&#39;s hearing needs and preferences. 
         [0048]    Hearing aid  100  includes the following conventional components: a microphone  101 , a pre-amplifier (pre-amp)  102 , an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  180 , a digital signal processor (DSP)  103 , a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)  190 , an amplifier  104 , an output speaker  105 , a data table memory  130 , an address and data bus  121 , a memory  107 , a controller  106 , an address and data bus  120 , an address and data bus  110 , a plurality of input/output devices (I/O)  108 , a programming connection  150 , and a socket connector  151 . 
         [0049]    With hearing aid  100  in a user&#39;s ear, sound is collected as an analog signal in microphone  101 . This signal is amplified using pre-amp  102 , is converted from analog to digital in ADC  180 , and then is processed by DSP  103  to meet the individual&#39;s unique requirements. The signal from DSP  103  is then converted from digital to analog using DAC  190 . This analog signal is then amplified using amplifier  104  for transmission to output speaker  105 . 
         [0050]    A means of programming DSP  103  in order to optimize basic hearing aid  100  for an individual is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,875, entitled, “Hearing aid fitting system,” assigned to Sonic Innovations, Inc and incorporated by reference herein. Programming DSP  103  requires that an individual&#39;s specific hearing compensation requirements data, like amplitude versus frequency, be loaded from data table memory  130  via address and data bus  121  to memory  107  (such as an EEPROM). Controller  106  then accesses memory  107  via address and data bus  120  to load the hearing compensation requirements data onto DSP  103  via address and data bus  110 . I/O  108 , such as on/off, volume, and squelch, connected to controller  106  provide individuals with a degree of external control of hearing aid  100 . 
         [0051]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , computer  152  is an external circuit that can be used to program basic hearing aid  100  via socket connector  151 , which allows for external communication, and programming connection  150 , which allows for a serial or parallel input. U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,020, entitled, “Programming connector for hearing devices,” assigned to Sonic Innovations, Inc. and incorporated by reference herein, further describes the connections of a programmable hearing aid device. Building a serial interface for programming a hearing aid is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,193, entitled, “Two-line variable word length serial interface,” assigned to Sonic Innovations, Inc. and incorporate by reference herein, and is briefly described below in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0052]    In operation, controller  106  gets programmed data from data table memory  130  and loads it into memory  107 . The programmed data is then used by DSP  103  when signals go through microphone  101  and pre-amp  102  to ADC  180 . After DSP  103  operates on the input signal, DSP  103  outputs the modified and processed signal to DAC  190  and then to amplifier  104  to output speaker  105  of hearing aid  100 . Controller  106  uses address and data buses  110 ,  120  and  121  to move data from DSP  103  as needed. Controller  106  also provides connection to I/O  108  on/off, volume, or squelch external adjusters. In addition, controller  106  connects to programming connection  150 , in which socket connector  151  allows communication with an external circuit, such as computer  152 , allowing a user to program or direct controller  106 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a prior art serial interface for programming a hearing aid, as described in the &#39;193 patent.  FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of a digital programmable hearing aid  10  (e.g., basic hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A ), including the serial interface. In the serial interface circuit, an SDA pin  12  and an SCLK pin  14  are depicted, while the pins for power and ground are omitted for simplicity&#39;s sake. SDA pin  12  is connected to the input of an input buffer  16 , and to the output of an output buffer  18 . Input buffer  16  is connected to a gain register  20 , an ADC register  22 , a register file input buffer register  24 , a volume control register  26 , an EEPROM input buffer register  28 , a DSP output register  30 , a temporary trim register  32 , a command register  34 , and a control register  36 . Control register  36  includes a latch (not shown). Output buffer  18  is connected to ADC register  22 , a register file output buffer register  38 , an EEPROM output buffer register  40 , and DSP output register  30 . 
         [0054]    SCLK pin  14  is connected to command register  34 , control register  36 , a first two-input multiplexer  42 , and a second two-input multiplexer  44 . An internal oscillator  46  is connected to a second input of first two-input multiplexer  42  and also provides a clock to an ADC  48  (i.e., ADC  180  of  FIG. 1A ). During normal operation of hearing aid  10 , the input of ADC  48  is connected to the electrical input to hearing aid  10 . The output of ADC  48  is connected to ADC register  22 . The output of first two-input multiplexer  42  is connected to the input of a divide-by-four circuit  50 . The output of divide-by-four circuit  50  is connected to the second input of second two-input multiplexer  44 . The output of second two-input multiplexer  44  provides a clock to a DSP  52  (i.e., DSP  103  of  FIG. 1A ). 
         [0055]    The output of register file input buffer register  24  is connected to a register file  54 , and the output of register file  54  is connected to the input of register file output buffer register  38 . The output of DSP output register  30  is connected to a DAC  56  (i.e., DAC  190  of  FIG. 1A ). The output of EEPROM input buffer register  28  is connected to an EEPROM  58 , and the output of EEPROM  58  is connected to the input of EEPROM output buffer register  40  and a trim latch  60 . The output of trim latch  60  is connected to a third two-input multiplexer  62 , and the second input of third two-input multiplexer  62  is connected to the output of temporary trim register  32 . The output of third two-input multiplexer  62  provides trim signals to various circuits in hearing aid  10 . 
         [0056]    In the serial interface, SDA pin  12  is employed to input a serial data stream including various read and write instructions (described below) from the HI-PRO or external device to hearing aid  10  and to output data from hearing aid  10  both during testing and in the fitting process to determine whether the data in hearing aid  10  is as expected. SCLK pin  14  is used to input a serial clock that clocks in the instructions from the serial data input stream on SDA pin  12 . 
         [0057]    The present maximum clock rate from the HI-PRO device to the serial interface circuit is 7 kHz. It is anticipated, however, that the serial interface circuit will also interface to other devices such as IC testers, and as a result, the SDA and SCLK signals can operate at 1.5 MHz when receiving data from an external source. The serial interface circuit can drive output through SDA pin  12  having a 50-pf load at a 500 kHz clock rate. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2  is a testing and cleaning device  200 , in accordance with the present invention, for at-home routine automatic diagnostic testing of a hearing aid, such as basic hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A , which is vacuum sealed within a cavity  255  of testing and cleaning device  200 . Testing and cleaning device  200  is composed of a top  201  and a base  202  that, upon contact, form fluid-tight cavity  255 . Included in base  202  is a microphone  203  that captures test tones processed by hearing aid  100  and sends the tones via a connection  206  to a controller and DSP  230 . Controller and DSP  230  sends test tones via a speaker connection  205  to a speaker  204 , which plays the tones so that they are received by microphone  101  of basic hearing aid  100 . 
         [0059]    Information obtained from testing is stored in a data storage unit such as a data storage  251 , which is connected to controller and DSP  230  via a connector  256 . Data storage  251  contains pertinent data such as a user profile, battery life and longevity, and number of cleanings, which an audiologist will find useful in making determinations such as the condition of hearing aid  100 . In an alternate embodiment, data contained in data storage  251  can be transmitted to an audiologist via the Internet  295 , providing additional speed and comfort for the consumer. Internet  295  represents the capability to connect to the Internet, an intranet, or other similar network in order to download test programs, ANSI calibration standards, and the like, and to upload test results to a central database for reference and analysis of patient files. 
         [0060]    A plurality of indicator lights  210 ,  211 ,  212 , and  214  in a light panel  215  are connected by a connector  216  to controller and DSP  230  and signal such messages as “Power on,” “Service hearing aid,” “Cleaning cycle in progress,” “Passed test,” etc., as appropriate to the diagnostic test results. Either a means for AC power  220   a  or a means for DC power  220   b  is connected to testing and cleaning device  200  by either a connection  221  or a connection  222 , respectively. 
         [0061]    An on/off switch  290  is used to turn testing and cleaning device  200  on and off, sending a signal through a connector  291  to controller and DSP  230 . 
         [0062]    A serial connector  262   a  within hearing aid  100  connects hearing aid  100  to a serial connector  262   b  on testing and cleaning device  200  for diagnostic testing. A quantity of soundproofing  280  is provided to ensure sound tightness, preventing ambient noise from interfering with diagnostic testing. 
         [0063]    Once testing is finished and before the cleansing process of hearing aid  100  begins, DSP and controller  230  lowers microphone  203  by means of a hinge  252  to reside in a groove  282 . 
         [0064]    A duality of heating devices, each including a heating element  239  and a fan  238 , are located near base  202 , close to the speaker  105  ends of hearing aid  100 . Heating element  239  is a conventional heat emission device such as an electric heating coil or an UV light source. Fan  238  can be a conventional air-circulating fan. Heating elements  239  and fans  238  are controlled by controller and DSP  230  via a duality of connectors  240  and serve to draw out moisture from earwax accumulated on hearing aid  100 . The earwax is then desiccated and sucked away by a vacuum  208  into a length of tubing  241  controlled by a valve  242 . Valve  242  is connected to and controlled by controller and DSP  230  through a connector  243 . Vacuum  208  also pulls hearing aid  100  snugly into soundproofing  280  of base  202  to ensure a soundproof environment for output speaker  105  of hearing aid  100  and microphone  203 . Dried earwax particulate accumulates in a reservoir  244 , which can later be emptied by the user. Alternately, reservoir  244  can be eliminated from testing and cleaning device  200  by connecting cavity  255  directly to the exterior of testing and cleaning device  200  via tubing  241  and valve  242 . 
         [0065]    It is assumed that all elements of hearing aid  100  and testing and cleaning device  200  that are exposed to heating element  239  are capable of withstanding repeated and prolonged exposure to a sustained heat source. In a preferred embodiment, the hearing aid  100  and the device  200  include a layer of material having low heat energy absorption characteristics on all surfaces exposed to the external environment. 
         [0066]    Clock  253  is a conventional display clock, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) clock of a clock-radio alarm. Clock  253  is connected to and controlled by controller and DSP  230  through a connection  254 . Clock  253  can be located at the side of testing and cleaning device  200  to show the time and to make the user more likely to place testing and cleaning device  200  in an accessible location such as a nightstand. The placement of testing and cleaning device  200  in an area of common and plain view would serve to continually remind the user of the necessity of regularly cleaning hearing aid  100 . 
         [0067]    A product prescription ID  281  is a conventional identification label or tag located on the side of testing and cleaning device  200 . Product prescription ID  281  displays the user&#39;s hearing aid prescription. Product prescription ID  281  can be used by a professional, such as an audiologist, to compare the user&#39;s original hearing aid prescription with the actual functioning of hearing aid  100  after testing and cleaning of hearing aid  100  has been completed. The audiologist can therefore determine the accuracy of the functioning of hearing aid  100 . 
         [0068]    In operation, top  201  is opened; hearing aid  100  (which has DSP  103  preprogrammed based upon a hearing test at the audiologist) is powered on and fitted in base  202 , positioned above microphone  203 . Testing and cleaning device  200  is closed and vacuum  208  sucks hearing aid  100  in tightly to ensure that hearing aid  100  fits snugly in cavity  255 . Soundproofing  280  ensures that testing and cleaning device  200  is soundproofed and groove  282  holds microphone  203  in its resting position. 
         [0069]    On/off switch  290  is used to turn testing and cleaning device  200  on and includes an indicator that indicates that testing and cleaning device  200  is switched on. 
         [0070]    Controller and DSP  230  controls the entire electronic operation of testing and cleaning device  200 . Controller and DSP  230  has been loaded with information about the user&#39;s specific hearing test results so that it may uniquely test that user&#39;s hearing aid  100 . Controller and DSP  230  draws power from either AC power  220   a  or DC power  220   b.    
         [0071]    Controller and DSP  230  may download current data and programs from a remote location via Internet  295 . Controller and DSP  230  can program hearing aid  100  through serial connector  262   a , which connects hearing aid  100  to serial connector  262   b  on testing and cleaning device  200  for diagnostic testing. Controller and DSP  230  can erase and rewrite data table memory  130  of hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0072]    Controller and DSP  230  run programs that determine what data is written to data storage  251  in order to program hearing aid  100 . Then controller and DSP  230  sends audio test sounds to speaker  204  using speaker connection  205 . Hearing aid  100 , via its DSP  103 , processes the test sounds and emits them from its own output speaker  105 . These sounds are received by microphone  203  and are sent through connection  206  back to controller and DSP  230 . The testing process continues as controller and DSP  230  sends out its entire series of test sounds and receives the entire series back. Controller and DSP  230  compares the actual test results with the expected test results, and diagnoses the status of hearing aid  100 . This status is sent to light panel  215  through connector  216 , and indicator lights  210 ,  211 ,  212  and  214  provide messages such as “Power on,” “Cleaning cycle in progress,” “Service hearing aid,” and “Passed test,” as appropriate to the test results. Controller and DSP  230  can also download data regarding battery drain, changes in user profile, and general performance to data storage  251  for future reference. 
         [0073]    It should be noted that a program to debug testing and cleaning device  200  could be run without hearing aid  100  in testing and cleaning device  200  to ensure that testing and cleaning device  200  is working properly. 
         [0074]    Additionally, testing and cleaning device  200  performs a cleaning process to eliminate earwax and other undesirable buildup from hearing aid  100 . The cleaning process may be performed prior to the testing process described above or subsequent to the testing process described above (i.e., as a result of the testing process determining the need for hearing aid  100  to be cleaned), and may further be performed iteratively. 
         [0075]    In the cleaning process, controller and DSP  230  activates heating elements  239  and fans  238  through connectors  240 . Heating elements  239  emit heat, which is circulated around hearing aid  100  by fans  238 . The heat from heating elements  239  desiccates and kills foreign residue, such as earwax and bacteria, on hearing aid  100  by drawing moisture away from the foreign residue. The air moved by fans  238  further helps peel off the dried residue, which is then sucked away from hearing aid  100  by vacuum  208 . Electrical signals from controller and DSP  230  via connector  243  actuate valve  242  to open. Particles are sucked, by vacuum  208 , through valve  242  and accumulate in optional reservoir  244 , which can later be emptied. Upon completion of the cleaning process, controller and DSP  230  turns off heating elements  239  and fans  238  via connectors  240  and turns off and vacuum  208  via connection  206 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 3  is an alternate testing and cleaning device  300  for at-home routine automatic diagnostic testing of a hearing aid, such as basic hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A . Testing and cleaning device  300  is composed of a top  301  and a base  302  that, upon contact, form a fluid-tight cavity  355 . Included in base  302  is a microphone  303  that captures test tones processed by hearing aid  100  and sends the tones via a connection  306  to a controller and DSP  330 . Controller and DSP  330  sends test tones via a speaker connection  305  to a speaker  304 , which plays the tones so that they are received by microphone  101  of basic hearing aid  100 . 
         [0077]    A plurality of indicator lights  310 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  in a light panel  315  are connected by a connector  316  to controller and DSP  330  and signal such messages as “Power on,” “Service hearing aid,” “Cleaning cycle in progress,” “Passed test,” etc., as appropriate to the diagnostic test results. Either a means for AC power  320   a  or a means for DC power  320   b  is connected to testing and cleaning device  300  by either a connection  321  or a connection  322 , respectively. 
         [0078]    An on/off switch  390  is used to turn testing and cleaning device  300  on and off, sending a signal through a connector  391  to controller and DSP  330 . An adapter  350  may be used to ensure the proper physical fit of hearing aid  100  in proximity to microphone  303 . 
         [0079]    A serial connector  362   a  within hearing aid  100  connects hearing aid  100  to a serial connector  362   b  on testing and cleaning device  300  for diagnostic testing. An optional adapter serial connector  363  connects serial connectors  362   a  and  362   b  when optional adapter  350  is used. A quantity of soundproofing  380  is provided to ensure sound tightness, preventing ambient noise from interfering with diagnostic testing. A plurality of spacers  381  are disposed at appropriate locations on the outer surface of soundproofing  380  to optimally position hearing aid  100  with respect to microphone  303  while permitting cleaning solution to make contact with hearing aid  100  on all sides, including the bottom surface of hearing aid  100 , upon which earwax most heavily accumulates. Spacers  381  can simply be an appropriately textured outer surface of soundproofing  380 , such as a series of bumps or ridges or a helical groove much like that which could house a screw, or, alternately, can be hollow annular forms fixedly attached to soundproofing  380 . 
         [0080]    A reservoir  331 , used for housing cleaning solution such as hydrogen peroxide or another formulation for dissolving earwax, is manually filled by the user through an inlet shaft  345 . Reservoir  331  supplies cavity  355  during the cleaning cycle via a length of tubing  332 . A small pump  333  and a valve  335  that are controlled by controller and DSP  330  via a connector  334  and a connector  336 , respectively, facilitate transport of cleaning solution from reservoir  331  to cavity  355  upon command from controller and DSP  330 . 
         [0081]    A sensing element  346  senses the level of cleaning solution within cavity  355  as cleaning solution is introduced into cavity  355  and communicates the sensed level of cleaning solution to controller and DSP  330  via a connector  347 . 
         [0082]    A heater, such as a resistive heating element  339 , that is controlled by controller and DSP  330  via a connector  340  serves to increase the temperature of the cleaning solution once the cleaning solution is introduced to cavity  355  and the cleaning cycle begins. 
         [0083]    An agitator  337 , such as a piezoelectric or ultrasonic vibrating mechanism, that is controlled by controller and DSP  330  via a connector  338  serves to provide turbulence to the cleaning solution once the cleaning solution is introduced to cavity  355  and the cleaning cycle begins. 
         [0084]    A reservoir  344  for draining and temporarily housing used cleaning solution is supplied by cavity  355  via a length of tubing  341  upon completion of the cleaning cycle. A valve  342  that is controlled by controller and DSP  330  via a connector  343  is disposed at an appropriate location along the length of tubing  341  to facilitate withdrawal of used cleaning solution from cavity  355  upon command by controller and DSP  330  upon completion of the cleaning cycle. An additional pump (not shown) can optionally be disposed in tubing  341  to better facilitate purging of used cleaning solution. An additional length of tubing (not shown) and a valve (not shown) can serve to purge reservoir  344  upon the appropriate mechanical actions of the user (e.g., the user removes a small gasket from the bottom of testing and cleaning device  300  or rotates a small dial) or electrical signals from controller and DSP  330 . Alternately, reservoir  344  can be eliminated from testing and cleaning device  300  by connecting cavity  355  directly to the exterior of testing and cleaning device  300  via tubing  341  and valve  342 . In such a case, valve  342  is likely to be manually actuated or replaced by a gasket. 
         [0085]    The Internet  395  represents the capability of controller and DSP  330  to connect to the Internet, an intranet, or other similar network, in order to download test programs, ANSI calibration standards, and the like, and to upload test results to a central database for reference and analysis of patient files. 
         [0086]    It is assumed that all elements of hearing aid  100  and testing and cleaning device  300  that are to come in to contact with cleaning solution are capable of withstanding repeated and prolonged exposure to cleaning solution. 
         [0087]    It should be noted that elements top  201 , base  202 , microphone  203 , speaker  204 , speaker connection  205 , connection  206 , indicator light  210 , indicator light  211 , indicator light  212 , indicator light  214 , light panel  215 , connector  216 , AC power  220   a , DC power  220   b , connection  221 , connection  222 , controller and DSP  230 , tubing  241 , valve  242 , connector  243 , reservoir  244 , cavity  255 , serial connector  262   a , serial connector  262   b , soundproofing  280 , on/off switch  290 , connector  291 , and Internet  295  of  FIG. 2  share the same functionality as top  301 , base  302 , microphone  303 , speaker  304 , speaker connection  305 , connection  306 , indicator light  310 , indicator light  311 , indicator light  312 , indicator light  314 , light panel  315 , connector  316 , AC power  320   a , DC power  320   b , connection  321 , connection  322 , controller and DSP  330 , tubing  341 , valve  342 , connector  343 , reservoir  344 , cavity  355 , serial connector  362   a , serial connector  362   b , soundproofing  380 , on/off switch  390 , connector  391 , and Internet  395 , respectively, of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0088]    In operation, top  301  is opened and hearing aid  100  (which has DSP  103  preprogrammed based upon a hearing test at the audiologist) is powered on and fit in base  302 , positioned above microphone  303  (optionally using adapter  350 , which provides the ability to fit many different sizes of hearing aids  100  in standard sized testing and cleaning device  300 ). Testing and cleaning device  300  is closed and soundproofing  380  ensures that testing and cleaning device  300  is soundproofed. 
         [0089]    In a preferred embodiment, the soundproofing  380  of the base  302  of the device  300  includes inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface is opposite the cavity  355  and is compatible with the internal construction of the base  302  and its elements. The outer surface has a construction customized to the outer surface configuration of a predetermined hearing aid, such that the hearing aid is held securely and snugly within the cavity  355 . 
         [0090]    On/off switch  390  is used to turn testing and cleaning device  300  on and includes an indicator that indicates that testing and cleaning device  300  is switched on. 
         [0091]    Controller and DSP  330  controls the entire electronic operation of testing and cleaning device  300 . Controller and DSP  330  has been loaded with information about the user&#39;s specific hearing test results so that it may uniquely test that user&#39;s hearing aid  100 . Controller and DSP  330  draws power from either AC power  320   a  or DC power  320   b.    
         [0092]    Controller and DSP  330  may download current data and programs from a remote location via Internet  395 . Controller and DSP  330  can program hearing aid  100  through serial connector  362   a ; which connects hearing aid  100  to serial connector  362   b  on testing and cleaning device  300  for diagnostic testing. Optional adapter serial connector  363  connects serial connectors  362   a  and  362   b  when optional adapter  350  is used. Controller and DSP  330  can erase and rewrite data table memory  130  of hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0093]    Controller and DSP  330  runs programs that determine what data is written to data table memory  130  in order to program hearing aid  100 . Then controller and DSP  330  sends audio test sounds to speaker  304  using speaker connection  305 . Hearing aid  100 , via its DSP  103 , processes the test sounds and emits them from its own output speaker  105 . These sounds are received by microphone  303  and are sent through connection  306  back to controller and DSP  330 . The testing process continues as controller and DSP  330  sends out its entire series of test sounds and receives the entire series back. Controller and DSP  330  compares the actual test results with the expected test results, and diagnoses the status of hearing aid  100 . This status is sent to light panel  315  through connector  316 , and indicator lights  310 ,  311 ,  312  and  314  provide messages such as “Power on,” “Cleaning cycle in progress,” “Service hearing aid,” and “Passed test,” as appropriate to the test results. 
         [0094]    It should be noted that a program to debug testing and cleaning device  300  could be run without hearing aid  100  in testing and cleaning device  300  to ensure that testing and cleaning device  300  is working properly. 
         [0095]    Additionally, testing and cleaning device  300  performs a cleaning process to dissolve earwax and other undesirable buildup from hearing aid  100 . The cleaning process may be performed prior to the testing process described above or subsequent to the testing process described above (i.e., as a result of the testing process determining the need for hearing aid  100  to be cleaned), and may further be performed iteratively. 
         [0096]    In preparation for the cleaning process, the consumer fills reservoir  331  with an appropriate cleaning solution via inlet shaft  345 . To initiate the cleaning process, controller and DSP  330  actuates valve  335  to an open position via connector  336  and initiates pump  333  via connector  334 . Cleaning solution is then pumped to cavity  355  via tubing  332  until controller and DSP  330  receives an appropriate signal from sensing element  346  via connector  347  that matches an optimal cleaning solution fill level that is stored in its memory, e.g., a volume of liquid that completely submerges hearing aid  100 . Spacers  381  ensure that cleaning solution makes contact with nearly the entirety of the exterior surface of hearing aid  100 , including the shaft and canal of hearing aid  100  that house output speaker  105 , upon which earwax most heavily accumulates, while optimally positioning hearing aid  100  with respect to microphone  303 . Controller and DSP  330  subsequently turns off pump  333  via connector  334  and actuates valve  335  to a closed position via connector  336 . Controller and DSP  330  turns heating element  339  on via connector  340 . Controller and DSP  330  turns on agitator  337  via connector  338 . The turbulent heated cleaning solution effectively removes earwax from hearing aid  100 . Upon completion of the cleaning process, controller and DSP  330  turns agitator  337  off via connector  338  and turns heating element  339  off via connector  340 . Controller and DSP  330  actuates valve  342  to an open position via connector  343  and the used cleaning solution is drained from cavity  355  via tubing  341 . Optional reservoir  344  temporarily stores the used cleaning solution until it is convenient for the user to drain testing and cleaning device  300 . Alternately, tubing  341  can lead directly to the exterior of testing and cleaning device  300  and may serve to drain the used cleaning solution from cavity  355  upon the appropriate mechanical actions of the user (e.g., the user removes a small gasket from the bottom of testing and cleaning device  300  or rotates a dial on the exterior of testing and cleaning device  300 ) or electrical signals from controller and DSP  330  that actuate valve  342  to an open position via connector  343 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 4  shows a method  400  of testing hearing aids such as hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A  using at-home routine automatic hearing aid testing and cleaning device  200 , where the testing device generates test tones. Alternately, this method could employ testing and cleaning device  300 , using the corresponding elements described above. Method  400  includes the steps of: 
       Step  405 : Setting up Hearing Aid Tester 
       [0098]    In this step, testing and cleaning device  200  is turned on. A debug test is run with the unit closed and no hearing aid  100  in the device to ensure that testing and cleaning device  200  is working properly. Top  201  is opened. Additionally, when using the alternate embodiment of the present invention as described in  FIG. 3 , reservoir  331  is manually filled with cleaning solution in this step. Method  400  proceeds to step  410 . 
       Step  410 : Setting up Hearing Aid to be Tested 
       [0099]    In this step, hearing aid  100  is removed from the user&#39;s ear, turned on (if not already on), and placed in base  202 . Vacuum  208  pulls hearing aid  100  snugly into soundproofing  280  of base  202  to ensure a soundproof environment for output speaker  105  of hearing aid  100  and microphone  203 . Top  201  is closed. Method  400  proceeds to step  415 . 
         [0000]    Step  415 : Loading Data from Memory of Hearing Aid to Tester 
         [0100]    In this step, testing and cleaning device  200  automatically downloads programming data from memory  107  of hearing aid  100 , storing the data in testing and cleaning device  200  to clear memory  107  in preparation for the diagnostic hearing aid test of the present invention. Method  400  proceeds to step  420 . 
         [0101]    Step  420 : Writing Basic Test Data from Tester to Hearing Aid 
         [0102]    In this step, microphone  203  rises from its resting position in groove  282  of soundproofing  280  and is positioned in a location such as below output speaker  105  of hearing aid  100  to begin testing hearing aid  100 . Basic test data is written from testing and cleaning device  200  to memory  107  in preparation for the diagnostic hearing test. Method  400  proceeds to step  425 . 
       Step  425 : Running Basic Test 
       [0103]    In this step, the user initiates the test program, which sends sounds (tones) at various amplitudes directly from controller and DSP  230  of testing and cleaning device  200  to speaker  204 . These tones are then received by microphone  101  of hearing aid  100 , are output through output speaker  105 , then are collected by microphone  203  of testing and cleaning device  200  and conveyed as test results to controller and DSP  230 . Method  400  proceeds to step  430 . 
       Step  430 : Passed Test? 
       [0104]    In this decision step, the test results are compared with standard hearing aid data stored in testing and cleaning device  200  to determine whether hearing aid  100  is functioning as intended when optimized for the user. This comparison step may be performed by a computer algorithm that compares a test result, such as a given frequency and amplitude, with the expected result and then calculates whether the test result is within tolerance. If hearing aid  100  is functioning within tolerance, method  400  proceeds to step  435 ; if not, method  400  proceeds to step  440 . Method  400  proceeds to step  435 . 
       Step  435 : Illuminating “Passed Test” Light 
       [0105]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  sends a signal to light panel  215  to illuminate indicator light  214 , which indicates that hearing aid  100  has passed the test. Method  400  proceeds to step  440 . 
         [0000]    Step  440 : Illuminating “Need service” Light 
         [0106]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  sends a signal to light panel  215  to illuminate indicator light  210 , which indicates that hearing aid  100  needs service. This signals the user to seek professional maintenance of hearing aid  100  and testing and cleaning device  200  once method  400  is complete. The hearing health professional would then assess both hearing aid  100  and testing and cleaning device  200  and perhaps also the user&#39;s hearing, recommending remedial action. Method  400  proceeds to step  445 . 
         [0000]    Step  445 : Erasing Test Data from Hearing Aid 
         [0107]    In this step, testing and cleaning device  200  erases the test data from memory  107  of hearing aid  100 . Method  400  proceeds to step  450 . 
         [0000]    Step  450 : Writing User Data from Tester to Hearing Aid 
         [0108]    In this step, testing and cleaning device  200  writes the user&#39;s programming data that was stored in testing and cleaning device  200  in step  415  back into memory  107  of hearing aid  100 . Hearing aid  100  may be removed from testing and cleaning device  200  (or alternate embodiment testing and cleaning device  300 ) at this point, or may be left in the device for cleaning as described in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Method  400  ends. 
         [0109]      FIG. 5  shows a method  500  of testing hearing aids such as hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A  using at-home routine automatic hearing aid testing and cleaning device  200 , where tones are generated by the hearing aid. Alternately, this method could employ testing and cleaning device  300 , using the corresponding elements described above. Method  500  includes the steps of: 
       Step  505 : Setting up Hearing Aid Tester 
       [0110]    In this step, testing and cleaning device  200  is turned on. A debug test is run with the unit closed and no hearing aid  100  in the device to ensure that testing and cleaning device  200  is working properly. Top  201  is opened. Additionally, when using the alternate embodiment of the present invention, reservoir  331  is manually filled with cleaning solution in this step. Method  500  proceeds to step  510 . 
       Step  510 : Setting up Hearing Aid to be Tested 
       [0111]    In this step, hearing aid  100  is removed from the user&#39;s ear, is turned on (if not already on), and is fitted onto base  202 . Top  201  is closed. Method  500  proceeds to step  515 . 
         [0000]    Step  515 : Retrieving Test Data from Memory of Hearing Aid 
         [0112]    In this step, hearing aid  100  is initialized by controller and DSP  230 , which causes hearing aid  100  to automatically generate tones and retrieve other user-personalized programming data from memory  107  in preparation for the diagnostic hearing aid test that has been optimized for the individual user. Method  500  proceeds to step  520 . 
         [0000]    Step  520 : Writing Basic Test Data from Hearing Aid to Tester 
         [0113]    In this step, test data retrieved in step  515  is written from memory  107  of hearing aid  100  to testing and cleaning device  200  in preparation for the diagnostic hearing test. Method  500  proceeds to step  525 . 
       Step  525 : Running Basic Test 
       [0114]    In this step, the user initiates the test program, or, alternatively, the test program is automatically performed following step  520 . The test program sends sounds (tones) at various amplitudes directly from output speaker  105  of hearing aid  100 . The sounds are received by microphone  203  of testing and cleaning device  200  and are sent to controller and DSP  230 . Method  500  proceeds to step  530 . 
       Step  530 : Passed Test? 
       [0115]    In this decision step, the test results are compared with standard hearing aid data stored in testing and cleaning device  200  to determine whether hearing aid  100  is functioning as intended when optimized for the user. This comparison step may be performed by a computer algorithm that compares a test result, such as a given frequency and amplitude, with the expected result, then calculates whether the test result is within tolerance. If hearing aid  100  is functioning within tolerance, method  500  proceeds to step  535 ; if not, method  500  proceeds to step  540 . Method  500  proceeds to step  535 . 
       Step  535 : Illuminating “Passed Test” Light 
       [0116]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  sends a signal to light panel  215  to illuminate indicator light  214 , which indicates that hearing aid  100  has passed the test. Method  500  proceeds to step  540 . 
       Step  540 : Illuminating “Need Service” Light 
       [0117]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  sends a signal to light panel  215  to illuminate indicator light  210 , which indicates that hearing aid  100  needs service. This signals the user to seek professional maintenance of hearing aid  100  and testing and cleaning device  200  once method  500  is complete. The hearing health professional would then assess both hearing aid  100  and testing and cleaning device  200 , and perhaps also the user&#39;s hearing, recommending remedial action. Hearing aid  100  may be removed from testing and cleaning device  200  (or alternate embodiment testing and cleaning device  300 ) at this point, or may be left in the device for cleaning as described in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Method  500  ends. 
         [0118]    In an alternative preferred embodiment, a self-test or calibration of the testing and cleaning device  200  is initially performed before step  505 . If the device  200  passes the test, then in step  540  the indicator light  210  is illuminated to signal the user to seek professional maintenance of only the hearing aid  100 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 6  shows a method  600  of cleaning hearing aids such as hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A  using at-home routine automatic hearing aid testing and cleaning device  200 . Although the practice of method  600  assumes that hearing aid  100  has been tested, i.e., as described in reference to  FIGS. 4  or  5 , prior to cleaning, hearing aid  100  may be placed in testing and cleaning device  200  and cleaned without previous testing. Method  600  includes the steps of: 
       Step  605 : Preparing Hearing Aid for Cleaning 
       [0120]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  initiates the cleaning process by lowering microphone  203  into groove  282 . Method  600  proceeds to step  610   
       Step  610 : Desiccating Earwax 
       [0121]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  activates heating element  239 , fan  238 , and vacuum  208 . The heat source from heating element  239  desiccates and kills foreign residue, such as earwax and bacteria, on hearing aid  100  by drawing moisture away from the foreign residue. Air moved by fan  238  further helps peel off the dried residue. Heating element  239  emits heat, which is circulated around hearing aid  100  by fan  238 . The heat source can be a UV heat source that serves to both kill bacteria on hearing aid  100  as well as take away moisture from any accumulated earwax. Heating element  239  draws moisture from accumulated earwax causing it to become brittle and flake off into particulates. The cleaning cycle continues for an appropriate time interval that is governed by controller and DSP  330 . Method  600  continues to step  615 . 
       Step  615 : Vacuuming Earwax 
       [0122]    In this step, the dried particulate is sucked away from hearing aid  100  by vacuum  208 . Electrical signals from controller and DSP  230  via connector  243  actuate valve  242  to an open position. Particulate is sucked through valve  242  and accumulates in optional reservoir  244 , which can later be emptied. Method  600  continues to step  620 . 
       Step  620 : Running Test 
       [0123]    In this optional step, controller and DSP  230  runs a diagnostic test, which may have provided from a remote database over a communications network, and determines whether hearing aid  100  is sufficiently clean of earwax and other debris. This step enables iterative cleaning of hearing aid  100 . Method  600  proceeds to step  625 . 
       Step  625 : Is Hearing Aid Clean? 
       [0124]    In this decision step, controller and DSP  230  determines, based on the test performed in step  620 , whether hearing aid  100  is sufficiently clean. If so, method  600  proceeds to step  630 . If not, method  600  returns to step  605 . 
       Step  630 : Stopping Cleaning Process 
       [0125]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  deactivates heating element  239 , fan  238 , and vacuum  208  and signals a message to one of indicator lights  210 ,  211 ,  212 , and  214  in light panel  215 , which indicates that the cleaning process is finished. At this point, controller and DSP  230  downloads data regarding battery drain, changes in user profile, and general performance into data storage  251  for future reference. Top  201  is lifted and hearing aid  100  can be taken out of cavity  255 . If reservoir  244  is full, the user can empty it of its contents. Method  600  ends. 
         [0126]      FIG. 7  shows a method  700  of cleaning hearing aids such as hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A  using at-home routine automatic hearing aid testing and cleaning device  300 . Although the practice of method  700  assumes that hearing aid  100  has been tested, i.e., as described in reference to  FIGS. 4  or  5 , prior to cleaning, hearing aid  100  may be placed in testing and cleaning device  300  and cleaned without previous testing. Method  700  includes the steps of: 
       Step  705 : Introducing Cleaning Solution to Cavity 
       [0127]    In this step, if reservoir  331  has not previously been manually filled with cleaning solution, it is filled now. Controller and DSP  330  initiates the cleaning process by actuating valve  335  to an open position and turning on pump  333 , thereby introducing cleaning solution from reservoir  331  to cavity  355  via tubing  332 . Cleaning solution continues to flow into cavity  335  via tubing  332  until a signal is received by controller and DSP  330  from sensing element  346  indicating that hearing aid  100  is appropriately submerged, at which time controller and DSP  330  turns pump  333  off and actuates valve  325  to a closed position. Method  700  proceeds to step  710 . 
         [0128]    In a preferred embodiment, the device  300  includes a selectively movable lid (not shown) which is positioned to cover the microphone  303  before fluid is introduced into cavity  355  in step  705 . 
       Step  710 : Heating and Agitating Cleaning Solution 
       [0129]    In this step, controller and DSP  330  turns on heating element  339  and agitator  337 . The action of the heated and agitated cleaning solution dissolves the earwax and removes it from hearing aid  100 . The cleaning cycle continues for an appropriate time interval that is governed by controller and DSP  330 . Method  700  continues to step  715 . 
         [0000]    Step  715 : Draining Used Cleaning Solution from Cavity 
         [0130]    In this step, controller and DSP  330  turns off heating element  339  and agitator  337 . Controller and DSP  330  subsequently actuates valve  342  to an open position and used cleaning solution is drained from cavity  355  into reservoir  344 . Method  700  continues to step  720 . 
       Step  720 : Running Test 
       [0131]    In this optional step, controller and DSP  330  runs a diagnostic test or remotely determines whether hearing aid  100  is sufficiently clean of earwax and other debris. This step enables iterative cleaning of hearing aid  100 . Method  700  proceeds to step  725 . 
       Step  725 : Is Hearing Aid Clean? 
       [0132]    In this decision step, controller and DSP  330  determines, based on the test performed in step  720 , whether hearing aid  100  is sufficiently clean. If so, method  700  proceeds to step  730 . If not, method  700  returns to step  705 . At this point or in any stage of the testing and cleansing process, controller and DSP  330  can also download data regarding battery drain, changes in user profile, and general performance for future reference. Method  700  proceeds to step  730 . 
       Step  730 : Draining Cleaning Solution 
       [0133]    In this step, controller and DSP  230  signals a message to one of indicator lights  310 ,  311 ,  312 , and  314  in light panel  315 , which indicates that the cleaning process is finished. Top  301  is lifted open and hearing aid  100  is removed for use. The user can empty optional reservoir  344  by draining the cleaning solution from testing and cleaning device  300 , e.g., by removing a small gasket from the bottom of testing and cleaning device  300  or by rotating a dial on the exterior of testing and cleaning device  300  that allows the passage of used cleaning solution out of the device. Method  700  ends. 
         [0134]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing the portions of hearing aid  10  (e.g., basic hearing aid  100  of  FIG. 1A ) including the serial interface, as explained as  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 8  shows the physical arrangement of hearing aid  100  (the top section of the diagram) and testing and cleaning device  200  (the bottom section of the diagram). In addition,  FIG. 8  shows a physical connection for diagnostic testing data interchange between serial connector  262   a  of hearing aid  100  and serial connector  262   b  of testing and cleaning device  200 . The program, basic test, and memory map are stored in EEPROM  58  of testing and cleaning device  200 . 
         [0135]    Microphone  101  of hearing aid  100  is shown opposite speaker  204  of testing and cleaning device  200 . Microphone  203  of testing and cleaning device  200  is shown opposite output speaker  105  of hearing aid  100 . Serial connectors  262   a  and  262   b  are physically connected. 
         [0136]    In this manner, an at-home diagnostic hearing aid testing and maintenance process can be performed. The diagnostic test is automatic and convenient, and can be conducted as frequently as daily. The diagnostic test provides updates on the status of the hearing aid status, such as “improper functioning” or “service required,” and may be used to determine whether it is necessary to initiate the cleaning process.