Hearing device restoration device, system, and methods therefor

A hearing restoration system with a housing having a user interface, a pump, control circuitry, and at least one pneumatic port. The hearing restoration system comprises one or more pneumatic ports, which are connected fluidly to one or more tubes. Furthermore, the housing may have a vacuum chamber fluidly connected to the third pneumatic port. A control circuitry is configured to detect a mode of operation of the system based on a measurement of pressure or vacuum inside the hearing aid restoration apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices, such as hearing instruments, personal sound amplifiers, hearing aids, active ear plugs, and headsets contain electronics that may be adversely affected by moisture and debris. Hearing devices also contain inlet ports (e.g. sound inlets) that guide ambient sound to sensors, internal or external channels that convey sounds, and outlet ports (e.g. a receiver outlet) that output sound to for example an ear canal of a hearing device user. Such ports and channels are often small (in the order of 1 mm or less in a cross-sectional dimension), and may be susceptible to clogging or blocking by e.g. debris. Some hearing devices, especially hearing aids, are worn by users in the various regions of the auditory duct, such as the ear canal, and are thus exposed to secretions, such as cerumen, produced by the ear canal of a user wearing the hearing device. The exposure of the hearing device to cerumen and moisture can adversely affect the performance of the hearing device by damaging the electronics and clogging various ports and channels which for example guides the sound from the ambient environment into the ear canal of a user.

For purposes of this disclosure, hearing aids are discussed, but do not limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments to be used only with hearing aids. A hearing aid typically includes small openings, referred to here as ports, that are intended to allow sound to pass. An inlet port is typically exposed to the ambient environment to allow sounds to enter the hearing aid. Hearing aids may be custom fitted to a user based on that user's hearing deficit and output amplified sounds through an outlet port. The size and shape of such ports are typically small, in the order of 1 mm or less, as small size is a desirable property of a hearing aid.

When a hearing aid is used, it is foreseeable that foreign substances, such as cerumen and other debris and moisture may enter the inlet and outlet ports and possibly clog them. When an inlet port is clogged, ambient sound might get attenuated, reducing the overall performance of the hearing aid. Similarly, a clogged outlet port may attenuate sounds reaching the user. A hearing device, such as hearing aids may include various protection devices, such as cerumen filters or specially shaped port openings to minimize the problem of cerumen and debris clogging.

It is desirable to provide the ability to clean and restore a hearing device to an improved state where the electronics and the inlet and outlet ports together with any channels are clean. Devices which are suitable for such purposes, such as hearing restoration devices and systems, provide cleaning and restoration capability, by providing a wand with a fine tip that enables a user to vacuum-clean the interior of a hearing device by inserting the tip directly into the various ports of the hearing device while suction is applied by the tip. The flow of air can be reversed and the wand can output pressurized air through the tip to help dislodge debris in the hearing device. Additionally, such devices may have a vacuum chamber into which a hearing device can be placed. When a hearing device is exposed to a vacuum for a predetermined period of time, moisture and debris is easily extracted from the device.

However, such systems require a complex configuration of electronic valves that increase its manufacturing complexity, manufacturing cost, and weigh. Moreover, such devices rely on a tube, which connects the wand to the pump, which tube may become soiled with debris extracted out of a hearing device when the wand is used as a vacuum cleaner, and this debris can then be expelled from the wand when the wand is used to supply pressurized air. This could adversely affect the cleaning of a hearing device, due to a potential cross-contamination.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution that addresses at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes a device, system and methods that address at least some of these challenges and also provide other advantages.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a hearing device or hearing aid restoration apparatus provides the ability to restore a hearing aid by removing clogging and moisture from the hearing aid. The term apparatus may be interchanged with system based on the context of the specification. According to other embodiments of the disclosure, a hearing aid restoration method provides the ability to restore the hearing aid. In an embodiment, restoration of a hearing device should be understood as the removal of debris and moisture and also de-clogging the internal ports and channels of the hearing device.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, a hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a housing with at least a first pneumatic port that selectively outputs air and a second pneumatic port that selectively sucks in air. The selective outputting of air by the first pneumatic port may include periods of air being output when a pump is operating, and periods where no air is output when the pump is not operating. The first pneumatic port may be referred to herein as compressed air pneumatic port. The hearing aid restoration apparatus may also include a user interface that receives a user input to select a mode of operation of the hearing aid restoration apparatus, a first mode of operation providing no suction at the second pneumatic port and a second mode of operation providing suction at the second pneumatic port; and a controller that detects what mode of operation is selected based on a measurement of pressure (or vacuum, which is a measurement of negative pressure) inside the hearing aid restoration apparatus. The discussion of pressure and vacuum can be interchanged herein, with the understanding that measuring vacuum is the measurement of negative pressure.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus matter may include a vacuum sensor that measures a level of vacuum (or pressure) in an air space that is not fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port and outputs a signal representative of the measured level of vacuum to the controller. In embodiments, the air space can be a sealed or air-tight container of air. In embodiments, the air space may be a tube connected to a valve, such as pneumatic valve with multiple ports.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a pneumatic valve that includes at least an input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The input port may be connected to the air space of the embodiment noted above. The hearing aid restoration apparatus may also include a pump that includes a pump inlet port and a pump outlet port, wherein the input port of the valve may be fluidly connected to the pump inlet port, the second output port of the pneumatic valve may be fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port, and the pneumatic valve may toggle a fluid connection from the input port of the pneumatic valve to either the first output port or the second output port.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a fluid connection between the first output port of the pneumatic valve and a vacuum chamber port of the hearing aid restoration apparatus, wherein the vacuum sensor may be configured to measure the level of vacuum in the fluid connection.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may also include a pad located on an outer surface of the housing and a removable container forming an airtight seal when placed on the pad, wherein the vacuum chamber port may be located at least partially in the pad. In an embodiment, the vacuum chamber port may have a filter element inserted therein.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the user interface can be configured as a toggle switch protruding from the housing, the toggle switch being movable between a first position corresponding to the first mode and a second position corresponding to the second mode. The toggle switch may control an internal flow path of the pneumatic valve.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a vacuum cleaning wand (or simply “vacuum wand”) fluidly connected to the second pneumatic port, the vacuum cleaning wand including a filter element, a tubular neck extending from the filter element, and a tip attached to an end of the tubular neck.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the vacuum wand of the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a tubular shaped filter housing body enclosing the filter element enclosed on two ends with end caps. The vacuum wand may also include a pulsation element fluidly connected between the second pneumatic port and the filter housing body, the pulsation element selectively interrupting suction through the filter housing body at a regular interval.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the pulsation element may include a pulsation chamber that is a hollow cavity with an inlet port and an outlet port, with a piston with a piston head selectively closing the inlet port. A biasing device may exert a biasing force on the piston head to close the inlet port. When suction is applied to the outlet port, vacuum may build up in the pulsation chamber and exert a vacuum force on the piston head against the biasing force of the biasing device until the vacuum force overcomes the biasing force to open the inlet port until the biasing force overcomes vacuum force. When the biasing force overcomes the vacuum force, the piston head may close the inlet port again to repeat this cycle, which may cause a pulsating effect in the vacuum cleaning wand.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the pulsation element may include a bypass port providing a fluid connection from the inlet port of the pulsation chamber to the outlet port of the pulsation chamber through a pulsation control valve. The pulsation element may also include the pulsation control valve opening and closing the bypass port in response to a user's manipulation of the pulsation control valve to selectively enable and disable pulsation of the vacuum in the vacuum cleaning wand.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include an electronic valve interposed between the second pneumatic port and the vacuum cleaning wand and receiving a control signal from the controller, wherein the electronic valve may repeatedly open and close the fluid connection between the second pneumatic port and the vacuum cleaning wand in response to a command from the controller.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the housing of the hearing aid restoration system may include at least one storage compartment.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the at least one storage compartment may include an elongate recess in an upper surface of the housing

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the at least one storage compartment comprises a drawer extendable horizontally from the housing.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a retracting mechanism that may extend and retract a tube, the tube passing through the second pneumatic port, the retracting mechanism at least partially spooling the tube inside the housing of the hearing aid restoration apparatus.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the hearing aid restoration apparatus may include a hearing aid placed within the removable container and above the vacuum chamber pad when the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the first mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the controller may determine that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the second mode based on the vacuum sensor signal value being continuously at or below a predetermined threshold, and the controller may determine that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the first mode based on the vacuum sensor signal value fluctuating or being continuously above a second predetermined threshold.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the controller may initiate a count-down timer when it determines that the restoration apparatus is in the first mode, and the controller may turn off the pump at the expiration of the count-down timer.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the controller may output a message indicating an error condition on the display (by sending a command or signal or otherwise controlling the display) when the controller determines that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the first mode and the fluctuating vacuum sensor signal remains below a third predetermined threshold. This condition may be indicative of a leak in the vacuum chamber or the fluid connection from the vacuum chamber to the pneumatic valve, a leak in the pneumatic valve, or a leak in the connection between the pneumatic valve and the pump.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the controller may apply a ceiling function or a floor function to the vacuum sensor signal and may output a vacuum reading filtered by the ceiling function or the floor function on the display.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a method of restoring a hearing aid may include detecting by a controller whether a power switch of a hearing aid restoration apparatus has been activated, supplying electrical power to a pump in response to the power switch being activated, measuring a vacuum level in volume fluidly connected to a vacuum chamber with a vacuum sensor of the hearing aid restoration apparatus, determining that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in a vacuum chamber mode when the measured vacuum level fluctuates or exceeds a predetermined threshold, and activating a timer in response to the determination that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the vacuum chamber mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the method may include monitoring the power switch and shutting off power to the pump when the power switch is turned off.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the method may include determining by the controller that the hearing aid restoration apparatus has been switched to a vacuum wand mode when the measured vacuum level drops below a second predetermined threshold after the determination that the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the vacuum chamber mode and the pump is operating.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, which may be combined with any of the foregoing and following exemplary embodiments, the method may include displaying a message indicating an error condition on a display of the hearing aid restoration device in response to a measurement of the vacuum level below a third predetermined threshold when the hearing aid restoration apparatus is in the vacuum chamber mode.

The disclosed hearing restoration system (also sometimes referred to as “the system” below) comprises a housing with a user interface, a pump, control circuitry (also referred to as a controller), and at least one pneumatic port. In an exemplary embodiment the hearing restoration system may comprise three pneumatic ports, with two of the pneumatic ports fluidly connected to a separate tube. One tube will be referred to as a pressure tube and the other tube as a suction tube. The housing may further comprise a removable container positioned on the third pneumatic port, referred to herein as a vacuum chamber port. The removable container may have an open cylinder shape, so that it forms a cup. When the cup is placed above the vacuum chamber port and suction is applied to the port, vacuum is created in the cup. This is will be referred to as a vacuum chamber.

The system may comprise a pump inside the housing. In an exemplary embodiment the pump may be a piston pump that is capable of generating 28.5 inHg vacuum. The pump has an inlet and an outlet which are connected to the various pneumatic ports to provide suction or pressure. The pump is driven by an electric motor that can be an internal part of the pump or can be a separate component that drives a drive-shaft of the pump. An electrical switch positioned on the housing selectively provides power to the pump or provides a control signal to control circuitry that supplies power to the pump.

The outlet of the pump is fluidly connected, possibly through valves or a pressure storage tank, to one of the pneumatic ports, referred to as the compressed air pneumatic port or the first pneumatic port herein. When the pump operates it forces air through its outlet toward one of the pneumatic ports, or possibly to a pressure storage tank. Thus, compressed air is provided to the compressed air pneumatic port. The compressed air pneumatic port has an attachment interface that accepts a connection of a connector, such as a luer lock. The interface may be threaded or may include a flange.

A pressure tube is fluidly connected to the pneumatic port. The pressure tube is flexible yet resilient enough to withstand the pressure provided by the pump. A pressure wand is connected to the end of the pressure tube. The pressure wand includes an elongate body that is easy to grasp and hold by the user and terminates with a connector that can accept various attachments, such as tip elements, which are configured for insertion into e.g. inlet ports of a hearing device. The attachments can be connected safely to the connector with a luer lock, or other threaded or friction connections. A stream of pressurized air is emitted from the pressure wand through the attachments, and varying the size of the attachments can vary the speed of the air stream emitted from the pressure wand. The pressure tube and the pressure wand are separate from a suction tube and a suction wand that are attached to another pneumatic port.

The inlet of the pump provides air to the pump. Thus, when the pump is operating, air is sucked into the inlet of the pump, allowing the generation of a vacuum or partial vacuum in a closed space that is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pump. The inlet of the pump is connected via an internal suction tube to a pneumatic switch. The pneumatic switch can be manually operated or electrically operated. The pneumatic switch has multiple ports which are connected or disconnected depending on the state of the switch.

In one example, the pneumatic switch has three ports. Port one is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pump and alternatively connected to port two or to port three, depending on the switching state of the switch. In the case of a manually operated switch, a lever or push-bar extending from the switch toggles between the two connections. The pneumatic switch enables the inlet of the pump to be alternatively connected to either the vacuum pneumatic port on the housing or to the vacuum chamber port of the vacuum chamber.

The vacuum pneumatic port on the housing has an interface, much like the compressed air pneumatic port, that allows the suction tube to connect to the vacuum pneumatic port. One end of the suction tube is connected to the vacuum pneumatic port and the other end of the suction tube is connected to vacuum cleaning wand. The provision of a separate suction wand and pressure wand makes it easier to use the restoration system, as the user does not need to move a tube from one pneumatic port to another. Instead, the vacuum cleaning wand and the pressure wand are continuously available for the user.

Another advantage of providing separate wands and tubes is reduction of possible cross contamination. The vacuum cleaning wand may accumulate debris over time as it is used to extract debris from hearing devices. The wand is expected to be regularly cleaned, but nevertheless, debris could remain. If this tube were to be used in a dual-role as the pressure wand, the accumulated debris could clog the tip or blow into a hearing device that is being cleaned by the compressed air emitted from the wand.

The vacuum cleaning wand comprises a body that may comprise a cylindrical hollow housing body enclosed on both ends by end caps. The word cylindrical in this context does not necessarily require a circular cross-section, but can be any shape that has a hollow cavity in the interior and can be enclosed on two ends. The hollow cavity may hold a filtration element traps debris that is sucked into the wand by the suction of the pump. The vacuum cleaning wand may also comprise a tubular shaped neck extending from one of the end caps. The placement of the filter in the vacuum cleaning wand itself reduces or eliminates debris contamination of the suction tube that could, over time, reduce the overall suction performance of the restoration system.

The neck of the vacuum cleaning wand has an interface that accepts different vacuum cleaning tips sized to fit into various ports of a hearing device.

The system further includes a pressure sensor (also referred to as a vacuum sensor herein) fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber. The pressure sensor detects the level of pressure, or vacuum, in the vacuum chamber. By sensing the presence or absence of vacuum in the pressure chamber, the pressure sensor enables the microcontroller to determine the switching state of the pneumatic switch. If the pneumatic switch is in the state that connects the vacuum cleaning wand to the inlet of the pump, the pressure sensor will not register any vacuum. If the pneumatic switch is in the state that connects the vacuum chamber to the inlet of the pump, the pressure switch may register a vacuum of a predetermined magnitude.

The signal from the pressure sensor may be noisy or otherwise fluctuating. In an embodiment, the signal is subjected to low-pass filtering to smooth out the signal. Regardless of the filtering, the signal may be below the predetermined magnitude, suggesting a leak in the vacuum chamber or a malfunction of the pump. The signal may also fluctuate, indicating a leak or improper placement of the removable container above the vacuum chamber port. Even if the chamber is not properly sealed, the average value read from the vacuum sensor will be a higher vacuum than the case where the sensor is not connected to the pump (wand mode), thus allowing the microcontroller to detect the position of the switch.

The restoration system can also include a timer or implement a timer function in the microcontroller. The timer is activated to count down time during the vacuum chamber mode. It is desirable to limit the time that a hearing device is exposed to partial vacuum to avoid damaging delicate components, such as a receiver or microphone, by over-exposure to vacuum. It is also desirable to enable the user of the restoration system to place the hearing device into the vacuum chamber and leave the system unsupervised to free up time for the user to attend to other tasks while the hearing device is being subjected to partial vacuum. The timer is activated in response to the signal from the pressure switch indicating that the system in in the vacuum chamber mode. The microcontroller can be programmed with custom settings for different users, including the duration of the timer.

The restoration system may comprise a user interface that includes a display that can present text and graphics to the user. The display may show the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber while the system runs in the vacuum chamber mode. The display can be programmed to vary its brightness and flash to indicate a problem condition, such as a leak in the vacuum chamber or a malfunction of the pump. The restoration system may also include an audible indicator, such as a buzzer, beeper, or a speaker, to output a sound as a notification to the user.

The hearing device restoration system is easy to use through a simple user interface that does not require extensive training. The system also includes a digital display to provide information to the user that is tailored to the operation performed by the system, and is customizable to address specific practices of particular users.

The system also includes a mechanically actuated switch to select two modes of vacuum operation—via a suction wand or via a vacuum chamber. The user does not need to understand or even think about the internal pneumatic configuration, and simply needs to move the switch into one of two possible positions. One position provides suction to the vacuum wand, and the other position provides suction to the vacuum chamber.

The system includes a sensor that outputs a signal that is used by the system to detect the mode (suction wand or vacuum chamber) of the system. This signal can then be processed through various signal processing algorithms to determine the mode of the system. The system includes a processor, such as a micro-controller or a field programmable gate array, that receives the signal from the sensor to determine the mode of operation. When the mode of operation is the vacuum chamber, the processor sets the timer described above and turns off the pump after a predetermined period of time.

Embodiments will hereinafter be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the invention.

A hearing device restoration system, such as a hearing aid restoration system100(also referred to as a restoration system or a restoration apparatus) according to embodiments of the disclosure provides the ability for an operator of the system to clean out debris from a hearing aid and to dry the hearing aid. Referring toFIG. 1A, illustrating an embodiment, the hearing aid restoration system100includes a housing111. The housing111may be made of a polymer, a metal alloy, or any other rigid material that can contain the internal components. In embodiments, the housing111is made of a plastic, such as a thermoplastic.

In embodiments, the housing has a lower portion1113and an upper portion1112, as illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The lower portion1113has an upper surface facing upward when the restoration system100in normal use. A wand tray170is in the embodiment shown recessed into the upper surface of lower portion1113, and can be used to store the pressure wand150and the vacuum wand160when the wands are not in use. It should be noted that the hearing aid restoration system could be made without such wand tray and that the wand tray provides a storage option for the wand.

A part of the upper surface of the lower portion1113forms the base for a vacuum chamber formed when a removable container121is placed on top of vacuum chamber pad119, and vacuum is generated inside the removable container121. The removable container121can be used to store spare tips122for the pressure wand150and for the vacuum wand160.

The vacuum chamber pad119is recessed into the upper surface of the lower portion1113, thus providing an easy to recognize boundary of the vacuum chamber pad119. The vacuum chamber pad119is bounded by a raised wall120, which helps guide the removable container121onto the vacuum chamber pad119. The raised wall also helps ensure that the user does not accidentally slide the removable container121from the vacuum chamber pad119while vacuum is being generated in the vacuum chamber. Once vacuum is generated, the removable container121is held firmly on the vacuum chamber pad119by the vacuum.

Referring toFIG. 6, vacuum chamber tube234is connected to vacuum chamber port117in the approximate center of the vacuum chamber pad119. However, the vacuum chamber port117need not be in the center, but can be at any location that is covered by the removable container121when it is placed on the vacuum chamber pad119. A vacuum chamber filter601is positioned in the vacuum chamber port117and filters air that is sucked out of the vacuum chamber to prevent or reduce fouling of the vacuum chamber tube234.

A hearing aid600is placed in the vacuum chamber to thoroughly dry the hearing aid. After the hearing aid600is placed in the vacuum chamber, the removable container121is placed on top of the vacuum chamber pad119and vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber. To apply the vacuum, the restoration system100is switched into the vacuum chamber mode (i.e., a first mode) by toggling pneumatic valve142into a particular position with the restoration system100powered on via the power switch141. The power switch141can be an electrical toggle switch that has two positions. It can also be a momentary-on switch that is pressed in or down, or functions like a toggle switch that is biased into one position.

Referring back toFIG. 1A, the pneumatic valve142(also referred herein as a pressure switch) can have the appearance of a toggle switch146protruding from the face plate140of the housing111. In an embodiment, the face plate140is attached to the upper portion1112of the housing111. The pneumatic valve142can be toggled between the vacuum chamber mode noted above, indicated as “chamber” in the drawings, and a vacuum wand mode (i.e., a second mode), indicated as “wand” in the drawings. The moving of the toggle switch146from one position to another position may reconfigure the internal flow path through the pneumatic valve142.

In an embodiment, the vacuum chamber mode is selected when the toggle switch146of pneumatic valve142is flipped down toward the lower portion1113, while the vacuum wand mode is selected when the toggle switch146is flipped up. This orientation of the toggle switch146is advantageous for the users of the restoration system100. When the vacuum chamber mode is selected (and the toggle switch is flipped down), the removable container121is firmly attached to the vacuum chamber pad119while vacuum is being generated in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber mode is typically used for a period of several minutes, such as between 1 and 10 minutes.

In an embodiment, the restoration system100sets a timer at the beginning of the vacuum chamber mode and automatically stops supplying vacuum at the expiration of the timer. A user will then want to open the vacuum chamber, but even when the system is powered down, the vacuum will persist for some time in the vacuum chamber. To release the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, the toggle switch146is flipped up to the “wand” setting, which releases the vacuum in the vacuum chamber and makes it possible to lift up the removable container121. A movement up of the toggle switch is advantageous for the user as it mimics the intended movement of the removable container121, making it easy for the user to remember how to release the removable container121from the vacuum chamber pad119.

Referring back toFIG. 1A, the upper portion1112of the housing111has a face plate140that contains a first pneumatic port (also referred to as compressed air pneumatic port112), and a second pneumatic port (also referred to as vacuum pneumatic port113). The ports112and113may be disposed toward the outer horizontal edges of face plate140, with power switch141, display145, and the toggle switch146disposed between the ports112and113.

The compressed air pneumatic port112may include a connection mechanism that allows pressure tube114to be fluidly connected to the port. The connection mechanism may be a quick-release type mechanism, a luer lock, a threaded pipe, or any other type of pneumatic connection. Similarly, the vacuum pneumatic port113may include such a connection mechanism to allow a fluid connection of suction tube115to the port.

The face plate140also includes the display145that displays various information about the operation of the restoration system100. In an embodiment, the display145is a digital display, and may include a liquid crystal element that changes its appearance in response to the application of electrical current. The display145may also include an array of light emitting diodes that are individually controllable to emit light in a pattern that is recognizable as human readable characters or to graphically indicate the level of vacuum (LED bar graph). In an embodiment, the display145may include a back-light providing illumination for the information on the display145. The back-light emits light at varying intensities and can cause the display to flash and get the user's attention. In an embodiment, the display145flashes when an error condition is detected. In this situation, the display145may also display text or graphics to inform the user of the error condition.

In an embodiment, the error condition is the lack of vacuum in the vacuum chamber. When the restoration system100operates in the vacuum chamber mode, but the level of vacuum in the vacuum chamber is below an expected threshold, the display145flashes with varying intensity of light to attract the user's attention, and also displays a message about a possible problem with the vacuum chamber.

Referring toFIG. 7, the display145may be divided into multiple distinct regions, with each region displaying different types of information. In an embodiment, the display145includes an upper left region710, an upper right region711, and a lower region712. The upper left region710can display a count-down timer that indicates the duration of the vacuum chamber mode. The count-down timer may display minutes and seconds, as shown inFIG. 7. The upper left region710can also display an incrementing timer that indicates the duration of the operation of the restoration system100, akin to an odometer of a car. The upper left region710may, thus, be used to determine when periodic maintenance should be performed on the restoration system100.

The upper right region711can display a reading of vacuum detected in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum can be displayed in various units, such as inches of mercury (inHg), millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and similar. The display of the vacuum is based on a measurement by a vacuum sensor230, sometimes also referred to as a pressure sensor, described further below. In an embodiment, the readout from the vacuum sensor230is not directly presented on the display145, but is additionally processed by controller210. As vacuum builds up in the vacuum chamber, the vacuum measurement by the vacuum sensor230may fluctuate. Such fluctuations of the measurement can be displayed on the display145or they may be filtered out by the controller210.

As noted above, a leak may be present in the fluid connection from the pump220to the removable container121due to a leak in a tube, a leak in a fitting, a leak in the pneumatic valve142, or leak or crack in the removable container121, or an improper or incomplete placement of the removable container121on the vacuum chamber pad119. In this situation, the reading from the vacuum sensor230will not be completely zero, but will instead fluctuate below some value. The controller210can detect this situation and call the operator's attention by displaying an error message on the display145, flashing the display145, or outputting other stimulus that the operator can perceive. In an embodiment, the display145may output instructions on how to correct or try to correct the error condition that is being detected by the controller210.

In an embodiment, the controller210controls the display145to display the vacuum as 0 units for any measurement below 5 units of measured vacuum (e.g., 5 inHg), and increment to a reading of 5 units only after the actual measurement is above 5 units. This can continue in increments of 5 units, or any other unit size, until a predetermined threshold is reached. This type of processing can be thought of as a floor function or a ceiling function. In an embodiment, the predetermined threshold can be the measurement of vacuum at sea level (i.e., 28.5 inHg) or some value below the level of vacuum. This control of the display145avoids user confusion that could be caused if unexpected fluctuations of vacuum level were displayed on the display145.

In an embodiment, display145further includes lower region712which can be larger than the two upper regions, or can itself be subdivided into further regions. In and embodiment, the lower region712can display text or graphics to convey a message to the user. The message may provide operating instructions on how to use the restoration system100. For example, the lower region712may state that the toggle switch146needs to be toggled to the “wand” position at the conclusion of the vacuum chamber mode to open the vacuum chamber.

While the display145has been described above with regions710,711, and712in particular locations, those locations could be interchanged among the regions and fewer or more regions can be used. In an embodiment, the display145is implemented as a touch-sensitive screen that displays information and also receives input based on pressure change or capacitance change at a particular location on the display145.

Referring toFIG. 1B, an embodiment of the restoration system100is illustrated that includes one or more storage compartments. The restoration system100includes housing111as shown inFIG. 1A, but the housing111may include storage compartments formed in the housing111. In an embodiment, the upper portion1112includes one or more storage compartments. Storage compartment131is formed as a recess on the upper surface of the upper portion1112into the inner cavity of the housing111. The storage compartment131may be opened at the top, or may include a door136attached to the upper portion1112. In an embodiment, the door136is attached via a hinge135or a similar mechanism, such as a flap. The door136may include a handle134, or a similar attachment such as an opening or a hole for a user's finger, to enable the user to easily open the door136.

ThoughFIG. 1Billustrates an embodiment with two storage compartments (131and132), it is envisioned that a single storage compartment, or more than two storage compartments are provided to allow the user to store and sort accessories of the restoration system100.

In an embodiment, the lower portion1113of the housing111includes a drawer133which extends sideways from the lower portion1113. This embodiment can be combined with the storage compartments131and132in the upper portion1112.

Turning next toFIG. 2A, the internal pneumatic and electrical connections of an embodiment of the restoration system100are shown. A power supply200receives power either as alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) when the power switch141is turned on.

In the case of AC, the power supply200can be powered by 100-240 V AC 50-60 Hz. In an embodiment, the power supply200contains a fuse to limit the current draw. A 1.25 Amp fuse can be used when 220-240 V is supplied and a 2.5 Amp fuse can be used when 100-112 V is supplied. When AC power is used, the AC voltage is converted in the power supply200to a lower DC voltage. In an embodiment, the DC voltage is 12 V at 5 Amps, and is supplied to the pump220via a relay that is controlled by the controller210. The relay (not illustrated) can be a solid state relay. The power supply200also provides a lower DC voltage output to power the controller210itself. In an embodiment, the power supply200outputs 5 V DC and the controller210runs embedded code.

The controller210receives a signal output by the vacuum sensor230and provides a signal to the display145. In an embodiment, the vacuum sensor230can read a vacuum relative to atmosphere up to 115 kPA (33 inHg).

In an embodiment, the controller210uses the output of the vacuum sensor230to determine what mode (“wand” or “chamber”) the toggle switch146of the pneumatic valve142is in. The vacuum sensor230monitors the vacuum generated in the vacuum chamber formed by the removable container121positioned over the vacuum chamber pad119. The vacuum sensor230is fluidly connected to an output port144of the pneumatic valve142. The output port144may be divided into a first output port and a second output port, which are both connected to the pneumatic valve, but is configured to provide either a vacuum wand mode or a vacuum chamber mode, depending on mode of operation of the system.

In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve142is a 4-way toggle valve used to connect the suction port of the pump220to either the vacuum chamber or the vacuum wand160. In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve142has a toggle switch146which can be moved between two positions. As shown schematically inFIGS. 2A-2Cwith double arrow147, toggling the toggle switch146causes the internal flow through the pneumatic valve142to reconfigure, such that the valve input port143is fluidly connected to one or the other of the valve output ports144, but not both at the same time. In one position (i.e., the first position), the pneumatic valve142connects valve input port143to the vacuum chamber tube234and the vacuum sensor230. The effect of this position may be referred to herein as the first mode, the vacuum chamber mode, or simply chamber mode. In the other position (i.e., the second position), the pneumatic valve142connects the valve input port143to the suction tube115of the vacuum wand160. The effect of this position may be referred to herein as the second mode, the vacuum wand mode, or simply the wand mode. In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve142is switched by turning, pulling, or pushing a knob or a handle rather than toggling a switch.

In an embodiment, the vacuum persists in the vacuum chamber even when the pump220is turned off when the pneumatic valve142is in the vacuum chamber mode due to one-way check valves in the pneumatic valve142. As described above, when the pneumatic valve142is toggled into the vacuum wand mode, the vacuum in the vacuum chamber is released, and the removable container121can be lifted from the vacuum chamber pad119.

The valve input port143of the pneumatic valve142is fluidly connected to the pump inlet port221. The pump220pulls in air through the pump inlet port221and expels it through pump outlet port222. In an embodiment, the pump220operates off of 12V DC, has a flow rate up to 6.5 l/min, runs at a nominal speed of 3100 rpm and its two diaphragm pump assemblies are configured in series.

The pump outlet port222is fluidly connected to the pressure wand150through the pressure tube114. When the pump220operates, it generates pressure at the pump outlet port222. This pressure causes air to be emitted from pressure wand tip155. In an embodiment, the toggle switch146is toggled into the “wand” setting when the pressure wand150is used. In this mode, air is sucked in through the tip165of the vacuum wand160and air is expelled at pressure from the pressure wand tip155. Tips155and165may be interchangeable such that tip155may be attached to the vacuum wand160while tip165may be attached to the pressure wand150. The tips can be generally conically shaped with a hollow air passage in their core to allow air to pass through the tip. The end of the tip can be further terminated with a hollow needle167. Tips of different sizes or with needles of different sizes (thickness) can be used for accessing various sizes of ports, inlets, or openings of a hearing aid when it is being restored.

In an embodiment, the controller210uses the output of the vacuum sensor230to determine what mode (“wand” or “chamber”) the toggle switch146of the pneumatic valve142is in. When the pneumatic valve142is in the “wand” mode, there is no suction applied to the vacuum sensor230by the pump220, and the vacuum sensor230will read a constant zero or near-zero value. The controller210can determine based on this value that the pneumatic valve142is in the “wand” mode, and will supply power to the pump220continuously.

On the other hand, when the pneumatic valve142is in the “vacuum chamber” mode, the pneumatic valve142fluidly connects the pump inlet port221of the pump220to the vacuum sensor230. If the removable container121is not positioned at all, or not positioned correctly on the vacuum chamber pad119, the vacuum sensor230will register a low value which may fluctuate. If the removable container121is correctly positioned on the vacuum chamber pad119, the vacuum sensor230will read an increasing vacuum value. The controller210determines based on a detection of a low vacuum reading, but that is fluctuating, or a high vacuum reading, that the pneumatic valve142is in the “chamber” mode.

In an embodiment, when the controller210determines that the pneumatic valve142is in the chamber mode, it will set a count-down timer for the pump220. In an embodiment, the time is set to 5 minutes, but can be set to a different value, such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes and up. In an embodiment, the user can increase or decrease the time remaining while the pump is running or while it is paused. When the time expires, the controller210turns off power to the pump220. In an embodiment, the controller210outputs a message on the display145indicating that the timer has expired. In an embodiment, the controller210causes the display145to flash and outputs an audible signal for the user.

The pneumatic valve142is more robust and reliable than electronically controlled valves, and when connected as disclosed herein, provides a simple configuration at a fraction of the cost of using multiple electronically controlled valves. Further, embodiments of the speed of the restoration system100with the pneumatic valve142are compact and free up space inside the housing111for storage compartments131and one or more drawers133. In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the free space inside of housing111includes a retracting mechanism250, as illustrated inFIG. 2Band described below.

Referring toFIG. 2B, an embodiment of the restoration system100includes a retracting mechanism250inside housing111. Other elements in2B are already described above with reference toFIG. 2A. The retracting mechanism250includes two separate spools of tubing, though a combined spindle can be used, with two reels on the same axle. The suction tube115of the vacuum wand160can be connected directly to one of the spools of the retracting mechanism250, or may be detachably attached to connector that protrudes from the face plate140of the upper portion1112. The pressure tube114of the pressure wand150may be similarly attached directly to a spool of the retracting mechanism250, or may be attached to a connector on the face plate140.

In an embodiment, the retracting mechanism250is spring powered and keeps the tubes in the extended position until a tube is pulled away from the retracting mechanism250. Then, the retracting mechanism250relies on internal springs to rotate a spool and wind a tube onto the spool.

In an embodiment, the retracting mechanism250includes an electrical motor that is controlled by the controller210. In this embodiment, the spools of the retracting mechanism250allow a user to exert a pulling force on tubes115and114to extend them out from the housing111. Although a connection is not shown inFIG. 2B, the controller210controls the electrical motor (or multiple motors) of the retracting mechanism250to reel in the tubes. The controller210can issue a command to reel in the tubes in response to the power switch141being toggled to the off position, or in response to a different user command.

Referring toFIG. 2C, an embodiment of the restoration system100includes pulsating vacuum functionality. In some cases, it may be advantageous to apply the suction from the vacuum wand160as pulses of suction alternated with pulses of no, or reduced, suction. This pulsation can dislodge stubbornly attached debris through a back-and-forth rocking of the debris. In an embodiment, the pulsation mode also exposes the debris to higher suction as vacuum builds up in a chamber with volume, shown as volume270inFIG. 2C.

An embodiment that provides the pulsating vacuum functionality includes an electronic valve271fluidly connected between an output port144of the pneumatic valve142and the suction tube115of the vacuum wand160. In an embodiment, volume270is fluidly connected between the output port144and a port of the electronic valve271, as shown inFIG. 2C. The volume270can be a sealed container with two ports, a sealed container with a single port connected to T-splice in tube269, or even an extension of length of the tube269that provides volume in which vacuum can build up. In an embodiment, the size (e.g., in units of milliliters) of the volume270is set based on the rate at which the electronic valve271opens and closes and the flow and suction rate of the pump220.

The electronic valve271opens and closes a fluid connection in response to a control signal from the controller210. A pulse mode switch272is disposed on or in the housing111and controls the selection of the pulsed vacuum mode. The pulse mode switch272provides a signal to the controller210, which in turn controls the opening and closing of the electronic valve271. When the pulsed vacuum mode is not selected, the electronic valve271remains opened. When the pulsed vacuum mode is selected, the electronic valve271alternates quickly between an open state and a closed state. The cyclic rate of the electronic valve271can be controlled by the controller210up to the physical limit of the electronic valve271. In an embodiment, the electronic valve271pulses open and closed ranging from once every 0.1 second to once every 2 seconds. In various embodiments, the cyclic rate is once every 0.1 second, once every 0.5 second, once every second, and once every 1.5 seconds. The pulsation functionality can also be achieved with a pulsation vacuum wand discussed below with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a vacuum wand160according to an embodiment. The suction tube115is terminated with a mating connector371that may include ribs or barbs for a secure connection with the flange373of the filter housing body362. The flange373can be movable into and out of the filter housing end cap390to release the mating connector371. The filter housing end cap390is detachably attached to the filter housing body362. The attachment may be via a friction fit, a threaded connection, locking lugs, or other types of detachable connections.

The filter housing body362has a tubular shape, such as a hollow cylinder. However, the cross sectional profile of the filter housing body362need not be circular, and can be a different shape, including an ellipse, an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, or a bean-shape. In an embodiment, the filter housing body362is made of a transparent or translucent material, allowing the user to observe filter element365that is housed inside the filter housing body362. In an embodiment, the filter housing body362includes a transparent or translucent window that provides a view of the filter element365. The filter element365is also a hollow cylinder made of a filter material. As shown by a dashed line inFIG. 3A, air flows from the tip165into the outer surface of the filter element365. The air flows through the filter element365to the inner cavity of the filter element to toward the suction tube115. This air flow through the filter element causes debris to be deposited on the outer surface of the filter element365, making the debris visible to the user through the filter housing body362without the need to remove the filter element365from the vacuum wand160. The filter element365can have a light color, such as white, when the element is new. This color will turn darker as debris collects in the filter element365, giving the user visual indication of the need to replace the filter element365.

The filter housing body362is detachably connected to filter housing end cap380via a similar or the same connection mechanism as the filter housing end cap390. The filter housing end cap380includes a flange374that is movable into and out of the filter housing end cap380to provide a detachable connection to the mating connector372. The mating connector372is connected to neck363that may be of a tubular shape, which terminates with connector164. The neck363is elongate and has a length that is comfortably held by the user. The connector164has a connector tip364which accepts the tip165.

FIG. 3Billustrates an embodiment of the vacuum wand160. The filter housing end cap390is shown with the flange373, locking lugs392, and an air passage391. The dashed lines on the filter housing end cap390represent the passage of air. Air flows substantially straight through the filter housing end cap390, from the flange373to the air passage391. When the filter housing body362has the filter element365inside and is attached to the filter housing end cap390, the air passage391aligns with the central cavity of the filter element365.

The filter housing end cap380also includes locking lugs382for attachment to the filter housing body362, but also includes an air passage381which is positioned on an outer radial surface of the filter housing end cap380. The path of airflow through the filter housing end cap380is illustrated by dashed lines from the connector tip364. As shown inFIG. 3B, the airflow does not reach the central cavity of the filter element365, but instead passes through the air passage381and passes into a space created between the filter housing body362and the filter element365when the filter is assembled. This airflow passage supplies air carrying debris to the outer surface of the filter element365. The air passes through the filter element365to reach the central cavity366of the filter element365, and from there into the air passage391of the filter housing end cap390.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, an embodiment of a pulsating vacuum wand460provides pulsating vacuum functionality without the electronic valve271or the pulse mode switch272. The pulsating vacuum wand460includes some elements described above inFIGS. 3A and 3B, and those elements are not described again. The pulsating vacuum wand460includes a pulsating element462which includes a number of sub-parts illustrated inFIG. 4A. The pulsating element462can be integrally built into the pulsating vacuum wand460, or it can be a separate component that connects to the vacuum wand160. The pulsating element462includes a pulsating control valve432. In an embodiment, the pulsating control valve432is a manually operated pneumatic valve with in input port and at least two output ports. Operating the pulsating control valve432toggles a fluid connection from the input port to one or the other of the two output ports.

One of the output ports is fluidly connected to a bypass port430. When the bypass port430is selected, the pulsating vacuum wand460operates at a continuous suction without pulsation. A stream of air440flows through the bypass port430, but not through a pulsation chamber410.

The pulsating vacuum wand460also includes a pulsation chamber410. The pulsation chamber410is a hollow chamber with an inlet port411and an outlet port412. The outlet port412is selectively connected by the pulsating control valve432. When the outlet port412is connected, suction is applied to the outlet port412by a fluid connection to the pump220. At the same time, the bypass port430is disconnected.

When suction is applied to the outlet port412, vacuum builds up in the pulsation chamber410because the inlet port411is blocked by piston head426. The piston head426can be flat, curved, rigid, or made of a flexible material. The piston head426is connected to a piston rod425, which biased by a biasing element, such as a spring420, toward the inlet port411. Though the biasing element is illustrated as a spring420, other devices that provide biasing force, such as an elastic band(s), an inflated elastic bladder(s), magnets with opposing polarity, or an electromagnetic coil surrounding a conductive member can be used to provide biasing force on the piston head426.

The spring420has a spring constant k that determines the amount of biasing force exerted by the spring on the piston rod425and through it on the piston head426. When the vacuum in the pulsation chamber410is sufficiently strong, it overcomes the biasing force of the spring420and pulls back the piston head426, thus opening the inlet port411, as shown inFIG. 4B.

When the inlet port411is opened, air flow442flows into the pulsation chamber410, and suction from the pulsation chamber410is applied to the filter in pulsating vacuum wand460, and through the filter to the connector tip364.

The opening of the inlet port411reduces the vacuum in the pulsation chamber410until the biasing force of the spring420again closes the inlet port411. This causes the vacuum to again build up, repeating the process disclosed above. The frequency of the pulsation is adjusted by adjusting the spring constant of the spring420.

Referring toFIG. 5, a pressure wand150according to an embodiment is shown. The pressure wand150has an elongate tubular body551that may include a cushioned grip552. The elongate tubular body551is hollow and is terminated with a flange573on one end and a connector164on the other end. The flange573provides a detachable connection to the mating connector371of the pressure tube114. A tip155is connected to the connector tip364. Different sizes of tips can be used to provide an airstream of different speeds.

Referring toFIG. 8, a process flow of an exemplary embodiment of the restoration system100is illustrated. At step S801, the power switch141is turned on or toggled. The controller210detects this event as a power on event by polling the state of the power switch141or by turning on in response to receiving power. Subsequently, in step S802, the pump220is powered on, outputting air through its pump outlet port222and sucking in air through its pump inlet port221. At this stage, the controller210might not yet be aware of which mode (“wand” or “chamber”) is selected by the pneumatic valve142. The controller210will determine the mode by reading the output of the vacuum sensor230in step S803.

As explained above, it is possible to determine the state of the pneumatic valve142(i.e., what mode is selected) based on the pressure or vacuum reading from the vacuum sensor230. For example, if the there is no vacuum detected (i.e., the vacuum level is a constant zero), the pneumatic valve142is determined to be in the “wand” mode. When the pneumatic valve142is in the vacuum wand mode, the suction of the pump220is fluidly connected to the vacuum wand160, but not to the fluid path connected to the vacuum chamber port117which is where the vacuum sensor230takes its measurement. Thus, the vacuum reading in a space fluidly connected to the vacuum chamber port117will be read as zero vacuum.

On the other hand, if the signal from the vacuum sensor230indicates the presence of vacuum at a constant positive level, a rising level, or a fluctuating level, the pneumatic valve142is determined to be in the “chamber” mode. Thus, at step S805the process branches based on which mode is determined.

If the pneumatic valve142is in the “wand” mode, the pump operates continuously until the power switch141is switched off, as detected in step S806. Then, the pump turns off at step S814.

If the pneumatic valve142is in the “chamber” mode, the controller210starts a timer, as described above. The timer may also be a distinct hardware component separate from the controller210. The controller210monitors the state of the timer as shown in the looping steps terminating with step S813. Before the process gets to step S813, the vacuum sensor230is read in step S808, which is similar to step S803described above. Based on the reading from step S808, the controller210of the restoration system100determines in step S809whether the pneumatic valve142has been toggled out of the “chamber” mode into the “wand,” which would indicate the operator of the system may wish to lift the removable container121off from vacuum chamber pad119. Thus, if it is determined that the pneumatic valve142has been toggled to “wand,” the process continues to step S814, where the pump is turned off.

If in step S809it is determined that the pneumatic valve142had not been toggled to “wand,” the process continues with step S810which displays current conditions about the operation of the system. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum level measured by the vacuum sensor230may be displayed. In other exemplary embodiments, the vacuum level measurement is filtered with a floor or ceiling function to filter out minor fluctuations in the reading. In other exemplary embodiments, the timer is displayed on the display145, informing the operator of the remaining time in the cleaning cycle when operating in the chamber mode.

In other exemplary embodiments, the process may check in step S811whether the measured vacuum is above a predetermined level. This could be advantageous to detect leaks that do not completely deplete the vacuum, but leaks that may persist over time and would not be apparent without the measurement. If the vacuum (i.e., the value of the vacuum measurement) is above a limit value, the system is considered to be operating properly, and the process flow continues to step S813. On the other hand, if the vacuum is not above the limit value, a warning is displayed to the user in step S812.

After the warning, the process continues in step S813, where a determination is made whether the power switch has been pressed or toggled, or whether the timer has expired. If the answer to either of these questions is yes, the process continues to step S814, where the pump is turned off and the process terminates.

Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the disclosed subject matter to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. It is, thus, apparent that there is provided, in accordance with the present disclosure, a hearing device restoration system and associated manufactures, components, systems, and methods of use. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations are enabled by the present disclosure. While specific embodiments have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the disclosure, it will be understood that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. Accordingly, Applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.