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

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/579,947 filed Jun. 15, 2004 and 60/579/369 filed Jun. 14, 2004, assigned to the assignee of this application and incorporated by reference herein. The subject matter of International Application No. ______, filed Jun. 10, 2005 and entitled “LOW-COST HEARING TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COLLECTING USER INFORMATION,” assigned to the assignee of this application and incorporated by reference herein, is related to this application. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to hearing testing systems, and more particularly, administering a hearing test on a low-cost system based on a toll-free telephone number or an Internet Web site. The inventive systems are programmed with a set of hearing test modules (frequencies at various amplitudes or with questions regarding issues that affect hearing or speech intelligibility), along with verbal or text instructions, which guide the person being tested to other hearing test modules based upon the user&#39;s response to the current hearing test module. In so doing, the user ends up in a pre-professional hearing test that then automatically guides the user to take a related action based upon the test results, for example, to seek further professional testing. 
         [0003]    The present invention also relates to a method of collecting and storing user profile and hearing condition information. More particularly, the present invention relates to method of conveniently locating an automatic hearing testing system with a local database that captures user information and subsequently updates the user information onto a central database that can be used for marketing purposes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    More than 25 million Americans have hearing loss, including one out of four people older than 65. Hearing loss may come from infections, strokes, head injuries, some medicines, tumors, other medical problems, or even excessive earwax. It can also result from repeated exposure to very loud noise, such as music, power tools, or jet engines. Changes in the way the ear works as a person ages can also affect hearing. 
         [0005]    For most people who have a hearing loss, there are ways to correct or compensate for the problem. If an individual has trouble hearing, that individual can visit a doctor or hearing health care professional to find out if he or she has a hearing loss and, if so, to determine a remedy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and similar governing bodies in other countries have rules to ensure that treatments for hearing loss—medicines, hearing aids, and other medical devices—are tried and tested. 
         [0006]    However, most people do not even know that they have a hearing loss. Typical indications that an individual has hearing loss include: (1) shouting when talking to others, (2) needing the TV or radio turned up louder than other people do, (3) often having to ask people to repeat what they say because the individual can&#39;t quite hear them, especially in groups or when there is background noise, (4) not being able to hear a noise when not facing the direction it&#39;s coming from, (5) seeming to hear better out of one ear than the other, (6) having to strain to hear, (7) hearing a persistent hissing or ringing background noise, and (8) not being able to hear a dripping faucet or the high notes of a violin. If an individual experiences one of more of the above indications, the individual should see his or her doctor or hearing health care professional for further testing for potential hearing loss. 
         [0007]    To find out what kind of hearing loss the individual has and whether all the parts of the individual&#39;s ear are functioning, the person&#39;s doctor may want him or her to take a hearing test. A health care professional that specializes in hearing, such as an audiologist, often gives these tests. Audiologists are usually not medical doctors, but they are trained to give hearing tests and interpret the results. Hearing tests are painless. 
         [0008]    If the hearing test shows that the individual has a hearing loss, there may be one or more ways to treat it. Possible treatments include medication, surgery, or a hearing aid. Hearing aids can usually help hearing loss that involves damage to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is common in older people as part of the aging process. However, younger people can also have hearing loss from infections or repeated exposure to loud noises. 
         [0009]    In a well-known method of testing hearing loss in individuals, the threshold of the individual&#39;s hearing is typically measured using a calibrated sound-stimulus-producing device and calibrated headphones. The measurement of the threshold of hearing takes place in an isolated sound room, usually a room where there is very little audible ambient noise. The sound-stimulus-producing device and the calibrated headphones used in the testing are known as an audiometer. 
         [0010]    A professional audiologist performs a professional hearing test by using the audiometer to generate pure tones at various frequencies between 125 Hz and 12,000 Hz that are representative of a variety of frequency bands. These tones are transmitted through the headphones of the audiometer to the individual being tested. The intensity or volume of the pure tones is varied until the individual can just barely detect the presence of the tone. For each pure tone, the intensity at which the individual can just barely detect the presence of the tone is known as the individual&#39;s air conduction threshold of hearing. Although the threshold of hearing is only one element among several that characterizes an individual&#39;s hearing loss, it is the predominant measure traditionally used to acoustically fit a hearing compensation device. 
         [0011]    Known audiometers are of two main types: the manual and the “automatic” type. In the manual system for and method of testing hearing, a skilled operator adjusts the audiometer controls, thereby sending a plurality of audio signals through either earphones, loudspeakers, or bone vibrators to a subject sitting in a quiet room. The subject is requested to signal to the operator, by activating a switch connected to a pilot light, by raising a hand, or by any other visible or audible means, whenever he or she has heard the sound being sent. The operator watches for the subject&#39;s responses, interprets them, and translates them into written information on a chart. This information is represented by a graph called an audiogram, which represents the threshold of hearing of the subject for a plurality of audio frequencies. 
         [0012]    In the automatic method known as the Bekesy method of hearing testing, the audiometer presents automatically changing tone frequencies to the subject while the intensity of the signal is controlled by the subject by means of a pushbutton switch activating a motor controlling the motion of an intensity attenuator. The subject&#39;s responses are also automatically recorded by a writing pen moving over a chart as the test progresses. While the Bekesy method was considered by those skilled in the art of audiology to be a major advance, it still requires the presence of a skilled operator and the use of rather sophisticated mechanical systems. Since the introduction of the Bekesy method, an automatic method of hearing testing has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,465, that dispenses with the need for a skilled operator and the use of rather sophisticated mechanical systems. 
         [0013]    Although the professional test is complete and allows for a thorough diagnostic, most hearing-impaired individuals are not even aware that they are in need of a hearing test, even if some of the aforementioned symptoms exist. What is required is a way to recognize early onset of hearing loss without the need to visit the audiologist. 
         [0014]    Indeed, there are some new methods for testing hearing loss, albeit at a less professional level, such as programs available on the Internet. To use such a program, a user logs onto a free hearing test Web site, adjusts his or her computer speaker volume to a supplied test frequency, and uses a mouse to click on various hyperlinks on a Web page on which the user can listen to various tones and determine how many tones he or she is able to hear. The user then is guided to instructional and “next step” pages. There are a number of problems associated with this method. First, most people that have hearing loss are older, and the Internet may truly not be accessible because of their level of use of technology. Second, many low-income families cannot afford computers to run the Internet programs. Lastly, this system does not “pull” users to the site; an individual has to know both that he or she wants to be tested and that a site like this exists (i.e., from advertisements). No business entity could afford to mass market such a site. Therefore, even though some low-cost non-professional hearing tests are available, there exists a need for an improved means for hearing tests that is more accessible and can be driven in the market to reach and test more people. 
         [0015]    “LOW-COST HEARING TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COLLECTING USER INFORMATION”, International Application PCT/US2005/______, filed Jun. 10, 2005, claiming priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/579,369, filed Jun. 14, 2004, incorporated by reference herein and assigned to the assignee of this application, describes a hearing testing system that can be administered through a standard low-cost data storage media, such as a CD, that is easily mass-marketed as a give-away and is easily used by the mass market. However, a conventional CD has a 700 MB storage limit, thereby restricting the complexity of the hearing test that can be administered through it. Moreover, mechanisms to further broaden the market reach of the hearing test are highly beneficial, as the easier it is for an individual to access a hearing test, the higher the likelihood that he or she will take the test. Therefore, what is needed is an improved way of conducting hearing tests that may be more complex than hearing tests that are administered through a CD, and that can be easily accessible to the mass market of individuals in order to reach and test more people. 
         [0016]    Another problem with current methods for testing hearing loss is the inability to store user-specific information in a database and provide clear step-by-step guidance on the actions needed to find a solution once a hearing loss problem is detected. In the case of the Internet hearing test Web site previously described, the results of the test are not directed to another step, nor are they available to another entity, i.e., an audiologist. Therefore, an audiologist must retest the same frequencies and re-question the patient. Thus, there exists a need to streamline the testing process so that low-cost non-professional hearing tests lead to a more professional hearing test. 
         [0017]    Another problem with both conventional non-professional hearing tests and the audiologist-administered professional hearing test is that the tests are simple frequency versus amplitude tests and do not take into account speech intelligibility issues. For example, even though an individual may have some hearing loss, he or she may be able to function quite normally, whereas others may have limitations in understanding certain spoken words. Thus, there exists a need to address some of these speech intelligibility issues. 
         [0018]    Another problem with current testing methods is that the individual being tested has no idea at the hearing test what having a hearing aid would do to improve his or her quality of life. That is, even if the patient in either the non-professional test or the professional test recognizes hearing loss, the patient has no idea what the improvement would be if a corrective hearing aid were used. Thus, the motivation to get the problem fixed is much less than if the individual could experience the benefits of correction at the time of the test. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    It is therefore an object of this invention to find a way for the mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss to recognize early onset of hearing loss without the need to visit an audiologist. 
         [0020]    Another object of this invention is to develop an improved way of conducting hearing tests that may be more complex than hearing tests that are administered through a CD, and that can be easily accessible to the mass market of individuals in order to reach and test more people. 
         [0021]    Another object of this invention is to streamline the testing process so that low-cost non-professional hearing tests lead to a more professional hearing test. 
         [0022]    Another object of this invention is to address speech intelligibility issues at some level in hearing aid tests. 
         [0023]    Another object of this invention is to show patients what the result of having a hearing aid would do to improve their quality of life, in order to improve the patients&#39; motivation to fix the problem. 
         [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide step-by-step guidance on the next steps to be taken once a hearing loss is detected. 
         [0025]    The present invention provides for a hearing test stored on a centrally located computer that is accessible either by placing a toll-free call through a telephone using the telephone&#39;s microphone and/or keypad as an input device, or by establishing an Internet connection to a centrally located computer through a Web site. Both access methods are easily mass-market-able. In the present invention, the user can be led to the system by advertisement or by a low-cost CD hearing test system. This would allow the mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss to recognize early onset of hearing loss without the need to visit the audiologist. The present invention streamlines and connects low-cost, non-professional hearing tests to a more professional hearing test by providing the results of the non-professional hearing test to the user as a code that can be quickly identified by a professional, e.g., an audiologist. The invention also provides testing of the speech intelligibility issues in a hearing aid test, where such tests are administered around words, based upon the specific results of the hearing test. 
         [0026]    The present invention also provides a means to show the user what having a hearing aid would do to improve quality of life by having the system play corrected words or sounds based upon the hearing loss detected. Experiencing such correction in an immediate fashion should improve the patient&#39;s motivation to fix the problem. The present invention provides step-by-step guidance on the next steps to be taken if hearing loss is found. Further, this invention also provides a means to store and organize the user test data to create a means for reuse of the data. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for a remotely accessible data storage media for use in testing hearing of an individual. The media comprises a plurality of hearing test queries, such as a frequency tone, word or sentence, and instruction data. The instruction data includes instructions for automatically or manually operating a local hearing test unit to perform a hearing test based on the hearing test queries retrieved from the media. The hearing test queries include at least one of a set of frequency versus amplitude hearing test and speech intelligibility queries, where the speech intelligibility queries are selectably accessible. The instruction data includes instructions (i) linked to at least one of the frequency versus amplitude queries and (ii) identifying selected user inputs associated with results of the frequency versus amplitude queries and corresponding to selected ones of the speech queries. 
         [0028]    In a further embodiment, the media includes a memory for storing user information and user hearing test results obtained from performing the hearing aid testing with the test queries contained on the media, where the user information and the user hearing test results are generated at the hearing test unit. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, the media includes incentive data (e.g. electronic coupons) linked to selected ones of the instruction data. The instruction data, for example, indicate the end of a hearing test, or constitute a code corresponding to the hearing loss profile for the user obtained based on the results of a preliminary hearing test. 
         [0030]    In a further embodiment, the media includes hearing test queries indexed with a hearing test code, where the code represents the results of a preliminary hearing test on the individual. 
         [0031]    In a further embodiment, the media includes normal and modified word units having the same index as a hearing test code or one of the selected user inputs identified in the instruction data. 
         [0032]    The present invention further provides a system for performing a hearing test including a central controller and a hearing test unit. The controller is coupled to the inventive data storage media, and the controller and media are located remotely from the hearing test unit. Each of the controller and the hearing test unit includes means for providing data communications over a data communications network. At least one of the controller and the media include a memory for storing user information and user hearing test results obtained from performing the hearing aid testing with the test queries of the media, where the user information and the user hearing test results are generated at the hearing test unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  is a high-level system diagram of an automated and convenient hearing testing system that collects and stores user information. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  illustrate methods of using an automated and convenient pre-test hearing testing system that collects and stores user information. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a frequency vs. amplitude address lookup table. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a hearing test questionnaire. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]      FIG. 1  is a high-level diagram of a preferred system  100  including a user  105 , a hearing test unit  120 , a network connection  130 , a central hearing health computer system  140 , and a telephone  121 . 
         [0039]    User  105  represents the individuals (mass market) on whom a hearing test is to be administered. This is generally any and all individuals but, more specifically, the more than 10% of the population (e.g., 25 million Americans) that have hearing loss, including one out of four people older than 65. 
         [0040]    Network connection  130  is a standard Internet connection or, alternatively, is a WAN, LAN, etc. Network connection  130  is the communication infrastructure between hearing test unit  120  and central hearing health computer system  140 . Network connection  130  allows central hearing health computer system  140  to remotely administer hearing aid tests, thereby giving central hearing health computer system  140  an opportunity to reach a large number of individuals. 
         [0041]    Telephone  121  is a standard telephone capable of generating tone pulse from its keypad. Telephone  121  functions as an input/output device that allow user  105  to communicate with central hearing health computer system  140 . 
         [0042]    Central hearing health computer system  140  further includes a computer  143 , a user data storage  145 , a modem  144 , and a series of hearing test programs  146 . 
         [0043]    Central hearing health computer system  140  is a centrally located computer system that is connected to an Internet. Central hearing health computer system  140  is a central repository of all current audiological programs, audiological data, audiological research, sound “.wav” files, and speech and other sound simulations files. Central hearing health computer system  140  centralizes information so that all connected audiologists around the world can access current audiological test procedures, new standards, new algorithms for programming the DSP-based hearing aids, etc. 
         [0044]    User data storage  145  is a memory region of central hearing health computer system  140  that stores data concerning user  105  including information such as demographics, age, name, date of birth, etc., and also includes user  105 &#39;s actual responses to the hearing tests. 
         [0045]    Computer  143  is a computer that is capable of performing all conventional computer functions of reading and writing data to memory (within computer  143 ), reading and writing data to other connected computers, communicating through modem  144  or network connection  130 , and running hearing test programs  146 . 
         [0046]    Hearing test programs  146  include the programs that execute the methods of the present invention. 
         [0047]    Hearing test unit  120  further includes a test administrator computer  124 , a pair of headphones  122 , a keyboard  123 , a monitor  126 , a data storage  125 , and a series of hearing test programs  128 . 
         [0048]    Hearing test programs  128  running on test administrator computer  124  perform the steps of uploading and running the current hearing test programs  146  on central hearing health computer system  140  to the memory (not shown) of test administrator computer  124 , and then downloading the obtained test results data to data storage  125  and central hearing health computer system  140 . 
         [0049]    User  105  is an individual that tests his or her hearing to determine hearing loss. Test administrator computer  124  is essentially an automatic audiometer that is easily operable by user  105 , i.e., it does not need additional supervision. Automatic audiometers are well known in the prior art and any type can work with this invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,465, “Automatic audiometer system,” assigned to Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Quebec, describes an audiometer for testing the hearing characteristic of a person. The audiometer is entirely operable by the person, whereby technicians are not required. The audiometer comprises a source of audible and selectable fixed frequency signals. An automatic frequency selector switch selects a predetermined frequency signal from the source. A variable attenuator circuit is provided to automatically attenuate, in sequence, the predetermined frequency through a plurality of attenuation levels and according to a pre-selected mode of operation whereby to transmit a plurality of attenuated frequency signals. The person using the audiometer transmits the attenuated frequency signals for audible reception. Visual display lamps indicate the test frequencies and attenuation, permitting the person to fill out a test chart on corresponding sounds audible to his or her ears. A control circuit is provided to enable the frequency selector means and the variable attenuator in accordance with a pre-selected mode of operation. 
         [0050]    Central hearing health computer system  140  uses computer  143  to communicate with hearing test unit  120  through network connection  130 . Central hearing health computer system  140  also operates user data storage  145 , which is a central database repository of information (which can later be reused) about user  105 . Depending on the specific application of this invention, data storage  125  and user data storage  145  can be mirror images of each other. User data storage  145  can also have user profile and hearing test information from prior tests, which can be updated to data storage  125  as required. 
         [0051]    In a first method of operation of system  100 , user  105  can take a hearing test in one of two ways. First, user  105  could dial the toll-free telephone number given to him or her at a previous low-cost hearing test. The number dialed links user  105  to central hearing health computer system  140  through modem  144 . Computer  143 , recognizing the input from modem  144 , runs hearing test programs  146  and any data collected is stored in user data storage  145 . Hearing test programs  146  can be run in many ways, preferably where the hearing test program  146  sends sounds (tones) at various amplitudes and prompts user  105  to interact through either verbal or keypad responses. In addition, speech intelligibility can be tested by a program with pre-defined sentences that are output to user  105  for his or her understanding and response. In this way, user  105  can take low-cost, non-professional hearing tests at home. Even though it is understood that the telephone system has low bandwidth capability, some amount of useful testing can be done; digital telephone systems are also improving, adding higher frequency capability. It is further understood that, if user  105  had a code from a low-cost test that he or she had previously taken, the first request of the program would be for user  105  to enter the code using the telephone keypad. 
         [0052]    A second, improved method of operation to take a hearing test is for user  105  to take the test on hearing test unit  120 . This device is a low-cost device that could be available for use at general practitioners&#39; offices or other public areas, such as kiosks in shopping malls, eyeglass shops, or any other similar public area where it would make sense for user  105  to take a hearing test. In this method of operation, user  105  initializes hearing test unit  120 , which in turn uploads the current hearing test program  146  on central hearing health computer system  140  through network connection  130 . Hearing test unit  120  stores the program as the current hearing test program  128 . By using test administrator computer  124 , headphones  122 , keyboard  123 , and monitor  126 , user  105  interacts with system  100  in a similar manner as in first method of operation above. The program can be run in many ways, preferably where the hearing test program  128  sends sounds (tones) at various amplitudes and prompts user  105  to interact through either verbal or keypad responses. In addition, speech intelligibility can be tested by a program with pre-defined sentences that are output to user  105  for his or her understanding and response. In this way, user  105  can take low-cost, non-professional hearing tests in a variety of convenient settings. This is an improved system since hearing test unit  120  has higher bandwidth capability than the telephone system. It is further understood that, if user  105  had a code from a low-cost test that he or she had previously taken, the first request of the program would be for user  105  to enter the code using keyboard  123 . 
         [0053]    There are several alternative ways of reusing user  105  test results and/or profile data that is stored in data storage  125  and user data storage  145 . For example, central hearing health computer system  140  can provide user  105  test data to better guide a physician to conduct a more detailed and thorough audiometric test on user  105  and to make recommendations on a remedy in case of hearing loss. User  105  test data from multiple users can also be used for due diligence and statistical analysis to determine preferences for certain users with specific profiles. This can allow for improved targeted marketing of hearing health products to the users. 
         [0054]    System  100  is an automated and convenient pre-professional test hearing testing system that collects and stores user information. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  illustrates a method  200  of using system  100 , including the steps of: 
         [0056]    Step  210 : Activating User Interface 
         [0057]    In this step, user  105  activates test administration computer  124 , which can be found at general practitioners&#39; offices or other public areas, such as kiosks in shopping malls, or any other similar public area where it would make sense for user  105  to take a hearing test. 
         [0058]    Alternatively, user  105  can call into central hearing health computer system  140  from a remote location by using telephone  121 . However, current telephone technology limits the maximum test frequency, which can lead to a limited test level for user  105 . More so, telephones differ widely across levels of audibility, given that volume settings on telephones are highly variable. This further makes the use of current telephone technology limiting for this invention. As telephone technology improves, the use of telephone  121  to remotely conduct a hearing test can become more popular. 
         [0059]    Step  220 : Conducting Hearing Test 
         [0060]    In this step, user  105  takes a hearing test using either test administration computer  124  or central hearing health computer system  140 . One mode of operation is explained in the method described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0061]    Step  230 : Updating User Information Database 
         [0062]    In this step, user data storage  145  is updated with user  105 &#39;s hearing test results either directly, if user  105  connected through telephone  121 , or indirectly when data storage  125  connects with user data storage  145  through network connection  130  and updates or adds the collected information from user  105 . Method  200  ends. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  illustrates a method  300  of conducting a hearing test using system  100 . It is assumed that user  105  has already connected either by using telephone  121  to connect to central hearing health computer system  140  directly or by using test administration computer  124 . Method  300  includes the steps of: 
         [0064]    Step  310 : Collecting User Information 
         [0065]    In this step, user  105  enters his or her personal profile and contact information by using either keyboard  123  or the keypad on telephone  121 , and the information is stored on data storage  125 . Note that before collecting information, user  105  is notified that his/her information will be strictly kept as private and secure from unwanted third parties. Other conventional voice response technology can also be used in place of the keypad for telephone  121 . If user  105  has received a code when taking a previous low-cost hearing test, the code is entered at this time. This code refers to a lookup table on computer  143  or test administration computer  124  to determine the results of the earlier test and is used to improve this hearing aid test. 
         [0066]    Step  320 : Running Calibration 
         [0067]    In this step, user  105  calibrates and initiates hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146 , which provides a verbal set of directions that tells user  105  to listen to the following tone and to set the volume (e.g., via keyboard  123 ) to its lowest audible level. Setting the volume to its lowest audible level is an optimal environment to conduct an accurate hearing test. User  105  is then guided to the first frequency test module that is based upon the correct volume level set by the user. 
         [0068]    Step  330 : Running Frequency Vs. Amplitude Tone Test 
         [0069]    In this step, user  105  uses hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146  to conduct a frequency vs. amplitude tone test. A frequency vs. amplitude tone test is detailed below in reference to  FIG. 4 ; however, such tests are well known in the art and this invention only illustrates a simplified method. 
         [0070]    Step  340 : Running Questionnaire 
         [0071]    In this step, hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146  conducts a questionnaire  600  (shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ). By answering questionnaire  600 , user  105  can further confirm his or her level of hearing loss. The questions on questionnaire  600  can be easily modified according to the specific responses given by user  105  to hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146 , and questions well known in the art can also be added. 
         [0072]    Step  350 : Running Detailed Frequency Vs. Amplitude Tone Test 
         [0073]    In this step, hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146  conducts a detailed frequency vs. amplitude test of user  105 . This test is usually conducted to isolate and confirm user  105 &#39;s deficiency type. Detailed frequency vs. amplitude tone tests are well known in the art. 
         [0074]    Step  360 : Running Frequency Vs. Amplitude Test in Conjunction with Questionnaire 
         [0075]    In this step, hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146  conducts a frequency vs. amplitude test on user  105  in conjunction with his or her responses from questionnaire  600 . For example, if user  105  has answered on questionnaire  600  that background noise affects him or her, a more detailed frequency vs. amplitude test can be run, with and without background noise, to determine the effects. Running detailed frequency vs. amplitude tone tests in conjunction with questionnaires is well known in the art. 
         [0076]    Step  370 : Providing Incentives for Next Steps 
         [0077]    In this step, if it has been determined that user  105  has a hearing loss, an added incentive to begin corrective measures can be provided to user  105 . For example, a $100 cost savings “coupon” on hearing aids can be provided as an incentive. Methods of printing and providing physical coupons, or providing electronic coupons via the Internet, are known in the art. Method  300  ends: 
         [0078]    In addition in step  370 , following testing, the hearing test unit  120  executes a hearing test improvement demonstration program, which is stored in either the hearing test programs  126  or  146 , to provide that hearing aid corrected (modified) words and normal words are played for the individual. The modified words are amplified versions of the normal words which are used to demonstrate the improvement in the individual&#39;s hearing that would be achieved through use of a hearing aid, whereas the normal words do not include any amplifications. 
         [0079]      FIG. 4  illustrates a method  400  of conducting a frequency vs. amplitude tone test, including the steps of: 
         [0080]    Step  405 : Initializing X and Y Address Positions 
         [0081]    In this step, hearing test program  128  or hearing test program  146  initiates the X and Y address positions of amplitude and frequency values to their starting positions. Values for the X and Y positions are shown in  FIG. 5 , which illustrates a frequency vs. amplitude lookup table  500  that is used to administer the frequency vs. amplitude tone test on user  105 . Table  500  is divided into X addresses X 1 -X 5  that represent increments in amplitude, and Y addresses Y 1 -Y 5  that represent increments in frequency. 
         [0082]    Step  410 : Loading Frequency/Amplitude Values from Address 
         [0083]    In this step, the frequency and amplitude values corresponding to the X and Y address locations in table  500  are loaded into a frequency-amplitude player such as an amplifier. 
         [0084]    Step  415 : Running Test 
         [0085]    In this step, the frequency and amplitude values are played in headphones  122 . Alternatively, if user  105  is calling through telephone  121 , the frequency and amplitude values are played in through telephone  121 . 
         [0086]    Step  420 : Getting Response 
         [0087]    In this step, user  105  is asked a question such as whether the frequency and amplitude values are audible. User  105  responds to the question accordingly through keyboard  123  or telephone  121 . 
         [0088]    Step  425 : Storing Response 
         [0089]    In this step, user  105 &#39;s response to the question asked in step  420  is stored in data storage  125  or user data storage  145 . Central hearing health computer system  140  can later reuse this response. 
         [0090]    Step  430 : Increasing X Address Position 
         [0091]    In this step, the X address location in table  500  is increased. 
         [0092]    Step  435 : Last X Address? 
         [0093]    In this decision step, the program determines whether the last X address has been reached. If so, method  400  proceeds to step  440 ; if not, method  400  returns to step  410 . 
         [0094]    Step  440 : Increasing Y Address Position and Initializing X Address 
         [0095]    In this step, the Y address location in table  500  is increased and the X address location is initialized to its starting location. 
         [0096]    Step  445 : Last Y Address? 
         [0097]    In this decision step, the program determines whether the last Y address has been reached. If so, method  400  ends; if not, method  400  returns to step  410 . 
         [0098]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate questionnaire  600  that was referenced in method  300 . 
         [0099]    Thus, the invention provides for the collection and storage of user information, via an automated and convenient pre-professional test hearing testing system, in a database that can be later accessed to allow for reuse of the information. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the above description of a hearing testing system is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of a hearing testing system will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons. 
         [0100]    Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0