VERAS 9 VERAS 7 VERAS 5 In-the-ear hearing instruments INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 Description of features 8 Inserting instruments 9 Removing instruments 10 Operating instruments (ON/OFF) 11 Changing the volume level 12 Changing programs 14 Telecoil function 15 Telephone use 16 Changing the battery 18 Data logging and learning 20 Operating the instruments with remote control 21 Operating the instruments with SoundGate 22 Instrument care 23 3
Cleaning the sound outlet 24 Using your hearing instruments 27 Using the telephone 30 Environmental protection 31 Product approval, markings and compliance 32 Compliance with radio communications requirements for the USA and Canada 34 Compliance with requirements for Europe 37 Cell phone and hearing instrument compatibility 39 International warranty 41 Your hearing instrument configuration 42 Accessories 44 General warnings and safety guidelines 45 Notes 49 Common problems and solu
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Bernafon hearing instruments. With a little practice, you will soon be on your way to better hearing. Please read the entire contents of this booklet before using your hearing instruments. It contains instructions and important information about the use and handling of your hearing instruments and batteries.
Introduction The following instruments are covered in these instructions: Bernafon Veras IFU CIC Bernafon Veras IFU ITC Bernafon Veras IFU ITC Veras ITE instruments VR_ILU_ITC2overview_BW_HI VR_ILU_CICoverview_BW_HI VR_ILU_ITC1overview_BW_HI VR9 ITCD VR7 ITCD VR5 ITCD VR9 ITC VR7 ITC VR5 ITC VR9 CIC VR7 CIC VR5 CIC Note: Custom hearing instruments vary in size and shape due to the unique characteristics of individual ears.
Bernafon Veras IFU ITC Description of features Bernafon Veras IFU ITC VR_ILU_ITC2overview_BW_HI VR_ILU_ITC1overview_BW_HI 6 Bernafon9Veras IFU CIC 5 1 3 3 2 2 6 8 5 4 ITCD 8 3 4 2 5 CIC 1 1 Vent 2 Canal 3 Sound outlet with wax protection 4 Microphone opening 5 Battery drawer 8 1 ITC VR_ILU_CICoverview_BW_HI 7 4 6 Push button (optional) 7 Pull-out string 8 Volume control (optional) 9 Second microphone opening
Inserting instruments It takes patience and practice to insert your instruments correctly. If you have difficulty, please consult your hearing care professional. • Insert your right instrument with your right hand and your left instrument with your left hand. • Hold your instrument between your thumb and index finger with the microphone towards the top. • Place the canal part of your instrument into your ear canal.
Removing instruments • Use your thumb to push up against the bottom (back part) of your ear to loosen the instrument. • Grasp the instrument at its edge between your thumb and forefinger, and gently remove it from your ear. • If your hearing instrument has a removal (pullout) string, pull it gently. Important: Do not try to remove your instrument by pulling on the battery drawer. This may cause damage. Contact your hearing care professional if you are having problems removing the instrument.
Operating instruments (ON/OFF) To turn the instrument ON Push the battery drawer closed until it snaps. The hearing instrument will make one long beep as it starts. To turn the instrument OFF Place your fingernail underneath the front edge of the battery drawer and lift to open. open (off) closed (on) Note: Never force the battery drawer open or closed.
Changing the volume level Your hearing instruments are programmed to be at a comfortable volume level for your hearing loss. They are designed to automatically adjust to changes in the sound environment. Some models allow you to adjust the volume yourself, either with an optional control on the instrument or an optional remote control. Volume control wheel (optional for all ITCD and ITC) To increase the volume Turn the volume control towards your front.
To decrease the volume Turn the volume control towards your back. The instrument will beep when your reach the programmed minimum.The volume control has no mechanical stop. You can continue to turn it, but the loudness will only be altered between the programmed minimum and maximum. Your hearing care professional can program the volume to remain at a fixed level, if desired.
Changing programs (ITCD and ITC instruments) Your hearing instrument can be configured with 3 to 4 listening programs. Please see page 42 to find out which programs have been configured for your hearing instruments. You can change programs as follows: Push Button If your instrument has been made with an optional push button, you can use it to change programs. You will hear the same number of beeps as the program you are in each time you press the push button.
Telecoil function (optional for ITCD and ITC instruments) The telecoil helps you hear better when using a telephone or in buildings where inductive loop systems are installed (places of worship, halls, theatres, etc.). When the telecoil is active, you hear directly through the telephone or inductive loop. To access the telecoil, go to the telecoil program. See page 42. This symbol or a similar sign should be displayed wherever a permanent loop has been installed.
Telephone use Auto Telephone (all ITCDs) Your instrument may have an Auto Telephone functionality. When the hearing instrument is close to a telephone receiver, the Auto Telephone will Bernafon IFU micro activate a phone program. WhenVeras you end your BTE conversation, the hearing instrument will automatically VR_ILU_AutophoneControlMicroBTE_BW_HI return to the previous program. Note: All telephones can activate the Auto Tele phone. The telephone receiver may need to have a special magnet fitted.
Your hearing care professional can configure your instruments to allow answering the phone on both ears or on your preferred ear. If you have a preferred ear, the instrument on the opposite side can be programmed to sound softer or to mute when the Auto Telephone is active. Please see page 42 to find out how your instruments are configured. Warning • Keep magnets out of reach of children and pets. If a magnet is swallowed, see a doctor immediately.
Changing the battery When the battery is about to run out, the instrument will beep at regular intervals. The battery should be replaced immediately. The following battery sizes are used: – ITC and ITCD: size 312 battery – CIC: size 10 battery • Gently swing the battery drawer fully open, but do not force it. • Take out the used battery. • Remove the sticker from the new battery. • Place the battery into the drawer with the flat, smooth side facing up (+ sign) as shown in the drawing.
Important battery information • Battery life will vary with conditions of use (batteries will run down faster in noisy environments). • Always keep spare batteries on hand. • A used battery should be replaced immediately. • If you are not going to use your hearing instruments for a few days, remove the batteries. • Any moisture found on a battery should be wiped off immediately with a soft cloth. • Used batteries should be returned to your battery supplier or hearing care professional for safe disposal.
Data logging and learning Data logging The data log automatically stores information about your use of the hearing instruments such as changes made to the volume control, hours of wear, etc. This information can be used by your hearing care professional to adjust your instruments. If you do not want this feature to be active, please ask your hearing care professional to turn it off.
Operating the hearing instruments with the optional RC-P remote control If you have purchased a remote control you can use it to change programs, adjust the volume level up and down, or mute the instruments. For complete operating instructions, please read the separate RC-P remote control instructions for use booklet.
Operating the instrument with the optional SoundGate communication device (VR9 and VR7 ITCDs only) If you have purchased a SoundGate you may use it to perform basic functions such as program changes and volume adjustments. In addition, the SoundGate serves as a link between your hearing instruments and external sources such as music players, cell phones, computers, etc. For complete operating instructions, please read the separate SoundGate instructions for use booklet.
Instrument care Healthy ears produce a waxy substance that can clog your hearing instruments. Please follow these cleaning instructions to prevent wax build-up and ensure optimal performance of your instruments. Every night • Check your instruments for ear wax and wipe them clean with a cloth or tissue. • If necessary, use the cleaning tool to remove wax from the canal and vent openings on your instrument. • Open the battery drawer fully to allow air to circulate.
Cleaning the sound outlet The sound outlet is an integral part of your hearing instrument and should be kept clean and free from ear wax at all times. Your instruments are built with a wax protection system. Please follow the instructions for the type of wax protection your instrument uses. If you have questions, please ask your hearing care professional. WaxBuster system • Wipe the hearing instrument with a dry soft cloth. Carefully wipe away traces of wax on the WaxBuster.
Do not insert tools into the sound outlet. This could damage the receiver. If you cannot clean the hearing instruments completely, it is best to contact your hearing care professional. NoWax system • Always inspect your NoWax filter before using the instrument to ensure that it has not become detached from the instrument. • Change the filter if you can see that it is clogged or if the instrument does not sound normal.
• Remove the tool from the shell and push the removal part into the old wax filter to remove it from the instrument. • Push the new filter into the hearing instrument. • Discard the used tool. Avoid heat, humidity and chemicals • Do not expose the instruments to extreme heat by leaving them in the car, near a radiator, etc. • Avoid exposing your instruments to moisture i.e. steambaths, showers, heavy rain, etc. • Never attempt to dry your instruments with a hair dryer, microwave oven, etc.
Using your hearing instruments Hearing instruments do not restore perfect hearing. They make sounds louder and help you make the most of the hearing you have. While some immediate benefit is usually noticed, it often takes several weeks for your brain to adapt to the new sounds. The following tips will help you learn to use your instruments. If you have trouble adjusting, consult your hearing care professional. Getting started • Wear your instruments at home in a quiet environment.
• You may notice that your own voice sounds louder. If the voices of others are at a comfortable level, try speaking at a lower volume. • Sounds like footsteps, chirping birds, rustling paper, etc. may seem quite loud at first because you probably haven’t heard them for awhile. They will soon fade to the background. Dining out • Start with a quiet restaurant (no music or entertainment). • Request a table away from the kitchen and other noisy areas. • Conversation will be easier in a smaller group.
Attending theatre, concerts, lectures, etc. • Ask if there is a loop system available. If not, request to be seated near the front. • Try to sit with your better ear closer to the sound source. • Become familiar with the program in advance to make it easier to follow. At work • Inform your co-workers about your hearing loss. • If you hear only part of a conversation, repeat what you have heard and ask for the missing information.
Using the telephone • Hold the receiver close to the microphone inlet of your hearing instrument. If this causes whistling, move the receiver away a small distance. • If voices over the telephone are too soft or background noise is a problem, use the telecoil (if your instrument has this option). Be aware that not all phones are telecoil compatible. • Mobile phones may cause interference with the telecoil. In this case, the microphone mode will give a better result.
Environmental protection Your hearing instruments contain electronic components subject to the Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment. Help to protect the environment by not disposing of your hearing instruments or batteries with your unsorted household waste. Please recycle your hearing instruments and batteries according to your local regulations or return them to your hearing care professional for disposal.
Product approval, markings and compliance All Bernafon Veras hearing instrument models comply with international standards concerning electromagnetic compatibility. Due to the limited size available on the instruments all relevant approval markings are found in this document. Electromagnetic interference Your hearing instrument has been thoroughly tested for electromagnetic interference. However, some products may emit electromagnetic energy causing unforeseen interference with hearing instruments.
Your hearing instruments may contain a radio transmitter using short range magnetic induction technology working at 3.84 MHz. The magnetic field strength of the transmitter is < – 42 dBμA/m @ 10 m. The electromagnetic emission from the radio system is well below international limits for human exposure. By comparison, the electromagnetic energy of the hearing instrument is lower than that generated by household items such as halogen lamps, computer monitors, dishwashers etc.
Compliance with radio communic ations requirements for the USA and Canada Bernafon AG Veras hearing instrument models VR9 ITCD; VR7 ITCD; VR5 ITCD FCC ID IC: U6XFUITE01 7031A-FUITE01 Statement of compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Bernafon AG could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Compliance with requirements for Europe This device is in conformance with the requirements of the Directive 93/42/EEC of the Council of the European Communities concerning medical devices, MDD. This is certified by applying the following marking: This device also complies with the essential requirements of the Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment, R&TTE.
Declarations of conformity are available at: Bernafon AG Morgenstrasse 131 3018 Bern Switzerland 38
Cell phone and hearing instrument compatibility Some hearing instrument users have reported a buzzing sound in their instruments when they are using cell phones, indicating that the cell phone and hearing instrument may not be compatible. The compatibility of a particular hearing aid and cell phone can be predicted by adding the rating for the hearing aid immunity to the rating for the cell phone emissions (ANSI C63.
The immunity of your Veras hearing instrument is at least M2/T2. The equipment performance measurements, categories and system classifications are based upon the best information available but Bernafon cannot guarantee that all users will be satisfied.
International warranty Your hearing instruments have a limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the hearing instruments themselves, but not accessories such as batteries, tubing, earmolds, etc. This warranty is void if a defect is the result of misuse or mistreatment. The warranty is also void if the hearing instruments have been repaired by nonauthorized service personnel.
Your hearing instrument configuration Available programs (ITCD and ITC only) Your hearing instruments are programmed in the following way: Program 1 2 3 4 Beeps 1 2 3 4 Function Optional telecoil (ITCD and ITC only) M right ear M left ear M none Your instrument has been programmed for: M Microphone + Telecoil (right ___ ; left ___ ) M Telecoil only (right ___ ; left ___ ) Your instrument uses: M WaxBuster 42 M NoWax
Telephone use options (VR9 and VR7 ITCD and ITC only) Preferred telephone ear M Both M Right M Left Behavior of instrument on the non-telephone ear M No change M Microphone is 6 dB softer when Auto Telephone or Telephone Program is active M Instrument mutes when Auto Telephone or Telephone Program is active Right and left instruments synchronized (For ITCD only) When this feature is active, program and volume changes made to one instrument are automatically made in the other through a wireless communi
Accessories Bernafon offers a wide range of optional accessories that may be purchased to enhance your hearing system. Depending on hearing instrument type and local regulations, the following accessories are available: • Remote control • SoundGate communication device (for wireless connection to cell phones, music players, etc.
General warnings and safety guidelines Hearing instruments and batteries can be dangerous if swallowed or improperly used. Such actions can result in severe injury, permanent hearing loss or even fatality. Familiarize yourself completely with the following general warnings before using your hearing instruments. • Hearing instruments should be used only as directed and adjusted by your trained hearing care professional. Misuse or improper adjustments can result in sudden and permanent hearing loss.
• A slap to your ear while wearing the instrument could be harmful. Avoid wearing your hearing instrument while playing contact sports (e.g. rugby, football etc.). • Be aware that use of a hearing instrument may cause excess ear wax to build up in the ear canal which may require removal by a trained medical professional. • In rare cases, a hearing aid or earmold may cause a discharge from the ear or allergic reaction. See a physician immediately if these conditions occur.
• Clean your hearing instruments and their parts on a regular basis as recommended. Microorganisms from unclean instruments may cause skin irritations. • Be careful with leaking battery liquid, as it is a hazardous substance. • Never try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. • Never change the battery or adjust the controls of the hearing instrument in front of infants, small children and persons of mental incapacity.
• Traffic or other warning sounds may also be reduced in level by a directional microphone when these sounds are coming from behind you. • Never insert cleaning tools into the sound outlet or microphone inlet. This could damage the hearing instruments.
Notes 49
Common problems and solutions Problem Possible cause Instrument whistles or squeals Instrument not inserted correctly No volume, level too soft or humming noise Instrument may not be turned ON Ear wax accumulation in ear canal Instrument may be too loose Battery may be dead or inserted wrong way Volume level too soft Instrument may be in telecoil (optional) position Ear wax accumulation in ear canal Battery contacts may be dirty or corroded Instrument sound outlet may be blocked Microphone sound inlet
Solution Re-insert instrument Consult your hearing care professional or physician Consult your hearing care professional Check that the battery drawer is closed completely Insert a fresh battery Increase volume level with control on instrument or remote control Check to make sure you are in the intended program Consult your hearing care professional or physician Open and close the battery drawer several times or clean the battery contacts carefully with a dry Q-tip Check the sound outlet and change the filt
Problem Possible cause Whirring noise, fading, weak or motor-boating sounds Battery contacts may be dirty or corroded Moisture in hearing instrument Low battery Instrument switches from ON to OFF periodically 52 Low battery
Solution Open and close the battery drawer several times or clean the battery contacts carefully with a dry Q-tip Place instrument in Dry-Aid pack. Remove battery first. Consult your hearing care professional.
Service If none of the actions, listed on the previous pages, solve the problem, contact your hearing care professional. Do not attempt to repair your hearing instruments yourself.
Canada Bernafon Canada Ltd. 500 Trillium Drive, Unit 15 Kitchener, Ontario Canada N2R 1A7 Phone +1 519 748 6669 Toll Free +1 800 265 8250 Toll Free Fax +1 888 748 9158 www.bernafon.ca Manufacturer Switzerland Bernafon AG Morgenstrasse 131 3018 Bern Phone +41 31 998 15 15 Fax +41 31 998 15 90 www.bernafon.com New Zealand Bernafon New Zealand Ltd. Level 1, Building F 27-29 William Pickering Drive Albany, Auckland 0632 Toll Free 0800 44 22 57 Telephone +64 9 415 7917 Fax +64 9 415 7916 www.bernafon.co.
