Operating Instructions Hearing Instrument R1-W Model No. WH-R17C WH-R15C Model No. WH-R13C Model No. Before using the Panasonic Hearing Instrument R1-W series, please be aware of the following restrictions: · R1-W series cannot be used outside the United States. The information contained in this manual is important for safe and reliable operation. Anyone who will handle, maintain, store, or dispose of your hearing instrument should read this document.
Introduction Before Use We would like to thank you for purchasing the Panasonic Hearing Instrument. The Panasonic Digital Hearing Instrument helps optimize both intelligibility and comprehension for the hearing impaired. The type of hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss and usage conditions. You will need to get a thorough hearing evaluation and have your ears examined by an ear specialist or an audiologist.
Before Use Package contents ........................................................... 4 Warning to hearing aid dispensers .................................. 6 Important notice for prospective hearing aid users ............ 7 Children with hearing loss ................................... 8 Safety precautions .............................................. 9 Usage instructions ............................................ 16 Operations Component description ................................................
Package contents Before Use The Panasonic hearing instrument R1-W series comes with the following items. If there are any missing or defective items, please inform your dispenser. Components · Wax guard QTY: 2 · Replacement tool for wax guard QTY: 1 · Main unit QTY: 1 (Receiver unit and eartip are integrated with the main unit by dispenser.
· Operating Instructions Battery (sold-separately) · Zinc air battery (size 13) Optional Accessories (sold-separately) · Consult your dispenser.
Warning to hearing aid dispensers Before Use 6 A hearing aid dispenser should advise a prospective hearing aid user to consult a physician if it is determined through inquiry, actual observation, or review of any other available information, that the prospective user has any of the following conditions: · Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear. · History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.
Good health practice requires that a person with a hearing loss have a medical evaluation by a licensed physician (preferably a physician who specializes in diseases of the ear) before purchasing a hearing aid. Licensed physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear are often referred to as otolaryngologists, otologists or otorhinolaryngologists.
Children with hearing loss Before Use 8 In addition to seeing a physician for a medical evaluation, a child with a hearing loss should be directed to an audiologist for evaluation and rehabilitation since hearing loss may cause problem in language development and the educational and social growth of a child. An audiologist is qualified by training and experience to assist in the evaluation and rehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss.
Follow the instructions below to reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to the hearing instrument. The following symbols are used throughout this document, and contain important differences regarding the probability of serious injury. These definitions are as follows: WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION Indicates a possible hazard which if not avoided may result in minor to moderate injury.
Safety precautions (Continued) Before Use WARNING Keep out of reach of children and pets. A hearing instrument and its components can be a choking hazard and cause possible internal injury if swallowed. To prevent accidental ingestion of hearing instrument or its components and/or accessories, secure them in a safe place where they are not accessed by infants, small children, pets, or others who might accidentally swallow them. · If swallowed, obtain immediate medical attention.
Do not let others use your hearing instrument. Inappropriate use of a hearing instrument can cause severe damage to the ear. Do not let children play with the hearing instrument. Keep the hearing instrument out of reach of children. Do not disassemble, short-circuit, or expose the zinc air battery to water or fire. Failure to heed this warning may result in leakage or explosion, which can lead to injury or contamination of surrounding factors.
Safety precautions (Continued) Before Use CAUTION Do not use the hearing instrument near any device that emits high frequency radio waves or generates a strong magnetic field. The hearing instrument may emit acoustic feedback which can result in hearing damage.
Do not modify or disassemble the hearing instrument. Failure to heed this warning may result in damage to the ear. Do not immerse the hearing aid in water, and do not allow it to get wet. Before Use CAUTION It may short-circuit and become damaged. · Contact your dispenser if you need to have your hearing instrument adjusted, or if you encounter unexpected behavior of the hearing instrument. Make sure that the battery is fresh and installed correctly. Do not use any other receiver unit.
Safety precautions (Continued) Before Use CAUTION Confirm that the hearing instrument is completely free of burrs and cracks. Rugged projection like sharp edges and rough burrs protruding from the surface of the hearing instrument can cause cuts and nicks to the skin. · When cleaning your hearing aid, wipe it gently with a soft cloth. Never use organic solvents such as alcohol, paint thinner, or benzene.
Stop using the hearing instrument if you experience any physical discomfort. If you keep using the hearing instrument when you suffer from headache, dizziness, pain in the ear or skin abnormality at the ear such as swelling and rash, your condition may become worse. · Stop using the hearing aid immediately and consult your physician. Before wearing the hearing instrument, make sure that the eartip fits into place.
Usage instructions Before Use Care and handling instructions For proper care and handling of your hearing instrument, be sure to read and follow the instructions below. Preventive maintenance can help extend the life span of your hearing instrument. Stop using the hearing instrument if you notice draining fluid from your ears. Do not use the hearing instrument without resolving any problems that may cause drainage from the ear.
CAUTION · Equipment not suitable for use in the presence of flammable anesthetic agents mixed with air, oxygen, or nitrous oxide. Before Use Avoid high temperatures, moisture, humidity and dust. · Do not use the hearing instrument in the shower or while swimming. · Do not touch the hearing instrument with wet hands. · Remove the hearing instrument before applying hair spray. · Do not use the hearing instrument with wet hair. Dry your hair as leaving it soaking wet will wet your hearing instrument.
Usage instructions (Continued) Before Use Proper battery handling and maintenance Individual zinc air cells are stored with an adhesive tab. The factory seal must not be peeled off until the battery is required for use. The tab seals the air hole on the battery. Once the tab is removed, it takes approximately 30 seconds before the battery is activated. Wait until the battery is ready.
Do not expose the battery to moisture or rain. The battery absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, resulting in its short life span. Do not use near a heat source. Hearing instrument maintenance Before putting your hearing instrument in the hearing instrument dryer, wipe off any dirt, dust, oil or sweat that is left on the hearing instrument and battery with a clean soft cloth. Do not leave the hearing instrument exposed to direct sunlight, extremely high temperatures and humidity.
Component description Memory switch Basic operational flow i-i. Battery insert/removal with Battery Easy Care Tool ...............Pages 21-23 Input sound direction i-ii. Manual battery insert/removal .................Page 24 Receiver unit Operations Microphone (sound inlet) ii. Wearing the hearing instrument ..............Page 25 iii. Turning on the hearing instrument ...........Page 26 iv. Adjusting the memory switch ..................
i-i. Battery insert/removal with Battery Easy Care Tool 1 Set the hearing instrument in the battery easy care tool. Rotate the dial on the back of the tool clockwise until it snaps into the “Battery” position. See the back of the tool. The dial points to the “CHANGE BATTERY”. Battery Easy Care Tool Instrument holder Operations Adjust the dial to the white indicator then set your hearing instrument into the hearing instrument holder.
i-i. Battery insert/removal with Battery Easy Care Tool (Continued) 2 Install a zinc air battery. Put a zinc air battery in the battery holder , as shown in the figure below. Slightly press and slide the battery into the direction, as indicated by the arrow . Operations 22 Zinc air battery Lock slider · Use a zinc air battery (size 13). Peel off the tab on the plus side then place the battery in the battery holder, with the plus sign facing up.
Turn the battery easy care tool upside down so the hearing instrument will pop out. Hold out your hand and catch it when it falls. · Do not pull the tube section of the receiver unit, which will cause damage to the receiver unit. Remove a battery with Battery Easy Care Tool 1. Set the hearing instrument in the battery easy care tool in the same manner as you insert the battery into the tool. 2. Press and pull the lock slider into the direction, as indicated by the arrow.
i-ii. Manual battery insert/removal Open the 1 battery 2 Insert the zinc air battery. door. Operations Place a tip of your forefinger under the edge of the swingout door and gently pull outward. 24 When inserting a new battery (size 13), pay attention to the battery terminal. Place a new battery in the compartment with the plus sign facing up. Adhesive peel tab For removal, turn the main unit upside down and pull out the battery. · Do not open the battery door too far, or damage is likely to occur.
ii. Wearing the hearing instrument Position the hearing instrument behind the ear. Hold the main unit and carefully place the hearing instrument behind your ear wrapping it over the top of your ear. · Make sure that the hearing instrument is powered off. 2 Insert the eartip in the ear. Gently insert the eartip into your ear canal by pressing the receiver with your fingertip.
iii. Turning on the hearing instrument 1 Operations 26 Holding the main unit, close the battery door completely.
iv. Adjusting the memory switch Memory 1 (the hearing instrument is turned on) Memory switch (Chimes twice) Memory 2 (Chimes three times) (Chimes once) Memory 3 WH-R17C/WH-R15C :Up to 4 programs WH-R13C :Up to 3 programs · By pressing the memory switch button, you can change listening modes (memory programs) depending on the environmental conditions. Press the memory switch while the hearing instrument is on, so you can change the setting.
v. Adjusting the volume control 1 Adjust the volume by pressing the volume control key. · The available communication distance between your hearing instrument and Remote Control or Hearing Hub is up to approximately 15.7 inches (40 cm). · Optional Remote Control and Hearing Hub are sold separately. Operations MEMORY The illustration shows the Remote Control. Volume control · The communication range varies depending on which direction you point your Remote Control or Hearing Hub.
vi. Turning off the hearing instrument vii. Removing the hearing instrument 1 Open the battery door completely until it clicks. 1 Remove the eartip in your ear. Operations Hold the receiver and pull it straight out. · Open the battery door until the stopper is kept in a locked position, as indicated in the figure above. If it is not open enough, the hearing instrument may remain powered on. · Make sure that the hearing instrument is powered off.
Use with telephone Carrying case See the attached guidelines for complete details. Hold the handset near the hearing instrument and move it to find the best position to listen to the voice. Carrying case Microphone Operations Hearing instrument Cleaning brush · If it is too close to the microphone, acoustic feedback or whistle can be caused. To avoid this, keep some distance between the telephone (both landline and mobile) and the microphone.
Hearing instrument dryer See the attached guidelines for complete details. containing desiccant out of the hearing instrument dryer. Lid Plastic bag containing desiccant Twist the inner 2 cap clockwise and detach it from the lid. Take the desiccant 3 pack out of the plastic bag and put it on the inner cap. Open Screw the 4 inner cap back on the lid. Lid Lid Desiccant pack Desiccant pack Inner cap Case · Turn the inner cap to the left until it comes off.
Setting the hearing instrument in the hearing instrument dryer Set your hearing instrument in the 1 Battery Easy Care Tool. Battery Easy Care Tool Hearing instrument Set the battery easy care tool in the hearing 2 instrument dryer. [Monaural] [Binaural] “Battery” symbol Reference 32 · Make sure that the dial snaps into the “Battery” symbol; air exposure to the battery will decrease the service life time. · Do not remove the battery from your hearing instrument.
Lid Battery Easy Care Tool containing the hearing instrument CAUTION · Desiccants are not edible. Keep them away from children and pets. · Do not place the battery directly in a hearing instrument dryer. Once activated, the battery will be consumed quickly as its chemicals tend to dry out. This will significantly shorten the battery service lifetime. · The hearing instrument dryer removes accumulation of moisture in the hearing instrument. Moisture can damage the internal, electronic components.
Wax guard replacement (Consult your dispenser) A wax guard is attached to the head of the receiver. If you feel that sounds are too muffled, or you have experienced a clogged feeling in your ears, you may have dirt, dust and wax build up in the wax guard. Replace a dirty wax guard with a new one. It can affect the performance of your hearing instrument. Replacement tool 1 2 3 4 5 Pull out the tool, as indicated by the arrow in the illustration. The wax guard will come off.
Removing the eartip (Consult your dispenser) Choosing the right receiver unit and eartip is essential to comfort, a secure fit, and an appropriate directional response from the hearing instrument. Panasonic’s eartips are available in different sizes and types. Holding the receiver, remove the eartip. Receiver Closed (S/M/L) Double dome (M/L) · The double-dome eartip supports the increased power receiver only. · An open fitting is non-occluding, comfortable fit with a natural sound.
Attaching the eartip (Consult your dispenser) 1 Attach the eartip to the receiver. Squeeze the eartip attached to the receiver 2 down into the drilling hole until it is securely in place. Receiver Carrying case Reference 36 Drilling hole · Holding the receiver with your thumb and forefinger, gently push the eartip into the receiver. · Do not hold the tube with excessive force.
3 Make sure that the eartip is securely attached to the receiver. · The eartip must be securely attached, as indicated in the illustration below. [Incorrect] Viewed from the side The head of the receiver is not visible. Head of the receiver Edge of the eartip · The above illustration shows an eartip in size M. The head of the receiver is loose, not firmly fastened or securely attached. The head of the receiver is visible. · Be sure to bridge a gap by squeezing the eartip down into the receiver.
Retention loop setup (Consult your dispenser) If your eartip easily slips out of the ear, you can try the supplied retention loop for better hearing. the retention loop in 1 Get the right direction, and pass the receiver unit through the loop. Insert the hook of the retention loop into the slot of the receiver unit. the loop, as indicated 2 Pull by the arrow in the figure below. Make sure the receiver unit is held steadily in the retention loop.
Holding the receiver with your fingers, twist and pull the retention loop off, as indicated by the arrow in the figure. CAUTION · Use only the supplied retention loop. Use of other retainers may cause hearing damage. · Make sure that both the eartip and retention loop are securely attached to the receiver, respectively.
Receiver unit replacement (Consult your dispenser) Receiver units are available in sizes 0, 1, 2 and 3. If your receiver does not fit properly, then consult your dispenser. the main unit, pinch the plug of 1 Holding the receiver unit with an anti-skid pad* to detach the receiver unit from the main unit. Do not twist or pull too hard. Main unit the plug of the receiver securely into 2 Insert the main unit as indicated in the figure below. Make sure that the receiver unit is facing in the right direction.
Top cover replacement (Consult your dispenser) 1 Open the battery compartment door. the area indicated by the arrow in 2 Lift the figure at right. Installing the top cover Be sure to follow the instructions below. An attempt the other way may crack or break the top cover. the top edge to bottom edge of the 1 Insert cover. · The tabs are held securely in place. 2 Make sure that the cover fits snugly.
Cleaning and maintenance (Consult your dispenser) Cleaning the eartip Wax guard replacement Clogged eartips can affect your hearing. To optimize the performance of your hearing instrument, clean out your eartip. Before cleaning, remove the eartip from the receiver. Receiver If it is heavily soiled, wash it off with lukewarm water and mild soap. Allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated place. Make sure that it is completely dry before attaching it back to the receiver.
For first-time users When you start using your hearing instrument for the first time, you may need time to adjust to the amplified sound. Gradually increase the time and occasion of use to enhance your awareness of sounds and their sources as described in the illustration below. With practice, you should become accustomed to the amplified sound and want to wear your hearing instrument regularly.
Troubleshooting guide This section discusses a general approach to solving problems related to design and operation of the hearing instrument. Narrow down the problem area, identify the source of the issue, and provide workarounds. If the problem still remains unresolved, write down any error conditions encountered error codes and problem description then contact the dispenser you purchased your hearing instrument from. Your dispenser is indicated on the back page of this document.
Probable cause Corrective action / Workaround Page A loud noise is The remaining battery power is low. frequently generated. (Alarming chime, beeping sound) The hearing instrument is turned on as soon as a battery is inserted. Replace the old battery with a new one. If it does not work, open the battery cover, wait for 30 seconds then close back again. 18 21-24 Turn off the hearing instrument, wait for about No sound is produced. The hearing instrument is powered off.
How family and friends can help Family members and friends can play a major supportive role in the life of hearing-impaired people. They may feel helpless, not being able to communicate effectively. Be supportive of any emotions the hearing-impaired person may be experiencing and help prevent them from being socially isolated. The more practice and experience they have in various listening situations, the more accustomed they will be to the hearing aid.
Performance The performance is as follows when the zinc air battery PR48/13 1.3 V is used; Standard type According to ANSI S3.22-2003 (Includes April 2007 Erratum) 0.9 mA Battery current (Battery current drain) 0.
Performance (Continued) Standard type OSPL90 frequency response curve and OSPL90 curve (Saturation output curve) and Full on gain response curve According to IEC 60118-7:2005 130 80 120 OSPL90 frequency response curve 110 70 100 60 90 50 Full on acoustic gain response curve 80 40 70 30 60 100 1k Frequency [Hz] 20 10k Output sound pressure level [dB SPL] 120 According to ANSI S3.
Standard type Frequency response curve According to ANSI S3.
Performance (Continued) Standard type AGC Steady state input-output characteristics output curve) According to ANSI S3.
Power type According to ANSI S3.22-2003 (Includes April 2007 Erratum) 1.0 mA Battery current (Battery current drain) 1.
Performance (Continued) Power type OSPL90 frequency response curve and OSPL90 curve (Saturation output curve) and Full on gain response curve According to IEC 60118-7:2005 110 130 80 120 70 100 60 Full on acoustic gain response curve 90 50 80 40 70 30 60 100 1k Frequency [Hz] 20 10k Output sound pressure level [dB SPL] 120 OSPL90 frequency response curve According to ANSI S3.
Power type Frequency response curve According to ANSI S3.
Performance (Continued) Power type AGC Steady state input-output characteristics output curve) According to ANSI S3.
Transport/Storage temperature –10 °C to 50 °C [14 °F to 122 °F] Transport/Storage relative humidity 20 % to 85 % Additional installed circuit Adjustment through the dedicated controller unit. WH-R17C: Gain for 16-channel model WH-R15C: Gain for 12-channel model WH-R13C: Gain for 9-channel model Mass Approx. 2.1 g [Approx. 0.07 oz] (with the zinc air battery) Dimensions 32.5 mm (W) × 19.1 mm (H) × 8.5 mm (D) [1.28” (W) × 0.75” (H) × 0.
Information Symbol Indications Reference 56 Symbol for “SERIAL NUMBER” Symbol for “THIS WAY UP” Symbol for “DATE OF MANUFACTURE” Symbol for “HANDLE WITH CARE” Symbol for “TEMPERATURE LIMITATION” Symbol for “STACKING LIMIT BY NUMBER” Symbol for “KEEP DRY” Symbol for “Zinc air battery” Symbol for “MANUFACTURER” General symbol for recovery/recyclable
Hearing instrument · Consult your dispenser where you purchased your hearing aid for advice on how to dispose of your hearing instrument. Make sure that the hearing instrument is disposed of properly, so the waste will undergo necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health. Battery disposal · For battery disposal, follow the battery disposal guidance based on the current United States federal laws and regulations.
Information (Continued) For your reference (Fill out when you purchase your hearing aid) Name of owner: Hearing instrument dispenser: Dispenser address: Dispenser phone: Purchase date: Hearing instrument model number: Reference 58 Hearing instrument serial number*: Receiver model number: Receiver serial number*: *The serial number is printed on the package label.
FCC compliance FCC ID : ACJ927150TX This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Warranty and customer service Warranty The Limited Warranty document is enclosed together in the package. Make sure that it is filled in with date of original purchase, name of dispenser, and other important information. Keep it in a secure place. Customer Services Directory (United States) Obtain product information and operating assistance and locate the nearest dispenser by visiting our website at: http://www.panasonic.