bliss T E V I T A ENT bliss Bliss miniBTE User Guide
02 sonic · BLiSS Hearing Instrument Serial Number: Left Right Hearing Instrument Model: Left Right Battery Size: 13A Listening Program # 1 2 3 4 Listening Environment Right/Left Instruments Synchronized: r Active r Inactive Program Button: r Active r Inactive Program Button Mute: r Active r Inactive Preferred Telephone Ear: r Right r Left r Both Non-Telephone Ear Control r No change r Softer when telephone is in use r Mutes when telephone is in use
Bliss · USer guide miniBte The following hearing instruments are covered in this User Guide: Bliss miniBTE BL100 MN BL80 MN 3 BL_ILLU_miniBTE_WithEarhook_BW_HI 03
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Bliss · USer guide miniBte 05 Table of Contents Congratulations on Your Purchase! 09 General Warnings and Safety Guidelines 10 Hearing Expectations 15 Your Bliss miniBTE Hearing Instrument – with Thin Tube 18 Your Bliss miniBTE Hearing Instrument – with Earhook and Earmold 19 Turning Your Hearing Instrument OFF and ON 20 Putting On Your Hearing Instrument – Thin Tube 21 Taking Off Your Hearing Instrument – Thin Tube 22 Putting On Your Hearing Instrument – Earhook 23 Taking Off Your Heari
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Bliss · USer guide miniBte 07 Data Logging and Learning 38 Direct Audio Input and FM 39 Caring for Your Hearing Instruments 42 Operating Your Bliss miniBTE with the RC-P Remote Control 47 Operating Your Bliss miniBTE with the SoundGate Communication Device 48 Environmental Protection 49 Product Approval, Markings and Compliance 52 Cell Phone and Hearing Instrument Compatibility 52 Warranty and Repairs 54 Accessories 55 Common Problems and Solutions 56 Information for the Hearing Care
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Bliss · USer guide miniBte 09 Congratulations On Your Purchase! With a little practice, you will soon be on your way to better hearing. The amplification of sound provided by your hearing instruments was adjusted by your hearing care provider to the needs of your individual hearing loss. 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.
sonic · BLiSS 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 and safety guidelines before using your hearing instruments. Hazard Warnings Never allow others to wear your hearing instruments.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 11 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 attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Be aware of the possibility that your hearing instruments may stop functioning without notice. Keep this in mind while you circulate in traffic or otherwise depend on warning sounds.
sonic · BLiSS Warning to Hearing Care Provider and Patient Special care should be taken when fitting and using a hearing instrument with maximum sound pressure capability in excess of 132 dB SPL IEC 60318-4 since there may be a risk of impairing the remaining hearing of the patient. Warning to Hearing Care Provider and Patient When the DAI is connected to AC-powered equipment, this equipment must comply with IEC-60601 or equivalent safety standards.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 13 Safety Information ·· Hearing instruments should be used only as directed and adjusted by your trained hearing care provider. Misuse or improper adjustments can result in sudden and permanent hearing loss.
sonic · BLiSS ·· Never insert cleaning tools into the microphone inlet or deeply into the sound outlet. This could damage the hearing instruments. ·· Do not expose hearing instruments to extreme heat by leaving them in the car, near a radiator, etc. ·· Avoid exposing your instruments to water and moisture i.e. steambaths, showers, heavy rain, etc. ·· Never attempt to dry your instruments with a hair dryer, microwave oven, etc.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 15 Hearing Expectations Set Appropriate Expectations It is important that you have the right expectations regarding your hearing instruments. Hearing instruments will give you better hearing, but they are not a cure for hearing loss. People whose expectations are too high (“I thought they would make my hearing normal”) are likely to be disappointed and may give up.
sonic · BLiSS Be Patient Unlike with eyeglasses which correct your vision as soon as you first put them on, with hearing instruments you will need some time to adjust. It may take several weeks or months to completely adjust to your hearing instruments, so try to be patient. Initially, try different listening situations, such as one-on-one conversations with family and friends and conversations with two or three people at home or in quiet settings.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 17 Consistent use of your hearing instrument is strongly recommended. In most cases, infrequent use does not allow you to obtain the full benefit from your device. The use of a hearing instrument is only a part of total hearing rehabilitation, and may need to be supplemented by auditory training and instruction in lipreading.
sonic · BLiss Your Bliss miniBTE Hearing Instrument – with Thin Tube 9 8 1 7 6 3 4 2 5 1 Rear Microphone 2 Program Button 3 Sound Outlet 4 Dome 5 Retention Lock 1 6 Battery Door 7 Thin Tube 8 Thin Tube Adapter 9 Front Microphone BL_ILLU_miniBTE_WithSpeaker_BW_HI Left/Right Ear Marking A color indicator can help you distinguish left and right instruments.
BLiss · User gUide miniBte Your Bliss miniBTE Hearing Instrument – with Earhook and Earmold 7 5 1 6 4 2 3 1 Rear Microphone 2 Program Button 3 Earmold 4 Battery Door 2 5 Earhook 6 Earmold Tubing 7 Front Microphone BL_ILLU_miniBTE_WithEarhookAndEarmold_BW_HI Serial Number 19
sonic · BLiSS Turning Your Hearing Instrument OFF and ON Before turning your hearing instrument off, wipe away any moisture with a soft cloth. To turn your hearing instrument off, open the battery door slightly by pushing on the edge of the seam. To turn it back on, fully close the battery door. Your hearing instrument may be programmed to alert you with a beep when it is turned on. Your hearing care provider will tell you if this feature is enabled.
HI W_ 2_B Off On Bliss · USer guide miniBte 21 Putting On Your Hearing Instrument – Thin Tube ·· First, position the hearing instrument over the top of your ear ·· Grasp the bend of the Thin Tube and gently push the sound dome into your ear canal until the tube rests against the side of your head. When the sound dome is placed appropriately, you should not be able to see7.1 the Thin Tube sticking out when you look directly into a mirror.
sonic · BLiSS Taking Off Your Hearing Instrument – Thin Tube To remove your hearing instrument, hold the Thin Tube and gently pull the sound dome out of your ear canal. ·· Lift the hearing instrument case from behind your ear ·· Open the battery compartment to turn off the device Note! Do not remove the instrument by pulling on the hearing instrument case. This might disconnect the device from the Thin Tube.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 23 Putting On Your Hearing Instrument – Earhook ·· Start with the miniBTE hearing instrument and earmold for your left ear. Connect the earmold to the hearing instrument by pushing the hearing instrument's earhook into the tube on the earmold. ·· Once the two are connected, hold the earmold with your thumb and first finger. Gently guide it into your ear canal. 8.1 ·· Gently pulling down on your ear lobe with your other hand may help.
sonic · BLiSS Taking Off Your Hearing Instrument – Earhook To take your hearing instrument off, hold the earmold with your thumb and first finger. Gently pull it out of your ear canal. A slight twist may be needed to remove it. Do not pull on the tube, as it may come out of the earmold. Once the earmold is out of your ear, remove the hearing instrument from behind your ear. Note! Even though they look the same, hearing instruments are programmed to fit a specific ear (right or left).
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 25 Changing the Programs Your hearing instrument can be configured with multiple listening programs. Please see inside the front cover of this User Guide to find out which program(s) have been configured by your hearing care provider. You can change programs as follows: Program Button A short press (about 2 seconds) on the program button will cause the listening program to change. You will hear the same number of beeps as the program you are in each time you push the button.
sonic · BLiSS Program Button Mute A longer press (about 5 seconds) on the program button will cause the hearing instrument to mute, no matter which program you are in. Press the button again to un-mute the device. Program Button 3 Note! Your hearing care provider can customize the behavior of the program button. Please see inside the front cover to find out how your control may have been configured.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 27 Changing the Volume 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. If you have purchased an optional RC-P remote control or SoundGate accessory, you can use it to make small volume changes to get a natural and comfortable sound. Please see pages 47 and 48 for further instructions.
sonic · BLiSS Using the Telephone Your hearing instrument may be programmed with a dedicated Telephone program. Your hearing care provider can configure your hearing instruments to allow answering the phone on both ears or on your preferred ear. Please see inside the front cover to find out if this was configured. Auto Telephone Additionally, your hearing instrument has an optional Auto Telephone feature.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 29 Note! Some telephones may need a special magnet added to help engage the Auto Telephone feature. To mount the magnet onto your telephone, please follow the instructions included in the magnet’s packaging or contact your hearing care provider.
sonic · BLiSS Phone Usage Tips ·· Hold the receiver close to the microphone inlet of your hearing instrument. If this causes whistling, move the receiver away a small distance. ·· Before purchasing a mobile phone, test it with your hearing instrument ·· People with a greater degree of hearing loss may need a volume control on the telephone Note! If your hearing instrument has been configured without these options, select the program that is best for you when using the telephone.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 31 Magnet Warning ·· Keep magnets out of reach of children and pets ·· If a magnet is swallowed, see a doctor immediately ·· Do not place the magnet in a shirt pocket and keep it 1 ft (30 cm) away from pacemakers and other active implants ·· Use the magnet on the opposite side from active implantable devices
sonic · BLiSS Changing the Battery When the battery power level is low, your hearing instrument will beep at regular intervals. You should be prepared to replace the battery. The time until the hearing instrument stops working depends on the battery type and manufacturer. Mercury-free batteries generally cause earlier warning beeps. Change Batteries Regularly When your battery needs to be changed you will hear three beeps: a low tone, followed by a high tone and another low tone.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 33 Battery Type Stainless steel zinc-air batteries are recommended. Your hearing instrument uses a #13A battery. Remove the Old Battery: ·· Open the battery compartment by pushing either side of the compartment with your fingernail ·· Rotate the compartment until the opening in the battery retaining ring points directly away from the body of the hearing instrument 9.
sonic · BLiSS Insert a New Battery: ·· Grasp the hearing instrument with your thumb and forefinger on either side of the open battery compartment to keep the compartment from moving ·· Insert a new battery by pushing it securely into the opening of the retaining ring 10.1 ·· Once the battery snaps firmly in the retaining ring, rotate the retaining ring back into the battery compartment ·· Cup your hand around the hearing instrument. A whistling or squealing sound means the battery is working. 10.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 35 Important Battery Information ·· Battery life will vary with conditions of use (for example, 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 ·· Always remove zinc-air batteries before drying your hearing inst
sonic · BLiSS Audible Indicators Event Tone Description Start Up Delay Configurable short, medium or long delay before amplification starts Power On A sustained beep when amplification starts Listening Program Change* One to four single beeps; Number of beeps matches listening program position Low Battery Three warning beeps in a low-high-low pitch sequence Power Down; Dying Battery A fast sequence of beeps descending in pitch Audible Indicators with Optional SoundGate/RC-P Volume Control C
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 37 Safety Lock As an added safety feature, your battery door has been designed with a locking mechanism to deter children from accessing the battery. With the battery door fully closed, use a small screwdriver or similar tool to slide the lock up into the slot. This will prevent the battery door from opening until you slide it back down again. 11.2 11.
sonic · BLiSS Data Logging and Learning Data Logging The data log automatically stores information about your use of your hearing instruments such as program changes, hours of wear, etc. This information can be used by your hearing care provider to adjust your hearing instruments. If you do not want this feature to be active, please ask your hearing care provider to turn it off.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 39 Direct Audio Input and FM A Direct Audio Input (DAI) adapter allows your hearing instrument to receive signals directly from external sources such as TV, personal stereos, etc. An FM receiver allows your instrument to receive signals directly from an external wireless FM transmitter. Attaching the DAI Boot ·· Slip the DAI boot over your miniBTE, as shown. When it is fully seated you will feel it click into place.
sonic · BLiss Removing the DAI Boot · Disconnect the DAI/Euro plug or FM Receiver of the assistive listening device from the DAI boot · Grasp the DAI boot as shown. Pull the hearing instrument up and out of the boot with your other hand. A slight twisting motion will help free the DAI boot from the miniBTE.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 41 Direct Audio Input/FM Program Your hearing instrument has dedicated listening programs designed to work with a DAI boot or FM Receiver. When either is attached, the hearing instrument will automatically switch into this dedicated set of programs.
sonic · BLiSS Caring for Your Hearing Instruments Healthy ears produce cerumen, a waxy substance that can clog your hearing instruments. Please follow these cleaning instructions to prevent wax build-up and ensure optimal performance.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 43 If You Have an Earmold You should wash your earmolds regularly. The hearing instrument itself must never be washed or allowed to get wet! ·· Handle your instruments over a soft surface to avoid damage in case you drop them ·· Disconnect the earmold from the hearing instrument by grasping the end of the hook firmly with one hand and grasping the tubing firmly with the other hand ·· Pull the tubing away from the earhook ·· Gently clean the earmold in warm soapy water 8.
sonic · BLiSS Cleaning the Thin Tube System If you have the Thin Tube system, make sure that the tube and dome are kept free of ear wax at all times. ·· Grasp the adapter firmly and disconnect the Thin Tube from the instrument by pulling it off. Please see page 46 for further instructions. ·· Use a soft dry cloth or tissue to clean the outside of the Thin Tube and dome ·· To remove wax from the Thin Tube, insert the cleaning wire at the connector end.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 45 Exchanging the Dome The dome should be changed regularly. The frequency of dome changes will depend on how fast ear wax builds up on the dome. Spare domes can be obtained from your hearing care provider. ·· Remove the old dome by pulling it off the end of the Thin Tube ·· With clean fingers, push a new dome as far as possible onto the Thin Tube. When attached correctly, the dome should touch the plastic ring around the Thin Tube.
sonic · BLiSS Exchanging the Thin Tube System If the Thin Tube becomes discolored, stiff or brittle, it should be replaced.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte Operating Your Bliss miniBTE with the RC-P Remote Control Optional Accessory If you have purchased a remote control, you can use it to change listening programs, adjust the volume level up and down, or mute the hearing instruments. For complete operating instructions, please read the separate RC-P Remote User Guide.
sonic · BLiSS Operating Your Bliss miniBTE with the SoundGate Communication Device Optional Accessory If you have purchased a SoundGate, you may use it to perform basic functions such as changing the listening programs, adjusting the volume level up and down, or muting the hearing instruments. In addition, the SoundGate serves as a link between your hearing instruments and external sources such as music players, cell phones, computers, etc.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte Environmental Protection Your hearing instruments contain electronic components subject to the Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). 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 provider for disposal.
sonic · BLiSS Product Approval, Markings and Compliance All Sonic hearing instruments comply with international standards concerning electromagnetic compatibility. Due to the limited space available on the hearing instruments all relevant approval markings are found in this document. Electromagnetic Interference Your hearing instrument has been thoroughly tested for electromagnetic interference.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 51 The electromagnetic emission from the radio system is well below international limits for human exposure. By comparison, the electromagnetic energy of the hearing instruments is lower than that generated by household items such as halogen lamps, computer monitors, dishwashers etc.
sonic · BLiSS Cell Phone and Hearing Instrument Compatibility Some hearing instrument users have reported a buzzing sound in their devices when they are using cell phones, indicating that the cell phone and hearing instrument may not be compatible. The compatibility of a particular hearing instrument and cell phone can be predicted by adding the rating for the hearing instrument immunity to the rating for the cell phone emissions (ANSI C63.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 53 The immunity of your Bliss hearing instrument is at least M2. The equipment performance measurements, categories and system classifications are based upon the best information available but Sonic cannot guarantee that all users will be satisfied. Note! The performance of individual hearing instruments may vary with individual cell phones.
sonic · BLiSS Warranty and Repairs 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, domes, 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 non-authorized service personnel.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 55 Accessories Sonic 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: ·· RC-P Remote Control ·· SoundGate communication device (for wireless connection to cell phones, music players, etc.
sonic · BLiSS 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 position Ear wax accumulation in ear canal Battery contacts may be dirty or corroded Sound outlet may be blocked or corroded Microphone so
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 57 Solution Re-insert instrument Consult your hearing care provider or physician Consult your hearing care provider Check that the battery door is closed completely Insert a fresh battery Increase volume level with volume control on RC-P or SoundGate (if available) Check to make sure you are in the intended program Consult your hearing care provider or physician Open and close the battery door several times or clean the battery contacts carefully with a dry Q-tip Check the sound
sonic · BLiSS 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 Low battery
Bliss · USer guide miniBte Solution Open and close the battery door several times or clean the battery contacts with a dry Q-tip Place hearing instrument in Dry-Instrument pack. Remove battery first. Consult your hearing care provider.
sonic · BLiSS Information for the Hearing Care Provider A hearing care provider should advise a prospective hearing instrument user to consult with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) promptly, before dispensing a hearing instrument, if the hearing care provider determines through inquiry, actual observation or review of any other available information concerning the prospective user, that the prospective user has any of the following conditions: ·· Visible congenital or traumatic defor
Bliss · USer guide miniBte Warning to Hearing Care Provider and Patient Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a hearing instrument whose maximum sound pressure level exceeds 132 decibels due to the fact that there may be risk of impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing instrument user.
sonic · BLiSS 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 this 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.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 63 Compliance with Radio Communications Requirements for the USA and Canada Sonic Innovations, Inc. Bliss hearing instrument models BL100 MN; BL80 MN FCC ID IC: ZTOMBTE1 9799A-MBTE1 This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
sonic · BLiSS 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.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte Note! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Sonic could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
sonic · BLiSS Information and Explanation of Symbols The CE conformity marking indicates conformance to all applicable European Directives This symbol indicates that the products described in these instructions for use adhere to the requirements for an application part of Type B of EN 60601-1. The surface of the hearing instrument is specified as application part of Type B.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte 67 The crossed-out wheeled bin indicates that the European Directive on waste of electronic equipment applies Operating conditions The product is designed such that it functions without problem or restrictions if used as intended, unless otherwise noted in these instructions for use Transport and storage conditions During transport or storage, the temperature should not exceed the limit value of –13°/140° Fahrenheit (–25°/60° Celsius)
sonic · BLiSS Service If none of the actions listed in the previous pages correct a problem you may have with your hearing instrument, contact your authorized Sonic service representative. Do not attempt to service your hearing instruments yourself or your warranty may be voided.
Bliss · USer guide miniBte Notes 69
sonic · BLiSS Notes 125934 | UK
World Headquarters Sonic Innovations, Inc. 2501 Cottontail Lane Somerset, NJ 08873 USA + 1 888 423 7834 International Sonic AG Morgenstrasse 131B 3018 Bern, Switzerland + 41 31 560 21 21 Australia Sonic Australia 1/10 Dorsey Street Milton, QLD 4064, Australia Tel: + 61 7 3368 4044 Free call (Australia only) 1800 639 263 France Sonic France Parc des Barbanniers 3 allée des Barbanniers CS 40006 92635 Gennevilliers cedex +33 1 41 88 00 88 Canada Sonic Innovations Canada Ltd.
