BTE O p e r at i o n s M a n u a l Behind-The-Ear
Contents About Your Hearing Instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Features and Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Open Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Earmold Insertion and Removal . . . .
Congratulations! You’ve just taken the first step on your journey toward better hearing. This manual is your guide to the use and care of your new hearing instruments. If you have questions, your hearing professional is trained and willing to help. Your new hearing instruments are customized to your hearing loss and lifestyle. Your hearing professional can make changes to the instruments to match your needs. They will make note of these changes in this manual.
About your hearing Instruments You have Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing instruments. Your hearing instruments were chosen for you to treat your hearing loss. Your hearing professional will select the features specific to your hearing instruments.
About your Hearing Instruments Your BTE has two controls that operate the instrument: a volume control and a multimemory button. It is important that you are familiar with the control locations and functions on your instrument.
Features and Controls Earhook Directional Microphone Sound Inlet Volume Control Multimemory Button attery Compartment B with On/Off Control
Open Fittings Your BTE may be configured for an open fitting. This method of fitting uses one of two different ear configurations, a soft earbud or an open custom earmold. Your hearing instrument is configured for an open fitting.
Identification Serial Number and Identification Each instrument can be identified by its serial number, located on the inside of the battery compartment. Left and right hearing instruments may be identified by the optional side indicator in the slot on the battery compartment. Direct Audio Input Contact Year Made Battery Compartment Serial Number 00-000000 Manufacturer’s Name Model Name Left/Right Indicator Red is for right ear, blue is for left ear.
Batteries Battery Size Your hearing instruments use a size 13 battery. Your battery packages will have an orange mark. It is very important to use the correct size and type battery for your hearing instrument. Because of their size, it’s a good idea to change and replace batteries at a table or desk to reduce the risk of dropping the instrument or battery.
Batteries Changing Batteries Remove the old battery by pushing it out the top of the fully opened door. DO NOT pull it out the side of the door. Place the new battery in the compartment with the plus (+) sign facing up. Close the battery compartment by swinging the door until it snaps shut. NEVER FORCE THE DOOR SHUT. This could result in serious damage. If the door will not close easily, check that the battery is placed properly in the compartment and is not upside down.
Batteries Low Battery Indicator Your hearing professional will check the box below if the low battery indicator for your instruments is turned on. The low battery indicator is turned on. When the low battery indicator is turned on, your hearing instruments will beep four times going from a high-to-low pitch when the battery’s voltage is low. Replace the battery when you hear these tones.
Batteries Locking the Battery Compartment Your BTE has a tamperresistant, locking battery compartment. The lock switch is located on the bottom of the battery door. Locking the battery compartment is not necessary for normal operation. To lock the door, use an appropriate tool to slide the recessed switch to the left until it “clicks” and the colored mark is visible.
Batteries Battery Caution Because batteries can vary in performance, your hearing professional is your best source for lifespan estimates and verification that you are using the proper size and type. m WA R N I N G : HEARING INSTRUMENT BATTERIES ARE DANGEROUS IF SWALLOWED. National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline (202) 625-3333 To help prevent the accidental ingestion of batteries, keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
Earmold insertion and Removal Your hearing instrument is connected to a custom earmold. Before placing the BTE with an earmold into your ear, be sure the battery is inserted and the battery door is closed securely. To insert the earmold, hold it with your thumb and forefinger on the outer side near the tubing. Gently insert the canal tip into your ear canal. Then gently press the earmold into place with your finger. Carefully place the instrument over the top of the ear until it rests securely in place.
Open Earmold insertion and Removal Your hearing instrument is connected to an open earbud or open custom earmold. To insert the open earbud or open custom earmold, be sure the battery is inserted and the battery door is closed securely. Hold the thick grab handle outside of the earbud or open custom earmold, where the retention lock meets the tubing. Gently insert the tip into your canal. Carefully place the instrument over the top of your ear until it rests securely in place.
Open Earmold insertion and Removal With your fingertips, move the flexible retention lock into place by first curling and lifting the lock tip into the bowl of your ear. Use your fingertip to push the lock into a secure position in the bowl of your ear. To remove the earbud or open custom earmold, perform the insertion steps in reverse order. Be sure you are holding the thick grab handle where it connects to the retention lock as you gently pull the earmold outward.
On, off and volume control Your hearing instrument is “on” any time a functioning battery is properly placed in the compartment and the battery door is closed. Some hearing instruments are programmed to have a power on delay. The power on delay means that your instruments will take several seconds to power up once they have been turned on. This feature allows you to get the hearing instruments in your ear before they start to amplify sound.
On, off and volume control If you open the door further, be careful that the battery does not accidentally fall out. To preserve battery life, it is recommended that you turn your instrument “off” any time it is not in use. The volume control enables you to adjust the amount of amplification provided by the instrument. You may wish to change volume levels as you encounter different listening situations. To change the volume, use your fingertip to rotate the vertical volume control.
On, off and volume control The numbers on the control provide an orientation for the proper volume setting. To make sounds louder, rotate the control upward. When the control is set at “4,“ the volume is at the maximum level. To make sounds softer, rotate the control downward. The softest level is set at “1.” A non-removable protective cover may be placed over the volume control to prevent inadvertent adjustment.
Multimemory settings While your hearing instruments have many adjustments that are made automatically, the multimemory push button gives you adjustment control. You may select a different setting for your current listening environment, for example, when you are using the telephone or sitting in a noisy restaurant. When first turned on, your instruments are most likely programmed for normal listening environments. The additional settings are accessed by pressing the button on the hearing instrument.
Multimemory settings When changing between memory settings, there may be an audible beep or indicator to let you know where each memory is located. For example, the hearing instrument will beep twice for memory 2, or provide a unique set of tones for a phone memory. Your hearing professional will work with you to set the memories to your preference. With your hearing professional, use the table below to write in the memory settings for your instruments. Memory Environment/ Beep/ No.
Multimemory settings Special Instructions: 22
Directional Microphones Your hearing instruments are equipped with directional microphones to help improve understanding in noisy situations like restaurants, parties, and other crowded environments. Your hearing professional will check the appropriate box below: Your directional microphones are activated automatically. Your directional microphones are activated by pushing the multimemory push button. The memory position is _________ .
Directional Microphones When your instruments are in the directional mode, it is especially important that you face people you are listening to and keep them in your direct line of sight.
Using the Telephone Your hearing instruments are equipped with tools to help you effectively communicate on the telephone. Your hearing professional will check the box/boxes below that represent the telephone settings in your instruments. Your hearing instruments have the following telephone setting(s): Automatic telephone response Automatic telecoil Telecoil. The memory position is _____________.
Using the Telephone receiver on your ear as you normally would and the hearing instrument will select the telephone setting. Then, move the receiver back slightly to activate the phone response. Once the telephone is removed from the ear, the hearing instrument will switch back to the previous listening mode.
Using the Telephone Special Instructions: 27
Using the Telephone Your hearing professional can provide you with additional information regarding devices and techniques for connecting with a variety of cordless and mobile telephones. Your BTE can connect directly to Bluetooth® compatible mobile phones and devices through the ELI™ Bluetooth module. Connected to your instrument through the direct audio input (DAI) boot, (see page 27), ELI provides hands-free communication with Bluetooth devices up to 30 feet away.
Direct Audio Input Your BTE is compatible with direct audio input (DAI). This allows you to connect your instrument to another electronic sound source, such as a wireless FM system or audio and video equipment. To use the DAI, slide the DAI boot onto the bottom of the BTE, until it “clicks” into place. The DAI’s gain control should be turned fully counterclockwise.
Direct Audio Input When the DAI module is attached, the instrument’s telephone coil memory is available via the multimemory control. To remove the module, hold the BTE and DAI module, push from the underside of the boot and gently snap the two apart.
Feedback Feedback is caused by amplified sounds escaping from the ear canal that make their way back to the instrument’s microphone. Your new instruments use the most advanced digital technology available with a unique feedback suppression program. If feedback occurs after the instrument has been inserted correctly and the volume set to a comfortable level, contact your hearing professional.
Handling and Care Your hearing instruments represent the ultimate in miniature technology, especially when you consider the environment in which they function. Heat, moisture, and foreign substances can result in degraded performance. Proper care and maintenance go a long way toward ensuring trouble-free performance. Do your best to keep the hearing instruments clean at all times. Handling the hearing instruments with clean hands is a good starting point.
Handling and Care Custom Earmold Cleaning and Care • Separate the hearing instrument from the earmold for cleaning. • Clean the earmolds daily using a soft, damp cloth. • You may use warm soapy water to clean the earmold. Be certain that the instrument is detached and far away from any moisture before washing the earmold. Open Earbud or Open Custom Earmold Cleaning and Care An extensive cleaning for an open fit consists of removing the tubing and/or earbud.
Handling and Care • Remove the tubing from the BTE by using your fingernail to pull the colored nose cone AWAY from the instrument. DO NOT PULL ON THE TUBING. • Holding the tubing by the thicker area where the retention lock joins the tubing, gently pull the earbud or open custom earmold off the tube. • Use the wax reamer to remove wax and debris from the inside of the tubing. Once the tubing is disconnected from the BTE, thread the wax line end into the nose cone.
Handling and Care General Cleaning Information • It is a good idea to perform all cleaning and battery changes above a soft cloth on a desk or table. This will keep the instrument from a damaging fall to a hard surface if dropped. • Never use water, solvents, cleaning fluids or oil to clean your instruments. • Be careful not to insert the cleaning tools into the inside of the hearing aid and never take your hearing instruments apart.
Handling and Care General Care Information • Store your hearing instruments in a dry, safe place away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid extreme temperature. • When not wearing your hearing instruments, turn them off and open the battery compartment door. • Do not wear your hearing instruments while using hair spray, spray paint, or any other sticky sprays that can clog the microphone. • Store your instruments where you can easily find them, but safely out of reach of pets and children.
Handling and Care Keep Your Hearing Instruments Away From Moisture • Your instruments may be so comfortable that you forget you are wearing them. Develop the habit of checking your ears before going swimming or taking a shower. Do the same with clothing pockets before they are washed. W W • Should your hearing instruments get wet, dispose of the battery and set the instrument on a towel in a safe place, leaving the battery compartment door open to promote air drying overnight.
Handling and Care When to Call Your Hearing Professional • Severe reactions, discharge from the ear, excessive wax, or other unusual conditions warrant immediate medical attention. • Pain or soreness in or around the ear. This is normally caused by pressure from the earmold on a particularly sensitive area, and may easily be corrected through trimming and polishing by your hearing professional. • If for any reason an instrument fails, do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Troubleshooting Guide Symptom Not Working Not Loud Enough Intermittent Automatic Telephone Response or Automatic Telecoil not Switching Possible Causes Solutions Low Battery Replace battery Blocked earmold tubing or canal opening Clean the devices (see page 30) Blocked earmold tubing or canal opening Clean the devices (see page 30) When was your hearing last checked? Contact your hearing professional Moisture Follow instructions on page 33 Defective Device Contact your hearing professiona
Communication Strategies Helpful Reminders For You How quickly you adjust to your hearing instruments depends on how often you wear them. However, don’t assume that you will hear and understand all speech with your hearing instruments. When you first start, you will notice an increase in the noise levels around you. This noise has probably always been there, but with your hearing loss, you might not have noticed this background noise.
Communication Strategies • Looking at the person who is speaking and sitting face-to-face in a quiet room. • Minimizing distractions. For example, doing dishes at the sink and trying to have a conversation is difficult even for those with normal hearing. • Moving closer to the speaker and within sight. W • Trying different locations in a room that has poor acoustics.
Communication Strategies • Letting others know what you need. Remember that most people don’t know you and cannot “see” your hearing problem. • Remembering you might have a memory setting for a specific situation. Helpful Reminders for Your Friends and Family Many people initially treat hearing problems as an individual matter, something that can be dealt with by themselves. Remember that communication involves more than just one person.
Communication Strategies • Speaking clearly and at a normal rate. Shouting or talking directly into the ear can actually make understanding more difficult. • Rephrasing rather than repeating the same words over, as you may find it easier to understand different words. • Minimizing distractions by not speaking with a full mouth, covering their mouth, or with distractions such as a television or radio.
Notes 44
Notes 45
FDA Information The following additional information is provided in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations: WARNING TO HEARING AID DISPENSERS.
FDA Information the ear are often referred to as otolaryngologists, otologists, or otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of the medical evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable conditions that may affect hearing are identified and treated before the hearing aid is purchased. Following the medical evaluation, the physician will give you a written statement that states that your hearing loss has been medically evaluated and that you may be considered a candidate for a hearing aid.
79458-000 5/07 © All rights reserved BKLT9458-03-EE-ST rev.
