A2 BTE - Hearing aid Audibel - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL A2 BTE Audibel

Select Hearing Instrument

Size 312 Battery - Brown

Size 13 Battery - Orange

Size 13 Battery - Orange

Size 312 Battery - Brown

Size 13 Battery - Orange

Select Instrument Controls

☐ Rocker Switch Controls p. 17
□ Control Surface Controls p. 17

Overview

Rocker Switch BTE 312 and 13 Overview ..... 4 Control Surface BTE 312 and 13 Overview ..... 6

Preparation

Batteries/Battery Indicators 8 Tamper Resistant Battery Compartment 10 Insertion and Removal 12

Operation

On & Off 16 Volume Control/Volume Settings 16–18 Memory Telephone Use 21 Manual Switching 22 Direct Audio Input (DAI) 23

Accessories

Wireless Accessories 25

Hearing System Care

Instrument Care 26
Standard Tubing/Thin Tubing 27-28
Service and Repair 29
Troubleshooting Guide 30

Tips for Better Communication 31

Safety Information 33

FDA Information 35

FCC Information 37

Features, Controls and Identification

Your hearing instrument controls include:

1. Earhook
2. Microphones
3. Rocker Switch
4. Battery compartment (on/off control)
5. Tamper resistant battery compartment lock (not available on all devices)
6. Side indicator RED is for right ear, BLUE is for left ear

Your hearing instrument can be identified by:

1. Location of serial number
2. Location of manufacturer's name and model name

Comfort Fit Solutions:

1. Standard Earmold with tubing
2. Thin tube with Instant Fit Earbud
3. Thin tube with Custom Eartip

Diagram of a handheld device with numbered parts labeled 1, 2, and 3

Diagram of a water purifier with labeled parts 4, 7, and 8 indicating components

Serial Number 00-000000

5 6

Illustration of a hand performing ear manipulation with a device (no text or symbols)

Medical illustration showing a hand holding a device with a red arrow indicating direction (no text or symbols present)

Medical illustration showing a surgical procedure on pelvic anatomy (no text or labels)

Features, Controls and Identification

1. Earhook
2. Microphones
3. Control Surface: Volume and/or Memory control
4. Battery compartment (on/off control)
5. Tamper resistant battery compartment lock (BTE, Power BTE and Power Plus BTE only)
6. Side indicator RED is for right ear, BLUE is for left ear

Your hearing instrument can be identified by:

1. Location of serial number
2. Location of manufacturer's name and model name

Comfort Fit Solutions:

1. Standard Earmold with tubing
2. Thin tube with Instant Fit Earbud
3. Thin tube with Custom Eartip

Diagram of a handheld device with labeled parts 1, 2, and 3

Illustration of a hand holding an ear with a device inserted, no text or symbols present

Serial Number 00-000000 7 8 4

Illustration of a hand holding a small object with a blue circular badge labeled '10' (no text or symbols on the object itself)

5 6

Illustration of a hand holding a small object with a droplet, possibly a medical or laboratory procedure (no text or symbols visible)

Batteries

Your hearing system uses a battery as its power source. This battery size can be identified by the orange (13) or brown (312) color code on the packaging.

To insert or replace the battery:

1. Use the nail grip on the battery door.
2. Open the battery door gently and remove the old battery.
3. Remove the tab from the new battery.
4. Line up the battery's "+" sign (flat side of the battery) with the "+" on the battery door.
5. Close the battery door.

Battery Indicators

An indicator will sound when the battery voltage is low. You have approximately five minutes* to replace the battery. An indicator will sound just before the battery stops working.

* Actual time between low battery indicator and shut down will vary depending on environmental noise levels and brand of battery used.

Close-up of a hand holding a metallic pipe fitting with a red arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

Illustration of a hand holding a small object with a curved handle, no text or symbols present

Illustration of a hand holding a small object with a circular inset, labeled '3' (no text or symbols on the object itself)

Illustration of a mechanical component with a circular dial and curved base, labeled '4' at bottom (no text or symbols on the diagram itself)

Illustration of a hand holding a metallic pipe fitting with a red arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

☐ My hearing instrument has a tamper resistant battery compartment. See below.

Tamper Resistant Battery Compartment

To lock the battery door:

Use an appropriate tool to slide the recessed switch to the left until it "clicks" and the colored mark is visible.

To unlock the battery door:

Slide the recessed switch to the right until it "clicks" and the colored mark disappears.

Locking the door is not required for operation.

Close-up of a handheld device with a red arrow pointing to the left side of the handle (no text or symbols visible)

Close-up of a medical device's internal structure with a red arrow pointing to a component (no text or symbols visible)

Helpful Hints

• NEVER FORCE THE BATTERY DOOR SHUT; this could result in serious damage; if the door will not close securely, check that the battery is inserted correctly.
• Do not open the battery door too far or damage is likely to occur.
• Dispose of used batteries immediately in the proper waste or recycling container.
• Batteries vary in size and performance. Your hearing care professional is your best source for lifespan estimates and verification that you are using the proper size and type.

WARNINGS

Batteries are dangerous if swallowed. To help prevent the accidental ingestion of batteries:

⚠️ Keep out of reach of children and pets
Check your medications before taking them – batteries have been mistaken for pills
⚠️ Never put batteries in your mouth, as they can easily be swallowed
NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY INGESTION HOTLINE: [phone]

Insertion and Removal

To insert the Custom Earmold and hearing instrument:

1. Hold the Custom Earmold with your thumb and forefinger on the outer side near the tubing.
2. Tilt your hand slightly forward and gently insert the canal tip of the Custom Earmold into your ear canal.
3. Rotate the Custom Earmold backward.
4. Softly press the Custom Earmold into place with your fingertip.
5. Carefully place the BTE behind your ear wrapping the earhook over the top of your ear.

To remove the hearing instrument and Custom Earmold:

Take the instrument from behind your ear and gently pull the Custom Earmold outward. Pulling lightly down on the earlobe may help loosen the Custom Earmold as it is removed.

Illustration of a hand holding a metallic object with a curved handle, no text or symbols present

Illustration of a hand performing ear manipulation or ear removal (no text or symbols visible)

Illustration of a hand holding a small object with a red arrow indicating motion (no text or symbols)

Illustration of a person using a tool to adjust or install a device (no text or symbols visible)

Illustration of a hand holding a small electronic device attached to an ear (no text or symbols visible)

Side profile illustration of a human ear with an earpiece inserted (no text or symbols)

Instant Fit Earbud or Custom Eartip

To insert the Instant Fit Earbud or Custom Eartip:

1. Insert the Instant Fit Earbud/Custom Eartip into your ear canal.
2. Gently wrap the BTE over your ear until it rests securely behind your ear.
3. Place the lock in the concha bowl of your ear.

To remove the hearing instrument and Instant Fit Earbud or Custom Eartip:

1. Remove the lock from the concha bowl of your ear.
2. Remove the hearing instrument from behind your ear.
3. Gently grasp the tubing at the opening of the ear canal and pull outward.

Illustration of a hand holding a tool with a red arrow indicating direction, no text or symbols present

Illustration of a hand holding a curved object with a red arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

Illustration of a hand holding a small ear with a red arrow indicating motion or pressure (no text or symbols)

Helpful Hints

• Minor irritation and inflammation may occur as your ear becomes accustomed to having an object in it; if so, please contact your hearing care professional.
• If an actual allergic reaction occurs, alternative earmold materials are available; contact your hearing care professional.
• Severe swelling, discharge from the ear, excessive wax or other unusual conditions warrant immediate consultation with a physician.

On & Off

To turn ON: Insert a battery and completely close the battery door.

To turn OFF: Open the battery door until the battery is no longer touching the battery contacts.

Your instrument has a Power-On delay and may require a few seconds to power on.

You may hear a tone series indicating that your device is fully powered on.

Your switch can be set to perform different functions. Ask your hearing care professional how your device is set.

Volume Control

Your Hearing Aid uses the following volume controls:

Automatic Volume Control. See below.

Rocker Switch Volume Control. See next page.

Sweep Volume Control. See next page.

Touch and Release Volume Control. See next page.

Automatic Volume Control

Your hearing system has been set to a specific volume level by your hearing care professional. If sounds are generally too loud or too soft, please contact your hearing care professional for advice and adjustment.

Rocker Switch Volume Control

Your hearing system uses the rocker switch to control volume. To increase volume, press then release the top part of the switch. To decrease volume, press then release the bottom part of the switch.

Sweep Volume Control

Your volume control is a Sweep volume control. To make sounds louder, sweep your finger from B to A. Each sweep increases the volume one step until you reach the desired volume or the maximum setting.

To make sounds softer, sweep your finger from A to B. Each sweep decreases the volume one step until you reach the desired loudness or the minimum setting.

Touch and Release Volume Control

Your volume control is configured as a Touch and Release volume control. Each time you touch anywhere on the control surface the volume of your hearing instrument changes.

A B

The Touch and Release volume control is configured to automatically decrease in volume before it increases. To make sounds louder, touch and release the control

surface. Repeat this motion until you are at the minimum setting. The next time you touch the control surface, the volume will increase one step. Continue to touch and release until you reach the desired loudness.

NOTE: If 10 minutes or more have passed since the last volume change, the volume will automatically decrease before it increases.

Volume Settings

Some hearing systems can be set for the Right device to increase the volume and the Left device to decrease the volume. Ask your hearing care professional if this setting would benefit you.

Your device will always power-on to the optimal volume setting determined by your hearing care professional. The minimum and maximum steps will have an additional tone following the beeps.

Ask your hearing professional about your specific hearing programs.

Volume Level Tone
Level 5 (More volume) Five beeps plus tone
Level 4 Four beeps
Level 3 (Power on volume level) Three beeps
Level 2 Two beeps
Level 1 (Less volume) One beep plus tone

Memory

Your hearing care professional can set up to four hearing programs for you. These additional programs are accessed by pressing the control surface/rocker switch.

Your Hearing Aid uses the following controls: Rooker Switch Memory Control. See below. Touch and Release Memory Control. See below.

Rocker Switch Memory Control

When you press the switch, you may hear an alert indicating the device has changed to the next program. To advance through programs, press the top part of the switch. To reverse cycle through programs, press the bottom part of the switch.

Ask your hearing professional about your specific hearing programs.

Touch and Release Memory Control

Your memory control is configured as a Touch and Release memory control. Each time you touch anywhere on the control surface the memory of your hearing instrument changes.

Combined Volume and Memory Control

Your Hearing Aid uses the following controls:

Combined Rocker Switch Volume and Memory Control. See below.

Combined Sweep Memory and Volume Control. See below.

Combined Rocker Switch Volume and Memory Control

Your hearing device is set up to adjust volume and programs. To adjust volume, press then release the switch (up to increase and down to decrease). To change programs, press and hold the switch (either up or down to cycle). The hearing aid will cycle through the programs and present indicators. Release the switch when you are at the desired program. The upper part of the switch increases volume and advances through programs. The lower part of the switch decreases volume and reverse cycles through programs.

Combined Sweep Volume and Memory Control

Your control surface is set up to allow changes for both volume and memory/program. To make sounds louder, sweep your finger from B to A. To make sounds softer sweep your finger from A to B. To change memory/program, touch anywhere on the control surface.

Telephone Use

Your hearing instruments are equipped with tools to help you effectively communicate on the telephone. Ask your hearing professional about your telephone solution.

My hearing instruments have the following telephone setting(s):

Automatic Telephone. See below.

Automatic Telecoil. See below.

Telecoil and Manual Switching. (Program # ____.

None

Automatic Telephone and Automatic Telecoil

These options activate the telephone response automatically when used with a hearing aid compatible telephone. To use, place the telephone receiver on your ear as you normally would and the hearing instrument will select the telephone setting. It might be necessary to move the telephone receiver slightly to find the best reception.

Once the telephone is removed from the ear, the hearing instrument will switch back to the normal listening mode.

NOTE: Consult with your hearing professional if your device does not seem to switch to the telephone setting automatically.

Manual Switching

Manual switching allows you to switch the devices to telephone mode when needed.

Ask your hearing professional which program you should access for manual telephone use.

Illustration of a person's ear and hand holding a dark object (no text or symbols visible)

General Telephone Use

Some hearing instruments work best by holding the phone close to, but not fully covering your ear. In some instances, if you encounter whistling (feedback), tilt the receiver at an angle until the whistling stops.

Illustration of a person touching the ear with a finger pointing to the ear area (no text or symbols present)

Additionally, the hearing instrument in the non-phone ear (ear opposite the phone) may switch to a telephone setting to reduce background sounds. Your hearing professional can provide instructions and techniques for your specific needs.

Direct Audio Input (DAI)

My hearing system is set up for DAI use. See below.

☐ My hearing system is not set up for DAI use. See page 25.

Your hearing system has full direct audio input (DAI) capability. This allows you to connect your hearing system to an electronic sound source such as a wireless FM system, computer audio or an MP3 player. DAI can improve communication and sound quality when reverberation, distance and background noise compete with what you want to hear.

To attach the DAI shoe:

Snap the DAI shoe on the bottom of the BTE.

Illustration of hands holding a small mechanical component with a red arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

To access the battery with the DAI shoe attached:

Hold the BTE and DAI shoe and press the lower part of the DAI shoe, then open the battery door.

Illustration of hands holding a mechanical component with a red arrow indicating rotation (no text or symbols)

To remove the DAI shoe:

Turn the BTE on the side. Grasp the BTE in one hand and the DAI shoe in the other. Gently bend at the seam between the DAI shoe and the hearing aid.

There are many FM systems available to help improve communication in challenging environments. Ask your hearing healthcare professional about personal FM systems.

Wireless Accessories\*

There are several wireless accessories that allow you to control and maximize the full potential of your hearing system. These include a remote control as well as wireless connection to your cell phone and entertainment system. Consult with your hearing professional to determine if your hearing aids have wireless capabilities and which accessories may be best for you.

Hearing System Care Hearing System Care

Instrument Care

Do your best to keep your hearing instrument clean at all times. Heat, moisture and foreign substances can result in poor performance.

• Use a cleaning brush or soft cloth to clean debris from around the switches, microphone and battery compartment.
• Never use water, solvents, cleaning fluids or oil to clean your instrument Standard Tubing.

My hearing instrument has:

Standard tubing. See next page.

Thin tubing. See next page.

Standard Tubing

1. Separate the Custom Earmold from the BTE by gently pulling the tubing away from the earhook.

- Use a soft, damp cloth or a cleaning brush to clean debris from the Custom Earmold

- Wash the Custom Earmold with warm soapy water

- Never use solvents

1. Slide the Custom Earmold tubing onto the BTE earhook when completely dry.

Illustration of a robotic arm joint with red directional arrows indicating movement or force (no text or symbols)

1

Illustration of a robotic arm and a handheld device with red directional arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols)

2

Your hearing care professional can provide further information on additional maintenance procedures for your hearing instrument if needed.

Thin Tubing

1. Unscrew the tubing from the tip of the hearing instrument.

2. Thread the cleaner through the tubing, starting at the end just removed from the hearing instrument, until it extends from the other end of the tubing.

Illustration of hands performing a finger manipulation or adjustment task (no text or symbols visible)

1

Hearing System Care Hearing System Care

1. Brush the debris off prior to removing the cleaner.
2. Clean the Earbud/Eartip with a dry cloth or brush.
3. If necessary, the Earbud/Eartip may be washed in warm, soapy water. Remove the Earbud/Eartip from the tubing prior to washing. Allow the Earbud/Eartip to dry overnight.

Helpful Hints

• Make sure the Custom Earmold/Earbud/Eartip and tubing are completely dry before reconnecting to your hearing instrument earhook.
• When not wearing your hearing instrument, open the battery door to allow any moisture to evaporate.
• Do not take apart your hearing instruments or insert the cleaning tools inside them.

• When not in use, remove the batteries completely; place your hearing instrument in the storage container and store:

• In a dry, safe place
  – Away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid extreme temperatures

• Where you can easily find them
  – Safely out of reach of pets and children

Service and Repair

If, for any reason, your hearing system does not operate properly, do NOT attempt to fix it yourself. Not only are you likely to violate any applicable warranties or insurance, you could easily cause further damage.

Should your hearing system fail or perform poorly, check the guide on the next page for possible solutions. If problems continue, contact your hearing care professional for advice and assistance. Many common problems may be solved right in your hearing care professional's office or clinic.

Troubleshooting Guide

SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE CAUSES	SOLUTIONS
Not Loud Enough	Low battery Replace battery
	Blocked earmold/tubing/earbud	Clean or replace wax guard as needed
	Hearing change	Contact your hearing care professional
	Debris buildup	Clean both microphone and receiver with brush
Inconsistent Performance	Low battery Replace battery
	Blocked earmold/tubing/earbud	Clean or replace wax guard as needed
Unclear, Distorted Performance	Low battery Replace battery
	Blocked earmold/tubing/earbud	Clean or replace wax guard as needed
	Defective hearing instrument	Contact your hearing care professional
Dead	Low battery Replace battery
	Blocked earmold/tubing	Clean or replace wax guard as needed
	Crimped tubing	Contact your hearing care professional

Your hearing care professional will recommend an appropriate schedule to help you adapt to your new hearing system. It will take practice, time and patience for your brain to adapt to the new sounds that your hearing system provides. Hearing is only part of how we share thoughts, ideas and feelings. Reading lips, facial expressions and gestures can help the learning process and add to what amplification alone may miss.

Please review the following simple communication tips:

For You

• Move closer to and look at the speaker
• Sit face-to-face in a quiet room
• Try different locations to find the best place to listen
• Minimize distractions
  • Background noises may be frustrating at first; remember, you have not heard them for a while
• Let others know what you need; keep in mind that people cannot "see" your hearing loss
• Develop realistic expectations of what your hearing instruments can and cannot do
• Better hearing with hearing instruments is a learned skill combining desire, practice and patience

For Your Family and Friends

Your family and friends are also affected by your hearing loss. Request that they:

• Get your full attention before beginning to speak
• Look at you or sit face-to-face in a quiet room
• Speak clearly and at a normal rate and level; shouting can actually make understanding more difficult
• Rephrase rather than repeat the same words; different words may be easier to understand
• Minimize distractions while speaking

Safety Information

Your hearing instruments are designed to comply with the most stringent Standards of International Electromagnetic Compatibility. However, it is still possible that you may experience interference caused by power line disturbances, airport metal detectors, electromagnetic fields from other medical devices, radio signals and electrostatic discharges.

If you use other medical devices or wear implantable medical devices such as defibrillators or pacemakers and are concerned that your hearing instruments might cause interference with your medical device, please contact your physician or the manufacturer of your medical device for information about the risk of disturbance.

Your hearing instruments should not be worn during an MRI procedure. Your hearing instruments are classified as a Type B applied part under the IEC 60601-1 medical device standard.

Your hearing instruments should be stored within the temperature and humidity ranges of -40^ ( -40^ ) to +60^ ( 140^ ) and 10%-95% rH.

Your hearing instruments are designed to operate beyond the range of temperatures comfortable to you, from very cold up to 50^ C ( 122^ F).

Use on Aircrafts\*

The optional wireless capabilities that may be featured in your hearing instruments should not be used on an aircraft unless specifically permitted by the flight personnel. Your hearing care professional can enable a special program that allows your hearing aids to work without wireless functionality.

International Use\*

Your hearing instruments are approved to operate at a radio frequency that is specific to your country or region and might not be approved for use outside your country or region. Be aware that operation during international travel may cause interference to other electronic devices, or other electronic devices may cause interference to your hearing instruments.

*Applies to wireless hearing instruments only

Required Information

The following additional information is provided in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations:

WARNING TO HEARING AID DISPENSERS.

A hearing aid dispenser should advise a prospective hearing aid user to consult promptly with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) before dispensing a hearing aid if the hearing aid dispenser 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:

i. Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
ii. History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.
iii. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days.
iv. Acute or chronic dizziness.
v. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days.
vi. Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 Hertz (Hz), 1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz.
vii. Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.

viii. Pain or discomfort in the ear.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PROSPECTIVE HEARING AID USERS.

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 otorhynolaringologists. 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.

The physician will refer you to an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser, as appropriate, for a hearing aid evaluation.

The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will conduct a hearing aid evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and without a hearing aid. The hearing aid evaluation will enable the audiologist or dispenser to select and fit a hearing aid to your individual needs.

If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to amplification, you should inquire about the availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program. Many hearing aid dispensers now offer programs that permit you to wear a hearing aid for a period of time for a nominal fee after which you may decide if you want to purchase the hearing aid.

Federal law restricts the sale of hearing aids to those individuals who have obtained a medical evaluation from a licensed physician. Federal law permits a fully informed adult to sign a waiver statement declining the medical evaluation for religious or personal beliefs that preclude consultation with a physician. The exercise of such a waiver is not in your best health interest and its use is strongly discouraged.

A hearing aid will not restore normal hearing and will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment resulting from organic conditions. Use of a hearing aid is only part of hearing habilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory training and instruction in lip reading. In most cases infrequent use of a hearing aid does not permit a user to attain full benefit from it. Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a hearing aid whose maximum sound pressure level exceeds 132 decibels because there may be risk in impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing aid user.

CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS

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 problems 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Power BTE devices are not intended for patients under 36 months old.

REGULATORY NOTICES

FCC ID: EOA-3Sermini

IC ID: 6903A-3Sermini

FCC NOTICE

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RSS-210. 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 of the device.

Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Hereby, Starkey Hearing Technologies declares that the BTE is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. A copy of the Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from the below addresses.

Starkey Hearing Technologies

6700 Washington Ave. South Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA

EC REP

Wm. F. Austin House, Bramhall Technology Park Pepper Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5BX United Kingdom

Waste from electronic equipment must be handled according to local regulations

NotesNotes

CE

0086