Hansaton Akustik WL005BTE Hearing Aid User Manual
Hansaton Akustik GmbH Hearing Aid
User Manual
X-Mini
3
X-Mini
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
4
Technical description Page 07
General notes on safety Page 10
Setting up and using for the first time Page 13
Setting the clock Page 13
Travelling with the AQ Page 14
Functional displays Page 15
Technical data Page 30
We take pleasure in your choice and congratulate you on your decision,
because with a HANSATON hearing system you own a high-quality
product of the most modern technology.
For more than 50 years, we have been helping people with our devices to
achieve better hearing and better speech understanding, thus a higher
quality of life.
Behind our products stand many years of development and production
experience, as a corporate philosophy centered on people and their
needs.
If you read this brochure carefully and follow the advice on use and care,
you will get much enjoyment from your new hearing system.
This product has passed every phase of the independently-certified
HANSATON quality management system.
You have chosen a Hearing System
from HANSATON
Contents:
AQ Charging Station
5
Your Hearing System Page 08
Intended Use Page 09
Symbols Page 10
General Notes on Safety Page 10
Notes about Batteries Page 16
Charging the Hearing Systems Page 16
Which Hearing System Goes in Which Ear Page 19
Inserting and Removing Your Hearing System Page 19
Switch Your Hearing System On/Off Page 20
– Via Pushbutton Page 20
– Via Remote Control Page 20
Adjusting Volume Page 20
– Via Remote Control Page 20
Switching Hearing Programs Page 21
– Via Pushbutton Page 21
– Via Remote Control Page 21
Hearing Program/Description Page 21
Optional Functionality Page 22
– i-com2 Page 22
– Power-on-Delay Page 22
Advice on Care Page 23
– Daily Cleaning Page 23
– Domes and Receiver Molds Page 24
– Exchanging Domes Page 25
– Exchanging Double Domes Page 26
– Exchanging the Receiver Unit Page 26
Accessories Page 27
Troubleshooting Page 28
Technical Information Page 29
Disposal Information Page 30
FDA Information Page 30
AQ Hearing Systems
6
Your new AQ Hearing Systems offer the best of hearing system techno-
logy in a carefree, easy-to-use, rechargeable system.
Thanks to the revolutionary AQ Inductive Recharging System, you will
never have to change a battery to power your AQ Hearing Systems.
Their rechargeable batteries will last for the life of your hearing systems.
Here are four simple steps to use your hearing systems:
1. Charge your hearing system batteries in the custom AQ Charging
Station.
2. Place the hearing systems in your ears; they turn on automatically
when removed from the Charging Station.
3. Enjoy the enhanced sound quality and comfort that the AQ systems
offer.
4. At the end of the day, place them back in the AQ Charging Station;
they will turn off automatically, recharge overnight and be ready for
you to use again tomorrow.
Your AQ Hearing Systems are already charged when they are delivered
to you.
This User Manual provides all the detail you need to fully understand the
operation of your AQ Hearing Systems. The first section it will provide
details on recharging with the AQ Charging Station. The second section
will give you instructions on how to use your fully charged AQ Hearing
Systems.
Feel free to consult with your hearing system professional if you have
further questions.
Quick Start Guide
7
Conformity to
Directives 73/23/EWG
and 89/336/EWG
Technical Description of the
AQ Charging Station
Setting the clock
Hours Minutes
Left-hand
hearing system
(blue marking) Right-hand
hearing system
(red marking)
Battery symbol
Service
Battery charge
Battery
defective
Clock
12h/24h-Display
Red = right ear Blue = left ear
Socket for
mains cable
8
0124
Conformity to directive
93/42/EEC concerning
medical devices
ࡵ
ࡴ
Features
1 Receiver unit
2 Dome
3 Microphone cover
4 Program pushbutton
5 Receiver mold
6 Cerumen protection
Your Hearing System
2
6
6
S-receiver
M-receiver
P-receiver
5
Option: Remote Control
The remote control functions are outlined in a separate instruction
manual.
2
4
3
1
9
Caution
Risk of injury caused by incorrect use of Domes
• Always wear the Receiver Unit with the Dome.
• Make sure that the Dome is completely attached to the Receiver Unit.
• If the Dome remains in your ear, have it removed by a medical profes-
sional.
• Replace the Dome if it breaks.
• Insert the Receiver Unit with the Dome carefully and not too deeply into
the ear.
• Use the Receiver Unit and Dome only in the manner described in this
user guide.
Your hearing system professional offers an assortment of recei-
ver lengths and Dome sizes to best fit your ear. !
Hearing systems are intended to improve the hearing of hearing-impaired
persons. Diagnosis of hearing loss and prescription of a hearing system
must be performed by hearing health specialists (e.g., ENT specialists,
audiologists, or hearing system professionals).
Read and follow the instructions of this user guide to avoid injuries or
damage to the hear ing system.
Intended Use
10
WARNING! points out a situation that could lead to serious
injuries.
CAUTION! indicates a situation that could lead to minor and moderate
injuries.
indicates possible property damage.
i Advice and tips on how to handle your hear-ing system better.
• Instruction. Indicates that there is something you must do.
Indicates an option that not every hearing system has. Ask your
hearing system professional to check the relevant information.
Attention: Magnet
Forbidden: May not be kept in the vicinity of medical devices
(e.g. cardiac pacemakers).
Forbidden: May not be kept in the vicinity of magnetic data
media (e.g. bank cards, credit cards).
Symbols
!
General Notes on Safety
!
AQ Charging Station
Always protect your AQ charging station from wet, damp, heat
and mechanical effects.
• Operation is prohibited in wet rooms (shower/bathroom) and in areas
at risk of explosion.
• Keep out of direct sunlight and do not cover (trapped heat may build up).
• Use only to charge hearing systems with AQ rechargeable battery systems!
• Use only the AQ transport case and not the charging station to transport
your AQ battery hearing systems!
11
• Use only HADEO tissues to clean the outside.
• If the device is not being used for a prolonged period, disconnect the plug
from the mains and place the AQ hearing systems in the transport case.
• Please also follow the instructions for the hearing instruments.
• The AQ charging station monitors the AQ hearing systems and informs
you at regular intervals about servicing visits required to your hearing
instrument professional.
WARNING!
If the AQ charging station is damaged, disconnect it from
the mains immediately and have the device checked by your hear-
ing instrument professional!
Special Note
The transport case of the AQ system is fitted with magnets and may
therefore not be kept in the vicinity of magnetic data media (e.g. bank
cards, credit cards) and medical devices (e.g. cardiac pacemakers), as
magnetic fields can affect electronic devices and data media.
Only a professional can reliably exclude effects on medical devices, in
particular.
WARNING!
Magnets may interfere with the operation of medical devices
(e.g., pacemakers and magnetic valves).
• Use a magnet only if not in doubt about the safe distance.
• The safe distance between pacemaker and magnet should be at least
10 cm (4 inches).
WARNING!
• Keep magnets away from children.
If swallowed consult a physician or hospital immediately.
NOTICE
Magnets can disturb electrical devices and delete stored data.
• Keep magnets away from computers, color monitors, television sets,
floppy discs, video and audio discs and other electronic equipment /
devices.
12
Your hearing system is sensitive to extreme heat, high humidity,
strong magnetic fields (>0.1T), X rays, and mechanical stress.
• Do not expose your hearing system to extreme temperature or high
humidity.
• Do not leave it in direct sunlight.
• Do not wear it in the shower or when you apply makeup, perfume, after-
shave, hairspray, or suntan lotion.
• Do not wear your hearing system when you are exposed to shortwaves, a
strong magnetic field, a high frequency field, or X-rays.
• Do not place your hearing systems in the microwave.
i When using mobile telephones, however, electromagnetic-field effects
cannot be ruled out.
WARNING!
Choking hazard posed by small parts.
• Keep hearing systems, batteries, and accessories out of children‘s reach.
• If swallowed, immediately consult a physician or hospital.
• If infants, small children, or mentally disabled persons need to wear hear-
ing systems, ensure adequate supervision.
WARNING!
Risk in explosive environments (e.g., mining areas)!
• Don‘t use your hearing systems (and remote control) in areas where there
is a danger of explosions.
i In some countries restrictions on the use of wireless equipment exist.
• Consult local authorities for further information.
WARNING!
• Never use a tip that has been worn by someone else or if it be-
comes dirty, torn, or disfigured.
• Only use original tips. Tips from other manufacturers will not yield the
best performance or proper fit.
• Do not insert the hearing system if you think you may have a foreign
object in the ear canal.
• The hearing system and tips are made of modern non-allergenic materi-
als. Still, in rare cases, skin irritation can occur. If you experience discom-
fort or skin irritation in the ear or in the ear canal, discontinue use, and
contact your Physician immediately.
Hearing Systems
13
• If tip is lodged in your ear canal, please see a Physician immediately to
ensure it is safely removed.
• The AQ charging station is for charging your hearing systems. (The AQ
hearing systems are already charged when delivered.)
• Place the AQ charging station on a fl at surface (none metallic) where it is
easy to see.
• Do not position the AQ charging station in the immediate vicinity of
magnetic data media, televisions, monitors, cardiac pacemakers or other
electrical medical devices.
• Please ensure that the AQ charging station is not in the transmission path
of infrared remote controls.
• Plug the mains cable into the socket on the rear of the charging station.
• The integrated clock which is visible indicates operational readiness.
• In stand-by mode, the AQ charging station uses so little power that you
only need to take the mains plug out of the socket if you are going to be
away for a prolonged period.
AQ Charging Station
Setting up and Using for the First Time
Setting the Clock
• The charging station is supplied with the time preset.
• In order to switch between a 12-hour display (AM/PM) and a 24-hour dis-
play, press the two buttons located on the underside of the AQ charging
station for at least 5 seconds.
• The time can be set underneath the AQ charging station.
Please press any key for 3 sec. (colon of the clock display flashes per-
manently), adjust clock time, display automatically
changes back into normal clock mode (colon of clock
display blinks).
• You cannot make any changes to the time during the
charging process.
14
• Its flat Euro connector and automatic voltage detection mean that you
can also use the AQ abroad or on 110 V supply networks.
An adapter may be required in individual instances.
Socket for
mains cable
You Can Take the AQ Travelling
Setting the clock
Hours Minutes
15
Functional Displays
Charging station not working
(power supply unit not connected to mains)
No display: clock in passive mode
Charging station operational
(power supply unit connected to mains)
Clock in operation
Clock in operation
Hearing systems inserted
Bottom bar in Battery symbol turns on after approx. 3 sec.
After approx. 5 sec., the bars start pulsing upwards.
Clock working
Charging complete, battery full, Battery symbol lit perma-
nently with all bars.
Clock in operation
Hearing systems with defective rechargeable battery (or
accidentally with battery) inserted.
Bottom bar in Battery symbol turns on after approx. 3 sec.
After approx. 5 sec. or later during the charging process,
the defective battery and Service symbols are blinking
simultaneously.
Clock in operation
Hearing system(s) with service requirement inserted.
Bottom bar in Battery symbol turns on after approx. 3 sec.
After approx. 5 sec., the bars start pulsing upwards. The
Service symbol also flashes.
Hearing system
left right
Hearing system
left right
Hearing system
left right
16
• Your system uses a maintenance-free metal hydride rechargeable battery.
• You must never remove batteries from the device.
• You must never put batteries in your mouth! For these reasons, keep bat-
teries out of reach of children.
• If a battery is inadvertently swallowed, seek medical advice immedi-
ately!
• Do not dispose off defective batteries in household waste or burn
them; return them to your hearing instrument professional for disposal.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never attempt to recharge batteries that are not designed
for that purpose (danger of explosion)!
When you try to charge batteries, the charging station dis-
plays the„Service“ and „Defective battery“ symbols plus
the „Battery“ symbol with one bar.
The charging process is stopped.
AQ Hearing Systems
Information about the Batteries
!
The charging process
• The AQ charging station is equipped with an intelligent charging proces-
sor which automatically ends the charging process as soon as the AQ
hearing systems are fully charged.
• Charging takes max. 8 hours (depending on battery charge level). You
should therefore charge your hearing systems overnight.
• Please note that the full capacity of your batteries will only be available
after a number of charging cycles to charge your hearing systems fully.
17
• After you have placed your hearing systems in the correct
depressions, the bottom bars in the Battery symbols will turn
on after about 3 seconds. The charging process then starts
automatically.
• Charging of the hearing system starts after approx. 5 sec-
onds. The bars in the Battery symbol pulse upwards.
• If the Service symbol of your charging station flashes, the
battery will still be charged. We recommend consulting
your hearing instrument professional.
• If the „Defective battery“ and „Service“ symbols flash at
the same time, please consult your hearing instrument profes-
sional.
Inserting Hearing Systems
in the AQ Charging Station
• Please clean your hearing systems using a HADEO Cleaning Tissue.
• Completely open the lid of the AQ charging station.
• Place the hearing systems in the right place in the charging station
(right = red / left = blue).
• The hearing systems switch off automatically when the charging station is
operational (mains plug connected).
• It is essential to leave the lid of the charging station open dur-
ing the charging process to allow the devices to dry.
• Due to the charging time and the automatic drying of your AQ
hearing systems, we recommend regular charging overnight.
!
Starting the Charging Process
Interrupting the
Charging Process
• The hearing systems can be removed from the charging station
or put back into the AQ charging station at any time during
the charging process.
• If the hearing systems are removed prematurely, the hear-
ing systems may have a reduced running time.
18
• The AQ charging station uses a processor to control intelligent charging
of the hearing system.
• The time this takes is based on the residual capacity of the battery in
your hearing system and takes a max. of 8 hours.
• After charging is complete, the AQ charging station ends
the charging process automatically and switches to stand-by
mode. Next to the clock display, all the bars of the Battery
symbol come on permanently.
• The hearing systems can now be removed from the
AQ charging station.
End of the Charging Process
Removing the Hearing Systems
• Once charging is complete, you can remove your hearing systems from
the AQ charging station.
• The Battery symbol turns off and only the time remains visible. Your hear-
ing systems switch on automatically with a time delay of approx.
6, 12 or 18 seconds.
• If the hearing systems are removed prematurely, they may have a reduced
running time.
• If you should not wish to wear your hearing system, you must place it in
the AQ transport case (for travelling). Alternatively, the hearing system
can also be left in the AQ charging station (at home).
19
Which System
Goes in Which Ear:
A color indicates for which ear the hearing system has been optimized.
Red = right ear Blue = left ear
Inserting and Removing
Your Hearing System
Do not use lubricant when you insert the Dome/Receiver Mold
because it may clog the sound outlet.
• For hearing systems with Receiver Mold, handle by holding the
Receiver Mold. Do not pull the tube.
Inserting Your Hearing System
• Turn your hearing system off.
• Hold the receiver with the Dome/Receiver Mold between your thumb
and index finger, and insert it carefully into the ear canal.
You may find it helpful to pull your ear slightly upward or to the back.
• Place your hearing system behind your ear.
• Your AQ hearing system switches on automatically.
Removing Your Hearing System
• Hold the Receiver Unit/Receiver Mold between your thumb and index
finger and carefully pull it out.
You may find it helpful to lightly push your ear from the back.
!
20
• Your AQ hearing system switches on/off automatically.
• Your hearing system always starts in the first hearing program.
• The hearing system is switched on automatically after approx. 6, 12 or
18 seconds by being removed from the locating depression of your
charging station/from your transport case.
• It is switched off automatically by being inserted in the locating depres-
sion of the operational charging station (mains supply unit connected)
or in your transport case.
• The respective insert of your AQ charging station may not be removed!
Switch On
• Press the pushbutton for 2 seconds.
Switch Off (Stand by)
• Press the pushbutton for 2 seconds.
• Refer to the remote control user guide.
Switch hearing system on/off
Via Remote Control
Via Pushbutton
Manual volume control is not required on the AQ hearing system, as it has
automatic volume control.
• Refer to the remote control user guide.
Adjusting volume
Via Remote Control
21
• Use the program button to select one of the hearing programs indi-
vidually programmed for you.
• When changing, your hearing system uses signal sounds to indicate
which program you have selected.
The number of signal sounds is based on the relevant program (e.
g., 1st program: 1 signal sound, 2nd program: 2 signal sounds, 3rd
program: 3 signal sounds, 4th program: 4 signal sounds, 5th program:
melody beep).
• You can thus adjust your system to the relevant hearing situation and
for example, make use of the advantages of MultiMic technology, espe-
cially in conversation in groups.
• Refer to the remote control user guide.
Switching between hearing programs
Via Remote Control
Via Pushbutton
Hearing Program/Description
1
2
3
4
5
22
Optional Functionality
Your hearing system professional can activate or deactivate the following
functionalities.
• Automatically adjusts both hearing systems simultaneously to changes
in the hearing system settings (e.g., volume and program).
• Allows use of a remote control.
i The performance of i-com2 may be affected by electromagnetic inter-
ference –for example, from a computer monitor or halogen lamp system
controlled by a switching power supply.
• Move away from the source of interference if you experience difficulty.
• Allows you to turn the hearing systems on with an automatic delay of 6,
12, or 18 seconds to avoid feedback (whistling).
i-com2
Power-on-Delay
23
Daily Cleaning
You are advised to use our HADEO care products to clean your hearing
system. These products were developed specifically for this purpose and
are available exclusively from your hearing system professional.
Do not put the hearing systems in water.
• Clean hearing systems regularly to prevent damage
to the hearing systems and to avoid health problems.
• Clean your hearing system with a cleaning tissue.
• If the hearing systems sound distorted or weak, ask
your hearing system professional to exchange the microphone cover.
• The hearing system must be kept dry. Please put it in a HADEO DryBox,
HADEO Drying Bag or Drying Container overnight to extract any moi-
sture from the inside of the system.
Advice on Care
!
Our HADEO care primer can be obtained from your
hearing system professional who will be glad to
advise you on any questions you may have about
caring for your system.
Care Primer
24
Advice on Care
Domes and Receiver Molds
CAUTION!
Risk of injury caused by incorrect use of Domes.
• Always wear the receiver unit with the Dome/ receiver mold.
• Make sure that the Dome/receiver mold is completely attached to the
receiver unit.
• If the Dome/receiver mold remains in your ear, have it removed by a
medical professional.
• Replace the Dome/receiver mold if it breaks.
• Insert the receiver unit with the Dome/receiver mold carefully and not
too deeply into the ear.
• Use the receiver unit and Dome/receiver mold only in the manner de-
scribed in this user guide.
Your hearing systems have one of the following earpieces:
Dome
Double Dome
Receiver Mold
• Clean Domes and receiver molds right after removing the hearing sys-
tems. This way, cerumen (earwax) cannot dry and harden.
• Remove cerumen with a soft tissue.
If necessary, moisten the tissue with a cerumen solvent.
25
i Full functionality of Domes and Receiver Molds is only assured with a
working wax guard.
• Do not disassemble the Receiver Mold yourself. Ask your hearing
system professional for help when the Receiver Mold needs extensive
cleaning.
Domes and Receiver Molds are easily damaged when handled incor-
rectly.
• Never use running water or immerse the hearing systems.
Exchanging domes
The packaging of your dome has a slot on one side to remove
the dome from the receiver.
• Hold the dome tight while tilting the receiver towards
the packaging (refer to the picture).
• Hold the dome tight while tilting the receiver towards
the packaging (refer to the picture).
• Click the tip of the receiver unit into a new dome.
Advice on Care
click
26
Exchanging double domes
• Remove the used double dome from the receiver.
Tilt the double dome to get it off the receiver.
• Click the tip of the receiver unit into a new double
dome.
Exchanging the Receiver Unit
i The Receiver Unit can be changed as needed by your hearing system
professional. If you need to replace the Receiver Unit by yourself, follow
these directions carefully.
• Turn Receiver Unit 45°
counterclockwise.
• Remove Receiver Unit.
• Connect Receiver Unit to hearing system.
Marks must line up.
• Turn Receiver Unit 45° clockwise.
click
27
The wireless function of your hearing systems allows you to use a remote
control to change the program and volume of your hearing systems.
For detailed information and instructions, refer to the user guide, or
ask your hearing system professional.
i In case the hearing system is controlled by
another person’s remote control, return to your
hearing system professional with your remote
control and hearing systems.
Your hearing systems together with the
miniMedia/Media remote controls will allow
you to connect your hearing systems to the
growing world of technology. Via a special
Bluetooth connection it is possible to receive audio
signals from your mobile, your television or your mp3-
player. For detailed information and instructions refer to
the user guides or ask your hearing system professional.
Accessories
Remote Control eMote2
Remote Control miniMedia/Media
28
Should a problem occur, you can usually correct it quickly. Use the follow-
ing troubleshooting tips to resolve simple issues.
If you still encounter problems after trying these suggestions, consult your
hearing system professional.
Troubleshooting
Problem
Sound is weak.
System emits
whistling sound.
Sound is distorted.
System emits
signal tones.
System does not
work.
Possible Cause
Weak or dead battery
Dome/receiver mold
clogged.
Volume too low.
Improper positioning in ear.
Volume too high.
Clogged with wax or exces-
sive wax in ears.
Volume too high.
Weak battery.
Weak battery.
System is not turned on.
Weak battery.
Power-on-delay is active.
Possible Solution
Charge hearing systems.
Clean or change Dome/
receiver mold.
Increase volume (with remote
control). Change microphone
cover.
Try reinserting Dome/
receiver mold until it fits
securely.
Lower volume (with remote
control).
Clean Dome/receiver mold.
Lower volume (with remote
control).
Charge hearing systems.
Clean Dome/receiver mold.
Charge hearing systems.
Turn the hearing system on.
Charge hearing systems.
Wait 18 seconds and check
again.
29
FCC-ID: WU7-WL005BTE
Operating frequencies: Fc = 3.28 MHz
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equip-
ment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
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. 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. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Technical Information
30
Technical data AQ charging station
Nominal voltage: 100-240 V ~
Frequency: 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: max. 5 W
Charging time: max. 8 h
(depending on level to which battery is
charged)
Only for usage in closed premises.
i Recycle the device and batteries according to national regulations.
With the CE marking HANSATON confirms compliance with the
European Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices.
Disposal Information
0124
FDA Information (Valid for USA only)
Use Your Hearing Systems All Day Long
The best way to ensure better hearing is to practice listening with your
hearing systems until you are able to wear them comfortably all day.
Generally, infrequent use of the hearing system does not provide you with
the full benefit of amplification.
Your hearing systems will not restore normal hearing. Hearing systems will
not prevent or improve hearing impairment resulting from a physiologi-
cal condition. Hearing systems will help you to make better use of your
residual hearing.
The use of hearing systems is only part of hearing rehabilitation; auditory
training and lip reading instruction may be required as weIl.
Possible Side Effects
The hearing system or earmold is a custom-made product. If you are ex-
periencing discomfort, see your audiologist or hearing system profession-
31
al immediately for modification of the hearing system or earmold at the
point of irritation. A hearing system or earmold may cause an accelerated
accumulation of cerumen (earwax).Also in rare cases, the otherwise non-
allergenic material may cause a discharge from the ear, allergic reaction,
or any other unusual condition. Please seek immediate consultation with a
physician if these conditions occur.
Warning to Hearing System Professionals
A hearing system professional should advise a prospective hearing
system user to consult promptly with a licensed physician (preferably an
ear specialist) before dispensing a hearing system if the hearing system
professional determines through inquiry, actual observation, or review or
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 previ-
ous 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), 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz.
(vii) Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign
body in the ear canal.
(viii) Pain or discomfort in the ear.
Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a hearing system
whose maximum sound pressure level exceeds 132 decibels because
there may be risk of impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing system
user.
Important Notice for Prospective Hearing System 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 system. Licensed physicians who
specialize in diseases of the ear are often referred to as otolaryngologists,
otologists, or otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of medical evaluation
32
is to assure that all medically treatable conditions that may affect hearing
are identified and treated before the hearing system 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 system. The
physician will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing system professional,
as appropriate, for a hearing system evaluation.
The audiologist or hearing system professional will conduct a hearing
system evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and without a hear-
ing system. The hearing system evaluation will enable the audiologist or
dispenser to select and fit a hearing system 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 system professionals now offer programs
that permit you to wear a hearing system for a period of time for a nomi-
nal fee after which you may decide if you want to purchase the hearing
system.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing systems 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 nominal fee after which you may decide if you want to purchase the
hearing system.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing systems 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 consul-
tation with a physician. The exercise of such a waiver is not in your best
health interest and its use is strongly discouraged.
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 devel-
opment 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.
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Identification Information
The year of manufacture is incorporated into the serial number. The war-
ranty is based upon the date of purchase, not date of manufacture. The
serial number may look similar to this sample: AJ12345. The second letter
of this serial number refers to the date of manufacture of the hearing
system. The letters progress in one-year increments, each reflecting the
corresponding year. The letter J means the year of manufacture is 2002,
the letter K indicates that the manufacture year is 2003, and so on. Your
hearing system professional can answer any questions you may have
about the identifying code on your hearing system.
OTHER WARNINGS!
• Do not use your hearing system in potentially explosive environ-
ments.
• If you experience dizziness, drainage or bleeding from the ear, or sud-
den hearing loss, see your Physician immediately.
• A hearing system may cause an accelerated
accumulation of cerumen (earwax).
• Keep hearing systems out of the reach of children, pets, and individuals
with diminished mental capacity.
• Hearing systems should be used only as directed and adjusted by your
trained hearing system professional.
• A hearing system may stop functioning, e.g. if the battery goes dead.
You should be aware of this possibility, in particular if you are in traffic or
otherwise depend on warning sounds.
• Do not switch hearing systems between ears or allow others to wear or
use your hearing systems.
• HEARING SYSTEMS WILL NOT RESTORE NORMAL HEARING AND
WILL NOT PREVENT OR IMPROVE A HEARING IMPAIRMENT RESULT-
ING FROM ORGANIC CONDITIONS.
• IN MOST CASES, INFREQUENT USE OF A HEARING SYSTEM DOES
NOT PERMIT USER TO ATTAIN FULL BENEFIT FROM IT.
• THE USE OF THE HEARING SYSTEM IS ONLY PART OF HEARING HA-
BILITATION AND MAY NEED TO BE SUPPLEMENTED BY AUDITORY
TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION IN LIP READING.
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