Sonova USA WHSSAN1 Hearing Aid User Manual
Phonak Inc Hearing Aid
User Guide
Manufacturer:
Phonak AG
Laubisrütistrasse 28
CH-8712 Stäfa
Switzerland
EU Representative:
Phonak GmbH
D-70736 Fellbach-Oeffingen
Germany
www.phonak.com 0459
029-1006-02/2010-08/A+W/FO Printed in Switzerland
© Phonak AG All rights reserved
Standard and micro hearing systems
User Guide
2
1. Welcome 4
2. Important information:
Please read before operating your hearing
system for the first time 6
Hazard warnings 6
Information on product safety 8
3. Hearing system description 10
4. Step-by-step instructions for using
the hearing system 15
Step 1. Getting to know your hearing system 15
Step 2. Battery preparation 18
Step 3. Inserting the battery 18
Step 4. Turning on the hearing system 19
Step 5. Inserting the hearing system 20
Step 6. Adjusting the volume control
behind the ear 26
Step 7. Selecting the hearing program
behind the ear 28
Contents
3
Step 8. Removing the hearing system 29
Step 9. Turning off the hearing system 31
Step 10. Changing the battery 32
Step 11. Changing the battery in hearing
systems with a secured battery compartment 32
5. Care and maintenance 34
6. Troubleshooting 36
7. Wireless accessories and FM systems 37
8. Service and warranty 39
9. Compliance information 40
10. Information and explanation of symbols 43
4
1. Welcome
Your new hearing system is a premium Swiss quality
product. It was developed by Phonak, one of the
world‘s leading companies in hearing technology. Your
hearing system offers the most modern digital hearing
technology currently available on the market.
Phonak has implemented this hearing technology into
hearing systems that are simple and easy to use. Many
automatic functions offer maximum sound quality,
the highest speech clarity, and optimal hearing comfort
in almost all hearing situations. We are convinced
that the outstanding performance of your hearing system
will provide valuable benefits to your daily life.
Please read these user instructions thoroughly in order
to benefit from all the possibilities your new hearing
system has to offer. With proper use and care, you will
be able to enjoy your hearing system for many years
to come.
5
If you have any questions, please consult your hearing
care professional.
Phonak - life is on www.phonak.com
0459
6
Please read the information on the following pages
before using your hearing system.
A hearing system will not restore normal hearing
and will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment
resulting from organic conditions. Infrequent use
of a hearing system does not permit a user to attain
full benefit from it. The use of a hearing system is
only part of hearing habilitation and may need to be
supplemented by auditory training and instruction
in lipreading.
2.1 Hazard warnings
Use only hearing systems that have been specially
programmed for you by your hearing care professional.
Other systems may be ineffective and may, in
certain cases, damage your hearing.
Changes or modifications to the hearing system
that were not explicitly approved by Phonak are
not permitted. Such changes may damage your ear
or the hearing system.
2. Important information
7
Hearing system batteries are toxic if they are
swallowed! Keep out of reach of children and pets.
If batteries are swallowed, consult your physician
immediately!
If you feel pain in or behind your ear, if it is inflamed
or if skin irritation and accelerated accumulations
of ear wax occur, please check with your hearing care
professional or physician.
In very rare cases, the dome can remain in your ear
canal when removing the hearing tube from the
ear. In the unlikely case that the dome does get stuck
in your ear canal, it is strongly recommended to
see a physician for safe removal.
Hearing programs in the directional microphone
mode reduce background noises. Please be aware
that warning signals or noises coming from behind,
e. g. cars, are partially or entirely suppressed.
The hearing system contains small parts which can
be swallowed by children.
8
External devices may only be connected if they
have been tested in accordance with corresponding
IECXXXXX standards. Only use accessories approved
by Phonak AG.
2.2 Information on product safety
Never immerse your hearing system in water!
Protect it from excessive moisture. Always remove
your hearing system before showering, bathing,
or swimming.
Protect your hearing system from heat (never leave
it near a window or in the car.) Never use a micro-
wave or other heating devices to dry your hearing
system. Ask your hearing care professional about
suitable drying methods.
When you are not using your hearing system,
leave the battery compartment open so that any
moisture can evaporate. Make sure that you
always completely dry your hearing system after
use. Store the hearing system in a safe, dry and
clean place.
2. Important information
9
Do not drop your hearing system! Dropping onto a
hard surface can damage your hearing system.
Always use new batteries for your hearing system.
You can return used batteries to your hearing care
professional.
Remove the battery if you are not using your hearing
system for a long period of time.
X-ray radiation (e. g. CT scans, MRI scans) may
adversely affect the correct functioning of your
hearing systems. We recommend that you
remove them before undergoing X-ray procedures
and keep them outside the room.
Do not use your hearing system in areas where
electronic equipment is prohibited.
10
The following user instructions describe two hearing
system models: The standard and the micro hearing
system.
The standard and the micro hearing system can be
adapted with a variety of earmolds.
On the following pages use the labeled drawings to
identify the hearing system and the earmold that
you use.
Your hearing care professional will tell you what size
of battery you need for your hearing system.
3. Hearing system description
11
Standard model
Option A: with classic earmold
/ Right or left indicator (right=red, left=blue),
placed in the battery compartment
0 Battery compartment with ON/OFF switch
1 Volume control
2 Program button
3 Microphone input with Wind and Weather Protector
4 Hook/sound output
5 Hearing tube
6 Classic earmold
1
2
34
5
6
0
/
12
Standard model
Option B: with dome Option C: with SlimTip
5 Hearing tube
7 Earmold: Dome
8 Retention
9 Earmold: SlimTip
: Removal handle
5
7
8
5
9
:
3. Hearing system description
13
micro model
Option A: with classic earnold
/ Right or left indicator (right=red, left=blue),
placed in the battery compartment
0 Battery compartment with ON/OFF switch
1 Program button
2 Microphone input with Wind and Weather
Protector
3 Hook/sound output
4 Hearing tube
5 Classic earmold
2
0
1
4
5
3
/
14
micro model
Option B: with dome Option C: with SlimTip
4 Hearing tube
6 Earmold: Dome
7 Retention
8 Earmold: SlimTip
9 Removal handle
4
6
7
4
8
9
3. Hearing system description
15
The following chapter provides step-by-step instructions
on how to use your hearing system. Please follow
these steps carefully. In the drawings, the parts that
are particularly important for each step are shown
in green.
Step 1. Getting to know your hearing system
Take the hearing instrument in your hand and try out
the hearing system controls. This will make it easier
for you to feel and operate the controls later on when
wearing the hearing system.
4. Step-by-step instructions for using
the hearing system
16
Standard model
To increase the volume, press the volume control
upwards. To decrease the volume, press the volume
control downwards (Fig. 1a) (for standard models
only, the micro model does not have a volume control).
In order to change a hearing program, press the program
button displayed (Fig. 1b).
Fig. 1a
Fig. 1b
4. Using the hearing system
Decrease volume
Increase volume
17
micro model
Your hearing care professional can configure your
hearing system (push) button as either a volume
control or a program selector.
To increase the volume, press the button on your
right hearing system. To decrease the volume, press
the button on your left hearing system (Fig. 1c).
In order to change a
hearing program, press
the button displayed
(Fig. 1d).
Fig. 1d
Fig. 1c
Increase
volume
Decrease
volume
left hearing system right hearing system
18
Step 2. Battery preparation
Remove the protective foil from the new battery (Fig. 2).
Wait for two minutes before inserting to activate the
battery.
Step 3. Inserting the battery
Take the hearing system in your hand (Fig. 3a) and
open the battery door. Insert the battery so that you
see the + symbol on the battery (Fig. 3b).
Fig. 2
Fig. 3a Fig. 3b
4. Using the hearing system
19
Step 4. Turning on the hearing system
Switch on the hearing system by closing the battery
compartment (Fig. 4).
Open and close the battery compartment gently
and carefully.
Check if you feel resistance when closing the
battery compartment. Check to make sure the
battery is correctly inserted and in the correct
direction. If the battery is inserted the wrong
way, the hearing system will not work and the
battery compartment can be damaged.
Fig. 4
20
The hearing system is now switched on. It can take up
to 15 seconds before it starts.
(When you wear the hearing system, you will hear an
acoustic signal).
Step 5. Inserting the hearing system
This step shows you how to correctly insert the hearing
system. The instructions apply for both standard and
micro hearing system. The type of earmold determines
how the hearing system is inserted.
Each hearing system is individually programmed
for your right or left ear. For the first step
identify right and left so you will be able to insert
your hearing system in the correct ear.
4. Using the hearing system
21
Step 5.1 Identifying the hearing systems for the
right and left ear
Color indicator:
right = red
left = blue
Fig. 5a
22
Step 5.2 Inserting the hearing system with classic
earmold
With your right hand, take your earmold for the right
ear (red mark on the hearing system, see step 5.1)
between your thumb and forefinger (Fig. 5b).
Take the earmold up to your ear (Fig. 5b). Place the ear
canal part of the earmold into your ear canal (see the
part circled in green (Fig. 5b). Next place the hearing
system behind your ear (Fig. 5c). Then insert the upper
part of the earmold into the upper part of the bowl of
your ear (Fig. 5d).
Fig. 5b Fig. 5dFig. 5c
4. Using the hearing system
23
If you have problems inserting the hearing system, use
your other hand to gently pull your earlobe downwards.
This opens the ear canal a little more and you can
rotate the earmold until it fits correctly.
Check the fit by running your finger over the bowl of
the ear. You know it fits correctly if, when doing so, you
feel the contour of the bowl of the ear and not the
hearing system (Fig. 5e). In the beginning, please use a
mirror to check.
You have now successfully inserted the right hearing
system. Now insert your left hearing system in the
same way (marked in blue, see step 5.1).
Fig. 5e
24
Step 5.3 Inserting the hearing system with a dome
With your right hand, place the right hearing system
(red mark on the hearing system, see step 5.1) behind
your right ear (Fig. 5f). Place the hearing tube between
your thumb and forefinger. Insert the dome deep enough
into the ear canal so that the hearing tube lies flat on
your ear (Fig. 5g). If your hearing system has a retention
cord, then press it into the bowl of the ear in order to
retain the dome in the ear canal (Fig. 5h).
Fig. 5f Fig. 5g Fig. 5h
4. Using the hearing system
25
If you have problems inserting the hearing system, use
your other hand to gently pull your earlobe downwards.
This opens the ear canal a little more and you can
rotate the dome until it fits correctly.
You have now successfully inserted the right hearing
system. Now insert your left hearing system in the same
way (marked in blue, see step 5.1).
Step 5.4 Inserting the hearing system with a SlimTip
Follow the instructions in Step 5.3, as this procedure
is identical.
26
Step 6. Adjusting the volume control behind the ear
To increase the volume on a standard model (for the
micro model refer to text below) press the volume
control upwards. To decrease it, press the volume control
downwards using your forefinger. Use your thumb
to lightly support the hearing system (Fig. 6a).
Fig. 6a
4. Using the hearing system
Increase volume
Decrease volume
27
To increase the volume on a micro model, press the
button on your right hearing system. To decrease the
volume, press the button on your left hearing
system. Use your thumb to lightly support the hearing
system (Fig. 6b).
Left hearing system Right hearing system
Decrease volume Increase volume
Your hearing care professional can configure your
hearing system (push) button as either a volume control
or a program selector.
Fig. 6b
28
Step 7. Selecting the hearing program behind the ear
In order to select or change a hearing program with the
standard hearing system, press the program button
displayed (Fig. 7a). For the micro hearing system, press
the program button displayed (Fig. 7b).
If you press it again, you change to the next program.
A signal indicates the change.
A signal tone can only be easily heard if you have turned
on the hearing system and you are wearing it correctly
behind the ear.
Fig. 7a: Standard model Fig. 7b: micro model
4. Using the hearing system
29
Step 8. Removing the hearing system
Step 8.1 Removing the hearing system with classic
earmold
Take the hearing system behind your ear (do not
touch the tube!) and lift it above the upper part of
your ear and then gently let go (Fig. 8a).
Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the earmold
in your ear (not the tube!) and gently remove it from
your ear (Fig. 8b).
Fig. 8a
Fig. 8b
30
Step 8.2 Removing the hearing system with a dome
Grasp the hearing system by the hearing tube and
carefully remove it from your ear (Fig. 8c).
In very rare cases, the dome can remain in your
ear canal when removing the hearing tube from the
ear. In the unlikely case that the dome does get
stuck in your ear canal, it is strongly recommended
to see a physician for safe removal.
Step 8.3 Removing the hearing system with SlimTip
Follow the instructions in Step 8.2, as this procedure
is identical.
Fig. 8c
4. Using the hearing system
31
Step 9. Turning off the hearing system
You can turn off your hearing system by opening the
battery compartment (Fig. 9).
Fig. 9
32
Step 10. Changing the battery
Before the battery is completely empty, your hearing
system will indicate to you that the battery soon needs
to be changed with an acoustic signal. Once this
happens, you have about 30 minutes (in some cases
longer) to change the battery. The battery warning
signal is repeated every half hour. We recommend that
you always keep a spare battery on hand.
Step 11. Changing the battery in hearing systems with
a secured battery compartment
The standard and micro models have the option to be
fitted with a tamper proof battery compartment if
needed for safety reasons. The standard and micro
hearing system use the same type of tamperproof
battery compartment. The micro hearing system is used
in the following example to show how the battery is
changed.
4. Using the hearing system
33
After you have opened the battery compartment, pull
the green plastic tab with the support of a pen back
until the battery is free to take out (Fig. 11a-b).
Fig. 11a Fig. 11b
The old battery can now be replaced and a new one
inserted (Fig. 11c).
Just close the battery vompartment and the battery
will automatically be secured (Fig. 11d).
Fig. 11c Fig. 11d
34
5. Care and maintenance
Diligent and routine care of your hearing system
contributes to outstanding performance and a long
service life.
Please use the following specifications as a guideline:
General information
Before using hair spray or applying cosmetics, you
should remove your hearing system from your ear,
because these products may damage it.
Never wash or clean the Wind and Weather Protector
(see chapter 3). Doing so could cause it to lose its
special acoustic features.
35
Daily
Inspect the earmold and tube for earwax and moisture
deposits. Clean the surfaces with a lint-free cloth.
Never use cleaning agents such as household detergents,
soap, etc. for cleaning your hearing system. If you
need to clean your hearing system intensively, ask your
hearing care professional for advice and information
on filters or drying capsules.
Weekly
Clean the earmold with a soft, damp cloth or with
a special cleaning cloth for hearing systems. For more
in depth maintenance instructions or for more than
basic cleaning, please see your hearing care professional.
Monthly
Inspect your hearing tube for color changes, hardening,
or cracks. In the case of such changes, the hearing
tube has to be replaced. Please see your hearing care
professional.
36
Hearing systems sound softer than usual / no sound
First check whether you can adjust and make the
sound louder with the volume control. Then check the
hearing tube and earmold for earwax residue and
clean if necessary. Check whether the battery is correctly
inserted and properly fitted, adjust the fit if necessary.
If there is no improvement, change the battery. If the
problem persists, contact your hearing care professional.
Battery discharges too quickly
Insert a new battery and make note of exactly how
long it lasts. Contact your hearing care professional
with this information, they will be able to help and
advise you.
Crackling or buzzing noises
Check the hearing tube and earmold for earwax residue.
Check the hearing tube for damage (color changes,
hardening, or cracks) and contact your hearing care
professional if necessary for replacement.
6. Troubleshooting
37
Whistling
Check whether the earmold is correctly and firmly
fitted. If this is the case, but the problem persists,
please consult with your hearing care professional.
Pain or inflammation in your ear
Remove the hearing system and consult with your
hearing care professional. If the problem is serious,
please contact your physician.
7.1 Wireless accessories
Phonak has developed a broad range of wireless acces-
sories that allow you to best use and discreetly control
your hearing system. These include, for example, remote
controls, wireless connection modules to the TV and
computer, and much more. Programs and accessories
that can help you make phone calls simply and more
comfortably are also included in this product range.
7. Wireless Accessories and FM systems
38
7.2 FM systems
FM Systems are wireless communication systems
consisting of a radio transmitter and a radio receiver.
The transmitter is placed close to the sound source
(e. g. TV/Radio/lectern). The sound is transmitted clearly
and directly to the hearing system in the form of
radio signals – without disruptive background noises
or echoes.
Phonak is a leader in FM communication. In order to
take advantage of the benefits of these high-tech radio
systems, consult with your hearing care professional.
If you already have an FM system and need additional
information on using this system, please consult the
relevant user instructions on the FM transmitter or the
FM receiver.
For more information, please visit www.phonak.com,
or ask your hearing care professional.
7. Wireless Accessories and FM systems
39
8. Service and warranty
Phonak offers you a comprehensive, worldwide
warranty, valid starting from the date of purchase.
Please ask your hearing care professional about
the term of the warranty valid in the country of
purchase. The warranty covers repairs in case of
processing and material errors.*
No warranty claims will be considered if the hearing
system shows normal wear and tear, improper handling
or care, exposure to chemicals, immersion in water or
undue stress. In case of damage caused by third parties or
non-authorized service, the Phonak warranty is null and
void. This warranty does not cover services performed by
a hearing care professional at his or her workplace.
Serial number of the Serial number of the
left hearing system right hearing system
Purchase date:
*Contact your hearing care professional
40
Declaration of Conformity
Hereby Phonak AG declares that this Phonak product
meets the requirements of the Medical Devices
Directive 93/42/EEC as well as the Radio and Telecom-
munications Terminal Equipment Directive 1999/5/EC.
The full text of the Declaration of Conformity can be
obtained from the manufacturer.
The hearing instrument described in this user guide is
certified under:
Standard heaing system
USA FCC ID: KWC-WHSBTE1
Canada IC: 2262A-WHSBTE1
micro heaing system
USA FCC ID: KWC-WHSSAN1
Canada IC: 2262A-WHSSAN1
9. Compliance information
41
Notice 1:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and
with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. 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.
Notice 2:
Changes or modifications made to this device not
expressly approved by Phonak may void the FCC
authorization to operate this device.
42
9. Compliance information
Notice 3:
This device has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules and ICES-003 of Industry Canada.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable pro-
tection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This device 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 device 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 device and
receiver.
Connect the device 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.
43
10. Information and explanation
of symbols
With the CE symbol, Phonak AG
confirms that this Phonak product –
including accessories – meets the
requirements of the Medical Devices
Directive 93/42/EEC as well as the
R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC on radio
and telecommunications transmitters.
The numbers after the CE symbol
correspond to the code of certified
institutions that were consulted
under the above-mentioned directives.
This symbol indicates that the
products described in these user
instructions adhere to the require-
ments for an application part of
Type BF of EN 60601-1. The surface
of the hearing system is specified
as application part of Type BF.
XXXX
44
This symbol indicates that it is
important for the user to read and
take into account the relevant
information in these user guides.
This symbol indicates that it is impor-
tant for the user to pay attention to
the relevant warning notices in these
user guides.
Important information for handling
and product safety.
The product is designed such that
it functions without problems
or restrictions if used as intended,
unless otherwise noted in these
user guides.
Operating
conditions
10. Information and description of symbols
45
During transport or storage, the
temperature should not exceed the
limit values of –20°/60° Celsius
and relative humidity of 65% for a
long period of time. The air pressure
range between 500 and 1100 hPa
is appropriate.
The symbol with the crossed-out
garbage bin is to make you aware
that this hearing system may not
be thrown away as normal household
waste. Please dispose of old or unused
hearing systems, at waste disposal
sites intended for electronic waste,
or give your hearing system to your
hearing care professional for
disposal. Proper disposal protects
the environment and health.
Transport
and storage
conditions
46
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.
For the US market only, complies
with the FDA regulations
47
(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
aid whose maximum sound pressure level exceeds
132 decibels because there may be risk of
impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing
aid user. (This provision is required only for
those hearing aids with a maximum sound pressure
capability greater than 132 decibels (dB).)
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 otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of medical
evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable
47
48
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
a 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.
For US market only
49
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.
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.
50
Notes