Audina VNVE 4 User manual

ver: 1.0 070108 INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Superior Comfort
Optimal
Performance
Nearly Invisible
P.O. Box 877
Casselberry, FL 32718
www.audina.net
HEARING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
MADE IN U.S.A.
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Welcome to a world of better hearing! We understand
that hearing loss affects one's quality of life. That is
why we are dedicated to building the highest quality
hearing instruments. Your new hearing instruments
will soon be indispensable to you and will bring new
pleasure and enjoyment to your life.
Our company was established in 1990 and is well-
known internationally for offering high quality,
reliable, state-of-the-art technology. These Receiver-in-
Canal (RIC) hearing instruments have been
programmed or adjusted to your individual hearing
loss to precisely fit your hearing and communication
requirements. If necessary, your hearing healthcare
provider can make further modifications to enhance
your listening experience.
A period of adjustment may be needed to become
accustomed to your new hearing instruments and the
renewed world of sounds you will experience. The
adjustment time varies for each individual and may be
as little as a couple of weeks to as long as several
months. Allow yourself time to become familiar with
those sounds you have not heard for a long time.
Before operating your hearing instruments, please read
this manual thoroughly.
WELCOME
i
This manual contains user information for
the following nVe
¯hearing instruments.
Your hearing healthcare provider will
“3” the appropriate box for your
hearing instrument.
nVe
¯™AD
nVe
¯™4
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nVe¯ Diagram ..........................................1
Proper Placement on Ear ........................2
Left & Right Instruments ......................5
On/Off Function ....................................5
Battery Information ................................6
Memory Control Settings ......................9
Cleaning Your Instrument ....................10
Caring for Your Instrument ..................12
Removing & Inserting a Wax Guard….13
Telephone Use ......................................15
Cell Phone Compatibility ....................15
Push Button Memory ..........................15
Do's and Don'ts....................................17
Troubleshooting....................................19
Why Two Instruments ..........................22
Children with Hearing Loss..................23
Warranty Information ..........................24
Service and Repair Information ............25
Notice to Prospective Users ..................27
Notice to Providers ..............................28
Serial Numbers ....................................29
Owner Information ..............................30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
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proper placement
on ear
Your hearing instruments should fit
comfortably and easily over the top of your
ears. Your hearing healthcare provider will
provide instruction on proper
insertion and removal.
Step 1: To properly
wear your new hearing
instrument, hold the
base of the receiver link
with the thumb and
index finger, allowing
the receiver module to
be free to easily insert into the ear canal.
Step 2: At this point,
the instrument is
inverted from its final
position. Carefully
insert the receiver
module into the ear
canal. Make sure the
locking wire is located
inside the bowl of
your ear. It may help to pull down or
backward on your lower ear with the
opposite hand.
1 2
Receiver Unit*
(connector, wire, Receiver Module)
Microphone
Second
Directional
Mircrophone***
Program
Button
Battery
Compartment
Digital
Sound
Processor
Locking Wire***
Wax Guard
Receiver Module**
(speaker)
A - RU with Conch Wire
B - RU with Propeller Sleeve
C - Power set with Custom Mold
D - Plus Power RU
Tips and Molds***
*Receiver Units are detachable
and interchangeable for easy
care and fitting.
**Your hearing instruments are
distinguished by colored dots on
the receiver module:
Blue = Left hearing instrument
Red = Right hearing instrument
***Optional components
family of products
1.
2.
DIAGRAM
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To Remover the receiver
module from your ear
canal, grasp the receiver
link with the thumb
and index finger at the
entrance to the ear canal
and gently pull down
and back as shown in
illustration 6.
CAUTION: When removing the receiver
module, do NOT pull with the body of the
hearing instrument as this may damage the
connection.
Be sure to open the battery door after
removing the instruments from your ears, this
will turn the instruments off and conserve
battery power.
4
proper placement
on ear
Step 3: While holding
the receiver module in
place in the ear canal
with your thumb or
index finger; carefully
place the hearing
instrument body over
the top of your ear
while pressing it gently against the head as
shown in illustration 3.
Step 4: Correctly
placed, your hearing
instrument will be
virtually invisible to
those with whom you
speak. Make sure, again,
that the receiver module
is still properly
positioned in your ear
canal. (Illustration 4)
Step 5: Be sure the
locking wire (arrow in
illustration 5) is secure
inside the bowl of your
ear.
3
3.
4.
5.
6.
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battery
information
The low battery detection system continuously
monitors battery life. When the battery
becomes low, the low battery warning
sequence consisting of 3 double beeps is
initiated. After the warning beeps are
complete, normal operation resumes. The low
battery warning sequence will repeat again 10
minutes after the initial warning; it’s now time
to insert a new battery. Hearing aid batteries
are most easily purchased from your hearing
healthcare provider.
Battery Type and Proper Storage:
Your hearing instrument may use a size 312
battery (brown tab) or a size 10 (yellow tab),
please check the back of this manual for the
correct size for your model. A zinc air battery
is recommended for optimal performance.
Batteries should NOT be stored in a refrigerator
or dehumidifying device. Such storage could
cause leakage and damage the batteries.
Important: Always discard used batteries.
Small batteries can be harmful if swallowed.
Keep batteries out of the reach of pets and
small children. In case of ingestion, contact
your physician or call the National Button
Battery Hotline collect at [phone].
6
left and right
instruments
on/off function
If you are wearing hearing instruments on
both ears, it is important to use the correct
device in each ear. The receiver modules are
marked with “red” lettering for the Right ear
and “blue” lettering for the Left ear.
To turn your hearing instrument “on”, you
simply need to close the battery door after
inserting a battery. (Insert illustration
showing the battery door open with arrows
and captions explaining the battery
compartment)
To turn your hearing instrument “off ”,
simply open the battery door completely.
When the hearing instrument is not in use, it
is recommended that you open the battery
door and remove the battery. This helps to
prevent excessive battery drain and allows for
proper ventilation of the hearing instrument.
5
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battery
information
7
To replace your hearing instrument battery,
follow these steps:
Step 1: Lift the notch
at the edge of the
compartment and
carefully swing open the
door. (Illustration 1)
Step 2: Remove the
“brown” or “yellow”
colored tab (depending
on the correct battery
size for your model) on
the battery. Holding
the instrument as
shown in illustration 2,
insert the battery with
the “+” side up,
matching to the “+”
on the battery
compartment door.
Step 3: Gently swing the door into the closed
position. The compartment should close easily.
Do not force it. If resistance is noted, check
that the battery is inserted correctly.
It is important that the battery is inserted
correctly. If the battery compartment door
does not easily close, the battery was not
inserted correctly. If so, check that the battery
is inserted correctly in the compartment door.
Do NOT try to force the door shut, close gently.
The life of your hearing instruments’ batteries
will vary depending on length of daily use,
listening environments, and how your hearing
instruments are programmed. When the
hearing instrument batteries go dead, remove
them immediately and replace them with new
batteries. Batteries may be purchased through
your hearing healthcare professional.
When your hearing instruments are not in use,
open the battery compartment to prevent
excessive battery drain and ventilate the
instruments.
8
1.
2.
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The following instructions will assist in
extending the life of your hearing instruments.
You should inspect your hearing instruments
daily and clean them periodically to control
wax buildup. To clean, very gently wipe the
surface with a soft, dry cloth or moist cleaning
wipes made especially for hearing instruments.
Do not allow water or liquid to enter any
openings on the instruments.
To remove any wax accumulated on the
receiver module or wax guard, use the brush
supplied with your
hearing instrument.
Brush the wax guard
while holding the
instrument up-side-
down so the debris will
fall toward the floor
rather than into the
receiver module. See
illustration 1, showing
proper method. Also
brush the microphone
port as shown in
illustration 2.
10
Depending on the model, your hearing
instrument features up to four programmable
memory settings. Consult your hearing care
professional as to the number of memories
available on these hearing instruments. Each
memory setting is designed for the best
comfort and optimal performance in a
particular listening environment. Such
environments may range from noisy to
quiet….as when you’re on the telephone,
outdoors, in a crowded restaurant, or listening
to TV, music, or a movie.
To change the program setting, simply press
the memory switch control located on your
instrument. An audible signal indicates the
specific settings for your listening
environment – 1 beep is program 1, 2 beeps
is program 2, etc. When you turn on your
hearing instrument it will automatically start
in program 1. Your hearing healthcare
professional will program the instrument for
you as the specific setting you wish to use.
9
memory control
settings
cleaning your
hearing instrument
1.
2.
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cleaning your
hearing instrument
caring for
your instrument
Hearing instruments are exposed to moisture
in the form of humidity and perspiration
while being worn. The daily use of a
dehumidifying system or drying kit approved
by your hearing healthcare provider is
recommended. These accessories may be
purchased from your hearing healthcare
provider.
The most common causes of hearing
instrument repair are wax and moisture. If
you are encountering recurrent repairs, please
discuss the various wax/moisture prevention
systems and accessories with your hearing
healthcare provider.
Extended Storage
If it is necessary to store your hearing
instruments for an extended amount of time,
follow the steps below for proper storage.
Remove the batteries.
Clean the instrument according to
instructions in this manual.
Place the instruments in a cool, dry place.
Either the original container or a hearing
instrument dehumidifier is recommended.
1211
If the hearing instrument is weak or not
working, you may need to replace the wax
guard as outlined in this manual. Inspect the
receiver module and wax guard daily for any
visible damage. Such damage could lead to a
piece coming off inside the ear. If any damage
has occurred, or the wax guard comes off inside
the ear, contact your hearing care professional
for immediate help.
The materials used in your hearing instruments
are of the highest quality available, and the
likelihood of an allergic reaction is slight. If the
receiver link or the receiver module irritates
your ear in any way, contact your hearing
healthcare provider.
The wearing of a hearing instrument may
accelerate the accumulation of ear wax. This
can easily be removed by your physician or in
some cases your hearing healthcare provider.
You should not use cotton swabs to clean your
ears, due to the risk of pushing the wax deeper
into the ear canal.
CAUTION: Your hearing instruments are NOT
water resistant. NEVER swim, bathe, or shower
while wearing them or otherwise immerse in water.
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Using the tool, push the new filter arm onto the
receiver unit to install the new filter as shown in
illustration 3 and 4. Pull the tool away from the
receiver unit once the new filter is in place.
Be sure to properly discard the used NoWax tool
as it may be harmful if swallowed by a child or
pet. The wax guard should be replaced once a
month or as needed.
CAUTION: Make sure that the new wax guard
is firmly in place in the receiver module.
Improper insertion can result in the wax guard
falling off and becoming lodged in the ear canal.
If this happens, contact your hearing healthcare
provider immediately to have it removed. Do not
attempt to remove it by yourself.
14
caring for
your instrument
Removing and Inserting a Wax Guard
Your receiver module (speaker) is protected from
debris and earwax by a replaceable Wax Guard.
Daily, the receiver module tip should be gently
brushed to remove debris that may have lodged
in the wax guard as outlined in the Cleaning
Your Hearing Instrument section in this manual.
Over time, the wax guard can get clogged with
moist debris. Periodically this wax guard should
be replaced to ensure there is no blockage of
amplified sound.
Remove the NoWax tool from the storage disc.
The tool has two arms, one with the new filter
and the other is to remove the NoWax filter that
is presently in the receiver unit.
Push the removal arm of the
tool into the existing NoWax
filter in the receiver unit as
shown in illustration 1.
Remove the used filter by
pulling the tool away from
the receiver unit as displayed
in illustration 2.
13
1.
2.
3. 4.
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(M2/T2) and a telephone rating of 3
(M3/T3) would result in a combined rating
of 5. Any combined rating that equals at least
5 would provide “normal use;” a combined
rating of 6 or greater would indicate
“excellent performance.”
The immunity of this hearing aid is at least
M2/T2. The equipment performance
measurements, categories and system
classifications are based upon the best
information available but cannot guarantee
that all users will be satisfied.
NOTE: The performance of individual
hearing aids may vary with individual cell
phones. Therefore, please try this hearing aid
with your cell phone or, if you are purchasing
a new phone, be sure to try it with your
hearing aid prior to purchase. For additional
guidance, please ask your cell phone provider
for the booklet entitled "Hearing Aid
Compatibility with Digital Wireless Cell
Phones."
16
telephone use
cell phone
compatibility
Your hearing instrument allows you to use the
phone as you normally do – holding the phone
up to your ear. In some cases, you may need
your hearing instrument programmed with a
specific telephone setting. If this feature is
important to you, ask your hearing healthcare
professional to adjust one of the available
memory programs to assist your telephone
requirements.
Some hearing aid users have reported a buzzing
sound in their hearing aids when they are using
cell phones, indicating that the cell phone and
hearing aid may not be compatible. According
to the ANSI C63.19 standard (ANSI C63.19-
2006 American National Standard Methods of
Measurement of Compatibility Between
Wireless Communications Devices and Hearing
Aids), the compatibility of a particular hearing
aid and cell phone can be predicted by adding
the rating for the hearing aid immunity to the
rating for the cell phone emissions. For
example, the sum of a hearing aid rating of 2
15
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the do’s and don'ts
of hearing aid care
DO store the instruments overnight in a
hearing aid dehumidifier to absorb moisture
(Be sure and remove batteries first).
DO always carry spare batteries.
DO replace the battery when the low-battery
warning beep sequence begins.
DO always care for your instrument as
outlined in this manual.
DO dry the battery contacts with a cotton
swab in cases of humid weather or heavy
perspiration.
DO safely store hearing instruments when not
in use. Keep them out of the reach of small
children and pets.
DO remove your hearing instruments if you
are going to have X-rays at your dentist or
medical facility. It is best to keep them
outside the room of the X-ray equipment.
DON’T leave your hearing instruments on the
radiator, near a stove, in a sunny window, in a
car or in any other hot place. Excessive heat
and cold can damage the instruments.
DON’T wear the hearing instruments when
using a hair dryer at home or when at the
beauty salon, spa or barber.
DON’T wear the hearing instruments when
having medical tests done such as MRI, X-
rays or CT scans; as different types of
radiation may damage the hearing
instrument.
DON’T apply hair spray when wearing your
hearing instruments. It may damage the
microphone and erode the case.
DON’T wear the instruments while taking a
bath, shower, spa treatment or while
swimming.
DON’T store the instruments in the bathroom
during a shower or near a steam room as
moisture created by the steam may cause
damage.
17 18
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troubleshooting
guidelines
No Sound:
• Ensure that hearing instruments are turned on.
• Replace the battery.
• Ensure that there is no wax or debris built up;
clean or replace the wax guard as instructed in
this manual.
Not loud enough:
• Replace the battery.
• Ensure that there is no wax or debris built up;
clean or replace the wax guard as instructed in
this manual.
• Ensure the hearing instrument is placed in the
proper position and the receiver module is
placed properly into the ear canal.
• Excessive earwax can prevent sound from
entering the ear. Contact your physician or
hearing healthcare provider.
• Changes in your hearing loss can affect how
you hear with a hearing aid. Contact your
hearing healthcare provider if you suspect any
change in your hearing status.
Whistling / Feedback:
• Ensure the hearing instrument is placed in the
proper position and the receiver module is
placed properly into the ear canal.
• Excessive earwax and improperly sized
instruments can cause whistling. Contact
your hearing healthcare provider.
• Move hand or other flat objects away from
the ear; adjust clothing (collar) that may be
interfering with sound travel.
Sound is Distorted or Unclear:
• Replace the battery.
• Hearing instruments may have a poor
battery contact or may not be programmed
properly. Return to your hearing healthcare
provider.
Intermittent Sound:
• Replace the battery.
• Ensure that there is no wax or debris built
up; clean or replace the wax guard as
instructed in this manual.
• Hearing instruments may have a poor
battery contact. Return to your hearing
healthcare provider for service.
Turns On and Off Automatically:
• Replace the battery.
• Excessive moisture may be causing this, let
the instrument dry thoroughly.
• Contact your hearing healthcare
professional
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troubleshooting
guidelines
why two hearing
instruments
(binaural amplification)
Discomfort:
• Check to be sure you have the instrument
inserted correctly, following the steps outlined
in this manual.
• Contact your hearing healthcare professional
to have the fit checked for the receiver
module, receiver link and the retaining wire.
Memory Control Switch Problem:
• May be caused by a weak battery, replace the
battery.
• Contact your hearing healthcare professional
if problem continues.
Hearing loss can be improved, in most cases,
through medicine, surgery, or with hearing
instruments. Hearing aids are the most
commonly chosen option.
Today’s hearing instruments are quite small in
size and feature sophisticated electronics that
accommodate a wide variety of hearing losses.
Nature gave us two ears for a reason and since
the majority of people who have a hearing
loss are affected in both ears, two (binaural)
hearing instruments are typically
recommended. Two hearing instruments
should provide these benefits:
• Better overall sound quality when compared
to one hearing instrument (“stereo sound”).
• The ability to locate a sound source in
noisy and normal listening conditions.
• Increased ability to understand speech in
noisy and normal listening conditions.
• A sensation of balanced hearing.
Talk with your hearing healthcare provider
about what is best for you. Even the best
technology can’t do the work of two ears!
21 22
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warranty
information
Please see your hearing healthcare provider
regarding your specific warranty information.
Our guarantee covers any defect in material
or faulty production, except cords and
batteries. We will, at our option, repair or
replace the instruments or any defective part,
at our expense, within the limits of the
warranty.
This warranty will become invalid if the
hearing instruments have been tampered with
or altered in any way, or if the serial number
has been altered, effaced, removed, or if any
repairs have been made without
authorization.
This warranty does not include a promise of
specific hearing improvement because that
depends upon your audiologic needs, proper
fitting and adjustments by your hearing
healthcare provider and proper use by the
owner.
Any implied warranty shall be limited to one
year from date of purchase. The only entity
or individual who is authorized to perform
the warranty obligations is the manufacturer.
All in-house warranty work performed
24
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 education 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 hearing loss.
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Before planning to return your instruments
for repair, please refer to the troubleshooting
chart on the preceding pages. Many times
these solutions can prevent the time and cost
associated with a repair.
If you need to send your instruments directly
to the manufacturer, carefully pack your
instruments in a sturdy box and send it to:
Audina®Hearing Instruments, Inc.
P. O. Box 877
Casselberry, FL 32718-0877
You must include your current phone number
and home address. There is a $25 charge to
cover shipping and handling. Please include a
check, payable to Audina Hearing
Instruments, Inc. for said amount when
sending your instruments for service. It is
recommended to purchase shipping insurance
when sending your hearing aids to the
manufacturer.
If your hearing instruments are out of
warranty, we will assist you in finding a
hearing healthcare provider in your local area.
26
warranty
information
returning for
service
by the manufacturer will be done within a
reasonable period of time. If warranty work
is performed and there appears to be a defect,
malfunction, or failure to conform to the
warranty, the obligations will be met if
brought to our attention within one month
from the date of the original warranty work.
This warranty is specifically limited to the
scope set forth herein, and may not in any
way be expanded by the other oral or written
representations.
You should visit your hearing healthcare
provider if your hearing instruments are in
need of service. If you no longer have a
hearing healthcare provider and are in need of
one, you may contact Audina and we will
assist you in finding one in your area. If you
are unable to visit a hearing healthcare
provider, you may send your hearing aids
directly to the manufacturer.
25
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notice for hearing
healthcare providers
Federal law allows 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
interest, and its use is strongly discouraged.
Hearing healthcare providers should advise a
prospective hearing instrument user to
consult promptly with a licensed physician
(preferably an ear specialist) before dispensing
a hearing instrument if the hearing healthcare
provider determines through inquiry, actual
observation, or review of any other available
information, that the prospective user has any
of the following conditions:
• Visible congenital or traumatic deformity
of the ear.
• History of active drainage from the ear
within the previous 90 days.
• History of sudden or rapidly progressive
hearing loss within the previous 90 days.
• Acute or chronic dizziness.
• Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent
onset within the previous 90 days.
• Audiometric air-bone gap greater than or
equal to 15 decibels at 500 Hertz
(Hz), 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. 28
notice to
perspective users
Good health practice requires that a person
with a hearing loss have a medical exam by a
licensed physician, who specializes in diseases
of the ear, before purchasing a hearing
instrument.
Licensed physicians who specialize in the
diseases of the ear are often referred to as
Otologists, Otolaryngologists (ear, nose and
throat – ENT) or Otorhinolaryngologists.
The purpose of a medical evaluation is to
assure that all medically treatable conditions
that may affect hearing are identified and
treated before the hearing instrument is
purchased. Following the medical evaluation,
the physician will give you a written statement
that your hearing loss has been medically
evaluated and that you may be considered a
candidate for a hearing instrument.
A hearing specialist will conduct an evaluation
to assess your ability to hear. The hearing
instrument evaluation will enable the hearing
specialist to select and fit a hearing instrument
to your individual needs. Federal law restricts
the sale of hearing instruments to those
individuals who have obtained a medical
evaluation from a licensed physician.
27
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notice for hearing
healthcare providers
serial number
Model:
Serial Numbers:
Left:
Right:
Purchase Date:
Battery Size:
Memory Set-Up:
Memory A:
Memory B:
Memory C:
Memory D:
Original Warranty Expires:
Hearing Healthcare Provider:
OWNER INFORMATION
30
Visible evidence of significant cerumen (wax)
accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.
Pain or discomfort in the ear.
Special care should be exercised in selecting and
fitting a hearing instrument which has a
maximum sound pressure level in excess of 132
dB (decibels) because there may be a risk of
damaging the remaining hearing of the hearing
instrument user.
Each hearing instrument has its own unique
number located on the exterior of the hearing
aid. The first two digits of the serial number
represent the year in which the instrument was
manufactured.
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