Beltone Imagine 86 User manual

User guide
Beltone Behind-The-Ear power hearing aids, Rechargeable

Hearing aid information
Left hearing aid Right hearing aid
Serial number Serial number
Model number Model number
Battery type £Rechargeable
Program Beep Description
1 One beep
2 Two beeps
3 Three beeps
4 Four beeps
2

FDA warnings and cautions (USonly)
WARNING:People younger than 18 should go to a doctor before using this
People younger than 18 years old need specialized care, and using this without a medical evaluation may
worsen impairment or disability. A hearing aid user who is younger than 18 should have a recent medical
evaluation from a doctor, preferably an ear-nose-throat doctor (an ENT). Before using this, a doctor should
determine that the use of a hearing aid is appropriate.
WARNINGS to Hearing Aid Dispensers
You should advise a prospective hearing aid user to consult promptly with a doctor, preferably an ear
specialist such as an ENT, before dispensing a hearing aid if you determine 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:
•Visible deformity of the ear, either congenital or traumatic
•Fluid, pus, or blood coming out of the ear within the previous 6 months
•Pain or discomfort in the ear
•History of excessive ear wax or suspicion that something is in the ear canal
•Dizziness, either recent or long-standing
•Sudden, quickly worsening, or fluctuating hearing loss within the previous 6 months
FDA warnings and cautions (USonly) 3

•Hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus) only in one ear or noticeable difference in hearing between ears
•Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 dB at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz.
Outputs over 132 dB SPL:
You should exercise special care in selecting and fitting a hearing aid with a maximum output that exceeds
132 dB SPL because it may impair the remaining hearing of the hearing aid user.
Sound pressure level in the ears of children:
The developed sound pressure level in the ears of children can be substantially higher than in average
adults.It is recommended to perform an RECD measurement in order to ensure the correct target for the
fitted OSPL90.
CAUTION:
This is not hearing protection
You should remove this device if you experience overly loud sounds, whether short or long-lasting. If
you're in a loud place, you should use the right kind of hearing protection instead of wearing this device. In
general, if you would use ear plugs in a loud place, you should remove this device and use ear plugs.
The sound output should not be uncomfortable or painful
You should turn down the volume or remove the device if the sound output is uncomfortably loud or
painful. If you consistently need to turn the volume down, you may need to further adjust your device.
4FDA warnings and cautions (USonly)

You might need medical help if a piece gets stuck in your ear
If any part of your hearing aid, like the eartip (dome), gets stuck in your ear, and you can’t easily remove it
with your fingers, get medical help as soon as you can. You should not try to use tweezers or cotton swabs
because they can push the part further into your ear, injuring your eardrum or ear canal, possibly
seriously.
NOTE:
What you might expect when you start using your hearing aid
•A hearing aid can benefit many people with hearing loss. However, you should know it will not restore
normal hearing, and you may still have some difficulty hearing over noise. Further, a hearing aid will
not prevent or improve a medical condition that causes hearing loss.
•People who start using hearing aids sometimes need a few weeks to get used to them. Similarly, many
people find that training or counseling can help them get more out of their devices.
•If you have hearing loss in both ears, you might get more out of using hearing aids in both, especially in
situations that make you tired from listening – for example, noisy environments.
Tell FDA about injuries, malfunctions, or other adverse events
•To report a problem involving your hearing aid, you should submit information to FDA as soon as
possible after the problem. FDA calls them “adverse events”, and they might include: skin irritation in
your ear, injury from the device (like cuts or scratches, or burns from an overheated battery), pieces of
the device getting stuck in your ear, suddenly worsening hearing loss from using the device, etc.
Instructions for reporting are available at https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch, or call 1-800-FDA-
1088. You can also download a form to mail to FDA.
FDA warnings and cautions (USonly) 5

Hearing loss in people younger than 18
•People younger than 18 should see a doctor first, preferably an ear-nose-throat doctor (an ENT),
because they may have different needs than adults.
•The doctor will identify and treat medical conditions as appropriate.
•The doctor may refer the person to an audiologist for a separate test, a hearing aid evaluation.
•The hearing aid evaluation will help the audiologist select and fit the appropriate hearing aid.
A person who is younger than 18 years old with hearing loss should have a medical evaluation by a
doctor, preferably an ENT, before buying a hearing aid. The purpose of a medical evaluation is to identify
and treat medical conditions that may affect hearing but that a hearing aid won’t treat on its own.
Following the medical evaluation and if appropriate, the doctor will provide a written statement that the
hearing loss has been medically evaluated and the person is a candidate for a hearing aid. The doctor
may refer the person to an audiologist for a hearing aid evaluation, which is different from the medical
evaluation and is intended to identify the appropriate hearing aid.
The audiologist will conduct a hearing aid evaluation to assess the person’s ability to hear with and without
a hearing aid. This will enable the audiologist to select and fit a hearing aid for the person’s individual
needs. An audiologist can also provide evaluation and rehabilitation since, for people younger than 18,
hearing loss may cause problems in language development and educational and social growth. An
audiologist is qualified by training and experience to assist in the evaluation and rehabilitation of hearing
loss in people younger than 18.
6FDA warnings and cautions (USonly)

Table of Contents
FDA warnings and cautions (USonly) 3
Introduction 8
Getting to know your hearing aid 11
Charging your hearing aids 12
Placing your hearing aids in your ears 14
Removing your hearing aids from your ears 16
Using your hearing aids 17
Advanced options 30
Wireless accessories 34
Cleaning and caring for your hearing aids 38
Tinnitus Management 45
General warnings and cautions 54
Cyber security warnings 57
Troubleshooting 58
Regulatory information 61
Technical specifications 68
Additional information 72
FDA warnings and cautions (USonly) 7

Introduction
Thank you for choosing Beltone hearing aids. We recommend that you use your hearing aids every day.
NOTE: Read this booklet carefully BEFORE using your hearing aids.
Intended purpose
•The hearing aid is intended to compensate for hearing impairment by amplifying and transmitting sound to the
ear.
User profile
•The hearing aid is intended to be used by adults and children 12 years of age or older.
•The hearing aid is intended to be used by lay persons.
•The hearing aid is intended to be fitted by qualified hearing care professionals.
Therapeutic indications
•Sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss.
Contraindications
A hearing care professional 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:
•Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
8Introduction

•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 equal to or greater than 15dB at 500Hertz (Hz), 1000Hz, and 2000Hz.
•Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.
•Pain or discomfort in the ear.
Side effects
If you experience side effects, contact your hearing care professional. Possible side effects from wearing a
hearing aid may be:
•Dizziness
•Tinnitus
•Perceived worsening of hearing loss
•Nausea
•Skin reaction
•Ear wax accumulation
Introduction 9

Symbols
WARNING: Points out a situation that
could lead to serious injuries.
Legal manufacturer.
CAUTION: Indicates a situation that
could lead to minor and moderate
injuries.
MD
Medical Device.
NOTE: Advice and tips on how to handle
your hearing aid better.
By prescription only (US).
Follow instructions for use. Complies with ACMA requirements.
Equipment includes an RF transmitter. Complies with IMDA requirements.
Product is a Type B applied part.
UDI
Unique Device Identification.
Date of manufacture.
Do not dispose of your hearing aids and batteries with ordinary household garbage. Your hearing
aids and batteries should be disposed of at sites intended for electronic waste or returned to your
hearing care professional for safe disposal.
Please ask your local hearing care professional about the disposal of your hearing aid.
NOTE: There may be specific regulations in your country.
10 Introduction

Getting to know your hearing aid
Model 86
1. Earmold
2. Tube
3. Microphone inlets
4. LED green indicator light
(See page 17)
5. Program button
6. Volume control
7. Left/Right identification
Left=blue.Right=red.
8. DAI(Direct Audio Input) connector
1
2
3
4
6
5
3
7
8
NOTE: Use only original consumables from Beltone(e.g., tubes).
Getting to know your hearing aid 11

Charging your hearing aids
We recommend that you fully charge your hearing aids before using them. This is just a precaution to make sure
that you don't run out of power unexpectedly. To learn how to charge your hearing aids, please consult the user
guide for your hearing aid charger.
Battery warnings
WARNING:
•Rechargeable hearing aids are supported by a non-removable rechargeable lithium-ion battery cell.
Exposure or ingestion can be seriously harmful.
•Never put your rechargeable hearing aid in your mouth.
•Keep your rechargeable hearing aid away from pets, children, and people with cognitive, intellectual,
or mental health challenges.
•Never swallow lithium-ion batteries nor place them inside any part of the body, as this may lead to fatal
injuries in two hours or less. If a lithium-ion battery is swallowed or placed inside any part of the body,
or if a rechargeable hearing aid is swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
•If the outer casing of your rechargeable hearing aid is broken, the rechargeable batteries inside may
leak. In this case, do not attempt to use the hearing aid and contact your hearing care professional.
•Battery leakage can cause chemical burns. If you get exposed to battery leakage material, rinse
immediately with warm water. If you get chemical burns, redness, or skin irritation from battery
leakage, seek medical attention.
12 Charging your hearing aids

•Batteries are harmful for the environment. Therefore, never try to burn them. Dispose of your used
rechargeable hearing aids according to your country’s regulations or return them to your hearing care
professional.
•For safety reasons, use only the charger provided with your hearing aid.
•When traveling, consult your airline about any rules for transportation of your hearing aid and charger.
Low battery alert
When the batteries are low on power, the volume in your hearing aids will momentarily reduce and a melody will
play every 15minutes until there is no more power - then your hearing aids will turn off.
Charging your hearing aids 13

Placing your hearing aids in your ears
How to tell left from right
Left hearing aid (blue marking) Right hearing aid (red marking) Color marking shown here
CAUTION: If you have two hearing aids, they may each be programmed differently. Do not swap them as
this could damage your hearing.
Your hearing aids are color-coded. Left=blue.Right=red.
If your hearing aids are not color coded, ask your hearing care professional to add color coding.
14 Placing your hearing aids in your ears

Inserting earmolds into your ears
1. Hold the earmold between your
thumb and index finger and
position its sound outlet in your
ear canal.
2. Slide the earmold all the way
into your ear with a gentle,
twisting movement.
3. Turn the top part of the earmold
gently backwards and forwards
so it tucks behind the fold of skin
above your ear canal. Move the
earmold up and down and
gently press to place it correctly
in the ear.
4. Place the hearing aid firmly
behind the ear and make sure it
sits securely. When properly
inserted, your hearing aids
should fit snugly and
comfortably.
NOTE: It may be helpful to pull your ear up and outward with your opposite hand during insertion. By
experimenting, you may discover an easier method.
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify the shape of the hearing aid, earmolds, or tubing yourself.
Placing your hearing aids in your ears 15

Removing your hearing aids from your ears
1. Lift the hearing aid from behind your
ear. Let it hang beside your ear
momentarily.
2. Using your thumb and index finger, gently pull the earmold (not
the hearing aid or the tube) loose from your ear. Remove the
earmold completely by twisting it gently.
16 Removing your hearing aids from your ears

Using your hearing aids
Turning your hearing aids on and off
To turn your hearing aids on or off, press the push button for
5seconds.
Pressing the button for different lengths of time enables other
functions such as flight mode and streaming. These are described
elsewhere in this manual.
Your hearing aids will automatically go into sleep mode when you
place them in the turned-on charger, and they will automatically
reactivate when you remove them from the turned-on charger.
Your hearing aids always start in program1 at the pre-set volume.
NOTE: If the charger is disconnected during use, the hearing aids in the charger will turn off.
Explanation of indicator lights on the hearing aid:
•One 2-second green blink: The hearing aid turns on and is in operating mode.
•Three 1-second green blinks: The hearing aid turns off.
•When the hearing aid is present in the charger, green indicator lights pulsate: The hearing aid is recharging.
•When the hearing aid is present in the charger, green indicator lights are on without blinking: The hearing aid
is fully charged.
Using your hearing aids 17

Delayed Activation
Delayed Activation delays the time before your hearing aid turns on after you remove the hearing aid from the
charger. With this function activated, you will hear a beep for each second of the delay period (either 5 or 10
seconds).
NOTE: If you do not want to use this function, ask your hearing care professional to deactivate it.
Adjusting the volume
Your hearing aid automatically adjusts the volume depending on your listening situation.
However, if your hearing aid has a volume control, you can adjust the volume according to your preferences.
To increase the volume, briefly press the top part of the
volume control button.
To reduce the volume, briefly press the bottom
part of the button.
You can also adjust the volume by means of a Beltone remote control or the Beltone HearMax™ app. (Optional).
18 Using your hearing aids

When you change the volume, the hearing aid responds with a beep. When you reach the upper or lower limits,
the hearing aid responds with a low-pitched beep.
Your hearing aid can be programed with an additional function for the volume control: "Long press on the bottom
part of the button". The available functions are:
•Minimum volume: volume will immediately reduce to lowest setting, or
•Mute: the hearing aid will be muted.
To resume normal volume, repeat the long press on the bottom part of the button.
NOTE:
•If you have two hearing aids with the Synchronized Volume Control function enabled, volume control
adjustments to one hearing aid automatically repeats in the second hearing aid. When you change the
volume in one of the hearing aids, it responds with one or more beeps. A beep in the second hearing
aid follows.
•Your hearing care professional can disable the volume control.
Listening programs
Your hearing care professional can activate one or more listening programs in your hearing aids. These
programs can help you in specific situations. Ask your hearing care professional about which programs could be
useful for you.
Using your hearing aids 19

Programs Use
All-Around The best option if you want only one program.
Ultra Focus For use in very noisy places
(more focused than the Restaurant program).
Restaurant For use in noisy places such as restaurants and social gatherings.
Music For listening to music.
Acoustic phone A special program for phone conversations.
Outdoor For outdoor use (to reduce wind noise).
Telecoil phone + Mic For use if you have a phone with a telecoil.
Telecoil loop + Mic For use in places that have a teleloop system such as theaters
and places of worship.
Apps
We have an app that you can use to control your hearing aids. You can use the app to adjust the volume, change
programs and stream from another device. See "Advanced options", page 30.
20 Using your hearing aids