Cochlear Baha SoundArc User manual

FITTING QUICK GUIDE
Cochlear™Baha®SoundArc
The Cochlear™Baha®SoundArc is a non-surgical bone conduction device; it is designed to sit
above the ears and be worn behind the head, with the Baha sound processor attached to the
connector disc just behind the ear.
• Suitable for conductive, mixed hearing loss
and single-sided sensorineural deafness
• Available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL)
• Bilateral through additional connector disc
Baha SoftWear™ Pad
Size S, M, L or XL
connector disc
Soft tip
1
Fitting the Baha SoundArc
23
The Baha SoundArc should be placed just above the ears and follow the
contours of the head.
1Before fitting, slide the connector disc on to the back end of the soft tip.
Always attach a Baha SoftWear Pad on to the connector disc(s).
2The connector disc is the primary point of contact. Always ensure that
the entire area of the connector disc sits flush against the skin on the head
above and behind the ear; it should not wobble. It may be necessary to
move or part the hair.
The connector disc should not be placed too close to the ear as the sound
processor may cause feedback to occur.
3 The entire soft tip should rest slightly in front of the ear
and feel comfortable on both sides.
4Ensure the Baha SoundArc is optimally fit on the patient’s head prior
to programming the sound processor using Baha Fitting Software.
5Fit the Baha SoundArc with any accessories (glasses, hats or other
headworn accessory) in place, so that they can be removed without
affecting the position of the Baha SoundArc.
Ensuring the best experience
The Baha SoundArc should sit comfortably. To achieve good retention, a comfortable fit and good
connector disc contact adjustment may be is necessary. This may require you to firmly bend the Baha SoundArc.
If the Baha SoundArc falls backward, is not well retained, or there is a gap at the back of the head then,
• Bend open at point A and inwards at B.
Fit on patient head and check placement of connector disc and location of soft tips.
If the soft tips are too far forward from the ear or pinna: change to a smaller size.
If the soft tips are too far back from the ear or pinna: change to a larger size.
Counsel the patient
• Have the patient practice taking the Baha SoundArc on and off.
• Counsel the patient on proper placement of the connector disc.
• Instruct the patient on how to adjust and bend the Baha SoundArc.
• Tell the patient to gradually increase wearing time over the first few days.
If the Baha SoundArc is used as a demo tool, clean it thoroughly with alcohol wipes
between users and replace the Baha SoftWear Pad.
B
A
B

©Cochlear Limited 2017. All rights reserved. Hear now. And always and other trademarks and registered trademarks are
the property of Cochlear Limited or Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB. The names of actual companies and products
mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
BUN573 ISS1 JUN17
Cochlear Americas
13059 East Peakview Avenue
Centennial, CO 80111 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Support: 1 800 483 3123
Cochlear Canada Inc.
2500-120 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 1T1 Canada
Support: 1 800 483 3123
www.Cochlear.com/US
Baha Fitting Software
In the BC select screen
• Age: Choose adult or child setting as applicable. Proceed according to
the normal fitting procedure of the Baha sound processor.
• Bilateral: On or off as applicable.
• Indication as applicable.
• Connection: Choose SoundArc, Fitting.
• Make sure to run the Feedback Analyzer.
• Proceed with the fitting according to the normal fitting procedure for
a Baha sound processor.
• Confirm that the sound quality is good for the patient
and if not, fine tune.
Adjustment recommendations
If the patient feels discomfort
Slight itching or “pull” from the soft tips may occur due to the silicone material being in contact
with hair and/or skin. This is normal and should decrease with time.
• Overall discomfort: bend open at point C,
check placement of connector disc.
• Discomfort felt at temple: bend at point A or B,
ensuring connector disc remains flush with skin. Consider changing to
a larger size or adding second connector disc on opposite side.
• Skin irritation/rash: discontinue use and investigate possibility
of silicone allergy.
Poor sound quality or feedback
• If patient reports sound is too soft: adjust location of connector disc to sit flush against the skin on the head above and
behind the ear. For some patients, a slightly higher placement of the connector disc can improve sound transmission.
• If feedback occurs: check that the sound processor does not touch the ear and that the connector disc does not wobble.
Perform a Feedback Analyzer measurement and counsel the patient on proper placement.
C
C
B
A
B