Cochlear Baha SoundArc User manual

FITTING QUICK GUIDE
Cochlear™Baha®SoundArc
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1
Baha SoftWear™Pad
Size S, M, L or XL
Connector disc
Soft tip
Fitting the 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
2 3
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 feedback.
3The 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.
If the Baha SoundArc is used as a demo tool, clean it thoroughly with alcohol wipes between users and replace the Baha SoftWear Pad.
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 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
xBend 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: change to a smaller size.
If the soft tips are too far back: change to a larger size.
Counsel the patient
xHave the patient practice taking the Baha SoundArc on and off.
xCounsel the patient on proper placement of the Connector disc.
xInstruct the patient on how to adjust and bend the Baha SoundArc.
xTell the patient to gradually increase wearing time over the first few days.
B
A
B

FITTING QUICK GUIDE
Cochlear™Baha®SoundArc
Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB Konstruktionsvägen 14, 435 33 Mölnlycke, Sweden
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.cochlear.com
Baha, Baha SoftWear, Cochlear, Hear now. And always and the elliptical logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks
of Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB or Cochlear Limited. © Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB 2017. All rights reserved. JUL17.
Baha Fitting Software
In the BC select screen
• Age: Always choose the adult setting even when fitting a child.
This activates “auto directionality” and “position compensation”
which are deactivated in child Softband fittings. Proceed according
to the normal fitting procedure of the Baha sound processor.
• Bilateral: On or off as applicable.
• Indication as applicable.
D1110422-3
• Connection: Choose Softband, Fitting.
• Make sure to run the Feedback Analyser.
• 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 Analyser measurement and counsel the patient on proper placement.
C
C
B
A
B