General Hearing Simply Soft SmartTouch User manual

General Hearing Instruments, Inc.
175 Brookhollow
Harahan, LA 70123
www.generalhearing.com
MADE in USA
OWNER’S MANUAL
TM
Smart Touch

Device Information
Left serial no.
Right serial no.
Purchase date:

CONGRATULATIONS !
Thank you for selecting the Simply Soft SmartTouch as your personal hear-
ing enhancement system. By joining thousands of satisfied customers enjoy-
ing more effective communication with hearing enhancers manufactured by
General Hearing Instruments, Inc. U.S.A., you have made a significant step
toward improving your life.
General Hearing has been awarded numerous U.S. and international patents
for its unique Simply Soft design. A medical grade silicone device that enve-
lopes industry-standard components and highly comfortable design that will
not shrink, crack, or harden over time.
Please review this manual and DVD completely.
They contain valuable information that will help you achieve maximum
benefit from your new Simply Soft device and properly care for it.
Be patient with your new enhancer. Learning to hear new sounds requires a
period of adjustment. It may take some time for you to become totally familiar
with the operation of your device. Use of a hearing aid is only part of hear-
ing habilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory training and
instruction in lip reading.
Simply Soft Warranty Policy
This “Limited Warranty” as dened in the Consumer Product Warranty
and Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act gives you specic legal
rights. You may have additional rights which vary from state to state.
Service Labor: For a period of 1 year from the consumer’s original
purchase date, General Hearing will service your hearing device at no
charge as a result of defective parts or workmanship.
Parts: Defective parts will be replaced at no charge with new or
equivalent parts for 1 year from the consumer’s original purchase date.
Any replacement parts are warranted for the remaining portion of the
original warranty period.
22

Device Reference ...................... 1
Device Identication .................... 2
Battery Information ..................... 3
Battery Insertion ........................ 4
Testing the Device ..................... 5
Device Insertion ......................... 6
Operation of Device ................... 7
Feedback ................................... 8
Removal of Wax Filter ................ 9
Replacing Wax Filter ................... 10
Maintenance/Storage ................ 11
Important Precautions ............... 12
Troubleshooting ......................... 13
Important Notice ......................... 14
Important Notice continued ........ 15
Warning to Dispensers ............... 16
About Your Aid ........................... 17
Repair Service ............................ 18
Warranty Information ................. 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS
21
TM
Smart Touch
REPAIR SERVICE
If you have viewed the Quick-Start DVD and reviewed the troubleshooting
section of this manual and you are still experiencing difficulty with your
Simply Soft device, servicing of the device may be required.
All Simply Soft device repairs are handled through the ReadyWearExpress
Service Center. There is a processing fee for repairs during the warranty
period. The processing fee includes inspection, cleaning, preventive main-
tenance, and return shipping and handling. Our website offers complete
information regarding repair service: www.readywearexpress.com
ReadyWear Express Service Center
PMB #144
5860 Citrus Blvd. Suite D
River Ridge, LA 70123
Call: [phone] (customer service)
E-mail: [e-mail]
Visit: www.readywearexpress.com

DEVICE REFERENCE
Memory Select button
Battery Door
Microphone Port
Extraction Cord
Sound Port with
NoWax Filter
Hypo-allergenic body
20 1
SIDE VIEW FRONT FACEPLATE VIEW
100
90
80
70
60
5060708090
(dbSPL)
MAX OSPL90 : 102.8 dB
AT........................1,600 Hz.
HF AVG ............... 100.2 dB
HF AVF F.O.G. .....11.6 dB
Reference Test Gain
Target: ................. 23.2 dB
Measured: ...........20 dB
Response Limit: 45.6 dB
F1 = ....................200 Hz
F2 = ....................8,000 Hz
Eq. Input Noise 25.7 dB
Battery (1.3V) .......0.83 mA
THD FREQ SRC
0.7% 500 Hz. 70 dB
0.2% 800 Hz 70 dB
0.3% 1600 Hz 65 dB
Averaging Frequencies
1000 Hz
1,600 Hz
2,500 Hz
Freq. ................2,000 Hz
Attack ..............37 mS
Release ...........90 mS
SIMPLY SOFT PERFORMANCE DATA

DEVICE IDENTIFICATION
Left and right identification
Each Simply Soft device is laser
etched with a unique serial number
and colored with red or blue ink-
ing. The color of the ink indicates
which ear the device will fit. Red
for the right ear and blue for the
left.
For future reference, be sure to
record serial number information
on the inside cover of this manual.
Serial numbers should be printed
on your customer receipt shipped
with the device.
Store the manual in a safe place.
Blue for Left ear
Red for Right ear
192
The multi-curve analysis shown on the
right reects typical Simply Soft ADSP
2 performance at each of the four
memories. The data were gathered us-
ing a standard 2cc coupler. Note that
the curves were obtained with an input
signal of composite noise with an in-
tensity of 65 dBSPL.
The curve with the least amount of
overall gain (Composite Curve) rep-
resents Memory 1. Curve 3, with the
most amount of overall gain, repre-
sents Memory 4. The overall frequency
response remains constant across
memories, and that gain is the only
variable.
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
(dB)
OSPL 90 Curve RESP Curve

18 3
BATTERY INFORMATION
Zinc-Air Battery Information
Your new Simply Soft uses a zinc-air #10 battery.
Peel off the paper activation tab prior to instal-
lation. To keep your device performing at peak
efficiency, use only premium zinc-air batteries.
Helpful hint #1. Be sure NOT to remove the pull-
tab off the back of the battery until you are ready
to install it in the device. This will provide the
longest possible operating life. Do not store batter-
ies in the refrigerator.
Helpful hint #2. Open the battery door to your device when not in use to
rest the battery and to allow any moisture build-up to escape.
Low Battery Alert: Your Simply Soft digital device is equipped with a
Low Battery Warning system. The device will emit a beep (unrelated to a
memory change beep) when the battery is low on power. If the battery is
not changed within a short period of time after receiving the warning beep,
the device will shut off.
Remove activation tab
+
Curve 2, (memory 3)
Source .........................65.0 dB
Peak ............................15.3 dB
Peak Frequency ...........2,500 Hz
RMS Out .....................73.5 dB
Noise Reduction ..........0.0 dB
Curve 1 (memory 2)
Source .....................65 dB
Peak ........................11.5 dB
Peak Frequency ..2,430.0 Hz
RMS Out .................69.8 dB
Noise Reduction ........0.0 dB
Composite (memory 1)
Source .....................65.0 dB
Peak ..........................7.5 dB
Peak Frequency ..2,600.0 Hz
RMS Out .................66.3 dB
Noise Reduction ........0.0 dB
Curve 3, (memory 4)
Source .....................65.0 dB
Peak ........................19.7 dB
Peak Frequency ..2,400.0 Hz
RMS Out .................77.8 dB
Noise Reduction ........0.0 dB
Curve 1 Curve 2
Curve 3 Curve 4
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
(dB)
SIMPLY SOFT PERFORMANCE DATA

BATTERY INSERTION
Installing a fresh battery:
Turn the device upside down (extraction cord
on top). Open the battery door by placing
your thumbnail under the lip of the battery
door and gently swing open the battery door.
Note: The battery has two distinct sides. The
positive side (+) is flat and the negative side
(-) is rounded. Insert the round side first into
the battery door.
If properly seated, the flat side should be
flush with the top of the battery door. The
battery door should easily snap shut. Do not use force to close the door,
damage to the device may result. Due to the small size of the battery, use
of the magnetic/brush tool may be needed for proper battery insertion
(shown in photo).
To remove the battery, open the door and turn device upside down in
palm of hand to allow battery fall into your hand or use the magnetic end
of the utility brush to easily lift out the battery.
4 17
ABOUT YOUR HEARING AID...
Try to wear your hearing aid daily. Occasional use will not allow you to at-
tain full benefit from your hearing aid. Allow for a period of adjustment in
your routine listening environment. It will take a period of time to become
fully adjusted to hearing certain sounds again.
If you have purchased a single aid, we suggest that you consider purchas-
ing a device for your other ear. Amplification for both ear provides a sense of
hearing balance and allow you to reduce the amount of volume needed by a
single aid.
Hearing aids will not restore normal hearing and will not prevent or improve
a hearing impairment.
Discontinue use of your aid(s) and consult with your physician if you notice
any of the following symptoms:
•skin irritation
•increased production of earwax
•any pain associated with the ear

TESTING THE DEVICE
To ensure your Simply Soft device is functioning
properly, perform the following sound test.
Insert the battery and wait 3 seconds. Change the
Memory Level to Memory 4 (see page 7). Cup the
device in your hand and hold close to your ear. You
should hear a high-pitched sound called feedback.
If you don’t hear anything, check to ensure the
battery is correctly installed and the door is fully
closed. If you still don’t hear any whistling, try a
fresh battery.
If you continue to experience silence from the device, technical support is
available at www.readywearcenter.com (see page 22).
When successful testing is complete, open the battery door to return the
device to Memory 1.
16 5
WARNING TO HEARING AID DISPENSERS
A hearing aid dispenser should advise a prospective hearing aid user to
consult promptly with a licensed (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.
• 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.
• Audio metric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 hertz (Hz),
1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
• Visible evidence of signicant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear
canal.
• Pain or discomfort in the ear.

DEVICE INSERTION AND REMOVAL
Ensure that you have the correct device: red is for right and blue for left.
Hold the Simply Soft between your thumb and forefinger with the Memory
Select button at the top, extraction cord at bottom. Place the tip of the
device in the opening of the ear canal (Fig. 1). For easier insertion, use your
other hand to slightly pull-up on the top of the ear. Using your forefinger,
gently push in the device (Fig. 2). Device should fit almost flush with outer
ear when correctly inserted (Fig. 3). It may beneficial to practice this rou-
tine in front of a mirror the first week of use.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3
6 15
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE HEARING AID USERS (continued)
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.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing aids to those individuals who have
obtained a medical evaluation from a licensed physician. Federal law per-
mits 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 a 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.

To turn your device on:
Install a battery and close the door. The
device is now activated. There will be
a 3 second delay to allow for inser-
tion without feedback. The device will
always default to Memory 1 when the
door is opened.
To turn your device off:
Open the battery door so that the bat-
tery is no longer making contact with
the device. If you hear a high pitched squealing sound coming from the
device, ensure that the device is fully seated in the ear.
Memory Selection: Push the button with the tip of your finger to
change listening situations. The number of “beeps” that will follow will
indicate the current memory selected (e.g. one beep=Memory one, two
beeps=Memory 2, etc.). Change the memory to meet the needs of your lis-
tening environment. Memory 1 is the lowest volume setting and Memory 4
is the loudest.
14 7
Memory Select Button
OPERATION and MEMORY SELECTION
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO 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 a medical evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable 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 evaluated medically
and that you may be considered a candidate for a hearing aid.
The physician may 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 evalu-
ation 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.

FEEDBACK
Feedback is the result of amplified sounds deflected back into the micro-
phone. Adjusting the device with your hand close to the device will also
cause feedback. This is normal occurrence with amplification devices. If
you are experiencing any feedback problems, try one or more of the follow-
ing suggestions:
• Check to ensure device is fully seated into your ear canal
• Make sure left device (blue) is in left ear and (red) for the right ear
• Press Memory Select button to change the volume
• Inspect sound port for blockage, change the NoWax lter
Using the telephone
Your Simply Soft device allows you to use the telephone in a completely
normal manner. Place the receiver to your ear as usual. If you hear a high-
pitched whistling noise (feedback) tilt the receiver slightly away from your
ear until the noise stops.
8 13
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Cause Remedy
No sound ...................Battery dead Replace battery
Blocked opening Remove obstruction
Instrument defective Consult Service Center
Not loud enough ........Volume control down Select higher memory level
Battery weak Replace battery
Blocked port Check for obstruction
Component malfunction Consult Service Center
Intermittent sound ......Defective battery Replace battery
Static ..........................Battery contact dirty Open and close battery door
4-5 times to clean contacts
Feedback ...................see page 8

12 9
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
1. At the end of each day, remove your Simply Soft, clean the exterior with
a tissue and inspect the opening of the sound port for any blockage,
moisture, or wax buildup.
2. Brush the sound port on a daily basis. Make sure the end of the sound
port is pointed downward so that loose debris will not be pushed further
into the device.
3. Open battery door when device is not in use.
4. Change the NoWax filter every 1-2 weeks. Purchase of a hearing instru-
ment dryer (desiccant container) may be needed if excessive moisture is
present.
STORAGE
When storing your Simply Soft for an extended period of time:
1. Remove the battery or fully open battery door.
2. Place device in the presentation case or travel pouch.
3. Store the device in a cool, dry place, (not in refrigerator.)
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
1. Do not drop or throw your device. Internal damage may result.
2. Keep your device away from excessive heat (stove tops, hair dryers,
microwave ovens, heat lamps) or in the glove compartment of your car.
3. Do not get your device wet while bathing, showering or swimming.
4. Do not pry open the case of your device or attempt to repair it. This will void your
warranty and possibly cause further damage to the device.
5. Keep your Simply Soft and all hearing devices out of reach of children and pets.
Battery Warning: Batteries are dangerous if consumed. Keep batteries out
of reach of children and animals.
• Discard batteries properly, never place in res or near ames
• Never allow children to play with batteries
• Never put batteries in your mouth for any reason
• Always check medication before swallowing because batteries have been mistaken
for tablets
If a battery has been swallowed: Call the National Button Battery
Ingestion Hot line: [phone] for counseling for treatment.

10 11
REMOVING THE NOWAX FILTER
The wax filter is the first line of defense for protecting your device from
unwanted earwax entering the device.
To replace the filter, pull out one of the blue filter tabs from the grey filter
case. Note that there are two tips on the tab. The white tip is a new filter
and the blue tip is used for removal of the filter currently in the device.
While holding the Simply Soft in one hand, and the blue filter tab in the
other, insert the extraction tip into the sound port, then pull out. You should
notice a white filter on the end. If not, reinsert and try extracting with the
tab at a slight angle.
Once you have successfully
removed the used filter, flip
the tab over to insert the new
filter.
Helpful hint: The new filter
can always be identified by
the raised dot on the tab.
Extraction tip
Raised dot
REPLACING THE NOWAX FILTER
Once you have successfully removed the used filter, flip the tab (dot at
top). Insert the new filter into the sound port and remove tab at slight
angle. Discard used tab.
For further assistance: If you experience difficulty in removing or
installing filters, please review the Quick-Start DVD or contact the service
center at www.readywearexpress.com
Pull lter tab down at angle
to insert or remove lter.