IntriCon HearingHelp express Diplomat Series User manual

an IntriCon company
1-800-221-2099
Diplomat®Series
User Guide
Diplat-3620 • Diplat-3510 • Diplat-3400
© Hearing Help Express®, Inc.
My battery size:

Where relationships start with Value and Service
and thrive on Quality & Trust.
Congratulations on your choice of the Diplomat hearing aid.
I’m pleased and delighted to make this available to you... And I
believe you’ll be pleased too. You’ll enjoy all the benefits the
Diplomat has to offer, especially knowing how little you paid.
So, put your Diplomat to the test and find out if it’s right for you.
We only ask that you read these instructions so you can make the
most of your Diplomat hearing aid. And do take advantage of
your 45 day home trial.
For your better hearing.
Remember, we’re here to help. We’re available by phone, chat, or email.
Call: 1-800-221-2099 (M-Th 8am - 8pm • Fri 8am - 6pm • Sat 8am - 12pm CST)
Chat with us online: www.HearingHelpExpress.com
or email us at: [email protected]
YOUR SUCCESS
IS OUR SUCCESS!
Table of contents
Parts identified
How to insert battery
Which is left and right
Inserting & removing Diplomat
Volume control
Optional controls
Vent plugs and how to use them
Talking on the telephone
Care & Cleaning
Helpful Tips
Service Plans
Troubleshooting/Service
Additional Info
Accessories
Extra Info
Warranty
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
8-9
9
10
11
12
13-14
15
16
Table of Contents
21-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
important notice
Do not mark on or damage the hearing aid during your 45-day trial (damage fees may apply).
If you need help identifying the left hearing aid from the right hearing aid see page 4 or
give us at call 1-800-221-2099.
Jim Houlihan
President
Jim
an IntriCon company

Get to know your Diplomat
Parts Identified
On / Off Control: You may turn your hearing aid off by turning the
volume control all the way down or by opening the battery door.
3
1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Serial number is located on
the outer casing of hearing aid
Battery Size: varies
1. Sound opening
2. Vent hole
3. Volume wheel
4. Screw-type control
(optional)
5. Battery holder
6. Microphone
7. Toggle switch (optional)
Everything you need to enjoy better hearing!
Cleaning Brush
with wax loop
Cleaning Brush
Eco-Gold MAX Batteries
(battery size varies by model)
Helpful tips to guide you along
your journey to better hearing.
FREE support from our staff of
licensed hearing specialists!
2
1
The size and placement of features will
vary with individual models.
4
3
5
6
7

41-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Inserting the battery
1
2
Gently close the battery holder. Never force the battery holder closed.
If the holder does not close easily, the battery is probably upside down.
1. Remove the tab from the flat, positive (+)
side of the battery. Wait at least one minute
for the battery to reach full power before
using (or testing) the battery.
2. Using a fingernail gently pull the battery
holder to the side. Place the battery in the
battery holder. Make sure the flat, positive (+)
side of the battery is facing up.
Your battery size will vary depending on the Diplomat Series model
you have. You will find the correct size needed enclosed with your
Diplomat hearing aid.
Which is left and right
How to tell right from left: The color of the serial number located
on the outside of your hearing aid will tell you.
Left Aid Right Aid
IMPORTANT: The battery holder for the left and right
Diplomat hearing aids open in opposite directions.
Gently close the battery holder. Never force the battery holder closed.
NEVER put the battery directly inside the hearing aid.
Red = right earBlue = left ear

5
1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Insert & Remove Diplomat Hearing Aid
To insert:
1. Hold your hearing aid so the sound outlet
points towards your ear canal.
2. Gently push the hearing aid into your ear
canal and rotate until it locks into place.
3. Try using a mirror the first few times.
To remove:
1. Push backwards on your outer ear and slip
your finger behind your hearing aid.
2. Rotate your hearing aid forward as you pull out.
IMPORTANT: Check the fit of your Diplomat before wearing it outside.
If a hearing aid doesn’t fit well, it can fall out of your ear!
Fingertip Volume Control – Change the volume by pressing one
finger against the volume control (as if you were pointing at it).
How to adjust the volume
RIGHT EAR
Increase volume:
Twist forward, towards
the front of you.
Decrease volume:
Twist backwards, towards
the back of you.
LEFT EAR
Increase volume:
Twist forward, towards
the front of you.
Decrease volume:
Twist backwards, towards
the back of you.
Your Diplomat hearing aid should have a secure, comfortable fit.
If your hearing aid works its way out of your ear or is uncomfortable,
call Hearing Help Express and talk with a licensed hearing aid specialist.
1-800-221-2099
Diplomat hearing aids can easily be modified to correct any problems
with fit or sound quality.

61-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Your Diplomat hearing aid may contain one or more of the
following options. Placement of each option may vary depending
on Diplomat model.
Toggle Switch Controls – flip up to activate, flip down to de-activate.
• Telephone Switch – This switch allows you to
hear only the sounds from the telephone. Using
it eliminates feedback (squeal) on the phone. When
the telephone switch is “on” the microphone is
“off.” Flip the switch back when finished with
your phone conversation or you will only hear
a static sound.
Diplomat Hearing Aid Options
Toggle Switch-
placement may vary
on each model
Screw-type Controls
Rotating the control clockwise will increase the
effect of the option. Most controls only rotate
3/4 turn.
Always use a plastic screwdriver when making
adjustments (included).
• Tone Control (low cut) – Adjusting the control clockwise will
reduce the amount of low frequency amplification. You may find
it helpful if you have a constant problem with background noise.
• Feedback Reduction Control (high cut) – Adjusting the control
clockwise will reduce the amount of high frequency amplification.
This can help reduce feedback or “squeal”.
• Maximum Output Control (MOP) – Adjusting the control
clockwise will reduce only very loud sounds but not affect
moderate sounds like conversation. This can reduce loud
irritating sounds like the clatter of dishes.

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1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Vent Plugs
Some custom hearing aids are made with a vent opening. A
vent is simply a hole drilled through the hearing aid. Allowing
air to flow through provides a more natural sound and prevents
a stuffed-up feeling. Feedback (squeal) can occur if the vent
opening is too large. You can change the size of the opening
by inserting different plugs.
Use vent plugs if you:
1. Experience constant feedback (squeal) –
Insert a vent plug with a smaller opening
2. If you experience a stuffed-up feeling or it
sounds like you are talking in a barrel –
insert a vent plug that has a larger opening
or use none at all.
If a vent plug is already in place, remove before inserting another vent plug.
Vent Plugs
To insert:
1. Select one of the vent plugs and remove from the plastic tree.
2. Insert the narrow end of the plug into the top of the vent
hole (located on the same side as the volume control and
battery door, NOT the end of the aid that goes into your
ear canal.) Insert the plug until it will go no further.
To remove:
1. Grasp inserted vent plug with tweezers and gently pull out.
You may need to experiment with different plugs until you find what works best for you.
How to use Vent Plugs

81-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Talking on the telephone
You can use your custom aid while talking
on the telephone. Hold the handset slightly
away from your ear and/or hold it at a slight
angle to prevent feedback (whistling). This
may take a little practice.
Note: Your hearing aid(s) may feedback (squeal)
if it is set too high, a hand or object is near it, or
when inserting and removing it.
If your Diplomat was made with a telephone switch see page 6.
Open the battery door when not wearing your custom hearing aid.
Any moisture inside your hearing aid can then evaporate, extending
the life of your custom hearing aid.
Always clean your hearing aid at the beginning of each day prior
to using it. Without regular cleaning, wax can build up and prevent
your custom hearing aid from working properly. Wax is more easily
removed after not using your hearing aid for a few hours.
How to clean your hearing aid:
1. Wipe off the outside of the hearing aid with a soft cloth.
2. Gently brush across the microphone
opening using the enclosed cleaning
brush.
3. Using the wax loop – gently insert the
wax loop into the sound opening at
the back of the custom made hearing aid.
Twist the loop and pull out. Repeat if
necessary to remove dried dirt and ear wax.
Wax
loop
Caution: Do not force a needle or longer wax loop into the hearing aid. Too much pressure could
damage components inside the hearing aid.
Care and Cleaning

1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com 9
IMPORTANT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
BEGINNING THE DAY: After
showering, apply all lotions,
creams, hairspray, perfume
and cologne BEFORE putting on
your Diplomats. Water and such
sprays can damage hearing aids. And please remember, your hearing aids are
sensitive and don’t like extreme heat or cold. Never place your Diplomat in
water. If it becomes wet, immediately remove the battery and let your
Diplomat stand in a dry place or DryAid dehumidifier for several hours.
NEVER use heat (blowdryer, oven, microwave, etc.) to dry your Diplomat.
AT THE END OF THE DAY: Open the battery door when not wearing your
hearing aid. Any moisture inside your hearing aid can then evaporate,
extending the life of your Diplomat. With the battery door open, you can be
assured your hearing aid is off and not squealing. A squealing hearing aid can
attract pets which have been known to chew on hearing aids and damage
them beyond repair. Even better, remove the battery and store your
Diplomat overnight in a DryAid dehumidifier.
1. Start Slowly – Begin by using your new hearing aid a few hours a day
while you are alone. If you're not used to wearing a hearing aid, you will
probably notice many sounds you have not heard in a while. And while you
may enjoy the sounds of birds again, other sounds like crackling paper and
the refrigerator running may take some time to get used to. With practice you
should be able to focus on the sounds you want to hear and ignore the rest.
Hearing aids will not restore your hearing, but they absolutely can help.
2. Read Out Loud – Your own voice will sound strange at first. Try reading out
loud for 15 minutes a day to get used to the sound of your voice.
3. Practice Listening to One Voice – Start in a quiet environment listening to
the radio or your favorite TV show. Then practice listening with one friend or
family member at a time.
4. Listen and Talk in Small Groups – Next try talking with a small group of
people, first in a quiet setting and then in a noisier environment. Remember,
most people have difficulty understanding in loud places with background
noise. So, be patient and keep practicing. Your understanding should
improve with time.
Helpful tips

10 1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
Protect your hearing investment
P
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• Get PROTECTED - Water, droppage, step on it - you’re covered! We’ll
x it or replace it for one or two years (loss or theft are not covered).
•Act Now! - The optional Protection Plan is available for purchase
for up to 90 days from the shipment date of your hearing aid(s).
•Comprehensive Coverage - This plan goes above and beyond the
limited manufacturer’s warranty. We will repair any damage or
send a replacement hearing aid if we can’t x it at no charge to you.
•Simple Process - Call ahead to get authorization to send us your
broken aid. Once received, we will diagnose, repair or replace it in
just a few days. Loaner hearing aids are available for $15 each.
Protection Plan – worry-free hearing aid
repairs or replacements!
(call for pricing)
•Maintain Optimal Hearing Performance - Today’s hearing
aids are lled with sensitive electronics to give you the best experience
possible. Over time, earwax and moisture can tamper with those elec-
tronics and the performance of your aids may suer. Choose this plan to
have your aids cleaned and serviced by our team of in-house technicians.
•Extend the Lifetime of Your Aids - This plan oers up to four yearly
cleaning services. Our customers who have their hearing aids cleaned by
our technicians replace their hearing aids less frequently than those that
do not.
•Our Process - Up to 4 times per year we'll send you loaner hearing aids with
prepaid postage to send your aids to us for service. Your hearing aids will
be professionally cleaned, tips and tubing will be replaced if necessary.
Once the service is complete we’ll return your hearing aids in another
prepaid box and you mail the loaner aids back to us. It’s that simple.
Cleaning Care Plan – Get the MOST
out of your Hearing Aids ($149.99 each)
C
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1
and
2
year
plans
available

1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com 11
If your hearing aid is: WEAK, DISTORTED, DEAD
1.Test to be sure the Diplomat is
turned on (pg. 3).
2.Try a fresh battery.
3.Check that the battery is inserted
correctly and the battery holder is
completely closed (pg. 4).
4. Clean your device thoroughly (pg. 8).
5. If your Diplomat goes dead
periodically, but comes on after
several hours of rest, the problem
may be a build-up of humidity. Try
storing it in a DryAid dehumidifier
when not in use.
1. Turn the volume down, it may be
set too high (pg. 5).
2. Try using a different vent plug with
a smaller opening (pg. 7).
3. Adjust the feedback control if your
hearing aid was made with one
(pg 6).
If your Diplomat requires service, send it to:
Hearing Help Express
1714 Sycamore Rd • PO Box 586 • DeKalb, IL 60115-0586
If your hearing aid is: CAUSING SORENESS IN YOUR EAR
1.Call 1-800-221-2099 for
authorization before returning
your hearing aid for repair.
2.Enclose a note with your name,
address, phone number and a
description of what is wrong with
your device.
3.Pack your device securely in a
sturdy box. (Do not mail your
hearing aid in an envelope,
they could be destroyed during
shipment). We recommend
insured mail or UPS for your
protection.
Troubleshooting your Diplomat
Service
1.Let your ear get used to the
Diplomat. Wear it for only a few
hours at a time for the first few days
or less if causing soreness.
2. If soreness persists, stop using the
Diplomat and call for assistance.
If your hearing aid is: WHISTLING, SQUEALING (FEEDBACK)
If your hearing aid is: DAMAGED
1. Call for detailed instructions. 1-800-221-2099.

Precautions: A hearing aid is a precision electronic device and
as such, it requires the care in use and handling that you would
afford any fine piece of equipment. The following precautions
are not meant to discourage normal use of your hearing aid, but
are suggested to insure quality performance and long life from
your hearing aid.
Do not drop or throw your hearing aid, as this may damage
internal components. Do not expose your hearing aid or batteries
to excessive heat, such as from stove tops, hair dryers, heat
lamps or your automobile rear shelf or glove compartment. Do
not immerse your hearing aid in water or other liquids, or wear it
while bathing, showering or swimming. If your hearing aid is to
be stored for any length of time, be sure to remove the battery
and store both in a cool, dry place. Your hearing aid has been
constructed from the finest materials, using the latest engineering
technology; however, in rare instances, an individual may exhibit
signs of skin irritation, allergic reaction, or accelerated accumulation
of cerumen (earwax). If this occurs, consult your physician.
Keep new and used batteries out of reach of children
and those with diminished mental capacity. Batteries, if
consumed, can be harmful. Consult your physician
immediately and call the National Battery Hotline
collect [phone].
Federal law permits an adult to purchase hearing aids by mail.
Important Notice for 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, otolotists or
otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of a medical evaluation is to
assure that all medically treatable conditions that may affect
hearing are identified & treated before the hearing aid 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
aid. The physician will 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
evaluation 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.
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 permits 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 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.
Warning to Hearing Aid Dispensers: A hearing aid dispenser
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:
Warning Signs:
1. Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
2. History of active drainage from the ear within the previous
90 days.
3. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss
within the previous 90 days.
4. Acute or chronic dizziness.
5. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within
the previous 90 days.
6. Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than
15 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz.
7. Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or
a foreign body in the ear canal.
8. Pain or discomfort in the ear.
NOTE: Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a
hearing aid whose maximum sound pressure level exceeds 132
decibels because there may be a risk of impairing the remaining
hearing of the hearing aid user.
Hearing with Your New Amplification The world will seem
noisier at first, but in time, you should become accustomed to your
new listening experiences, learn to hear speech more clearly, and
enjoy many of the special sounds you may have been missing.
Obtaining maximum benefit from your new hearing aid(s)
requires effort and practice on your part. Your new hearing aid(s)
will not restore normal hearing and will not prevent or improve
hearing impairment resulting from organic conditions. In most
cases, infrequent use of the hearing aid(s) will not permit you to
obtain full benefit from it. Follow the program recommended by
your hearing professional. The use of your hearing instrument(s)
is only part of your hearing rehabilitation, and you may need
supplemental auditory training and instructions in lipreading.

1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com 13
Easy-to-use cleaning tools
Hearing aids will last longer if you clean them regularly. Make daily cleaning
easy with premium cleaning tools. Brush is larger so it fits comfortably in
your hand. More bristles makes cleaning your hearing aid a quick task. Handy
magnet that makes it easier to pick up batteries. The wax loop helps remove
grime from hearing aid crevices. Specialty cleaning pin for slim-tubing. A handy
hearing aid screwdriver is also included.
Specialty Cleaning Kit, item #88532 $13.99
(colors may vary)
Avoid costly repairs... at-home expert care
Almost all repairs are due to earwax and dirt. They work their
way inside your hearing aid where a cleaning brush can’t reach.
Now you can clean your hearing aid like the professionals do.
The Jodi-vac® vacuums out unwanted dirt, wax, oils, and
moisture. It’s easy and it only takes a couple of minutes each week.
A few minutes of cleaning now can save you repair fees later!
Jodi-vac®, item #88579 $139.00
Order Risk-free! Try any Hearing Help Express accessory for 30 days
risk-free. If you’re not 100% satised, return all materials within 30 days
from the date of delivery, and we’ll refund 100% of your purchase price.
Helpful Accessories
Protect your hearing aid
Remove harmful moisture from your hearing aid with the Best Value DryAid
dehumidifier. Even a little moisture can attack sensitive electronics in hearing aids
and needlessly shorten their life. Prevent damage. Store your hearing aid in a
dehumidifier overnight.
Best Value DryAid, item #88742 $16.95
Easiest-to-Use Battery Tester
Put your mind at ease... test your hearing aid battery and you’ll
know for sure if it has enough power to run your hearing aid.
Simply place your battery in the appropriate size slot, squeeze
the blue bar and color coding indicates the remaining power.
Activair Battery Tester, item #88776 $27.99

1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com
14
✓Best battery value
✓Home delivery
✓Fresh! Fresh! Fresh!
✓FREE shipping
You always get:
Premium hearing aid batteries for less!
Helpful Accessories
Itchy ears? Here’s the solution!
ProEar by MiraCell helps relieve itchy, irritated ears! It has mild antibacterial,
anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties. MiraCell is a safe, all-natural solution.
Use it without worry to maintain healthy, itch-free ears. (1/2 ounce bottle)
MiraCell Ear Solution, item #88851 $14.99
Battery Care Kit – Worry-free hearing aid battery use.
Battery Care Kit includes:
• Digital Keychain Battery Tester – Small enough to go with
you anywhere. Takes the guesswork out of battery testing.
• Battery Caddie – Convenient way to carry extra batteries.
Caddie holds two hearing aid batteries and comes with a
convenient chain to attach to key ring.
• Magnet Stick – Hearing aid batteries are small and hard
to handle. With the Magnet Stick you can easily insert and
remove batteries.
• Handy vinyl bag – helps you keep everything together for easy access
Battery Care Kit, item #25101 $24.99
Worry-free hearing aid battery use.
Small enough to go with
helps you keep everything together for easy access
NEW!
Eco-Gold MAX
LONG-LASTING!
order easily online: www.HearingHelp.com

1-800-221-2099 • www.HearingHelpExpress.com 15
We thought you’d like to know...
Two hearing aids are better than one!
If you have hearing loss in both ears, then you most likely need two hearing
aids. Being able to hear with both ears allows for a balanced and full sound
experience. It is important that if you find yourself needing two hearing aids
that you try using two before making the decision to purchase only one.
Wearing only one hearing aid can allow your other ear to deteriorate further
from lack of use.
When needed, wearing two hearing aids offers many benefits, here are just a few:
So do yourself a favor, if you need two hearing aids and are only trying one, give us
a call and we’ll rush you a second hearing aid to try. Remember, at Hearing Help
Express you have a 45-day home trial.
Wearing two hearing aids increases
your ability to locate the direction
of sound. Especially in traffic or
situations where your
safety is a concern.
Speech understanding is improved
especially in noisy situations like
restaurants.
Better understanding of speech –
wearing two hearing aids allows
your brain to
focus on the
conversation you
want to hear.
We urge you to take full advantage of
your FREE support from our dedicated staff
of licensed hearing aid specialists.
If you have any questions or concerns give us a call toll-free!
1-800-221-2099
Mon-Thur 8 am - 8 pm • Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Sat 8 am - 12 pm CST
Chat with us online: www.HearingHelpExpress.com
or email us at: [e-mail]

*245190410*
“
“
Best company ever!
Everyone is always very
helpful and cheerful.
Never a sub-par experience.
These folks have never
failed to impress!
M.O. – Calhan, CO
HH.245-190410
YOUR MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
FROM HEARING HELP EXPRESS®
Your 2-way assurance of complete satisfaction
1. 2.
45-Day, Risk-Free Trial
Money-Back Guarantee
One Year Limited
Manufacturer's Warranty
Try your Hearing Help Express®
Diplomat hearing aid for 45 days
risk-free. If you are not 100% satisfied,
simply return all materials within 45 days
from the date of delivery, and we will
refund any money paid towards the
purchase price. You are responsible for
the safe return of all materials in their
original condition. Ship insured mail.
Your Diplomat hearing aid is
warranteed for one year against
defects in manufacturer's materials
and workmanship. That means if
they didn't do a good job making
your hearing aids then we're going
to fix them. For service, you must
send your Diplomat to Hearing Help
Express for this warranty to apply.
Ship insured mail.
1714 Sycamore Rd • PO Box 586 • DeKalb, IL 60115-0586
an IntriCon company
Questions, call toll-free:
1-800-221-2099