Oticon Medical Ponto Plus User manual

PontoTM – The Bone Anchored Hearing System
Ponto Plus sound processors
Instructions for Use

Thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for selecting a Ponto sound processor.
Ponto Plus sound processors are intended to be used to improve the hearing for patients
with conductive and mixed hearing losses as well as single-sided deafness. It is designed
so that it can be optimized for each individual person. This will help ensure you get the
maximum benefit from your sound processor.
The Instructions for Use describes how to use your new sound processor.
Please read through this manual carefully to learn how to get the most out of your sound
processor. Pay extra attention to warnings, the important information and the instruc-
tions for skin hygiene. Discuss any questions or concerns with your hearing center.

Contents
The Ponto bone anchored hearing system 4
Instrument view 6
Managing the battery 8
Turning it ON and OFF or stand-by 10
Connection 12
Disconnection 13
Correct position 14
Volume control 16
Programs 18
Sound processor maintenance 20
Skin hygiene 21
Accessories 23
Ponto Streamer 26
Service and repair 29
Common problems and
their possible solutions 30
Manufacturer’s warranty 32
Important information 33
Warnings 35

4
The Ponto bone anchored hearing system
Your Ponto Plus is designed to help you gain improved hearing through direct bone
conduction. The sound processor converts sound into vibrations that are transmitted
via the abutment and implant through the skull bone to the inner ear. In this way it
works independently of the function of the ear canal and middle ear. Ponto Plus is
therefore a possible solution to hearing losses where there is a problem in the outer or
middle ear preventing sound from reaching the inner ear.
The sound processor can also pick up sound from one side and transfer it to the inner
ear on the opposite side. This makes it suitable for those who are deaf on one side, but
have a functioning inner ear on the other side (called unilateral profound sensorineural
hearing loss or single-sided deafness).
The sound processor can also be used on a soft band for children or for individuals who
are unsuitable for implantation.

5
Sound
processor
Abutment
Implant

6
Instrument view*
1. Push button for programs and stand-by/mute
2. Volume control
3. Microphone inlets
4. Programming socket
5. Battery door (on/off, tamper-resistant)
6. Coupling
7. Hole for safety line
8. Labeling
Right or left version: Ponto Plus sound processors are available in a left and a right hand
version. Each sound processor is marked with an L (left) or R (right) on the battery door
for easy identification.

7
WARNING
The sound processor contains small parts that may be a choking hazard for small
children. Batteries can also be harmful if swallowed. Always keep batteries out of reach
of small children or people of diminished mental capacity. If a battery is accidentally
swallowed, seek medical attention at the nearest emergency department.
*) Picture shows Ponto Plus. Instrument view is identical on Ponto Plus Power.









8
Managing the battery
Battery insertion
Open the battery door and insert the battery with the plus-sign facing downwards on the
sound processor. It is very important to insert the battery correctly to avoid damaging
the battery compartment.
Ponto Plus: Only use high quality zinc-air batteries, type 13.
Ponto Plus Power: Only use high quality zinc-air batteries, type 675.
Tamper-resistant battery door
To lock the battery door: Make sure the door is completely
closed. Use the screwdriver in the battery removal tool to
turn the tamper-resistant screw to locked position.
To unlock the battery door: Use the screwdriver
in the battery removal tool to turn the tamper-
resistant screw to unlocked position. The battery
door can now be opened and closed as usual.

9
Low battery indicator
Your sound processor has a low battery warning system. When it is time to change the
battery you will hear two consecutive beeps. (Please note Ponto Streamer, page 26,
also has two beeps as low battery indicator. If wearing a Streamer, the warning is
identified by looking at the notification LED on the Streamer.)
When the battery is completely worn out this will be indicated by four consecutive beeps.
The battery lifetime depends upon the listening environment. The battery lifetime of Ponto
Plus is usually between 80-140 hours and between 80-160 hours for Ponto Plus Power.
Battery removal
After opening the battery door the battery can be removed. The small magnetic battery
removal tool delivered with your sound processor may facilitate battery removal and
insertion.

10
Turning it ON and OFF or stand-by
On
Ponto Plus is turned ON by closing the battery door. After a start-up jingle there is a few
seconds delay before the sound processor is turned on. The delay is designed to avoid a
whistling sound while connecting your sound processor to the abutment.
Off
Ponto Plus is turned OFF by opening the battery door. It is enough to open the battery
door halfway, this prevents the battery from falling out. During longer storage it is
recommended to remove the battery from the sound processor.
Stand-by/Mute
If you want to turn off the sound processor for shorter periods, press the push button
and hold until 2 beeps are presented and then release the button. The sound processor
will now be in stand-by/mute mode and the volume will be set to zero.
To hear sound again, shortly press and release the push button and the sound processor
will resume in its previous setting. It is not recommended to use the stand-by mode
during longer periods, i.e. more than 5 hours, since this will reduce the battery lifetime.

11
On
O 
Note: The stand-by feature is optional and may sometimes be disabled during the fitting
procedure. Talk to your hearing center if you have questions.
Stand-by/Mute
 
– Press and hold until
2 beeps are heard

12
Connection
To safely and comfortably connect the sound processor, tilt it slightly and carefully push
it onto the abutment. Please note it is important to keep hair out of the way when the
sound processor is connected to the abutment.

13
Disconnection
The sound processor is safely and comfortably disconnected by carefully tilting it away
from the abutment.

14
Correct position
To get optimum performance from the directional microphone system, the sound
processor should be positioned vertically with the microphones at the bottom and the
volume control facing backwards.
Please note it is important that the sound processor does not touch anything, e.g. the
ear, skin or a hat. This can cause feedback (a whistling sound).

15
Microphones Incorrect positionCorrect position

16
Volume control
The volume is increased by turning the volume control upwards and decreased by
turning it downwards. When the volume control is turned, beeps can be heard to indicate
that the volume is being changed. When the maximum or minimum volume has been
reached the beeps will cease. Please note it is possible for your hearing care profes-
sional to turn off the volume control.
When passing the default start up volume 2 beeps are heard. If you have a Ponto
Streamer (page 26) you can use this as a remote control to adjust the volume in the
sound processor.

17


18
Programs
With the push button you can put your sound processor in stand-by mode or change
listening program. By default your sound processor has one program, your hearing care
professional can define more.
To change program, simply press and release the push button. The next program will be
indicated by a corresponding number of beeps. Please note the sound processor will
go into stand-by mode if the push button is held for more than 2 seconds.
If you have a Ponto Streamer you can use it as a remote control to
change programs in your sound processor.
– briefly press and release
the button
Change program
   
to
to

19
Program Beeps Description
1
2 
3  
4   
Ask your hearing center for information on programs to fill out this program chart.

20
Sound processor maintenance
A dry cloth or baby wipe may be used to clean the outside of the sound processor.
Special attention should be given to the coupling to remove any dirt or entangled hair.
Please note no water or liquids should be used when cleaning your sound processor –
is not waterproof. If the sound processor accidentally gets wet, open the battery door
and let the sound processor dry.
It is important to protect or remove your sound processor during visits to the hairdresser
and when applying hair products. You may use the special abutment cover provided with
your sound processor to protect your abutment.
The sound processor is programmed to fit you personally and therefore it should not be
used by others.