Panasonic WH-416KZ User manual

Operating Instructions
Hearing Instrument
WH-416KZ
WH-412 L Z
WH-409 M Z
The information contained in this manual is important for safe
and reliable operation. Anyone who will handle, maintain, store,
or dispose of your hearing aid should read this document.
The Limited Warranty document is enclosed together in the package. Keep it in a secure place. Make sure that it is
properly completed, signed with the authorized dispenser’s name, and filled in with date of original purchase, name
of dispenser and other important information.
The difference among the three models (WH-416KZ, WH-412LZ, WH-409MZ) is only additional installed circuit as
described in Page 37 of this document; otherwise the same.
Carefully read and thoroughly understand this entire document before attempting to set up and operate the hearing aid.
Failure to follow the operating instructions may result in poor performance of the hearing aid or even cause permanent
damage to the user. Keep this document for future reference. If you have any questions, consult the dispenser where
you purchased your hearing aid.
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Introduction Component structure
We would like to thank you for purchasing the Panasonic Hearing
Instrument.
The Panasonic Digital Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aid helps optimize
both intelligibility and comprehension for the hearing impaired.
The type of hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the
type and severity of your hearing loss and usage conditions. You will
need to get a thorough hearing evaluation and have your ears
examined by an ear specialist or an audiologist. They will suggest the
most appropriate type of hearing aid for you depending on the type
and degree of hearing loss. In order to get the right hearing aid that
will be tailored to meet your individual needs and lifestyle, be sure to
have your hearing aid properly fitted and fine-tuned to your ears, as
an improper fit can cause discomfort and flexibility issues, and even
further damage to the ear.
It is important to keep in mind that hearing aids will not restore
normal hearing, nor will they halt the progression of hearing loss.
They are intended to compensate for impaired hearing. They should
be used only for the purpose they are designed and directed.
Carefully read the instructions and make sure you fully understand
the operation of the hearing aid before using it.
The Panasonic Digital Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
hearing aid consists of the following items.
If there are any missing, misplaced, or defective
components, contact your dispenser.
Components:
·
Open-type eartip Size S/M/L . QTY: 1 of each size
·Receiver unit ......................... QTY: 1
(Integrated with the main unit)
·Carrying case ........................ QTY: 1
·Dehumidifier ......................... QTY: 1
·Wax guard ............................ QTY: 2
·Replacement tool .................. QTY: 1
The other sizes of eartips than the one to be used
for your hearing aid will be kept at your dispenser.
Documentation:
·Operating Instructions
·Limited Warranty
·Quick Tips
( )
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Before UseOperationsReference
onent structure Contents
Before Use
Warning to Hearing Aid Dispensers ................. 4
Important Notice for Prospective Hearing Aid Users ... 5
Children with Hearing Loss .............................. 6
Safety Precautions ......................................... 7
Usage Instructions ....................................... 14
Care and Maintenance ................................ 17
Operations
Component Descriptions ............................... 20
Basic Operation Flow ..................................... 20
1 Inserting/Removing Zinc Air Battery ........... 21
2 Wearing the Hearing Instrument ................ 22
3 Turning on the Hearing Instrument .......... 23
4 Turning off the Hearing Instrument ......... 23
5 Removing the Hearing Instrument ........... 24
Use with Telephone ..................................... 24
Reference
Carrying Case ................................................ 25
Eartip ............................................................ 25
Eartip Replacement ....................................... 26
Wax Guard Replacement ............................... 28
Receiver Unit Replacement ............................ 29
For First-Time Users ....................................... 30
How Family and Friends Can Help ................ 31
Troubleshooting Guide ................................ 32
Performance ............................................... 33
Specifications .............................................. 37
Information ................................................. 38
Warranty and Customer Service .................. 41
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Before Use
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:
· 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.
· Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15
decibels at 500 hertz (Hz), 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
· Visible evidence of significant cerumen
accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.
· Pain or discomfort in the ear.
Hearing aids must be programmed and
adjusted by the dispenser on an individual basis.
Inappropriate hearing aid setting may cause
damage to the ears of your customers. If you
have any questions about fitting, contact the
Panasonic sales division below.
Company name:
Panasonic Corporation of North America
Health Care Group
Address:
One Panasonic Way, 1H-6, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Telephone No.:
1-888-422-6309
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Before Use
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, otologists or otorhinolaryngologists.
The purpose of 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 medically evaluated and that you may be
considered a candidate for 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.
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Before Use
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
problem 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.
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Before Use
Safety Precautions
Follow the instructions below to reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to the hearing instrument.
The following symbols are used throughout this document, and contain important differences
regarding the probability of serious injury. These definitions are as follows:
WARNING
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in
death or serious injury.
Indicates a possible hazard which if not avoided may result in
minor to moderate injury. It is also used to alert against unsafe
practices that can result in property damage.
The following symbols specify behavior or actions which are not permitted and an instruction
that must be carried out.
Prohibitions Mandatory Attention, consult
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENT
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Before Use
Safety Precautions (Continued)
WARNING
Keep out of reach of children and pets
A hearing instrument and its
components can be a choking
hazard or can lead to death if
swallowed. To prevent accidental
ingestion of hearing instrument or
its components and/or accessories, secure
them in a safe place where they are not
accessed by infants, small children, pets, or
others who might accidentally swallow them.
· If swallowed, obtain immediate
medical attention.
Keep batteries away from children and pets
Hearing instrument batteries can be
easily swallowed and pose a choking
hazard and possible internal injury.
To prevent accidental ingestion,
secure batteries in a safe place where
they are not accessed by infants,
small children, and pets. Dispose of
used batteries immediately.
· If swallowed, call the 24-hour National
Button Battery Ingestion Hotline collect at
1-(202)-625-3333. Seek medical attention.
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Before Use
Do not let others use your hearing aid
Inappropriate use of a hearing aid
can cause severe damage to the ear.
Do not let children play with the
hearing aid.
Keep the hearing aid
out of reach of children.
Do not disassemble, short-circuit, or
expose the zinc air battery to water or fire
Failure to heed this warning may result
in leakage or explosion, which can lead
to injury or contamination of
surrounding factors.
Before purchasing a hearing aid,
have your ear examined by a
licensed physician, or get a hearing
evaluation from a hearing
instrument specialist or an
audiologist
If the wrong type of a hearing aid
is selected, or a hearing aid is used
in an improper manner, it can
cause ear or hearing damage.
CAUTIONWARNING
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Before Use
CAUTION
Safety Precautions (Continued)
Ask the dispenser for a proper fit
Inappropriate fitting may result in damage
to your hearing. Have your hearing aid
fitted to your individual needs.
Make sure that you position the
battery correctly
Insert the fresh battery with the plus side
up. Inserting a battery with the positive
and negative terminals mixed up may
result in a burst or leak, which can cause
injury or damage to the unit.
Stop using the hearing aid if you
experience any physical discomfort
If you keep using the hearing
aid when you suffer from
headache, dizziness, pain in
the ear or skin abnormality at
the ear such as swelling and
rash, your condition may
become worse.
· Stop using the hearing aid immediately
and consult your physician.
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Before Use
CAUTION
Confirm that the hearing instrument
is completely free of burrs and cracks
Rugged projection like sharp edges
and rough burrs protruding from the
surface of the hearing instrument
can cause cuts and nicks to the skin.
·When cleaning your hearing aid, wipe it
gently with a soft cloth. Never use organic
solvents such as alcohol, paint thinner, or
benzene. Failure to heed this caution may
result in deformation of the hearing
instrument or cracking on the surface.
Before wearing the hearing instrument,
make sure that the eartip fits into place
If the eartip is not securely attached,
it may come off and remain in the
ear. When attempting to remove the
eartip, special caution must be taken
not to push it further into the ear.
If you cannot take out the eartip, consult your
physician. Immediate medical care is important
to avoid possible complications. When you
replace the eartip, be sure to contact your
dispenser. (See page 27.)
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Before Use
Safety Precautions (Continued)
CAUTION
Do not use the hearing instrument near any device that emits high frequency
radio waves or generates a strong magnetic field
The hearing instrument may emit acoustic feedback which can result in hearing damage.
· Remove your hearing aid while undergoing any kind of electromagnetic treatment such
as X-Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT),
Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Short-Wave Diathermy, or other
electrical or magnetic treatment.
· Other types of radiation such as burglary alarms, room surveillance systems, radio
equipment, and mobile phone will not damage the hearing aid. They could, however,
affect the sound quality or produce unusual sounds in the hearing aids.
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Before Use
Do not modify or disassemble the
hearing instrument
Failure to heed this warning may
result in damage to the ear.
· Contact your dispenser if you need to
have your hearing instrument adjusted,
or if you encounter unexpected behavior
of the hearing instrument.
CAUTION
Do not immerse the hearing aid in
water, and do not allow it to get wet
Otherwise, it may short-circuit and
become damaged.
Do not use any other receiver unit
Use of another type of receiver unit
that is not provided by your
dispenser may generate loud
sound, which can damage hearing.
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Before Use
For proper care and handling of your hearing aid
through daily cleaning, be sure to read and follow
the instructions below. Preventive maintenance
will help extend the life span of your hearing aid.
zStop using the hearing aid if you are draining
fluid from your ears.
Do not use the hearing aid without resolving any
problems that may cause drainage from the ear.
Discharge from the ear adhering to the receiver
may obstruct the sound, affect the hearing
quality, or damage the hearing aid.
zClean the ear canal before each use of the
hearing aid.
Safely remove earwax from your ear.
zRemove the hearing aid before going to sleep.
z Wash your hands after using hair styling
products .
zCheck your pockets to ensure that the hearing
aid will not accidentally get thrown in the
wash when you do the laundry.
Usage Instructions
zHandle with care and ensure that the hearing aid is
maintained in proper working order.
·Do not drop, hit, or shake the hearing aid. Do not subject
the hearing aid to high impact, vibration, or shock loads.
Drops and impacts will cause scratches, cracks, and
physical damage.
·If the receiver unit is pulled out forcibly from the ear, it
may get distorted in shape. Do not drop, hit, or shake the
receiver unit.
zAvoid high temperatures, moisture, humidity and dust.
·Do not wear the hearing aid in the shower or swimming.
·Do not use a dryer or microwave oven to dry the hearing aid.
·Do not touch the hearing aid with wet hands.
·Do not apply hair spray while wearing the hearing aid.
·Do not use the hearing aid on wet hair.
·Do not leave the hearing aid in the kitchen, bathroom, a
dusty area, or in any place where it will be subjected to
direct sunlight or high temperatures (e.g. heater, a car
exposed to direct sunlight in summer and its all doors and
windows are kept shut).
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Before Use
zIf you experience some physical discomfort such
as pain in the ear or skin abnormality, stop using
the hearing aid, seek immediate medical
treatment then contact your dispenser.
zDo not put sunscreen or tanning lotion around
the area where your skin comes in direct contact
with the hearing aid.
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Before Use
Usage Instructions (Continued)
Usage and maintenance of Zinc Air battery
A zinc air battery is not supplied with the hearing
instrument.
· Individual zinc air cells have their own peel-off tab.
The tab placed on the plus (+) side should not be
removed until the battery is required for use.
It will be fully activated within a minute.
· The tab seals the zinc in the battery
from exposure to air. Once the tab is
removed, the battery will be put into
use and start to drain. If the battery
is not in use for a week or longer,
remove the battery from the hearing
instrument then put the tab back on
its plus (+) end to prevent air leaks.
If you fail to do this, the battery will deteriorate
quickly and will be completely exhausted in about a
month. Place the battery with its plus (+) side facing
downwards and store the battery in the area that
sustains around 60 percent moisture.
· If the battery has not been used for a long period of
time, it may swell, or the hearing instrument may
emit an alarm signal. If the battery is weak or dead,
replace the battery before use.
· The battery life varies depending on the type and
usage conditions.
· If the surface of the battery gets wet, it may not
work properly. If it occurs, wipe the battery with a
dry cloth.
·
Do not stack zinc air batteries to prevent short-circuit.
Do not store or carry the battery with metal jewelry
or objects such as coins, nails, screws, or hair pins.
Do not expose the battery to moisture or rain.
· The Zinc Air battery absorbs Carbon Dioxide from
the atmosphere, resulting in its short life span.
If you use the battery near a gas heater or a
kerosene stove, ventilate the room properly.
Adhesive
peel tab
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Before Use
Eartip care
To optimize hearing, clean out earwax.
Clogged eartips may obstruct the sound or
affect the hearing quality. If your eartip requires
cleaning, be sure to consult your dispenser.
· Keep the eartip clean. Before cleaning,
remove the eartip from the receiver.
· If the eartip is heavily soiled, wash it off with
soap or warm water.
· Make sure that the eartip is completely dry
after washing.
Wax guard replacement
If the eartip is removed out of the receiver, the
wax guard is fixed in the head of the receiver.
· If the wax guard is clogged, it needs to be
replaced with a replacement tool dedicated to
the specific model of your hearing instrument,
consult your dispenser.
Be sure to ask your dispenser
Receiver
Receiver
Wax guard
Eartip
Care and Maintenance
Keep the hearing aid clean
· When cleaning your hearing aid, wipe
it gently with a soft cloth. Never use
organic solvents such as alcohol, paint
thinner, or benzene.
· Wipe off the dirt, oil and sweat that is
left on the hearing aid with a clean soft
cloth. Let it dry in a well-ventilated or
breezy area. Then, put it in the
supplied carrying case, avoiding
exposure to direct sunlight, high
temperatures and humidity.
· Clogged eartips may obstruct the
sound or affect the hearing quality.
When cleaning, consult your dispenser.
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Before Use
Care and Maintenance (Continued)
Dehumidifier
The dehumidifier is hearing aid care equipment that
removes daily accumulation of moisture in the hearing
aid. Moisture can damage the internal, electronic
components. For optimum hearing aid care, it is
recommended to use the dehumidifier before retiring
for the night so it will take away moisture overnight.
Read the following instructions carefully.
· After using your hearing aid, wipe off any dirt, dust,
water, or sweat with a soft cloth.
· A tiny packet of silica gel is included in the
dehumidifier. Make sure the lid is on tight. If the lid
is loose or off the case, the silica gel will absorb
moisture from the outside air. Blue silica will slowly
change its color as it absorbs moisture. When it
reaches its saturation point and turns pink, it should
be replaced. If you would like to purchase a new
dehumidifier, ask your dispenser.
CAUTION
· Desiccants are not edible. Keep it
away from children and pets.
· Store the battery in the carrying case.
Once activated, the battery will be
consumed quickly as its chemicals
tend to dry out. Do not place the
battery inside the dehumidifier case
or expose to dry environments, which
may significantly shorten the battery
service life time. See Page 25.
· To prevent the battery from being
drained, read and understand usage
and maintenance of Zinc Air battery
in Page 16.
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Before Use
Remove the battery
from your hearing
instrument
2
Zinc air
battery
Put your hearing
instrument in the
dehumidifier and fasten
the lid to the dehumidifier
3
Sponge
Lid
Desiccant
pack
Dehumidifier
case
Take out a desiccant pack from a
plastic bag. Place it in the bottom
of the dehumidifier and put the
sponge on the desiccant pack
1
Sponge
Plastic bag
Desiccant pack
Dehumidifier case
· Do not open the desiccant pack.
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Operations
1 Inserting/Removing Zinc Air Battery .... Page 21
2 Wearing the Hearing Instrument ......... Page 22
3 Turning on the Hearing Instrument ..... Page 23
4 Turning off the Hearing Instrument ..... Page 23
5 Removing the Hearing Instrument ...... Page 24
Input sound direction
Battery compartment
with ON/OFF switch
Receiver
unit
Microphone
(sound inlet)
Receiver Eartip
Component descriptions Basic operation flow
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