Romex R102 User manual

2.2 Inserting and removing the battery
• Open the battery compartment. Do not exert force when opening and closing the
battery door. Always open and close the battery compartment gently and carefully.
• The device uses a power one zinc air P13 battery. The battery life depends
on the volume of the hearing amplifier. If you use it in quiet places and set
the device at low volume, it could last longer. If you use the device at high
volume, the battery’s life time is shorter.
• Place the battery into battery compartment with the sticker facing up. Remove the
sticker from the new battery and you will see the symbol on the battery. Please wait
5 minutes for battery to develop full output.
Close the battery compartment completely. Closing the battery compartment turns the
hearing amplifier on. It can take up to 15 second before it starts. When you wear the
hearing amplifier, you will hear an acoustic signal.
• To remove the battery, open the battery compartment
completely. Use the stick end of the brush to push the
battery out.
• When you are not using your hearing amplifier (e.g. when
you go to sleep) we recommend opening the battery
compartment completely and putting the sticker back on
the battery to preserve battery power. Leaking batteries will
damage the amplifier. If you do not use it for long time
please remove the battery.
2.3 Turning your hearing amplifier ON/OFF
The hearing amplifier can be switched “ON” or “OFF”
through its battery compartment. When the battery door is
fully closed, the hearing amplifier is switched “ON”.
When the battery door is partially open and you hear the
first click, the hearing amplifier is “OFF”. To re-activate the
device, push the door to close the door fully.
Digital Behind-the-Ear
Hearing Amplifier
Model: R102
User Guide
Copyright © Hearing Spaces Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright Notice
This document, which is in draft form and subject to change without notice, is an unpublished work
containing confidential, trade secret information that is proprietary to Hearing Spaces Inc., and is
protected by laws pertaining to such materials. This document, the information in this document and all
rights thereto are the sole and exclusive property of Hearing Spaces Inc. and are not to be copied, used
or disclosed to anyone, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Hearing Spaces Inc.
Hearing Spaces Inc. assumes no liability for any damages incurred, directly or indirectly, from any
errors, omissions or discrepancies between the use of this hearing amplifier and the information
contained in this document.
Hearing Spaces Inc.
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Romex hearing amplifier! This manual is
designed for the R102 hearing amplifier. Your new hearing amplifier is a premium
quality product.
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the features and functions of your
new hearing amplifier. If you want more information on hearing amplifiers, parts, and
accessories, please visit our website at: www.hearingspaces.com.
We recommend that you study this manual thoroughly before operating the hearing
amplifier and that you keep it on hand for future reference. If you have additional
questions or need assistance, please send us an email at: [email protected].
Please include the hearing amplifier model number in your email so that we can identify
your model and provide immediate help.
2. Operation
1. Hearing Amplifier Parts
1.1 Hearing amplifier
2.4 Attaching the ear dome
Romex provides three sizes for ear domes: 8.5mm, 11.5mm
and 13.5mm. The size is based on the radius of the dome.
The 11.5mm dome is attached with the hearing amplifier.
Place a new ear dome on the tube by pressing it over the end portion of the tube. Make
sure that the ear dome is securely fastened onto the tube. You should be able to tug it
slightly without removing it.
2.5 Removing the ear dome
Pull the ear dome off the tube. The ear dome is elastic and it may slightly stretch when
removed, but it should return to its original shape.
2.6 Wearing the hearing amplifier
Carefully remove any wax from your ear canal before inserting your device.
This hearing device could be fitted for either the left ear or the right ear. Place the
hearing amplifier over the top of your ear, so that the casing is behind your ear and the
tube is in front.
Push the ear dome into your ear until it sits completely in the canal. The ear dome should
be just inside the ear canal. If the ear dome is placed correctly you should not see it.
If you have problems inserting the hearing amplifier, use your other hand to gently pull
your earlobe downwards. This opens the ear canal a little more and you can rotate the
dome until it fits correctly.
2.7 Adjusting the volume control behind the ear
Press the smaller ridge at the top of the volume control to increase the volume. Press the
larger ridge on the bottom of volume control to decrease the volume. Use your thumb to
lightly support the hearing amplifier.
When you adjust the volume, do not make it too loud because it will affect comprehension.
Do not adjust your hearing device for someone speaking softly at a great distance.
Even a healthy ear cannot do that.
2.8 Selecting the hearing program
The hearing amplifier comes with 4 memory programs for different listening environments.
These programs can be selected by pressing the button marked “m” on the hearing amplifier.
2.9 Removing the hearing amplifier
Use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the speaker in your ear (not the tube!) and
gently remove it from your ear.
Note: If an ear dome becomes lodged in your ear, contact a medical person to remove it.
2.1 The packing list (Single: Left or right)
1 x Hearing Amplifier with 11.5mm Dome
1 x Power one Zinc Air P13 Battery
1 x Hard Protective Case
1 x 8.5mm Spare Dome and 1 x 13.5mm Spare Dome
1 x Cleaning Brush
1 x User Guide
The packing list (Pair)
2 x Hearing Amplifiers with 11.5mm Domes
2 x Power One Zinc Air P13 Batteries
2 x Hard Protective Cases
2 x 8.5mm Spare Domes and 2 x 13.5mm Spare Domes
2 x Cleaning Brushes
1 x User Guide
Microphone
Memory
Program Button
Volume Up
Volume Down
Battery Compartment
Speaker
Dome
User Guide
User Guide
ON
OFF
13.5mm 11.5mm 8.5mm

3. Getting Used to Your Hearing Amplifier
4. Maintenance
5. Troubleshooting
6. Q&A
7. Service and Warranty
Q1: Why is the hearing amplifier whistling (feedback)?
ANS: • This is normal. The amplified sound from the hearing amplifier has been
picked up by the microphone and has been amplified repeatedly. The hearing
amplifier cannot handle the activity and starts to whistle. The whistle should
stop when the ear dome is correctly and firmly inserted into your ear.
• Turn down the volume before you insert the ear dome into your ear. Beyond
a certain volume level, the hearing amplifier cannot prevent whistling. If the
ear dome cannot be firmly fitted, try another sized ear dome. Do not leave
space between the air canal and the ear dome.
• Wax in the ear canal may prevent sound from travelling into the ear. The
sound being forced back out the ear results in the high-pitched whistle.
Carefully remove earwax.
• If you are wearing a scarf or hat try removing them, they can obstruct sound
and make it bounce back into your hearing amplifier causing the feedback.
• If the problem persists the size or shape of your ear canal may have
changed. Have a doctor check your ear canal.
Q2:
How to eliminate cracking or buzzing noises?
ANS: • Check if there is earwax residue on the hearing tube and ear dome.
• Check if the hearing tube is damaged (color changes, hardening, or cracks).
Q3:
What can I do if there is no sound?
ANS: • Check if the battery is dead.
• Adjust the volume.
• Clean the hearing tube and ear dome if there is the earwax residue on the
hearing tube and ear dome.
Q4: My ear gets hot and damp when I wear hearing amplifiers. What
can I do about it?
ANS: • Your hearing amplifiers block warm and moist air from escaping your ear
canals. Remove the hearing amplifier occasionally during the day to let your
ears “breathe”.
Q5:
Hearing amplifier is working, but the sound is very low.
ANS: • Check if the battery is dying. Change the battery to a new one.
• Check to see if your device is dirty. Clean your device with a brush and
lint-free cloth. Clean your battery compartment, ear dome and microphone.
• Check if there is moisture built up. Place your device in a dehumidifier box or
drying kit for a few hours and see if that helps.
Q1:
Should I wear one hearing amplifier or two?
ANS: Two hearing amplifiers should be fitted to maximize sound quality and detect
which direction sounds are coming from when the hearing loss is in both ears.
Due to different levels of hearing loss in ears you may need only one hearing
amplifier.
Q2:
How often should I change the ear domes?
ANS: Due to regular tear and wear you will eventually need to replace the ear domes of
your hearing amplifier. Replacement varies by user, but typically you should replace
them every two months. You may purchase ear domes at www.hearingspaces.com.
Q3:
Will a hearing amplifier cure my hearing loss?
ANS: No. A hearing amplifier helps with hearing loss by making sounds louder in the
ear but does not return the function of the ear to “normal”.
Q4:
Why do the prices of hearing amplifiers vary so much?
ANS: Traditional providers mark hearing amplifiers up more than 10 times to cover
overhead and other miscellaneous costs, such as service cost and office rent.
Hearing Spaces Inc. cuts out the middlemen by working with one top-tier
independent manufacturer and delivering directly to you.
Q5:
How many years should I expect my hearing amplifier to last?
ANS: The average hearing amplifier lasts between 3-5 years. However, hearing
amplifier technology changes rapidly, like computers, and new technology may
benefit you greatly.
Q6:
Can I sleep with my hearing amplifiers?
ANS: We recommend that you remove your hearing amplifiers and open the battery
door to help conserve battery life.
Q7:
Can I wear my hearing amplifiers when I take shower, bath or swim?
No. Please remove your hearing amplifiers prior to any aquatic activity.
Q8:
Why is my battery life short?
ANS: • There are many reasons for shortened battery life. The main reason is simply
a bad pack of batteries, but you may do a few things to make sure you get
the most out of each one.
• Anytime when you are not using hearing amplifier, turn it off, put it in a safe spot
and leave it with the battery door open. This minimizes battery drain and allows
moisture to evaporate, keeping the battery from corroding and damaging your
device. Always keep hearing amplifier batteries at room temperature.
• Finally, after you peel off the sticker on the battery, let the battery sit for
5 minutes to activate it before you place it into your hearing amplifier. This
increases battery life by as much as 85%.
Q9:
Why does my voice sound too loud?
ANS: This is known as occlusion effect. You may experience “hollow” or “booming”
echo-like sounds of your own voice. This is caused by bone-conducted sound
vibrations echoing off the hearing amplifier in your ear canal. The occlusion
effect is very common among new hearing amplifier users. Most people get
used to this effect over time. Turning down the volume may help.
3.1 Be patient and stick with it
On average, it takes many years for hearing-impaired people to finally do something
about it. Before they get hearing amplifiers they have forgotten what it is like to have
normal hearing.
That is why voices and traffic noises may seem very loud and strange when using a
hearing amplifier for the first time. Generally, the sounds are quite different when
compared to normal hearing.
People who have never used hearing amplifiers have extremely high expectations
about their new devices, but they are often disappointed in their first year of active use
because getting used to hearing amplifiers takes so much.
Studies show that people with severe hearing loss experience greater benefits from
using their hearing amplifiers than do people with less hearing loss. You will need to
learn to speak at a comfortable volume after using the hearing device.
You cannot compare hearing amplifiers with glasses. When you use glasses for the first
time, you see the difference right away, but with hearing amplifiers you have to get used
to hearing differently.
You must keep wearing your hearing amplifier - do not put it away if it irritates you. The
longer you use your hearing amplifiers the better you will like them. It takes time and
patience to get used to your new devices.
Based on a survey, 27% of the hearing impaired people said that they needed a few
days to become fully acquainted with their hearing amplifiers. 30% need a couple of
weeks while 26% take months.
3.2 Acclimating at home
Try to accustom yourself to all the new sounds you may hear. Listen to many
background sounds and try to identity them again. Some sounds will seem different
from what you are used to. You will have to identify them again and become used to the
sounds in your environment, such as ticking clocks, footsteps and traffic noises.
If you feel tired, you may take off your device for a little while and have a break.
Gradually, you will be able to wear it for longer periods of time. Soon, you could have it
on comfortably all day long. Try to wear your hearing amplifier all day. In most cases,
you will not get the full benefit of the hearing instruments if you use infrequently.
• Before using your hair spray and wearing cosmetics, you should remove your hearing
amplifier from your ear because these products may damage it.
• Keep your hearing amplifier away from sources of high temperature at all times.
• Do not wear your hearing amplifier when using a hair dryer.
• Do not leave your hearing amplifier exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period
of time.
• Do not let others use your hearing amplifier.
• Do not place your hearing amplifier in the microwave.
• Do not wear a hearing amplifier when conducting an X-ray or MRI scan. Do not expose
the hearing amplifier to strong magnetic fields, high frequency fields, or shortwaves.
• Do not leave your hearing amplifiers inside a parked car in the sun.
• Accumulated earwax in the ear dome and tube will block sound. We highly recommend
removing the earwax and moisture deposits from the ear dome and tube with a
lint-free cloth every time when you put it on. Never use cleaning agents such as
household detergents, soap, etc.
• Never wash or clean the cast because the hearing amplifier will lose its special acoustic
features.
3.3 Talking with another person
Talk to a person in a quiet room face to face. Reading facial expressions will help. At the
beginning the speech sounds may sound different. After your brain gets used to these
new speech sounds, you will hear more clearly.
3.4 Listening to radio or TV
Try listening to news programs first because they usually speak clearly. Then try other
programs.
3.5 Group conversations
There is background noise which makes it more difficult to deal with. Even people
without hearing loss find it difficult to follow discussions sometimes, especially if several
people talk at once.
Move closer to the person that you want to hear and turn your back against the noise.
Do not sit in corners or with your back to the wall. You could be able to master these
situations with more ease and confidence.
3.6 Using a phone
Tilt the receiver edge of the phone lightly on your cheekbone and position the phone
slightly over the ear close to the hearing amplifier’s microphone. The sound flows
directly into the hearing amplifier’s microphone opening. This will stop it from whistling
and ensure the best understanding.
It is very important to realize that you will not experience the exact same benefits from
other persons do. This individuality is a critical component, and your expectations
should be based on your type and degree of hearing loss, your past experience, and the
improvements you personally receive from amplification.
It is important to understand that hearing amplifiers will never be able to restore normal
hearing. Understanding their limitations will help you to benefit from your devices.
Expect your voice to sound different for many reasons. Your voice will sound strange to
you at first - like being in a barrel. This is normal early perception and it is often called
the “occlusion effect”.
7.1 Satisfaction Guaranteed
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the hearing amplifier, you may return it
within 45 days after ship date for a full refund of the original price. Note that we will not
be able to maintain this guarantee if the hearing amplifier has been modified,
tampered with, damaged or repaired by the user.
All Romex hearing amplifiers come with a 12 month warranty that covers
manufacturing defects. The warranty will be invalid if the hearing amplifier has
been modified or damaged by the user, or if repairs have been made without
consent and knowledge of Hearing Spaces Inc.
Purchase Date:
7.2 Returns
If you purchased your amplifier at www.hearingspaces.com, you may return your
hearing amplifier to:
Hearing Spaces Inc.
14321 Franklin Avenue, Unit B, Tustin, CA 92780
If you purchased your amplifier from Amazon, please contact us before you return it to
Amazon. We will give you the best customer service and the best technical support.
Your satisfaction is our first priority.
Email:[email protected]
Phone: [phone] or 001-714-5050731