Siemens RIC User manual

Receiver-in-Canal
Hearing Instruments
User Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Siemens Hearing Instrument.
Siemens Hearing Instruments are designed to achieve the
highest in quality and reliability. We are sure that you will
be very pleased with our product.
If this Hearing Instrument is being purchased for an infant or
young child, please confirm with your Audiologist or Hearing
Care Provider that it is recommended for this purpose and to
ensure appropriate supervision and use of the product.
Hearing Aid Information
Serial Number:
Left: Right:
Battery Size:
Left: Right:
Purchase Date:
Left: Right:
Dispenser Info stamped here

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Your hearing instruments ......................... 4
Safety information ................................5
Feature card .................................... 6
Identification information ......................... 7
Identifying the left and right hearing instrument(s)..... 8
Changing the battery............................. 9
Handling the standard and rechargeable batteries......11
Battery tips .................................... 11
Using the charger................................12
Turning the hearing instrument on or off ............ 13
Inserting and removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operating Your Hearing Instrument-
Optional Features
Changing the volume ............................15
Learning volume preference feature .................16
SoundLearning™feature ..........................16
Changing the program............................16
Directional microphone system.....................18
Operating Your Hearing Instrument-
Programmable Features
Wireless functionality.............................20
Push button on/off...............................22
Power on delay..................................22
Low battery indicator.............................22
Volume control alert tones ........................23
Program change alert tones........................23
Listening Tips ..........................24
Maintenance and Care ..................26
Using the domes ................................27
Cleaning instructions for domes ....................28
Replacing the dome (non click dome receivers) ........29
Replacing the dome (click dome receivers)............30
Replacing the receiver unit ........................31
Performance Checklist.................. 32
Health Considerations ...................33
Important Notices ......................34
Warranty and Service ...................38

GETTING STARTED
4GETTING STARTED 5
Getting Started
Your hearing instruments
As the owner of Siemens hearing instruments you may
once again enjoy the sounds of the environment and
conversation with your family and friends. Your decision
to purchase Siemens hearing instruments reflects the
importance you place on quality and reliability.
Siemens hearing instruments are designed for comfort
and performance in a virtually invisible style (when worn).
The hearing instruments offer an assortment of receiver
lengths and dome sizes to best fit your ear. Your instrument
will look similar to the following illustrations (Fig. 1 and 2). Safety information
Caution: Risk of injury caused by incorrect use of domes.
• Alwayswearthereceiverunitwiththedome.
• Makesurethatthedomeiscompletelyattachedtothe
receiver unit.
• Ifthedomeremainsintheearafterremovalofyourhearing
instrument, have it removed by a medical professional.
• Replacethedomeifitbreaks.
• Donotinsertthereceiveranddometoodeeplyinyourear.
Speak with your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider for
further explanation.
Fig. 1: Location of features
Fig. 2: Location of features
Receiver unit
Program Button
MicrophoneCover
Charging Contact
Toggle Switch
MicrophoneCover
Charging Contact
Receiver Unit

GETTING STARTED
6GETTING STARTED 7
WARNING
Choking hazard posed by small parts.
 • Keephearinginstruments,batteriesandaccessoriesout
of children’s reach.
 • Ifswallowedconsultaphysicianorhospitalimmediately.
 • Ifinfants,smallchildrenormentallydisabledpersonsneed
to wear hearing instruments ensure adequate supervision.
WARNING
Risk in explosive environments, e.g., mining areas
 • Don’tuseyourhearinginstruments(andremotecontrol)
in areas where there is danger of explosions.
Please read this manual carefully to benefit from all the
features of your new hearing system.
Feature card
Please refer to the feature card included with this manual.
The feature card is located at the back of this user manual
in a pocket.
The feature card contains important information about
the features in your new hearing instruments. This includes
battery size, serial number location, and features associated
with the operation of your new hearing instruments.
Moreinformationaboutthesefeaturesislocatedinthe
Operation section of this manual.
Identification information
Your hearing instruments have a serial number engraved on
them. The location of the serial number will vary according to
the style of hearing instrument you have chosen. Record the
serial number in the front of this manual for future reference
(Fig. 3)
The year of manufacture is incorporated into the serial
number. Please note the warranty is based upon the date
of purchase, not the date of manufacture.
The serial number may look similar to this sample: AY12345.
The second letter of this serial number refers to the year of
manufacture of the hearing instrument. The letters Y and
A indicate a 2011 year of manufacture. Your Audiologist or
Hearing Care Provider can answer any questions you may have
about the identifying code on your hearing instrument.
t
Fig. 3: Identification information
Serial number
AY12345

GETTING STARTED
8GETTING STARTED 9
Blue ring - LEFT Ear
Red ring - RIGHT Ear
Identifying the left and right
hearing instrument(s)
Your Siemens hearing instruments may be color-coded for
your convenience. The left ear hearing instrument may have
a blue ring on the receiver unit, and the right ear hearing
instrument may have a red ring on the receiver unit (Fig. 4).
Alternatively, the left hearing instrument may have a blue dot
where the receiver unit attaches to the hearing instrument,
and the right hearing instrument may have a red dot where
the receiver unit attaches to the hearing instrument (Fig. 5).
Changing the battery
Refer to the feature card or check with your Audiologist or
Hearing Care Provider to determine the battery size for your
hearing instrument.
To insert the battery into the hearing instrument, open the
battery compartment with your fingernail as shown (Fig. 6).
Swivel open the battery compartment door. Insert the proper
size battery into the compartment door so that the “+” symbol
on the battery coincides with the “+” marked on the battery
compartment (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7: Inserting the battery
Fig. 4: Identification information
Fig. 5: Identification information
Blue dot - LEFT Ear
Red dot - RIGHT Ear
Fig. 6: Opening the battery compartment

GETTING STARTED
10 GETTING STARTED 11
Fig. 9: Removing the battery
Close the battery compartment by gently pressing the bottom
of the door upward with your fingertip. Do not force the door
shut. If it does not close easily, check to ensure the battery was
inserted properly (Fig. 8).
The battery should easily drop out when the compartment
door is completely open (Fig. 9). If the battery does not come
out, lightly tap on the case.
Your hearing instrument may be programmed to inform you
when the battery should be replaced. Refer to the low battery
indicator information in the Operation section (page 20) of
this manual for further information.
Handling standard and rechargeable batteries
You can use either a standard or a rechargeable battery in your
hearing instrument. The optional charger is required to charge
rechargeable batteries. If using a standard battery, remove the
backing tab only when you are ready to use it.
If using a rechargeable battery, charge it before the first use.
Battery tips
• Ifabatteryisaccidentallyswallowed,seekmedical
attention immediately, or call the National Battery
Hotline collect at [phone]. Quebec residents,
call le Centre Antipoison at [phone].
• Alwaysusetherecommendedbatterysizeforyour
hearing instrument. The battery size information for
your hearing instrument is located on the feature card.
• Removethebatteryfromyourinstrumentswhennotin
use. This prevents possible damage from expansion or
leakage of the battery, if the instruments are not fully
turned off.
• Alwayscarrysparebatteriesintheeventthatyourcurrent
battery goes dead. Place each spare battery in an individual,
non-metallic container to prevent contact with other
batteries or metal objects, such as keys or coins.
•Follow your local recycling rules for battery disposal.
Fig. 8: Closing the battery compartment

GETTING STARTED
12 GETTING STARTED 13
Using the charger
If you have the optional charger, refer to the charger
instruction manual for operating instructions. Use only
the rechargeable batteries delivered with the charger or
available through your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider.
The lifetime of a rechargeable battery is approximately one
year, depending on individual use.
NOTE: Do not attempt to charge standard, non-rechargeable
batteries!
NOTE: The hearing instrument must be turned off then on after
removing from the charger. This is required to turn the
instrument on.
Fig. 11: Turning the instrument on and off
OffOn
Turning the hearing instrument on or off
To turn the hearing instrument on, insert a battery into the
hearing instrument and completely close the door.
To turn the hearing instrument off, open the battery door
to the first catch (Fig. 11).
Fig. 10: Charger

OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-OPTIONAL FEATURES 15
GETTING STARTED
14
Operating Your Hearing
Instrument–Optional Features
Refer to the feature card included with this manual to
determine the optional features your hearing instrument
is equipped with (Fig. 13).
Changing the volume
Your Siemens hearing instrument is fully automatic. However,
you may have received an optional remote control with your
hearing instrument. Press the Volume Up (+) button on the
remote to increase the volume. Press the Volume Down (-)
button on the remote to reduce the volume. Your hearing
instrument may have a toggle switch. To change the volume
using the toggle switch, push it up to increase the volume or
down to decrease the volume.
Fig. 13: FEATURE CARD
Optional features section circled
Optional
Features
HEARING
INSTRUMENT
FEATURE
CARD
Learning volume preference
Directional microphone
Rechargeable battery
ePocket®remote control
e2e wireless®
Power on delay
Low battery indicator
Volume control
alert tones
Program change
alert tones
OPTIONAL FEATURES
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMMABLE
FEATURES
Program number Listening environment
RefertotheActiveUserManualforinformationon
Optional Features and Programmable Features.
Battery
options
shown
below
rechargeable
1
2
3
4
Receiver unit
Dome Charging
contact Battery
compartment
Clip-on
microphone
cover
Inserting and removing
To insert the hearing instrument, make sure it is turned off by
opening the battery compartment to the first stop. Hold the
receiver with the dome or earmold between your thumb and
index finger and insert it carefully into the ear canal (Fig. 12).
You may find it helpful to pull your ear slightly upward or
backward when inserting your instrument. Then place the
instrument behind your ear and turn it on, by completely
closing the battery compartment.
To remove your hearing instrument, hold the receiver unit
between your thumb and index finger and carefully pull it out.
Fig. 12: Inserting the instrument

OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-OPTIONAL FEATURES
16 OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-OPTIONAL FEATURES 17
When initially turned on (after the battery compartment door
is closed), the microphone is ON and ready for general use.
The default is Program 1. Your Audiologist or Hearing Care
Provider will provide you with the number of programs most
appropriate for your needs. Each time you press the program
button on the hearing instrument (if available) or optional
remote control the instrument changes to the next program.
The program change may be confirmed by alerting tones or
beeps that correlate to the program you are in. That means if
you select Program 3, then the hearing instrument beeps 3
times.
Your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider may list your
personal programs on the feature card (Fig. 15).
Learning volume preference feature
(if applicable)
The learning volume feature retains information on when
and how you adjust the volume on your Siemens hearing
instruments programmed for manual adjustment. Over time,
your hearing system will automatically adjust to that preferred
volume in each listening program. For more information
about this feature, speak with your Audiologist or Hearing
Care Provider.
SoundLearning™feature (if applicable)
SoundLearning allows all the functionality of the learning
volume control preference feature above and also retains your
sound quality preferences independently for loud and soft
sounds. For more information about this feature, speak to
your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider.
Changing the program
Your Siemens hearing instrument may have several
memories, also called hearing programs. Each program
is different and designed to help you hear better in specific
listening situations.
Your hearing instrument may have a program button on
the housing (fig. 14). Press the program button to change
the program.
Fig. 14: Changing the program with the
program button or toggle switch
Program
Button
Toggle
Switch

OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES 19
OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-OPTIONAL FEATURES
18
Operating Your Hearing
Instrument–Programmable Features
Refer to the feature card included with this manual to
determine the programmable features your hearing
instrument is equipped with. Programmable features are
listed on the right column of the feature card (Fig. 16):
Fig. 16: FEATURE CARD
Programmable features section circled
Programmable
Features
HEARING
INSTRUMENT
FEATURE
CARD
Learning volume preference
Directional microphone
Rechargeable battery
ePocket®remote control
e2e wireless®
Power on delay
Low battery indicator
Volume control
alert tones
Program change
alert tones
OPTIONAL FEATURES
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMMABLE
FEATURES
Program number Listening environment
RefertotheActiveUserManualforinformationon
Optional Features and Programmable Features.
Battery
options
shown
below
rechargeable
1
2
3
4
Receiver unit
Dome Charging
contact Battery
compartment
Clip-on
microphone
cover
Directional microphone system
According to your hearing needs, your Siemens hearing
instrument can be adjusted to focus on sounds in front of
you (directional mode) for when you are having a face-to-
face conversation in a noisy environment. The hearing
system can also be adjusted for when you are in more
quiet environments and want to hear the sounds around
you (omnidirectional). Your Audiologist or Hearing Care
Provider may program the operation of the directional
microphone system to function automatically or in
conjunction with the remote control based on your
particular hearing requirements.
Fig. 15: FEATURE CARD
Programs section circled
Programs
HEARING
INSTRUMENT
FEATURE
CARD
Learning volume preference
Directional microphone
Rechargeable battery
ePocket®remote control
e2e wireless®
Power on delay
Low battery indicator
Volume control
alert tones
Program change
alert tones
OPTIONAL FEATURES
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMMABLE
FEATURES
Program number Listening environment
RefertotheActiveUserManualforinformationon
Optional Features and Programmable Features.
Battery
options
shown
below
rechargeable
1
2
3
4
Receiver unit
Dome Charging
contact Battery
compartment
Clip-on
microphone
cover

OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
20 OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES 21
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipment
and receiver.
• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferent
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnician
for help.
Wireless functionality (if applicable)
Your hearing instrument may be equipped with wireless
functionality. This provides synchronization between two
hearing instruments. If you change the program or volume
on one instrument, the other is automatically changed. In
addition, wireless technology automatically adjusts the
system to change both hearing instruments simultaneously
to adapt to different listening situations. The wireless
functionality also enables use of an optional remote control.
Note: The performance of the wireless functionality could
be temporarily affected when in close proximity to
electromagnetic noise sources, such as a computer
monitor or television. Move away from the noise
source if you experience difficulty.
Technical information for e2e wireless function:
Operating frequencies: flow = 115 kHz, fhigh = 120 kHz; Rated H-field
strength (maximum): –11,5 dB µA/m at 3 meters.
This Category II radiocommunication device complies with Industry Canada
Standard RSS-310 and part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
The above applies to CENTRA® Active and CIELO® 2 Active.
All other remote control compatible receiver-in-canal hearing
instruments use e2e wireless 2.0.
Technical information for e2e 2.0 wireless function:
Operating frequency : Fc = 3.28 MHz; Maximum field strength:
–7 dB µA/m at 10m meters.
This Class B digital apparatus II radiocommunication device complies with
Industry Canada Standard RSS-210 and part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation of the device. FCC ID:
SGI-WL002BTE, IC: 267AB-WL002

OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
22 OPERATING YOUR HEARING INSTRUMENT-PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES 23
Volume control alert tones
Your hearing instrument may be programmed to inform you
of changes to volume. You may hear soft beeps each time
you change the volume and a three beep warning when
the volume limit has been reached. Once the maximum or
minimum volume has been reached, further changes in that
direction will have no effect.
Program change alert tones
Your hearing instrument may be programmed to inform you
of changes to the program. The program change may be
confirmed by alert tones or beeps that correlate to the
program you are in. That means if you select Program 3,
the hearing instrument will beep 3 times.
Push button on/off
Your Siemens hearing instruments may be programmed to
allow you to turn them on and off using the program button.
To turn the instrument off using the program button, press
and hold the button for 3–5 seconds. To turn it back on, press
and hold the program button for 3–5 seconds. Please note
that after having turned the hearing instrument off using the
program button, you must wait approximately 10 seconds for
the system to reset before turning it back on again by using
the program button.
Power on delay
Your hearing instruments may be equipped with an
advanced power-on delay feature. This feature delays
sound from entering your hearing instruments when
they are first turned on so that you may insert the
instruments into your ears without experiencing
unpleasant feedback (whistling).
Low battery indicator
Your hearing instrument may be programmed to
inform you when the battery should be replaced for
best performance. You may hear an intermittent series
of beeps and/or experience low amplification power or
volume. Change the battery immediately if either of these
should occur.

LISTENING TIPS
24 LISTENING TIPS 25
• Encourageonepersontospeakatatimewhenyouare
engaging in group conversation.
• Listentoradioandtelevisionprogramsasyou
normally would.
• Experimentndingthebestplacetositforoptimum
hearing in public places like the theater, school auditoriums,
religious services, etc. If possible, choose a seat that is far
away from any source of distracting noise, such as a fan
or an open window, and where you have a good view of
the person speaking.
Listening Tips
• Giveyourselftimetobecomeaccustomedtoyournew
hearing instruments. During this period, you may prefer to
wear your hearing instruments for only a portion of the day,
and then gradually increase your usage throughout your
normal routine each day.
• Youmayndthataquietenvironmentismorecomfortable
 inthebeginningoftheadjustmentperiod.Gradually
introduce new listening environments as your ears
become accustomed to hearing instrument amplification.
• Ifyouareanewhearinginstrumentuser,beawarethat
there are sounds, both pleasant and unpleasant, that you
may not have heard in a long time.
• Askthepeoplewithwhomyouareconversingtoattract
your attention before speaking to you. If you don’t
understand what someone has said, ask the speaker
to slow down or say it in another way, but not to shout.
• Innoisyordifcultenvironments,youmaynditeasier
to understand speech by facing the speaker. Focus on
reading lips and observing facial expressions and body
language. Be aware that in some situations, it may be
too noisy to understand what is being said.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE
26 MAINTENANCE AND CARE 27
Fig. 17: Using the dome
Wax protection in place
 • Donotexposeyourhearinginstrumenttoextreme
temperature or high humidity.
 • Donotleaveitindirectsunlight.
 • Donotwearitintheshowerorwhenyouapplymakeup,
perfume, aftershave, hairspray or suntan lotion.
 • Donotwearyourhearinginstrumentswhenyouare
exposed to short-waves, a strong magnetic field, a
high frequency field or X-rays.
Using the domes
The dome includes an integrated wax protection system
(Fig.17). For best results, it is recommended that you change
your dome as needed.
Maintenance and Care
Hearing instruments should be cleaned daily. You can wipe
them with a tissue or a soft cloth. Do not use water, alcohol,
benzene, or any other liquid or household cleaning agent to
clean your instruments as it may cause damage to them.
Always store your hearing instruments (and Receiver Unit)
inside the case.
Remove the batteries to prevent damage from corrosion when
storing hearing instruments for an extended period of time.
Store the instruments in a dry area, preferably at room
temperature. If you perspire heavily or live in an area of high
humidity, you may find it beneficial to use a DRI-AID™kit when
the instruments are not in use. This product can be purchased
from your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider.
Note: The charger can be used instead of the DRI-AID kit. Refer to
the Maintenance and Care section of the charger instruction
manual for further information.
Never immerse your hearing instruments in water!
Note: Your hearing instrument is sensitive to extreme heat, high
humidity, strong magnetic fields (>0.1T), X-rays and
mechanical stress.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE
28 MAINTENANCE AND CARE 29
Replacing the dome (non click dome receivers)
Holding the receiver unit in one hand, grasp the dome
between the thumb and index finger of your other hand.
Then remove the dome from the receiver. Place the new dome
onthereceiverunit.Makesureitissecurebeforeplacingitin
your ear (Fig. 19).
Caution: Do not place the receiver in your ear without
the dome.
Warning: If the dome becomes detached in your ear,
contact your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider or
physician immediately.
Fig. 19: Replacing the dome
Cleaning instructions for domes
Cerumen (ear wax) on the dome may affect sound quality.
Listen for any changes in how your hearing instrument is
performing. If wax has built up, it can be easily removed with
the cleaning cloth or a soft tissue (Fig. 18). Do not use water,
alcohol, benzene or any other liquid or household cleaning
agent or liquid to clean your instruments or domes, as it may
cause damage.
Note: Never use sharp objects for cleaning, as they may damage
the dome. Never use running water or immerse the instrument
in water. Never use pressure or rotating action while cleaning.
Fig. 18: Cleaning the dome

MAINTENANCE AND CARE
30 MAINTENANCE AND CARE 31
Replacing the receiver unit
The receiver unit can be changed as needed by your
Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider. If the receiver
becomes detached from the instrument follow these
instructions to reattach it.
To join the receiver unit and amplifier, turn the receiver
unit slightly to the left (Fig. 23). Insert and turn to the
right to lock into place (Fig. 24).
It is not recommended to remove the receiver unit for
everyday use. Your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider
will change the receiver unit as needed.
Replacing the domes (click dome receivers)
Exchanging domes
The packaging of your dome has a slot on one side to remove
the dome from the receiver.
 •Insertthereceiver.
 •Tiltthereceivertowardsthepackaging.
 •Clickthetipofthereceiverunitinto
the new dome.
Exchanging double domes
 •Removetheuseddomefromthereceiver.
 •Clickthetipofthereceiverunitintothe
new dome.
click
click
Fig. 20: Domes
Fig. 23: Replacing the receiver unit
Fig. 24: Replacing the receiver unit

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS 33
PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST
32
Health Considerations
If soreness or skin irritation develops, discontinue wearing
your hearing instrument, and bring the instrument and
earmold to your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider. If
soreness persists, discontinue wearing the hearing instrument
and see your physician. If excessive earwax accumulates when
wearing your hearing instruments, consult your Audiologist or
Hearing Care Provider.
Problem Cause Possible Solution
Sound is
weak
Instrument
emits
whistling
sound
Sound is
distorted
Instrument
does not
work
Insert new standard battery or
charge rechargeable battery
Clean instrument and/or
change dome
Clean or change dome
Change microphone cover
Try reinserting the receiver
until it fits securely
Lower volume with the
remote control
Clean or change dome OR
contact your Audiologist or
Hearing Care Provider
Lower volume with the
remote control
Open then close battery
compartment
Charge or replace battery
Gentlyclosethebattery
compartment completely
Charge or replace battery
Makesurebatteryis
inserted correctly
Wait 15 seconds and
check again
Clean instrument and/or
change dome
Weak or dead battery
Instrument clogged
Volume too low
Dome clogged with wax
or debris
Microphonecoverclogged
Improper seating in ear
Volume too high
Clogged with wax or
excessive wax in ears
Volume too high
Instrument not turned on
Weak battery
Battery compartment
not completely closed
Dead battery
Battery polarity reversed
Power-on delay is active
Performance Checklist
If the solutions in this checklist do not address a particular
issue you are having with your hearing instruments, consult
your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider.

IMPORTANT NOTICES
34 IMPORTANT NOTICES 35
Important Notices
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, 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.
Important notice for prospective
hearing instrument wearers
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 hearing instruments. 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 hearing instruments are
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
hearing instruments.
The physician will refer you to an Audiologist or Hearing Care
Provider, as appropriate, for a hearing instrument evaluation.
The Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider will conduct a
hearing instrument evaluation to assess your ability to hear
with and without hearing instruments. The hearing instrument
evaluation will enable the Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider
to select and fit hearing instruments for 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Audiologists
or Hearing Care Providers now offer programs that permit
you to wear a hearing instrument for a period of time for a
nominal fee after which you may decide if you want to
purchase the hearing instrument.
Only those fully informed adults who have either obtained
medical evaluation from a licensed physician or signed
a waiver statement declining the medical evaluation for
religious or personal beliefs that preclude consultation with
a physician may purchase hearing instruments. The exercise
of such a waiver is not in your best health interest and its use
is strongly discouraged.

IMPORTANT NOTICES
36 IMPORTANT NOTICES 37
Warning to Audiologists or
Hearing Care Providers
An Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider should advise a
prospective hearing instrument user to consult promptly
with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) before
dispensing a hearing instrument if the Audiologist or Hearing
Care Provider 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.
•Acuteorchronicdizziness.
•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.
•Unilateralhearinglossofsuddenorrecentonsetwithin
the previous 90 days.
•Audiometricair-bonegapequaltoorgreaterthan
15 decibels (dB) at 500 Hertz (Hz), 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz.
•Visibleevidenceofsignicantcerumenaccumulationor
a foreign body in the ear canal.
•Painordiscomfortintheear.
Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting
a hearing instrument whose maximum sound pressure
level exceeds 132 decibels (dB), because there may be
risk of impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing
instrument user.
A hearing instrument will not restore normal hearing and
will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment resulting
from organic conditions.
The use of hearing instruments is only part of hearing
rehabilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory
training and instructions in lip reading. Consistent use of
amplification is recommended. In most cases, infrequent use
of hearing instruments does not permit the wearer to attain
the full benefit of amplification.