SpeechEasy CIC Maintenance manual

Care and Maintenance Manual

Congratulations!
We wish you every success with your new fluency tool and feel confident in the knowledge
that its effects will dramatically improve your life.
Please keep this manual in a safe place and refer to it often as questions arise on the use
and care of your SpeechEasy®device
Your new SpeechEasy device will require attention in order to keep it in top working
condition. The device is designed and manufactured to provide you with many years of
superior performance, but only with proper care and maintenance. The information in this
booklet will help you to care and maintain your SpeechEasy and ultimately extend the life
of your new investment. Please take the time to read this manual and familiarize yourself
on the use and care of your new SpeechEasy device.
CONTENTS
Getting Familiar 2
Battery Information 6
Operating Your SpeechEasy 10
Insertion and Removal 12
Daily Cleaning and General Care 15
Tips and Hints 23
Troubleshooting 28
Customer Support 30
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3
Completely in Canal (CIC)
1. Microphone
2. Wax Guard
3. External Volume
Control (optional)
4. Battery Door
5. Vent
6. Extraction Cord
Every SpeechEasy device is unique and can be identified by its serial number. The location
will differ depending on the type of device you have. For CIC and ITC devices the number
will be imbedded in the custom acrylic shell—BTE serial numbers will be placed inside the
curve of the battery door. This serial number is specific to you and your device only and
allows us to track problems or repairs. Please take a moment and enter this serial number
in the area provided above for future reference.
Getting Familiar
In the Canal (ITC)
1. Wax Guard
2. Vent
3. Volume Control
4. Dual Memory
Pushbutton
5. Microphone
6. Battery Door
7. Programming Port
(with port cover)
Behind the Ear (BTE)
1. Volume Control
2. Custom Earmold
(optional)
3. Dual Memory
Pushbutton
4. Battery Door
Your Device
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
SERIAL NUMBER
CIC ITC BTE
LEFT RIGHT
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4

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YOUR KIT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A FOUR PACK OF BATTERIES, A VENT TOOL
(IF DEVICE IS EQUIPPED WITH A VENT TUBE), AN EAR IMPRESSION/CLEAR
SILICONE INVESTMENT (CIC/ITC ONLY) AND TWO MAGNETIC WANDS (CIC ONLY).
Your SpeechEasy is supplied with a Care and Maintenance Kit to aid in the daily
cleaning and care of your device. If your kit is lost or you require additional pieces
contact your SpeechEasy Provider or Janus Development Group to purchase another.
Your Care and Maintenance Kit
Getting Familiar continued
NOTE:
YOUR DRY AID KIT WILL REQUIRE OCCASIONAL HEATING TO REMOVE MOISTURE
THAT ACCUMULATES IN ITS DESICCANT PILLOW. TO DO SO, PUT THE DESICCANT
PILLOW ONLY IN THE MICROWAVE. MICROWAVE THE PILLOW IN THIRTY SECOND
INTERVALS UNTIL FIVE TO TEN PERCENT OF THE BEADS ARE BLUE.
MICROWAVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
DESICCANT PILLOW. USE CAUTION WHEN REMOVING AS IT MAY BE HOT.
NEVER PUT YOUR SPEECHEASY IN THE MICROWAVE. THIS WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE
DAMAGE TO THE DEVICE.
DRY AID KIT
KEYCHAIN BATTERY HOLDER
SPEECHEASY POCKET CASE
WAX BRUSH AND WIRE PICK

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Battery sizes
All batteries are zinc-air type, and come in color-coded packaging. When
purchasing new batteries make sure to buy the size and color that correspond
with your device.
ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE BATTERY DOOR WITH THE BATTERY INSERTED
INCORRECTLY WILL DAMAGE YOUR SPEECHEASY DEVICE. NEVER FORCE THE DOOR
CLOSED! SEVERE DAMAGE WILL OCCUR FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION.
CIC = 10 (yellow) *ITC = 312 (brown) BTE = 13 (orange)
Installing the battery
• Unlike normal alkaline batteries, zinc-air batteries must be activated before use.
• Remove the colored adhesive tab from the battery and set aside.
• Open the battery compartment by holding the device firmly between your thumb
and forefinger while using a fingernail to ease the battery door open.
• Match the plus sign (+) on top of the battery with the plus sign on the edge of
the battery compartment. Slide the battery into the compartment (note that the
battery will only fit one way) and close the door slowly.
• If the door does not close smoothly, check and insure that the battery is
inserted properly
Battery Information
*PLEASE NOTE: SOME ITC DEVICES MAY USE SIZE 10 BATTERY.

Battery Information continued
Battery notes
• The adhesive tab should be removed from the battery ten to twenty seconds
prior to installing into the device.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or purse. Contact with other metal
objects may short out the batteries.
Battery warnings
• Keep your batteries out of reach of small children and pets.
• Never change batteries in front of small children.
• Never let children play with batteries.
• Dispose of batteries immediately in a receptacle that is inaccessible to children.
• Never incinerate batteries.
• Never put batteries in your mouth for any reason.
• Always check medication before swallowing; batteries have been
mistaken for tablets.
IF A BATTERY IS SWALLOWED, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE NATIONAL BUTTON
BATTERY INGESTION HOTLINE AT [phone] FOR COUNSEL ON TREATMENT.
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Operating Your SpeechEasy
Turning device on and off
For ITC and BTE devices:
• Turn on by rotating volume control forward (towards your face).
• Turn off by rotating volume control backwards until it clicks into the off position.
For CIC devices:
• CIC devices cannot be turned off via the volume control.
• To turn on insert a battery in the door and close the compartment.
• To turn off the CIC device open the battery door (the battery may remain
inserted in the door).
Operating the Dual Memory Feature
Your SpeechEasy comes equipped with a dual memory feature. This allows your
device to store two separate DAF and FAF settings that can be switched with
either a pushbutton or magnetic wand.
For CIC devices:
• Using the magnetic wand that came with your device, tap the faceplate near the
battery door to switch to the second set of DAF/FAF settings.
• Repeat to return to your primary settings.
• Extra magnetic wands can be ordered from Janus Development Group for a
small fee.
For ITC and BTE devices:
• Press the pushbutton on the faceplate (below the volume control for the BTE) to
switch to the second set of DAF/FAF settings.
• Repeat to return to your primary settings.
Before placing your SpeechEasy device in your ear ensure that the battery is
inserted properly and the door is firmly closed.

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Insertion and Removal
ITC
To insert, hold the device between your thumb and forefinger with the volume control
toward the top of your ear. Gently insert the device into your ear canal until it fits snugly
and securely.
To remove, use one of two methods. First, you may simply reach into your ear with
your thumb and forefinger and gently pull the device out. However, you may find it
easier to gently massage the area behind your ear lobe to slide the device out of your
ear canal.
CIC
To insert, hold the device with the extraction cord between your thumb and forefinger
with the microphone opening at the top of the device. From here simply guide the
device into your ear canal until you feel resistance. From this point you may let go of
the cord and push the device with your finger until it fits comfortably inside your ear
canal. To ease insertion you may want to pull down on your ear lobe with your other
hand as you push.
To remove, slowly pull the extraction cord outward.
BTE
To insert, hold the soft custom earmold on the outer side near the tubing with your
thumb and forefinger. Insert the canal tip of the earmold into your ear canal. Gently
press the earmold into place with your finger. Complete the process by placing the
BTE device behind your ear with the plastic tubing wrapped over the top.
To remove, take the device from behind your ear and pull the earmold outward. Pulling
down on the ear lobe with your other hand may help ease removal of the earmold.

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Your SpeechEasy is a precision instrument and regular care will reduce the need
for service or repair. Make a habit of cleaning your device on a daily basis to keep
it operating in optimum condition. At the end of each day you should:
• Clean the device over a soft cloth laid on a table or desk. This will reduce the risk
of damage should you drop the device.
• Using the small wax brush provided in your Care and Maintenance Kit gently
brush away any wax or other particles that may have accumulated around the
canal, microphone inlet, volume control, dual memory pushbutton or battery door.
• Wipe the acrylic shell with a soft cloth or facial tissue.
• Clean the wax guard as directed below (depending on how your device is
equipped).
• Open the battery door and store your SpeechEasy overnight in the Dry Aid Kit
included in your Care and Maintenance Kit. This will draw out any moisture that
has accumulated over the day’s usage.
Insertion and Removal continued
NOTE:
• NEVER USE THE BATTERY DOOR TO REMOVE ANY DEVICE FROM YOUR EAR.
IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS AND DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.
• IF YOUR DEVICE IS NOT PROPERLY INSERTED WHISTLING (FEEDBACK)
AND/OR DISCOMFORT MAY OCCUR.
• SHOULD YOU FEEL UNDUE PRESSURE OR DISCOMFORT AFTER PROPERLY INSERTING
YOUR DEVICE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SPEECHEASY PROVIDER.
• WEARING AN IMPROPERLY FITTED DEVICE MAY LEAD TO MORE
SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS
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Daily Cleaning and General Care

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Cleaning devices with a Vent Tube
Using the Vent Tool provided in your kit, clean the vent tube (if equipped—size
restrictions will apply) by sliding the tool gently from the vent hole on the top of
the device (as shown above) and exiting out the vent hole near the wax guard. This
will free any accumulated wax from the vent tube.
Cleaning devices with a Flip-Top Wax Guard
A Flip-Top Wax Guard is a red or blue hinged door fixed to the end of the device.
The wax guard covers the sound outlet of your instrument. This allows wax to
accumulate on the underside of the door while restricting wax from entering the
speaker and damaging components. On a daily basis:
• Open the guard with your fingernail or the wire end of your wax brush.
• While supporting the guard with your fingertip (as shown above) gently brush
away any accumulation from the underside of the guard.
• Be sure that you are brushing wax away from outlet rather than into it.
• Once clean, close the wax guard gently until it clicks.
• If your wax guard becomes damaged promptly contact your SpeechEasy Provider.
Daily Cleaning and General Care continued
NEVER USE ALCOHOL, WATER OR SOLVENTS TO CLEAN YOUR SPEECHEASY!
REMEMBER, YOUR SPEECHEASY REQUIRES DAILY CLEANING TO STAY OPERABLE.
THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE FOR FAILURE IN SPEECHEASY DEVICES IS DIRECTLY
RELATED TO THE LACK OF DAILY CLEANING AND REMOVAL OF WAX. WAX AND
MOISTURE ACCUMULATION WILL LEAD TO THE EVENTUAL DAMAGE OF THE
INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR DEVICE. HOWEVER, THIS DAMAGE IS RELATIVELY
EASY TO PREVENT. BY PERFORMING THESE CLEANING STEPS EVERY DAY, YOU CAN
DRAMATICALLY EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR DEVICE.

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Cleaning devices with an Extended Receiver Tube
An Extended Receiver Tube is a silicone tube extending beyond the acrylic shell
of your device. This prevents wax from entering the sound outlet, and is utilized in
cases where a Flip-Top Wax Guard will not fit.
• Hold the device in a diagonal manner so any accumulated wax in the tube will
fall free.
• Using the wax brush gently brush away any accumulated wax around the outside
of the tube or in the area where the tube meets the acrylic shell.
• Finally, use the wire loop on the opposite end of the wax brush to loosen any
visible wax from inside the Extended Receiver Tube (as shown above).
• If your Extended Receiver Tube becomes damaged promptly contact your
SpeechEasy Provider.
Cleaning BTE devices and custom ear molds
Since the electronic components of a behind-the-ear SpeechEasy device do not
enter the ear there is less maintenance that must be performed. However, general
cleaning of the device remains necessary to provide trouble-free service.
• Wipe the plastic shell with a soft cloth or facial tissue to remove any dirt,
debris or perspiration.
• Using the wax brush, brush away any build-up from the volume control, dual
memory pushbutton or battery door (as shown above).
• On occasion, remove the custom earmold from the BTE device and soak it in
warm, soapy water. Rinse the earmold and allow to air dry before re-attaching
to the BTE device.
DO NOT SOAK THE BTE UNIT IN WATER.
Daily Cleaning and General Care continued

General Care
Avoid heat
• Do not place your SpeechEasy near stoves, radiators, heat lamps, open flames
or in direct sunlight.
• Do not wear the device when using a hair dryer or while applying hair spray or
perfumes.
Avoid moisture
• Your SpeechEasy should never be worn in or near saunas, steam baths, regular
baths, vaporizers or showers.
• SpeechEasy should never be worn while swimming or participating in
water-related activities.
• Protect your device from rain and snow.
• Perspiration can also damage your device—be sure to dry your device regularly
with a soft cloth or facial tissue when you perspire.
• If the device happens to get wet, open the battery door, remove the battery and
allow the device to dry inside the dry aid kit overnight. If the device still produces
no sound contact your SpeechEasy Provider.
• Insure your ear is completely dry after a shower or swimming before
inserting your device.
• Never attempt to dry your device with a hair dryer.
Cold weather tips
• Your device will function well in cold conditions.
• Battery life may suffer as temperatures drop—prepare for this and carry spare
batteries with you if you will be exposed to cold weather for an extended time.
Handle with care
• Avoid dropping your SpeechEasy—especially on hard surfaces.
• When not in use, always store your device in the provided hard case.
• We recommend that you insert your SpeechEasy while seated to prevent dropping.
• Avoid leaving your device where it may be exposed to extreme heat or cold.
• Never attempt to repair your SpeechEasy.
Daily Cleaning and General Care continued
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Listen to the device
The fluency that SpeechEasy can help to induce is not entirely automatic.
Depending on the individual, a degree of effort may be required in order to pay
attention to the feedback coming from the device. Most users find that after a
few days of actively reminding themselves to listen to the feedback through the
device, this process becomes fairly automatic.
Daily Cleaning and General Care continued
REMEMBER—SPEECHEASY TAKES PRACTICE! THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
HEARING THE SIGNAL AND ACTUALLY LISTENING TO THE SIGNAL. MAXIMUM
BENEFIT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH REGULAR PRACTICE. IF YOU EVER HAVE
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR NEED HELP ACHIEVING YOUR FLUENCY GOALS PLEASE
CONTACT YOUR SPEECHEASY PROVIDER.
Tips and Hints
• Never store your SpeechEasy within reach of children or pets
• Carry several spare batteries with you on your keychain in case of emergencies.
• If you tend to perspire excessively, an electronic drying kit (available from a
hearing aid dealer) may be very helpful in protecting your device from damage
caused by moisture.
REMEMBER—CONTINUOUS USE WILL MAXIMIZE YOUR ENJOYMENT AND BENEFIT.
WEAR YOUR SPEECHEASY OFTEN.
IN ADDITION TO THE CLEANING PROCESS DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL, WE
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE YOUR DEVICE PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED
PERIODICALLY. YOUR SPEECHEASY PROVIDER CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE WHEN AND
WHERE THIS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.

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Tips and Hints continued
Use a starter
You should take some time to practice each day by reading aloud using the “uh”
method. During the reading, each time you naturally stop to take in a breath,
start speaking again using an “uh” sound. Follow this regimen for at least ten
minutes in the morning and again at night (even though you may already be fluent
when you read aloud to yourself). This simple exercise can lead to a continuing
improvement in your conversational speech.
Minimizing anticipation
The SpeechEasy can significantly enhance your fluency, but thoughts and feelings
of expecting to stutter may linger for awhile. For years you may have expected
to stutter every time you spoke, but with an ongoing improvement in fluency,
this will change. In the early stages of adjusting to the SpeechEasy, many users
Stretch vowel sounds.
Stretching vowels can help achieve the inhibition needed to go through difficult
sounds. As you approach a sound you know is difficult, attempt to stretch the
vowel sounds on a few words prior to the difficult sound. You can also apply this
technique by stretching the vowel sound on small words throughout your reading
and/or conversation. (For example, words like I, the, and, out, of, etc.)
Perform ‘warm-up’ exercises
Every time you put your SpeechEasy in your ear, take a minute to do some
“warm-up” exercises to get accustomed to listening to the signal again. Simple
recitations, such as counting to ten or saying the months of the year, are effective
exercises. While performing these exercises, be sure to listen to the device and to
be conscious of the signal.

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Tips and Hints continued
day. Instead, limit your amount of exposure to these difficult encounters while
simultaneously gaining confidence and experience using your SpeechEasy. You
should find that as time progresses, your difficult situations will become less
frequent and easier to manage.
Experience the process
Even though your experience using the SpeechEasy in the Provider’s clinic was
quite an event, you will be going through an adjustment process of adapting to
the use of your new aid. Some points that will require adaptation are: getting
accustomed to the signal in your ear, learning to listen to the second signal,
gradually taking on more challenging speaking situations, and learning how to
make the SpeechEasy work best for you. All of these items will take time – be
patient and pace yourself during this process.
state that they expect to stutter on a word and are surprised when they do not. In
addition to using an “uh” between utterances as described in the section above,
you might find it beneficial to also add an “uh” before a word you anticipate you
will stutter on. You may need to experiment to determine if you really need to do
this – or to determine the degree to which you may need to do it. The signal from
the SpeechEasy and the routine application of an “uh” may be sufficient for you.
Should you apply this technique, focus on the “uh” as you blend into the word,
not on the word itself.
Ease into difficult situations
Immediate perfection with the SpeechEasy is an unrealistic expectation. Do not
feel like you should immediately be fluent in areas where you typically have the
most difficulty. For example, if you have a great deal of trouble being fluent while
using the telephone, do not feel pressured to make several phone calls in one

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Ear wax blockage is the most common cause of low or no sound. To remove wax
accumulation from your device, see the Cleaning and Maintenance section of this
manual or contact your SpeechEasy Provider for more information.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
LOW VOLUME / NO SOUND WAX IN SOUND OUTLET
OR MICROPHONE CLEAN
BATTERY REPLACE
INTERMITTENT OR SCRATCHY WEAK BATTERY REPLACE
INTERNAL MOISTURE USE DRY AID KIT
WAX IN SOUND OUTLET CLEAN
WHISTLE (FEEDBACK) VOLUME TO HIGH READJUST
EAR WAX CLEAN DEVICE
CLEAN EAR
NOT PROPERLY INSERTED REINSERT
LOSS OR GAIN OF WEIGHT SEE SPEECHEASY PROVIDER
SOUND DISTORTED WAX IN SOUND OUTLET
OR MICROPHONE CLEAN
WEAK BATTERY REPLACE
INTERNAL MOISTURE USE DRY AID KIT
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE TOOTHPICKS, PINS, NEEDLES OR OTHER SHARP OBJECTS
TO CLEAN YOUR DEVICE AS THIS COULD CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE. DEPENDING
ON THE DEPTH AND DEGREE OF THE BLOCKAGE IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO HAVE
YOUR DEVICE PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED. CONTACT YOUR SPEECHEASY PROVIDER
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Troubleshooting

If you are unable to contact your SpeechEasy Provider for service, please contact
Janus Development Group for authorized service. Our customer service staff will
help you find a local SpeechEasy Provider or directly handle your repair through
our facility. We may be reached at:
Janus Development Group, Inc.
112 Staton Rd.
Greenville, NC 27834
Website: www.speecheasy.com
E-Mail: [email protected]
Toll Free: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
FDA warning
The use of a device in the ear may increase the accumulation of ear wax or cause
skin irritation. If you notice any irritation, or if wax builds up rapidly, please consult
your SpeechEasy Provider.
Hearing warning
The use of SpeechEasy at excessive volume has the potential to cause hearing
damage. It is our recommendation that the volume only be increased to a point
where hearing is comfortable. If you experience ringing in your ears or any other
discomfort, discontinue use immediately and contact your SpeechEasy provider.
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Customer Support

Extended warranty service plan
You’ve chosen to invest in your fluency – now choose to protect your investment.
In addition to the 1-year limited manufacturers warranty that comes standard with
every SpeechEasy device, Janus Development Group, Inc. now offers Extended
Warranty Service Plans for your device. Our Extended Warranty Service Plans serve
as extensions of your original 1-year manufacturers limited warranty - and can be
purchased in lengths of 1 or 2 additional years. If you device fails for any reason
due to materials or workmanship, we will repair or replace the device as necessary
at no charge. Full terms and conditions are enclosed in case.
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Janus Development Group
112 Staton Road
Greenville, NC 27834
www.speecheasy.com
T: 252.551.9042
877.4.FLUENCY (1.877.435.8362)
E: [email protected]
F: 252.413.0950