Starkey Aspect User manual

Aspect &
Aspect Xtra
OPERATIONS MANUAL
On-The-Ear

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Your On-The-Ear Instrument (OTE) ...................3
Handling Your Instrument ..........................7
Batteries .......................................8
Insertion and Removal.............................11
On and Off .....................................15
Volume Levels ...................................16
Feedback.......................................17
Using The Telephone..............................18
OTE Care ......................................20
Avoiding Moisture ................................21
Cleaning .......................................23
Put it away ......................................27
Service and Repair................................28
Troubleshooting Guide ............................29
Tips for Better Communication ......................30
FDA Required Information .........................31

Congratulations on your decision to enjoy
better hearing with your new On-The-Ear (OTE)
hearing instrument.
The OTE is a unique and ideal combination
of sophisticated digital electronics, natural sound
quality, simplicity and virtually invisible appearance.
For maximum effectiveness, this mix of features
needs one additional, vital element: you.
A positive attitude and willingness to relearn
hearing and listening techniques will
make your world a better-sounding place.
The OTE consists of a discreet instrument
containing the digital sound processor, which is
connected by the tubing to a specially-sized
earbud or custom earmold that fits comfortably in
your ear.
Your OTE is programmed to match your particular
hearing requirements. These parameters have
been set by your Hearing Professional or the
manufacturer and are not adjustable by the wearer.
32
YOUR ON-THE-EAR INSTRUMENT

The OTE has a colored area where the tubing
connects to the instrument. This color indicates
the proper side to wear your OTE.
1: Tubing
2: Left/Right
indicator
3: Microphone
Opening
4: Instrument Case
5: Earbud
6: Retention Lock
7: Battery
compartment
BLUE is for the
LEFT EAR,
RED is for the
RIGHT EAR
Optional Exact Fit
Custom Shell
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
54
YOUR ON-THE-EAR INSTRUMENTYOUR ON-THE-EAR INSTRUMENT

Your OTE is smaller than most other regularly
handled items. Changing and removing batteries
and cleaning your instrument are new skills that
may take some practice to perform correctly.
It is best to perform most of these tasks while
seated at a table or desk, above a soft surface such
as a towel, to reduce the risk of dropping the
instrument or battery.
Each instrument can be identified by its serial
number, located on the inside spine. The
manufacturer and model name are also shown
in this location.
00-000000
Serial
number
Manufacturer’s name
and Model name
76
HANDLING YOUR INSTRUMENTYOUR ON-THE-EAR INSTRUMENT

Remove an existing battery
by pulling it out of the fully
opened side of the door.
Place the new battery in
the compartment with the
plus side (+) facing the
same way as the + sign
on the instrument.
Close the battery
compartment by swinging
thedoor until it snaps shut. NEVER FORCE THE
DOOR SHUT. This could result in serious damage.
If the door will not close securely, check that the
battery is placed properly in the compartment.
Your OTE uses a size 10A battery. This size is
identified by the yellow color code on hearing
instrument battery packaging. Always be sure to
use the correct size and type cell.
An indicator tone will sound when the battery’s
voltage is low. You should replace the battery when
you hear the tone.
To replace the battery,
open the battery
compartment by placing
your fingernail under the
edge of the swing-out
door and gently pull
away from the instrument.
9
8
BATTERIESBATTERIES

Never put batteries in your mouth for any reason,
as they can easily be unintentionally swallowed.
Before placing your OTE into your ear, be sure
the battery is inserted
correctly and the
compartment door
is closed correctly.
To insert, hold
the instrument
by the tubing
with your thumb
and forefinger on
the outer side
of the earbud
or custom shell.
Because batteries can vary in size and performance,
your Hearing Professional is your best source for
lifespan estimates and verification that you are
using the proper size and type.
WARNING: HEARING INSTRUMENT BATTERIES
ARE DANGEROUS IF SWALLOWED
NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY
INGESTION HOTLINE [phone]
Dispose of spent battery cells immediately in
the proper waste or recycling receptacle.
Keep battery cells out of the reach of children to
help prevent accidental ingestion.
Always check your medication before ingesting –
batteries have been mistaken for pills.
11
10
INSERTIONBATTERIES

Gently insert the
earbud or custom
shell into your
ear canal.
Carefully place
the instrument
case behind
your ear.
Move the flexible
retention lock into
place by first
curling and
lifting the lock tip
into the bowl of
your ear.
Use your finger
to push the lock
into a secure
position.
Earbud Custom Shell
13
12
INSERTIONINSERTION

Your OTE is “on” any time a functioning battery
is properly placed in the battery compartment and
the battery door is closed.
To turn the instrument “off,” simply open the
battery compartment door so the battery is no
longer in contact with the internal components.
To preserve battery life, this is recommended
any time the instrument is not in use.
To remove, take
the instrument
case out from
behind your head,
and the retention
lock out of the ear.
Hold the tubing
with your thumb
and forefinger
and gently pull
the earbud or custom shell out.
Minor irritation may occur as your ear becomes
accustomed to having an object in and on it. If
conditions persist or worsen over several days,
consult your Hearing Professional.
15
14
ON AND OFFREMOVAL

When your OTE is “on,” when you are inserting or
removing your instrument, or when you use the
telephone, you may hear a whistling sound known
as feedback.
Feedback is caused by amplified sounds
escaping from the ear and reflecting back into
the instrument’s microphone. It is most likely to
occur during insertion, removal and when using
the telephone. It should cease when you move
your hand or telephone away from the instrument.
If feedback persists after the instrument
has been inserted correctly, contact your
Hearing Professional.
Your OTE has been
programmed to the
most appropriate
volume level by your
Hearing Professional.
There is no volume
control on the
instrument. If your
OTE is consistently
too loud or too soft,
contact your Hearing
Professional for advice
and adjustment.
16 17
FEEDBACKVOLUME LEVELS

Adjusting to the
radio will depend
on the environment
in which you’re
listening, and
whether it is an
AM or FM station.
It will likely be more
challenging to
understand an
AM station while in
an automobile than
an FM station
playing on a larger,
home stereo system.
Your OTE is designed to
work with your telephone
without removing the
instrument or earbud. Place
the telephone handset directly
over your ear. Some practice
and experimentation may be
necessary to find the best
phone position.
TV viewing can take a little longer to get used to
than live speech because of music, sound effects
and overall pace. Depending on the sophistication
of your TV’s audio system, sit eight to ten feet in
front of the screen with the TV volume set to a
comfortable level for others.
19
18
USING THE TELEPHONE, TV AND RADIOUSING THE TELEPHONE, TV AND RADIO

Your OTEs represent a significant investment in
your hearing and quality of life. Like any precision
instrument, they require proper care. Heat,
moisture and foreign substances can degrade
performance or interrupt operations of your OTEs.
Proper preventive care and maintenance will ensure
trouble-free performance of your OTEs. This
includes daily cleaning on your part, as well as
regular, comprehensive examinations by your
hearing professional.
Your OTEs may be so
light and comfortable,
you may forget you
have them on. Develop
the mental habit of
checking your ears
before swimming,
bathing, or applying
hairspray. Do the same
with clothing pockets
before laundering.
Should it get wet,
NEVER attempt to dry
your OTE in an oven,
W
W
W
21
20
OTE CARE AVOIDING MOISTURE

microwave, or with a hair dryer – the heat will most
certainly cause damage. Instead, properly dispose
of the battery and leave the battery compartment
door open. Separate the instrument, tubing and
earbud or custom shell as described on pages
24-25 and set the instrument on a towel in a safe
place to air dry. If wearing two instruments,
be sure to
keep the
color-coded
tube with its
appropriate
instrument.
All parts of your OTE should
be cleaned on a daily basis.
A brush may be provided to
remove any accumulated
debris. NEVER use solvents,
cleaning chemicals, oil, or
alcohol to clean ANY part of
your instruments. It is a good idea to perform this
cleaning at a desk or table, above a soft cloth or
towel to prevent damage if you drop the instrument.
The OTE earbud or custom shell will likely
accumulate earwax and can be gently cleaned using
warm, soapy water and a cloth or brush. Be certain
the OTE instrument and tubing are detached and
far away from any moisture before cleaning.
23
22
AVOIDING MOISTURE CLEANING

When washing the earbud in a sink, be sure the
drain plug is closed, and that the earbud is
completely dry before reattaching it to the tubing
and the instrument.
To perform more extensive
cleaning, first remove the
tubing from the OTE
instrument by using your
fingernail to pull the
colored nose cone AWAY
from the instrument.
DO NOT PULL ON THE TUBING.
Replace the earbuds and tubing every 6 - 8 weeks
or as advised by your hearing professional.
Holding the tubing
by the thicker area
where the retention
lock joins the tubing,
gently pull the earbud
or custom shell
off the tube
A wax reamer may
be provided to
remove wax and
debris from inside
the tubing. To use
the reamer, insert
the line end into the
earbud opening.
25
24
CLEANING CLEANING

Push the line through the entire tubing length.
Once debris has been forced out, slowly pull the
reamer line out of the tubing.
Your Hearing Professional can provide further
information on proper maintenance procedures
and recommended replacement of your OTE
earbuds and tubing.
A container may be
provided to carry
and store your OTE
when not in use.
It can also provide
a convenient place
to keep your
instruments
overnight.
If your OTE will not
be used for an extended period of time, remove
the battery completely, place the instrument in the
container and store in a cool, dry place away from
direct sunlight or heat.
27
26
CLEANING PUT IT AWAY

If, for any reason, your OTE does not operate
properly, do NOT attempt to fix it yourself. Not
only are you likely to violate any applicable
warranties or insurance, you could easily cause
further damage.
Should your instrument fail or perform
unsatisfactorily, first check the guide on the next
page for possible solutions. If problems continue,
contact your hearing professional for advice and
assistance. They are able to solve many common
problems right in their office or clinic. If you’re
away from home, most hearing professionals are
willing to help. If you are uncertain who can
provide service, write to the address shown on
page 37.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE
CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
Not Working
Depleted
battery
Replace battery
Blocked earbud Clear blockage
Defective instrument See your hearing
professional
Not Loud Enough
Blocked earmold Clean the devices
Low battery Replace battery
Hearing changes Contact your hearing
professional
Inconsistent
performance Low battery Replace battery
Unclear, distorted
performance
Low battery Replace battery
Defective instrument See your hearing
professional
28 29
SERVICE AND REPAIR TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Your hearing care professional will recommend an
appropriate schedule to help you adapt to your
new hearing system. It will take practice, time and
patience for your brain to adapt to the new sounds
that your hearing system provides. Hearing is only
part of how we share thoughts, ideas and feelings.
Reading lips, facial expressions and gestures can
help the learning process and add to what
amplification alone may miss.
Please review the following simple
communication tips:
30 31
TIPS FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION
For You
• Move closer to and look at the speaker
• Sit face-to-face in a quiet room
• Try different locations to find the best place
to listen
• Minimize distractions
• Background noises may be frustrating at first;
remember, you have not heard them for a while
• Let others know what you need; keep in mind
that people cannot “see” your hearing loss
• Develop realistic expectations of what your
hearing instruments can and cannot do
• Better hearing with hearing instruments
is a learned skill combining desire, practice
and patience

For Your Family and Friends
Your family and friends are also affected by your
hearing loss. Request that they:
• Get your full attention before beginning
to speak
• Look at you or sit face-to-face in a quiet room
• Speak clearly and at a normal rate and level;
shouting can actually make understanding
more difficult
• Rephrase rather than repeat the same words;
different words may be easier to understand
• Minimize distractions while speaking
32 33
TIPS FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION NOTES

34 35
NOTES NOTES

The following additional information is provided in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) regulations:
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 concern-
ing the prospective user, that the prospective user has any of the following conditions
i. Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
ii. History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.
iii. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days.
iv. Acute or chronic dizziness.
v. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days.
vi. Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 Hertz (Hz),
1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz.
vii. Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the
ear canal.
viii. Pain or discomfort in the ear.
Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a hearing aid whose maximum
sound pressure level exceeds 132 decibels because there may be risk of impairing the
remaining hearing of the hearing aid user.
RF IMMUNITY LEVEL.These hearing instruments have a cell phone immunity rating
of M2. For your cell phone to be compatible with these hearing instruments, the cell
phone needs an immunity rating of M3 or higher. Please consult your cell phone
specifications for your cell phone immunity rating.
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.
37
FDA REQUIRED INFORMATION
The purpose of the 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 a hearing aid. The physician will refer you to an audiologist
or 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.
cHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS. In addition to seeing a physician for a medical eval-
uation, a child with a hearing loss should be directed to an audiologist for evaluation
and rehabilitation 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.
© Starkey World Headquarters
P.O. Box 9457, Minneapolis, MN 55440
Wm. F. Austin House, Bramhall Technology Park, Pepper Road, Hazel
Grove, Stockport SK7 5BX, United Kingdom
36
FDA REQUIRED INFORMATION