Starkey Rocker Switch RIC 312 User manual

Standard
Products
OPERATIONS MANUAL
RIC (Receiver-In-Canal)
Smartphone-Compatible
and Universal Connectivity

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Hearing Aid
Hearing Aid Controls
Rocker Switch Controls � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
Push Button Controls � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
Overview
Rocker Switch RIC 312 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4
Push Button mRIC 312 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
Preparation
Batteries/Battery Indicators � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
Insertion and Removal � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11
Operation
Power On & Off � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12
Auto On/Off � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
User Controls � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
Edge Mode � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15
Volume Control � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16
Volume Control Indicators � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17
Memory Change � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17
Mute � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18
Multiflex Tinnitus Level Control � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18
Body and Brain Tracking � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19
Directional Settings � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19
Telephone Use � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19
CROS/BiCROS Technology � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22
Multiflex Tinnitus Technology � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23
Fall Alert
Introduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 25
Auto Alert � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 25
Manual Alert � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 25
Alert Cancellation � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26
Contacts � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26
Auto Alert Sensitivity � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27
Indicators � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 28
Adjustment
Mobile Phone Use � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 29
Pairing with an iOS Device� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 30
Pairing with an Android Device � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 32
Accessories � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 33
Hearing Aid Care
Hearing Aid Care � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 34
Service and Repair � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 36
Troubleshooting Guide � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 37
Tips for Better Communication � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 38
Regulatory Information
Safety Information � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 40
FDA Information � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 41
FCC Information � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 46
Size 312 Battery - Brown Size 312 Battery - Brown

11
12
Rocker Switch RIC 312 Overview | 54 | Rocker Switch RIC 312 Overview
Features, Controls and Identification
1� Hearing aid
2� Cable
3� Receiver
4� Microphone
5� Rocker switch (user control)
6� Battery compartment (on/off control), location of
serial number
7� Location of manufacturer’s name and
model name
8� Location of left/right side receiver indicator
9� Instant fit earbud
10� Location of left/right side hearing aid indicator
11� Custom earmold (optional)
12� RIC custom power earmold (optional)
13� Retention lock
42
1
5
3
13
7
10
6
8
9

Push Button mRIC 312 Overview | 76 | Push Button mRIC 312 Overview
Features, Controls and Identification
1� Hearing aid
2� Cable
3� Receiver
4� Microphone
5� Push button (user control)
6� Battery compartment (on/off control), location of
serial number
7� Location of manufacturer’s name and
model name
8� Location of left/right side receiver indicator
9� Instant fit earbud
10� Location of left/right side hearing aid indicator
11� Custom earmold (optional)
12� RIC custom power earmold (optional)
13� Retention lock
42
13
5
13
9
6
10
7
8
11
12

Preparation | 98 | Preparation
Batteries
Your hearing aid uses a battery as its power
source� The battery size can be identified by the
brown(312)colorcode on the packaging�
To insert or replace the battery:
1� Use the finger pick on the battery door�
2� Open the battery door gently and remove the
old battery�
3� Remove the colored tab from the new battery�
For best results, wait 3–5 minutes after removing
tab before inserting battery�
4� Insert into the battery door, “+” side up�
5� Close the battery door�
Battery Indicators
An indicator will sound when the battery voltage is
low� You have approximately 30 minutes* to replace
the battery� An indicator may also sound just before
the battery stops working�
21
4
3
5
*Actual time between low battery indicator and shut down will vary depending on
environmental noise levels and brand of battery used.

WARNINGS
Batteries are dangerous if swallowed� To help prevent
the accidental ingestion of batteries:
• Keep out of reach of children and pets�
• Check your medications before taking them –
batteries have been mistaken for pills�
• Never put batteries in your mouth, as they
can easily be swallowed�
NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY
INGESTION HOTLINE: [phone]
Preparation | 1110 | Preparation
Helpful Hints
• NEVER FORCE THE BATTERY DOOR SHUT;
this could result in serious damage� If the door
will not close securely, check that the battery
is inserted correctly�
• Do not open the battery door too far or
damage is likely to occur�
• Dispose of used batteries immediately in
the proper waste or recycling container�
• Batteries 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�
Insertion and Removal
To insert the earbud or
earmold:
1� Hold the cable at the bend in
front of the receiver with your
thumb and forefinger� Gently
insert the receiver into your
ear canal�
2� Wrap the hearing aid over
the top of your ear, carefully
placing it behind your ear�
3� Place the retention lock inside
the bowl of your ear�
To remove the earbud or
earmold:
• Remove the retention lock
from the bowl of your ear�
• Remove the hearing aid from
behind your ear�
• Grasp the receiver with your
thumb and forefinger� Gently
pull out of your ear canal�
Do not pull with the hearing aid
case, as this may damage the
connection�
1
2
3

Operation | 1312 | Operation
Helpful Hints
• Minor irritation and/or inflammation may occur
as your ear becomes accustomed to having an
object in it; if so, please contact your hearing
professional� There are several different sizes of
earbuds and custom earmolds that may be more
comfortable�
• If an actual allergic reaction occurs, alternative
earmold materials are available; contact your
hearing professional�
• Severe swelling, discharge from the ear, excessive
wax or other unusual conditions warrant
immediate consultation with a physician�
Power On & Off
To turn ON:
Insert a battery and completely close the battery door�
Your hearing aid has a power-on delay which may
require a few seconds� You may hear a tone indicating
that your hearing aid is powered on�
To turn OFF:
Open the battery door until the battery is no longer
touching the battery contacts�
*Going into a low-powered state helps conserve battery consumption when used with
rechargeable hearing aids that are charged on a daily basis.
Auto On/Off
Your hearing aid may support the ability to
automatically go into a low-powered state to conserve
battery*� This control can be configured by your
hearing professional or via the Thrive Hearing Control
app� Place your hearing aid on a flat, stable surface
(e�g� a table) with your earmold or earbud facing
upwards and it will go into a low-powered state after
about 15 minutes� To resume normal hearing aid
function, pick up your hearing aid and place it in your
ear� Your hearing aid will detect this motion and switch
back on again� You may hear a tone indicating that
your hearing aid is powered on�

Operation | 1514 | Operation
User Controls
Your hearing aid’s user control may have been
customized by your hearing professional� Ask your
hearing professional how the user control on your
hearing aid is set�
Available User Control Functionality
The user control on your hearing aid
can respond differently depending
on how long you activate (press)
the button� Your hearing aid is
capable of having one function
assigned to a short press (press
and release) and one function assigned to a long
press (pressandhold)� The options selected on the
next page indicate how your particular user controls
areconfigured�
Tap Gesture
Your hearing aid may support an
additional user control� This control
can be configured by your hearing
professional to start/stop streamed
audio from a 2�4 GHz accessory by
tapping your eartwice�
Edge Mode
Edge Mode works to identify and create a temporary,
real-time adjustment tailored for challenging
environments� Upon activation, your devices use an
environmental scan to bring comfort and clarity� Ask
your hearing professional for more information�

Operation | 1716 | Operation
Assigned User Control Settings
Short Press
(Press & Release)
Long Press
(Press & Hold) Tap Gesture*
Volume Control
Memory Change
Mute
Multiflex Tinnitus Level
Start/Stop Accessory
Streaming
Balance Control
Accessory Volume
Manual Alert
Edge Mode
Thrive Assistant
*Hearing aid may support
Volume Control
Power On Volume Level
Your hearing aid has been set to a specific volume
level (VolumeHome) determined by your hearing
professional� If sounds are generally too loud or too
soft, please contact your hearing professional for
advice and adjustment�
Rocker Switch Volume Control
If your rocker switch is configured to control volume,
pressing the top part of the switch increases the
volume while pressing the lower portion of the switch
decreases volume�
Sprinkler Volume Control
If your user control is configured as a sprinkler volume
control, each time you activate the user control, the
volume of your hearing aid changes�
Continue to activate the user control until you reach
the desired loudness�
NOTE: If 10 minutes or more have passed since the
last volume change, the volume will automatically
decrease before it increases�
Volume Control Indicators
Your hearing professional may enable audible
indicators, which highlight the current volume
position�
Volume Level Tone
Volume Max 5 Beeps •••••
Volume Step(s) Short Tone –
Volume Home (Power-on volume level) 3 Beeps •••
Volume Step(s) Short Tone –
Volume Min Single Beep •
My hearing aid is configured with the following control:
Press and Release Volume Control
Press and Hold Volume Control

Operation | 1918 | Operation
Memory Change
Your hearing professional may create multiple
memories within your hearing aid� These additional
memories can be accessed by activating the user
control on your hearing aid�
If your user control is configured for memory changes,
each time you activate the user control, the memory
of your hearing aid will increment through the
available memories�
Memory Indicators
Your hearing professional may enable an audible
indicator, which is presented while making a memory
change� The indicator defaults to a voice identifying
the memory�
Mute
If your hearing aid is configured with mute
functionality, a long press and hold of the user control
will mute your hearing aid� If enabled by your hearing
professional, you may hear an indicator prior to the
hearing aid muting� To unmute your hearing aid, press
the button again and audio will be restored�
Multiflex Tinnitus Level Control
Your user control can also adjust the level of your
Multiflex Tinnitus stimulus� Please refer to the section
labeled Multiflex Tinnitus Technology (page21) for
further information�
Body and Brain Tracking
Your hearing aid may support a sensor that is capable
of tracking body and brain health and reporting it to
the Thrive app� You can easily view and manage your
health information and receive daily feedback on your
progress by viewing your Thrive Wellness Score�
Directional Settings
Your hearing aid has directional microphones to help
improve speech understanding in noisy situations�
Ask your hearing professional about your particular
directional settings�
My hearing aids have the following telephone setting(s):
Automatic Telephone Memory and Automatic Telecoil�
See below
Manual Telephone Memory and Manual Telecoil�
See next page (Memory # ________________ )
None
Telephone Use
Some hearing aids can be customized with features to
help you effectively communicate on the telephone�
Ask your hearing professional about your telephone
solution�

Operation | 2120 | Operation
Automatic Telephone Memory
These options activate the telephone memory
automatically when used with a hearing aid
compatible telephone� To use, place the telephone
receiver on your ear as you normally would and the
hearing aid will automatically select the telephone
memory� It might be necessary to move the telephone
receiver slightly to find the best reception� Once the
telephone is removed from the ear, the hearing aid
will switch back to the last used memory�
NOTE: Consult with your hearing professional if your
hearing aid does not switch to the telephone memory
automatically, if it is enabled�
Manual Telephone Memory
Manual access allows you to switch the hearing
aids into a telephone memory, as needed� Ask
your hearing professional which memory you
should access for manual telephone use�
General Telephone Use
Some hearing aids work best by
holding the phone close to, but
not fully covering your ear� In some
instances, if you encounter whistling
(feedback), tilt the receiver at an
angle until the whistling stops�
Additionally, the hearing aid in the
non-phone ear (ear opposite the
phone) may switch to a telephone
setting to reduce background
sounds� Your hearing professional
can provide instructions and
techniques for your specific needs�
Ear-to-Ear Phone Streaming
The telephone memory in your hearing aid may be
equipped with an ear-to-ear phone streaming option�
When you enter your telephone memory, the audio
from your telephone will be streamed from the phone
ear’s hearing aid to the opposite ear’s hearing aid�
This allows you to hear the telephone conversation in
both ears� Ask your hearing professional about your
particular telephone settings�

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology | 2322 | CROS/BiCROS Technology
Introduction
A Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) hearing
system is a type of hearing aid that is used to treat
unilateral hearing loss� It takes sound from the ear with
poorer hearing and transmits it to the ear with better
hearing� CROS only picks up sound from the unaidable
ear, while BiCROS picks up sound from both ears�
Balance Control
Your hearing system uses the button to adjust the
balance between the hearing aid and the transmitter�
This control adjusts the level of sound coming from
the transmitter� Press and release the button until
the desired level is reached� Each press and release
changes the balance level one increment�
NOTE: Balance Control is only applicable for BiCROS
memories�
CROS Streaming
Your hearing system is equipped with a CROS
transmitter� When you enter a memory with either
CROS or BiCROS streaming enabled, audio from
the transmitter is streamed to your hearing aid�
When CROS streaming begins you may hear an
alert tone� If for any reason the CROS stream is
unexpectedly interrupted you may also hear an
alert tone� Please ask your hearing professional
about your particular settings�
Introduction
Multiflex Tinnitus Technology can be used as a part
of a tinnitus treatment program� Multiflex Tinnitus
Technology plays a tinnitus stimulus through the
hearing aid� The tinnitus stimulus is programmed
according to your hearing loss, and your hearing
professional can adjust the settings of the tinnitus
stimulus to meet your needs�
Sprinkler Stimulus Control
If your user control is configured as a sprinkler stimulus
control, each time you activate the user control, the
stimulus level in your hearing aid changes�
Sprinkler stimulus control is configured by default to
automatically decrease in level before it increases�
To make the stimulus level louder, activate the user
control� Repeat this motion until you are at the
minimum setting� The next time you activate the user
control, the level will increase one step� Continue to
activate the user control until you reach the desired
loudness�
NOTE: If 10 minutes or more have passed since the
last stimulus level change, the level will automatically
decrease before it increases�

Fall Alert | 2524 | Multiflex Tinnitus Technology
Up/Down Tinnitus Stimulus Control
If your user control is configured as a dedicated up/
down stimulus control, each time you activate the user
control, the stimulus level in your hearing aid always
changes in a specific direction (either up or down)�
For example, a short press and release may increase
the stimulus level while a long press and hold may
decrease the stimulus level in your hearing aid�
Some user controls can be set for the right hearing aid
to increase stimulus level and the left hearing aid to
decrease stimulus level�
Rocker Switch Tinnitus Stimulus Control
If your rocker switch is configured for Tinnitus Stimulus
Control, pressing the top part of the switch increases
the stimulus level while pressing the bottom part of
the switch decreases the stimulus level�
My hearing aid is configured with the following control:
Press and Release Tinnitus Stimulus Control
Press and Hold Tinnitus Stimulus Control
Introduction
Fall Alert can be used to notify others should you fall
or experience a non-fall-related event� This feature
can be configured to send an SMS text message to
predefined contacts� Fall Alert can be configured to
send automated and/or manually-initiated alerts�
Auto Alert
If Auto Alert has been activated in the Thrive app
on your smartphone, the sensors in your hearing
aid(s) will monitor your head movement to detect
a fall automatically� When a fall is detected, a text
message will be initiated by the Thrive app on your
smartphone� An SMS text message will be sent to
a maximum of three predefined contacts, notifying
them of the detected fall event� The SMS text
message will contain a link from which each contact
can confirm receipt of the message and view a map,
indicating your location�
WARNING: Auto Alert may not detect 100
percent of falls�
Manual Alert
If the user control on your hearing aid(s) has been
configured for Manual Alert by your hearing
professional, and there is a confirmed contact in
the Thrive app, a long “press and hold” of the user
control will initiate an alert text message by the Thrive
app on your smartphone� An SMS text message will

Fall Alert | 2726 | Fall Alert
be sent to a maximum of three predefined contacts,
notifying them of the alert� The SMS text message will
contain a link from which each contact can confirm
receipt of the message and view a map, indicating
your location�
Alert Cancellation
An Auto Alert or Manual Alert can be cancelled from
either your hearing aid(s) or your smartphone� To
cancel an SMS alert text message from your hearing
aid(s), press the user control on either hearing aid� Fall
Alert messages can be cancelled within the 60 or 90
second preselected cancellation time following alert
initiation� It may take up to 20 seconds for a fall alert
to be automatically initiated�
Contacts
You can identify up to three contacts to whom you
would like alert text messages sent� You must enter
the name and smartphone number for each contact
into the Thrive app on your smartphone� Each of your
contacts will receive an SMS text message prompting
them to confirm participation in your Fall Alert system�
Auto Alert Sensitivity
You can adjust your Auto Alert Sensitivity in the
Thrive app� Increasing the sensitivity may increase the
likelihood of detecting a fall� Decreasing the sensitivity
may help reduce the probability of false alerts�
WARNING: Decreasing the Auto Alert Sensitivity
may prevent some falls from being detected by your
Fall Alert system�
For example, Auto Alert may not detect a fall if:
• The Sensitivity setting is not appropriate for
the user�
• The fall is very slow, or you slide down gradually�
• You get up and begin walking immediately after
a fall�
As a reminder, you can initiate a Manual Alert if Auto
Alert does not detect a fall� Manual Alert must be
configured by your hearing professional before it can
be used�
WARNING: Auto Alert may initiate false alerts� To
prevent false-alert text messages from being sent to
your Contact(s), you may cancel the alert from either
your smartphone or by pressing the user control on
either hearing aid�

Adjustment | 2928 | Fall Alert
Mobile Phone Use
Your hearing aid is designed to work with a
smartphone� When the hearing aid is paired and
powered on, incoming phone calls will route
automatically to your hearing aid� When your hearing
aid is not powered on, incoming calls route only to
your smartphone�
iOS allows you to select a preference for how audio
(call audio and media audio) is routed from your
smartphone to your hearing aids�
Indicators
Speech indicators will play through your hearing aid(s)
when:
• You have successfully initiated a Manual Alert�
• A fall has been automatically detected�
• At least one contact has confirmed receipt of the
alert text message�
• You have successfully cancelled an alert via the
user control on the hearing aid�
A tonal indicator will play through your hearing aid(s)
when:
• There has been a communication failure during
the transmission of an alert text message�
• There has been a communication failure during
the cancellation of an alert text message�
WARNING: To reduce Fall Alert communication
failures:
• Your hearing aid(s) need to be powered on,
paired and connected with your smartphone
using Bluetooth® technology�
• The mobile device must be powered on, with
the Thrive app open (in the foreground or
background)�
• The mobile device must have a connection to the
internet (via a cellular network or WiFi)�

Adjustment | 3130 | Adjustment
Pairing Your Hearing Aid with an iOS Device
To adjust your hearing aid with your iOS device, you
must pair the two together so they can communicate�
Please follow the instructions to pair your iOS device
and your hearing aid�
1� Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS
device� Within the Settings menu go to
Bluetooth and toggle to On�
2� Turn your hearing aids off and back on� This puts
the hearing aids in pairing mode�
3� Within the Settings menu go to Accessibility >
Hearing Devices�
• You will see your hearing aid name (e�g� “Chris
Hearing Aids”) when the iOS device first
discovers your hearing aids�
• If your name does not appear in the “Devices”
list within 5–7 seconds, tap Accessibility in the
upper left corner, then tap Hearing Devices�
4� Tap on the hearing aid name to connect your
hearing aids to the iOS device�
5� You will see two pairing requests (one for each
hearing aid)� Select Pair for each request� These
requests may be several seconds apart�
6� When pairing is complete, your hearing aid name
will change from black to blue�
You are now ready to use your iOS device to adjust
your hearing aid� You can adjust either with the native
iOS controls or with the Thrive app�
To access the native iOS hearing aid controls, triple-
click the Home button (iPhone 8 or earlier) or the side
button (iPhone X and newer) on your iOS device� For
additional configuration options, please consult Apple
support� From this screen you can adjust the volume,
select memory or use your iOS device as a remote
microphone�
Select Start Live Listen to stream the iOS device
microphone input directly into your hearing aid� Point
the iOS device microphone toward the audio source�
To minimize background noise and provide the best
signal, place the iOS device as close to the source
as possible�
Right Volume/Left Volume allows you to increase
and decrease volume for each hearing aid individually�
Turn off Adjust Independently to make changes to
both hearing aids simultaneously�
Normal indicates the name of a memory setting in
the hearing aid� You can select from any memories
shown in the list to change the hearing aid to that
memory setting�

32 | Adjustment Accessories | 33
Pairing Your Hearing Aid with an
Android Device
To adjust your hearing aid with your Android
device, you must pair the two together so they
can communicate� Please follow the instructions
to pair your device and your hearing aid�
1� Tap the Settings icon on your device�
2� Ensure Bluetooth is On�
3� Turn your hearing aids off and back on� This puts
the hearing aids in pairing mode�
4� When the hearing aids are discovered, you
will see your first name followed by Hearing
Aid (“Michelle’s Hearing Aid”) under Available
Devices� You will see this for each device�
5� Tap the hearing aid name to connect each
hearing aid to the device�
Accessories
There are several accessories that allow you to control
and maximize the full potential of your hearing aids�
Available functionality includes:
• Ability to adjust your hearing aids using a remote
control
• Ability to transmit television audio directly to your
hearing aids
• Ability to transmit remote microphone audio
directly to your hearing aids
Consult with your hearing professional to determine
which accessories may be best for you�

Hearing Aid Care | 3534 | Hearing Aid Care
Hearing Aid Care
Keep your hearing aids clean� Heat, moisture and
foreign substances can result in poor performance�
• Use a cleaning brush or soft cloth to clean debris
from around the user control, microphone and
battery compartment; inspect the receiver,
earbud and wax guard regularly�
• Never use water, solvents, cleaning fluids or
oil to clean your hearing aid�
Your hearing professional can provide further
information on additional maintenance procedures
for your hearing aid, if needed�
Hear Clear Receiver Wax Guards
RIC hearing aids integrate disposable Hear Clear
earwax protection� The innovative wax guards prevent
earwax accumulation in the hearing aid receiver�
When you need to replace your wax guards, please
follow these instructions:
1� Insert empty end of the application stick
into used wax guard in hearing aid�
2� Pull straight out (do not twist) on stick to remove
used wax guard�
3� Use opposite end of stick to firmly insert
clean wax guard straight into hearing aid�
4� Pull straight out (do not twist) to remove stick
and discard�
1 2
3
4

Troubleshooting Guide
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE
CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
Not Loud
Enough
Low battery Replace battery
Blocked
earmold/earbud
Clean or replace wax
guard as needed
Hearing change Contact your hearing
professional
Debris buildup Clean microphone and
receiver with brush
Inconsistent
Performance
Low battery Replace battery
Blocked
earmold/earbud
Clean or replace wax
guard as needed
Unclear,
Distorted
Performance
Low battery Replace battery
Blocked
earmold/earbud
Clean or replace wax
guard as needed
Hearing aid
needs repair/
maintenance
Contact your hearing
professional
Dead
Low battery Replace battery
Blocked
earmold/earbud
Clean or replace wax
guard as needed
Hearing Aid Care | 3736 | Hearing Aid Care
Helpful Hints
• When not wearing your hearing aid, open the
battery door to allow any moisture to evaporate�
• Do not take apart your hearing aids or insert
the cleaning tools inside them�
• When not in use, remove the batteries
completely; place your hearing aid in the storage
container and store:
– In a dry, safe place
– Away from direct sunlight and heat
to avoid extreme temperatures
– Where you can easily find them
– Safely out of reach from children
and pets
Service and Repair
If, for any reason, your hearing aid 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 hearing aid fail or perform poorly, check
the guide on the next page for possible solutions� If
problems continue, contact your hearing professional
for advice and assistance� Many common problems
may be solved right in your hearing professional’s
office or clinic�

Tips for Better Communication | 3938 | Tips for Better Communication
Your hearing professional will recommend an
appropriate schedule to help you adapt to your new
hearing aid� It will take practice, time and patience
for your brain to adapt to the new sounds that your
hearing aid 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:
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
aids can and cannot do
• Better hearing with hearing aids 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