User manual, Instant ear-tips for Widex BTE hearing aids

USER MANUALEAR-SETS FORWIDEX BTE HEARING AIDSInstant ear-tips

CONTENTSINTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3OVERVIEW AND TICK BOXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4INSTANT EAR-TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Left/right identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Positioning the hearing aid and instant ear-tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Removing the hearing aid and instant ear-tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10CHANGING THE EAR-SET PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Placing the new/clean ear-tip on the ear-set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17THE NANOCARE WAX GUARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Changing the wax guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20THE LOOSE ANCHOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23THE INTEGRATED ANCHOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Ear-tips with an earwire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Ear-tips with a tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32WARNINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

INTRODUCTIONThis booklet provides an overview of different instantear-set solutions available for Widex behind-the-ear(BTE) hearing aids. An ear-set consists of an ear-tipattached to a tube or an earwire and receiver. The earsetis used to channel sound from the behind-the-earhearing aid into the ear canal.WARNINGThis booklet contains important information and instructionsregarding your ear-set, and complements the user instructionsfor your hearing aid. In addition to the user instructions for yourhearing aid, please be sure to read the sections in this bookletthat apply to your ear-set solution before you start using thehearing aid.NOTEYour ear-set may not look exactly as illustrated in this booklet.We also reserve the right to make any changes considerednecessary.3

OVERVIEW AND TICK BOXESYour hearing care professional should tick the box ofthe chosen solution.Instant ear-tipsInstant receiver ear-tip & RIC earwireInstant receiver open ear-tip, for RIC S & RIC MInstant receiver tulip ear-tip, for RIC S, RIC M & RIC PInstant receiver double ear-tip, for RIC S, RIC M & RIC PSections to readpageIntroduction 3Overview and tick boxes 4-5Instant ear-tips 6-18The NanoCare wax guard 19-22The loose anchor 23-26Troubleshooting 31Warnings 33Maintenance, etc. 34-35Hearing aid model: ______________________Earwire:Left _____ Right ______Ear-tip size: Left _____ Right ______4

Instant ear-tip & élan/thin tubeInstant open ear-tip, for élan/thin tubeInstant tulip ear-tip, for élan/thin tubeInstant double ear-tip, for élan/thin tubeSections to readpageIntroduction 3Overview and tick boxes 4-5Instant ear-tips 6-17The anchor 23-30Troubleshooting 32Warnings 33Maintenance, etc. 34-35Hearing aid model: ______________________Tube size:Left _____ Right ______Ear-tip size: Left _____ Right ______5

INSTANT EAR-TIPSThe instant ear-tip is used with a RIC earwire or an élan/thin tube, depending on the hearing aid model. In a RICsolution, the receiver or loudspeaker of the hearing aidis placed at the end of the earwire. In an élan/thin tubesolution, the receiver is located inside the hearing aidhousing. Under “Overview and Tick Boxes”, you can seewhich solution has been chosen for you.RIC1. Earwire2. Receiver1élan/thin tubem & FA modelsélan/thin tube9-models2Receiveropen ear-tipOpen ear-tipReceivertulip ear-tipTulip ear-tipReceiverdouble ear-tipDouble ear-tip6

Left/right identificationThe illustration shows an earwire. Earwires/tubesare available in differentlengths for the right and left ear, respectively.The individual size is printed onthe earwire/tube (see arrow). Red printindicates that it is for the right ear, andblue print that it is for the left ear.7

Positioning the hearing aid and instant ear-tipThe illustrations show an open ear-tip with an anchor,but the same procedure is used for the other instantear-tip types.Place the hearing aid behind the ear, so that the earwire/tube rests comfortably on the ear, close to your head.Insert the ear-tip into the ear canal while holding thelower part of the earwire/tube.If you have a tulip ear-tip, make sure that the larger leafis positioned over and overlaps the smaller leaf.An anchor is used for some instant ear-tips to helpsecure the ear-set in the ear. Please refer to pages23-30 for further information.8

Removing the hearing aid and instant ear-tipRemove the hearing aid from its position behind theear.Carefully pull the ear-tip out of the ear canal, whileholding the lower part of the earwire/tube.9

CleaningCleaning accessories*.1. Cloth2. Long wax removing tool3. Brush4. Cleaning thread1234Contact your hearing care professional if you needadditional supplies of cleaning accessories.* Selection depends on ear-set type.10

Instant receiver ear-tip & RIC earwire(On pages 13-15 you can see how to clean an instantear-tip & élan/thin tube).Make sure that your ear-set is always clean and free ofearwax, moisture and the like.WARNINGNever use alcohol or other cleaning solutions to clean the earset,as this can discolour it.Clean the earwire with the clothafter use.WARNINGNever use water or cleaning solutions to clean the earwire.The receiver must never come into contact with water, as thiscan damage the receiver.If dirt has collected on the receiver, use the cloth toremove it, after first pulling the receiver out of the ear-tip.11

If necessary, the open, tulip & doubleear-tip can be rinsed thoroughly inlukewarm water, after disconnectingit from the rest of the ear-set. Allowit to dry overnight.Ear-tips in which a receiver is inserted use a waxguard. Please refer to pages 19-22.12

Instant ear-tip & élan/thin tubeMake sure that your ear-set is always clean and free ofearwax, moisture and the like.WARNINGNever use alcohol or other cleaning solutions to clean the earset,as this can discolour it.13

m and FA modelsGrip the hearing aid betweenyour thumb and index finger.With your other hand gripthe élan/thin tubing and pullstraight apart as indicated by the arrow. Alternatively,a small tool is available for removing the tubing. Contactyour hearing care professional if you want moreinformation.Pull the ear-tip off the tubing.The illustrations show an openear-tip.Pass the cleaning thread throughthe tubing. Pull the thread out atthe other end.If necessary, the open, tulip & doubleear-tip can be rinsed thoroughly inlukewarm water, after disconnectingit from the rest of the ear-set. Allowit to dry overnight.14

9-modelsLift the ear-set off the hearingaid in a slanting, backwardmovement, as shown.Pull the ear-tip off the élan/thintubing. The illustrations show aninstant open ear-tip.Pass the cleaning thread throughthe tubing. Pull the thread out atthe other end.If necessary, the open, tulip & doubleear-tip can be rinsed thoroughly inlukewarm water, after disconnectingit from the rest of the ear-set. Allowit to dry overnight.15

CHANGING THE EAR-SET PARTSThe ear-set parts should be changed as required. Thelife of an ear-set is individual. Consult your hearingcare professional for advice on how often you shouldchange your ear-set parts.For further supplies of ear-sets, or if the ear-tip size nolonger fits your ear, contact your hearing care professional.16

Placing the new/clean ear-tip on the ear-setGently insert the tubing/receiver at the end of the earwireinto the ear-tip until it touches the end. It is veryimportant to ensure that the ear-tip is firmly secured.Open, tulip, double ear-tip:NOTEWhen inserting a receiver into the ear-tip, you should feel itclick into place.17

Vent block (RIC solution)The instant receiver double ear-tip is provided with avent. If a closed solution has been chosen, the vent willbe blocked by a vent block.When you replace the ear-tip, you will therefore alsoneed to insert a new vent block.Insert the pointed end of the block all the way into thevent from the inside, as shown. Break off the pointedend. Make sure it sits securely in the vent.18

THE NANOCARE WAX GUARDA NanoCare wax guard is used with RIC solutions, inwhich the receiver sits in the ear-tip.The NanoCare wax guard helps to protect the hearingaid against earwax. Always use NanoCare wax guardswith your hearing aid if you have a RIC solution. Otherwisethe warranty for your hearing aid will be void.The wax guard system consists of the following parts:1. Holder2. Removal hook3. Wax guard123CAUTIONThe wax guard is disposable and for one-time use only. Do notattempt to clean or reuse a wax guard. This could damage yourhearing aid and/or cause the wax guard to become dislodgedin your ear.19

Changing the wax guard1. Insert the removal hook into the used wax guardplaced in the sound outlet.2. Pull the wax guard straight out.12Now turn the holder around so thatthe used wax guard is away from thereceiver and the new one is in positionto be inserted.20

3. Insert the holder into the opening of the soundoutlet and gently press the wax guard onto thereceiver.4. Pull the holder straight out. The new wax guardwill automatically detach from the holder. Pressthe receiver/ear-tip gently against a flat surface toensure that the wax guard remains in place.3.4.21

Discard the holder with the usedwax guard.The frequency with which the wax guard should bechanged varies from one individual to another.If you have any questions regarding your wax guard,please contact your hearing care professional.WARNINGIf the wax guard fits loosely, discard it and insert another. If thewax guard becomes dislodged while the ear-tip is placed in theear canal, please contact your physician. Do not try to removethe wax guard from your ear canal yourself.22

THE LOOSE ANCHORCAUTIONWe do not recommend wearing the hearing aid without theanchor with the open ear-tip or the tulip ear-tip solution. If thehearing aid is not secured by the anchor, it may fall off yourear and be lost. The anchor is not used with the double ear-tip.The anchor is supplied separatelyfrom the rest of the ear-set and canbe used in different ways. Firstly, weshow how the anchor can be usedwithout prior trimming:23

The illustrations show a hearing aidwith an an instant open receiver eartipbut the same procedure is usedwith a tulip ear-tip.Pull the pointed end of the anchorthrough the upper hole on thereceiver located at the end of the earwire.The angled grip should be pointingtowards the hearing aid.Continue pulling until the anchor is stopped by the gripat the end.Your ear-set is now ready for use and ispositioned so that it rests comfortably inyour ear.24

The anchor can also be trimmed to fit your ear:Pull the pointed end of the anchorthrough the upper hole on thereceiver located at the end of the earwire.The angled grip should be pointingtowards the hearing aid.Continue pulling until the anchor is stopped by the gripat the end. Now turn the ear-set around.Then guide the pointed end of theanchor through the lower hole to forma loop.When the loop is the correct size, cutany excess off, leaving only the loop.The anchor loop has the correct size whenit supports the position of the ear-tip inthe ear canal, and the ear-set sits securelyin and on the ear.25

Take great care to cut off all theexcess so that the end of the anchorloop is flush with the small hole andthere are no sharp edges. Use thetip of your finger to check for sharpedges. If part of the anchor sticks outthrough the hole, creating an uneven surface, this maycause irritation of the ear.26

Example 1Pull the tip of the anchor through the small hole on theside of the tubing.When the loop is the correct size,cut off any excess with scissors orsimilar.The anchor loop has the correct size whenit supports the position of the ear-tip inthe ear canal, and the ear-set sits securelyin and on the ear.28

Example 2Loop the anchor in the direction indicatedby the dotted line and arrows.Guide the tip of the anchor throughthe small hole on the side of thetubing as illustrated to form a heartshapedloop.When the loop is the correct size,turn the ear-set around and cut offany excess with scissors or similar.The anchor loop has the correct size whenit supports the position of the ear-tip inthe ear canal, and the ear-set sits securelyin and on the ear.29

General information:Make sure that the end of the anchor loop is flush withthe small hole and there are no sharp edges. Use the tipof your finger to check for sharp edges.If part of the anchor sticks outthrough the hole, creating an unevensurface, this may cause irritationof the ear.30

TROUBLESHOOTINGEar-tips with an earwireThe following pages contain some advice on what todo if your hearing aid malfunctions or fails to performsatisfactorily. If the problems persist, contact yourhearing care professional. The advice relates only tothe ear-set. Please also see the user instructions foryour hearing aid.The hearing aid is completely silentThe wax guard is blockedChange the wax guardThe earwire is brokenContact your hearing care professionalThe hearing aid volume is not powerful enoughThe wax guard is blockedChange the wax guardThe hearing aid whistles continuouslyThe ear-tip is not correctly placed in your ear canalTake the ear-tip out and reinsert it. If the problempersists, contact your hearing care professionalThe ear-tip fit is too looseContact your hearing care professionalThe receiver is not adequately secured in the ear-tipReplace the ear-tip. If the problem persists, contactyour hearing care professional31

WARNINGSWARNING• The hearing aid is made of modern non-allergenic materials.Nonetheless, in rare cases skin irritation may occur. If younotice skin irritation in or around your ear or ear canal, contactyour hearing care professional.• Be aware that the use of any type of hearing aid may involvea slightly increased risk of infection in the ear canal. An infectioncan arise as a result of inadequate ventilation of the ear.We therefore recommend that you remove the hearing aidand ear-set from your ear at night to allow the ear canal to beventilated. Make sure that you clean and inspect your hearingaid and ear-set as required. If an infection occurs, you shouldseek medical attention and contact your hearing care professionalfor advice on how to disinfect the various hearing aidparts. Do not under any circumstances use alcohol, chlorineor similar substances.33

MAINTENANCEThe hearing aid is a valuable object and should betreated with care. Here are some things you can do toprolong the life of your hearing aid:CAUTION• Turn off your hearing aid when it is not in use. Remove thebattery if the hearing aid will not be used for several days.• When the hearing aid is not in use, keep it in its case in a drylocation out of reach of children and pets.• Do not expose the hearing aid to extreme temperatures orhigh humidity. Make sure to dry the hearing aid thoroughlyafter heavy perspiration such as that which may occur duringintense physical activity, e.g. playing sports.• Avoid dropping your hearing aid – perform cleaning and batterychanges while holding the hearing aid above a soft surface.• Do not wear your hearing aid while in the shower or swimming,or when using a hair dryer, perfume, hair and bodysprays or gels such as suntanning lotions or creams.• In environments with high humidity, a drying kit may be useddaily to reduce the amount of moisture inside the hearing aid.See the instructions enclosed with the drying kit.34

Hearing aids, accessories and batteriesshould not be disposed of with normalhousehold waste. Please consult yournational Widex distributor for advice onhow to dispose of these items.35

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