User Manual
2
Introduction
QSA® stands for Quiet Sound Amplifier. The QSA
is a personal sound amplifier that automatically
enhances soft sounds. Loud sounds pass through
as though nothing is in the ears.
The QSA device provides the highest fidelity sound
amplification available at any cost. The sound
quality of QSA devices is superior to that of all
known custom-fitted devices, and is available
without medical referral or prescription.
The circuitry in QSA devices incorporates a patented
new ultra-low-distortion output amplifier, along
with all of the important features and benefits of the
original K-AMP
®
circuit first described over 30 years
ago by Mead Killion, Ph.D., Sc.D.(hon), a well known
engineer and professor of audiology. No circuitry,
including digital technology, has proven superior to
the sound quality of K-AMP circuitry – the engine
of QSA devices.
3
Intended Use
Etymotic’s QSA devices have high-frequency emphasis
for soft sounds, so the faint sounds of speech can be
heard more easily – especially if the speaker is farther
away than desirable or speaks very softly. The most
common example is someone asking a question from
another room. Soft speech can also be heard in a
house of worship, classroom, courtroom, lecture hall,
theatre, or TV dialog. For many users, QSA devices are
like reading glasses: they are used only part of the time.
Adjusting to QSA Devices
• Most QSA users find the eartips comfortable
to wear for many hours right away. Others do not.
• Take your time.
• You may want to wear QSA devices for short periods
until you can wear them for as long as you wish.
• If the eartips that come on QSA devices are not
comfortable or do not seal well in the ear, try other
eartip styles supplied to determine which size is
right for you.
4
Identification
Tool and Extra FiltersProtective Case
Battery Door
2-Position Switch
Eartip
#10 Batteries Cleaning Tool
5
The battery must be inserted
correctly or the QSA will not work.
1. The battery compartment
is located on the underside
of the QSA.
2. Open the battery door.
3. Remove the yellow tab
from the battery.
4. Insert the battery
with the flat side facing up.
5. Do not force the battery
into the door.
Battery Insertion
Battery
Compartment
#10 Battery
Inserted
Battery
Door
Note: The door will not close
if the battery is not inserted correctly.
6
Batteries (continued)
Zinc-Air Batteries
QSAs use commonly-available #10 zinc-air hearing
aid batteries. They are easy to find in pharmacies,
online and other retail locations, including Radio Shack.
• Zinc-air batteries have a long shelf life, but once
the tab is removed, battery life is about 9 days for
continuous operation.
• Battery life is about 2 weeks if the devices are
turned off after each use.
• Once the tab is removed, zinc-air batteries may
self-discharge in about 4 weeks whether used
or not.
• The discharge rate varies with temperature
and humidity.
• It is sometimes possible to prolong the life of
a battery by replacing the tab over the air holes,
but results vary.
7
Low-Battery Warning
Low-Battery Warning
A feature called LOBAT
™
alerts you when the battery
is at the end of its life.
• A slow, quiet ticking sound gradually becomes
faster and louder, like the sound of a motorboat.
• After the warning sound first becomes audible,
it may be a few hours before the battery goes dead.
• QSA performance will not change while LOBAT
is sounding.
Batteries: Estimated Battery Life:
9 days continuous operation
2 weeks (approx) if turned off when not in use
• Each QSA uses one #10 zinc-air battery.
• Zinc-air batteries do not have to be recycled.
• Zinc-air batteries can be disposed in the trash.
• Zinc-air batteries are not rechargeable.
8
Selecting an Eartip
ACCU•Fit™ Eartips
Selecting an eartip:
No two ears are exactly alike. The eartip that is most
comfortable is the best choice, but it must seal well
to prevent feedback (whistling).
When changing eartips make sure the eartip
fits securely on the stem of the device.
incorrectcorrect
9
Insertion & Removal
Insertion
• Make sure the eartip is clean.
• Pull the ear up and out
while inserting.
• Twist and push gently until the
eartip seals in the ear canal.
• When using 3-flange eartips,
moistening may ease insertion.
• When using foam eartips: Roll
down or compress the foam
eartip before inserting. Hold
the eartip in place for about
5 seconds while foam expands
to create a tight seal in the
ear canal.
• When using glider eartips
no compression is needed;
simply push it into your ear.
Removal
• Remove QSAs with a slow
twisting
motion.
• After removal, place your device(s) in a protective case.
10
Importance of a Deep Seal
A deep eartip seal ensures the best performance
and prevents the “hollow voice” sound, called the
occlusion effect.
• The occlusion effect is caused by sound transmission
into the ear from vibration of the ear canal wall when
the ear is occluded by an eartip.
• The vibration comes from sound pressure developed
in the back of the mouth.
• The occlusion effect is most commonly caused by
vibration from a person’s own voice, especially from
speaking the sounds “ee” and “uu,” or from playing
a brass or woodwind musical instrument.
• The occlusion effect is worse when there is a shallow
insertion of the eartip.
• Deeply-sealed eartips reduce the occlusion effect.
Note: QSA devices come with a large selection of eartips, including
two sizes of 3-flange eartips with long stems. Depending on your
ear geometry, the longer stems may allow the deepest seal.
11
Loudness Adjustment
Normal
position
High
position
There are two loudness settings,
Normal (N) and High (H).
N: (switch toward the body of the QSA)
• 15-dB mild amplification and treble
boost for soft sounds. No amplification
for loud sounds
H: (switch away from the body of the QSA)
• 8-dB more amplification than the
N position, and treble boost for soft sounds
• Mild amplification for loud sounds
Using the Telephone
It is not necessary to remove the QSA when using the
telephone. Practice. If you are comfortable holding the
phone on or near the ear and a whistling sound does
not occur, the QSA can remain in the ear during a call.
Operation
ON/OFF
The QSA turns on and off by opening
and closing the battery door.
Note: It is not necessary to remove
the battery as long as the door is open
wide enough to disable the circuit.
Battery Door
ON = Closed
OFF = Open
12
General Product Care
Simple cleaning with the tool provided will keep
the eartip clean and the QSA working properly.
• Use the cleaning tool to pick out or brush off debris.
• 3-flange eartips can be removed and cleaned
in mild detergent. Dry eartips thoroughly
before reattaching.
• All eartips need to be replaced regularly. With
regular use of QSA devices, 3-flange eartips
should be replaced every 60-90 days.
• Foam and glider eartips should be discarded
and replaced as needed.
• Do not use alcohol to clean QSA devices.
• Remove QSAs before using hair products.
• Do not expose QSA devices to extreme heat
or moisture.
• Avoid dropping or hitting QSA devices
on a hard surface.
Cleaning Tool
13
Changing Filters
Each QSA has a special filter that enhances sound
quality and prevents earwax from entering the
device. A filter should be changed if the volume
decreases or sound quality declines.
Filter Removal
Note: Use the tool to remove the filter.
1. Remove eartip. 2. Insert tool into
the filter.
3. Remove filter.
2. Press gently
against a hard
surface to secure
it in place.
3. Re-attach eartip.1. Insert a new filter.
Filter Replacement
Note: Do not use the tool to replace the filter.
14
Troubleshooting
Problem: No sound.
What to do:
• Check to see if QSA is turned on
(battery door closed).
• Clean the eartip and the end of the QSA.
• Try a fresh battery.
• Replace the filter.
Problem: Sound is not loud enough
What to do:
• Try the H (high) setting for more amplification.
• Clean the eartip and the end of the QSA.
• Replace the filter.
Problem: “My voice sounds hollow” or
“There is an echo in my voice.”
What to do:
You may be experiencing the
occlusion effect
. See p.10.
Make sure the eartip seals deeply in the ear. You may
need to try an eartip with a long stem.
15
Caution
• Consult an audiologist or physician if you have excessive
ear wax, difficulty inserting the eartips, or discomfort after
prolonged use.
• In rare instances an eartip may come off in the ear canal
when removing a QSA. If this should occur and the eartip
cannot be easily removed, it is recommended that you
promptly contact an audiologist or other medical
professional. A professional can use blunt tweezers
to remove the eartip.
• QSA devices are made from materials and components
that are standard in consumer audio products and
hearing protection devices.
• Allergic reactions are uncommon. If redness, soreness
or other adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and
contact a medical practitioner.
• Do not shower or swim while wearing the QSA.
• The QSA Bean allows up to 115 dB SPL A-weighted to pass
through. Do not use the QSA Bean in loud environments.
Avoid use when exposed to prolonged loud sound.
• Do not put batteries in your mouth.
• Batteries may be harmful if swallowed.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
• Batteries (in the battery pack or installed in the device)
should not be exposed to excessive heat such as fire,
sunshine or similar adverse environment.
!
Warranty
QSA devices are covered by a 1-year repair or
replacement warranty against defects in materials
and workmanship. The warranty period begins on the
date of the original purchase. The warranty does not
cover malfunction related to misuse or abuse of the
device. If you are not satisfied with this product, return
it in good working condition within 30 days with proof
of purchase for a full refund.
Send the product to:
Etymotic Research, Inc.
61 Martin Lane
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
ETYMOTIC RESEARCH INC.
61 Martin Lane • Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
www.etymotic.com • 1-847-228-0006
©2013. Etymotic Research, Inc. Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
BEAN, ACCU•Fit and LOBAT are trademarks of Etymotic Research, Inc. K-AMP, QSA
and Quiet Sound Amplier are registered trademarks of Etymotic Research, Inc.
ER098568-B
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