Bernafon NEO, Neo 102, Neo 112, Neo 105 DM Instructions For Use Manual

NEO

Behind-the-ear hearing instruments

INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE

Summary

Operating Instructions for
BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Hearing Instruments

Features 3

Inserting Earmold 4

Positioning Instrument 6

Removing Earmold & Instrument 6

ON/OFF 7

Volume Control 8

Push Button 9

Telecoil 10

Directionality 11

Battery Replacement 12

Battery Indicator 13

Battery Information 14

FM and Direct Audio Input Shoe 16

Safety Guidelines 18

International Warranty 20

Push Button Configuration 21

2

The following hearing instruments are
covered in these operating instructions

Neo 102/112 Neo 105 DM

Congratulations on the purchase of your new hearing
instruments. These advanced devices are fully digital,
and have been adjusted by your hearing care
professional with the aid of a computer and specially
developed software.

Please follow these instructions when using and caring
for your new hearing instruments. These guidelines
will help you to achieve the best possible results from
your instruments and to once again enjoy the sounds
of life…your family, friends and environment.

Important

Please read the entire content of these instructions
as well as the attached “Guide for Better Hearing”
before using your hearing instruments.

3

Description of features

Earmold

1 Canal
2 Sound outlet
3 Tubing
4 Helix
5 Vent

Neo 102/112/105 DM

1 Push button
2 Microphone
2a Second microphone

(105 only)
3 Earhook
4 Sound outlet
5 Battery drawer
6 Direct audio input
7 Programming port
8 Volume control

4

5

1

2

3

1

4

3

2

5

6/7

2a

8

4

Inserting your earmold

Inserting your earmold correctly every time, takes

practice, patience and perseverance.

If you are hav­ing difficulty inserting your earmolds, please consult
your hearing care professional.

Insert your earmold first, then position the hearing
instrument over your ear.

• Grasp the earmold tubing

between your thumb and index
finger. The thumb should be
just behind the tubing where it
enters the earmold. The top
part of the earmold needs to be
pointing straight up. The canal
part of the earmold should be
pointing towards the ear canal
entrance.

• If you have difficulty inserting the

earmold, pull the ear lobe down
with the other hand, or pull the top
of the ear back and up.

•

Lift the earmold up to your ear.

Push the canal part
of the earmold into the ear canal opening twisting
slightly to ease the helix portion into position. The
helix part should be pointing straight up and should
slip into position.

• If your ear is becoming sore from trying to insert
the earmold, spread a small amount of Vaseline
around the outer edges of the earmold to help it slip
into position easily. Be careful not to get any
Vaseline into the sound outlet.

If your ear remains

sore please

consult your hearing care professional.

Look in a mirror. If the helix part of the earmold is
visible, it is not inserted correctly.

Run your index finger down the skin just in front of

your ear. If you can touch the helix part of the earmold,

it is not inserted correctly. Use your index finger to
push the helix part of your earmold back behind the
flap of skin. It may help to gently pull this flap of
skin forward with the other hand at the same time.

5

Helix

6

To position the hearing instrument

• Once the earmold is inserted cor­rectly, lift the hearing instrument up
and position it behind the ear. Take
care not to twist the tubing of the
hearing instrument.

Removing your earmold and hearing instrument

• Lift the hearing instrument up and over from behind
the ear.

• Using your index finger, pry out the helix part of the
earmold.

• Grasp the helix part.

• Twist the helix part forward.

• Gently pull the earmold straight out of the ear,
holding on to the helix part of the mold.

Important
Do not take the earmold out of the ear by pulling the
hearing instrument. This might disconnect the
instrument from the earmold or damage the tubing.

7

ON/OFF function Neo 102/112/105

Turn on your hearing instruments
by closing the battery doors com­pletely. They will make a beep.

Turn off your hearing instruments
by opening the battery doors
slightly until a click is felt.

It is also possible to turn off the
hearing instruments by placing the
base on a flat surface and then gen­tly pressing and dragging the hear­ing instrument as illustrated. This
action will open the battery door
slightly and turn the hearing instru­ment off.

Note: Never force the battery drawer open or closed.

8

Volume Control

To increase the volume:
Turn the volume control up

To decrease the volume:
Turn the volume control down

The volume control has no mechanical stop. This means
that you can continue to turn it, but the loudness will
only be altered between the programmed minimum
and maximum.

Note: The instrument loudness level will reset when
the battery is low, the battery drawer is opened

or if

the program is changed.

If the instrument resets, it will

automatically default to the preset loudness level.

Your hearing care professional can program the
Volume Control to remain at a fixed level, if desired.

Note: If you find that you are frequently turning the
volume control up or frequently turning the volume
control down in most listening situations then consult
your hearing care professional for a possible adjust­ment of the hearing instrument settings.

Louder

Softer

Push button function

Use the push button to change between programs.

When the hearing instrument is turned on it
will automatically be in program 1

Press the push button once to change to program 2.
You will hear two short beeps. For hearing instruments
equipped with a directional microphone, program 2 is
always the directional mode.

Press the push button once again to change to telecoil.
You will hear three short beeps.

If you wish to return to program 1 then press the push
button again. You will hear one short beep. Repeat this
action to cycle through the programs.

To see how your hearing instrument push button operates
with an FM system or a Direct Audio Input shoe, see
page 16. To see how your hearing instruments are pro­grammed see page 21.

Mute function

Press the push button and hold for 2 to 3 seconds to mute
the hearing instrument. Give a short press to the push button
to unmute. The hearing instrument will revert to its current
program and will beep to tell you which program you are in.

9

10

Telecoil function Neo 102/105/112

The telecoil enables you to hear better when using a
telephone or in places where inductive loop systems are
installed (places of worship, churches, theaters, etc.).
When the telecoil is active, you will hear directly through
the inductive loop or telephone. To access the telecoil
mode press the push button until you hear three beeps
(two pushes if you were previously in the first program).

Typically, the microphone is automatically switched off
when the telecoil is activated to reduce any background
noise. Your hearing care professional can program the
telecoil to function in combination with the microphone.

Your instrument has been programmed for:

❑ Microphone and telecoil (M+T)

❑ Telecoil only (T)

Note: Not all telephones are hearing instrument
compatible.

This symbol or a similar sign should be
displayed wherever a permanent loop has
been installed. Please ask your hearing
care professional for further information.

1111

Directionality (Neo 105 only)

Omni-Directional mode (program 1)

This mode will provide clear sound from all directions
in normal listening situations when on the street, lis­tening to music or in quiet situations. This mode is for
everyday, typical use.

Directional mode (program 2)

The directional mode can help you to hear better in a
noisy environment like a loud restaurant or a social
gathering. The directional microphone focuses on
speech and sound coming from directly in front of
you. Background sounds and other disturbing noises
from the sides or from the back will be reduced, mak­ing it easier for you to focus on your conversation.

Note: When using the directional mode you may
not hear important sounds from behind. Use is not
recommended in situations where sound from all
directions is needed (e.g. traffic).

12

Battery replacement

•

Your hearing instrument uses a size 13 battery.

To insert a new battery

• Use your fingernail to gently swing the battery drawer
fully open, but do not force it.

• Take out the used battery.

• Remove colored sticker from new battery
(if applicable).

• Place battery into the drawer with flat, smooth side
facing up (+ sign) as shown in the drawing.
The battery must fit flush into the drawer.

• Close battery drawer securely.

13

Battery Indicator

When the battery is about to run out the instrument
will beep at regular intervals. This warning indicates
that the battery should be replaced immediately.

Optional tamper-resistant battery drawer

This is recommended for small children.

With the hearing instrument in the off
position, insert the end of a ballpoint pen
into the small recess as shown. Press
gently while opening the battery drawer
with the other hand.

Note: Do not force the battery drawer open or closed,
excessive strain may deform it.

14

Battery information

• Battery life will vary with conditions of use. See
your hearing care professional for more information.

• Always keep spare batteries on hand. These are
available from your hearing care professional.

• A used battery should be replaced immediately.

• If you are not going to use your hearing instruments
for a few days, remove the batteries.

• Only use batteries recommended by your hearing
care professional, since poor quality batteries can
produce a harmful substance.

• At bedtime, or at times when you are not wearing
your hearing instrument, fully open the battery
drawer. This may help to conserve battery power
and reduce the impact of moisture.

• Any moisture found on a battery should be wiped
off immediately, with a soft cloth.

15

• Used batteries should be returned to your battery
supplier or hearing care professional for disposal.

• Never dispose of batteries by burning them. There is
a risk that they may explode and cause injury.

•

Never dispose of batteries with household waste.
They cause environmental pollution.

Note: Always remove zinc-air-batteries before drying
your hearing instrument with the help

of a drying kit.

Drying out zinc-air batteries

shortens their life time.

16

FM or Direct Audio Input (DAI) shoe

FM

An FM receiver enables the hearing instrument to
receive signals directly from an external wireless
transmitter.

Direct Audio Input (DAI)

Direct Audio Input (DAI) enables the hearing instrument
to receive signals directly from external sources such as
T.V., personal stereo, etc.

Mounting of the FM or DAI shoe

Click the FM shoe or DAI shoe onto the hearing instru­ment as shown. To release the shoe, click the grey
button and pull back. Once the shoe is on the hearing
instrument it is possible to connect either the FM
receiver or the DAI cords.

FMA 3 DAI 3

The hearing instrument will mix the signals from the
shoe with the microphone so that you can listen to both
sources. The hearing instrument will beep twice in this
mode: one lower frequency beep followed by a higher
frequency beep.

It is possible to switch from this combined setting by
pressing the push button so that the hearing instrument
is only amplifying the signal from the FM shoe or DAI
shoe. The hearing instrument will beep three times in
this mode: one lower frequency beep followed by two
higher frequency beeps.

If the push button is pressed again, only the sound from
the hearing instrument microphone will be amplified.
The hearing instrument will beep once in this mode.

Note: The telecoil and second program will not func­tion with the FM or DAI shoe in place. To access these
functions remove the FM or DAI shoe from the hearing
instrument.

Note: The safety of hearing instruments with DAI
(Direct Audio Input) is determined by the external
signal source. When the DAI is connected to an elec­trically powered device, the equipment must comply
with EN 60601-1-1, EN 60065 or equivalent safety stan­dards.

17

18

Safety guidelines

Hearing instruments and batteries can be dangerous if
swallowed or improperly used. Such actions can result
in severe injury, permanent hearing loss or even fatality.

Familiarize yourself completely with the following
general warnings and the full contents of this booklet
before using your hearing instruments.

• Hearing instruments should be used only as directed

and adjusted by your trained hearing care professional.
Misuse or improper adjustments can result in sudden
and permanent hearing loss.

•

Never allow others to wear your hearing instruments,
because they are adjusted for your hearing require­ments and may permanently damage another person’s
hearing.

•

A slap to your ear while wearing the instrument could
be harmful. Avoid wearing your hearing instrument
while playing contact sports (e.g rugby, football etc.).

•

Hearing instruments, their parts and batteries should
be kept out of reach of anyone who might swallow
these items or otherwise cause themselves injury.

• Discard batteries out of reach of infants, small

children, pets or persons of mental incapacity.

1919

•

Clean your hearing instruments and their parts on a
regular basis only with products that are recommended
by your hearing care professional. Microorganisms
from unclean instruments may cause skin irritations.

• Be careful with leaking battery liquid, as it is a
hazardous substance.

• Never try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.

• Never change the battery or adjust the controls of
the hearing instrument in front of infants, small
children and persons of mental incapacity.

• Never put your hearing instrument or batteries in
your mouth, they could easily be swallowed.

• Keep batteries away from medications. Batteries are
easily mistaken for pills.

• In case a battery or hearing instrument is swallowed,
see a doctor immediately.

• Be aware of the possibility that your instruments
may stop functioning without notice. Keep this in
mind while you circulate in traffic or otherwise
depend on warning sounds.

• Never insert cleaning tools into the sound outlet or
microphone inlet. This could damage the hearing
instruments.

20

International warranty

Your hearing instruments are covered by a limited
warranty, covering defects in materials and workman­ship.

This warranty covers the hearing instruments
themselves, but not accessories such as batteries,
tubing, earmolds, etc.

This warranty is void if a defect is the result of misuse
or mistreatment.

The warranty is also void if the hearing instruments
have been repaired by nonauthorized service personnel.
Please review your warranty with your hearing care
professional and make sure that your warranty card
is completed correctly.

Environmental protection

Help to protect the environment by not disposing of
your hearing instruments or batteries with your
unsorted household waste. Please recycle your hear­ing instruments and batteries or return them to your
hearing care professional for disposal. Contact your
hearing care professional for more information.

Push button configuration

Your hearing instruments are programmed in the following
way:

❑

Omni Directional Hearing Instruments (Neo ______)

Program Beeps Function

1 1 Normal listening situations
2 2 ❑ Noise

❑ Music
❑ Car noise

Telecoil 3 ❑ Telecoil

❑ Telecoil with microphone

❑

Directional Hearing Instruments (Neo ______)

Program Beeps Function

1 1 Normal listening situations
2 2 Noise (Directional)
Telecoil 3 ❑ Telecoil only

❑ Telecoil with microphone

If your hearing instrument is connected to the Direct
Audio Input (DAI) or an FM system:

Program Beeps Function

1 2 DAI/FM + hearing

instrument microphone

2 3 DAI/FM only

3 1 Hearing instrument

microphone only

21

(1 low + 1 high)

(1 low + 2 high)

22

Notes

23

Notes

24

Notes

Manufacturer:

Bernafon AG

Morgenstrasse 131
3018 Bern
Switzerland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

www.bernafon.com

Bernafon Australia Pty. Ltd.

Unit 12/97 Castlemaine Street
Milton QLD 4064
Australia
Freecall 1800 809 111
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.bernafon.com.au

Bernafon, LLC

200 Cottontail Lane, Bldg. B
Somerset, NJ 08873
USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.bernafon-us.com

Bernafon Canada Ltd.

500 Trillium Drive Unit 15
Kitchener, Ontario N2R 1A7
Canada
Toll free 1 800 265 8250
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.bernafon.ca

Bernafon UK

Cadzow Industrial Estate
Low Waters Road
Hamilton
ML3 7QE Scotland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.bernafon.co.uk

Bernafon New Zealand Ltd.

Level 1, Building F
27-29 William Pickering Drive
Albany, Auckland 0632
New Zealand
Freecall 0800 442 257
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.bernafon.co.nz

www.hear-it.org
For more information about
hearing and hearing loss

11.08/BAG/956-73-610-06 /subject to change