BTE HI Getting Started

Getting Started

Locate contents inside shipping box.

Some items may be underneath cardboard packaging.

Hearing aids - In silver carrying pouch

Cleaning wire - One per hearing aid, in plastic bag

(only included for models with tube and tip)

Ear hook - One per hearing aid, attached

Batteries -Two packs per hearing aid

User Guide - Enclosed. Videos online at hihealthinnovations.com

Invoice - Includes trial period end date and serial numbers

Bill of Sale and Notice of Cancellation documents

STEP 1

Questions? Call 1-855-523-9355 and press 2

Tube and tip - One set attached to hearing aid, and
one extra set in plastic bag

or

STEP 2

• Place hearing aid over top of ear. Determine left or right
hearing aid by one of these methods:

1. Colored letters on end of tube near tip: Blue = left ear, Red = right ear.

2. Tip will be pointing into ear when holding the hearing aid with

buttons facing you.

• While holding hearing aid in place, insert ear tip into ear canal,
and curl/tuck retention loop along body of ear.

• Use ngernail to push tube (rather than tip) into ear canal as
far as possible, until length of ear tube is ush with temple.

Turn on your hearing aids

• Gently pull open battery door.

• Using plastic tab on fresh battery, place
battery into battery door. Hold battery in
place and peel o plastic tab. Wipe o any
adhesive residue on battery with dry cloth.

• To fully activate battery, wait 1 minute, then
gently close battery door.

• If door does not close easily, check to see if
battery was inserted properly.

STEP 3

Wear your hi BTE with tube and tip

Note: Use of hi BTE hearing aids with ear hook and ear mold use will be
covered by your hearing professional.

STEP 4 (optional)

Change program setting

• Your hearing aids have been custom programmed to your
hearing needs and will automatically adjust to dierent
environments.

Each time you turn on the hearing aid, it will start

at Program 1.

• To change programs, press and release program button until
desired program is reached. Please keep ear tip or ear mold in
ear to hear voice notication.

“Program 1”
“Program 2”
“Program 3”

STEP 5

Change volume setting

• To increase volume, press and release volume button.

• To decrease volume, continue to press button until it cycles
through maximum volume and back to volume 1. Then
proceed to your desired volume level.

• Hearing aid will tell you which program has beenselected.

“Volume 1”
“Volume 2”
“Volume 3”

Maximum volume

Learn how to take care of your hear

ing aids, how to

use controls and how to improve communications.

Call into our FREE hearing health seminar

hosted by our Audiologist

STEP 5

• When you are not wearing your hearing aids, keep battery
door open to extend battery life and to allow any moisture to
evaporate.

• As with any electronic device, keep your hearing aids clean
and dry.

• Wear your hearing aids as much as possible to help your brain
adjust to sounds you haven’t heard in a while.

• Directly face the sounds you are trying to hear and move
closer.

Use and Care

Monday – Thursday

6 p.m. CT (7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT)

Friday

10 a.m. CT (11 a.m. ET, 8 a.m. PT)

Telephonic seminars:

Call 1-888-844-7278

Access code: 9428061#

For service or assistance call 1-855-523-9355 and press 2

JMTW4621_01

01.2016

hi BTE™ family of hearing aids

Watch a short video on how to use and

maintain the hi BTE products at:

hihealthinnovations.com

User Guide

1-855-523-9355 and press 2

For additional information call

Table of contents

Getting the most from your

new hearing aids .................................................3-4

Inserting/replacing battery ................................... 5

Battery life ............................................................... 6

Turning your hearing aids on and o ................... 7

hi BTE products with ear tube & tip ...................... 8

hi BTE products with ear hook .............................. 9

Ear tubes and tips, ear molds .............................. 10

Wearing your hearing aids .............................. 11-12

Caring for/maintaining your hearing aids ...... 13-16

Changing program and volume settings ....... 17-18

Using with telephones and cellular phones;

Telecoils ................................................................ 19

Other uses of a telecoil ........................................ 20

Ordering additional accessories .......................... 21

Troubleshooting .................................................... 22

Technical specications ................................. 23-27

FDA statements .............................................. 28-29

Warranty, service and returns ............................. 30

3

Getting the most from your new hearing aids

Hearing is a vital part of how you connect with the
world, from laughing at a punch line to sharing a
secret with a loved one. Hearing is also vital to your
overall health. Congratulations on taking control

of your hearinghealth!

While no hearing aid can restore normal hearing and
will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment
resulting from organic conditions, these tips will
help you obtain the most benets from your
hearing aids:

• If you are new to hearing aids, it may take a few
weeks before you are completely comfortable
with them and can fully enjoy the benets. Be
patient as you adjust to hearing sounds that you
may not have heard in a long time. Infrequent
use of hearing aids does not provide full benets,
so your ultimate goal is to wear the hearing aids

all day, every day

• You may nd that a quiet environment is more
comfortable at rst. Gradually introduce new
listening environments

• Whenever possible, directly face the sounds
you are trying to hear and move closer,
especially in noisy environments. When
speaking with someone, you can also use facial
cues to help you understand. If you would

4

like information on speech (lip)-reading or
additional help, consider nding a support
group. A good place to start is the Hearing Loss
Association of America (HLAA) at

hearingloss.org

• Your own voice may initially sound loud, or as
though you are talking “in a barrel.” This is very
common, and most people get used to it over
time

• If you are new to hearing aids, you may hear
background noise (e.g., hum of a fan) that
you may not have heard in a long time. Most
people are able to tune out these noises as they
continue to wear their hearing aids

• When you are in a restaurant, avoid sitting in the
middle of the room or near the kitchen. A booth
to the side or in a corner will be more favorable

• It is not necessary to remove your hearing aids at
security checkpoints (e.g., airports). However, you
should remove your hearing aids for CT and MRI
scans or for other electromagnetic procedures

If you have questions that are not addressed in
this guide or the resources on our website at
hiHealthInnovations.com, please call us toll-free at
1-855-523-9355, and press 2.

5

Inserting/replacing the battery

1. Gently pull open the battery door with your
ngernail and remove the used battery. Do not

hold down or press the program or volume
button while opening or closing the battery
door, as this may damage the
hearing aid.

2. Using the plastic tab of a fresh battery, place the
battery into the battery door with the tab facing
up. While holding the battery in place, peel o
the plastictab.

3. To fully activate the battery, wait for one full
minute before gently closing the battery door. If
the door does not close easily, check to see if the
battery was inserted properly.

6

The hearing aids use a size 312 battery. The battery
life varies, depending on the amount of hearing aid
use, but typically lasts 3-7 days. Please insert a new

battery when you receive your hearing aid(s).

Low battery indicator

A voice warning of “low battery” indicates that the
battery needs to be replaced. If you do not change
your battery, you will hear another warning, at which
time your hearing aid will automatically turn o.

Battery warning information

Dispose of used batteries in an environmentally
friendly way. Do not place batteries in your mouth.
Ifswallowed, contact your physician immediately or
call the National Battery Hotline at 1-202-625-3333.

Where to purchase batteries

Batteries are available from hi HealthInnovations. You
may order them online at hihealthinnovations.com,
or call us at 1-855-523-9355. You can also purchase
batteries at most pharmacies, grocery stores and
other retailers.

Battery life

7

Your hearing aid battery door acts as an on/o
switch. When the door is closed, the hearing aid is
on. When the door is open, the hearing aid is o.

ON: Simply close the battery door with a

battery in it.

OFF: When you’re not wearing your hearing aids,

keep the battery door open to extend battery life.

You do not need to remove the battery. If you are

not planning to wear your hearing aids in the next
12 hours, please remove the battery to allow any
moisture to evaporate.

Turning your hearing aids on and o

8

1. Microphone
and speaker – sound
enters the hearing aid
through the microphone.
The speaker delivers
amplied sound toyou.

2. Program button –
switches between
listening programs.

3. Volume button – changes volume levels.

4. Battery door / on and o – close the door to turn
on the hearing aids. Open the door to turn o
thehearing aids. See page 2 for battery activation.

5. Serial number – Each hearing aid has a unique
serialnumber.

6. Ear tube & ear tip – each hearing aid comes with
an ear tube & tip that connects to the hearing aid
speaker. Sound travels through the ear tube & tip
to your ear.

7. Retention loop– helps keep the eartube & tip
inplace.

hi BTE products with ear tube & tip

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

1. Microphone

and speaker – sound

enters the hearing
aid through the
microphone. The
speaker delivers
amplied sound
toyou.

2. Program button –
switches between
listening programs.

3. Volume button – changes volume levels.

4. Battery door / on and o – close the door to turn
on the hearing aids. Open the door to turn o
thehearing aids. See page 2 for battery activation.

5. Serial number – Each hearing aid has a unique
serialnumber.

6. Ear hook – Each hearing aid comes with an ear
hook that attaches to an ear mold.

7. Ear mold - Ear mold is custom t to your ear. Ear
molds are sold and dispensed separately.

hi BTE products with ear hook

10

Ear tubes and tips, ear molds

You have received ear tubes and tips that t the
majority of men/women and your hearing loss.

An open ear tip has openings for
sound to pass through from outside
of the hearing aid, providing a more

natural sound quality. This decreases
the experience of the “occlusion” eect, which
refers to the change you hear in your voice when
your ears are plugged, making your voice sound
hollow or booming. Most people no longer notice
the eect within a few weeks.

A closed ear tip reduces the sound

from outside the hearing aid, providing

more volume, especially in the low

frequencies. They work well for greater
hearing loss and help control for feedback. There
is a single closed tip and double closed tip, with
the double providing more volume and control for
feedback.

A custom earmold is needed when ear

tips cannot provide enough volume or

feedback control for your hearing loss.

An ear impression is made to custom

t to your ear size and hearing needs.

11

Wearing your hearing aids

Determine the left or right hearing aid by one of the
following methods:

1. Colored letters on end of tube near tip
Blue = left ear
Red = right ear

2. When holding the hearing aid with buttons
facing you, the tip should be pointing into the
ear

3. No dot inside battery door = left ear
Red dot inside battery door = right ear

Place your hearing aid over the top of your ear until
it rests securely behind your ear.

While holding the hearing aid in place, insert the ear
tip into your ear canal, and curl/tuck the retention
loop along the body of your ear. This retention loop
will eventually tuck in easily, as body heat helps it
conform to the shape of your ear.

12

The ear tip should be completely or almost
completely in the ear canal. Use your ngernail to

push the tube (rather than the ear tip) into the ear
canal. This will help the ear tip to go deeper. Your
goal is to go as deep as possible, until the length
of the ear tube is ush with your temple. Proper

insertion of the ear tip is key to getting enough
loudness and avoid whistling.

After ensuring proper insertion of the ear tube and
tip, please call customer service if:

• Ear tube seems too long (e.g., falling o top of ear)
or too short (e.g., ear tip is pulling out of the canal)

• Ear tip is too loose or experience feedback (i.e.,
whistling/squealing)

Please see our how-to videos online at
hihealthinnovations.com for more information.

For hearing aids with ear molds, please consult with
your hearing health professional about putting it on.

If you wear eyeglasses, put your glasses on rst and
then put your hearing aids on.

Allergic reactions to hearing aids are unlikely.
However, if you experience skin irritation, redness, or
soreness in or around your ears, please contact your
physician.

13

Caring for your hearing aids

Regardless of how much you paid for hearing aids,
they are sensitive electronic devices susceptible to
moisture and wax. Do your best to keep your hearing
aids clean and dry at all times. For more information,
visit hiHealthInnovations.com and watch the
hi BTE video.

• When not wearing your hearing aids, open the
battery door to allow any moisture to evaporate.
This also helps extend battery life. Store your
hearing aids in a safe, dry place, away from
direct sunlight, and avoid extreme temperatures

• If you live in a humid climate or are around
persistent moisture, consider purchasing a low
cost hearing aid dehumidier or dryer. We have
hearing aid dryers available for purchase

• When you sweat, be sure to take your hearing
aids o, open the battery door, and allow them
to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes before
putting them back on

• Do not leave your hearing aids in the bathroom
while showering

• Be sure your ears and hair are dry when you put
your hearing aids on

• Remove your hearing aids before using hair
spray, spray perfume or shaving lotions, as these
items can clog or damage your hearing aids

14

• Ear wax is natural and common, but it can cause
your hearing aids to whistle or malfunction. It is
important to follow the cleaning instructions on
pa ges 10 -11

• Ask your doctor to remove excessive wax from
your ears, or ask if you can use an over-the­counter kit to remove wax

• Do not use water, alcohol or other liquids to
clean hearing aids. If the hearing aids become
wet, do not attempt to dry them in an oven or
microwave. Open the battery door, remove the
battery and let the hearing aids dry naturally for
24-48 hours

• Do not drop your hearing aids or knock them
against hard surfaces

Depending on your hearing loss, your hearing aids
may be attached to an (a) ear tube & open tip,
(b) ear tube & occluded tip, or (c) ear mold.

Your ear tube & tip will come connected upon
shipment. For optimal performance, replace ear
tube & tip every threemonths. See page 20 for
ordering information.

Replacing ear tube & tip

Maintaining your hearing aids

15

You’ll need to clean the ear tube & tip with a
cleaning wire, received with hearing aid purchase,
at least once aweek.

Grasp the “hearing aid end” of the ear tube; gently
twist 1/4 turn and pull to remove the ear tube from
the hearing aid. Do not bend the ear tube and tip
back and forth to remove it.

Thread the cleaning wire through the ear tube,
starting at the “hearing aid end,” until it comes out
at the “ear tip end.” Pull the cleaning wire all the
way through. Be sure to wipe o the wire before
the next cleaning.

Ensure the wire goes through the ear tube in only

one direction, from “hearing aid end” to “ear tip
end.” Do not reverse the wire back through the

eartube. Clean the ear tip with a dry cloth.

Please see our how-to videos online at
hihealthinnovations.com for more information.

“ear tip end”

“hearing aid
end”

Detaching and cleaning ear tube & tip

16

Cleaning ear molds

Please leave your ear hook, ear tube and ear mold
attached to the hearing aid while cleaning.

Clean the ear hook, ear tube and ear mold daily
with a sanitizing wipe and the cleaning tool, if
available.

Do not get the hearing aid wet.

Have the tubing changed by a professional every
6 - 12 months, or sooner if the tubing is hard when
squeezed.

17

Changing program and volume settings

Program control

The program button allows you to choose between
three program settings*. Spend the majority of

time using program 1 or 2, depending on the
environment. Use program 3 when using the
telephone. Within each program, you can also use the

volume control to make sounds louder or softer if you
wish.

Simply press and release the program button

to
change the program setting. The hearing aid will tell
you which program has beenselected. Please keep the

ear tip or ear mold in your ear to hear the notication.
It is important to wait at least 10 seconds after
changing programs before you open the battery
door.

Program 1 (normal, everyday)

“Program 1”

Program 2 (noisy environments)

“Program 2”

Program 3 (telephone or telecoil)

“Program 3”

Each time you turn on the hearing aid, it will start at
Program 1.

* Hearing aids dispensed by a hi HealthInnovations
professional at your appointment may have less than three
programs, and the telecoil setting may be in a dierent
program.

18

Volume control

The volume button allows you to choose between
six volume levels. Press and release the volume

button to increase the volume. To decrease the
volume, continue to press the button until it
cycles through the maximum volume and back to
volume 1. Then proceed to your desired volume
level.

The hearing aid will tell you which volume level

has beenselected.

It is normal to have whistling when you hold the
hearing aid in your hand, or when you place your
hand over your ear. However, once the ear tip or ear
mold is all the way in the ear canal (please see
page 8), you should be able to wear your hearing
aids at a comfortable volume without whistling. If
your hearing aid whistles, turn the volume down.

Each time you turn on the hearing aid, it will start at
Volume level 3.

Maximum volume

19

Traditional corded phones, cordless phones and
cell phones:

First, try to use the phone as you normally would
hold it. If you cannot hear well, move the handset
up slightly to nd the position that sounds best
to you. If you encounter whistling, tilt the phone
handset at an angle until the whistling stops. It
may help to turn the volume up on your phone.
Practice using the telephone with someone
familiar to you, and move the phone around a bit
to get the best sound.

If your phone is labeled “Hearing Aid Compatible,”
it works with a telecoil (see below).

Telecoils

Your hearing aid may contain a telecoil (standard
on the hi BTE power plus, and labeled on the hi
BTE if included) which receives electromagnetic
signals directly from the telephone and converts
it to sound. The telecoil setting, which is usually
program 3, turns o the regular microphone, so
you can hear more clearly on the telephone. After

nishing your phone call, change back to your
preferred program, usually program 1 or 2, to
turn on the hearing aid microphone again.

Using with telephones and cellular phones

20

Many people use the telecoil with
assistive listening devices called
FM or audio loops. If you go to any
events or religious services and
the room is “looped” that means
you can use your telecoil. Set your
hearing aids to the telecoil program. When the
speaker talks into the microphone, the sound will
be picked up by the “loop.” The sound then goes
right into your hearing aid(s). It will turn o the
background noise and allow you to hear the speaker
more clearly. After the event, change back to your

preferred program, usually program 1 or 2, to turn
on the hearing aid microphone again.

Note: You may hear interference while in the

telecoil setting. There may be a “buzzing sound”
from the hearing aids. Fluorescent lighting,
televisions, and computer screens may make this
buzzing louder. Try to move away from these
devices when using the telecoil.

Other uses of a telecoil

21

Ordering additional accessories

Additional accessories such as ear hooks, ear
tubes and tips, batteries and maintenance kits are
available from hi HealthInnovations.

Order accessories by phone at 1-855-523-9355 or
online at hihealthinnovations.com.

22

No sound or not loud enough

Cause Possible remedy

Not turned on Turn on by closing the

battery door

Low/dead battery Replace battery
Ear wax Clean/replace ear tube&tip
Programming

adjustment needed

Call Customer Service
toll-free at 1-855-523-9355

Moisture Open battery door and

allow to dry

“Low battery” voice prompt

Cause Possible remedy

Low battery Replace battery

Whistling or feedback

Cause Possible remedy

Ear tips not

inserted properly

Remove and reinsert

Poor-tting

ear mold

Consult your hearing health
care professional

Hair or clothing

near ear

Remove hair or clothing
near ear

Check for cracks

in ear tube

Replace ear tube & tip

Poor t

Cause Possible remedy

Ear tip falling out

of your ears

Call Customer Service
toll-free at 1-855-523-9355

Troubleshooting

23

Technical specifications

hi BTE and hi BTE telecoil

ear tube & tip ear

hook

Peak OSPL 90 (dB SPL) 120 125

HFA OSPL 90 (dB SPL) 109 118

Average full-on gain (dB) 33 42

Peak gain (dB) 40 51

Reference test gain (dB) 33 41

Frequency range (Hz) 200 - 5200 200 - 5200

Total harmonic distortion

- @500 Hz <2% <5%

- @800 Hz <2% <2%

- @1600 Hz <2% <2%

Equivalent input noise
(dB SPL)

<30 <30

Induction coil sensitivity
(dB SPL) (if hearing aid
includes telecoil)

90 100

Battery current drain
(mA)

0.80 0.80

Attack and release (mS) 6, 45 6, 45

24

hi BTE power plus

ear

hook

Peak OSPL 90 (dB SPL) 129

HFA OSPL 90 (dB SPL) 122

Average full-on gain (dB) 53

Peak gain (dB) 62

Reference test gain (dB) 45

Frequency range (Hz) 200 - 7100

Total harmonic distortion

- @500 Hz <5%

- @800 Hz <3%

- @1600 Hz <3%

Equivalent input noise
(dB SPL)

<25

Induction coil sensitivity (dB
SPL) (if hearing aid includes
telecoil)

104

Battery current drain
(mA)

1.0

Attack and release (mS) 6, 75

25

60

70

80

90

50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90

Input/
Output

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

100 1000 10000

dB SPL

Frequency (Hz)

OSPL 90 FRC response

hi BTE with ear tube & tip

Saturation output curve

and frequency response curve

hi BTE with ear tube & tip

Input-output curve

26

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90

Input/
Output

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

100 1000 10000

dB SPL

Frequency (Hz)

OSPL 90 FRC response

hi BTE with ear hook

Input-output curve

hi BTE with ear hook

Saturation output curve

and frequency response curve

27

hi BTE power plus

Input-output curve

hi BTE power plus

Saturation output curve

and frequency response curve

28

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 concerning 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 signicant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body
in the ear canal; (viii) Pain or discomfort in theear.

Important notice for prospective hearing
aid users

Good health practice requires that a person with 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. The purpose of medical
evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable conditions
that may aect hearing are identied 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

FDA statements

29

candidate for a hearing aid. The physician will refer you to an
audiologist or a 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 t a hearing aid to
your individual needs.

If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to
amplication, you should inquire about the availability of a
trial-rental or purchase-option program. Many hearing aid
dispensers now oer 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 evaluation, a
child with 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 qualied by training
and experience to assist in the evaluation and rehabilitation
of a child with hearing loss.

30

Warranty

Each hearing aid comes with a one-year manufacturer’s
warranty from the original date of shipment to you. If at our
examination it is determined that the unit failed to work
due to parts, materials or workmanship, the hearing aid will
be repaired or replaced at no charge under warranty. This
warranty does not cover malfunctions due to unusual wear
and tear, unauthorized alteration or mistreatment of the
hearing aid, such as physical shock, damage from moisture
or sweat, excessive wax build-up, or tampering with the
instrument, all of which void the warranty. This warranty does
not cover batteries, ear tubes & tips, ear molds or accessories.
hi HealthInnovations is the only authorized service center
for your warranty service. Please contact Customer Service at
1-855-523-9355, and press 2 to obtain authorization to return
the product, and a shipping label.

Service

For repairs and troubleshooting assistance please contact our
Service Center at 1-855-523-9355, and press 2.

Cancellations, Exchanges and Returns

To cancel your purchase within your 70 day trial period, you
must give written notice of cancellation to us along with
your hearing device(s). For complete details about the refund
and exchange policies, please see your Bill of Sale, visit
hiHealthInnovations.com or contact Customer Service at
1-855-523-9355, and press 2.

Warranty, service and returns

31

Notes

1-855-523-9355 and press 2

For additional information call

JMTW4605 10.2015