Cochlear INERAID Owner's Handbook Manual
INTRODUCTION
We
are
pleased that you have made the decision
to receive the
INERAID artificial ear.
You
are among
the
fi
rst to have a device tha t is on the leading edge
of
a new technology to aid the profoundly deaf.
The
IN
ERA
ID
artificial ear is a result of nearly
a decade of research at the University of Utah and
Symbion ,
Inc. Our goal is to produce a prosthesis
which
will restore partial hear ing to those suffering
from
sensorineural deafness.
We
hope the perform-
ance of the
artifici
al
ear is such that you will have
an
improved quality of life.
You
received one pa
rt
of the INERAID artificial
ear, the electrode assembly, during surgery several
weeks ago. Since that time you have been test
ed
to ,
determ ine the characteristics of your electrodes.
Based on this information the enclosed sound
processor has been tuned specifically for you.
This handbook reviews some of the things you
have
already learned in addition
to
giving you some
new information.
It explains the components of the
artificial ear and suggests a method for connecting
them together to
help you establish a simple routine.
One section reminds you how to adjust the controls
so
you can recei
ve
maximum benefit from the
sound processor. Battery
replacement , safety
features and
pedestal hygiene are also covered.
The section on hearing with the
IN
ERAID arti ficial
ear gives you the oppor tunity to learn some of the
experiences other patients have had. The
guidelines
in the care and maintenance section will help you
keep your
artificial ear in good work ing order.
The
Symbion, Inc. poli
cy
statement tells you what to do
in the event you have
problems with any part of the
artificial ear. Please study this handbook before you
begin using your new sound processor. The information may
help you avoid any unnecessary
problems.
• The components of the INERAID artificial ear. From
top
to bott
om: the so
und
processor, t
he
percutaneous
pedest
al
with elec
trode array, the ear
hook
assembly
and the cable. ..
COMPONENTS
The major components of the INERAID artificial
ear are the i
mp
lanted electrode assembly, the ear
ho
ok
assembly and the sound processor . The ear
hook is connected
to
the sound processor by a
cab
le. The
cab
le has a break-away safety connecto r
which will disconnect the sound processor from the
ear hook should the cable become
en
tangled.
Sounds entering the microphone (which is
located in the ear hook) are changed to elec
trical
energy and conveyed through the cable to the
sound processo
r.
The sound processing electronics
convert sounds into
electrical stimuli which a
re
sent
to the approp riate
electrode implanted in the
cochlea. This information is transmitted by the
auditory ne
rv
e to the brain.
GETTING
STARTED
You
have been shown how to connect the sound
processor to the ear hook and the percutaneous
pedestal. This guide line will help you remember
what you need to do.
Inspect the different components before connecting them together to make
sure everything is in order. Check to see that the
sound processor is turned off
to
prevent a sudden
noise when it is
initially " plugged
in."
Practice connecting the ear hook to the percu taneous pedestal until it feels comfortable. The
plastic prongs help guide the connec tor in the correct orientation.
One of the pi
ns
is a small silver
guide pin which will
allow the connector to go in
only one way. It should go together very easily.
If
you have any problems have a friend help you.
You can damage the
pedestal if you force
the
connection.
NOTE: Do not attempt
to
insert the connector
if the pins
are
bent.
Al
though you may
be
able to find an assembly
method that is easier for you, the following is
suggested.
1. Make sure the sound processor is OFF.
2. Connect the cable to the ear hook and fit the
hook over your ear.
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