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www.sonici.com
Pearl
™
User Guide
Actual
size
Page 2
ii
SONIC
Owner Information
Hearing Aid Model: ________________
Battery Size: 10A
Hearing Aid Serial Number:
(Located inside battery compartment)
Left:_______________ Right:________________
Listening Program
Number
Listening Environment
1
2
3
4
Table of Contents
Owner Information ....................................................ii
Hearing Expectations ................................................2
Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid ..........................................4
Turning Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid On and Off ........... 7
Putting Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid On Your Ear ........8
Removing Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid .........................9
Telephone Use ..........................................................9
The Sound Dome and Speaker Unit ..........................10
Reducing Feedback/Squeal ...................................... 11
Using The Program Button .......................................12
SmartTones .............................................................. 13
Changing The Battery ...............................................13
Replacing the Wax Guards ........................................15
Warranty ....................................................................16
Repair ........................................................................16
Maintenance and Care ..............................................17
Troubleshooting ........................................................19
Warning to Hearing Aid Users ..................................21
Get the Most from your Hearing Aid ......................... 22
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Hearing Expectations
Set Appropriate Expectations
It is important that you have the right expectations
regarding your hearing aids. Hearing aids will give you
better hearing, but they are not a cure for hearing loss.
People whose expectations are too high (“I thought
they would make my hearing normal”) are likely to be
disappointed and may give up.
Hearing Aids Can:
• Help you hear and understand better in most
situations.
• Allow you to participate more in group situations
and meetings.
Hearing Aids Cannot:
• Give you normal hearing.
Hearing Aids May Not:
• Let you hear very soft sounds.
• Block ALL background noises–especially in
noisy groups. Even people without hearing loss
may have difficulty hearing in the presence of
background noise.
Be Patient
Unlike eyeglasses, which correct your vision as soon
as you first put them on, hearing aids need some time
for proper adjustment. It may take several weeks or
months to completely adjust to your hearing aids, so try
to be patient. During the first week or so, try different
listening situations, such as one-on-one conversations
with family and friends and conversations with two
or three people at home or in quiet settings. Also, try
having conversations in noisier places like parties,
restaurants, meetings, and outdoors. Do not forget
that some situations are simply too noisy in general—
even for people without hearing loss. So, do not get
discouraged.
Consistent use of your hearing aid is strongly
recommended. In most cases, infrequent use does not
allow you to obtain the full benefit from your aid.
The use of a hearing aid is only a part of total hearing
rehabilitation, and may need to be supplemented by
auditory training and instruction in speech reading.
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid
Thank you for purchasing a Sonic hearing aid. Sonic
incorporates an advanced digital processor for more lifelike
sound. With your hearing aid, you’ll be able to enjoy more
natural everyday sound quality.
Your hearing aid has been programmed to fit your
hearing and communication needs. If you feel your
program needs to change, your hearing healthcare
provider can make changes to improve the sound.
Please review this instruction guide carefully. It contains
information on the use and care of your hearing aid. With
proper use and care, your hearing aid will improve your
connection with the world around you.
Tube
Sound
dome
Battery
Compartment
Front
Microphone
Rear
Microphone
Sound
Outlet
Program
Button
Note: Never attempt to re-form the speaker
unit or insert anything into the speaker unit.
Speaker Unit
Receiver
Assembly
Retention
Lock
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Manufacturer
Right/Left
Indicator
Red = Right
Blue = Left
Serial Number
Turning Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid On and Off
Before turning off your hearing aid, wipe away any
moisture with a soft cloth.
To turn off your hearing aid, open the battery door
slightly. You should feel a small click when the door is
open far enough to turn the hearing aid off, as pictured
below.
Fully close the door to turn the device back on.
Your hearing aid may be programmed to alert you
with SmartTones™ when it turns on or off. Your hearing
healthcare provider will tell you if this feature is
enabled. Your hearing aid may also have a “power on”
delay. This allows you to insert the aid before it is fully
active.
To prolong battery life, turn off your hearing aid when
not in use.
On Off
Color Clip
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Putting Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid On Your Ear
1. Place your hearing aid
over the top of your ear.
2. Grasp the speaker unit where
it bends and push the sound
dome into your ear canal.
The sound dome should be
placed far enough into the
ear that the speaker unit lies
flush with your head. When
the sound dome is placed
appropriately, you should not
be able to see the speaker
unit sticking out when you
look directly into a mirror.
3. Use your finger to
position the retention lock
comfortably in the bowl of
your ear.
Removing Your Pearl™ Hearing Aid
To remove your hearing aid, hold the speaker unit and
gently pull the sound dome out of your ear canal. Lift
the hearing aid case from behind your ear. Open the
battery compartment to turn off the device.
Important
Should the sound dome become separated from the
speaker unit and remain lodged in your ear canal after
removal of the hearing aid, DO NOT attempt to remove
the sound dome yourself. Seek immediate care from
your hearing healthcare provider or physician.
Telephone Use
Your hearing aid allows you to use the telephone as you
normally would. Select the listening program on your
hearing aid that is best for you when using the phone.
If you experience discomfort from the sound dome
pressing in your ear canal, you may need a different
size speaker unit. In this case contact your hearing
healthcare professional.
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Reducing Feedback/Squeal
Your hearing aid may have the ability to address
feedback (whistle/squeal).
To reduce feedback:
1. Make sure you are in a quiet environment.
2. Press and hold the program button on your hearing
aid for four seconds until you hear the Power Down
tones.
Note: If you do not hear the tones, this feature is not enabled for
your hearing aid.
3. Remove your finger from the program button
and from the vicinity of the hearing aid. You will
hear several bursts of noise. Remain quiet and
stationary while the bursts play.
After your hearing aid is trained you will hear the power
up tones play. Your hearing aid will return to your first
listening program.
The Sound Dome and Speaker Unit
Never expose the speaker unit or sound dome to water.
It will damage the electronics of the hearing aid.
It is important that the speaker unit and the sound
dome fit correctly into your ear. If the speaker unit
or the sound dome irritates your ear in any way and
prevents you from wearing your hearing aid, please
contact your hearing healthcare professional.
The sound dome should be changed if it becomes stiff
or brittle.
We recommend that you have your hearing healthcare
professional change the sound domes for you. If your
hearing healthcare professional instructs you to change
the sound domes yourself, make sure that they are
securely fastened to the speaker unit before you insert
them in your ear. A failure to change the sound domes
in accordance with these instructions could result in
personal injury.
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Program Button
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Using The Program Button
Your hearing aid has a program button. This button
gives you the ability to choose different listening
programs. When you turn the hearing aid off and then
on, it automatically returns to program 1.
Each time you press the button, you move to the next
program. The sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4, 1...
Your hearing aid may use SmartTones™ to help you
identify which program you are using. When you select
program 1 you will hear one beep, program 2 will emit
two beeps, and so on.
Your hearing aid may also have Voice Alerts to help you
identify which program you are using. When you push
the program button, the name of the program you are
switching to will be announced.
Note
Your hearing healthcare
provider may not activate all
programs.
Program
SmartTone
™
1
2
3
4
1 Beep
2 Beeps
3 Beeps
4 Beeps
SmartTones™
Event Tone Description
Start Up Delay A slow sequence of double beeps.
Power On A fast sequence of beeps rising in pitch.
Program Change
A sequence of beeps rising in pitch. Number
of beeps matches listening program position.
Low Battery A slow, double beep from a high to low pitch.
Power Down
Dying Battery
A fast sequence of beeps descending in pitch.
Changing The Battery
The life of your hearing aid battery will vary depending
on your hearing program, the listening situation, and
the length of daily use. A tone sequence or Voice Alert
will tell you when the battery in your hearing aid is
low. When you hear the warning, change the battery
in your hearing aid. If the battery gets so low that it
cannot supply enough power to your hearing aid, a
SmartTone™ power off sequence will play and the
aid will shut off. Place a new battery in the aid to turn
it back on. If your hearing aid is not in use, open the
battery door to slow the battery use.
Always remove the battery if your aid is not in use for
long periods.
Battery Type
Stainless steel zinc-air batteries are recommended.
Your hearing aid uses a 10 A battery.
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Change Batteries Regularly
Assuming you use your Pearl™ hearing aid
approximately 12 hours a day, a single battery should
last around 5 days. The exact battery life you experience
may vary. When your battery needs to be changed you
will hear the Low Battery SmartTone, a slow, double
beep from a high to low pitch.
Remove the old battery:
1. Before turning your hearing
aid off, wipe away any
moisture with a soft cloth.
2. Open the battery
compartment by pushing up
on the battery door catch.
3. Turn the aid over and gently
shake the battery out into
your hand. Be careful not to
lose the battery.
Insert a new battery:
1. Place a new battery into
the battery compartment,
plus side up.
2. Close the battery door.
Replacing the Wax Guards
Your hearing aid uses the NoWax system to protect the
hearing aid from earwax. Wax guards can either be
replaced by you or by your hearing healthcare provider.
1
Remove the Dome.
7
Replace the dome.
6
Pull out the removal tool
5
Insert the new wax guard.
4
Extract the old wax
guard.
3
Insert the removal prong
into the old wax guard.
2
Extract a removal tool.
Discard the
removal tool
and old wax
guard.
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Warranty
Sonic will repair any defective hearing aid part within
the period covered by your warranty. Ask your hearing
healthcare provider for details. Labor and parts are
covered by this limited warranty. If your hearing aid
malfunctions, contact your hearing healthcare provider.
Accessory items, such as batteries and domes, are not
covered under the warranty. Loss and damage due to
misuse, abuse, accidents, tampering, or negligence
are not covered under the warranty. If your hearing
aid malfunctions, it must be serviced by an authorized
Sonic service representative or your warranty may be
voided.
Note: Your hearing healthcare provider may charge a
service fee for processing warranty repairs.
Repair
Refer to the back cover of this booklet for the nearest
repair facility or, if you have any questions regarding
repairs, contact your hearing healthcare provider.
Maintenance and Care
Your hearing aid needs to be cleaned daily. You can wipe
the outside surface with a soft cloth or tissue. Always
store your hearing aid inside its case when not in use.
Important Care Tips
• Keep your hearing aid clean and dry.
It is recommended that you use a hearing aid
dehumidifier kit to story your aid overnight.
• Never attempt to re-form the speaker unit or insert
anything into the speaker unit.
• Keep the hearing aid in a safe place, out of the
reach of pets and small children.
• Remove the battery when storing the hearing aid
for long periods.
• When changing the battery, work over a table
or countertop to keep the aid and battery from
dropping.
• Use a soft brush to clean difficult-to-reach areas.
• Do not drop the hearing aid.
• Do not expose to moisture or submerge in water.
• Avoid harsh temperatures, including excessive heat.
• Avoid wearing your hearing aid while applying hair
spray.
Consult your physician if excessive earwax, skin
irritation, or a foreign object prevents you from wearing
your hearing aid.
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
To avoid the need for repairs not covered under the
warranty:
• Never immerse the hearing aid in water or other liquids
as this may cause permanent damage to the circuitry.
• Protect your hearing aid from rough handling, and
avoid dropping it on hard surfaces or floors.
• Do not leave the hearing aid in or near direct heat
or sunlight as excessive heat can damage the
hearing aid or deform the casing or speaker unit.
Note: Never attempt to re-form the speaker unit
or insert anything into the speaker unit.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble with your hearing aid, check
this guide to quickly find a possible solution.
Problem Solution
No Sound
Speaker unit may not be fully
attached to aid
Push the speaker unit more firmly onto
the aid
Battery vent may be clogged with
moisture
Wipe off moisture from battery door
Battery vent may be clogged with
debris
Ask your hearing healthcare provider to
replace the vent membrane
Battery may be low or dead Replace battery
Hearing aid may not be on Turn on the hearing aid
Start up delay is on Wait a few seconds for device to turn on
Sound dome is blocked with
moisture or debris
Clear the sound dome with the cleaning
brush
Not Loud Enough
Sound dome not inserted properly Re-insert sound dome
Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery
Sound dome is blocked with
debris
Clear the sound dome with the cleaning
brush
Program settings not optimum Consult your hearing healthcare provider
You may have excessive ear wax Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Your hearing has changed Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Program Button Doesn’t Work
Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery
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SONIC PEARL
TM
USER GUIDE
Problem Solution
Whistling or Feedback (see Reducing Feedback/Squeal)
Sound dome not inserted properly Re-insert sound dome
You may have excessive ear wax Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Program settings not optimum Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Sound is Distorted or Not Clear
Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery
Sound dome not inserted properly Re-insert sound dome
There may be poor battery contact Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Program settings not optimum Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Battery Door Won’t Close
Battery not positioned correctly Make sure the battery is properly
positioned in the battery compartment.
The “+” side must face the battery door.
Debris in the battery
compartment
Remove the debris before inserting the
battery
Battery Stuck in Aid
Battery may be jammed Use the magnet end of the cleaning
brush to remove the battery
Battery may be rusted Use the magnet end of the cleaning
brush to remove the battery and replace
Static Noise
You may be close to
electromagnetic fields (such as
digital or cellular telephones)
Move away from the field
Battery may be low or dead Replace battery
There may be poor battery contact Consult your hearing healthcare provider
Warning to Hearing Aid Users
Consult your physician if excessive earwax, skin
irritation, or a foreign object prevents you from wearing
your hearing aid.
Always remove the aid while undergoing any kind of
electromagnetic treatment such as X-Rays, Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Axial
Tomography (CAT), Electroencephalogram (EEG),
Electrocardiogram (EKG), Short Wave Diathermy, or
other electrical or magnetic treatment.
Other types of radiation (burglary alarms, room
surveillance systems, radio equipment, mobile
telephone, etc) will not damage the hearing aid. They
could, however, momentarily affect the sound quality or
create strange sounds in the hearing aids.
Do not wear the hearing aids in mines or other
explosive areas, unless those areas are certified for
hearing aid use.
Keep the hearing aids away from children under the age
of 3 since they contain small parts which may present a
choking hazard.
Special care should be exercised in selecting and
fitting a hearing aid whose maximum sound pressure
level exceeds 132 decibels because there may be risk
of impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing aid
user.
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SONIC
Get the Most from your Hearing Aid
Consistent use of your hearing aid is strongly
recommended. In most cases, infrequent use does not
allow you to obtain the full benefit from your aid.
Your hearing healthcare provider can also assist you in
other hearing improvement techniques. The use of a
hearing aid is only part of hearing rehabilitation. Your
hearing aid may need to be supplemented by auditory
training and instruction in speech reading. No hearing
aid completely restores normal hearing.
Notes
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Notes
Compliance with Requirements for Europe
This device is in conformance with the requirements
of the Directive 93/42/EEC of the Council of the
European Communities concerning medical devices,
MDD. This is certified by applying this marking.
Declarations of conformity are available at:
Sonic Innovations, Inc.
2501 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
Page 15
09.12 | 4001386 | US
www.sonici.com
World Headquarters
Sonic Innovations, Inc.
2501 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873 USA
+1 888 423 7834
Canada
Sonic Innovations Canada Ltd.
920 Industriel Blvd
Terrebonne, Quebec
J6Y 1X1 Canada
+1 800 667 7664
Australia
Sonic Australia
1/10 Dorsey Street
Milton, QLD 4064, Australia
Tel: +61 7 3368 4044
Free call (Australia only)
1800 639 263
International
Sonic AG
Morgenstrasse 131B
3018 Bern, Switzerland
+41 31 560 21 21
France
Sonic France
Parc des Barbanniers
3 allée des Barbanniers
CS 40006
92635 Gennevilliers cedex
+33 1 41 88 00 80
Sonic AG
Morgenstrasse 131B
3018 Bern, Switzerland
+41 31 560 21 21
Sonic Innovations, Inc.
2501 Cottontail Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873 USA
+1 888 423 7834
Germany
Sonic Hörgeräte GmbH
Nunsdorfer Ring 14
12277 Berlin
+49 30 24 63 28 0
Italy
Sonic Italia
Piazza delle Crociate 16
00162 Roma
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