Sonic PEP User Manual

pep

pep

User Guide

Custom
Hearing Instruments

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Hearing Instrument Serial Number:
Left Right

Hearing Instrument Model:

Left Right

Battery Size ITC and ITCD: 312
Battery Size CIC: 10

Listening Listening
Program # Environment
1 ITCD and ITC only
2 ITCD and ITC only
3 ITCD and ITC only

Telephone Coil (optional for ITCD and ITC)

r Right r Left r disabled

Your Instrument Has Been Programmed For:

r Microphone + Telecoil r Right r Left
r Telecoil only r Right r Left

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Table of Contents

Concratulations on Your Purchase! 07

General Warnings and Safety Guidelines 08

Hearing Expectations 12

Your Pep In-the-Ear Hearing Instrument 14

Turning Your Hearing Instrument ON and OFF 15

Putting ON Your Hearing Instrument 16

Taking OFF Your Hearing Instrument 17

Changing the Volume 18

Changing the Programs 20

Using the Telephone Coil 21

Using the Telephone 22

Changing the Battery 23

Important Battery Information 24

Caring for Your Hearing Instruments 25

Cleaning the Sound Outlet 27

Environmental Protection 29

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Product Approval, Markings and Compliance 30

Cell Phone and Hearing Instrument Compatibility 31

Warranty and Repairs 32

Accessories 33

Common Problems and Solutions 34

Compliance with Requirements for Europe 38

Service 39

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Congratulations On Your Purchase!
With a little practice, you will soon be on
your way to better hearing. Your hearing
instrument has been programmed to fit
your hearing and communication needs.

Please read the entire contents of this booklet
before using your hearing instruments. It contains
instructions and important information about the
use and handling of your hearing instruments and
batteries. With proper use and care, your hearing
instrument will improve your connection with the
world around you.

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General Warnings and Safety Guidelines

Familiarize yourself completely with the following
general warnings and safety guidelines before using
your hearing instruments:

· 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.

· Hearing instruments should be used only as directed
and adjusted by your trained hearing care provider.
Misuse or improper adjustments can result in sudden
and permanent hearing loss.

· Hearing instruments will not restore normal hearing
or prevent hearing loss resulting from organic
conditions.

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

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

· Be aware that use of a hearing instrument may cause
excess ear wax to build up in the ear canal which may
require removal by a trained medical professional.

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· Clean your hearing instruments and their parts on
a regular basis as recommended. Micro-organisms
from unclean instruments may cause skin
irritations.

· In rare cases, a hearing instrument or earmold
may cause a discharge from the ear or allergic
reaction. See a physician immediately if these
conditions occur.

· An earmold is a custom-made product. If you
experience discomfort or irritation of your ear, please
see your hearing care provider immediately for
modification of the earmold.

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

· Take care when changing and discarding batteries
to keep them out of reach of infants, children, persons
of mental incapacity or pets.

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

· Never attempt to recharge non-rechargeable
batteries.

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

· Keep batteries away from medications, since
they can easily be mistaken for pills.

· In the event that a battery or hearing instrument
is swallowed, see a doctor immediately.

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

· Traffic or other warning sounds may also be
reduced in level by a directional microphone when
these sounds are coming from behind you.

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

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Caution!

Warning to Hearing Care Provider and Patient

Special care should be taken when fitting
and using a hearing instrument with maximum
sound pressure capability in excess of
132 dB SPL (IEC 711) since there may be a
risk of impairing the remaining hearing
of the patient.

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Hearing Expectations

Set Appropriate Expectations

It is important that you have the right expectations
regarding your hearing instruments. Hearing instru­ments 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 Instruments Can:

· Help you hear and understand better in most
situations.

· Allow you to participate more in group situations and
meetings.

Hearing Instruments Cannot:

· Give you normal hearing.

Hearing Instruments May Not:

· Let you hear very soft sounds.

· Block ALL background noises – especially in
noisy situations. Even people without hearing
loss may have difficulty hearing in the presence
of background noise.

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Be Patient

Unlike eyeglasses which correct your vision as soon
as you first put them on, hearing instruments need
some time for proper adjustment. It may take several
weeks or months to completely adjust to your hearing
instruments, so try to be patient. Initially, 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 instrument is strongly
recommended. In most cases, infrequent use does
not allow you to obtain the full benefit from your device.

The use of a hearing instrument 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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VR_ILU_ITC1overview_BW_HI

VR_ILU_ITC2overview_BW_HI

VR_ILU_CICoverview_BW_HI

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Your Pep In-the-Ear Hearing Instrument

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3

2

4

3

2
6

9

5

1

ITCD ITC

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7

CIC

1 Vent
2 Canal
3 Sound outlet with
wax protection
4 Microphone opening
5 Battery door

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4

3

2

5

1

1

5

8

6 Push button (optional)
7 Removal cord
8 Volume control (optional)
9 Second microphone
opening

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Turning Your Hearing Instrument
ON and OFF

To Turn Your Hearing Instrument ON

Push the battery door closed until it snaps.
Your hearing instrument will make one long beep
as it starts.

To Turn Your Hearing Instrument OFF

Place your fingernail underneath the front edge
of the battery door and lift to open.

open (OFF) closed (ON)

Note!

Never force the battery door open or closed.

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Putting ON Your Hearing Instrument

It takes patience and practice to insert your
instruments correctly. If you have difficulty, please
consult your hearing care provider.

· Hold your instrument between your thumb
and index finger.

· Insert your right instrument with your right hand
and your left instrument with your left hand.

· Place the canal part of your instrument into
your ear canal (Fig. 1).

· Gently pull your ear lobe down with the other hand
while pushing the hearing instrument in until it feels
secure (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

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Taking OFF Your Hearing Instrument

· Use your thumb to push up against the bottom
(back part) of your ear to loosen the instrument.

· Grasp the instrument at its edge between your thumb
and forefinger, and gently remove it from
your ear.

· If your hearing instrument has a pull-out (removal)
cord, pull it gently.

Important!

Do not try to remove your instrument by
pulling on the battery door. This may cause
damage. Contact your hearing care provider
if you are having problems removing the
instrument.

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Changing the Volume

Your hearing instruments are programmed to be at
a comfortable volume level for your hearing loss.
They are designed to automatically adjust to changes
in the sound environment.

Your hearing instrument may allow you to adjust
the volume yourself with an optional control on
the hearing instrument.

Volume Control Wheel

The volume control is optional for all ITCD
and ITC hearing instruments.

To Increase the Volume

Turn the volume control forward. The hearing
instrument will beep when you reach the loudest
setting.

louder

softer

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To Decrease the Volume

Turn the volume control backwards. The hearing
instrument will beep when you reach the softest
setting.

The volume control has no mechanical stop. You can
continue to turn it, but the loudness will only be
adjusted between the loudest and softest settings.
Your hearing care provider can program the volume
to remain at a fixed level, if desired.

Note!

Your hearing instruments automatically
return to a preset loudness level when
they are powered on, the battery is low, or
when the program is changed. If you find
that you frequently need to turn the volume
up or down, your hearing care provider
may need to adjust your settings.

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Changing the Programs

(Optional for ITCD and ITC instruments)

Your hearing instrument can be configured with
multiple listening programs. Please see inside
the front cover of this User Guide to find out which
program(s) have been configured by your hearing
care provider. You can change programs as follows:

Push Button

If your instrument has been made with an optional
push button, your hearing care provider can program
it to change programs. A press on the button will
cause the program to change. This will take
1 – 2 seconds until you hear the program change.
The number of beeps you hear will tell you which
program you are in.

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Using the Telephone Coil

(Optional for ITCD and ITC instruments)

The telecoil helps you hear better when using a
telephone or in buildings where inductive loop systems
are installed (places of worship, halls, theatres, etc.).
When the telecoil is active, you hear directly through
the telephone or inductive loop. To access the telecoil,
go to your telecoil program. Please see inside the
front cover to find out which program is your telecoil
program.

This symbol or a similar sign should be

displayed wherever a permanent loop has
been installed.

Note!

Not all telephones are compatible with
the telecoil in your hearing instruments.

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Using the Telephone

Your hearing care provider can assign a telephone
program. You can access it by pressing the push
button. Refer to the information inside the front
cover to find out how your hearing instruments
are configured.

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Changing the Battery

When the battery is low, your hearing instrument
will beep at regular intervals. You should be prepared
to replace the battery. The time until the hearing
instruments stop working depends on the battery
type and manufacturer. Mercury-free batteries
generally cause earlier warning beeps.

· Gently open the battery door fully.

· Remove the used battery (Fig. 1).

· Remove the sticker from the new battery (Fig. 2).

· Place the battery into the door with the flat,
smooth side facing up (+ sign) as shown in the
drawing (Fig. 3).

· Close the battery door securely.

Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3

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Important Battery Information

· Battery life will vary with conditions of use
(for example, batteries will run down faster in noisy
environments).

· Always keep spare batteries on hand.

· A used battery should be replaced immediately.

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

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

· Always remove zinc-air batteries before drying
your hearing instrument with a drying kit. Drying
out zinc-air batteries shortens their lifetime.

· Used batteries should be returned to your battery
supplier or hearing care provider for safe disposal.

· Never dispose of batteries by burning them.
They may explode and cause injury.

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

· Batteries can be harmful if swallowed. Keep batteries
out of the reach of pets and small children. In case
of ingestion, contact your physician immediately.

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Caring for Your Hearing Instruments

Healthy ears produce cerumen, a waxy substance
that can clog your hearing instruments. Please follow
these cleaning instructions to prevent wax build-up
and ensure optimal performance.

Every Night

· Check your hearing instruments for ear wax
and wipe them clean with a cloth or tissue.

· Use the cleaning tool provided to remove wax that
may have accumulated in the canal or vent opening.

· Open the battery door fully to allow air to circulate.

· A dry storage kit is recommended to remove any
moisture that may have accumulated in the hearing
instrument.

Avoid Heat, Humidity and Chemicals

· Do not expose your hearing instruments to extreme
heat by leaving them in the car, near a radiator, etc.

· Avoid exposing your hearing instruments to
moisture (e.g. steambaths, showers, heavy rain, etc.)

· Never attempt to dry your hearing instruments
with a hair dryer, microwave oven, etc.

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· Remove your hearing instruments before applying
aftershave, hairspray, oils, perfume, mosquito
repellent, lotions, etc. Allow drying time before
wearing your hearing instruments.

· Protect your hearing instruments by keeping
them in the case when you are not wearing them.

· Consult your physician if excessive ear wax,
skin irritation, or a foreign object prevents you
from wearing your hearing instrument.

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Cleaning the Sound Outlet

The sound outlet is an integral part of your hearing
instrument and should be kept clean and free from
ear wax at all times.

· Always inspect your NoWax filter before using
the hearing instrument to ensure that it has not
become detached from your hearing instrument.

· Change the filter if you can see that it is clogged
or if the hearing instrument does not sound normal.

· Remove the tool from the shell and push the
removal part into the old wax filter to remove
it from the sound outlet.

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· Push the new filter into the sound outlet.

· Discard the used tool.

Shell Filter Tool Removal tool

Note!

If you cannot clean the hearing instruments
completely, it is best to contact your hearing
care provider.

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Environmental Protection

Your hearing instruments contain electronic
components subject to the Directive 2002/96/EC on
waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

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 according
to your local regulations or return them to your
hearing care provider for disposal.

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Product Approval, Markings
and Compliance

All Sonic hearing instruments comply with
international standards concerning electromagnetic
compatibility. Due to the limited space available
on the hearing instruments all relevant approval
markings are found in this document.

Electromagnetic Interference

Your hearing instrument has been thoroughly tested
for electromagnetic interference. However, some
products may emit electromagnetic energy causing
unforeseen interference with hearing instruments.
Examples include induction cooking appliances,
shop alarm systems, mobile phones, fax machines,
personal computers, X-rays, CT scans, etc.

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Cell Phone and Hearing Instrument
Compatibility

Some hearing instrument users have reported a
buzzing sound in their devices when they are using
cell phones, indicating that the cell phone and
hearing instrument may not be compatible.

The compatibility of a particular hearing instrument
and cell phone can be predicted by adding the rating
for the hearing instrument immunity to the rating for
the cell phone emissions (ANSI C63.19-2006 American
National Standard Methods of Measurement of
Compatibility between Wireless Communication
Devices and Hearing Aids).

For example, the sum of a hearing instrument with
a rating of 2 (M2/T2) and a telephone with a rating
of 3 (M3/T3) would result in a combined rating of 5.
According to the standard, any combined rating
that equals at least 5 would provide “normal use”;
a combined rating of 6 or greater would indicate
“excellent performance.” The immunity of your Pep
hearing instrument is at least M2/T2.

The equipment performance measurements,
categories and system classifications are based
upon the best information available but Sonic
cannot guarantee that all users will be satisfied.

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Warranty and Repairs

Your hearing instruments have a limited warranty,
covering defects in materials and workmanship.
This warranty covers the hearing instruments
themselves, but not accessories such as batteries,
tubing, domes, 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 non-authorized service personnel.

Please review the warranty with your hearing care
provider and make sure that your warranty card is
completed correctly.

Note!

Your hearing care provider may charge a
service fee for processing warranty repairs.

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Accessories

Sonic offers optional accessories that may be
purchased to enhance your hearing system.
Depending on hearing instrument type and local
regulations, the following accessories are available:

· Cleaning and drying kit

For further information on accessories please contact
your hearing care provider.

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Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible cause Solution

Instrument
whistles
or squeals

Instrument not inserted correctly Re-insert instrument
Ear wax accumulation in ear canal Consult your hearing care provider or physician
Instrument may be too loose Consult your hearing care provider

No volume, level
too soft or
humming noise

Instrument may not be turned ON Check that the battery door is closed completely
Battery may be dead

or inserted wrong way

Volume level too soft Increase volume level with control on instrument

Instrument may be in telecoil position Check to make sure you are in the intended program
Ear wax accumulation in ear canal Consult your hearing care provider or physician
Battery contacts may be dirty

or corroded

Sound outlet may be blocked
or corroded

Microphone sound inlet may
be blocked

Your hearing loss may
have increased

PeP · Cus tom user Guide

Insert a fresh battery

(if available)

Open and close the battery door several times or
clean the battery contacts carefully with a dry Q-tip

Check the sound outlet and change the filter
if you can see that it is clogged

Consult your hearing care provider, do not try
to clean this yourself

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Consult your hearing care provider

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Problem Possible cause Solution

Whirring noise,
fading, weak
or motor-boating
sounds

Battery contacts may
be dirty or corroded

Moisture in hearing instrument Place hearing instrument in Dry-Instrument pack.

Low battery Insert a fresh battery

Instrument
switches from
ON to OFF
periodically

Low battery Insert a fresh battery

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Open and close the battery door several times
or clean the battery contacts with a dry Q-tip

Remove battery first. Consult your hearing care
provider.

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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

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Service

If none of the actions listed in the previous pages
correct a problem you may have with your hearing
instrument, contact your authorized Sonic service
representative. Do not attempt to service your

hearing instruments yourself or your warranty
may be voided.

Place stamp with dispenser name and address here:

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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World Headquarters

Sonic Innovations, Inc.

2501 Cottontail Lane
Somers et, NJ 08873 USA
[phone]

International

Sonic AG

Morgenstrasse 131B
3018 Bern, Switzerland
[phone]

Australia

Sonic Australia

1/10 Dorsey Street
Milton, Q LD 4064, Australia
Tel: [phone]
Free call (Australia only)
1800 639 26 3

Canada

Sonic Innovations Canada Ltd.

920 Industriel Blvd
Terrebonne, Quebec
J6Y 1X1 Canada
[phone]

Sonic Innovations, Inc.

2501 Cottontail Lane
Somers et, NJ 08873 USA
[phone]

06.12 | 124406 | UK

www.sonici.com

France

Sonic France

3 allée des Barbanniers
Parc des Barbanniers
92230 Gennevilliers
[phone]

Germany

Sonic Hörgeräte GmbH

Nunsdorfer Ring 14
12277 Berlin
[phone]

Sonic AG

Morgenstrasse 131B
3018 Bern, Switzerland
[phone]