Sonic VELOCITY 4 Open BTE User Manual

User Guide

VELOCITY™ OPEN BTE

www.sonici.com

Owner Information

Hearing Aid Serial Number(s):

Left: _______________ Right ______________

Hearing Aid Model(s):

Left: _______________ Right ______________

Battery Size(s):

Left: _______________ Right ______________

Memory Number

Listening Situation

1
2
3

Table of Contents

Owner Information .......................................................2

Hearing Expectations ...................................................4

Your Hearing Aid ........................................................... 6

Your Open BTE Hearing Aid .........................................7

Turning Your Hearing Aid On and Off ...........................9

Start Up Delay...............................................................10

Putting on Your Open BTE Hearing Aid .......................11

Removing Your Open BTE Hearing Aid ........................12

Using the Program Button ...........................................13

Changing The Battery ...................................................14

Telephone Use ..............................................................16

SmartTones™ ................................................................16

Removing Feedback/Squeal.........................................17

The Sound Tube ............................................................18

The Sound Dome ..........................................................19

Warranty .......................................................................20

Repair ............................................................................20

Maintenance and Care .................................................21

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

Warning to Hearing Aid Users .....................................24

Get the Most from your Hearing Aid ............................25

SONIC

4

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.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

5

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 lip reading.

SONIC

6

Your 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.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

7

Your Open BTE Hearing Aid

Sound
Tube

Dome

Battery
Compartment

Front
Microphone

Rear
Microphone

Program
Button

Sound
Outlet

Retention Lock

SONIC

8

Manufacturer

Serial Number

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

9

Turning Your Hearing Aid On and Off

The On/Off switch for your hearing aid is integrated into
the battery compartment door.

When the battery compartment is fully closed the
hearing aid is turned on.

Turn your hearing aid off by opening the battery
compartment until the battery no longer touches the
contacts. In that position, the power is off.

To prolong battery life, turn your hearing aid off when
not in use.

On

Off

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10

Start Up Delay

Your hearing aid may have a delayed start up feature,
which allows you to insert your hearing aid without
creating feedback or whistling.

This feature can be activated by your hearing
healthcare provider and set to meet your individual time
requirements for putting on the hearing aid.

When this feature is activated, closing the battery
compartment turns the hearing aid on and begins the
start up countdown. You will hear a series of beeps
while the countdown is in process. Position the hearing
aid in your ear. After several seconds, the hearing aid
will turn on and you will hear the “power on” tones play,
indicating the hearing aid is fully activated.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

11

Putting on Your Open BTE Hearing Aid

1. Place your hearing aid over
the top of your ear.

2. Grasp the sound tube where
it bends and push the dome
into your ear canal. The dome
should be placed far enough
into the ear that the sound
tube lies flush with your head.
When the dome is placed
appropriately, you will not be
able to see the sound tube
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.

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12

Removing Your Open BTE Hearing Aid

To remove your hearing aid, hold the sound tube and
gently pull the 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 dome become separated from the sound
tube and remain lodged in your ear canal after removal
of the hearing aid, DO NOT attempt to remove the
dome yourself. Seek immediate care from your hearing
healthcare provider or physician.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

13

Using the Program Button

Your hearing aid has a program
button that allows you to choose
different listening programs.
When you first turn on your
hearing aid (by closing the
battery compartment), your
hearing aid will be in listening
program 1.

Each time you press the
program button, you move to
the next listening program. The sequence is 1, 2, 3, 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.

Note
Your hearing care provider may not activate all listening
programs.

Program Button

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14

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 SmartTone™ tone sequence 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 #13 battery.

Change Batteries Regularly

Below is a table designed to help you determine when
you should change the batteries. The exact battery life
you experience may vary.

Hearing Aid Model Battery Type Change Battery Every*

Open BTE #13 240-280 hours

*Approximate number of hours.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

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Remove the old battery:

1. Open the battery
compartment by
pushing up on the
battery door catch.

2. 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 facing left.

2. Close the battery door.

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16

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 dome pressing
in your ear canal, you may need a different size sound
tube. In this case contact your hearing healthcare
provider.

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.

Dying Battery A fast sequence of beeps descending in pitch.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

17

Removing Feedback/Squeal

Your hearing aid may have the ability to address
feedback (whistle/squeal).

To remove 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 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.

After your hearing aid is trained you will hear the power
up tones play. Your hearing aid will return to your first

listening program.

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The Sound Tube

The sound tube and the dome should be cleaned regularly:

1. Remove the sound tube from the hearing aid by pulling
it off. (Use your thumbnail if you have difficulty.)

2. Use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the sound
tube and dome.

3. Use the black cleaning rod to push any debris out of
the sound tube. The cleaning rod should be inserted
where the sound tube attaches to the hearing aid
casing and pushed all the way through the sound
tube and out through the dome. Clean the end of the
cleaning rod before withdrawing it from the tube.

4. To attach the sound tube snap it straight onto the
hearing aid.

5. You should never attempt
to modify the shape of the
sound tube yourself.

1 2

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

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It is not recommended that you submerge or rinse the
sound tube or dome in water. Water may become lodged
in the sound tube. If this should occur, it will prevent
sound from coming through the sound tube, and may be
harmful to the electronics of the hearing aid.

The sound tube conducts the amplified sound from the
hearing aid to your ear. It is important that the sound
tube and the dome fit correctly into your ear. If the
sound tube or the dome irritates your ear in any way
and prevents you from wearing your hearing aid, please
contact your hearing healthcare provider.

The sound tube and dome should be changed every third
month, or sooner if the sound tube becomes stiff or brittle.

The Sound Dome

We recommend that your hearing healthcare provider
change the domes for you. If your hearing healthcare
provider instructs you to change the domes yourself,
make sure that they are securely fastened to the
sound tube before you insert them in your ear. Failure
to change the domes in accordance with these
instructions could result in personal injury.

SONIC

20

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, 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.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

21

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 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.

SONIC

22

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with your hearing aid, check
this guide to quickly find a possible solution.

Problem Solution

No Sound

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 tube or dome is blocked
with moisture or debris

Use the vent cleaning tool to
clear the sound tube or dome

Not Loud Enough

Dome not inserted properly Re-insert dome

Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery

Sound tube or dome is blocked Clear the sound tube or dome

Program settings not optimum 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

Whistling or Feedback

Sound tube is loose Remove and replace sound tube

Dome not inserted properly Re-insert dome

Program settings not optimum Consult your hearing healthcare

provider

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

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Problem Solution

Sound is Distorted or Not Clear

Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery

Dome not inserted properly Re-insert dome

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

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24

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.

OPEN BTE USER GUIDE

25

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.

26

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

03.13 | 4001339 | 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.

2885-B le Corbusier Blvd
Laval, Québec H7L 4J5
+ 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
[phone]

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
+ 39 06 44 24 68 52