Sonic VELOCITY BTE User Manual

User Guide

VELOCITY™ 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
4

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Putting On Your BTE ....................................................10

Removing Your BTE .....................................................11

Removing Feedback/Squeal.........................................12

Using the Volume Control ............................................13

Using the Program Button ...........................................14

Changing The Battery ...................................................15

Direct Audio Input .........................................................18

Using the Telephone .....................................................20

Safety Lock ...................................................................21

SmartTones

™

.............................................................................. 21

Warranty .......................................................................22

Repair ............................................................................22

Maintenance and Care .................................................23

Troubleshooting ............................................................24

Warning to Hearing Aid Users .....................................26

Get the Most from your Hearing Aid ............................27

4

SONIC

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.

5

BTE USER GUIDE

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.

6

SONIC

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.

7

BTE USER GUIDE

Ear Hook

Volume Control
(optional)

Earmold
Tubing

Earmold

Program Button

Battery
Compartment

8

SONIC

Label

Sonic

Year of Manufacture

Serial Number

Brand Name

Configuration:

M = Microphone

T = Telephone

D = Directional

BLUE tile indicates a LEFT hearing aid. RED tile
indicates a RIGHT hearing aid.

9

BTE USER GUIDE

Turning Your Hearing Aid On and Off

If your hearing aid has a volume control, slowly rotate it
upward to turn it on. You will feel a click as the hearing
aid turns on. Continue to rotate the wheel up until
the volume is at a comfortable level. To turn off your
hearing aid, rotate the volume control wheel down until
it clicks off.

If your hearing aid does not have a volume control,
open the battery door slightly to turn it off. 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.

10

SONIC

Putting On Your BTE

Start with the BTE hearing aid and earmold for your
left ear. If you have a volume control, rotate the volume
control wheel down until it clicks off.

Connect the earmold to the hearing aid by pushing the
hearing aid's ear hook into the tube on the earmold.

Once the two are
connected, hold the
earmold with your
thumb and first
finger. Gently guide it
into your ear canal.

Gently pulling down
on your ear lobe with
your other hand may help. A
slight twist may be needed to fit the
earmold in your ear.

When the earmold is in your ear, place the hearing aid
behind the top part of your ear. Do the same thing with
the right hearing aid and earmold.

Turn your hearing aid on.

11

BTE USER GUIDE

Removing Your BTE

To take your hearing
aid off, hold the
earmold with your
thumb and first
finger. Gently pull it
out of your ear canal.

A slight twist may be
needed to remove it. Do
not pull on the tube, as
it may come out of the
earmold.

Once the earmold is out
of your ear, remove the
hearing aid from behind
your ear.

Reminder

Even though they look the same, hearing aids are
programmed to fit a specific ear (right or left). Make sure
the correct hearing aid is used with the correct earmold.
Refer to the right/left color indicator on page 8.

12

SONIC

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 it will return to your
first listening program.

13

BTE USER GUIDE

Using the Volume Control

Your hearing aid is designed to adjust to the sound
level of the environment around you. You should only
need to make small volume changes to get natural and
comfortable sound.

In order to make these small changes, your hearing aid
may have a volume control that allows you to turn up or
turn down the volume when needed. Rotate the volume
control wheel up to turn up the volume as needed. If
you need to lower the volume, slowly turn the volume
control wheel down. Your hearing aid may play a series
of SmartTones™ to let you know when you have reached
your best listening setting for volume.

Important

If the volume of your hearing aid is too loud or soft
when the volume control is all the way up, talk to your
hearing healthcare provider . They may need to make
changes to your fitting program.

14

SONIC

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, 2 ...

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

15

BTE USER GUIDE

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

Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

A zinc-air battery is recommended. Your hearing aid
uses a #13 battery.

Note

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

16

SONIC

Install a new battery

1. Remove the colored tab from the zinc-air battery
before putting it in the hearing aid.

2. Insert the battery so the "+" sign on the battery
matches the "+" sign on the battery door.

3. Close the battery door.

If you have a volume control, turn the wheel upward to
turn the hearing aid on.

Cup your hand around the hearing aid. A whistling or
squealing sound means the battery is working.

Battery Compartment

Battery

"+" Indicator

17

BTE USER GUIDE

Hearing Aid Model Battery Type Change Battery Every*

BTE #13 201 - 244 hours

*Approximate number of hours assuming a directional product. Omni-only
products may provide additional wear hours.

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.

If your hearing aid is not in use, open the battery
compartment door to turn the aid off. This will
prevent battery drain. Also, your hearing aid may be
programmed with SmartTones

™

or Voice Alerts to tell

you when to change the battery.

18

SONIC

DAI Boot

Cable

Direct Audio Input

Using the Direct Audio Input (DAI) with assistive
listening devices may improve the understanding
of speech in one-on-one conversations. It may also
reduce stress in noisy environments. Attach the DAI
boot to your BTE. Insert the Euro plug of the assistive
listening device cable into the DAI boot. Talk to your
hearing healthcare provider for details on assistive
listening devices.

Note

When the DAI is connected to AC-powered equipment,
this equipment must comply with IEC-60601 or equivalent
safety standards.

19

BTE USER GUIDE

Direct Audio Input Programs

Your hearing healthcare provider may have programmed
your hearing aid with special listening programs
designed to work when the DAI boot is attached. You
access these programs with your program button just
as you would any other listening program. Refer to the
chart on the inside cover of this User Guide to determine
the programs that use the DAI feature.

Your hearing healthcare provider may have configured
your hearing aid to automatically switch to your first
DAI program when the DAI boot is attached. If you
attach the DAI boot and the hearing aid does not
automatically switch, use the program button to
navigate to your DAI program.

20

SONIC

Using the Telephone

Your hearing aid has a telecoil option that has the
ability to pick up only the sounds coming from a hearing
aid-compatible telephone. Your hearing healthcare
provider can program your
hearing aid to take advantage of
this option. Refer to the chart on
the inside cover of this User Guide
to determine the program that uses
the telecoil feature. When you have
moved to the telecoil/telephone
program, place the telephone handset
lightly against your ear. Adjust the
handset slightly up and/or back to
find the position that gives the best
sound.

Your hearing aid may have an Auto Telephone feature,
which automatically switches to the Telephone program
when a phone is placed next to your hearing aid. If the
Auto Telephone feature does not automatically engage,
the magnetic field in your phone may not be strong
enough. A small magnet was included with your hearing
aid. Place the magnet on your phone, as shown in the
included instructions, to improve the Auto Telephone
switching.

If your hearing aid has been configured without a
telecoil option, select the program that is best for
you when using the telephone. Then position the
phone lightly against your ear as described above.

21

BTE USER GUIDE

Safety Lock

As an added safety feature, your battery door has been
designed with a locking bolt to deter children from
accessing the battery. To lock the door, place your BTE
on a flat surface with the ear hook facing left. Partially
open the battery door (see below). Firmly press the
locking bolt down with a thin, hard device such as a
pair of tweezers. This will prevent the battery door
from completely opening and exposing the battery. To
unlock, simply flip the hearing aid over with the ear
hook facing right. Press down on the bolt moving it
back to the open position.

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.

Locking Bolt

22

SONIC

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 inside back cover of this booklet for the
nearest repair facility or, if you have any questions
regarding repairs, contact your hearing healthcare
provider.

23

BTE USER GUIDE

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.

24

SONIC

Troubleshooting

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

Problem Solution

No Sound

Volume may be turned down Move Volume Control wheel up

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 tube or dome is blocked
with moisture or debris

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

Not Loud Enough

Earmold not inserted properly Re-insert earmold

Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery

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

Program settings not optimum Consult your hearing healthcare

provider

Your hearing has changed Consult your hearing healthcare

provider

You may have excessive ear wax Consult your hearing healthcare

provider

Volume may be turned down Move Volume Control wheel up

25

BTE USER GUIDE

Problem Solution

Program Button Doesn’t Work

Battery may be low or dead Replace the battery

Whistling or Feedback

Earmold tube is loose Remove and replace earmold

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

Earmold not inserted properly Re-insert earmold

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

26

SONIC

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.

27

BTE USER GUIDE

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

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 | 4001337 | 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