Unitron BTE Next User Manual

Next

TM

BTE Guide

Table of Contents

Your Next™Hearing Instruments .....................................1

Practical Solutions to Everyday Problems ......................2

Getting the Most Out of Your Next

™

Hearing

Instruments..................................................................3

Using the Next™BTE Guide.............................................4

Putting Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments on Your Ears...6

Turning Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments On and Off ....8

Feedback-Free Listening .................................................9

Replacing the Battery....................................................10

Operating Instructions ..................................................12

Assistive Listening Devices ...........................................21

Caring for Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments..................23

Cleaning Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments....................25

Warnings.......................................................................28

Troubleshooting Guide..................................................31

Warning to Hearing Instrument Dispensers ................34

1

Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments

Hearing Healthcare Professional: _________________________

_____________________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________________________________

Model:_______________________________________________

Serial Number: ________________________________________

Replacement Batteries: Size 13

Warranty: ____________________________________________

Program 1 is the Automatic Program
(Available on Next 16 and Next 8 only)

Program 2 is the Manual Program for: _____________________

Program 3 is the Manual Program for: _____________________

Program 4 is the Manual Program for: _____________________

Date of Purchase:______________________________________

2

Practical Solutions to Everyday Problems

Congratulations on choosing your new Next™ BTE
(Behind-the-Ear) hearing instruments. For over 40 years,
Unitron Hearing has been committed to making life
better for people with hearing loss. This means a
commitment to developing high-quality hearing
solutions that incorporate special features to solve the
everyday problems and concerns you have with hearing
loss and hearing instruments.

Next is an innovative hearing instrument that delivers
exceptional sound quality, performance, and results.
Your Next hearing instrument may include an automatic
program that reads your listening environment and
automatically determines a sound destination that is
most effective for optimal listening as your listening
needs change throughout the day. Up to 3 optional
manual programs give you added flexibility to meet your
particular listening needs. Next’s sophisticated adaptive
features offer you the latest digital technology so your
hearing instruments will adapt, leading to a more
personalized experience.

3

Getting the Most Out of Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments

Adjusting to your new hearing instruments will take
some time. In the beginning it is important that you do
not use the hearing instruments for longer than is
comfortable. Depending on your previous experience
with hearing instruments, a few hours a day may be
enough and then you can increase wearing time
gradually. Once you have become accustomed to your
hearing instruments, you should wear them all day every
day since infrequent use will not permit you to adapt to
your hearing instruments and enjoy their full benefits.
The quicker you get used to the everyday sounds around
you, the less you will notice that you are wearing hearing
instruments.

4

Using the Next

™

BTE Guide

Refer to the table of contents for a complete listing of the
topics covered in this guide.

There are different styles of BTEs available. The diagrams
below identify some of the components on your hearing
instruments. Have your hearing healthcare professional
place a check beside the diagram that best describes
your BTE style and attachment.

slim tube and dome earhook and earmold

BTE with volume control BTE without volume control

Hearing Instrument Style

Attachment Style

(check one)

My hearing instrument has (check all that apply)

Comfort-Clarity Balance Program Button
Volume Control Push Button Volume Control

5

Legend

1 Earhook
2 Microphone and Microphone Shield
3 Program Button or Push Button Volume Control

(depending on your customized fitting)

4 Volume Control or Comfort-Clarity Balance

(depending on your customized fitting)
5 Battery Door/On & Off Switch
6 Slim Tube
7 Dome
8 Retention Piece
9 Earmold

1

2

3

4

4

5

9

6

8

2

3

5

7

Putting Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments

on Your Ears

Your BTE hearing instrument may be color-coded red for
your right ear and blue for your left ear. This color
indicator is located inside the battery door with a small
colored dot.

BTEs with Slim Tubes

1. Hold the slim tube where it attaches to the dome and
gently push the dome into your ear canal. The slim
tube should lie flush against your head and not stick
out.

2. Place the hearing instrument over the top of your ear.

3. Place the retention piece in your ear so it rests at the
bottom of the opening of your ear canal.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for your other ear if you wear two
hearing instruments.

6

7

BTEs with Earhooks

1. Carefully insert the earmold in your ear. The earmold
should fit into your ear snugly and comfortably.

2. Place the hearing instrument over the top of your ear.

3. Repeat steps 1-2 for your other ear if you wear two
hearing instruments.

Turning Your Next™Hearing Instruments On
and Off

Your hearing instruments have a three-position battery
door that acts as an off/on switch and that allows access
to the battery compartment.

To turn the hearing instrument on, close the battery door
fully. Note: If the start up delay is activated, your

hearing instrument will not turn on for 10-15 seconds
after closing the battery door.

To turn the hearing instrument off, partially open the
battery door. This position also allows excess moisture
to vent away from the battery compartment.

To replace the hearing instrument battery, fully open the
battery door for access to the battery compartment.

Note: When turning your hearing
instrument on and off, grasp the top and
bottom of the device with your index finger
and thumb. Use your thumb to open and
close the battery door.

on off open

8

9

Feedback-Free Listening

Your Next hearing devices have an optional start up
delay that can be activated by your hearing healthcare
professional. If the start up delay is activated, your
hearing instruments will not turn on for 10-15 seconds
after the battery door is closed fully. The hearing
instruments return to the start up delay position each
time you turn your hearing instruments on. This allows
you to insert your hearing instruments without
experiencing whistling.

If you wear hearing instruments now, you may have
experienced whistling from your hearing instruments
when you talk, chew, use the telephone or hug
someone. Next’s feedback technology dramatically
reduces this uncomfortable whistling before you or
anyone else can perceive it.

10

Replacing the Battery

1. Gently swing out the
battery door with
your fingernail.

2. Grasp the battery
with your thumb
and index finger and
remove.

3. Insert the new
battery into the
battery
compartment with the plus (+) sign on the battery
facing the same way as the plus (+) sign on the edge
of the battery door. This will ensure that the battery
door closes properly.

Note: If the battery is inserted incorrectly, the door will
not close.

4. Close the battery door.

Plus (+) Signs

Low Battery Warning

When you hear two long beeps, your hearing devices are
warning you that their batteries are low. You will hear the
warning approximately every 30 minutes until you
change the batteries or the batteries die. After the first
warning, you may experience some reduction in sound
quality. This is normal and can be remedied by inserting
fresh batteries in the hearing devices. If you prefer, your
hearing healthcare professional can change the pitch
and loudness of the low battery beep or turn it off
entirely.

Caring for Batteries

• Always discard batteries carefully.

• To prolong battery life, remember to turn your hearing
devices off when not in use.

• Remove the batteries and keep the battery door open
while hearing devices are not in use. This will allow
internal moisture to evaporate.

Battery Warnings

• Never leave hearing devices or batteries where small
children and pets can reach them.

• Never put hearing devices or batteries in your mouth.
If a hearing device or battery is swallowed, call a
physician immediately.

11

Operating Instructions

Changing Programs on Your Next™Hearing
Instruments

Your Next hearing instruments may have an automatic
program and up to three additional manual programs.
Next’s automatic program will satisfy most of your
listening needs by adjusting to different listening
environments without requiring manual adjustments. Up
to three additional manual programs can be individually
tailored by your hearing healthcare professional to meet
your particular listening needs.

Your hearing instruments may come equipped with a
push button which has been set for switching between
programs or adjusting your volume. This push button
could also be disabled by your hearing healthcare
professional. If you have an active push button program
control, each time you push the button, you will move to
a new program.

Your Next hearing instruments may also come with an
optional remote control which allows you to switch
between different listening programs. Ask your hearing
healthcare professional for more information on the
remote control.

12

13

Program Beeps

Your hearing devices beep to indicate which program
you are in (i.e. one beep for program 1, two beeps for
program 2, etc.) If you prefer, your hearing healthcare
professional can adjust the pitch and loudness of the
program beep or turn it off entirely.

Adjusting the Volume

The volume on your hearing instruments adjusts
automatically in response to the loud or quiet sounds
around you. Your hearing instruments are set to your
ideal volume by default. Your ideal volume is indicated
by 1 beep. If you have a push button volume control or a
volume control lever, you can further adjust the volume.
Before adjusting the volume on your hearing
instruments, secure the device on your ear with your
thumb and middle finger. Then using your index finger,
adjust the volume level with the volume control lever or
push button.

Your Next hearing instruments may also come with an

Program 1 (e.g. Automatic Program) 1 beep

Program 2 (e.g. Group/Party Noise) 2 beeps

Program 3 (e.g. Easy-t/Telephone) 3 beeps

Program 4 (e.g. Music) 4 beeps

Easy-t/Telephone short melody

Easy-DAI short melody

14

optional remote control which allows you to adjust your
volume levels. Ask your hearing healthcare professional
for more information on the remote control.

Push Button Volume Control

If the push button has been configured as a volume
control, you can adjust the volume level by pushing the
button. Note that your volume control may be disabled
by your hearing healthcare professional and, therefore,
could be inactive.

As you change the volume level, your hearing
instruments will beep. Please refer to the chart below to
learn more about the different volume beeps.

Your hearing healthcare professional can help you
identify your different push button volume control
settings. If you prefer, your hearing healthcare
professional can adjust the pitch and loudness of the
push button volume control beeps or turn them off
entirely.

Volume Setting Beeps

Ideal volume level 1 beep

Increased loudness 1 beep + 1 high-pitched beep

Decreased loudness 1 beep + 1 low-pitched beep

15

Volume Control

If the lever has been configured as a volume control, you
can adjust the volume by pushing the volume control
lever up to increase the volume and pressing the volume
control lever down to decrease the volume. Note that
your volume control may be disabled by your hearing
healthcare professional and, therefore, could be inactive.

As you change the volume level, your hearing
instruments will beep. Please refer to the chart below to
learn more about the different volume beeps.

Your hearing healthcare professional can help you
identify your different volume control settings. If you
prefer, your hearing healthcare professional can adjust
the pitch and loudness of the volume control beeps or
turn them off entirely.

Adjusting the Comfort-Clarity

(Available on Next 16 only)
With a Next 16 hearing instrument, you can also manage

the levels of speech and background noise in your
listening environment via the Comfort-Clarity Balance.

Volume Setting Beep

Ideal volume level 1 beep

Maximum volume level 2 beeps

Minimum volume level 2 beeps

16

This control provides an additional sound refinement
option beyond a traditional volume control. If your
hearing healthcare professional has enabled this option,
you can adjust your comfort-clarity levels using the lever
on your hearing instruments. Before adjusting the
comfort-clarity levels on your hearing instruments,
secure the device on your ear with your thumb and
middle finger. Then using your index finger, adjust the
comfort-clarity level with the lever.

Your Next hearing instruments may also come with an
optional remote control which may allow you to adjust
your comfort-clarity levels. Ask your hearing healthcare
professional for more information on the remote control.

Comfort-Clarity Balance

(Available on Next 16 only)
If the lever has been configured as a Comfort-Clarity

Balance, push the lever up to improve the clarity of
sounds, such as speech. For greater comfort in noisy
listening situations, press the lever down.

As you change the comfort-clarity level, your hearing
instruments will beep. Please refer to the chart below to
learn more about the different comfort-clarity beeps.

Comfort-Clarity Settings Beep

Maximum sound clarity level 2 beeps

Maximum listening comfort level 2 beeps

Note: As the Comfort-Clarity Balance moves toward the
midpoint position, the effect on sound is minimized.

Your hearing healthcare professional can help you
identify your different Comfort-Clarity Balance settings. If
you prefer, your hearing healthcare professional can
adjust the pitch and loudness of the Comfort-Clarity
Balance beeps or turn them off entirely.

Listening in Windy Environments

(Available on Next 16, Next 8 and Next 4 only)
Next’s wind noise manager will engage automatically

based on whether wind conditions are moderate or high.
When the wind noise manager is engaged, sounds such
as speech, may become quieter because the wind noise
manager is working to reduce the loud noise produced
by wind. When you are no longer in a windy
environment, the wind noise manager will not be active
and desirable sounds, such as speech, will once again
become louder.

Listening in Quiet and Noisy Environments

Your Next hearing instruments have a directional
microphone system to meet your listening needs in
different environments. The directional system focuses
on sounds in front of you (i.e., speech) while reducing
sounds from the sides or behind you (i.e., noise). The
directional system can be set to track moving noise
sources and adapt to changing noise levels so that

17

background noise is reduced. Your hearing healthcare
professional can tell you how your directional system
has been customized for you and which listening
programs have the directional microphones activated.

In addition, Next contains antiShock™technology that
identifies and minimizes sudden impulse sounds that
many hearing instrument wearers find irritatingly loud
such as slamming doors or clattering dishes. This
technology is designed to increase listening comfort in
adverse listening situations without impacting sound
quality or your ability to understand conversations.

Replacing the Microphone Protectors

Your Next hearing devices have a shield to protect the
microphones from dirt and debris. Debris on the
microphone protector reduces the sound quality of the
instrument. You should have the microphone protectors
replaced by your hearing healthcare professional
approximately every three months to ensure optimal
sound quality.

Using Next™with the Telephone

Next has the ability, depending on hearing loss, vent size
and style of hearing instrument to provide feedback-free
phone use without program changes. When the phone
rings, pick up the telephone and place it next to your
hearing instrument’s microphone. In some situations
when using a cell phone, you may experience digital

18

19

interference that sounds like static, buzzing or beeping.
If you experience interference, increase the distance
between your hearing instrument and the phone
receiver.

Easy-t for the Telephone or Cell/Mobile Phone

Next comes equipped with easy-t (automatic telephone
switch) that can help you listen on the telephone. Easy-t
automatically switches your hearing instrument into a
telephone listening mode with hearing instrument
compatible phones. You will hear a short melody to
indicate you are in the telephone (easy-t) program. If
your phone is hearing instrument compatible, it will have
a magnetic coil and the easy-t will activate automatically
when the telephone is held to the ear. Once the
telephone is removed from the ear, the hearing
instrument will switch back to the normal listening
mode. Since the location and strength of the magnetic
coil varies among phone manufacturers, it may be
necessary to move the telephone receiver next to the
hearing instrument’s microphone for the best reception.
If the hearing instrument does not switch to the
telephone program automatically when the telephone
receiver is placed in proximity, the magnet for easy-t
hearing instruments should be attached to the telephone
receiver. The magnet is designed to strengthen the
magnetic field at the ear piece of hearing instrument
compatible telephones.

20

To affix the easy-t magnet:

1. Clean the telephone receiver.

2. Hold the magnet near the “listening end” of your
telephone receiver and release it (Figure 1). The
magnet will flip to the appropriate side and seek the
optimal position on the telephone receiver.

3. Place the double-sided tape in this optimal position
on the telephone receiver (Figure 2) and attach the
magnet to the tape (Figure 3).

Warnings

• Be sure the magnet is securely affixed to the
telephone.

• Keep loose magnets out of reach of children and pets.

• If the magnet falls into your ear, contact your hearing
healthcare professional.

• If the magnet is swallowed, contact your physician
immediately.

• The magnet may affect some medical devices or

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

21

electronic systems. Always keep the magnet (or the
telephone equipped with the magnet) at least 30 cm
(12”) away from pacemakers, credit cards, floppy
disks or other magnetically sensitive devices.

• Too high distortion during dialing or phoning may
mean that the phone handset is stressed by the
magnet. To avoid any damage, please move the
magnet to another place on the telephone receiver.

Assistive Listening Devices

Listening in Public Places

Next’s optional telecoil can also help you listen in public
places equipped with telecoil compatible assistive
listening devices such as a loop system. If your hearing
devices do not operate when the telecoil is on, the loop
system may not be operating or you may be in a “dead”
spot. Try positioning yourself in a different part of the
looped area or return your hearing devices to the
microphone position and sit as close to the speaker as
possible.

Connecting to External Audio Sources

Your Next hearing instruments may feature optional
direct audio input (DAI) to connect to other audio
sources such as a stereo or television. Easy-DAI
(available on Next 16 and Next 8 only) automatically
selects your direct audio input program when a device

22

such as your stereo, television, etc. is
connected to your hearing instruments. A
short melody will play to confirm that
easy-DAI is active. When you disconnect
from the device, your hearing instruments
will return to the program you were in
before connecting your device. You will
need to purchase the direct audio input
system and a connector cord from your hearing
healthcare professional before you can connect to
external audio sources.

Easy-DAI can also be used to fit your hearing instruments
with an assistive listening device, such as a FM system,
which you may purchase to improve listening in difficult
situations. You can always override your easy-DAI
program by changing programs on your hearing
instrument manually or with the optional remote control.

Listening Over Distance

Your Next hearing devices may be compatible with
Phonak’s MicroLink™Receiver Module, a wireless FM
system that improves listening over distance. The MLx
FM receiver module connects to the direct audio input
system and is powered by the hearing device battery.

23

Using FM and Infrared Systems

Some FM systems consist of a teleloop worn around the
neck, which is connected to the FM receiver worn on a
belt or in a shirt pocket. To listen through the FM system,
select the telecoil program and turn on the FM receiver.
To keep the signal clear, you may need to adjust the
volume control on your hearing instruments, as well as
on the FM receiver.

With some infrared systems you may need to remove
your hearing instruments and wear the system’s headset
receiver. If the volume on the infrared receiver is not loud
enough, use your hearing instruments instead.

See also “Connecting to External Audio Sources.”

24

Caring for Your Next

™

Hearing

Instruments

• Open the battery door when not in use.

• Always remove your hearing instruments when using
hair care products. The hearing instruments can
become clogged and cease to function properly.

• Do not wear your hearing devices in the bath or
shower or immerse them in water.

• If your hearing instruments do become wet, do not
attempt to dry them in an oven or microwave. Do not
adjust any controls. Open the battery doors
immediately, and allow your hearing instruments to
dry naturally for 24 hours.

• Protect your hearing instruments from excessive heat
(hair dryer, vehicle glove box or dashboard).

• Regular use of a dehumidifier, such as a Dri-Aid kit,
can help prevent corrosion. See your hearing
healthcare professional for more information.

• Do not drop your hearing instruments or knock them
against hard surfaces.

25

Cleaning Your Next

™

Hearing Instruments

Ear wax is natural and common. Ensuring your hearing
instruments, earmolds and domes are free of ear wax is
an important step in your daily cleaning and
maintenance routine.

• Never use alcohol to clean your hearing devices,
earmolds or domes.

• Do not use sharp tools to dislodge ear wax. Sticking
household items into your hearing devices or
earmolds can seriously damage them.

Cleaning the Earmolds and Domes

Ensure your earmolds and domes are free of ear wax and
moisture.

BTEs with Earhooks and Earmolds

If your Next hearing devices have earhooks (see “Using
the Next BTE Guide”), your hearing healthcare
professional fit you with customized earmolds (see
“Using the Next BTE Guide”). Earmolds send amplified
sound from the hearing devices into the ears. They must

26

fit into your ears snugly and comfortably. If amplified
sound leaks out of your ear, you may hear whistling.

Always ensure earmolds are clean and free of ear wax
and moisture. Do not use alcohol to clean your
earmolds. If the earmolds become plugged, clear the
opening with a wax loop or pipe cleaner. If your
physician prescribes eardrops, clean any moisture that
may get into the earmolds or tubing to prevent plugging.

Cleaning the Earmolds

If the earmolds attach to an earhook and they require
further cleaning, disconnect the plastic tube from the
hook of the hearing devices. Wash only the earmolds in
warm water with a mild soap. Rinse them with cool
water and allow them to dry overnight. Make sure the
earmold tubes are dry before reconnecting them to each
hook on your hearing devices.

BTEs with Slim Tubes and Domes

If your hearing instruments have slim tubes (see “Using
the Next BTE Guide”), you need to ensure that the tubes
and domes are free of ear wax and moisture. You should
have the slim tubes and domes replaced by your hearing

27

healthcare professional approximately every three to six
months or when they become stiff or brittle. Clean the
domes daily with a damp cloth. You should also clean
the slim tubes periodically, with the cleaning pin
provided, when you begin to notice debris in and around
the tubes.

Cleaning the Slim Tubes and Domes:

1. Hold the slim tube in one hand and the hearing
instrument in the other hand.

2. Gently turn the hearing instrument until it detaches
from the slim tube.

3. Use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the slim
tube and the dome.

4. Using the black cleaning pin provided
in the kit, gently insert the cleaning
pin where the slim tube attaches to
the hearing instrument and push the
pin all the way through the tube and
out through the dome.

Note: The slim tubes and domes should never be rinsed
or submerged in water as water drops may become
lodged in the tube, block sound or damage the
electrical components of the hearing instrument.

5. Once the slim tube has been cleaned, reattach it by
gently turning the hearing instrument onto the slim
tube.

28

Warnings

• Hearing devices should only be used as directed by
your physician or hearing healthcare professional.

• Hearing devices will not restore normal hearing and
will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment
resulting from organic conditions.

• Do not use your hearing devices in explosion hazard
areas.

• Allergic reactions to hearing instruments are
unlikely. However, if you experience itching, redness,
soreness, inflammation or a burning sensation in or
around your ears, inform your hearing healthcare
professional and contact your physician.

• In the unlikely case that any parts remain in the ear
canal after the removal of the hearing instrument,
contact a physician immediately.

• Remove your hearing devices for CT and MRI scans
or for other electromagnetic procedures.

• Only plug the DAI cables into devices that produce
safe voltages of less than 3 volts.

• Special care should be exercised in wearing hearing
devices when maximum sound pressure levels
exceed 132 decibels. There may be a risk of
impairing your remaining hearing. Speak with your
hearing healthcare professional to ensure the

29

maximum output of your hearing devices is suitable
for your particular hearing loss.

Note to hearing healthcare professional

• Domes should never be fitted on patients with
perforated eardrums, exposed middle ear cavities,
or surgically altered ear canals. In the case of such
a condition, we recommend to use a customized
ear mold.

Precautions

• The use of hearing instruments is only part of
hearing rehabilitation; auditory training and lip
reading instruction may be required as well.

• In most cases, infrequent use of hearing
instruments does not provide full benefit. Once you
have become accustomed to your hearing devices,
wear your hearing devices everyday all day.

• Your hearing instruments use the most modern
components to provide the best possible sound
quality in every listening situation. However,
communication devices such as digital cell phones
can create interference (a buzzing sound) in hearing
instruments. If you experience interference from a
cell phone being used close by, you can minimize
this interference in a number of ways. Switch your
hearing instruments to another program, turn your

30

head in a different direction or locate the cell phone
and move away from it.

Labeling

The serial number and year of manufacture are located
inside the battery door.

31

Troubleshooting Guide

CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY

No sound

• Not turned on

• Low/dead battery

• Poor battery contact

• Battery upside down

• Earmolds/slim tubes/

domes blocked with
ear wax

• Plugged microphone

protector

Not loud enough

• Low volume

• Low battery

• Earmolds/slim tubes/

domes not inserted
properly

• Change in hearing

• Earmolds/slim tubes/

domes blocked with
ear wax

• Plugged microphone

shield

• Turn on

• Replace battery

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Insert battery plus (+) side up

• Clean earmolds/domes. See “Cleaning the
Earmolds and Domes”. Use cleaning pin to
dislodge ear wax in slim tubes. Consult your
hearing healthcare professional.

• Consult your hearing healthcare
professional

• Turn up volume; see hearing healthcare
professional for models without a manual
volume control or if problem persists.

• Replace battery

• See “Putting Your Next Hearing Instruments
on Your Ears”. Reinsert carefully.

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Clean earmolds. See “Cleaning the Earmolds
and Domes”. Use cleaning pin to dislodge ear
wax in slim tubes. Consult your hearing
healthcare professional.

• Consult your hearing healthcare
professional

32

Intermittent

• Low battery

• Dirty battery contact

Two long beeps

• Low battery

Whistling

• Earmolds/slim tubes/
domes not inserted
properly

• Hand/clothing near ear

• Poorly fitting earmolds/
slim tubes/domes

Not clear, distorted

• Poorly fitting earmolds/
slim tubes

• Earmolds/slim tubes/
domes blocked with
ear wax

• Low battery

• Plugged microphone
protector

• Replace battery

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Replace battery

• Remove and reinsert carefully

• Remove hand/clothing from ear

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Clean earmolds. See “Cleaning the Earmolds
and Domes”. Use cleaning pin to dislodge ear
wax in slim tubes. Consult your hearing
healthcare professional.

• Replace battery

• Consult your hearing healthcare
professional

CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY

33

Earmolds/slim tubes/domes falling out of ear

• Poorly fitting earmolds/
slim tubes/domes

• Earmolds/slim tubes/
domes not inserted
properly

Weak on the telephone

• Telephone not
positioned properly

• Hearing device requires
adjustment

For any problems not listed in the guide, contact your hearing healthcare
professional. If you do not have a hearing healthcare professional, please
contact the nearest office listed on the back page of this booklet.

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• See “Putting Your Next Hearing Instruments
on Your Ears”. Reinsert carefully.

• Move telephone receiver around ear for
clearer signal. See “Using Next with the
Telephone” and “Easy-t for the Telephone
or Cell/Mobile Phone”.

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY

34

Warning to Hearing Instrument
Dispensers

A hearing instrument dispenser should advise a
prospective hearing instrument user to consult promptly
with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist)
before dispensing a hearing instrument if the hearing
instrument dispenser determines through inquiry, actual
observation, or review of any other available information
concerning the prospective user, that the prospective
user has any of the following conditions: (i) Visible
congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear. (ii) History of
active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.
(iii) History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss
within the previous 90 days. (iv) Acute or chronic
dizziness. (v) Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent
onset within the previous 90 days. (vi) Audiometric air­bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500
hertz (Hz), 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz. (vii) Visible evidence
of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in
the ear canal. (viii) Pain or discomfort in the ear. Special
care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a hearing
instrument whose maximum sound pressure level
exceeds 132 decibels because there may be risk of
impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing
instrument user. [This provision is required only for those
hearing instruments with a maximum sound pressure
capability greater than 132 decibels (dB).]

35

Important Notice for Prospective Hearing
Instrument Users

Good health practice requires that a person with a
hearing loss have a medical evaluation by a licensed
physician (preferably a physician who specializes in
diseases of the ear) before purchasing a hearing
instrument.

Licensed physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear
are often referred to as otolaryngologists, otologists or
otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of medical
evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable
conditions that may affect hearing are identified and
treated before the hearing instrument is purchased.
Following the medical evaluation, the physician will give
you a written statement that states that your hearing
loss has been medically evaluated and that you may be
considered a candidate for a hearing instrument. The
physician will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing
instrument dispenser, as appropriate, for a hearing
instrument evaluation. The audiologist or hearing
instrument dispenser will conduct a hearing instrument
evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and
without a hearing instrument. The hearing instrument
evaluation will enable the audiologist or dispenser to
select and fit a hearing instrument to your individual
needs. If you have reservations about your ability to
adapt to amplification, you should inquire about the
availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program.

36

Many hearing instrument dispensers now offer programs
that permit you to wear a hearing instrument for a
period of time for a nominal fee after which you may
decide if you want to purchase the hearing instrument.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing instruments to
those individuals who have obtained a medical
evaluation from a licensed physician. Federal law
permits a fully informed adult to sign a waiver statement
declining the medical evaluation for religious or personal
beliefs that preclude consultation with a physician. The
exercise of such a waiver is not in your best health
interest and its use is strongly discouraged.

Children With Hearing Loss

In addition to seeing a physician for a medical
evaluation, a child with a hearing loss should be directed
to an audiologist for evaluation and rehabilitation since
hearing loss may cause problems in language
development and the educational and social growth of a
child. An audiologist is qualified by training and
experience to assist in the evaluation and rehabilitation
of a child with a hearing loss.

Manufacturer

Unitron Hearing Ltd.

20 Beasley Drive, P.O. Box 9017, Kitchener, ON N2G 4X1 Canada

Unitron Distributors

Corporate Office/International

20 Beasley Drive, P.O. Box 9017, Kitchener, ON N2G 4X1 Canada

Australia

Level 2, Norwest Quay, 21 Solent
Circuit, Baulkham Hills, NSW,
NSW 2153

Belgium

Baron de Vironlaan, 60
b-1700 Dilbeek

Canada

20 Beasley Drive, P.O. Box 9017,
Kitchener, ON N2G 4X1

China

No. 78, Qi Ming Road,
Export Processing Zone District B,
Suzhou Industrial Park, P.R. 215021

Denmark

Nitivej 10, DK-2000 Frederiksberg

European Representative

Daimlerstrasse 22, 70736
Fellbach-Oeffingen, Germany

France

5, rue Maryse Bastié - BP 15 69671
Bron Cedex, France

Netherlands

Ir. D.S. Tuijnmanweg 10,
4131 PN VIANEN

New Zealand

10/215 Rosedale Rd., M277 Private
Bag, 300987, Albany, Auckland

Norway

Brugata 14 0186
Oslo, Norway

South Africa

First Floor – Selborne House,
Fourways Golf Park, Roos Street,
Fourways, Johannesburg

Spain

Avenida de la Industria nº13/15,
Polígono de Canastell,
03690 Sant Vicent del Raspeig.
Alicante, España

Sweden

Förmansvägen 2, 4 tr
SE-11743, Stockholm, Sweden

United Kingdom

St. George House, Cygnet Court,
Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire
WA1 1PD

U.S.A.

Suite A, 2300 Berkshire Lane North,
Plymouth, MN 55441

www.unitron.com

Distributor

B/09-013 029-5670-02