Unison
TM
Digital
BTE Guide
Table of Contents
Your Unison™Digital Hearing Instruments......................1
Practical Solutions to Everyday Problems ......................2
Getting the Most Out of Your Unison
™
Hearing
Instruments..................................................................3
Using the Unison™Digital BTE Guide .............................4
Turning Your Unison
™
Hearing Instruments On and Off .5
Putting Your Unison
™
Hearing Instruments
on Your Ears .................................................................6
Feedback-Free Listening .................................................7
Operating Instructions....................................................8
Assistive Listening Devices ...........................................10
Replacing the Battery....................................................12
Caring for Your Hearing Instruments.............................14
Cleaning Your Unison
™
Hearing Instruments ................15
Warnings .......................................................................18
Troubleshooting Guide .................................................20
Warning to Hearing Instrument Dispensers ................23
Your Unison
™
Digital Hearing Instruments
Hearing Healthcare Professional: _________________________
_____________________________________________________
Telephone: ___________________________________________
Model: _______________________________________________
Serial Number: ________________________________________
Replacement Batteries: Size 10 Size 13 Size 675
Warranty:_____________________________________________
Use Program 1 for: _____________________________________
Use Program 2 for: ____________________________________
Use Program 3 for: ____________________________________
Date of Purchase: ______________________________________
1
Practical Solutions to Everyday Problems
Congratulations on choosing your new BTE (Behind-theEar) digital hearing instruments. For 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.
The best choice of hearing instrument is different for
everyone: it comes down to your individual hearing loss,
lifestyle, preferences and budget. The Unison™series
meets your unique needs with three high-quality digital
hearing instrument models. Your hearing healthcare
professional helped you choose the right Unison model
and style for your needs.
2
Getting the Most Out of Your Unison
™
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 devices 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 devices, you should wear them all day every day
since infrequent use will not permit you to adapt to your
hearing devices 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.
3
Using the Unison
™
BTE Guide
Refer to the table of contents for a complete listing of
the topics covered in this guide.
There are several 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.
4
Legend
1 Earhook
2 Slim Tube
3 Microphone and
Microphone Shield
4 Program Button
5 Volume Control
6 Battery Door/On &
Off Switch
7 Dome
8 Retention Piece
BTE with
Volume Control
BTE with
Slim Tube
BTE without
Volume Control
1
3
4
5
6
1
3
4
6
2
3
4
6
7
8
Turning Your Unison
™
Hearing Instruments
On and Off
Your hearing devices 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 device on, close the battery door fully.
Note: If the start up mute is activated, your hearing devices
will not turn on until the program button is pushed.
To turn the hearing device off, partially open the battery
door. This position allows excess moisture to vent away
from the battery compartment. Note: If you have a high
power BTE with a 675 battery, you also have an on/off
switch in the volume control.
To replace the hearing device battery, fully open the
battery door for access to the battery compartment.
5
on off open
Note: When turning your hearing
device 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.
Putting Your Unison
™
Hearing
Instruments on Your Ears
BTEs with Slim Tubes
1. Place the hearing instrument over the top of your ear.
2. 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.
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 devices.
BTEs with Earhooks
1. Place the hearing instrument over the top of your ear.
2. Carefully insert the earmold in your ear. The earmold
should fit into your ear snugly and comfortably.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 for your other ear if you wear two
hearing devices.
6
Feedback-Free Listening
Your hearing devices may have an optional start up
mute that can be activated by your hearing healthcare
professional. If the start up mute is activated, your
hearing devices will not turn on until the program
button is pushed, even if the battery door is in the ON
position. The hearing devices return to the start up mute
position each time you turn your hearing devices on.
This allows you to insert your hearing devices without
experiencing whistling.
If you wear hearing devices now, you may have
experienced whistling from your hearing devices when
you talk, chew, use the telephone or hug someone.
Unison’s feedback technology dramatically reduces this
uncomfortable whistling before you or anyone else can
perceive it.
7
Operating Instructions
Changing Programs on Your Unison™Hearing
Instruments
Your Unison hearing devices may have up to three
programs. Each program has been individually tailored
by your hearing healthcare professional to meet your
particular listening needs.
Your hearing devices are equipped with a push-button
for switching between programs. Each time you push
the program button, you will move to a new program.
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 devices may adjust
automatically in response to the loud or quiet sounds
around you. If you have a manual volume control, you
can further adjust the volume on your hearing devices.
The manual volume control dial is numbered one to
four. One indicates that the volume is at the minimum
level and four indicates that the volume is at the
maximum level. Rotate the volume control upward to
increase the volume or downward to decrease the
8
volume. Note that your volume control may be disabled
by your hearing healthcare professional and, therefore,
could be inactive.
Setting Your Ideal Volume
Unison hearing instruments equipped with manual
volume control have an ideal volume indicator. A single
beep indicates when the volume control has reached its
ideal level for your particular hearing loss, as pre-set by
your hearing healthcare professional.
Listening in Quiet and Noisy Environments
Your Unison hearing devices have a directional
microphone system which focuses on sounds in front of
you (i.e., speech) while reducing sounds from the sides
or behind you (i.e., noise). Your directional system is
activated by the push of the program button. Your
hearing healthcare professional will tell you which
program(s) contain the directional microphones.
Replacing the Microphone Protectors
Your Unison 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.
9
Using Unison™with Telecoil for the Telephone
Unison hearing devices come equipped with an optional
telecoil that can help you listen on the telephone. The
telecoil program is selected with the program button.
When using the telecoil, center the telephone receiver
on the hearing device and move the receiver along the
hearing device to locate the clearest, strongest signal.
You may have to increase the volume of your hearing
device slightly. To return to normal listening, push the
program button. Your hearing device will beep to
indicate which program you are in.
Assistive Listening Devices
Listening in Public Places
Unison’s telecoil can also help you listen in public places
equipped with telecoil compatible assistive listening
devices such as a loop system. If your hearing
instruments 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 instruments to
the microphone position and sit as close to the speaker
as possible.
Connecting to External Audio Sources
Your Unison hearing instruments may feature optional
direct audio input (DAI) to connect to other audio
10
sources such as a stereo or television. 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.
DAI can also be used to fit your hearing
instruments with an assistive listening device, such as
an FM system, which you may purchase to improve
listening in difficult situations.
Note: If your hearing instruments are the small BTE
style that requires size 10 batteries (Moda), your
hearing instruments are not compatible with direct
audio input, MicroLink MLx or an FM system. However,
hearing instruments that use size 13 batteries are
compatible. Refer to your battery package for the size
of your hearing instrument batteries or consult with
your hearing healthcare professional for more
information.
Listening Over Distance
Your Unison hearing instruments 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 instrument
battery.
See also “Connecting to External Audio Sources”
11
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.
Replacing the Battery
1. Gently swing out the battery compartment 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 compartment door.
12
Low Battery Warning
When you hear one long beep, your hearing instruments
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.
13
Caring for Your Hearing Instruments
• Always remove your hearing instruments when using
hair care products. The hearing instruments can
become clogged and cease to function properly.
• Protect your hearing devices from excessive heat
(hair dryer, vehicle glove box or dashboard) and
moisture (bath or shower). Do not immerse the
hearing devices in water.
• If your hearing devices 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.
• 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.
14
Cleaning Your Unison
™
Hearing
Instruments
Ear wax is natural and common. Ensuring your hearing
devices and earmolds are free of ear wax is an
important step in your daily cleaning and maintenance
routine.
• Never use alcohol to clean your hearing devices or
earmolds.
• 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
If your Unison hearing devices have earhooks (see
“Using the Unison Digital BTE Guide”), your hearing
healthcare professional fit you with customized
earmolds. Earmolds send amplified sound from the
hearing devices into the ears. They must 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.
15
If the earmolds 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.
Cleaning the Slim Tubes and Domes
If your hearing instruments have slim tubes (see “Using
the Unison Digital 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 healthcare professional approximately
every three 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.
To clean 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.
16
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 the
slim tube to the hearing instrument using the tool
provided.
17
Warnings
• Hearing instruments 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 maximum
output of your hearing devices is suitable for your
particular hearing loss.
18
Warning 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 devices
does not provide full benefit. Once you have become
accustomed to your hearing devices, wear your
hearing devices everyday all day.
• Your hearing devices 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
devices. 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 devices to another program, turn your 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.
19
Troubleshooting Guide
SYMPTOM CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY
No sound • Not turned on
• Low/dead battery
• Poor battery contact
• Battery upside down
• Earmolds/slim tubes
blocked with ear wax
• Plugged microphone
protector
Not loud • Low volume
enough
• Low battery
• Earmolds/slim tube
not inserted properly
• Change in hearing
• Earmolds blocked
with ear wax
• Turn on
• Replace battery
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Insert battery plus (+) side up
• Clean earmolds. See “Cleaning the
Earmolds”. Consult your hearing
healthcare professional.
Use cleaning pin to dislodge ear wax
in slim tubes. See “Cleaning the slim
Tubes and Domes”. Consult your
hearing healthcare professional.
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• See hearing healthcare
professional
• Replace battery
• See “Cleaning the Earmolds” or
“Putting Your Unison Hearing
Instruments on Your Ears”. Reinsert
carefully.
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Clean earmolds. See “Cleaning the
Earmolds”. Consult your hearing
healthcare professional. Use
cleaning pin to dislodge ear wax in
slim tubes. See “Cleaning the Slim
Tubes and Domes”. Consult your
hearing healthcare professional.
20
Not loud • Plugged microphone
enough protector
Intermittent • Low battery
• Dirty battery contact
One long beep • Low battery
Whistling • Earmolds/slim tubes
not inserted properly
• Hand/clothing near ear
• Poorly fitting earmolds/slim tubes
Not clear, • Poorly fitting eardistorted molds/slim tubes
• Earmolds/slim tubes
blocked with ear wax
• Low battery
• Plugged microphone
protector
Earmolds/ • Poorly fitting earslim tubes molds/slim tubes
falling out • Earmolds/slim tubes
of ear not inserted properly
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Replace battery
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Replace battery
• Remove and reinsert
• Remove hand/clothing from ear
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Clean earmolds. See “Cleaning the
Earmolds”. Consult your hearing
healthcare professional.
Use cleaning pin to dislodge ear
wax in slim tubes. See “Cleaning
the Slim Tubes and Domes”.
Consult your hearing healthcare
professional.
• Replace battery
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Consult your hearing healthcare
professional
• See “Cleaning the Earmolds” or
“Putting Your Unison Hearing
Instruments on Your Ears”.
Reinsert carefully.
21
SYMPTOM CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY
22
SYMPTOM CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY
"Motorboating"
• Low battery
• Dirty battery contact
Weak on the • Telephone not
telephone 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.
• Replace battery
• Consult your hearing
healthcare professional
• Move telephone receiver around
ear for clearer signal. See “Using
Unison with Telecoil for the
Telephone”.
• Consult your hearing healthcare
professional
Warning to Hearing Instrument Dispensers
A hearing device dispenser should advise a prospective
hearing device user to consult promptly with a licensed
physician (preferably an ear specialist) before dispensing
a hearing device if the hearing device 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 device whose maximum sound pressure level
exceeds 132 decibels because there may be risk of
impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing device
user. [This provision is required only for those hearing
devices with a maximum sound pressure capability
greater than 132 decibels (dB).]
23
Important Notice for Prospective Hearing Device
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 device.
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 device 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 device. The
physician will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing
device dispenser, as appropriate, for a hearing device
evaluation. The audiologist or hearing device dispenser
will conduct a hearing device evaluation to assess your
ability to hear with and without a hearing device. The
hearing device evaluation will enable the audiologist or
dispenser to select and fit a hearing device 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. Many hearing device dispensers now offer
24
programs that permit you to wear a hearing device for a
period of time for a nominal fee after which you may
decide if you want to purchase the hearing device.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing devices 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.
25
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
I/09-034 029-5316-02
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