Unitron Hearing Aid Moda II User Manual

Moda II

TM

BTE Guide

Table of Contents

Your Moda II™Hearing Instruments ................................1

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

Getting the Most Out of Your Moda II

™

Hearing

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

Using the Moda II™Guide ...............................................4

Putting Your Moda II

™

Hearing Instruments

on Your Ears .................................................................5

Turning Your Moda II™Hearing Instruments

On and Off ...................................................................6

Feedback-Free Listening.................................................7

Replacing the Battery .....................................................8

Operating Instructions ..................................................10

Assistive Listening Devices ...........................................14

Caring for Your Moda II

™

Hearing Instruments .............15

Cleaning Your Moda II

™

Hearing Instruments ...............16

Warnings .......................................................................19

Troubleshooting Guide..................................................21

Warning to Hearing Instrument Dispensers ................24

1

Your Moda II™Hearing Instruments

Hearing Healthcare Professional: _________________________

_____________________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________________________________

Model:_______________________________________________

Serial Number: ________________________________________

Replacement Batteries: Size 312

Warranty: ____________________________________________

Program 1 is the Automatic Program
(Available on Yuu, 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 Moda II™ 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.

Moda II is an ultra-small BTE that is comfortable and
cosmetically appealing. Moda II is 37% smaller than a
traditional Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing instrument and
is packed with high-value, advanced features that deliver
exceptional sound quality in everyday listening
environments. Your hearing professional can tell you
which Moda II hearing instrument you are wearing, and
explain its adaptive features that offer you the latest in
digital technology.

3

Getting the Most Out of Your Moda II

™

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 devices, 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 Moda II™Guide

Refer to the table of contents for a complete listing of
the topics covered in this guide. The diagrams below
identify some of the components on your Moda II
hearing devices.

Legend

1 Microphone and Microphone Shield
2 Program Button or Volume Control

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

Moda II with
earhook and earmold

Moda II with
slim tube and dome

1

2

3

7

8

1

2

3

5

4

6

5

Putting Your Moda II™Hearing
Instruments on Your Ears

Your Moda II hearing instruments 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.

Moda II with Domes

1. Hold the tube where it attaches to the dome and

gently push the dome into your ear canal. The tube

should lie flush against your head and not stick out.

2. Place Moda II 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 devices.

Moda II with Earmolds

1. Carefully insert the earmold in your ear. The earmold

should fit into your ear snugly and comfortably.

2. Place Moda II over the top of your ear.

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

hearing devices.

Turning Your Moda II™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 devices 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.

on off open

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

6

7

Feedback-Free Listening

Your Moda II hearing instruments have an optional start
up delay that can be activated by your hearing
healthcare professional. If the start up delay is activated,
your hearing devices will not turn on for 10-15 seconds
after the battery door is closed fully. The hearing devices
return to the start up delay position each time you turn
your hearing devices on. This allows you to insert your
hearing devices 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. The feedback technology in Moda II
dramatically reduces this uncomfortable whistling before
you or anyone else can perceive it.

8

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

9

Low Battery Warning

When you hear two long beeps, 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
instruments. 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.

10

Operating Instructions

Changing Programs on Your Moda II™Hearing
Instruments

Your Moda II hearing devices may have an automatic
program and up to three additional manual programs.
Moda II’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 Moda II hearing devices 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.

Program Beeps

Your hearing instruments beep to indicate which

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

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

Program 3 (e.g. Telephone) 3 beeps

Program 4 (e.g. Music) 4 beeps

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. If you have a push button
volume control, you can further adjust the volume.

Volume Beeps

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 settings if required. If you
prefer, your hearing healthcare professional can adjust
the pitch and loudness of the volume beep or turn it 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

11

12

Listening in Windy Environments

Moda II’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 Moda II 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) without
amplifying the background noise around you. Your
Moda II may have an advanced directional microphone
system that adjusts automatically to changing noise
levels and tracks moving noise sources. 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, Moda II 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

13

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 Moda II hearing instruments 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 Moda II™with the Telephone

Moda II has the ability, depending on hearing loss and
vent size of hearing device 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
interference that sounds like static, buzzing or beeping. If
you experience interference, increase the distance
between your hearing instrument and the phone receiver.

14

Assistive Listening Devices

Listening in Public Places

Moda II’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
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.

15

Caring for Your Moda II™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 devices 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 devices or knock them

against hard surfaces.

16

Cleaning Your Moda II™Hearing
Instruments

Ear wax is natural and common. Ensuring your hearing
devices, 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.

• Have the slim tubes and domes replaced by your

hearing healthcare professional approximately every

three to six months or when they become stiff or

brittle.

• Clean the domes daily with a damp cloth.

• Clean the slim tubes periodically, with the cleaning

pin provided, when you begin to notice debris in and

around the tubes.

Cleaning the Earmolds and Domes

Moda II with Slim Tubes and
Domes

Ensure your slim tubes and domes
are free of ear wax and moisture.

17

Cleaning the Slim Tubes and Domes:

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

instrument in the other hand.

2. Twist the top of the slim tube and detach it from the

hearing instrument.

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 pressing the hearing instrument onto the slim

tube.

Moda II with Earhooks and Earmolds

If your Moda II hearing devices have earhooks (see
“Using the Moda II Guide”), your hearing healthcare
professional fit you with customized earmolds (see
“Using the Moda II Guide”). 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.

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.

18

19

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 devices 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.

• 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.

• Warning to hearing healthcare professional: Domes

20

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 devices 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.

21

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

Intermittent

• Low battery

• Dirty battery contact

• Turn on

• Replace battery

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Insert battery plus (+) side up

• Clean earmolds or slim tubes and domes. See
“Cleaning the Earmolds and Domes”. 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 Moda II Hearing Instruments
on Your Ears”. Reinsert carefully.

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Clean earmolds or slim tubes and domes. See
“Cleaning the Earmolds and Domes”. Consult
your hearing healthcare professional.

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Replace battery

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

22

Two long beeps

• Low battery

Whistling

• Earmolds/domes not
inserted properly

• Hand/clothing near ear

• Poorly fitting earmolds/
domes

Not clear, distorted

• Poorly fitting earmolds/
slim tube/domes

• Earmolds/slim tubes/
domes blocked with
ear wax

• Low battery

• Plugged microphone
protector

Earmolds/domes falling out of ear

• Poorly fitting earmolds/
slim tubes/domes

• Earmolds/domes not
inserted properly

• Replace battery

• Remove and reinsert carefully

• Remove hand/clothing from ear

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Clean earmolds or slim tubes and domes. See
“Cleaning the Earmolds and Domes”. Consult
your hearing healthcare professional.

• Replace battery

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

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

CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY

23

Weak on the telephone

• Telephone not
positioned properly

• Hearing instrument
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.

• Move telephone receiver around ear for
clearer signal. See “Using Moda II with the
Telephone”.

• Consult your hearing healthcare professional

CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY

24

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).]

25

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

26

availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program.
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

D/09-013 029-5651-02