HEARING ASSIST Completely in Canal Hearing Aid User Guide
Congratulations on the purchase of your Hearing Assist HA-1800 Hearing Aid. This item puts the most advanced electronic technology exactly where it belongs: out of sight. It’s tiny in size, and hidden in your ear, yet delivers excellent sound amplification. The times when you may have worried that others would notice are over. You can relax. We made it disappear.
Please read these instructions to become familiar with your device.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Consumers who suspect they suffer from hearing loss should obtain a thorough medical evaluation, preferrably by an ear specialist, to identify any medical or surgical treatable causes of hearing loss. Persons exhibiting symptoms of hearing loss should see a doctor or hearing health care professional to have their hearing tested. You may have hearing loss if…. · people say you are shouting when speaking · you need the TV or radio turned up loud · you can hear better out of one ear than the other · you have to strain to hear · you often ask people to repeat themselves · you can’t hear a dripping faucet
Features
- High quality sound using latest state of the art digital technology
- Same device fits either left or right ear
- One size fits all
- Nearly invisible
- Easy to use
- Easy to handle when placing or removing
- Ambient noise reduction feature
- Advanced feedback (whistle) suppression
- Noise compression technology
- 4 volume settings — activated by push-button
- Flexible, powerful digital compression
- Low battery signal
Inserting and Removing the Battery
Each device uses a 10A battery.
Hearing Assist recommends using brand-name batteries as others may vary in size. Not all batteries are the same even if they are labeled the same size.
Pulling off the plastic sticker activates the battery. Do not pull the tab off until you need to use the battery. Removing the tab activates the battery.
Check to make sure no adhesive is remaining on the battery blocking the activation holes.
Note: Because of their small size, it is recommended you insert or remove batteries on a table or desk or some other safe place to reduce the risk of dropping the instrument or battery.
Caution: Proper installation of the battery is very important; incorrect installation of the battery or forcing the battery door shut with the battery inserted incorrectly may result in damage to the device.Battery door tab
Step 1
Using your fingernail, gently pull up on the battery door tab until the door swings open.
Do not over extend the battery door as damage will occur.
Note: The domed side of the battery is negative and the completely flat side is positive. The flat side (+) needs to be on the red dot door (+) side.
Step 2
With the red dot of the battery door facing you, hold the battery with the rounded edge positioned towards the back, gently push the battery straight in. The lower part of the battery door will flex to accept the battery.
Step 3
With the battery installed, close the battery door. Wait for five seconds while the device powers on. To turn the device off and to prevent battery drain when not in use, gently pull the battery door open.
Step 4
To remove the battery: With the battery door red dot (+) facing you, tilt the bottom of the battery towards you. Lift the battery up and out.
Please dispose of used batteries in an environmentally friendly way. Do not place batteries in your mouth. If swallowed, contact your physician immediately or call the National Battery Hotline at 1-202-625-3333.
Placement in the Ear and Use of Tips
We suggest that first time placement of the device in your ear should be done in front of a mirror. The HA-1800 comes with the small tip already fastened. Tips are required to provide the needed seal.
Make sure that the tip is all the way on and is in contact with the end of the shell. Always select the ear tip size that fits comfortably in your ear and makes a good sound seal.
Slide the ear tip all the way onto the earpiece end of the shell.
Note: Do not wear the device without an ear tip attached.
After checking for both fit and comfort, if the device feels loose and not secure, progress to the larger tips to find the correct size for you.
When inserting the HA-1800 for the first time into your ear, you may experience feedback as you work to get the fit correct. Therefore, Hearing Assist suggests you practice without the battery in the HA-1800 until you have perfected placement & fit in your ear.
When properly fitted, the sound of your own voice might change, becoming deeper, hollow, or muffleddue to what is called the occlusion effect.
What is occlusion? When your ear canal is blocked you may feel like you are talking in a barrel, or that your voice sounds “hollow” or “booming”. What is actually happening is that you are hearing echoes of your own voice.
Some whistling may occur when placing the device in your ear.
If you move your hand away from your ear or readjust the angle or proximity of any other object near the ear, the “whistling” or feedback should disappear.
To remove the unit from your ear, grab the pull string and simply pull out.
Open the battery door to turn the device off and to save on battery life. Opening the battery door allows internal moisture to evaporate, which keeps the electronics working well.
Note: Do not pull on the battery door at any point. This can damage the battery door.
The serial number is located on the side of the device.
Volume Selection
Once the battery is inserted and the battery door is closed, the unit turns on and automatically goes to the lowest volume level.
There are four sound levels/memories programmed into the device. Each press of the button will increase the volume level. When at the fourth level (loudest) and the push-button is pressed, the unit will go back to the first (lowest) level.
As you increase the volume, you will hear a series of beeps indicating the change.
Each increased level provides not only higher volume, but also a higher corresponding level of background noise reduction.
These different levels allow you to set the HA-1800 at a level that sounds best. You may prefer more or less amplification for a given situation.
Important: Your device is turned on and off by opening and closing the battery door. Opening the battery door every time you remove your device will prolong the life of your batteries.
Make sure you have a supply of good batteries with you! Remember all new batteries have a shelf life of no more than one year.
Hearing Assist makes batteries that fit this device-call us at 800-640-9785 to order.
Batteries can be expected to last on average 3 to 5 days when the devices are worn 16 hours per day.
Maintenance of the devices
Wax buildup is the number one cause of device problems. It is important to keep your unit as clean as possible. Wipe daily with a dry cloth, carefully removing any traces of wax and debris.
Store in a cool dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep your device dry and away from extreme temperatures.
Keep your device away from animals and small children.
Do not drop the device.
Remove your device before using hair spray, perfumes sunscreens or shaving lotions, as these items can clog or damage your device.
If your unit stops working, check the battery. Make sure the battery is not dead and it is inserted correctly. You should not have to force the battery door shut and once closed, the battery should not be exposed.
Always take great caution when opening and closing the battery door. Do not carry the device by the battery door. Never pull the door further back than is necessary when inserting or removing the battery.
Always remove batteries from the devices when you are not using your device. Old batteries can corrode and damage your devices.
For the life expectancy as well as for your personal hygiene, we recommend replacing your soft domes at least once a month.
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