AUDICUS Spirit OTC Hearing Aid Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- AUDICUS
Table of Contents
- Spirit OTC Hearing Aid
- Your hearing aid at a glance
- Inserting a new battery
- Putting on your hearing aid
- Volume & program
- Adjusting to your new hearing aid
- Troubleshooting
- Finding the right dome
- Caring for your hearing aid
- Remote Adjustment
- Accessories
- Bluetooth – Pairing your hearing aid
- Bluetooth Troubleshooting
- Returns and warranty
- FDA information
- Technical information
- Technical specifications
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
The Spirit An OTC Hearing Aid
Instruction Manual
SERIES 2
312 Battery
Spirit OTC Hearing Aid
WARNING: If you are younger than 18, do not use this.
You should go to a doctor, preferably an ear-nose-throat doctor (an ENT),
because your condition needs specialized care. Over-the-counter hearing aids
are only for users who are age 18 or older.
This OTC hearing aid is for users who are 18 and older. People who are younger
than 18 with hearing loss should see a doctor, preferably an ENT because they
may need medical testing and management. Hearing loss can affect speech and
learning, so professional fitting and continuing care are also important.
WARNING: When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the problems listed below, please see a doctor, preferably
an ear-nose-throat doctor (an ENT).
- Your ear has a birth defect or an unusual shape. Your ear was injured or deformed in an accident.
- You saw blood, pus, or fluid coming out of your ear in the past 6 months
- Your ear feels painful or uncomfortable
- You have a lot of ear wax, or you think something could be in your ear
- You get really dizzy or have a feeling of spinning or swaying (called vertigo)
- Your hearing changed suddenly in the past 6 months
- Your hearing changes: it gets worse then gets better again
- You have worse hearing in one ear
- You hear ringing or buzzing in only one ear
WARNING: This hearing aid should not cause pain when inserting it.
Remove the device from your ear if it causes pain or discomfort when you
insert or place it. To try again, make sure to follow the instructions. If you
feel pain or discomfort again, contact the manufacturer. If your pain or
discomfort doesn’t go away, contact your hearing healthcare professional. You
can also report this to FDA as an adverse event according to the instructions
that appear later.
Caution: This is not hearing protection.
You should remove this device if you experience overly loud sounds, whether
short or long-lasting. If you’re in a loud place, you should use the right
kind of hearing protection instead of wearing this device. In general, if you
would use
ear plugs in a loud place, you should remove this device and use ear plugs.
Caution: The sound output should not be uncomfortable or painful.
You should turn down the volume or remove the device if the sound output is
uncomfortably loud or painful. If you consistently need to turn the volume
down, you may need to further adjust your device.
Caution: You might need medical help if a piece gets stuck in your ear.
If any part of your hearing aid, like the ear tip, gets stuck in your ear, and
you can’t easily remove it with your fingers, get medical help as soon as you
can. You should not try to use tweezers or cotton swabs because they can push
the
part farther into your ear, injuring your eardrum or ear canal, possibly
seriously.
Note: If you remain concerned, consult a professional If you try this
device and continue to struggle with or remain concerned about your hearing,
you should consult with a hearing healthcare professional.
Note: What you might expect when you start using a hearing aid A hearing
aid can benefit many people with hearing loss. However, you should know it
will not restore normal hearing, and you may still have some difficulty
hearing over noise. Further, a hearing aid will not prevent or improve a
medical condition that causes hearing loss.
People who start using hearing aids sometimes need a few weeks to get used to
them. Similarly, many people find that training or counseling can help them
get more out of their devices.
If you have hearing loss in both ears, you might get more out of using hearing
aids in both, especially in situations that make you tired from listening—for
example, noisy environments.
Note: Tell FDA about injuries, malfunctions, or other adverse events.
To report a problem involving your hearing aid, you should submit information
to FDA as soon as possible after the problem. FDA calls them “adverse events,”
and they might include: skin irritation in your ear, injury from the device
(like cuts or scratches, or burns from an overheated battery), pieces of the
device getting stuck in your ear, suddenly worsening hearing loss from using
the device, etc. Instructions for reporting are available at
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also
download a form to mail to FDA.
Welcome!
Congratulations on your Spirit hearing aid purchase!
This guide is an important resource. Please review and keep this handy to get
the most out of your Spirit hearing aid Audicus is with you every step of the
way.
Find more info and help at audicus.com/support
And remember, you’re never on your own.
Reach out anytime, for anything at all.
917-999-0705 •
help@audicus.com
What’s inside?
|
---|---
hearing aid(s) located in the case| carrying case
|
cleaning brush & audio wipes| size 312 batteries
|
dome variety pack – small, medium large (styles dependent on hearing loss)|
earwax guard dispenser tool
Your hearing aid at a glance
multi-function button – changes volume, switches programs, answers/ends calls
dual microphones – where sound enters your hearing aid
battery door – on/off switch and battery access point
receiver wire – connects receiver (speaker) to hearing aid
receiver – amplifies sounds into the ear canal and contains the earwax guard
in the tip
dome – grey hypoallergenic silicone cover on the receiver to hold in place
comfortably
Turning on / off
The battery door acts as the on & off switch
Inserting a new battery
To insert or replace the battery:
- Gently swing open the battery door with your fingernail and push out the old battery.
- Remove the plastic tab from the new battery, wait 2-3 minutes for the battery to activate.
- Line up the battery’s plus “+” sign (flat side of the battery) with the “+” on the battery door.
- Close the battery door gently, but firmly. You should hear three distinct clicks before the door is fully closed
- The hearing aid will play a melody as it turns on ??
Putting on your hearing aid
Hearing aids are color-coded with a marking on the back of the device: blue = left red = right
- Clean your ear and hearing aid before every use
- We recommend using a mirror to practice. First, place the hearing aid body over the top of your ear
- Hold the wire near the dome and gently push the dome into your ear canal. Pull up and back on the cartilage of the ear to ease insertion
- Trim retention guard to a comfortable length with scissors or remove altogether. Place the retention guard so it rests in the bowl of your ear
Handle your hearing aid with care. Do not pull on or bend the wire as this may cause damage
Adding/Removing the Retention Guard
We recommend the retention guard for a more stable positioning of the
receiver in the ear canal
To add
- Hold the receiver firmly in one hand with the receiver text (e.g., 2M) facing upwards. In the other hand hold the retention guard at the base of the filament
- Slide the retention over the receiver spout until you feel it click into place. The receiver text should still be clearly visible
To remove
- Hold receiver firmly with one hand
- Slide the retention guard forward over the receiver spout. The retention guard can be trimmed with scissors to a comfortable length
Volume & program
The toggle button controls volume and program settings. Both hearing aids are
adjusted simultaneously. Turning off will reset the device to the default
volume and program 1
Increase volume: short press the UP button
Decrease volume: short press DOWN button
From the default volume you can adjust 5 steps up or down. When you hear a
double tone, that means you’ve reached the max / min volume
Long press (>2sec) to change the the program. The number of ?beeps indicates
the program choice
Standard Programs:
- ?Auto-adapt / universal
- ?? Conversation in noise
- ??? Auditorium
- ???? Car/Plane
Adjusting to your new hearing aid
Your hearing aid is programmed to you individually Adjusting to hearing aids fully may take up to 6 weeks
-
You may hear sounds you haven’t heard in years
● Sounds will be amplified and more distinguished, e.g., leaves rustling, running water, your own voice
● Sensitivity to ‘new’ sounds is normal and will go away with regular use -
Find the right dome for your ear
● Your hearing aid ships with a size medium dome attached, with an additional variety pack of domes
● Use the “Finding the right dome” guide if you have any discomfort or hear a whistling sound -
It may take a few weeks to get used to the fit and feel of your hearing aid. Contact Audacious for guidance and tips on fit and comfort
-
Your aid is programmed to your specific hearing test; it may take some time to become accustomed.
After a few weeks of daily use – if you’d like an adjustment – just contact us
Troubleshooting
Cause | Remedy |
---|
N o sound or intermittent sound
Not turned on| Ensure battery is inserted and battery door is firmly closed,
see page “Turning on / off”
Low / dead battery| Replace battery
Battery upside down| Insert battery according to battery symbol. See page
“Inserting a new battery”
Dirty battery contact| Wipe battery compartment or reach out to Audicus
Poor quality sound
Dome blocked with debris / earwax| Replace dome and replace earwax guard. See
“Replacing the dome and earwax guard”
Plugged microphone| Clean device with cleaning brush. If issue persists,
contact Audicus
Receiver not inserted properly| See page “Putting on your hearing aid”
Two long beeps
Low battery| Replace battery
Feedback / whistling
Hand or clothing near device| Move hand / clothing away from device
Dome not inserted properly| See “Putting on your hearing aid”
Poorly fitted dome| See “Finding the right dome”
Bluetooth
Bluetooth not connecting| Disconnect and forget Bluetooth devices. See page
“Bluetooth Troubleshooting”
For more help please visit audicus.com/support
Finding the right dome
The dome is the small, grey silicone tip on the end of the hearing aid that is
inserted into your ear Domes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The proper
choice of dome style and size can help with comfort and sound quality
New hearing aids come pre-fit with a medium size dome in your recommended dome
style
Dome styles and sizes
New
orders include a variety of dome sizes and styles. Depending on your specific
hearing loss, your order may not include all dome styles Take some time to
find which size dome is right for you. The dome should fit snugly in your ear
canal and inserted far enough to not be visible If missized or the wrong
style, you may hear feedback: a squealing or whistling sound that can be
resolved with a different dome size or style
Order new domes at audicus.com/spirit-supplies
- Clean your domes regularly
- Replace old, brittle, discolored or damaged domes or if they pull off the hearing aid easily
- Earwax production is different for each person. Replace domes as needed, at least every 2–3 months
- Always ensure that a new dome is firmly attached to the receiver before inserting into your ear
Caring for your hearing aid
With regular maintenance your devices will sound great for years to come
Daily: Clean with a lint-free cloth or nonalcoholic Audio wipe. Allow earwax
to dry and harden before brushing off.
Charge in charging case overnight
Weekly: Remove earwax and debris from device and dome using supplied
cleaning brush
Quarterly: Domes, earwax guards and desiccant drying capsules should be
replaced at least every 2–3 months
- Everybody’s ears are different: you may need to clean your devices more frequently
- Never use cleaning agents such as detergent, soap, alcohol or bleach to clean your hearing aid
- Do not submerge your hearing aid or rinse your hearing aid under water
Audacious Care
All the products needed to care and maintain your device are available at
audicus.com/supplies
Audacious Care is the easiest way to get everything you need to maintain your
Spirit. Sign up and you’ll receive an unlimited supply of batteries, domes,
earwax guards, wipes and cleaning brushes conveniently delivered every 3
months or
when requested. Never worry about running out of hearing aid supplies again.
Find out more at audicus.com/care
Sign up at: audicus.com/care
Replacing the dome and earwax guard
A. To remove the dome: hold the receiver with one hand and gently pull off the
dome with the other hand
B.You now
have access to change the earwax guard
The earwax guard is a very small, white plastic filter inserted into the
receiver tip. The earwax guard collects and prevents earwax from entering the
receiver, which may impair or damage the device
Replace the earwax guard at least every 2-3 months or any time the sound
quality is diminished
Your order comes with a grey circular accessory which contains eight new
earwax guards and is also the earwax guard removal tool
C. To dispose of the used earwax guard: first ensure chamber 1 is empty. Then press the receiver in until it “clicks” – this will remove the used earwax guard
D. Ensure the receiver is empty and a new earwax guard is visible in chamber 2. Press the empty receiver into chamber 2 and the earwax guard should be inserted into the receiver
E. Reattach the silicone dome onto the receiver to finish.
Order replacement earwax guards at audicus.com/spirit-supplies
Your hearing aids come with a 24 month manufacturer’s warranty. Additional
repairs may incur costs depending on the severity
Accidents happen. The Audacious Protect plan has you covered. With Audacious
Protect you have complete coverage of your hearing aids for 36 months,
including low-cost repairs, free Clean & Care service and reduced-price loss
replacement. Audacious Protect must be purchased within 60 days of delivery
Sign up at: audicus.com/protect
Audicus offers a Clean & Care service to have your instruments professionally
checked and cleaned, find out more at
audicus.com/clean
If you return your aids to Audicus dirty, you may be billed for the Clean &
Care service
Remote Adjustment
The hearing aids have remote adjustment capabilities that allow Audacious
specialists to provide modifications to the sound quality and clarity from the
comfort of your home
The adjustment occurs through your smart phone while connected to the Hearing
Remote app. You can download the app from
audicus.com/adjust
To enable this service, make sure to click activate during the app install
process. To request a remote adjustment, please submit your information at
audicus.com/adjust
Remote adjustment requests may take up to 72 hours to process Any significant
changes in your hearing loss, or requests to modify your programs, may require
the device to be sent to Audacious for a full reprogramming
Ensure push notifications are enabled for the app.
When the remote adjustment is ready you will receive a notification on your
phone
Open the Hearing Remote app and you will see a list of the available
adjustments for your devices
Select an adjustment to view the details and apply You can return to this menu to apply other adjustments or restore to the original settings. Only one adjustment can be applied at a time
Accessories
TV Connector
The TV Connector allows you to wirelessly connect your hearing aids to your
TV/stereo/laptop, etc. The TV Connector sends wireless audio signals up to 15m
(50ft). Accepts audio signals via either a 3.5mm audio cable or a digital
optical TOSLINK and is powered via USB
Remote Control
Control the volume and programs with this small and discreet device. The
Remote Control uses a nonrechargeable CR2032 battery
Partner Mic
This small device can be worn by a conversation partner to stream their voice
directly to your hearing aids wirelessly Small and discreet with a convenient
clip, the Partner Mic is ideal for busy environments – such as restaurants –
to focus on one person’s voice
The Partner Mic is rechargeable with the included USB-C charging cable
Order your Spirit accessories at audicus.com/spirit- supplies
Bluetooth – Pairing your hearing aid
Your hearing aid has built-in Bluetooth® connectivity, allowing you to connect
with up to two devices seamlessly that support Bluetooth 4.2 or higher,
including most modern Apple iOS or Android smartphones
When connected to a smartphone your hearing aid is able to play music and
answer calls hands-free In your phone’s settings menu:
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Search for new devices
Hearing aid pairing starts automatically on start-up
- The device enters Bluetooth pairing mode for 3 minutes after being turned on
- From the list of available devices, select your hearing aid to simultaneously pair both devices Only connect to the Right (“R-”) hearing aid
- A melody is played when successfully paired ??
Once paired, your hearing aids will automatically reconnect when in range of
your phone. This reconnection can take up to 2 minutes
Hands free calls
-
When paired, phone calls are automatically transferred to your hearing aids. Your voice is picked up by the hearing aid’s microphones
-
To accept an incoming call, you will first hear a notification through the hearing aids
-
The call can be accepted by a short press on the multi-function button (either UP or DOWN) or rejected with a long press (over 2 seconds)
-
Alternatively, accepting the phone call on your phone will transfer the call to your hearing aids
-
End a call with a long press on your multifunction button (either UP or DOWN)
-
Pairing is only necessary once per phone
-
Bluetooth connection will extend to 30ft / 10m but can be reduced by obstructions in a purse or pocket
-
Bluetooth connection will cause extra battery drain. If hearing aids are not connected via Bluetooth there will be no extra battery loss
-
See audicus.com/support for help with Bluetooth
Bluetooth Troubleshooting
Not all phones work well with Bluetooth devices
Follow these steps if you are having trouble connecting or experiencing poor
audio with Bluetooth:
- Disconnect aids from remote app, if installed Settings › My Hearing Aids › My Devices › Forget Devices
- Uninstall the Hearing Remote app, if installed
- Delete/forget hearing aids from Bluetooth menu
- Check for and install any updates on your phone
- Disable/enable or turn off/on Bluetooth
- Restart your phone
- Restart the hearing aids (hold the DOWN button)
- Reconnect one hearing aid via Bluetooth menu
If desired, install the Hearing Remote app and connect devices in the app. The
Hearing Remote app is not required for basic Bluetooth usage and is not
supported on all phones
For additional support visit audicus.com/support
Hearing Remote App
Your device works without an app with any compatible Bluetooth devices
For additional functionality, control, and remote adjustment, you can use the
optional smartphone app. Note: this app may not be compatible with all
smartphones
The free Hearing Remote app can be downloaded from the App Store (iOS)or Play
Store (Android). Find links ataudicus.com/app
Requirements for the Hearing Remote app:
Returns and warranty
The Audicus 100% happiness guarantee
If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Audicus hearing aids, you
may return it within 45 days after delivery date for a full refund of
theoriginal purchase price
This guarantee is only possible if the hearing aid has not been modified,
tampered with, damaged or repaired by the user. Please see return instructions
at audicus.com/returns
Manufacturer warranty
All Audicus hearing aids come with a 24 month guarantee that covers
manufacturing defects. This guarantee will not be valid if the hearing aid has
been modified, tampered with, damaged or repaired by the user. Hearing aids
must be cleaned prior to any repairs, otherwise a cleaning fee will apply
If your device stops functioning correctly reach out to
contact@audicus.com or
917-999-0705
FDA information
Use your hearing aid all day long
The best way to ensure better hearing is to practice listening with your
hearing aid until you are able to wear it comfortably all day. Generally,
infrequent use of the hearing aid does not provide you with the full benefit
of amplification.
Your hearing aid will not restore normal hearing. Hearing aids will not
prevent or improve hearing impairment resulting from a physiological
condition. Hearing aids will help you to make better use of your residual
hearing.
The use of hearing aids is only part of hearing rehabilitation; auditory
training and lip reading instruction may be required as well.
Possible side effects
If you are experiencing discomfort, contact Audacious or your hearing care
professional for modification of the hearing aid at the point of irritation. A
hearing aid may cause an accelerated accumulation of cerumen (earwax).
Also in rare cases, the otherwise nonallergenic material may cause a discharge
from the ear, allergic reaction, or any other unusual condition. Please seek
immediate consultation with a physician if these conditions occur.
Technical information
The Audicus Spirit Series 2 is manufactured by Unitron Hearing, Canada and
distributed by Audicus.
FCC ID: KWC-MZP
IC: 2262A-MZP
Hereby, Unitron Hearing declares that this product meets the requirements of
the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC and complies with Radio
Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Audicus may void the FCC
authorization to operate this device.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and ICES-003 of
Industry Canada. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Operating conditions:
This device is designed such that it functions without problems or
restrictions if used as intended, unless otherwise noted in these user guides.
Transport conditions:
Temperature Limits: –20° C (–4° F) to +60° C (+140°F)
Humidity: Lower Limit = 0%, Upper Limit = 70%
Pressure: Lower Limit = 50kPA, Upper Limit =106kPA
Radio information of your wireless hearing aid:
Antenna type: Resonant loop antenna
Operation frequency: 2.4 – 2.48 GHz
Radiated Power: <2.5mW
Bluetooth: 4.2 Dual-Mode
Profiles supported: HFP (Hands-free profile), A2DP
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by the manufacturer is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
Keep dry
** The symbol with the crossed-out garbage bin is to make you aware that
this device may not be thrown away as normal household waste. Please dispose
of old or unused devices at waste disposal sites intended for electronic
waste, or give your device to your hearing care professional for disposal.
Proper disposal protects the environment and health.
Warning to hearing aid dispensers (to comply with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) regulations)
Hearing aid dispenser should advise a prospective hearing aid user to consult
promptly with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) before
dispensing a hearing aid if the hearing aid dispenser determines through
inquiry, actual observation, or review or 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 air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 hertz
(Hz), 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz.
vii. Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in
the ear canal.
viii. Pain or discomfort in the ear.
Important notice for prospective hearing aid 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 aid.
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 aid 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 aid. The physician will
refer you to an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser, as appropriate, for a
hearing aid evaluation. The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will conduct
a hearing aid evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and without a
hearing aid. The hearing aid evaluation will enable the audiologist or
dispenser to select and fit a hearing aid 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 aid dispensers now offer programs that permit you to
wear a hearing aid for a period of time for a nominal fee after which you may
decide if you want to purchase the hearing aid.
Federal law restricts the sale of hearing aids 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
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.
Technical specifications
| Standard Receiver| Medium Receiver
---|---|---
Output Sound Pressure Level 90
(OSPL90) (dB SPL)| 111| 114
Full on gain (input 50 dB SPL)| 46| 50
Total harmonic distortion at
500Hz/800Hz/1600Hz/3200Hz (%)| 1.5/2.0/2.0/1.0
Equivalent input noise at
Reference Test Setting (dB SPL)| 19
Latency (ms)| <8
Frequency range (Hz)| <100-8000
Typical battery life (h)| 100
audicus.com
917-999-0705
help@audicus.com
References
- Award-Winning Online Hearing Aids with Expert Support | Audicus
- Accessories, Supplies and Services | Audicus Hearing Aids
- Omni & Spirit Adjustment Form | Audicus
- Hearing Aid Phone App | Audicus
- Audicus Care Subscription Hearing Aid |Audicus
- Clean and Care Service for Audicus Hearing Aids | Audicus
- Audicus Protect 3-year Warranty | Audicus Hearing Aids
- Audicus Hearing Aid Returns Policy | Audicus
- Accessories, Supplies and Services | Audicus Hearing Aids
- Supplies and Services | Audicus
- MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program | FDA