AUDICUS Spirit OTC Hearing Aid Instruction Manual

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?

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hearing aid(s) located in the case| carrying case
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cleaning brush & audio wipes| size 312 batteries
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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:

1. Gently swing open the battery door with your fingernail and push out the old battery.
2. Remove the plastic tab from the new battery, wait 2-3 minutes for the battery to activate.
3. Line up the battery’s plus “+” sign (flat side of the battery) with the “+” on the battery door.
4. Close the battery door gently, but firmly. You should hear three distinct clicks before the door is fully closed
5. 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

1. Clean your ear and hearing aid before every use
2. We recommend using a mirror to practice. First, place the hearing aid body over the top of your ear
3. 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
4. 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

1. 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
2. Slide the retention over the receiver spout until you feel it click into place. The receiver text should still be clearly visible

To remove

1. Hold receiver firmly with one hand
2. 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:

1. ?Auto-adapt / universal
2. ?? Conversation in noise
3. ??? Auditorium
4. ???? 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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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:

1. Disconnect aids from remote app, if installed Settings › My Hearing Aids › My Devices › Forget Devices
2. Uninstall the Hearing Remote app, if installed
3. Delete/forget hearing aids from Bluetooth menu
4. Check for and install any updates on your phone
5. Disable/enable or turn off/on Bluetooth
6. Restart your phone
7. Restart the hearing aids (hold the DOWN button)
8. 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:

https://www.audicus.com/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:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference and
2. 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

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