Passion Earset And Programming Notes

Audiological bulletin no. 50 (Rev.A)

Passion

• Ear-Set

• Programming Notes

• Troubleshooting

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News from Audiological Research and Communication. Revision A - Widex Canada, December 2009.

2Passion - RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)

Table of Contents

Glossary ..............................................................................................................................................2

Acoustic Identities: Instant or Custom Open, Instant or Custom Flex ....................................3

Ear-tip Styles ......................................................................................................................................3

Flex Ear-Tip Vent Selection .............................................................................................................4

Assembling the Ear-Set ....................................................................................................................5

Finding the appropriate EarWire length ............................................................................6

Connecting the receiver to the EarWire and attaching the NanoCare wax guard ......7

Attaching the receiver ear-tip ..............................................................................................8

Connecting the EarWire to the hearing aid ......................................................................11

Anchor configurations ..........................................................................................................12

Adding Left and Right Colour Markers ........................................................................................16

Placing the Hearing Aid on the Ear ...............................................................................................17

Ear-Set Maintenance ........................................................................................................................18

Disconnecting the EarWire from the Hearing Aid .....................................................................19

Replacing the Receiver .....................................................................................................................20

Replacing the Receiver Housing .....................................................................................................20

Connecting Programming Cables to a Passion Hearing Aid .....................................................21

Fitting Passion with iP5 Portable Programmer ............................................................................22

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................23

Note: New Passion orders will be shipped with the ear-set pre-assembled if the EarWire size is specified.

Glossary

CRET Hard – Custom Receiver Ear-Tip HardCRET Soft – Custom Receiver Ear-Tip SoftEar-set (Passion) – assembled EarWire, receiver, and ear-tipEarWare – components used to assemble an ear-setFlex ear-tip – ear-tip with vent options, including closedOpen ear-tip – ear-tip with large vent

3Acoustic Identities: Instant or Custom Open, Instant or Custom Flex

The Passion hearing aid is flexible and can be configured as an instant/custom open fitting or an in-stant/custom flex fitting with a vent.

When fitting Passion, ensure the physical and acoustic identities are the same. Select the correspond-ing acoustic identity in Compass to ensure the correct data is loaded into the hearing aid.

Fitting type Acoustic identity Ear-tip styles Fitting RangeOpen fitting Wire open • Instant receiver ear-tip open

• Custom receiver ear-tip open: soft or hard

Flex fitting with optional vent

Wire flex • Instant receiver ear-tip flex • Custom receiver ear-tip flex:

soft or hard, specify vent size

-10 dB0

102030405060708090

100110120

125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8kHz

Ear-Tip StylesEar-tip styles SizeInstant Receiver Ear-Tip Open

• Large (10mm) • Small (6mm) • The ‘umbrella’ can be removed to create a

4mm ear-tip

Instant Receiver Ear-Tip Flex

• Size 11 (11mm)• Size 10 (10mm)• Size 9 (9mm)• Size 8 (8mm)

Custom Receiver Ear-Tip Hard

• Custom

Custom Receiver Ear-Tip Soft

• Custom

4Flex Ear-Tip Vent Selection

To achieve a vent effect similar to a traditional classic earmould with a Passion custom or instant re-ceiver ear-tip flex, find the corresponding vent size for a classic earmould and translate this to the vent diameter for a Passion ear-tip as shown in the table below.

Vent size for Classic earmould

Custom receiver ear-tip flex (hard) - vent diameter (mm)

Custom receiver ear-tip flex (soft) - vent diameter (mm)

Instant receiver ear-tip flex - vent diameter (mm)(closest option)

1.0 No vent No vent No vent1.5 0.8 1.1 1.02.0 1.0 1.4 (1.7)2.5 1.2 1.8 1.73.0 1.4 2.2 (1.7)4.0 1.7 2.9 n/a

How to read this tableExample 1: If you decide on a 2.0mm vent in a classic earmould, you would select a 1.0mm vent diam-eter in a Passion CRET Hard flex, a 1.4mm vent diameter in a Passion custom soft flex, or 1.7mm in an instant receiver ear-tip flex to achieve the desired vent effect.

5Assembling the Ear-Set

Passion EarWare KitThe Passion EarWare kit contains all the tools and accessories to assemble a Passion ear-set.

Contents include: EarWires in three lengths (1,2,3) for left and right ear, instant receiver ear-tip open and instant receiver ear-tip flex in several sizes, lock rings, anchors, wax guards, vent tubes, vent blocks, receiver housings, an assembly tool, a measurement tool, a measurement dummy, a spare receiver and an instruction sheet showing how to assemble the ear-set.

The Passion supplemental kit includes 3 less common EarWire lengths: 0, 4, 5.

EarWires for the right ear are marked with red numbers and EarWires for the left ear are marked with blue numbers.

Note: Do not use m or 9 ear-tips with Passion hearing aids or vice versa.

EarWires - 3 lengths for left and right ear (6 lengths available)

Measurement tool

Instant Receiver Ear-Tip Flex (size 11, 10, 9, 8mm)

Instant Receiver Ear-Tip Open (Large, Small)

Measurement dummy

Assembly toolLock ringsAnchors

Wax guardsVent blocksVent tubesReceiver housings

Spare Receiver

6

A) Measurement Dummy

Place the measurement dummy on the client’s ear. Count the beads from the top to the centre of the tragus. They correspond to available EarWire lengths from 1 to 5. The bend above the first bead is size 0.

The ear in the photo will be best fit with a length 2 EarWire.

B) Measurement Tool

Place the measurement tool on the client’s ear. Align the dot/number with the centre of the tragus to find the cor-rect EarWire length.

The ear in the photo to the left needs a length 2 EarWire.

— OR —

Step 1: Finding the appropriate EarWire length

Start the fitting process by finding the appropriate EarWire length.

7Step 2: Connecting the receiver to the EarWire and attaching the NanoCare wax guard

Before attaching the receiver, the black protective housing must be re-moved. Place the EarWire with the black housing in the assembly tool. The number printed on the end of the EarWire must face upwards. Pull to disconnect the EarWire from the housing and dispose of the housing.

Place the white receiver housing (with receiver inside) in the assem-bly tool with the number facing up.

Place the EarWire in the assembly tool with the number facing up. Place a finger over the housing and EarWire to hold them in place.

Push the tool together until you hear a click.

Remove the EarWire by lifting it upwards and out of the tool.

Important: A new receiver housing must be used every time the housing is removed from the EarWire. Reuse may result in the housing detaching from the EarWire and remaining in the ear. (See page 20 for instructions on changing the receiver housing.)

Attach the NanoCare wax guard into receiver opening.

8

Slide the ear-tip onto the receiver housing.

Ensure the ear-tip is securely fastened to the receiver housing.

For open fittings select an instant open ear-tip. This receiver ear-tip is available in Small (6mm) or Large (10mm). The umbrella can be removed to create a 4mm ear-tip. Select the appropriate size for the client’s ear canal.

Step 3: Attaching the receiver ear-tip

Instant open

Instant flex

For vented or closed fittings select an instant flex ear-tip, available in four sizes: 8, 9, 10, 11mm.

Push the receiver housing into the larger of the two openings of the flex ear-tip until it locks.The wax guard will rest slightly below the tip.

Ensure the blue/red number on the EarWire and the anchor holes are still visible.

Using Vent Blocks in the Instant flex ear-tipThe instant receiver flex ear-tip has two openings: • The sound bore for the receiver housing (larger opening) • The vent canal (smaller opening)

The vent diameter can be set by using a vent tube/block.• 1.7mm vent: no insert• 1mm vent: insert the vent tube• 0mm vent: insert the vent block

Sound bore

Vent

9

A lock ring is used to attach the receiver assembly securely to the CRET Hard. To install lock ring, hold the receiver assembly in one hand. With the index finger from your other hand, start at a 45 de-gree angle and push the ring onto the receiver, stretching it over the housing. (This requires significant pressure.) Do not use a hard surface to try and push the ring on as it will distort the ring.

Once installed, the ring must rotate freely.

Insert the receiver and EarWire in the CRET starting with the hear-ing aid end of the EarWire and pull through the custom tip.


Custom Receiver Ear-Tip (CRET) Hard

Push the receiver into the custom tip with your finger. This will require some pressure.

Note: Do not use a hard surface to try to push the ring on as it will distort the ring.

Ensure the receiver is firmly secured by the lock ring by gently pushing and pulling the EarWire.

10

Push the receiver housing into the soft tip until the wax guard is flush with the end of the soft tip.


Custom Receiver Ear-Tip (CRET) Soft

11Step 4: Connecting the EarWire to the hearing aid

The EarWire is connected to the hearing aid by plug-ging it into the socket on the top of the hearing aid.

The EarWire is attached correctly when a click is heard and the collar of the EarWire is flush with the hearing aid.

12Step 5: Anchor Configurations

Tragus Anchor (recommended for most ears)

Insert the anchor in the upper hole on the EarWire. The angled grip (A) at the end of the anchor should point towards the hearing aid.

Pull the anchor until it is stopped by the angled grip.

When using the tragus anchor, the anchor should be placed in the client’s ear so it rests in the concha.

Trim the anchor length for comfort, leaving enough length to maintain retention.

Guide the anchor around the Ear-Wire. After a few days of use the anchor will retain its shape.

To ensure proper retention of Widex RIC and thin tube hearing aids, we recommend using one of the four anchor methods listed. In the majority of fittings the new Tragus Anchor configuration will be most ef-fective. If, however, it is necessary to try one of the other three methods, we recommend trying the Heart Shaped Anchor first, followed by the Concha or Loop Anchor.

A


Heart Shaped Anchor

Insert the anchor in the upper hole on the EarWire. Pull the anchor un-til it is stopped by the angled grip.

Now bend the anchor up and over guiding the pointed end through the lower hole from the opposite side as shown, forming a heart-shaped loop.

Cut off any excess leaving only the loop. Use the tip of your finger to check for sharp edges.

The heart shaped anchor fits in the ear canal entrance.


Concha Anchor

Insert the anchor in the upper hole on the EarWire. The angled grip at the end of the anchor should be pointing away from the hearing aid (A).

Pull the anchor until it is stopped by the angled grip.

When using the concha anchor, the anchor should be placed in the client’s ear so that it rests in the concha. Trim the anchor length for comfort, leaving enough length to maintain retention.

A


Loop Anchor

Pull the pointed end of the anchor through the upper hole until the anchor is stopped by the grip at the end.

Bend the anchor down guiding the pointed end through the lower hole to form a small loop.

The loop anchor fits in the ear canal entrance.

Cut off any excess leaving only the loop. Use the tip of your finger to check for sharp edges.

16Adding Left and Right Colour Markers

The colour marker (blue for left, red for right) is inserted above the battery door hinge.

Firmly press marker into slot.

Remove the insert tool from the package.

Twist the tool to detach it from the marker.

Bend down the protective por-tion of the insert tool to expose the marker.

17Place the hearing aid behind the client’s ear and manoeuvre the ear-tip into the ear canal.

When the hearing aid with the receiver ear-set is positioned correctly on the ear, the EarWire should closely follow the contour of the ear and the hear-ing aid should not pull on the ear-tip.

Placing the Hearing Aid on the Ear

18Ear-Set Maintenance Replacing the NanoCare wax guard

The receiver remains in the receiver housing when changing the NanoCare wax guard. For Custom receiver ear-tips (hard/soft), exchange the NanoCare in the same way as you would with an ITE or CIC hearing aid.

See Passion user’s instructions for details.

CleaningNever use water or cleaning solutions to clean the EarWire. Do not use ethanol to clean ear-tips.

Replacing the receiverIf the receiver stops working properly, it should be replaced. See page 20 for instructions on how to re-place the receiver for each Passion receiver ear-tip type.

Replacing the receiver housingTo ensure a stable and secure connection, the receiver housing must be replaced each time it is removed from the EarWire. Reuse of the receiver housing may result in the housing disconnecting from the Ear-Wire and remaining in the ear.

19Disconnecting the EarWire from the Hearing Aid

Grip hearing aid firmly between your index finger and thumb.

Using your other hand, curl the index finger under the EarWire as illustrated. Pinch EarWire between thumb and index finger. Do not use your finger nails.

Firmly pull straight apart.

20Instant Open/Flex Ear-TipDisconnect the EarWire from the hearing aid (see page 19). Pull the tip off of the receiver housing. Proceed to ‘All receivers’ below.

Replacing the Receiver

Place the EarWire and the receiver housing in the closed assembly tool with the number printed on the receiver housing facing up. Hold the receiver housing in place while pulling the assembly tool open.Remove the EarWire and the receiver from the tool.

Remove the NanoCare wax guard. Press the receiver housing into the hole with the pin of the assembly tool. The receiver will eject from the old hous-ing.

Disconnect the EarWire from the hearing aid (see page 19). Push the receiv-er through the ear-tip as shown. Remove and discard the lock ring if using a CRET Hard tip. Proceed to ‘All Receivers’ below.

CRET Hard/Soft

All Receivers

Replacing the Receiver Housing

Place a new receiver housing into the other hole in the assembly tool. Align the grid side of the receiver with the numbered side of the receiver housing and press the receiver into the new housing.

See page 7 for receiver and EarWire assembly.

Place the white receiver housing (with receiver inside) in the assembly tool with the number facing up. Place the EarWire in the assembly tool with the number facing up. Place a finger over the housing and EarWire to hold them in place.Push the tool together until you hear a click.Remove the EarWire by lifting it upwards and out of the tool.

21Connecting Programming Cables to a Passion Hearing Aid

The Widex CIC programming cables are used to program Passion. Before connecting the cable, re-move the battery drawer, by following the procedure below, to avoid damaging the hinge.

Step 1: Removing the Battery Drawer

Step 2: Attaching the Programming Cable

Step 3: Attaching the Battery Drawer

Open the battery drawer to it’s fullest extent. Place the thin portion of a programming cable (or something similar) across the hinge.

Hold the cable in place and push the battery drawer as if to close it.

Remove the battery drawer. The Passion hearing aid is now ready to be connected to the Widex programming cables.

The programming adaptor is attached at the hinge like a battery drawer. The two projections on the programming adaptor are placed on the hinge pin of the battery compartment. The adaptor must be closed firmly and flush with the housing. Pull the blue or red sleeve away from the hearing aid and fit on patient.

When you have finished programming, remove the programming adaptor by opening it fully and pulling straight off. To replace the battery drawer, hold it at an angle of 45 degrees and push it firmly onto the hinges as shown above.

22Fitting Passion with iP5 Portable Programmer

Fitting Passion with iP5To fit Passion hearing aids with the iP5 programmer you need iP5 e-prom version number V4.7* or higher.

iP5 Programmer and Acoustic IdentityThe acoustic identity cannot be converted when fitting Passion with the iP5. When using iP5, make sure that Passion has the desired acoustic identity, i.e. wire open or wire flex (using Compass).

Note: The factory default acoustic identity is wire flex.

Limitations when fitting Passion hearing aids with the iP5 programmerThe following features cannot be accessed or fine tuned with the iP5 programmer:• Sound Diary• Conversion of acoustic identity from wire flex to wire open and vice versa• Use of individual RECD data• Less flexibility in fine tuning options• Hearing aid options• Compass solution guide• No record of selected ear-set tubing, ear-set tip and vent sizes.

*PA-105/110/115 can be programmed using e-prom V4.4 or higher.

23Troubleshooting

Symptom Cause Possible remedy

Hearing aid hanging above the ear

EarWire too long Choose a shorter EarWire

EarWire pulling at the ear and hearing aid

EarWire too short Choose a longer EarWire

EarWire protruding from ear

EarWire too long Choose a shorter EarWire

EarWire protruding from the ear canal

Loop or heart shaped anchor too large

Anchor choice is not ideal

Make the anchor smaller

Try another anchor style

Discomfort or itching in the ear canal

Loop or heart shaped anchor not trimmed appropriately

EarWire too short

Ear-tip incorrectly sized

Loop or heart shaped anchor size inappropriate

Check that the anchor is trimmed flush with the EarWire

Choose a longer EarWire

Choose a different size of ear-tip

Resize anchor

Ear-tip detaches from the EarWire

Ear-tip not firmly pressed onto receiver housing

Ear-tip size is too large and diffi-cult to remove from ear canal

Check that the ear-tip is firmly attached to the ear-set

Choose a smaller ear-tip

Hearing aid falling off client’s ear

Anchor not providing adequate retention

Ear-tip too small

Incorrect size of EarWire

Try another anchor style or resize loop or heart shaped anchor

Choose a larger size of ear-tip

Choose another EarWire size

No sound coming from the hearing aid

Wax guard blocked by wax

Black receiver housing has not been removed

EarWire/hearing aid connection faulty

EarWire/receiver connection faulty

EarWire defective

Receiver defective

Replace NanoCare

Remove black housing and connect white housing with receiver

Remove then reinsert EarWire firmly into hearing aid

Replace receiver housing and reconnect

Replace EarWire

Replace receiverEar-tip works out of the ear canal

Anchor choice is not ideal

Ear-tip choice is not ideal

Try another anchor style or resize loop or heart shaped anchor

Choose another ear-tip size or style

Tel: 905.315.8303 | 1.800.387.7943 | Fax: 905.315.8176 | www.widex.ca

Documents

Passion Earset And Programming Notes