1. Introduction
The BeHear SMARTO is a versatile, pocket-sized Bluetooth assistive listening device designed to enhance hearing for individuals with mild to severe hearing difficulties. It offers superior sound quality, personalized hearing assistance through a dedicated app, and convenient features like one-touch emergency calls. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your SMARTO device to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
2. Package Contents
Upon unboxing your BeHear SMARTO, please verify that all the following items are included:
- SMARTO Main Unit
- Charging Cradle
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Over-Ear Headset
- In-Ear Headset
- Ear Bud Pairs (various sizes)
- Lanyard
Figure 2.1: All components included in the BeHear SMARTO package.
3. Product Overview
3.1 Device Components
The BeHear SMARTO features an intuitive design with clearly marked buttons for ease of use, especially for seniors. Familiarize yourself with the main components and their functions:
Figure 3.1: BeHear SMARTO device with labeled controls.
- On/Off Switch: Located at the top, used to power the device on or off.
- Sound Focus Button: Toggles between Front Mode (directional sound) and Omni Mode (all-around sound).
- Phone Call Buttons (Red/Green): Red for rejecting/ending calls, Green for answering/making calls.
- Volume Control (+/-): Large buttons to increase or decrease the listening volume.
- Tone Control Buttons (Music Notes): Adjusts the audio tone; one for increasing bass (low frequencies), the other for increasing treble (high frequencies).
- Listening to Audio Button: Used for play/pause functions when streaming audio.
4. Setup
4.1 Initial Charging
Before first use, fully charge your BeHear SMARTO device. The battery provides up to 40 hours of uninterrupted use and charges in approximately 2-3 hours.
- Place the SMARTO main unit into the charging cradle.
- Connect the USB-C charging cable to the charging cradle and then to a compatible USB power adapter (5V/1A recommended, not included) or a computer USB port.
- The indicator light on the charging cradle will show charging status. Once fully charged, the light will change (refer to the device's LED indicator guide for specific patterns).
4.2 Connecting to Devices (Bluetooth)
The SMARTO can connect wirelessly to your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices for calls and audio streaming.
- Ensure the SMARTO device is powered on.
- On your smartphone or device, navigate to the Bluetooth settings.
- Search for available devices and select "BeHear SMARTO" from the list.
- Once paired, the device will confirm connection (e.g., via an audible prompt or LED indicator).
4.3 App Installation and Personalization
For the most personalized hearing experience, download the BeHear app and perform a hearing assessment.
- Download the "BeHear" app from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS).
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your SMARTO device.
- Perform the in-app hearing assessment. This will create a personalized audio profile tailored to your specific hearing needs. Alternatively, you can select from pre-set profiles or input audiometric data.
Figure 4.1: Easy setup and personalization via the BeHear app.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Basic Operation (Volume, Tone, Sound Focus)
- Power On/Off: Shift and hold the power switch until the unit vibrates and the main LED turns green. The switch will return to its original position automatically.
- Adjusting Volume: Press the large + button to increase volume and the large - button to decrease volume.
- Adjusting Tone: Press the music note button with the upward arrow to increase treble (high frequency sounds) or the downward arrow to increase bass (low frequency sounds).
- Sound Focus: Press the Sound Focus button to switch between Front Mode (directional sound, ideal for one-on-one conversations) and Omni Mode (amplifies sounds from all directions).
5.2 Phone Calls
When connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone:
- Answering a Call: Press the Green phone button.
- Ending/Rejecting a Call: Press the Red phone button.
- The device can also slow down speech tempo during phone calls for improved clarity.
5.3 Emergency Call Feature
The SMARTO includes a one-touch emergency call feature for added safety.
- To initiate an emergency call, press and hold the CALL button (typically the green phone button) on the SMARTO unit.
- This will dial a pre-defined emergency number. Ensure this number is set up in the BeHear app or device settings beforehand.
Figure 5.1: Activating the Single Press Emergency Call.
6. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your BeHear SMARTO device.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the main unit and charging cradle. For headsets and ear tips, gently clean with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap if necessary, ensuring they are completely dry before reattaching. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Ear Tip Care: Regularly check ear tips for debris or earwax buildup, which can affect sound quality. Clean or replace them as needed.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Battery Care: To preserve battery life, avoid fully discharging the device frequently. Charge it regularly, even if not in constant use.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your BeHear SMARTO, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
Figure 7.1: Tips for improving your SMARTO experience.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device not charging | Incorrect charger (less than 1A/5V), loose connection, faulty cable/cradle. | Ensure you are using a 5V/1A USB power adapter. Check cable and cradle connections. Try a different USB port or adapter. |
| Poor sound quality / Background noise | Ear caps/tips blocked, incorrect hearing profile, device too far from sound source, environmental noise. | Clean ear caps/tips. Re-run the hearing assessment in the BeHear app. Adjust Sound Focus mode. Move closer to the sound source. |
| Bluetooth connection issues | Device not in pairing mode, out of range, interference. | Ensure SMARTO is powered on and in pairing mode. Verify you are within 10 meters (30 feet) of the Bluetooth device. Try unpairing and re-pairing. |
| Short battery life | Battery not fully charged, aging battery. | Ensure device is fully charged (2-3 hours). If battery life significantly degrades, contact support. |
| Cannot hear phone calls clearly | Phone volume too low, phone notifications/tones interfering. | Increase phone volume. Silence phone tones, alerts, notification sounds, and key taps. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | SMARTO |
| Item Model Number | AB-410 |
| Brand | BeHear |
| Power Source | Battery Powered (1 Lithium Ion battery required) |
| Battery Life (Sound Amplifier) | Up to 40 hours |
| Battery Life (Voice Calls) | Up to 36 hours |
| Battery Life (Audio Streaming) | Up to 36 hours |
| Charging Time | 2-3 hours |
| Material | Plastic, Resin |
| Style | In-Ear (with included headset options) |
9. Warranty & Support
The BeHear SMARTO Personal Hearing Amplifier is manufactured by BeHear. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official BeHear website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact BeHear customer service. You can also find additional resources and FAQs within the BeHear mobile application.
