Starkey Power Plus BTE (Behind-The-Ear) Operations Manual

Overview: Power Plus BTE 13

This section provides an overview of the Power Plus BTE 13 hearing aid, detailing its features, controls, and identification points.

Features, Controls, and Identification

• 1. Hearing aid: The main body of the device.
• 2. Earhook: Connects the hearing aid to the tubing.
• 3. Microphone: Captures sound.
• 4. Rocker switch (user control): Used for various functions like volume adjustment or memory changes.
• 5. Battery compartment (on/off control): Houses the battery and acts as a power switch.
• 6. Left/Right side indicator: RED indicates the right ear, BLUE indicates the left ear.
• 7. Serial number: Unique identifier for the device.
• 8. Manufacturer's name and model name: Identifies the product and its maker.
• 9. Custom earmold with tubing: Custom-fitted piece for the ear canal.
• 10. Thin tube with comfort earbud: Alternative to custom earmold, with a standard earbud.
• 11. Thin tube with custom earmold: Thin tubing connected to a custom earmold.

Preparation

Batteries

Your hearing aid is powered by a battery, typically size 13 (identified by an orange color code on the packaging). To insert or replace a battery:

1. Use the finger pick on the battery door.
2. Open the battery door gently and remove the old battery.
3. Remove the colored tab from the new battery. For optimal performance, wait 3-5 minutes after removing the tab before inserting the battery.
4. Insert the new battery into the compartment with the '+' side facing up.
5. Close the battery door securely.

Battery Indicators

An audible indicator will sound when the battery voltage is low, typically providing about 30 minutes* until replacement is needed. An indicator may also sound just before the battery stops working.

*Note: The time between the low battery indicator and shutdown may vary based on environmental noise levels and battery brand.

Helpful Hints for Battery Use

• NEVER FORCE THE BATTERY DOOR SHUT; this can cause serious damage. If the door does not close securely, ensure the battery is inserted correctly.
• Avoid opening the battery door too far, as this can lead to damage.
• Dispose of used batteries immediately in a proper waste or recycling container.
• Battery size and performance can vary. Consult your hearing professional for lifespan estimates and to verify you are using the correct size and type.

WARNINGS: Button Battery Ingestion

Batteries are dangerous if swallowed. To prevent accidental ingestion:

• Keep batteries out of reach of children and pets.
• Check your medications before taking them, as batteries can be mistaken for pills.
• Never put batteries in your mouth, as they can be easily swallowed.

NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY INGESTION HOTLINE: 202-625-3333

Insertion and Removal

To insert the custom earmold and hearing aid:

1. Hold the custom earmold with your thumb and forefinger on the outer side near the tubing.
2. Tilt your hand slightly forward and gently insert the canal tip of the custom earmold into your ear canal.
3. Rotate the custom earmold backward.
4. Softly press the custom earmold into place with your fingertip.
5. Carefully place the BTE behind your ear, wrapping the earhook over the top of your ear.

To remove the hearing aid and custom earmold:

• Take the hearing aid from behind your ear and gently pull the custom earmold outward. Pulling lightly down on the earlobe may help loosen the custom earmold as it is removed.

To insert the comfort earbud:

1. Insert the comfort earbud into your ear canal.
2. Gently wrap the BTE over your ear until it rests securely behind your ear.
3. Place the lock in the concha bowl of your ear.

To remove the hearing aid and comfort earbud:

• Remove the lock from the concha bowl of your ear.
• Remove the hearing aid from behind your ear.
• Gently grasp the tubing at the opening of the ear canal and pull outward.

Helpful Hints for Earbud/Earmold Use

• Minor irritation or inflammation may occur as your ear adjusts. If this happens, contact your hearing professional. Different sizes of earbuds and custom earmolds may offer more comfort.
• If an allergic reaction occurs, alternative earmold materials are available; contact your hearing professional.
• Severe swelling, discharge from the ear, or excessive wax may require immediate consultation with a physician.

Operation

Power On & Off

To turn ON:

Insert a battery and completely close the battery door. Your hearing aid has a power-on delay that may take a few seconds. You may hear a tone indicating the hearing aid is powered on.

To turn OFF:

Open the battery door until the battery is no longer touching the battery contacts.

Auto On/Off

Your hearing aid may automatically enter a low-powered state to conserve battery. This feature can be configured by your hearing professional or via the Thrive Hearing Control app. Placing the hearing aid on a flat, stable surface (like a table) with the earmold or earbud facing upwards will initiate this low-powered state after approximately 15 minutes. To resume normal function, pick up the hearing aid and place it in your ear; it will detect this motion and switch back on, possibly with an audible tone.

User Controls

Your hearing aid's user control may be customized by your hearing professional. Inquire with them about your specific control settings.

Available User Control Functionality

The user control can perform different functions based on how long it is activated (pressed). It can be configured for one function on a short press (press and release) and another on a long press (press and hold).

Tap Gesture

Your hearing aid may support an additional user control activated by tapping your ear twice. This can be configured by your hearing professional to start/stop streamed audio from a 2.4 GHz accessory.

Edge Mode

Edge Mode provides temporary, real-time adjustments tailored for challenging environments by performing an environmental scan to enhance comfort and clarity. Consult your hearing professional for more details.

Assigned User Control Settings

The following table outlines potential user control assignments:

*Hearing aid may support

Volume Control

Power On Volume Level

Your hearing aid is set to a specific volume level upon powering on. If sounds are too loud or too soft, contact your hearing professional for adjustment.

Rocker Switch Volume Control

If your rocker switch controls volume, pressing the top part increases volume, while pressing the lower part decreases it.

Volume Control Indicators

Audible indicators may be enabled by your hearing professional to signal the current volume position:

Your hearing aid may be configured with the following control:

• Press and Release Volume Control
• Press and Hold Volume Control

Memory Change

Your hearing professional can create multiple memories for your hearing aid, accessible via the user control. Each activation of the user control cycles through the available memories.

Memory Indicators

An audible indicator may signal a memory change, often with a voice identifying the selected memory.

Mute

If configured, a long press and hold of the user control will mute your hearing aid. An indicator may sound before muting. To unmute, press the button again to restore audio.

Multiflex Tinnitus Level Control

Your user control can also adjust the level of the Multiflex Tinnitus stimulus. Refer to the 'Multiflex Tinnitus Technology' section (page 24) for more information.

Wellness Score

Your hearing aid may include a sensor that tracks activity and engagement, reporting data to the Thrive app. You can view your health information and receive daily feedback on your progress via your Thrive Wellness Score.

Directional Settings

Directional microphones in your hearing aid enhance speech understanding in noisy environments. Consult your hearing professional about your specific directional settings.

Telephone Use

Your hearing aids can be customized with features to improve telephone communication. Ask your hearing professional about available telephone solutions.

Telephone Settings

Your hearing aids may have the following telephone settings:

• Automatic Telephone Memory and Automatic Telecoil.
• Manual Telephone Memory and Manual Telecoil. (See next page for Memory # ______)
• None

Automatic Telephone Memory and Automatic Telecoil

These settings activate the telephone memory automatically when using a hearing aid-compatible telephone. Place the telephone receiver on your ear as usual; the hearing aid should automatically select the telephone memory. Slight adjustments to the receiver position may be needed for optimal reception. The hearing aid will revert to the last used memory once the telephone is removed from the ear.

NOTE: Consult your hearing professional if your hearing aid does not automatically switch to the telephone memory when enabled.

Manual Telephone Memory and Manual Telecoil

Manual access allows you to switch the hearing aids into a telephone or telecoil memory as needed. Ask your hearing professional which memory to access for manual telephone use.

General Telephone Use

Some hearing aids perform best when the phone is held close to, but not fully covering, the ear. If whistling (feedback) occurs, try tilting the receiver. The hearing aid in the non-phone ear may switch to a telephone setting to reduce background sounds. Your hearing professional can provide specific instructions and techniques.

Ear-to-Ear Phone Streaming

This feature allows audio from your telephone to be streamed from the hearing aid on the phone side to the hearing aid on the opposite side, enabling you to hear the conversation in both ears. Consult your hearing professional about your specific telephone settings.

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology

Introduction

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology is part of a tinnitus treatment program, playing a tinnitus stimulus through the hearing aid. The stimulus is programmed based on your hearing loss, and your hearing professional can adjust settings to meet your needs.

Rocker Switch Tinnitus Stimulus Control

If your rocker switch is configured for Tinnitus Stimulus Control, pressing the top part increases the stimulus level, while pressing the bottom part decreases it.

Your hearing aid may be configured with the following control:

• Press and Release Tinnitus Stimulus Control
• Press and Hold Tinnitus Stimulus Control

Fall Alert

Introduction

Fall Alert notifies contacts if you fall or experience a non-fall-related event. It can send automated and/or manually initiated SMS text alerts to predefined contacts.

Auto Alert

When activated in the Thrive app, your hearing aid's sensors monitor head movement to automatically detect a fall. Upon detection, the Thrive app sends an SMS text message to up to three predefined contacts, including a link to confirm receipt and view your location on a map.

WARNING: Auto Alert may not detect 100% of falls.

Manual Alert

If configured by your hearing professional and a contact is set up in the Thrive app, a long press and hold of the user control initiates an alert text message via the Thrive app. This message is sent to up to three contacts, notifying them of the alert and including a link to confirm receipt and view your location.

Alert Cancellation

Alerts can be cancelled from your hearing aid or smartphone. To cancel via the hearing aid, press the user control. Fall Alert messages can be cancelled within a 60- or 90-second window following initiation. Automatic fall alerts may take up to 20 seconds to initiate.

Contacts

You can designate up to three contacts for alert messages. Enter their names and smartphone numbers in the Thrive app. Each contact will receive a prompt to confirm participation in your Fall Alert system.

Auto Alert Sensitivity

Adjust Auto Alert Sensitivity in the Thrive app. Increasing sensitivity may improve fall detection, while decreasing it can reduce false alerts.

WARNING: Decreasing Auto Alert Sensitivity may prevent some falls from being detected.

Auto Alert might not detect a fall if:

• The sensitivity setting is not appropriate for the user.
• The fall is slow, or you slide down gradually.
• You get up and start walking immediately after a fall.

You can initiate a Manual Alert if Auto Alert fails to detect a fall. Manual Alert requires configuration by your hearing professional.

WARNING: Auto Alert may trigger false alerts. To prevent this, cancel alerts from your smartphone or by pressing the user control on your hearing aid.

Indicators

Speech indicators play through your hearing aid(s) for:

• Successfully initiated Manual Alert.
• Automatically detected fall.
• Confirmed receipt of alert text message by at least one contact.
• Successfully cancelled alert via user control.

Tonal indicators play through your hearing aid(s) for:

• Communication failure during alert text message transmission.
• Communication failure during alert text message cancellation.

WARNING: To reduce Fall Alert communication failures:

• Ensure hearing aids are powered on, paired, and connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth®.
• The mobile device must be powered on with the Thrive app open.
• The mobile device must have an internet connection (cellular network or WiFi).

Adjustment

Mobile Phone Use

Your hearing aid is designed to work with smartphones. When paired and powered on, incoming calls route automatically to your hearing aid. If the hearing aid is off, calls route only to your smartphone. iOS allows selection of audio routing preferences for calls and media.

Pairing Your Hearing Aid with an iOS Device

To adjust your hearing aid with an iOS device, pair them first:

1. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS device (Settings > Bluetooth > On).
2. Turn your hearing aids off and back on to enter pairing mode.
3. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices. Your hearing aid name (e.g., "Chris Hearing Aids") should appear. If not, tap Accessibility in the upper left corner, then Hearing Devices.
4. Tap your hearing aid name to connect.
5. Select 'Pair' for each of the two pairing requests.
6. The hearing aid name will change from black to blue upon successful pairing.

Pairing Your Hearing Aid with an Android Device

To adjust your hearing aid with an Android device, pair them first:

1. Tap the Settings icon on your device.
2. Ensure Bluetooth is On.
3. Turn your hearing aids off and back on to enter pairing mode.
4. When discovered, your hearing aids will appear as "[Your Name]'s Hearing Aid" under Available Devices.
5. Tap the hearing aid name to connect each hearing aid.

Using Your iOS Device

You can now use your iOS device to adjust your hearing aid via native controls or the Thrive app. Triple-click the Home button (or side button on newer iPhones) to access native controls for volume, memory selection, or using the device as a remote microphone. Consult Apple support for further configuration options.

Start Live Listen: Stream audio directly from your iOS device's microphone to your hearing aid. Point the device towards the audio source for best results, minimizing background noise.

Right Volume/Left Volume: Adjust volume for each hearing aid individually. Turn off 'Adjust Independently' to change both simultaneously.

Normal: Indicates a memory setting. Select from the list to change the hearing aid's memory.

Accessories

Various accessories enhance your hearing aid's functionality, including remote controls, TV audio streaming, and remote microphone audio streaming. Consult your hearing professional to determine the best accessories for you.

Hearing Aid Care

Keep your hearing aids clean to prevent performance issues caused by heat, moisture, or foreign substances.

• Use a cleaning brush or soft cloth to remove debris from the user control, microphone, and battery compartment. Inspect the earbud regularly.
• Never use water, solvents, cleaning fluids, or oil to clean your hearing aids.

Your hearing professional can provide further information on maintenance procedures.

Standard Tubing

1. Separate the custom earmold from the BTE by gently pulling the tubing away from the earhook.
• Use a soft, damp cloth or a cleaning brush to clean debris from the custom earmold.
• Wash the custom earmold with warm soapy water.
• Never use solvents.
2. Slide the custom earmold tubing onto the BTE earhook when completely dry.

Your hearing professional can provide further information on additional maintenance procedures.

Thin Tubing

1. Unscrew the tubing from the tip of the hearing aid.
2. Thread the cleaner through the tubing, starting from the end just removed, until it extends from the other end.
3. Brush off debris before removing the cleaner.
4. Clean the earbud with a dry cloth or brush.
5. If necessary, the earbud can be washed in warm, soapy water. Remove the earbud from the tubing before washing and allow it to dry overnight.

Helpful Hints for Hearing Aid Care

• Ensure the custom earmold or earbud and tubing are completely dry before reconnecting to the hearing aid earhook.
• When not wearing your hearing aids, open the battery door to allow moisture to evaporate.
• Do not disassemble your hearing aids or insert cleaning tools inside them.
• When not in use, remove batteries completely and store hearing aids in their container:
  • In a dry, safe place.
  • Away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid extreme temperatures.
  • In an easily accessible location.
  • Safely out of reach of children and pets.

Service and Repair

Do not attempt to fix your hearing aid yourself if it malfunctions, as this may void warranties and cause further damage. If your hearing aid fails or performs poorly, consult the troubleshooting guide. For persistent problems, contact your hearing professional for advice and assistance. Many common issues can be resolved at your hearing professional's office or clinic.

Troubleshooting Guide

Tips for Better Communication

For You

Your hearing professional will guide you in adapting to your new hearing aid. Patience and practice are key. Remember that hearing is only one aspect of communication; lip reading, facial expressions, and gestures can significantly aid understanding.

• Move closer to and look at the speaker.
• Sit face-to-face in a quiet room.
• Identify locations that are best for listening.
• Minimize distractions.
• Be aware that background noises may initially be frustrating, but this is normal as you re-acclimate.
• Communicate your needs clearly; people cannot inherently "see" hearing loss.
• Set realistic expectations for what your hearing aids can and cannot do.
• Improving hearing with hearing aids is a learned skill requiring desire, practice, and patience.

For Your Family and Friends

Your family and friends play a role in effective communication. Request that they:

• Gain your full attention before speaking.
• Look at you or sit face-to-face in a quiet room.
• Speak clearly at a normal rate and volume; shouting can hinder understanding.
• Rephrase sentences using different words rather than just repeating them.
• Minimize distractions while speaking.

Regulatory Information

Safety Information

INTENDED USE:

An air conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device designed to compensate for impaired hearing, suitable for mild to profound hearing losses.

Your hearing aids comply with stringent International Electromagnetic Compatibility standards. However, interference may occur from power line disturbances, airport metal detectors, other medical devices, radio signals, and electrostatic discharges.

If you use other medical devices (e.g., defibrillators, pacemakers) or wear implantable medical devices, consult your physician or the device manufacturer regarding potential interference.

Your hearing aids should not be worn during MRI procedures or in hyperbaric chambers. They are not certified for explosive atmospheres. They are classified as a Type B applied part under IEC 60601-1.

Storage Conditions:

Store hearing aids within temperature ranges of -40°C (-40°F) to +60°C (140°F) and humidity ranges of 10% to 95% relative humidity.

The hearing aids are designed to operate in temperatures from very cold up to 50°C (122°F).

Report any serious incidents related to your Starkey device to your local representative and the relevant Competent Authority.

Use on Aircrafts:

Optional wireless capabilities can be used on aircraft, as hearing aids are exempt from rules for other personal electronic instruments.

International Use:

Hearing aids are approved for radio frequencies specific to your country/region. Operation during international travel may cause interference with other electronic instruments or vice versa.

Warnings

WARNING: Avoid using wireless hearing aids directly next to other electronic equipment to prevent improper performance. If necessary, note if both devices operate normally.

WARNING: Using accessories, components, or replacement parts not provided by the manufacturer may increase electromagnetic emissions, decrease immunity, and degrade performance.

WARNING: Portable Radio Frequency communications equipment used closer than 30 cm (12 inches) from your hearing aid may degrade its performance. Move away from such equipment if this occurs.

Required Information (FDA Regulations)

WARNING TO HEARING AID DISPENSERS:

Advise prospective users to consult a physician (preferably an ear specialist) before dispensing a hearing aid if the dispenser determines the user has any of the following conditions:

1. Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.
2. History of active ear drainage within the previous 90 days.
3. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days.
4. Acute or chronic dizziness.
5. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days.
6. Audiometric air-bone gap ≥ 15 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
7. Visible significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.
8. Pain or discomfort in the ear.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PROSPECTIVE HEARING AID USERS

A medical evaluation by a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) is required before purchasing a hearing aid. This evaluation identifies medically treatable conditions affecting hearing.

Following the evaluation, the physician will provide a statement confirming your hearing loss has been medically assessed and you may be a candidate for a hearing aid. You will then be referred to an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser for an evaluation and fitting.

Inquire about trial-rental or purchase-option programs if you have reservations about adapting to amplification.

Federal law restricts hearing aid sales to individuals with a medical evaluation. A waiver is permitted for religious or personal beliefs, but is strongly discouraged for health reasons.

Hearing aids do not restore normal hearing or prevent hearing impairment. They are part of hearing habilitation and may require auditory training and lip reading. Infrequent use may limit benefits. Exercise caution with devices exceeding 132 decibels maximum sound pressure level due to potential hearing impairment risk.

Some users report buzzing sounds with mobile phones, indicating potential incompatibility. Compatibility can be predicted by combining hearing aid immunity ratings with mobile phone emission ratings (e.g., ANSI C63.19 standard).

CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS

Children with hearing loss should be evaluated and rehabilitated by an audiologist, as hearing loss can impact language development, education, and social growth.

Required Multiflex Tinnitus Information for Hearing Professionals

INDICATIONS FOR USE:

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology generates sounds for Tinnitus Management Programs to relieve tinnitus symptoms. It is intended for adults over 18 years of age and is for use by healthcare professionals treating tinnitus or conventional hearing disorders. Fitting must be done by a hearing professional.

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION:

This is a software function programmed into a hearing aid, generating sound. It can function as a hearing aid, a tinnitus treatment instrument, or both. The sound is programmed for an individually prescribed treatment plan.

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology generates a broadband white noise signal with adjustable frequency and amplitude, specific to the prescribed therapy. The patient may have some control over the signal level; this should be discussed with their hearing professional.

WARNING TO HEARING CARE PRACTITIONER

Advise prospective sound generator users to consult a physician before use if they have conditions such as:

1. Visible congenital or traumatic ear deformity.
2. History of active ear drainage (previous 90 days).
3. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss (previous 90 days).
4. Acute or chronic dizziness.
5. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset (previous 90 days).

CAUTION:

Using the instrument at maximum output level for extended periods may exceed noise exposure limits. It is intended for use for a maximum of sixteen (16) hours per day at maximum output level.

For the Patient

A tinnitus therapy instrument generates noise to treat ringing in the ears and can aid in hearing external sounds and speech. Multiflex Tinnitus Technology is recommended for use with counseling or in a tinnitus management program.

TINNITUS THERAPY CONCEPTS AND BENEFITS

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology can be part of a tinnitus treatment program, playing white noise through the hearing aid. Settings are programmed based on hearing loss and preference, adjustable by your hearing professional. It may provide temporary relief of tinnitus.

PRESCRIPTION USE ONLY

CAUTION:

Federal law restricts this instrument to sale by or on the order of a licensed doctor, audiologist, or hearing care practitioner. Use should be on the advice and consultation of your audiologist or hearing care practitioner, who will properly diagnose and fit the instrument for your needs.

WARNING: Potential concerns include worsening tinnitus, changes in hearing thresholds, and skin irritation. Multiflex Tinnitus Technology is designed to minimize these. Discontinue use and consult a professional if you experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, or heart palpitations.

Misuse can have harmful effects. Prevent unauthorized use and keep out of reach of children and pets.

CAUTION:

Do not exceed recommended usage times at maximum output level to avoid exceeding noise exposure limits. Limit use to sixteen (16) hours per day at maximum output level, or use levels set by your hearing professional that exceed your comfort level.

Important Notice for Prospective Sound Generator Users

A medical evaluation by a licensed physician is required before using a sound generator for tinnitus to identify and treat all medically treatable conditions.

TINNITUS TECHNICAL DATA

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology Maximum Output: 87 dB SPL (typical) per ANSI S3.22 or IEC 60118-7.

WIRELESS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Hearing aids use Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology (2.4-2.4835 GHz band) with a maximum effective radiated power of -13 dBm (GFSK modulation). Receiver bandwidth is 1.5 MHz.

This model has passed the following tests:

• IEC 60601-1-2 radiated emissions (Group 1 Class B).
• RF radiated immunity (10 V/m, 80 MHz-2.7 GHz).
• Immunity to power frequency magnetic fields (30 A/m) and proximity magnetic fields.
• Immunity to ESD levels (+/- 8 kV conducted, +/- 15 kV air discharge).

REGULATORY NOTICES

POWER PLUS BTE 13

• FCC ID: EOA-24LIVIOPB13
• IC: 6903A-24LIVIOPB13

FCC NOTICE:

This device complies with FCC Part 15 and ISED Canada's license-exempt RSS standards. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) no harmful interference, and (2) acceptance of any received interference.

The manufacturer is not responsible for radio/TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications, which could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Starkey Hearing Technologies declares compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. A Declaration of Conformity copy is available at docs.starkeyhearingtechnologies.com.

Manufacturer Information:

Starkey Hearing Technologies
6700 Washington Ave. South
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA

Starkey Laboratories (Germany) GmbH
Weg beim Jäger 218-222
22335 Hamburg
Germany

• Waste from electronic equipment must be handled according to local regulations.
• Consult Operations Manual.
• Keep dry.

Trademarks and Copyright

Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., used under license by Starkey. iOS is a trademark of Cisco. Starkey and Thrive are trademarks of Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Apple, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and Android are trademarks of Google Inc. All other trade names and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

©2021 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 86573-007 10/21 BKLT3125-00-EE-XX