Setup: Starkey Custom ITE ITC CIC IIC Hearing Aids User Manual

Overview

Custom ITE ITC CIC IIC Hearing Aids are custom-molded air-conduction hearing instruments designed to fit different areas of the outer ear and ear canal. The available styles are In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), Completely-in-Canal (CIC), and Invisible-in-Canal (IIC).

Each device is programmed by a hearing professional for the wearer’s hearing loss and may include optional controls for volume, memory selection, muting, telephone use, directional listening, or tinnitus sound therapy. The exact controls and features vary by individual fitting.

Specifications

• ITE battery: Size 13, identified by an orange color code.
• ITC battery: Size 312, identified by a brown color code.
• CIC battery: Size 10, identified by a yellow color code.
• IIC battery: Size 10, identified by a yellow color code.
• Power source: Disposable zinc-air battery.
• Optional wireless technology: Available only on compatible devices using 900 MHz wireless technology.
• Operating temperature: Designed to operate from very cold conditions up to 50°C (122°F).
• Storage temperature: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F).
• Storage humidity: 10% to 95% relative humidity.
• Wireless frequency: Compatible models may use 902–928 MHz in North America or 863–865 MHz in the European Union.
• Wireless transmission power: Maximum effective radiated power of -20 dBm on applicable wireless models.
• Tinnitus stimulus output: Typical maximum output of 87 dB SPL when measured in a 2 cc coupler.

Detailed Description

ITE Style

The ITE instrument sits within the outer ear. Its main components may include a microphone, battery compartment, optional vent, sound outlet with receiver and wax protection, optional multifunction button, and optional rotary volume control. The battery compartment also serves as the on/off control.

ITC Style

The ITC instrument fits partly inside the ear canal. It may include the same core components as an ITE model, including a microphone, battery door, optional vent, receiver outlet, wax protection, multifunction button, and rotary volume control.

CIC Style

The CIC instrument is positioned deeper in the ear canal for a more discreet appearance. Its controls may include a microphone, battery compartment, optional vent, receiver outlet with wax protection, optional multifunction button, and a removal handle.

IIC Style

The IIC instrument is designed to sit deeply and discreetly within the ear canal. It includes a microphone, battery compartment, optional vent, sound outlet, and removal handle. A white dot identifies the top of the device, while side markings may indicate right or left orientation.

Identification Markings

On applicable models, red identifies the right ear and blue identifies the left ear. CIC devices may use R and L markings. The serial number is located on the hearing aid shell or another designated area of the device.

Safety

• Keep hearing aid batteries away from children and pets. Batteries can be mistaken for medication and are dangerous if swallowed.
• Never place a battery in your mouth. If a battery is swallowed, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
• Never force the battery door closed. Recheck the battery orientation if the door does not close easily.
• Do not open the battery door farther than intended, because the hinge or case may be damaged.
• Do not wear the hearing aids during an MRI examination or inside a hyperbaric chamber.
• These devices are not certified for use in explosive environments such as certain mines or chemical facilities.
• Consult a physician before use if you have ear pain, active drainage, sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss, significant dizziness, visible ear deformity, substantial earwax blockage, or a recent one-sided hearing change.
• Children with hearing loss should receive medical evaluation and audiological assessment to support communication, language, education, and social development.
• People with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted medical devices should ask a physician or the implant manufacturer about possible electromagnetic interference.
• Avoid placing wireless hearing aids directly beside other electronic equipment when doing so causes abnormal operation.
• Keep portable radio-frequency communication equipment at least 30 cm (12 inches) from the hearing aid when possible.
• Use only accessories, components, and replacement parts approved for the hearing aid. Unapproved parts may reduce electromagnetic compatibility and performance.

Setup and Operation

Installing or Replacing the Battery

1. Use the finger grip to open the battery door gently.
2. Remove the old battery from the compartment.
3. Peel the protective tab from the new battery and wait three to five minutes before installing it.
4. Place the battery with its flat positive side aligned with the positive marking inside the battery door.
5. Close the battery door completely without applying force.

A low-battery alert may sound when the battery voltage drops. The remaining operating time varies with battery brand, environmental noise, and individual use, so replace the battery as soon as practical after the alert.

Turning the Hearing Aid On and Off

To turn the hearing aid on, install the battery and close the battery door fully. A power-on delay may provide time to place the device in the ear, and a tone sequence may indicate startup.

To turn the hearing aid off, open the battery door far enough to separate the battery from the contacts. When the device is not being worn, leaving the door open helps moisture evaporate.

Inserting the Device

1. Hold the hearing aid by the outer case with your thumb and forefinger.
2. Angle your hand slightly forward.
3. Guide the canal portion gently into the ear.
4. Rotate the device backward and press it softly into position with a fingertip.

For IIC devices, use the white top dot or other orientation marking to position the aid correctly. Do not use the battery door as a handle.

Removing the Device

Hold the outer edges and gently rotate the hearing aid while pulling it outward. For CIC and IIC models with a removal handle, pull the handle carefully rather than pulling on the battery door or other controls.

User Controls

The hearing professional may program the user control differently for each wearer. A short press may perform one function, while a long press may perform another. Possible assignments include volume adjustment, memory selection, mute, or Multiflex tinnitus stimulus control.

Volume Adjustment

A rotary control may be turned forward, toward the nose, to increase loudness. Turn it toward the back of the head to reduce loudness.

Some devices use a button instead of a rotary control. Depending on programming, a short press may increase volume and a long press may decrease it, or the controls may be assigned to separate right and left hearing aids.

The hearing aid starts at the volume level selected by the hearing professional. If sounds consistently seem too loud or too soft, request a professional adjustment rather than continuing to increase amplification.

Volume Indicators

Audible indicators may identify the current volume position. Depending on programming, tones can indicate the minimum level, home or startup level, intermediate steps, and maximum level. The number of beeps may differ between increasing and decreasing volume.

Memory Changes

Multiple listening memories may be programmed for different environments. When the control is assigned to memory selection, each activation advances through the available memories. An audible or spoken indicator may identify the selected memory.

Mute

If mute is enabled, press and hold the assigned control to silence the hearing aid. Repeat the long press to restore sound. An indicator may sound before muting occurs.

Directional Listening

Some models use directional microphones to emphasize speech from in front of the wearer and reduce selected sounds from other directions. Ask the hearing professional which directional settings are enabled on your device.

Telephone Use

Telephone operation may use automatic telephone memory, automatic telecoil, manual telephone memory, manual telecoil, or no dedicated telephone setting.

With automatic operation, place a compatible telephone receiver near the hearing aid as usual. The device may select the telephone memory automatically and return to the previous memory when the telephone is moved away. Slightly repositioning the receiver may improve clarity.

With manual operation, select the telephone or telecoil memory assigned by the hearing professional. If whistling occurs, angle the receiver slightly instead of covering the hearing aid completely. Some fittings can stream telephone audio from the phone-side hearing aid to the opposite ear.

Wireless Accessories

Compatible wireless accessories may provide remote control, television audio transmission, remote microphone audio, or mobile phone audio directly through the hearing aids. Wireless features are available only on models equipped for this function, so confirm compatibility with the hearing professional.

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology

Multiflex Tinnitus Technology generates a programmed sound through the hearing aid as part of a tinnitus management program. The stimulus is adjusted for the wearer’s hearing loss, comfort, and treatment plan by a qualified hearing professional.

The user control may adjust the stimulus level through a sprinkler-style control, dedicated up/down control, or rotary control. With sprinkler operation, the level may first decrease before increasing when the control is activated after a period of inactivity. If ten minutes or more have passed since the previous adjustment, the level may reset downward before it begins increasing.

Do not use tinnitus sound therapy without professional guidance. Stop using the tinnitus function and seek professional advice if tinnitus becomes worse or if dizziness, nausea, headache, heart palpitations, hearing-threshold changes, or skin irritation occurs. At maximum output, do not use the device for more than sixteen hours per day.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clean the hearing aid each day over a soft cloth to reduce damage if it is dropped.
• Use a cleaning brush to remove debris around the microphone, receiver, and battery compartment.
• Never use water, solvents, cleaning fluids, or oil on the hearing aid.
• Do not disassemble the device or push cleaning tools into openings.
• When storing the hearing aid, remove the battery, open the battery door, and place the device in its storage container.
• Store it in a dry, secure location away from direct sunlight, heat, children, and pets.

IIC Microphone Area

The microphone on an IIC model is located beside the battery door. Open the door and brush the acoustic recess gently, directing debris outward and away from the center of the door.

Receiver Wax Guard

1. Insert the empty end of the wax-guard applicator straight into the used guard.
2. Pull the applicator straight out without twisting.
3. Use the opposite end to press a new guard straight into the receiver opening.
4. Pull the applicator straight out and discard it.

Microphone Covers

Custom microphone covers protect the microphone from wax and debris. Small and large covers are available, and the removal and replacement method depends on the cover size. Follow the maintenance instructions provided during fitting rather than attempting to alter the microphone assembly.

Troubleshooting

• Not loud enough: Replace the battery, inspect the microphone and receiver for blockage, clean away debris, and check the wax guard. A change in hearing may require professional evaluation.
• Inconsistent performance: Install a fresh battery and check the microphone, receiver, wax guard, and vent for obstruction.
• Unclear or distorted sound: Replace the battery, clean the microphone and receiver, inspect the wax guard, and clear the vent if it is blocked.
• No sound: Confirm that the battery is installed correctly, replace it if necessary, and check for a blocked microphone, receiver, or wax guard.
• Feedback or whistling: Reinsert the device carefully, check that it is seated correctly, and reposition a telephone receiver if feedback occurs during calls.
• Persistent failure: Do not attempt to repair the hearing aid yourself. Continued problems require assessment by a hearing professional.

Communication Tips

For the Hearing Aid Wearer

• Move closer to the speaker and maintain face-to-face contact.
• Choose a quiet location and reduce competing sounds where possible.
• Try different seating positions to find the clearest listening location.
• Tell others what communication method helps you most.
• Allow time for your brain to adapt to amplified sounds.
• Use facial expressions, lip reading, and gestures as additional communication cues.
• Maintain realistic expectations: hearing aids improve access to sound but do not restore normal hearing.

For Family and Friends

• Get the wearer’s attention before speaking.
• Face the wearer and use a quiet environment.
• Speak clearly at a natural pace and volume; shouting may reduce understanding.
• Rephrase an unclear statement instead of repeating the same words.
• Reduce background distractions during important conversations.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Custom ear-specific shells, several discreet style options, selectable battery sizes, programmable listening memories, optional volume controls, telephone features, wireless accessories, and tinnitus stimulus support on appropriately fitted devices.
• Cons: Small controls and batteries may be difficult for some users to handle, wax or debris can reduce performance, features depend on the individual fitting, and advanced tinnitus functions require professional programming and follow-up.