How to Use: Starkey ITE ITC CIC Hearing Instruments User Manual

Overview

ITE ITC CIC Hearing Instruments are custom-fit hearing devices designed to sit in or near the ear canal. The product family includes ITE models that fit within the outer ear, ITC models positioned partly inside the ear canal, and CIC models designed to sit almost entirely within the canal.

Each instrument amplifies sound according to settings selected by a hearing care professional. Depending on the individual configuration, the device may include automatic volume control, a manual volume control, a multifunction button, multiple listening programs, directional microphones, and telephone options.

These hearing instruments require practice and consistent use. They can support hearing rehabilitation but do not restore normal hearing or replace medical evaluation, auditory training, or lip-reading instruction when those services are needed.

Specifications

• ITE: In-The-Ear design with size 13 battery.
• ITC: In-The-Canal design with size 312 battery.
• CIC: Completely-In-Canal design with size 10 battery.
• Battery color codes: Orange for size 13, brown for size 312, and yellow for size 10.
• Power source: Replaceable disposable battery.
• Identification: Red identifies the right instrument and blue identifies the left instrument.
• Optional controls: Multifunction button and volume control, depending on the fitting.
• Optional acoustic features: Vent, directional microphone, wax protection system, and telephone or telecoil functions.

Detailed Description

ITE Components

An ITE hearing instrument normally includes one or more microphone openings, a battery compartment that also controls power, an optional vent, and a sound outlet containing the receiver and wax protection system. The serial number is located on the instrument case. A multifunction button or volume control may be fitted according to the selected configuration.

ITC Components

An ITC model uses the same basic sound path as an ITE model but has a smaller case intended to sit partly within the ear canal. Its main parts are the microphone opening, battery compartment, optional vent, sound outlet, receiver, and wax protection system. Some ITC instruments also include a multifunction button or volume control.

CIC Components

A CIC model is placed deeper in the ear canal and includes a microphone opening, sound outlet, receiver, wax protection system, battery compartment, and optional vent. A small removal handle may be included to make removal easier. Some CIC instruments also have a multifunction button.

Sound Processing Features

The hearing system may use a directional microphone to improve speech understanding in noisy surroundings. Directional behavior is programmed for the individual fitting, so the available settings depend on the device configuration.

Some models can store up to four hearing programs. These programs may be selected with the multifunction button, and a tone or indicator may confirm that the device has changed listening modes.

Safety

• Keep hearing instrument batteries away from children and pets. Batteries can be dangerous if swallowed and should never be placed in the mouth.
• Check medicines before taking them because small batteries can be mistaken for pills.
• Store unused batteries and instruments in a safe location that children and pets cannot reach.
• Never force the battery door closed. If it does not close easily, check that the battery is correctly positioned.
• Do not open the battery door farther than necessary because the hinge or door may be damaged.
• Consult a hearing care professional if irritation continues. Severe swelling, discharge, excessive wax, pain, or another unusual ear condition requires prompt medical attention.
• Medical evaluation is recommended before obtaining a hearing aid, particularly when there is sudden hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, recent drainage, significant wax buildup, a visible ear deformity, or another unusual ear condition.
• Children with hearing loss should receive medical evaluation and assessment by an audiologist because hearing loss can affect language, education, and social development.

Setup and Operation

Installing or Replacing the Battery

1. Place the instrument over a table or desk to reduce the chance of dropping it.
2. Use the nail grip to open the battery door gently.
3. Remove the old battery from the compartment.
4. Remove the protective tab from the new battery.
5. Match the flat positive side of the battery with the positive marking inside the battery door.
6. Close the battery door without applying force.

Dispose of used batteries promptly in an appropriate waste or recycling container. Battery life varies with battery brand, listening conditions, program use, and environmental noise. A hearing care professional can verify the correct battery type and provide a more useful lifespan estimate.

Low-Battery Indicator

The instrument sounds an alert when battery voltage becomes low. Approximately five minutes of operating time may remain, although the actual interval varies with the battery and listening environment. A further alert may occur shortly before the instrument shuts down.

Inserting the Instrument

1. Hold the instrument by the outer edges of its case between your thumb and forefinger.
2. Tilt your hand slightly forward and guide the canal tip gently into the ear canal.
3. Rotate the instrument backward and press it softly into place with your fingertip.

To remove the instrument, hold the case between your thumb and forefinger, gently rotate it, and pull outward. If the device has a removal handle, use the handle and pull carefully.

Turning the Instrument On and Off

Insert the correct battery and close the battery door completely to turn the instrument on. A power-on delay may give you several seconds to place the device in your ear, and a tone sequence may confirm activation.

To turn the instrument off, open the battery door far enough for the battery to stop touching the contacts. When the device is not being worn, leaving the door open allows moisture to evaporate; removing the battery completely is recommended for longer storage.

Volume Control

Some ITE ITC CIC Hearing Instruments use automatic volume control. These devices begin at a level selected by the hearing care professional. If sounds are consistently too loud or too soft, request a professional adjustment rather than attempting to compensate excessively with another control.

On models with a multifunction button assigned to volume, press and release the button repeatedly until the desired level is reached. Each press changes the volume by one increment. The tone pattern generally corresponds to five volume levels: one beep indicates the lowest level, three beeps indicate the power-on level, and five beeps plus a tone indicate the highest level.

On models with a rotary volume control, rotate the control forward toward your face to increase volume. Rotate it toward the back of your head to decrease volume. The rotary control has three principal levels: minimum, power-on, and maximum, confirmed by corresponding tone patterns.

Multimemory Programs

If the multifunction button is programmed for multimemory operation, press it inward to move to the next hearing program. An indicator or tone series may confirm the change. The hearing care professional can explain the purpose of each available program and identify the correct control for your fitting.

Telephone Use

Some instruments provide Automatic Telephone or Automatic Telecoil operation. With these options, place a hearing-aid-compatible telephone receiver against your ear as usual; the instrument may automatically select the telephone setting. Moving the receiver slightly can improve reception. When the telephone is removed, the device should return to its normal listening mode.

Instruments with a manual telecoil require the telecoil program to be selected with the multifunction button. Some users obtain better results by holding the phone close to, rather than directly over, the ear. If whistling occurs, angle the receiver until feedback stops.

Wireless telephone compatibility can vary between phones and hearing instruments. Digital phones may produce buzzing or other interference even when compatibility ratings suggest normal or excellent performance. Testing the instrument with the intended phone is the most practical way to confirm suitability.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clean the instrument every day over a soft cloth so it is protected if 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 instrument.
• Do not insert cleaning tools into the instrument.
• Do not disassemble the device.
• When not in use, open the battery door so moisture can escape.
• For extended storage, remove the battery and place the instrument in its storage container.
• Store the device in a dry, safe location away from direct sunlight, heat, children, and pets.
• Ask a hearing care professional to replace the wax protection system or perform maintenance that cannot be completed safely with the supplied brush.

Troubleshooting

Not Loud Enough

• Replace the battery if it may be low.
• Brush debris away from the microphone and receiver.
• Have the wax protection system checked or replaced.
• Contact a hearing care professional if your hearing has changed or the problem continues.

Inconsistent Performance

• Install a fresh, correctly sized battery.
• Check that the battery door closes fully.
• Clean visible debris from the microphone and receiver.
• Seek professional assistance if operation remains unreliable.

Unclear or Distorted Sound

• Replace the battery.
• Clean the microphone and receiver with the brush.
• Have the instrument inspected if distortion remains after cleaning and battery replacement.

No Sound

• Check that the battery is installed with the positive side aligned correctly.
• Replace the battery.
• Clean the microphone and receiver area.
• Have the wax protection system checked.
• Do not attempt to repair the hearing instrument yourself.

Communication Tips

For the Wearer

• Move closer to the speaker and look at the speaker’s face.
• Choose a quiet, face-to-face seating position.
• Try different locations to find the clearest listening position.
• Reduce background distractions whenever possible.
• Allow time for your brain to adapt to sounds that may have been inaudible for a long period.
• Use lip movements, facial expressions, and gestures as additional communication cues.
• Maintain realistic expectations and use the instruments regularly for the best opportunity to develop listening skills.

For Family and Friends

• Gain the listener’s attention before speaking.
• Face the listener and speak clearly at a normal rate and level.
• Avoid shouting, which can make speech less intelligible.
• Rephrase a statement instead of repeating the same words.
• Reduce competing noise and visual distractions during conversation.

Warranty

The limited warranty described for these instruments lasts 24 months from the original delivery date. It covers defects in workmanship or materials when the instrument was purchased from an authorized hearing professional.

During the warranty period, a covered instrument may be repaired or replaced when the defect is reported within 30 days of discovery and the device is delivered to an authorized hearing professional. Repair or replacement of the instrument itself is covered, although professional service charges may apply.

The warranty does not cover batteries, earmolds, accessories, misuse, neglect, accidents, unauthorized alterations, or failure to provide reasonable maintenance and cleaning. Repairs do not extend the original warranty period. Rights and limitations may vary by jurisdiction.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Three custom-fit styles accommodate different placement preferences; replaceable batteries are easy to identify by color and size; optional volume, program, directional, and telephone features support individualized fittings; compact CIC models can include a removal handle.
• Cons: Features vary by individual fitting; batteries require regular replacement; wax, moisture, and debris can reduce performance; telephone compatibility and automatic switching are not guaranteed for every device or phone.