Setup: Starkey Remote Control Model 610 User Manual

Overview

The Remote Control Model 610 is a compact wireless accessory for compatible Starkey air-conduction hearing aids. It lets users make discreet volume and program adjustments without reaching for the hearing aids. The remote can control one hearing aid or a paired set, depending on the hearing-aid configuration and the position of its ear-selection switch.

Once pairing is complete, the Remote Control Model 610 automatically recognizes the paired hearing aid or hearing aids when both devices are powered on and within wireless range. Its lock function helps prevent accidental commands when the remote is carried or stored.

Specifications

• Model: 610
• Intended accessory: Wireless air-conduction hearing aids
• Radio band: 2.4–2.4835 GHz
• Maximum effective radiated power: 3 dBm
• Receiver bandwidth: 2 MHz
• Battery: Built-in lithium-ion polymer battery
• Battery replacement: Not user-replaceable
• Dust protection: IP5X
• Expected service life: 3 years
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
• Storage temperature: -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
• Operating humidity: Less than 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
• Applied-part classification: Type B under IEC 60601-1

Detailed Description

The Remote Control Model 610 communicates with paired hearing aids through a short-range 2.4 GHz wireless connection. Button commands are sent to the selected ear or to both ears when the ear-selection switch is centered.

The upper control is the ear-selection switch. Set it to the left or right position when adjusting only one side of a paired system. Place it in the center to send commands to both hearing aids simultaneously. When only one hearing aid is paired, the switch position does not determine the active side because the remote sends commands to the paired device.

The remaining controls are Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute/Unmute, Memory Change, Favorite, Home, and the lower Lock/Unlock switch. The blue LED indicates commands sent to the left hearing aid, while the red LED indicates commands sent to the right hearing aid.

Safety

• Do not use the remote during an MRI procedure or inside a hyperbaric chamber.
• Do not use the remote in explosive environments, including locations where explosive gases, dust, or chemicals may be present.
• Use the remote on an aircraft only when flight personnel specifically permit it.
• If you use a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another implanted medical device and are concerned about interference, consult the appropriate medical professional or device manufacturer.
• Avoid operating the remote directly beside other electronic equipment. If close use is necessary, confirm that the remote and nearby equipment continue to function normally.
• Portable radio-frequency communication equipment should remain at least 30 cm (12 inches) from the remote. Move away if wireless performance is affected.
• Use only manufacturer-specified accessories or components. Unapproved parts can increase emissions, reduce immunity to interference, or degrade operation.
• Do not open, modify, repair, or connect the remote to an external device. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
• Do not attempt to replace the built-in battery.
• Radio operation may be restricted or unsuitable outside the country or region where the remote was approved.

Setup and Operation

Pairing the Remote

Pairing links the remote with the hearing aid or hearing-aid set. This process normally needs to be completed only once.

1. Move the lower switch from the locked position on the right to the unlocked position on the left.
2. Turn the hearing aid or hearing aids off, then turn them on again.
3. Place the powered hearing aid or hearing aids within 12 inches of the Remote Control Model 610.
4. Press and hold the Home button for five seconds.
5. Watch for both LEDs to begin blinking rapidly.
6. For a paired set, successful pairing is shown when the left LED remains blue for at least two seconds and the right LED remains red for at least two seconds.
7. For a single left hearing aid, successful pairing is shown by the left LED remaining blue for two seconds.
8. For a single right hearing aid, successful pairing is shown by the right LED remaining red for two seconds.
9. Press Volume Up or Volume Down to confirm that the hearing aid responds.

For a CROS hearing-aid system, turn off both the hearing aid and the CROS transmitter before beginning. Turn on only the hearing aid during pairing, and leave the CROS transmitter off.

If the expected LED pattern does not appear, repeat the pairing procedure. When pairing a set, make sure both hearing aids are powered on and available to the remote.

Volume Control

Use Volume Up or Volume Down with a short press to raise or lower the overall level of sounds picked up through the hearing-aid microphones. If audio is streaming from a compatible Starkey accessory, press and hold the volume button to adjust the streamed audio level.

The blue LED blinks when a command is directed to the left hearing aid. The red LED blinks when a command is directed to the right hearing aid.

Home

Press Home to return the hearing aids to Memory 1 and their default volume level. This provides a quick way to return to the primary programmed listening setting.

Mute and Unmute

Press Mute/Unmute to temporarily silence sounds entering through the hearing-aid microphones. Press it again to restore sound.

When the hearing aids are muted, pressing another button both restores sound and carries out the selected command. For example, pressing Volume Up unmutes the hearing aids and increases the volume.

Memory Change

Press Memory Change to cycle through the listening memories programmed by the hearing professional. The available memories depend on the hearing-aid programming.

Favorite

The Favorite button is configurable and may perform one of several functions. Depending on the hearing aids, it may have no assigned action, start or stop accessory audio streaming, activate or deactivate Comfort Boost, jump to Memory 4, or turn a tinnitus stimulus on or off. Some functions are not available on every hearing-aid model.

Locking the Controls

Move the lower switch to the unlocked position before making hearing-aid adjustments. When the remote is not in use, move the switch to the locked position to prevent unintended commands and help extend battery life.

Optional Lanyard

A compatible lanyard can be attached through the opening at the end of the remote housing.

1. Insert the thin cord through the opening until a loop appears.
2. Pass the lanyard through the exposed loop.
3. Pull the lanyard through to secure it.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean the remote with a soft cloth lightly moistened with soapy water. Do not immerse it, pour liquid onto it, or use solvents and harsh cleaning products.

Keep the remote in a dry, protected location when it is not being used. Its IP5X rating provides dust protection, but it does not make the device waterproof. Because the battery is built in, do not open the housing for battery servicing.

Troubleshooting

The LEDs do not light when a button is pressed

The remote may be locked. Move the lower switch from the locked position to the unlocked position.

The LEDs light, but the hearing aids do not respond

After unlocking, wait about one second so the remote can locate the hearing aids wirelessly before pressing another button. If there is still no response, repeat the pairing procedure.

The hearing-aid battery may also be too weak to support wireless communication. Install a fresh hearing-aid battery when applicable, then test the remote again.

A paired set will not complete pairing

The remote may have detected fewer than two hearing aids. Turn both hearing aids on, keep them within 12 inches of the remote, and repeat the pairing steps.

Only one hearing aid responds

For a paired set, move the ear-selection switch to the center position. The left or right position sends commands only to the selected side.

Disposal and Regulatory Information

The remote contains a lithium-ion polymer battery and should be disposed of through the local electronics recycling or disposal process. Disposal personnel should handle battery removal. The housing must be opened with a small screwdriver, the battery connector must be disconnected from the circuit board, and the battery must be separated from the housing with a wide, flat tool to reduce the risk of accidental shorting.

The Remote Control Model 610 is designed to meet applicable electromagnetic compatibility requirements. It has been tested for radiated emissions, radio-frequency immunity, power-frequency magnetic-field immunity, and electrostatic-discharge immunity. Interference can still occur near power-line disturbances, airport security equipment, other medical devices, radio transmitters, or electrostatic discharges.

The device complies with applicable FCC Part 15 and Industry Canada license-exempt radio requirements. Operation must accept received interference and must not cause harmful interference. Unauthorized modifications can affect regulatory compliance.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Provides discreet remote volume and program control for one or two compatible hearing aids.
• Pros: Includes mute, memory, Home, Favorite, ear-selection, and lock controls.
• Pros: Offers dust protection and a built-in battery designed for long service.
• Cons: Compatibility and Favorite-button functions depend on the hearing-aid programming.
• Cons: The built-in battery is not replaceable by the user.
• Cons: Wireless operation may be affected by nearby radio equipment, medical devices, or other electronic systems.