Setup: Starkey SurfLink Media 2 User Manual

Content

Overview

SurfLink Media 2 is a wireless audio streaming accessory for compatible wireless hearing aids. It receives sound from entertainment devices and sends that audio directly to one or more hearing aid users, helping separate the selected media sound from surrounding room noise.

The device can work with televisions, radios, computers, MP3 players, DVD players, cable boxes, and other electronic audio sources with a compatible audio output. Multiple users can listen to the same streamed program at the same time.

Specifications

Product: SurfLink Media 2
Power input: Supplied power adaptor with microUSB connector
Audio inputs: External microphone, analog RCA, optical TOSLINK, and coaxial S/PDIF
Audio modes: Mono and stereo
Wireless operating band: North American versions use 902–928 MHz; European versions use 863–865 MHz
Receiver bandwidth: 300 kHz
Operating environment: Indoor use from 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)
Storage environment: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) and 10%–95% relative humidity
Included items: SurfLink Media 2, power adaptor, audio cable, and operations manual

Detailed Description

SurfLink Media 2 converts audio from a connected source into a wireless stream for compatible hearing aids. The connected source continues to provide the program, while the hearing aids receive the streamed signal through their configured wireless audio memory.

The rear panel contains five functional areas. The microphone jack accepts a mono external microphone. The RCA jacks support analog left and right audio. The optical TOSLINK jack accepts a digital optical signal, and the coaxial S/PDIF jack accepts compatible digital coaxial audio. The fifth connection is the power supply jack.

A Mono/Stereo switch combines left and right channels for a single hearing aid when set to Mono. Stereo mode preserves separate left and right channels for users wearing two hearing aids. The Audio Fidelity switch selects the streaming format supported by the hearing aids.

The front panel includes the power button, a Volume Control slider, and a Streaming Activation Control slider. Volume changes affect the level transmitted to the hearing aids, not the hearing aid microphone volume or the source device's own volume. The activation control changes the distance at which a hearing aid can begin a streaming session; it does not change the maximum operating range once streaming has started.

Safety

Use SurfLink Media 2 indoors within its stated operating temperature range.
Keep the device within the specified storage temperature and humidity limits when it is not in use.
Do not operate the device directly beside other electronic equipment unless necessary. Nearby equipment may affect performance.
Keep portable radio-frequency communication equipment at least 30 cm (12 inches) away. Move the communication device farther away if hearing aid performance deteriorates.
Use the supplied or manufacturer-approved accessories and replacement parts. Incompatible components may increase emissions or reduce electromagnetic immunity.
People with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted medical devices should consult a physician or the medical-device manufacturer about possible interference.
The wireless frequency approval is region-specific. Operation in another country may cause interference or may not be authorized.
Electronic equipment waste must be handled according to local disposal regulations.

Setup and Operation

Choose an Audio Connection

Inspect the electronic audio source for an available AUDIO OUT connection. Use only one audio output connection at a time on SurfLink Media 2, although different sources can be connected using compatible cable types when appropriate.

Analog RCA: Connect the red plug to the red output and the white plug to the white output. Use the RCA jacks on the rear panel.
Optical digital: Remove the protective caps from both ends of the TOSLINK cable. Connect one end to the source's optical AUDIO OUT and the other end to jack 3.
Coaxial digital: Connect the compatible coaxial cable between the source's digital AUDIO OUT and jack 4.
External microphone: When no suitable AUDIO OUT is available, connect a mono microphone to jack 1 and place it near an active speaker.

The external microphone takes priority over other incoming audio signals. If the source provides several outputs, use the output that gives the clearest and most reliable signal.

Typical Initial Setup

Turn on the television, computer, player, cable box, or other audio source.
Connect the selected audio cable to the source's AUDIO OUT jack, not an AUDIO IN jack.
Connect the other end of the cable to the matching SurfLink Media 2 input.
Set the Mono/Stereo switch to Mono for one hearing aid or Stereo for two hearing aids.
Set the Audio Fidelity switch to the lower position for all wireless hearing aids. Use the upper position only with hearing aids marked as compatible with that format.
Plug the power adaptor into a wall socket and connect its microUSB plug to jack 5.
Press the front power button until it glows blue.
Turn on the hearing aids and select a memory environment enabled for audio streaming.
Set the front Volume Control to a comfortable level. A setting of 60% or higher is recommended for good audio quality.
Set the Streaming Activation Control toward the far right. Full illumination is suitable for most users.

Starting and Stopping Streaming

With automatic streaming configured, the hearing aids begin streaming when they are within the activation distance and are using a streaming-enabled memory. With manual streaming configured, select the Favorite button on a compatible remote control after entering the appropriate hearing aid memory.

To stop streaming, turn off SurfLink Media 2, press the Favorite button, change to a hearing aid memory that does not support streaming, or turn off the electronic audio source. Streaming also stops automatically when the device no longer detects meaningful incoming audio.

When using an external microphone, streaming can continue even while the room is quiet. For electronic audio sources, increase the source output to approximately 50% or higher when necessary, then use the SurfLink Media 2 Volume Control for comfortable listening.

LED Indicators

Off: The unit is powered off or is not detecting incoming audio.
Flashes five times: The device is ready during startup, or it is rebooting after an audio-format switch has been changed.
Solid green: An audio signal is detected at a usable level and the connection is likely active.
Continuous blinking: A possible error condition exists and the power connection should be reset.

Using Other Accessories

During streaming, aim a compatible remote control directly at SurfLink Media 2 when using its Favorite button. The command is relayed through the media device to the hearing aids.

If a SurfLink Mobile is also in use, a phone call stream takes priority. When the call ends, the SurfLink Media 2 audio stream returns automatically to the hearing aids.

Troubleshooting

Streaming Drops from One or Both Hearing Aids

Move closer to SurfLink Media 2 if the hearing aids are near the edge of wireless range.
Replace a hearing aid battery if its charge is too low for streaming.
Rotate SurfLink Media 2 slightly to the left or right to improve its position.
Reduce obstructions. Line-of-sight and a similar elevation between the hearing aids and the media device can improve performance.

The LED Is Green but No Audio Is Heard

Move closer to the device and move the Streaming Activation Control fully to the right.
Leave the telephone memory if it is active, because telephone mode stops media streaming.
Select a hearing aid memory that supports audio streaming.
Move the Audio Fidelity switch to the lower position if the current format is unsupported.

The LED Is Off Although the Device Appears Powered

Confirm that the cable is connected to the source's AUDIO OUT jack.
Turn on the electronic audio source and confirm that it is producing sound.
Check that the selected digital output uses PCM. RAW, Dolby Digital, AC3, and MPEG formats are not compatible with SurfLink Media 2.

The LED Blinks Continuously

Disconnect the power adaptor from jack 5, wait five seconds, and reconnect it. Allow the device to restart before testing the audio stream again.

Television Audio Is Out of Sync

Some televisions and high-definition video systems process the picture more slowly than the audio. Try another audio output on the television, using the cable required for that connection. You can also try the audio output on a cable box or another source. If the equipment provides an audio-delay or synchronization setting, adjust it to align the sound with the picture.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Supports several analog and digital audio connections, can stream to multiple hearing aid users, includes adjustable volume and activation controls, and provides clear LED status feedback.
Cons: Requires compatible wireless hearing aids, a continuous power connection, suitable AUDIO OUT equipment, and correct audio-format settings for digital sources.

Regulatory Information

SurfLink Media 2 is designed to meet applicable electromagnetic compatibility requirements for emissions, radio-frequency immunity, power-frequency magnetic fields, and electrostatic discharge. Operation is subject to the applicable regional radio requirements, including rules requiring that the device not cause harmful interference and accept interference that may affect operation.

PDF

Faqs

How do I connect SurfLink Media 2 to a television or other audio source?

First, identify an AUDIO OUT connection on the television, radio, computer, DVD player, cable box, or other source. Connect one compatible cable to that output and the matching input on the SurfLink Media 2: RCA uses jack 2, optical TOSLINK uses jack 3, and coaxial S/PDIF uses jack 4. Use only one audio output connection at a time, then power on the source and the SurfLink Media 2.

What should I do if my audio source has no AUDIO OUT jack?

SurfLink Media 2 requires an audio signal from an AUDIO OUT connection. If an optical output is unavailable, check whether the source provides RCA, coaxial S/PDIF, or another compatible output. If no suitable output exists, connect a mono external microphone to the microphone jack and place it near the active speaker. The microphone takes priority over audio arriving through the other inputs.

Which Mono/Stereo setting should I use on SurfLink Media 2?

Set the rear Mono/Stereo switch to MONO when using one hearing aid. This combines the left and right audio channels into a single stream. Choose STEREO when using two hearing aids so the left and right channels remain separated. If sound seems incomplete, distant, or limited to one side, turn off the device, verify this setting, and restart the streaming setup.

How do I choose the correct Audio Fidelity setting?

The lower Audio Fidelity switch position works with all wireless hearing aids. The upper position can provide improved audio quality, but it is compatible only with hearing aids marked for that format. If you are unsure which setting your hearing aids support, begin with the lower position. If streaming does not start or no sound is heard, return the switch to the lower position.

Why is SurfLink Media 2 powered on but not streaming sound?

Check that the audio cable is connected to the source’s AUDIO OUT jack rather than AUDIO IN, and confirm that the source is powered on and producing sound. A solid green rear LED indicates that an incoming signal is detected. If the LED is green but your hearing aids are silent, move closer, select a streaming-enabled memory, press the remote control’s Favorite button if manual streaming is configured, and verify the Audio Fidelity setting.

What do the SurfLink Media 2 LED indicators mean?

A blue front power light means the unit is on. The rear LED remains off when the device is off or no detectable incoming audio is present. Five flashes during startup indicate that SurfLink Media 2 is ready to stream. A solid green rear LED confirms that an audio signal is detected. Continuous blinking may indicate an error; unplug the power adapter, wait five seconds, and reconnect it.

How can I improve weak, interrupted, or dropped audio streaming?

Move closer to SurfLink Media 2 and keep the hearing aids near the same height with a clear line of sight. Walls, furniture, and other large objects can weaken the wireless signal. Try rotating the device slightly to the right or left to improve its position. Also check the hearing aid battery, increase Streaming Activation Control fully to the right, and keep SurfLink Media 2 volume at 60 percent or higher.

Is SurfLink Media 2 safe to use near other electronic or medical devices?

Avoid placing SurfLink Media 2 directly beside other electronic equipment unless necessary, because interference can affect performance. Keep portable radio-frequency communication equipment at least 30 cm away. People with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted medical devices should ask their physician or device manufacturer about possible interference. Use the supplied power components and avoid unauthorized modifications or replacement parts that may reduce electromagnetic compatibility.