AL HEARING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER NSTRUCTION MANU User...Your hearing instruments should fit comfortably and easily over the top of your ears. Your hearing healthcare provider will provide

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Superior Comfort

OptimalPerformance

Nearly Invisible

P.O. Box 877Casselberry, FL 32718www.audina.net

HEAR I NG HEALTHCARE PROVI DER

MADE IN U.S.A.

nVe instruction manual 8/7/08 9:51 PM Page 1


Welcome to a world of better hearing! We understandthat hearing loss affects one's quality of life. That iswhy we are dedicated to building the highest qualityhearing instruments. Your new hearing instrumentswill soon be indispensable to you and will bring newpleasure and enjoyment to your life.

Our company was established in 1990 and is well-known internationally for offering high quality,reliable, state-of-the-art technology. These Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing instruments have beenprogrammed or adjusted to your individual hearingloss to precisely fit your hearing and communicationrequirements. If necessary, your hearing healthcareprovider can make further modifications to enhanceyour listening experience.

A period of adjustment may be needed to becomeaccustomed to your new hearing instruments and therenewed world of sounds you will experience. Theadjustment time varies for each individual and may beas little as a couple of weeks to as long as severalmonths. Allow yourself time to become familiar withthose sounds you have not heard for a long time.

Before operating your hearing instruments, please readthis manual thoroughly.

WELCOME

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This manual contains user information forthe following nVe hearing instruments.Your hearing healthcare provider will“3” the appropriate box for yourhearing instrument.

nVe™ AD

nVe™ 4


nVe Diagram ..........................................1Proper Placement on Ear ........................2Left & Right Instruments ......................5On/Off Function ....................................5Battery Information ................................6Memory Control Settings ......................9Cleaning Your Instrument ....................10Caring for Your Instrument ..................12Removing & Inserting a Wax Guard….13Telephone Use ......................................15Cell Phone Compatibility ....................15Push Button Memory ..........................15Do's and Don'ts....................................17Troubleshooting ....................................19Why Two Instruments ..........................22Children with Hearing Loss..................23Warranty Information ..........................24Service and Repair Information ............25Notice to Prospective Users ..................27Notice to Providers ..............................28Serial Numbers ....................................29Owner Information ..............................30

TAB LE OF CONTENTS

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prope r p lacemen ton ea r

Your hearing instruments should fitcomfortably and easily over the top of yourears. Your hearing healthcare provider willprovide instruction on properinsertion and removal.

Step 1: To properlywear your new hearinginstrument, hold thebase of the receiver linkwith the thumb andindex finger, allowingthe receiver module tobe free to easily insert into the ear canal.

Step 2: At this point,the instrument isinverted from its finalposition. Carefullyinsert the receivermodule into the earcanal. Make sure thelocking wire is locatedinside the bowl of

your ear. It may help to pull down orbackward on your lower ear with the opposite hand.

1 2

Receiver Unit*(connector, wire, Receiver Module)

Microphone

SecondDirectionalMircrophone***

ProgramButton

BatteryCompartment

DigitalSoundProcessor

Locking Wire***

Wax Guard

Receiver Module**(speaker)

A - RU with Conch WireB - RU with Propeller SleeveC - Power set with Custom MoldD - Plus Power RU

Tips and Molds***

*Receiver Units are detachableand interchangeable for easycare and fitting.

**Your hearing instruments aredistinguished by colored dots onthe receiver module:

Blue = Left hearing instrumentRed = Right hearing instrument

***Optional components

f a m i l y o f p r o d u c t s

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2.

DIAGRAM


To Remover the receivermodule from your earcanal, grasp the receiverlink with the thumband index finger at theentrance to the ear canaland gently pull downand back as shown inillustration 6.

CAUTION: When removing the receivermodule, do NOT pull with the body of thehearing instrument as this may damage theconnection.

Be sure to open the battery door afterremoving the instruments from your ears, thiswill turn the instruments off and conservebattery power.

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p rope r p lacemen ton ea r

Step 3: While holdingthe receiver module inplace in the ear canalwith your thumb orindex finger; carefullyplace the hearinginstrument body overthe top of your ear

while pressing it gently against the head asshown in illustration 3.

Step 4: Correctlyplaced, your hearinginstrument will bevirtually invisible tothose with whom youspeak. Make sure, again,that the receiver moduleis still properlypositioned in your earcanal. (Illustration 4)

Step 5: Be sure thelocking wire (arrow inillustration 5) is secureinside the bowl of yourear.

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bat te ry i n fo rmat ion

The low battery detection system continuouslymonitors battery life. When the batterybecomes low, the low battery warningsequence consisting of 3 double beeps isinitiated. After the warning beeps arecomplete, normal operation resumes. The lowbattery warning sequence will repeat again 10minutes after the initial warning; it’s now timeto insert a new battery. Hearing aid batteriesare most easily purchased from your hearinghealthcare provider.

Battery Type and Proper Storage:Your hearing instrument may use a size 312battery (brown tab) or a size 10 (yellow tab),please check the back of this manual for thecorrect size for your model. A zinc air batteryis recommended for optimal performance.Batteries should NOT be stored in a refrigeratoror dehumidifying device. Such storage couldcause leakage and damage the batteries.

Important: Always discard used batteries.Small batteries can be harmful if swallowed.Keep batteries out of the reach of pets andsmall children. In case of ingestion, contactyour physician or call the National ButtonBattery Hotline collect at (202) 625-3333.

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l e f t and r igh ti n s t r umen t s

on/of f f unc t i on

If you are wearing hearing instruments onboth ears, it is important to use the correctdevice in each ear. The receiver modules aremarked with “red” lettering for the Right earand “blue” lettering for the Left ear.

To turn your hearing instrument “on”, yousimply need to close the battery door afterinserting a battery. (Insert illustrationshowing the battery door open with arrowsand captions explaining the batterycompartment)

To turn your hearing instrument “off ”,simply open the battery door completely.When the hearing instrument is not in use, itis recommended that you open the batterydoor and remove the battery. This helps toprevent excessive battery drain and allows forproper ventilation of the hearing instrument.

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bat te ryi n fo rmat ion

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To replace your hearing instrument battery,follow these steps:

Step 1: Lift the notchat the edge of thecompartment andcarefully swing open thedoor. (Illustration 1)

Step 2: Remove the“brown” or “yellow”colored tab (dependingon the correct batterysize for your model) onthe battery. Holdingthe instrument asshown in illustration 2,insert the battery with

the “+” side up,matching to the “+” on the batterycompartment door.

Step 3: Gently swing the door into the closedposition. The compartment should close easily. Do not force it. If resistance is noted, checkthat the battery is inserted correctly.

It is important that the battery is insertedcorrectly. If the battery compartment doordoes not easily close, the battery was notinserted correctly. If so, check that the batteryis inserted correctly in the compartment door.Do NOT try to force the door shut, close gently.

The life of your hearing instruments’ batterieswill vary depending on length of daily use,listening environments, and how your hearinginstruments are programmed. When thehearing instrument batteries go dead, removethem immediately and replace them with newbatteries. Batteries may be purchased throughyour hearing healthcare professional.

When your hearing instruments are not in use,open the battery compartment to preventexcessive battery drain and ventilate theinstruments.

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1.

2.


The following instructions will assist inextending the life of your hearing instruments.

You should inspect your hearing instrumentsdaily and clean them periodically to controlwax buildup. To clean, very gently wipe thesurface with a soft, dry cloth or moist cleaningwipes made especially for hearing instruments.Do not allow water or liquid to enter anyopenings on the instruments.

To remove any wax accumulated on thereceiver module or wax guard, use the brushsupplied with yourhearing instrument.Brush the wax guardwhile holding theinstrument up-side-down so the debris willfall toward the floorrather than into the

receiver module. Seeillustration 1, showingproper method. Alsobrush the microphoneport as shown inillustration 2.

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Depending on the model, your hearinginstrument features up to four programmablememory settings. Consult your hearing careprofessional as to the number of memoriesavailable on these hearing instruments. Eachmemory setting is designed for the bestcomfort and optimal performance in aparticular listening environment. Suchenvironments may range from noisy toquiet….as when you’re on the telephone,outdoors, in a crowded restaurant, or listeningto TV, music, or a movie.

To change the program setting, simply pressthe memory switch control located on yourinstrument. An audible signal indicates thespecific settings for your listeningenvironment – 1 beep is program 1, 2 beepsis program 2, etc. When you turn on yourhearing instrument it will automatically startin program 1. Your hearing healthcareprofessional will program the instrument foryou as the specific setting you wish to use.

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memory con t ro lse t t i ngs

c lean i ng you rhea r i ng i n s t r umen t

1.

2.


c lean i ng you rhea r i ng i n s t r umen t

ca r i ng fo ryou r i n s t r umen t

Hearing instruments are exposed to moisturein the form of humidity and perspirationwhile being worn. The daily use of adehumidifying system or drying kit approvedby your hearing healthcare provider isrecommended. These accessories may bepurchased from your hearing healthcareprovider.

The most common causes of hearinginstrument repair are wax and moisture. Ifyou are encountering recurrent repairs, pleasediscuss the various wax/moisture preventionsystems and accessories with your hearinghealthcare provider.

Extended StorageIf it is necessary to store your hearinginstruments for an extended amount of time,follow the steps below for proper storage.

Remove the batteries.Clean the instrument according toinstructions in this manual.Place the instruments in a cool, dry place.Either the original container or a hearinginstrument dehumidifier is recommended.

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If the hearing instrument is weak or notworking, you may need to replace the waxguard as outlined in this manual. Inspect thereceiver module and wax guard daily for anyvisible damage. Such damage could lead to apiece coming off inside the ear. If any damagehas occurred, or the wax guard comes off insidethe ear, contact your hearing care professionalfor immediate help.

The materials used in your hearing instrumentsare of the highest quality available, and thelikelihood of an allergic reaction is slight. If thereceiver link or the receiver module irritatesyour ear in any way, contact your hearinghealthcare provider.

The wearing of a hearing instrument mayaccelerate the accumulation of ear wax. Thiscan easily be removed by your physician or insome cases your hearing healthcare provider.You should not use cotton swabs to clean yourears, due to the risk of pushing the wax deeperinto the ear canal.

CAUTION: Your hearing instruments are NOTwater resistant. NEVER swim, bathe, or showerwhile wearing them or otherwise immerse in water.


Using the tool, push the new filter arm onto thereceiver unit to install the new filter as shown inillustration 3 and 4. Pull the tool away from thereceiver unit once the new filter is in place.

Be sure to properly discard the used NoWax toolas it may be harmful if swallowed by a child orpet. The wax guard should be replaced once amonth or as needed.

CAUTION: Make sure that the new wax guardis firmly in place in the receiver module.Improper insertion can result in the wax guardfalling off and becoming lodged in the ear canal.If this happens, contact your hearing healthcareprovider immediately to have it removed. Do notattempt to remove it by yourself.

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ca r i ng fo ryou r i n s t r umen t

Removing and Inserting a Wax GuardYour receiver module (speaker) is protected fromdebris and earwax by a replaceable Wax Guard.Daily, the receiver module tip should be gentlybrushed to remove debris that may have lodgedin the wax guard as outlined in the CleaningYour Hearing Instrument section in this manual.Over time, the wax guard can get clogged withmoist debris. Periodically this wax guard shouldbe replaced to ensure there is no blockage ofamplified sound.

Remove the NoWax tool from the storage disc.The tool has two arms, one with the new filterand the other is to remove the NoWax filter thatis presently in the receiver unit.

Push the removal arm of thetool into the existing NoWaxfilter in the receiver unit asshown in illustration 1.

Remove the used filter bypulling the tool away fromthe receiver unit as displayedin illustration 2.

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1.

2.

3. 4.


(M2/T2) and a telephone rating of 3(M3/T3) would result in a combined ratingof 5. Any combined rating that equals at least5 would provide “normal use;” a combinedrating of 6 or greater would indicate“excellent performance.”

The immunity of this hearing aid is at leastM2/T2. The equipment performancemeasurements, categories and systemclassifications are based upon the bestinformation available but cannot guaranteethat all users will be satisfied.

NOTE: The performance of individualhearing aids may vary with individual cellphones. Therefore, please try this hearing aidwith your cell phone or, if you are purchasinga new phone, be sure to try it with yourhearing aid prior to purchase. For additionalguidance, please ask your cell phone providerfor the booklet entitled "Hearing AidCompatibility with Digital Wireless CellPhones."

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t e l ephone u se

ce l l phonecompat ib i l i t y

Your hearing instrument allows you to use thephone as you normally do – holding the phoneup to your ear. In some cases, you may needyour hearing instrument programmed with aspecific telephone setting. If this feature isimportant to you, ask your hearing healthcareprofessional to adjust one of the availablememory programs to assist your telephonerequirements.

Some hearing aid users have reported a buzzingsound in their hearing aids when they are usingcell phones, indicating that the cell phone andhearing aid may not be compatible. Accordingto the ANSI C63.19 standard (ANSI C63.19-2006 American National Standard Methods ofMeasurement of Compatibility BetweenWireless Communications Devices and HearingAids), the compatibility of a particular hearingaid and cell phone can be predicted by addingthe rating for the hearing aid immunity to therating for the cell phone emissions. Forexample, the sum of a hearing aid rating of 2

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t he do ’s and don ' t s o f hea r i ng a id ca re

DO store the instruments overnight in ahearing aid dehumidifier to absorb moisture(Be sure and remove batteries first).

DO always carry spare batteries.

DO replace the battery when the low-batterywarning beep sequence begins.

DO always care for your instrument asoutlined in this manual.

DO dry the battery contacts with a cottonswab in cases of humid weather or heavyperspiration.

DO safely store hearing instruments when notin use. Keep them out of the reach of smallchildren and pets.

DO remove your hearing instruments if youare going to have X-rays at your dentist ormedical facility. It is best to keep themoutside the room of the X-ray equipment.

DON’T leave your hearing instruments on theradiator, near a stove, in a sunny window, in acar or in any other hot place. Excessive heatand cold can damage the instruments.

DON’T wear the hearing instruments whenusing a hair dryer at home or when at thebeauty salon, spa or barber.

DON’T wear the hearing instruments whenhaving medical tests done such as MRI, X-rays or CT scans; as different types ofradiation may damage the hearinginstrument.

DON’T apply hair spray when wearing yourhearing instruments. It may damage themicrophone and erode the case.

DON’T wear the instruments while taking abath, shower, spa treatment or whileswimming.

DON’T store the instruments in the bathroomduring a shower or near a steam room asmoisture created by the steam may causedamage.

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t r oub le shoo t i ng gu ide l i ne s

No Sound:• Ensure that hearing instruments are turned on.• Replace the battery.• Ensure that there is no wax or debris built up;

clean or replace the wax guard as instructed inthis manual.

Not loud enough:• Replace the battery.• Ensure that there is no wax or debris built up;

clean or replace the wax guard as instructed inthis manual.

• Ensure the hearing instrument is placed in theproper position and the receiver module isplaced properly into the ear canal.

• Excessive earwax can prevent sound fromentering the ear. Contact your physician orhearing healthcare provider.

• Changes in your hearing loss can affect howyou hear with a hearing aid. Contact yourhearing healthcare provider if you suspect anychange in your hearing status.

Whistling / Feedback:• Ensure the hearing instrument is placed in the

proper position and the receiver module isplaced properly into the ear canal.

• Excessive earwax and improperly sizedinstruments can cause whistling. Contactyour hearing healthcare provider.

• Move hand or other flat objects away fromthe ear; adjust clothing (collar) that may beinterfering with sound travel.

Sound is Distorted or Unclear:• Replace the battery.• Hearing instruments may have a poor

battery contact or may not be programmedproperly. Return to your hearing healthcareprovider.

Intermittent Sound:• Replace the battery.• Ensure that there is no wax or debris built

up; clean or replace the wax guard asinstructed in this manual.

• Hearing instruments may have a poorbattery contact. Return to your hearinghealthcare provider for service.

Turns On and Off Automatically: • Replace the battery.• Excessive moisture may be causing this, let

the instrument dry thoroughly.• Contact your hearing healthcare

professional

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t r oub le shoo t i ng gu ide l i ne s

why two hea r i ng i n s t r umen t s

(b i nau ra l ampl i f i ca t i on )

Discomfort:• Check to be sure you have the instrument

inserted correctly, following the steps outlinedin this manual.

• Contact your hearing healthcare professionalto have the fit checked for the receivermodule, receiver link and the retaining wire.

Memory Control Switch Problem:• May be caused by a weak battery, replace the

battery.• Contact your hearing healthcare professional

if problem continues.

Hearing loss can be improved, in most cases,through medicine, surgery, or with hearinginstruments. Hearing aids are the mostcommonly chosen option.

Today’s hearing instruments are quite small insize and feature sophisticated electronics thataccommodate a wide variety of hearing losses.Nature gave us two ears for a reason and sincethe majority of people who have a hearingloss are affected in both ears, two (binaural)hearing instruments are typicallyrecommended. Two hearing instrumentsshould provide these benefits:

• Better overall sound quality when comparedto one hearing instrument (“stereo sound”).

• The ability to locate a sound source innoisy and normal listening conditions.

• Increased ability to understand speech innoisy and normal listening conditions.

• A sensation of balanced hearing.

Talk with your hearing healthcare providerabout what is best for you. Even the besttechnology can’t do the work of two ears!

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war ran tyi n fo rmat ion

Please see your hearing healthcare providerregarding your specific warranty information.Our guarantee covers any defect in materialor faulty production, except cords andbatteries. We will, at our option, repair orreplace the instruments or any defective part,at our expense, within the limits of thewarranty.

This warranty will become invalid if thehearing instruments have been tampered withor altered in any way, or if the serial numberhas been altered, effaced, removed, or if anyrepairs have been made withoutauthorization.

This warranty does not include a promise ofspecific hearing improvement because thatdepends upon your audiologic needs, properfitting and adjustments by your hearinghealthcare provider and proper use by theowner.

Any implied warranty shall be limited to oneyear from date of purchase. The only entityor individual who is authorized to performthe warranty obligations is the manufacturer.All in-house warranty work performed

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ch i ld ren w i t hhea r i ng lo s s

In addition to seeing a physician for a medicalevaluation, a child with a hearing loss shouldbe directed to an audiologist for evaluationand rehabilitation since hearing loss maycause problems in language development andthe education and social growth of a child.An audiologist is qualified by training andexperience to assist in the evaluation andrehabilitation of a child with hearing loss.

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Before planning to return your instrumentsfor repair, please refer to the troubleshootingchart on the preceding pages. Many timesthese solutions can prevent the time and costassociated with a repair.

If you need to send your instruments directlyto the manufacturer, carefully pack yourinstruments in a sturdy box and send it to:

Audina® Hearing Instruments, Inc.P. O. Box 877Casselberry, FL 32718-0877

You must include your current phone numberand home address. There is a $25 charge tocover shipping and handling. Please include acheck, payable to Audina HearingInstruments, Inc. for said amount whensending your instruments for service. It isrecommended to purchase shipping insurancewhen sending your hearing aids to themanufacturer.

If your hearing instruments are out ofwarranty, we will assist you in finding ahearing healthcare provider in your local area.

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wa r ran ty i n fo rmat ion

re tu rn i ng fo r se rv ice

by the manufacturer will be done within areasonable period of time. If warranty workis performed and there appears to be a defect,malfunction, or failure to conform to thewarranty, the obligations will be met ifbrought to our attention within one monthfrom the date of the original warranty work.

This warranty is specifically limited to thescope set forth herein, and may not in anyway be expanded by the other oral or writtenrepresentations.

You should visit your hearing healthcareprovider if your hearing instruments are inneed of service. If you no longer have ahearing healthcare provider and are in need ofone, you may contact Audina and we willassist you in finding one in your area. If youare unable to visit a hearing healthcareprovider, you may send your hearing aidsdirectly to the manufacturer.

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no t i ce fo r hea r i ng hea l t hca re p rov ide r s

Federal law allows a fully informed adult tosign a waiver statement declining the medicalevaluation for religious or personal beliefs thatpreclude consultation with a physician. Theexercise of such a waiver is not in your bestinterest, and its use is strongly discouraged.

Hearing healthcare providers should advise aprospective hearing instrument user toconsult promptly with a licensed physician(preferably an ear specialist) before dispensinga hearing instrument if the hearing healthcareprovider determines through inquiry, actualobservation, or review of any other availableinformation, that the prospective user has anyof the following conditions:

• Visible congenital or traumatic deformityof the ear.

• History of active drainage from the earwithin the previous 90 days.

• History of sudden or rapidly progressivehearing loss within the previous 90 days.

• Acute or chronic dizziness.• Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent

onset within the previous 90 days.• Audiometric air-bone gap greater than or

equal to 15 decibels at 500 Hertz(Hz), 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. 28

no t i ce tope r spec t i ve u se r s

Good health practice requires that a personwith a hearing loss have a medical exam by alicensed physician, who specializes in diseasesof the ear, before purchasing a hearinginstrument.

Licensed physicians who specialize in thediseases of the ear are often referred to asOtologists, Otolaryngologists (ear, nose andthroat – ENT) or Otorhinolaryngologists.

The purpose of a medical evaluation is toassure that all medically treatable conditionsthat may affect hearing are identified andtreated before the hearing instrument ispurchased. Following the medical evaluation,the physician will give you a written statementthat your hearing loss has been medicallyevaluated and that you may be considered acandidate for a hearing instrument.

A hearing specialist will conduct an evaluationto assess your ability to hear. The hearinginstrument evaluation will enable the hearingspecialist to select and fit a hearing instrumentto your individual needs. Federal law restrictsthe sale of hearing instruments to those

individuals who have obtained a medicalevaluation from a licensed physician.27


no t i ce fo r hea r i ng hea l t hca re p rov ide r s

se r i a l number

Model:

Serial Numbers:Left:Right:

Purchase Date:

Battery Size:

Memory Set-Up:Memory A:Memory B:Memory C:Memory D:

Original Warranty Expires:

Hearing Healthcare Provider:

OWNER INFORMATION

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Visible evidence of significant cerumen (wax)accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.Pain or discomfort in the ear.

Special care should be exercised in selecting andfitting a hearing instrument which has amaximum sound pressure level in excess of 132dB (decibels) because there may be a risk ofdamaging the remaining hearing of the hearinginstrument user.

Each hearing instrument has its own uniquenumber located on the exterior of the hearingaid. The first two digits of the serial numberrepresent the year in which the instrument wasmanufactured.

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Documents

AL HEARING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER NSTRUCTION MANU User...Your hearing instruments should fit comfortably and easily over the top of your ears. Your hearing healthcare provider will provide