Ascend
TABLE OF CONTENTS Package Contents 3 Getting Started 5 Battery Information 7 Wearing your Ovation Ascend 10 Ear Tubes and Tips 12 QuickFit Program Selection 15 Volume Adjustment 16 Directional Microphone (Noisy Mode) 17 Telecoil/Phone Mode 18 Troubleshooting 21 Caring for your Ovation hearing aid 23 Warranty and Returns 25 Technical Specifications 27 FDA Information 29
USER GUIDE Thank you for choosing Ovation Hearing and congratulations on taking control of your hearing health. While no hearing device can restore normal hearing health or prevent or improve a hearing impairment, your Ovation Ascend can improve the quality of your life by making sounds easier to hear. Here are a few tips to help you get the most benefits from your Ovation Hearing aid. If you have never worn a hearing aid before, there may be an adjustment period of up to a few weeks before you can begin to enjoy all the benefits that your Ovation offers. Be patient as you adjust to wearing your Ovation Ascend and begin hearing sounds that you previously had been missing. We recommend that you start by only wearing your Ascend unit for an hour or two a day and gradually extend the period of time as you get more comfortable. Please read the following instructions to better understand how to use your Ovation Ascend and how to maximize your hearing experience. Thank you again for choosing Ovation Hearing. www.ovationhearing.com 1
Your Ovation Ascend comes equipped with all the features and benefits you need to enjoy all of life s sounds once again: Innovative QuickFit feature which empowers you to personalize your hearing experience by choosing from multiple program settings to find just the right fit for you in any situation. Directional microphone and special Noisy Mode program allows for greater focus and enhanced speech clarity in noisy environments. On-device volume control. Telecoil/phone mode for use with most smartphones and with other compatible telephones and looped locations. We recommend that you start your adjustment period in relatively quiet environments, but as you get more comfortable, we encourage you to also experiment with the different hearing settings to find the best option for you in different listening environments. In all environments but especially in noisy ones you may find it helpful to face the individual speaking to you or to sit or stand near the source of the sound. 2
PACKAGE CONTENTS In addition to your Ovation Ascend hearing aid, we have included the following accessories to help you maximize your hearing experience. Ovation Ascend Tubes and Tips 1 Set Open-Fit Ear Tips 1 Set Double-Dome Ear Tips 1 Set Open-Fit Zip Tips 1 Set Closed Zip Tips 2 Ear Tubes *Tubes labeled in RED are for right ear; Tubes labeled in BLUE are for left ear Open Fit Ear Tube Double Dome Zip 3
Batteries 6-month supply of Size 312 batteries Cleaning Brush & Cleaning Wire Use brush for removing wax around the ear tip and use wire to clean tubing (after removing from device body). Protective Storage Case Your Ovation storage case is heavily padded and designed to be portable. We recommend keeping your device in the storage case or in a dry box when not in use. Quick Start Guide Featuring quick tips to get the most out of your Ovation device and guidance on how to keep it clean and in optimal working condition. 4
GETTING STARTED Rocker switch the rocker switch is used to change between program settings using our exclusive QuickFit technology and is used to control the volume. Battery door this also serves as the On/Off switch. Close the door to turn on your device. Open the door to turn off the device. Ear tube & tip each unit comes equipped with an ear tube & tip that connects to the unit s speaker. Amplified sound travels through the ear tube & tip to your ear. The ear tube also features a retention loop to help keep the tube and tip in place. Directional microphone your Ascend s directional microphone can be activated to suppress background noise and allow for greater speech focus in noisy environments. Programming port covered by a small, black flap on the back of the device body, this slot is used by our engineers to program your device. Please do not remove the flap or tamper with the port. 5
Directional Microphone Ear Tube Ear Tip Rocker Switch Battery Door Programming Port 6
BATTERY Your Ovation Ascend uses a size 312 battery. Please use high-quality batteries because they are more consistent in size. Lesser-quality batteries can vary in size even by only 1 or 2 millimeters making them unusable in your Ovation device. Pulling off the plastic sticker activates the battery. Do not pull the tab off until you need to use the battery. The batteries may take up 2 minutes to fully activate after the tab is removed. With proper use and care, each battery should last about 1 week. Note: A warning of a periodic, single beep indicates that the battery needs to be replaced. Rounded Edge 7 312 Battery
INSTALLING THE BATTERY Step 1 Using your fingernail, gently pull up on the battery door tab until the door swings open. Note: Do not push against the volume button and do not open the battery door too far or damage may occur. Step 2 With the top of the battery door facing you, hold the battery with the rounded edge positioned toward the back, place the battery into the battery compartment. Note: The rounded side of the battery is negative and the completely flat side is positive. The flat side (+) needs to be facing the top of the battery door. 8
Step 3 With the battery installed, remove the plastic sticker and close the battery door to turn the device on. To turn off the device and to prevent battery use when not using the device, gently pull the battery door open. Match flat (+) side of the battery with the top of the battery door 9
WEARING YOUR OVATION ASCEND On/Off Switch The battery door on your Ovation Ascend not only allows access to the battery, but also serves as the On/Off switch. ON: Simply close the battery door. OFF: Open the battery door when you are not wearing your Ascend to turn the unit off and conserve battery life. Opening the battery door also allows internal moisture to evaporate which keeps the device s electronics working well. 10
Placing the unit in the ear First, look for the colored marking on the ear tube. A blue mark indicates that the unit is for the left ear and a red mark indicates that unit is for the right ear. Next, place your Ovation Ascend over the top of your ear until it rests securely behind your ear. While holding your Ascend in place, insert the ear tip into the ear canal, and curl/tuck the retention loop along the body of your ear. Note: You may find it helpful to use a mirror the first few times you are placing or removing your Ovation Ascend. 11
EAR TUBE & TIP Replacing ear tube & tip Your ear tube & tip will come connected. For optimal performance, replace ear tube & tip at least once every two months. Removing an ear tip Use your index finger and thumb to grip the ear tube near the tip. Then, use your other hand to pinch off the ear tip from the end piece. You may need to use some force to remove the tip. Attaching an ear tip Place a new ear tip onto the ear tube by pressing the tip over the ribbed portion of the tube. Be sure that the ear tip is securely fastened to the tube. You should be able to tug the tip slightly without removing it from the tube. 12
Removing the ear tube Grasp the device end of the ear tube; gently rotate the tube in a counter-clockwise direction until the tube releases from the unit. Attaching the ear tube Gently push the device end of the ear tube onto the unit and gently turn it in a clockwise direction until the device end of the tube is flush with the body of the unit. Turn counter-clockwise to remove Turn clockwise to attach 13
Cleaning ear tube & tip Between replacements, you ll need to clean the ear tube & tip with a cleaning wire, typically once a week. Remove the ear tube & tip from unit. Thread the cleaning wire through the ear tube, starting at the device end, until it comes out at the ear tip end, then pull the cleaning wire back out through the tube. Be sure to wipe off the wire before the next cleaning. Clean the ear tip with a dry cloth. Note: Note: Make sure you always begin threading the wire through at the device end and do not begin at the ear tip end. 14
QUICK FIT PROGRAM SELECTION Your Ovation Ascend features exclusive QuickFit technology which allows you to choose from multiple hearing settings, enabling you to customize your device to your specific needs in a variety of listening environments. Spend time sampling each program setting to determine which one you like best. Use that setting the majority of the time. Simply press and release the upper portion of the rocker switch for 3 seconds to change the program setting. Continue pressing and releasing the rocker switch for 3 seconds each time to sample the available hearing programs. The Ascend unit will beep to let you know which setting has been selected. Note: Each time the battery door is opened or the battery is removed, your Ovation Ascend will default back to Setting #1. 15
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT The rocker switch is also used to adjust the volume within each of the QuickFit programs, enabling you to control the loudness of sounds you are hearing and giving you additional control over your listening experience. To increase volume: tap and release the upper portion of the rocker switch To decrease volume: tap and release the lower portion of the rocker switch. Note: You only need to tap the rocker switch to change volume settings. You will hear a beep at each volume interval. 16
NOISY MODE / DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE (QUICK FIT PROGRAM SETTING #3) Your Ovation Ascend is equipped with two microphones and a special Noisy Mode, which offers users true directionality in noisy situations when you want to suppress background noise and focus on speech. Noisy Mode is QuickFit Program Setting #3 on your device. Simply press and release the rocker switch (as described on pg 15) until you hear 3 beeps. While in Noisy Mode, your device will switch from an Omni-Directional hearing experience to a Directional hearing experience, giving you the help you need to better understand speech in loud environments. The directional microphone and special Noisy Mode program is particularly useful in noisy situations, as it will suppress background noise and focus on sounds and voices coming from a particular direction. 17 Quiet Environments (Omni-Directional) Noisy Environments (Noisy Mode Directional)
TELECOIL/PHONE MODE (QUICK FIT PROGRAM SETTING #4) Your Ovation Ascend includes a telecoil, which allows for clear sound that is free of background noise and feedback when used in conjunction with telephones and other compatible audio sources. Examples of compatible audio sources include: Most, but not all, landline phones Most smartphones and cell phones Public places that are equipped with telecoil compatible assisted listening systems, including movie theaters, concert halls, sports arenas and places of worship. When the sign at right is present, it signifies that a telecoil system is available at that location. Activating the Telecoil/Phone mode The Telecoil/Phone mode is QuickFit Program Setting #4 on your device. Simply press and release the rocker switch (as described on pg 15) until you hear 4 beeps. In this mode, the Ascend s microphone is disabled and only sounds picked up from the telecoil will be amplified. To return to normal listening, simply and press and release the rocker switch (as described on page 15) until the desired program is reached. 18
General telephone use When using the Telecoil/Phone Program with a telephone or cell phone, we encourage you to try holding your phone in different positions near your ear until you find the ideal spot where the audio quality is at its clearest and loudest. Compatible Loop Systems As described on the prior page, many public places are equipped with telecoil compatible assisted listening systems. You can use the Telecoil/Phone mode (Program 4) to help you listen in these locations. Try positioning yourself in different parts of the looped area to find the best listening experience for you. 19
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TROUBLESHOOTING If you are having mechanical problems with your Ovation Ascend, first check the following: Battery is inserted correctly and the battery door is closed tightly. Ear tip is clean and clear of wax and ear tube is attached properly. Microphone and hearing port is clean and clear of wax. Battery may need replacing. Note: Leaving the battery on in your unit overnight will shorten battery life; exposing your unit to dampness by storing it in the bathroom or other areas with high humidity can also shorten battery life and eventually damage the instrument. 21
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CARING FOR YOUR OVATION ASCEND Ear wax is natural and common, but is the number one cause of performance issues with your unit. It is important to keep your hearing aid as clean as possible. Wipe daily with a dry cloth or using the cleaning brush that was included with your Ovation Ascend to carefully remove any traces of wax and debris. Do not rinse or submerge your Ovation Ascend device in water. In fact do not not use water, alcohol or any other liquid agent to clean your unit as they may damage it. If your device does become wet, do not use an external heat source to dry it. Rather, open the batter door, remove the battery, and let the device dry naturally for 24 hours. Remove your Ascend before using hair spray, spray perfumes or shaving lotions as these items can clog or damage your unit. 23
Do not drop your Ovation Ascend or bang it against hard surfaces. Always be careful when opening and closing the battery door. Do not carry the unit by the battery door, do not remove the unit by pulling on the battery door, and never pull the door back father than what is necessary to insert or remove a battery. When you re not wearing your Ovation Ascend, open the battery door to save on battery life and to allow any internal moisture to evaporate. Store your unit in a safe, dry place that is away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. 24
WARRANTY & RETURNS Warranty Your Ovation Ascend is covered against defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the time you receive your order. If after our examination it is determined that the unit failed to work due to parts, materials or workmanship we will repair or replace it for free. This warranty does not cover malfunctions due to unusual wear and tear or mistreatment of the hearing aid, such as physical shock, damage from moisture or sweat, excessive wax build-up, or tampering with the instrument all of which void the warranty. If you require warranty service, please contact customer service at service@ovationhearing.com. If the unit requires repair after 1 year, you may contact us at service@ovationhearing.com for further details. Alternatively, you may contact the repair facility listed on the following page. 25
Returns Each Ovation unit comes with a risk-free 60-day free trial. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Ovation Ascend, simply return it and we will issue a full refund no questions asked. To initiate a return, call us within 60 days of receiving your order to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). All returns must include an RMA. All product returns should be directed to: Ovation Hearing 1409 Fairfield Road S Suite 101 Minnetonka, MN 55305 26
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Average saturation output: 122 db HF Avg full-on gain: 113 db Peak gain: 53 db Reference test gain: 30 db Frequency range: 200 5500 Hz Total harmonic distortion: < 3% Equivalent input noise: < 25 db Battery current drain: 1.0 ma Induction coil sensitivity: n/a Attack: 6 ms Release: 30 ms 27
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FDA STATEMENTS Warning to hearing aid dispensers A hearing aid dispenser should advise a prospective hearing aid user to consult promptly with a licensed physician (preferably an ear specialist) before dispensing a hearing aid if the hearing aid dispenser determines through inquiry, actual observation, or review of any other available information concerning the prospective user, that the prospective user has any of the following conditions: Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear. History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days. History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days. Acute or chronic dizziness. Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days. 29
Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 hertz (Hz), 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz. Visible evidence of significant cerumen (earwax) accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal. Pain or discomfort in the ear. Special care should be exercised in selecting and fitting a hearing aid whose maximum sound pressure level exceeds 132 decibels because there may be risk of impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing aid user. (Ovation hearing aids as manufactured do not have this level of output) 30
Important Notice for Prospective Hearing Aid Users Good health practice requires that a person with a hearing loss have a medical evaluation by a licensed physician (preferably a physician who specializes in diseases of the ear) before purchasing a hearing aid. Licensed physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear are often referred to as otolaryngologists, otologists or otorhinolaryngologists. The purpose of medical evaluation is to assure that all medically treatable conditions that may affect hearing are identified and treated before the hearing aid is purchased. Following the medical evaluation, the physician will give you a written statement that states that your hearing loss has been medically evaluated and that you may be considered a candidate for a hearing aid. The physician will refer you to an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser, as appropriate, for a hearing aid evaluation. The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will conduct a hearing aid evaluation to assess your ability to hear with and without a hearing aid. The hearing aid evaluation will enable the audiologist or dispenser to select and fit a hearing aid to your individual needs. If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to amplification, you should inquire about the availability of a trial-rental or purchase-option program. Many hearing aid dispensers now offer programs that permit you to wear a hearing aid for a period of time for a nominal fee after which you may decide if you want to purchase the hearing aid. Federal law restricts the sale of hearing aids to those individuals who have obtained a medical evaluation from a licensed physician. Federal law permits a fully informed adult to sign a waiver statement declining the medical evaluation for religious or personal beliefs that preclude consultation with a physician. The exercise of such a waiver is not in your best health interest and its use is strongly discouraged. 31
Children with hearing loss In addition to seeing a physician for a medical evaluation, a child with a hearing loss should be directed to an audiologist for evaluation and rehabilitation since hearing loss may cause problems in language development and the educational and social growth of a child. An audiologist is qualified by training and experience to assist in the evaluation and rehabilitation of a child with a hearing loss. DISCLAIMER No hearing aid can restore normal hearing or improve a hearing impairment resulting from organic conditions, nor can it prevent further hearing loss. You must be patient while adjusting to your hearing aid by wearing it for gradually increasing time periods. In most cases full benefits from the hearing aid will occur with regular use. The use of a hearing aid is only part of hearing rehabilitation and you may need supplemental auditory training. In most cases where there is hearing loss in both ears, binaural hearing systems (two hearing aids) will help in hearing sounds more loudly and clearly. 32