CENTRA ® Instruction Manual for CENTRA S, S VC, and Life Behind-the-Ear Hearing Instruments ® Siemens Hearing Instruments
Your CENTRA® Hearing Instruments Siemens CENTRA® BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing instruments are designed for comfort, performance, and durability. They fit comfortably behind your ears and are attached to custommade earmolds or flexible LifeTubes and LifeTips. Your CENTRA BTE will look similar to one of the following illustrations (Fig. 1).
Microphones Earhook Volume control wheel Programming socket* Battery compartment door Audio input flap CENTRA S VC Microphones S-LifeTube Memory button Programming socket* Audio input flap LifeTip adapter Battery compartment door LifeTip CENTRA S/S VC with S-LifeTube Centra S and S VC available with S-LifeTube 2 Siemens Hearing Instruments
Microphone ports LifeTube Programming socket* Battery compartment door LifeTip LifeTip Adapter CENTRA Life Fig.
Identifying the left and right hearing instruments CENTRA BTEs may be color-coded for your convenience. The left ear hearing instrument may have a blue typeplate, and the right ear hearing instrument may have a red typeplate (Fig. 2). Typeplate Fig. 2: Location of typeplate on CENTRA S/CENTRA S VC In addition, on CENTRA Life BTEs, the left ear hearing instrument has a blue number on the LifeTip Adapter, and the right ear hearing instrument has a red number on the LifeTip Adapter (Fig. 3).
Color-coded number on Tip Adapter Fig. 3: Location of right and left designator on LifeTip Adapter on CENTRA Life Digital hearing instrument technology Inside your hearing system, the microphone, analog-to-digital converter, digital signal processor, receiver, and other specialized components process sound that is directed to the eardrum and auditory system. The microphone picks up sound waves from the air and converts them to electrical signals.
Using your CENTRA hearing instruments Battery size The chart below provides the proper battery size used in your hearing instruments. It is recommended that you also check with your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider regarding the correct battery. Model CENTRA S Behind-the-Ear Size 13 CENTRA S VC Behind-the-Ear 13 CENTRA Life Behind the Ear 312 Inserting the battery To insert the battery into the hearing instrument, use your fingernail to swivel open the door of the battery compartment.
Gently close the battery compartment. Do not force the door shut. If it does not close easily, check to see if the battery was inserted properly. When the battery door is completely closed, your hearing instrument is ready for operation (Fig. 4). Battery + Opened battery compartment door CENTRA S/CENTRA S VC CENTRA Life Fig.
Battery compartment door lock CENTRA S and CENTRA S VC hearing instruments are equipped with a lock that prevents the unintentional opening of the battery compartment. This feature is located on the inner side of the battery compartment door. To lock the battery compartment, open the compartment door to the first catch. Push the slide toward the right. To unlock the battery compartment for opening, open the door to the first catch and push the slide to the left (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5: Battery compartment door lock Low battery indicator Your hearing instrument may be programmed to inform you when the battery should be replaced for best performance. If this is activated in your hearing instruments, you may hear two long, low-pitched beeps and/or experience low amplification power or volume. Change the battery immediately when either of these occur. WARNING: Choking hazard posed by small parts. • Keep hearing instruments, batteries, and accessories out of children’s reach.
• If infants, small children, or mentally disabled persons need to wear hearing instruments, ensure adequate supervision. Battery tips CAUTION! Batteries can be harmful if swallowed. • If a battery is accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately, or call The National Button Battery Hotline collect at (202) 625-3333. • Always use the battery size recommended on your warranty card, or by your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider, for your model for best performance.
• Follow your localrecyclingrules for battery disposal. Note: Do not throw used batteries into household trash. Return them to your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider for environmentally correct disposal. WARNING: Risk in explosive environments, e.g., mining areas! • Don’t use your hearing instruments (and remote control) in areas where there is a danger of explosions.
Please note that after having turned the hearing instrument off using the memory button, you must wait approximately 10 seconds for the system to reset before turning it back on again by using the memory button. Check with your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider about which on/off functions are available on your hearing instrument. Power-on delay Your hearing instruments may be equipped with an advanced power-on delay feature.
Attaching the earmold (where provided) If your earmold detaches, gently insert the earhook of the hearing instrument into the tubing and earmold supplied by your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider (Fig. 6). Fig. 6: Attaching the earmold Inserting and removing hearing instruments with earmold Take the earmold between your thumb and index finger. Gently work the earmold into its proper position by adjusting it until it is firmly seated in your ear.
Fig. 7: Inserting the hearing instrument Lightly push on the back of the ear to help release the earmold and gently pull it out (Fig. 8). Fig.
Inserting and removing hearing instruments with LifeTube or S-LifeTube Take the LifeTip between your thumb and index finger. Gently work the LifeTip into its proper position by adjusting it until it is firmly seated in your ear. Then lift the hearing instrument over the top of your ear and adjust it to fit behind your ear (Fig. 9). Finally, place the retention strand into the bottom of the ''bowl'' of your ear. Fig.
Fig. 10: Removing the hearing instrument Health considerations If soreness or skin irritation develops, discontinue wearing your hearing instrument and bring the instrument and earmold to your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider. Minor fit adjustments or earmold modification can often correct this condition. If soreness persists, discontinue wearing the hearing instrument and see your physician.
e2e wireless® e2e wireless® provides synchronization in CENTRA hearing instruments. If you are wearing two hearing instruments and change the memory or volume on one instrument, the other is automatically changed. In addition, e2e wireless technology automatically adjusts the system to change both hearing instruments simultaneously to adapt to different listening situations. The wireless functionality also enables use of an optional ePocket® remote control.
ePocket remote control An optional ePocket remote control is available for all CENTRA hearing systems. ePocket can be used to change the memory and volume of your hearing instrument, as well as read out the system settings without having to manually adjust the hearing instruments. For further information on the ePocket, speak to your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider, or refer to the ePocket instruction manual, if applicable.
Additional memories are available on CENTRA S VC and CENTRA Life BTEs, if you use an optional ePocket remote control. When initially turned on (after the battery compartment door is closed), the microphone is ON and ready for general use, the default is Memory 1. Your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider will provide you with the number of memories most appropriate for your needs.
Below is a list of listening environments programmed into your hearing system: Memory number Listening environment 1 _________________________________ 2 _________________________________ 3 _________________________________ 4 Audio Input (CENTRA S and CENTRA S VC only) Using the directional microphone system According to your hearing needs, your CENTRA BTE hearing systems can be adjusted to focus on sounds in front of you (directional mode), for when you are having a face-to-face conversation in a
Your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider may program the operation of the directional microphone system to function automatically, or in conjunction with the memory button (or ePocket where applicable), based on your particular hearing requirements. Consult your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider for more information on use of the directional microphone system based on the settings of your specific hearing system. Volume Control Your CENTRA hearing instrument is fully automatic.
volume up (+) and down (-) buttons on the ePocket can be used to select the most desired listening position (louder or softer). To increase the volume, place your index finger gently against the volume control wheel and rotate it upwards or use the volume up button on the ePocket. To reduce the volume, rotate the wheel in the opposite direction or use the volume down button on the ePocket.
If your hearing instrument has not been programmed for manual control adjustment, the volume will adjust automatically and rotating the volume control wheel or using the volume control buttons on your ePocket will have no effect. Learning volume preference feature (where provided) The learning volume preference feature retains information on when and how you adjust the volume on your CENTRA instruments programmed for manual adjustment.
Audio Input CENTRA S and CENTRA S VC hearing instruments are equipped with audio input capability. This enables you to connect your hearing instruments to other audio sources such as an FM system, tape recorder, television, or infrared system using an audio shoe accessory. It can be useful for adults in difficult listening situations and for children in classrooms.
1. Using the fingernail of your thumb or index finger, open the battery compartment door to the first catch. 2. Using your fingernail, lift up the audio input flap, exposing the gold contacts. 3. Close the battery compartment door. 4. Place the gold contacts of the audio shoe on the gold contacts under the audio input flap on the CENTRA BTE. Gently push the audio shoe into place by pressing the audio shoe toward the underside of the hearing instrument until it snaps into place. 5.
Using the telephone CENTRA S and CENTRA S VC hearing instruments are equipped with a T-coil (telecoil) for telephone use. It may be programmed to work in a specific listening program in conjunction with the memory button. In the T-coil mode, place the telephone receiver close to your hearing instrument for best reception. By trying various positions of the telephone receiver, you will discover what works best for you.
Automatic telephone feature The AutoPhone® option allows the telecoil in CENTRA S and CENTRA S VC instruments to automatically engage when a "hearing aid compatible" telephone handset is brought close to the hearing instrument. To operate, bring the telephone handset close to the hearing instrument. The telecoil will automatically engage to the presence of the electromagnetic signal from the telephone.
Cell Phone Compatibility Some hearing instrument users have reported a buzzing sound in their hearing instruments when they are using cell phones, indicating that the cell phone and hearing instruments may not be compatible. According to the ANSI C63.19 standard (ANSI C63.
The immunity of this hearing instrument is at least M2/T2. The equipment performance measurements, categories, and system classifications are based upon the best information available but cannot guarantee that all users will be satisfied. NOTE: The performance of individual hearing instruments may vary with individual cell phones. Therefore, please try this hearing instrument with your cell phone or, if you are purchasing a new phone, be sure to try it with your hearing instrument prior to purchase.
AutoPhone magnet accessory There is an AutoPhone magnet accessory available for your telephone that can be used with the AutoPhone feature of your hearing system. Ask your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider about this accessory and if it is appropriate for your individual hearing care needs. Note: When magnets are properly cared for, they are safe to use and can last a lifetime. However, the following guidelines should be followed while using these magnets.
Identification Information Your hearing instruments have a serial number engraved on them. The location of the serial number will vary according to the style of hearing instrument you have chosen. The year of manufacture is incorporated into the serial number. Please note the warranty is based upon the date of purchase, not the date of manufacture. The serial number may look similar to this sample: AS12345. The second letter of this serial number refers to the year of manufacture of the hearing instrument.
+ - AS12345 Serial number Fig. 12: Identification information Maintenance and care Consult your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider about appropriate cleaning and maintenance for your particular type of earmolds or your LifeTube and LifeTip. Always store your hearing instruments inside the case. A soft carrying pouch is also included for your convenience when traveling. Never immerse your hearing instruments in water! If needed, your CENTRA BTEs can be wiped with a tissue or other clean, dry cloth.
Your Audiologist or Hearing Care Provider: Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. P.O. Box 1397 Piscataway, NJ 08855-1397 www.usa.siemens.com/hearing Information in this manual subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2009 Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. All Rights Reserved 10149169 2/09 5.
