Using your HearPod
1. Inserting HearPod into your ear
QuickTime movie 1.4MB
Starting with the right or red HearPod, place your thumb on the bottom of your hearing aid next to the clear plastic handle. Place your index finger on top of the hearing aid.
Holding it level, gently insert the instrument into your ear canal. Make sure it is not too tight. Gently pull on the outer ear to ensure a comfortable fit. Repeat with the left (blue) HearPod.
If the HearPod makes a whistling sound during insertion, the HearPod is on and working properly. Continue insertion until the whistling sound is no longer present.
To remove your HearPod, hold the pull handle with your thumb and index finger and gently pull the HearPod out of your ear.
2. Adjusting the volume
HearPods with volume control knob
QuickTime movie 624 KB
To increase the volume for either the right or left HearPod, place your index finger or thumb on the volume wheel and turn it forward toward your nose. Increase the volume so the sound is clear but not loud. It usually takes only a few minutes to adjust the volume to a comfortable level. There is usually a fine line between too loud and too soft.
Before removing the HearPod from your ear, turn the volume wheel toward the back of your head until the volume goes off. For maximum battery life, open the battery door when not in use.
HearPods with set screw volume control
QuickTime movie 624 KB
After closing the battery door insert your HearPods into your ears. If the sound is just right, no further adjustment is necessary.
If you feel the sound is too soft or too loud, remove the HearPod from your ear. Make adjustments using the small screwdriver provided. For both the right and the left HearPod, turn the set screw clockwise to increase volume and counter-clockwise to decrease volume.
For best results, make very small adjustments when setting volume. A small adjustment will make a big difference in volume and clarity.
Wearing your hearing aid for a short time helps you realize the correct volume level.
If you have poor eyesight, we recommend you ask a family member or friend to help you adjust your set screw. It only takes a few minutes and is simple and easy to do.
Adjusting your HearPod II listening modes (not available on HearPod I or HearPod Micro)
QuickTime movie 1.2 MB
HearPod II comes with up to four sound modes designed to optimize hearing in each of the following environments:
Conversation mode, Hearing in Noise mode, Music mode, and Telephone mode.
Models come pre-programmed with two, three or all four sound modes, depending upon your purchase selection. The configuration options are:
Option 1: Conversation / Telephone Mode
Option 2: Conversation / Hearing in Noise / Telephone Mode
Option 3: Conversation / Hearing in Noise / Music / Telephone Mode
Your HearPod will automatically be in the conversation mode when you close the battery door. Switching between modes is as easy as pushing the button on your HearPod.
If you have purchased Option 1, push the button when you need to talk on the telephone. You will hear two beeps signaling that you are in the telephone mode. To return to the conversation mode, push the button again and you will hear one beep, signaling that you have returned to the conversation mode.
If you have purchased Option 2, when you first push the button, you will hear two beeps in Hearing in Noise mode. Push the button again and you will hear three beeps, signaling you are in the Telephone mode. Push the button yet again and you will hear one beep, signaling you are back in Conversation mode.
If you have purchased Option 3, when you first push the button, you will hear two beeps in Hearing in Noise mode. Push the button again and you will hear three beeps, signaling you are in the Music mode. Push the button again and you will hear four beeps, signaling you are in Telephone mode. Push the button yet again and you will hear one beep, signaling you are in Conversation mode.
3. Getting accustomed to your HearPod
As you begin wearing your new HearPod, you will recognize sounds you may have long forgotten. Hearing a familiar voice, the chirping of birds and even the sound of rain can be a joyous experience.
If you have not worn a hearing aid before, during the next six to 12 weeks, you will be adapting to the hearing aid as your brain learns to identify and prioritize sounds.
Voices should be clear and neither too loud nor soft and you should notice an improved understanding of words that will become even more noticeable over time.
As your brain learns to filter out unimportant noise, you’ll find that background sounds such as fans or street noise will be become less noticeable.
For best results, begin wearing your hearing aid in a familiar setting and wear it every day for as long as it is comfortable. Like a new pair of shoes, wear the hearing aids a little longer each day. Soon, you will feel completely comfortable with them, and sounds will seem normal and natural.
Gradually move from practicing conversations with one person to talking with several people or small groups in various settings.
Don’t be alarmed if you can’t understand everything right away. Just be patient and remember that life’s most important activities involve learning and commitment. Millions of experienced hearing aid users will testify that it was worth the effort.
With a little practice you will be enjoying life more with the help of your HearPod hearing aids.
If you experience irritation, inflammation or pain, immediately contact your physician.
4. Using the phone
QuickTime movie 1.6 MB
HearPod II comes with a telephone mode as one of the pre-programmed modes. The telephone mode will allow you to speak on the phone with the handset held up to your ear. (See above for activating the HearPod II telephone mode.)
If you purchased HearPod I, you do not have the telephone mode, but you will be able to easily use the phone by placing the handset lightly against your ear, being careful not to completely cover your ear. If your ear is completely covered, you may experience a whistling sound called feedback. If this occurs, move the handset slightly away from your ear until the whistling stops.
