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Getting Familiar

Your Care and Maintenance Kit

Your SpeechEasy is supplied with a Care and Maintenance Kit to aid in the daily cleaning and care of your device. If your kit is lost or you require additional pieces contact your SpeechEasy Provider or Janus Development Group to purchase another.

NOTE:

YOUR DRY AID KIT WILL REQUIRE OCCARIONAL HEATING TO REMOVE MOISTURE THAT ACCUMULATES IN ITS DESICCANT PILLOW. TO DO SO, PUT THE DESICCANT PILLOW ONLY IN THE MICROWAVE. MICROWAVE THE PILLOW IN THIRTY SECOND INTERVALS UNTIL FIVE TO TEN PERCENT OF THE BEADS ARE BLUE.
MICROWAVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE DESICCANT PILLOW. USE CAUTION WHEN REMOVING AS IT MAY BE HOT.

NEVER PUT YOUR SPEECHEASY IN THE MICROWAVE. THIS WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE DEVICE.

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Battery Information

Battery sizes

All batteries are zinc-air type, and come in color-coded packaging. When purchasing new batteries make sure to buy the size and color that correspond with your device.

Battery notes

• The adhesive tab should be removed from the battery ten to twenty seconds
  prior to installing into the device.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or purse. Contact with other metal
  objects may short out the batteries.

Battery warnings

• Keep your batteries out of reach of small children and pets.
• never change batteries in front of small children.


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Installing the battery

• Unlike normal alkaline batteries, zinc-air batteries must be activated before use.
• Remove the colored adhesive tab from the battery and set aside.
• Open the battery compartment by holding the device firmly between your thumb
  and forefinger while using a fingernail to ease the battery door open.
• Match the plus sign (+) on top of the battery into the compartment (note that the
  battery will only fit one way) and close the door slowly.
• If the door does not close smoothly, check and insure that the battery is
  inserted properly

ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE BATTERY DOOR WITH THE BATTERY INSERTED
INCORRECTLY WILL DAMAGE YOUR SPEECHEASY DEVICE. NEVER FORCE THE DOOR CLOSED! SEVERE DAMAGE WILL OCCUR FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION.

• Never let children play with batteries.
• Dispose of batteries immediately in a receptacle that is inaccessible to children.
• never incinerate batteries.
• never put batteries in your mouth for any reason.
• Always check medication before swallowing; batteries have been
  mistaken for tablets.

IF A BATTERY IS SWALLOWED, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE NATIONAL BUTTON
BATTERY INGESTION HOTLINE AT (202) 625-3333 FOR COUNSEL ON TREATMENT.

Operating Your SpeechEasy

Turning device on and off

For ITC and BTE devices:

• Turn on by rotating volume control forward (towards your face).
• Turn off by rotating volume control backwards until it dicks into the off position.

For CIC devices:

• CIC devices cannot be turned off via the volume control.
• To turn on insert a battery in the door and close the compartment
• To turn off the CIC device open the battery door (the battery may remain inserted in the door.)

Operating the Dual Memory Feature

Your SpeechEasy comes equipped with a dual memory feature. This allows your device to store two separate DAF and FAF settings that can be switched with either a pushbutton or magnetic wand.

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For CIC devices

• Using the magnetic wand that came with your device, tap the faceplate near the battery door to switch to the second set of DAF/FAF settings.
• Repeat to return to your primary settings.
• Extra magnetic wands can be ordered from Janus Development Group for a small fee.

For ITC and BTE devices:

• Press the pushbutton on the faceplate (below the volume control for the BTE) to switch to the second set of DAF/FAF settings.
• Repeat to return to your primary settings.

Before placing your SpeechEasy device in your ear ensure that the battery is inserted properly and the door is firmly closed.

Insertion and Removal

ITC

To insert, hold the device between your thumb and forefinger with the volume control toward the top of your ear. Gently insert the device into your ear canal until it fits snugly and securely.

To remove, use one of two methods. First, you may simply reach into your ear with your thumb and forefinger and gently pull the device out. However, you may find it easier to gently massage the area behind your ear lobe to slide the device out of your ear canal.

CIC

To insert, hold the device with the extraction cord between your thumb and forefinger with the microphone opening at the top of the device. From here simply guide the

NOTE:

• NEVER USE THE BATTERY DOOR TO REMOVE ANY DEVICE FROM YOUR EAR.
  IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS AND DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.
• IF YOUR DEVICE IS NOT PROPERLY INSERTED WHISTLING (FEEDBACK)
  AND/OR DISCOMFORT MAY OCCUR
• SHOULD YOU FEEL UNDUE PRESSURE OR DISCOMFORT AFTER PROPERLY INSERTING
  YOUR DEVICE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SPEECHEASY PROVIDER.
• WEARING AN IMPROPERLY FITTED DEVICE MAY LEAD TO MORE
  SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS

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device into your ear canal until you feel resistance. From this point you may let go of the cord and push the device with your finger until it fits comfortably inside your ear canal. To ease insertion you may want to pull down on your ear lobe with your other hand as you push.

To remove, slowly pull the extraction cord outward.

BTE

To insert, hold the soft custom earmold on the outer side near the tubing with your thumb and forefinger. Insert the canal tip of the earmold into your ear canal. Gently press the earmold into place with your finger. Complete the process by placing the BTE device behind your ear with the plastic tubing wrapped over the top.

To remove, take the device from behind your ear and pull the earmold outward. Pulling down on the ear lobe with your other hand may help ease removal of the earmold.

Daily Cleaning and General Care

Your SpeechEasy is a precision instrument and regular care will reduce the need for service or repair. Make a habit of cleaning your device on a daily basis to keep it operating in optimum condition. At the end of each day you should:

• Clean the device over a soft cloth laid on a table or desk. This will reduce the risk of damage should you drop the device.
• Using the small wax brush provided in your Care and Maintenance Kit gently brush away any wax or other particles that may have accumulated around the canal, microphone inlet, volume control, dual memory pushbutton or battery door.
• Wipe the acrylic shell with a soft cloth or facial tissue.
• Clean the wax guard as directed below (depending on how your device is equipped).
• Open the battery door and store your SpeechEasy overnight in the Dry Aid Kit included in your Care and Maintenance Kit. This will draw out any moisture that has accumulated over the day’s usage.
  
  

Cleaning devices with a Vvent Tube

Using the Vent Tool provided in your kit, clean the vent tube (if equipped—size restrictions will apply) by sliding the tool gently from the vent hole on the top of the device (as shown above) and exiting out the vent hole near the wax guard. This will free any accumulated wax from the vent tube.

NEVER USE ALCOHOL, WATER OR SOLVENTS TO CLEAN YOUR SPEECHEASY!

REMEMBER, YOUR SPEECHEASY REQUIRES DAILY CLEANING TO STAY OPERABLE.
THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE FOR FAILURE IN SPEECHEASY DEVICES IS DIRECTLY
RELATED TO THE LACK OF DAILY CLEANING AND REMOVAL OF WAX. WAX AND
MOISTURE ACCUMULATION WILL LEAD TO THE EVENTUAL DAMAGE OF THE
INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR DEVICE. HOWEVER, THIS DAMAGE IS RELATIVELY
EASY TO PREVENT. BY PERFORMING THESE CLEANING STEPS EVERY DAY, YOU CAN
DRAMATICALLY EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR DEVICE.

Cleaning devices with a Flip-Top Wwax Guard

A Flip-Top Wax Guard is a red or blue hinged door fixed to the end of the device. The wax guard covers the sound outlet of your instrument. This allows wax to accumulate on the underside of the door while restricting wax from entering the speaker and damaging components. On a daily basis:

• Open the guard with your fingernail or the wire end of your wax brush.
• While supporting the guard with your fingertip (as shown above) gently brush away any accumulation from the underside of the guard.
• Be sure that you are brushing wax away from outlet rather than into it.
• Once clean, close the wax guard gently until it clicks.
• If your wax guard becomes damaged promptly contact your SpeechEasy Provider.
  

Cleaning devices with an Extended Receiver Tube

An Extended Receiver Tube is a silicone tube extending beyond the acrylic shell of your device. This prevents wax from entering the sound outlet, and is utilized in cases where a Flip-Top Wax Guard will not fit.

• Hold the device in a diagonal manner so any accumulated wax in the tube will fall free.
• Using the wax brush gently brush away any accumulated wax around the outside of the tube or in the area where the tube meets the acrylic shell.
• Finally, use the wire loop on the opposite end of the wax brush to loosen any visible wax from inside the Extended Receiver Tube (as shown above).
• If your Extended Receiver Tube becomes damaged promptly contact your SpeechEasy Provider.
  

Cleaning BTE devices and custom ear molds

Since the electronic components of a behind-the-ear SpeechEasy device do not enter the ear there is less maintenance that must be performed. However, general cleaning of the device remains necessary to provide trouble-free service.

• Wipe the plastic shell with a soft cloth or facial tissue to remove any dirt,
  debris or perspiration.
• Using the wax brush, brush away any build-up from the volume control, dual memory pushbutton or battery door (as shown above).
• On occasion, remove the custom earmold from the BTE device and soak it in warm, soapy water. Rinse the earmold and allow to air dry before re-attaching to the BTE device.

DON NOT SOAK THE BTE UNIT IN WATER

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General Care

Avoid heat

• Do not place your SpeechEasy near stoves, radiators, heat lamps, open flames
or in direct sunlight

.• Do not wear the device when using a hair dryer or while applying hair spray or perfumes.Avoid moisture

• Your SpeechEasy should never be worn in or near saunas, steam baths, regular baths, vaporizers or showers.

• SpeechEasy should never be worn while swimming or participating in
water-related activities.

• Protect your device from rain and snow.

• Perspiration can also damage your device—be sure to dry your device regularly with a soft cloth or facial tissue when you perspire.

• If the device happens to get wet, open the battery door, remove the battery and allow the device to dry inside the dry aid kit overnight. If the device still produces no sound contact your SpeechEasy Provider.

• Insure your ear is completely dry after a shower or swimming before
inserting your device.

• Never attempt to dry your device with a hair dryer.Cold weather tips• Your device will function well in cold conditions.

• Battery life may suffer as temperatures drop—prepare for this and carry spare batteries with you if you will be exposed to cold weather for an extended time. Handle with care

• Avoid dropping your SpeechEasy—especially on hard surfaces.

• When not in use, always store your device in the provided hard case.

• We recommend that you insert your SpeechEasy while seated to prevent dropping.

• Avoid leaving your device where it may be exposed to extreme heat or cold.

• Never attempt to repair your SpeechEasy.

• Never store your SpeechEasy within reach of children or pets

• Carry several spare batteries with you on your keychain in case of emergencies.

• If you tend to perspire excessively, an electronic drying kit (available from a hearing aid dealer) may be very helpful in protecting your device from damage caused by moisture.

REMEMBER - CONTINUOUS USE WILL MAXIMIZE YOUR ENJOYMENT AND BENEFIT.
WEAR YOUR SPEECHEASY OFTEN.

IN ADDITION TO THE CLEANING PROCESS DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL, WE
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE YOUR DEVICE PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED
PERIODICALLY. YOUR SPEECHEASY PROVIDER CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE WHEN AND
WHERE THIS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.

Tips and Hints

REMEMBER - SPEECHASY TAKES PRACTICE! THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEARING THE SIGNAL AND ACTUALLY LISTENING TO THE SIGNAL. MAXIMUM BENEFIT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH REGULAR PRACTICE. IF YOU EVER HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR NEED HELP ACHIEVING YOUR FLUENCY GOALS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SPEECHEASY PROVIDER

Listen to the device

The fluency that SpeechEasy can help to induce is not entirely automatic. Depending on the individual, a degree of effort may be required in order to pay attention to the feedback coming from the device. Most users find that after a few days of actively reminding themselves to listen to the feedback through the device, this process becomes fairly automatic.

Stretch vowel sounds.

Stretching vowels can help achieve the inhibition needed to go through difficult sounds. As you approach a sound you know is difficult, attempt to stretch the vowel sounds on a few words prior to the difficult sound. You can also apply this technique by stretching the vowel sound on small words throughout your reading and/or conversation. (For example, words like I, the, and, out, of, etc.)

Perform ‘warm-up’ exercises

Every time you put your SpeechEasy in your ear, take a minute to do some “warm-up” exercises to get accustomed to listening to the signal again. Simple recitations, such as counting to ten or saying the months of the year, are effective exercises. While performing these exercises, be sure to listen to the device and to be conscious of the signal.

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Use a starter

You should take some time to practice each day by reading aloud using the “uh” method. During the reading, each time you naturally stop to take in a breath, start speaking again using an “uh” sound. Follow this regimen for at least ten minutes in the morning and again at night (even though you may already be fluent when you read aloud to yourself). This simple exercise can lead to a continuing improvement in your conversational speech.

Minimizing anticipation

The SpeechEasy can significantly enhance your fluency, but thoughts and feelings of expecting to stutter may linger for awhile. For years you may have expected to stutter every time you spoke, but with an ongoing improvement in fluency, this will change. In the early stages of adjusting to the SpeechEasy, many users state that they expect to stutter on a word and are surprised when they do not. In addition to using an “uh” between utterances as described in the section above, you might find it beneficial to also add an “uh” before a word you anticipate you will stutter on. You may need to experiment to determine if you really need to do this – or to determine the degree to which you may need to do it. The signal from the SpeechEasy and the routine application of an “uh” may be sufficient for you. Should you apply this technique, focus on the “uh” as you blend into the word, not on the word itself.

Ease into difficult situations

Immediate perfection with the SpeechEasy is an unrealistic expectation. Do not feel like you should immediately be fluent in areas where you typically have the most difficulty. For example, if you have a great deal of trouble being fluent while using the telephone, do not feel pressured to make several phone calls in one continuedday. Instead, limit your amount of exposure to these difficult encounters while simultaneously gaining confidence and experience using your SpeechEasy. You should find that as time progresses, your difficult situations will become less frequent and easier to manage.

Experience the process

Even though your experience using the SpeechEasy in the Provider’s clinic was quite an event, you will be going through an adjustment process of adapting to the use of your new aid. Some points that will require adaptation are: getting accustomed to the signal in your ear, learning to listen to the second signal, gradually taking on more challenging speaking situations, and learning how to make the SpeechEasy work best for you. All of these items will take time – be patient and pace yourself during this process.

Troubleshooting

Ear wax blockage is the most common cause of low or no sound. To remove wax accumulation from your device, see the Cleaning and Maintenance section of this manual or contact your SpeechEasy Provider for more information.

Listen to the device

The fluency that SpeechEasy can help to induce is not entirely automatic. Depending on the individual, a degree of effort may be required in order to pay attention to the feedback coming from the device. Most users find that after a few days of actively reminding themselves to listen to the feedback through the device, this process becomes fairly automatic.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE TOOTHPICKS, PINS, NEEEDLES OR OTHER SHARP OBJECTS TO CLEAN YOUR DEVICE AS THIS COULD CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE. DEPENDING ON THE DEPTH AND DEGREE OF THE BLOCKAGE IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO HAVE YOUR DEVICE PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED. CONTACT YOU SPEECHEASY PROVIDER FOR MOR INFORMATION.

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SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	REMEDY
LOW VOLUME / NO SOUND	WAX IN SOUND OUTLET OR MICROPHONE	CLEAN
	BATTERY	REPLACE
INTERMITTENT OR SCRATCHY	WEAK BATTERY	REPLACE
	INTERNAL MOISTURE	USE DRY AID KIT
	WAX IN SOUND OUTLET	CLEAN
WHISLTE (FEEDBACK)	VOLUME TO HIGH	READJUST
	EAR WAX	CLEAN DEVICE CLEAN EAR
	NOT PROPERLY INSERTED	REINSERT
	LOSS OR GAIN OF WEIGHT	SEE SPEECHEASY PROVIDER
SOUND DISTORTED	WAX IN SOUND OUTLET OR MICROPHONE	CLEAN
	WEAK BATTERY	REPLACE
	INTERNAL MOISTURE	USE DRY AID KIT

Customer Support

If you are unable to contact your SpeechEasy Provider for service, please contact Janus Development Group for authorized service. Our customer service staff will help you find a local SpeechEasy Provider or directly handle your repair through our facility. We may be reached at:

Janus Development Group, Inc.
112 Staton Rd.
Greenville, NC 27834
Website: www.speecheasy.com
E-Mail: customerserv@janusdevelopment.com
Toll Free: (877) 435-8362
Phone: (252) 551-9042
Fax: (252) 413-0950

Janus Development Group
112 Staton Road
Greenville, NC 27834
www.speecheasy.com
T: 252.551.9042
877.4.FLUENCY (1.877.435.8362)
E: customerserv@janusdevelopment.com
F: 252.413.0950

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FDA warning

The use of a device in the ear may increase the accumulation of ear wax or cause skin irritation. If you notice any irritation, or if wax builds up rapidly, please consult your SpeechEasy Provider.

Hearing warning

The use of SpeechEasy at excessive volume has the potential to cause hearing damage. It is our recommendation that the volume only be increased to a point where hearing is comfortable. If you experience ringing in your ears or any other discomfort, discontinue use immediately and contact your SpeechEasy provider.

Extended warranty service plan

You’ve chosen to invest in your fluency – now choose to protect your investment.In addition to the 1-year limited manufacturers warranty that comes standard with every SpeechEasy device, Janus Development Group, Inc. now offers Extended Warranty Service Plans for your device. Our Extended Warranty Service Plans serve as extensions of your original 1-year manufacturers limited warranty - and can be purchased in lengths of 1 or 2 additional years. If you device fails for any reason due to materials or workmanship, we will repair or replace the device as necessary at no charge. Full terms and conditions are enclosed in case.