Everybody has the right to

(1)

Worldwide Headquarters: Beltone A/S Lautrupbjerg 7, P.O. Box 99 DK-2750 Ballerup Denmark

Tel.: + 45 45 75 11 11 Fax: + 45 45 75 11 19

The Guide TO hearinG

saTisfacTiOn fOr mOre peOple

everybOdy

has The riGhT TO

GOOd hearinG

Beltone was founded on the act of helping a friend to enjoy life more. Since 1940, we have provided know-ledge, tools, service and training to the professionals servicing the hearing impaired. Beltone makes quality hearing care avail-able to more people. To do so, we develop technically optimal hearing solutions without ever losing focus on the individual’s needs. It is our belief that no individual should be denied the possibility of an improved life with better hearing.

M 10 06 28 -G B -0 7. 01 R ev .B

(2)

1. prOducT Overview

4. fiTTinG feaTure Overview

7. cusTOmer Q & a 6. fiTTinG in 4 sTeps 5. fiTTinG feaTure specifics 3. prOducT feaTure specifics 2. prOducT feaTure Overview

hearinG saTisfacTiOn

fOr mOre peOple

This guide introduces you to an affordable hearing aid that is built on contemporary digital technology and offers a compre-hensive set of features. Beltone ACCESS is a high quality hearing solution for all types of hearing loss. What’s more, the Beltone SOLUS programming software makes the fitting fast, easy and accurate.

Beltone ACCESS offers numerous valuable features including: • High precision digital

technology • Directional microphone system • Noise reduction • Feedback management • Automatic acclimatization • Datalogging

(3)

1

1. prOducT Overview

Beltone ACCESS allows you to offer state-of-the-art quality in the lower price range. It introduces an extensive set of customer benefits and a full line of form factors that enables you to fit it to all hearing losses and lifestyles.

prOducT Overview

CIC ACS15 / ACS15 HPG

ACS 15 HPG ACS 15 Max output (OES/2cc) 125/115 117/108 Max gain(OES/2cc) 52/43 41/31 Directionality – – Push button – – Analogue VC – – Telecoil – – Colors 3 3 MC ACS25 / ACS25 HPG ACS 25 HPG ACS 25 Max output (OES/2cc) 125/115 117/108 Max gain(OES/2cc) 52/43 41/31 Directionality – – Push button optional optional Analogue VC optional optional Telecoil – – Colors 3 3 ITC ACS35 / ACS35 HPG ACS35D / ACS35D HPG ACS 35 HPG ACS 35 Max output (OES/2cc) 129/120 123/113 Max gain(OES/2cc) 60/51 53/43 Directionality – – Push button optional optional Analogue VC optional optional Telecoil optional optional

Colors 3 3

ITE ACS45 / ACS45 HPG ACS45D / ACS45D HPG

ACS 45 HPG ACS 45 Max output (OES/2cc) 135/127 131/121 Max gain(OES/2cc) 69/60 61/53 Directionality – – Push button optional optional Analogue VC optional optional Telecoil optional optional

Colors 3 3

ACS85 ACS85D Max output (OES/2cc) 139/134 139/134 Max gain(OES/2cc) 73/65 73/65 Directionality – Yes Push button Yes Yes Analogue VC Yes Yes Telecoil Yes Yes Audio input Yes Yes

Colors 3 3

BTE ACS75 / ACS75D

ACS 75 ACS 75D Max output (OES/2cc) 132/123 132/123 Max gain(OES/2cc) 63/54 63/54 Directionality – Yes Push button Yes Yes Analogue VC Yes Yes Telecoil Yes Yes Audio input Yes Yes

Colors 3 3 HPG Standard 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 dB HL 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Frequency (Hz) HPG Standard 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 dB HL 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Frequency (Hz) HPG Standard 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 dB HL 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Frequency (Hz) HPG Standard 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 dB HL 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Frequency (Hz) 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 dB HL 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Frequency (Hz) 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 dB HL 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Frequency (Hz) POWER BTE ACS85 / ACS85D

(4)

2 High p recisio n proce ssing

2. prOducT feaTure Overview

Beltone ACCESS offers Beltone feature Benefit

• High precision digital processing Rapid6 Clear and natural sound

• 6 channel WDRC Curvilinearity Correct gain level for all input levels provides a natural sound • Noise reduction Speech Pattern Detection (SPD) Reduces noise only in channels where noise is prevalent • Feedback management Dual Notch Filter Immediate, effective feedback management

• Directional Microphone System Directionality Speech understanding in noisy environments

• Expansion Silencer Reduces low level environmental and microphone noise

• Maximum Power Output (MPO) Multichannel Broadband MPO Prevents exposure to sudden loud sounds • Multiple programs 3 optional programs Adaptation to various sound environments • Customer notification sounds Program change, low battery,

delayed activation Customer comfort and safety

prOducT feaTure

Overview

Beltone ACCESS is specifically designed to cover all the essentials of a quality hearing solution. Now, there is no need to make compromises in the hearing care you offer your budget conscious customers.

Cust_ome r notifi_catio n s ound_s 6 chann el curvi linear WDRC Multip_{le p} rogra_ms Noise reduct ion Maximum P ower Output (M_PO) Expansion Feedback management Directional microphone system

4

(5)

3 Output level (dB SPL) Input level (dB SPL) Multichannel MPO HL UCL

Single channel MPO

Curvilinear compression Noise Speech modulation

30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 Input signal SPD enabled Output signal Time 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 -70 -80 -90 -100 -110 -120 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 125 250 500 1k 2k 3k 4k 6k 8k Hz 125 250 500 1k 2k 3k 4k 6k 8k Hz

Hearing loss RAPID Filters Hearing Loss [dB HL] Filter Response [dB]

Hearing Loss [dB HL]

WDRC

Multi Channel MPO

Output level (dB SPL) Input level (dB SPL) Multichannel MPO HL UCL

Single channel MPO

WDRC

Multi Channel MPO

Output level (dB SPL) Input level (dB SPL) Multichannel MPO HL UCL

Single channel MPO

WDRC

Multi Channel MPO

direcTiOnaliTy cOmpressOr

prOducT feaTure specifics

rapid prOcessOr spd

3. prOducT feaTure specifics

For speech intelligibility

The dual microphone system creates direction-specific sensitiv-ity and helps the customer communicating in noisy environ-ments. In the directional mode, sounds from the front are amplified, while signals from the rear are attenuated. It allows the customer to participate more fully in situations where speech understanding is important. Your customers will experience:

• Enhanced speech understanding

• Less disturbance from background noises

For natural sound reproduction

The WDRC reconstructs the loudness growth of a normal cochlea. Through the 3 fitting curves, 50 dB, 70 dB and 90 dB, the customer’s hearing range is replicated very accurately. In addition the MPO works individually in each channel to prevent amplification above the UCL. Customers benefit from: • More natural sound

experiences

• Tailored gain levels for optimal sound perception • Protection from sudden loud

sounds

• Optimal use of the hearing range

For quality sound

The Rapid Digital Signal Processor is now available in affordable hearing aids. By combining frequency and time domain signal processing it allows for:

• Accurate frequency response shaping

• Very low processing delay • Superior sound quality with

minimized risk of artifacts

For noise reduction

The advanced SPD noise reduc-tion system uses signal modula-tion recognimodula-tion. It detects and preserves the high modulation of speech and selectively attenuates gain related to low modulation noise. In this way it:

• Effectively reduces channel- specific noise

• Preserves the speech signal where speech modulation is present

(6)

4 Gain presc ription formula Feedback management Datalogging Automatic acclimatization 6 gain handles 4 step fitti ng 3 fitting curves 4. fiTTinG feaTure Overview

Beltone ACCESS offers Beltone feature Benefit

• Gain prescription formula Beltone Adaptive Fitting Algorithm (BAFA) An accurate first fit • 4 step fitting Beltone SOluS intuitive fitting Easy and fast to fit

• 6 gain handles 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000 Hz Flexibility for frequency response adjustments • 3 fitting curves 50, 70, 90 dB input levels Optimal mapping of the customer’s hearing range • Feedback management Dual Notch Filter Immediate, effective feedback management

• Datalogging Satisfaction Journal Quick overview of device use

• Automatic acclimatization Satisfy Smoother customer acceptance of optimal gain

The Beltone SOLUS fitting software and the Beltone Adaptive Fitting Algorithm (BAFA) ensure a fast and accurate first fit. The software is so intuitive and easy to use that fitting can be done in 4 easy steps (read more in section 6).

With Beltone ACCESS, the latest fitting features, which have other-wise only been available for pre-mium-priced hearing aids, are at your disposal. Now you can offer an affordable hearing solution with datalogging and automatic acclima-tization.

fiTTinG feaTure

Overview

4

(7)

5

dual nOTch filTer spd and silencer

For effective feedback management

The Dual Notch Filter allows you to cancel two feedback peaks at the same time in a very precise way. It only affects the specific frequency area at which each notch is placed. In this way, it effectively handles feedback and simultaneously maintains important speech signals. To reduce the risk of feedback: 1. Choose the placement and

attenuation of each filter. 2. See the result, which is

shown as a dip in the gain curve.

For higher comfort

To ease the fitting process and optimize hearing comfort, the Speech Pattern Detection (SPD) and Silencer are set as defaults for the different programs. If adjustments are needed: 1. Go to the Features screen. 2. Choose the appropriate

setting from the drop-down menu.

5. fiTTinG feaTure specifics

fiTTinG feaTure specifics

For optimal settings

The Satisfaction Journal gathers data on how the customer uses the hearing aid. And during follow-up fittings, you can apply the information when adjusting the settings of the hearing aid. 1. Go to the Fitting screen. 2. Use Quick View or click on

the Journal button to access the logged information. 3. Review the Beltone SOLUS

recommendations for fine tuning.

4. Apply fine tunings directly from the screen.

5. View the changes that are automatically displayed in the fitting curves.

saTisfacTiOn JOurnal saTisfy

For easier customer acceptance

Beltone Satisfy helps your customers to adapt smoothly to their new hearing aids. You can start with the amplification the customer prefers at the initial fitting and let it increase or decrease gradually to optimal settings. To activate Satisfy: 1. Go to the Satisfy screen. 2. Select estimated usage. 3. Select duration period. 4. Activate Satisfy

(8)

5

speedlinK

For faster fitting

The Beltone Speedlink program-ming interface allows you to fit customers faster. It cuts fitting time and accelerates the commu-nication between the hearing aid and your computer. Speedlink is powered via your USB port and uses the same cables as NOAH Link and HI-PRO. To increase your fitting speed:

1. Connect Speedlink to your computer.

2. Connect the hearing aids to Speedlink.

3. Start your fitting process.

belcam

For visual verification and counseling

With the Belcam, you can give customers a genuine impression of how the hearing aids will look on them. It will also help you instruct your customer on how to insert and operate the hearing aids. To use the Belcam:

1. Follow the installation guide that is included with Beltone SOLUS.

5. fiTTinG feaTure specifics

fiTTinG feaTure specifics

For an optimal fit

If gain and MPO adjustments are required to the settings calculated in the auto fit, you can make them directly in the fitting screen at the click of a button:

1. Choose the frequencies you want to adjust.

2. Adjust by using the up and down arrows.

3. Choose the text or AVE wizard if you want to make adjustments based on the customer’s responses.

Gain and mpO ave

For higher customer acceptance

The Audio Verification Environ-ment (AVE) system assists you in managing the customer’s

expectations. You can simulate the customer’s hearing loss for a concerned third-party such as a spouse. And you can access a library of calibrated sounds and smart functions that allow you to make adjustments based on real sound replications. To activate AVE:

1. Go to the hearing loss simulator at the top of the screen, or

2. Use the sound bar at the bottom of the screen.

(9)

1

2

3

4

6

6. fiTTinG in 4 sTeps

fiTTinG in 4 sTeps

Autofit the hearing aids

• Connect the hearing aids. • Click on the What’s

Con nected button. • Go to the Fitting screen. • Autofit is automatically

performed.

Optimize gain settings

• Perform MSG calibration. • Use the gain table to

optimize the settings if needed.

Solve potential feedback issues

• Go to Notch Filter. • Use the MSG line as an

indication of where to place 1 or 2 notches to prevent potential feedback. • Choose the appropriate

attenuation.

Set notification sounds

• Go to the End Session screen. • Demonstrate the beep levels

to the customer.

• Set the appropriate beep levels.

• Save the session to the hearing aid.

(10)

7

safeTy and cOmfOrT

Q – When wearing a Beltone ACCESS hearing aid, will loud sounds be painful or harm my hearing?

A – On the contrary, your hearing is stimulated just by wearing the hearing aids. This in itself helps to preserve your hearing. To protect your hearing, Beltone ACCESS has a built-in Maximum Power Output system. It ensures that the hearing aid will never reach a sound level that is too loud for you. Simultaneously it makes sure you have the amplification you need. Furthermore, you can get a Beltone ACCESS with a manual volume control, which allows you to turn the volume up or down whenever you feel the need to do so.

D – You can demonstrate this with the UCLs in the audiogram while you explain how the device does not go above that threshold. You can also play one of the loud sounds from AVE and have your customers turn the volume up and down. Customers will experience how comfortable they can feel with Beltone ACCESS.

hearinG in differenT siTuaTiOns and user cOnTrOl Q – Will Beltone ACCESS be able to handle the various situations and

environments I find myself in?

A – Beltone ACCESS has two microphones, which ensures that it can be programmed to focus on sounds that are in front of you, or sounds coming from the front and sides of you. Furthermore, Beltone ACCESS has several programs that can be tailored to meet the needs you have in different environments.

D – We suggest letting your customers switch between programs and experience the differences between them while you play some of the sound files from AVE. This will make your customers feel safe and in control

7. cusTOmer Q & a

cusTOmer Q & a

No individual should be denied the possibility of an improved life with better hearing. That is why we designed Beltone ACCESS to deliver customer benefits similar to those in high-end hearing care. The following questions and answers will help you explain your customers about the opportunities for affordable hearing satisfaction now avail-able to them.

audibiliTy and sOund QualiTy

Q – Can Beltone ACCESS help me hear soft sounds better without making loud sounds uncomfortable?

A – The Curvilinear compression in Beltone ACCESS works with three different sound levels (soft, medium and loud sounds) that adjust sounds optimally to your particular hearing loss and needs.

D – This can be demonstrated through the three fitting curves in Beltone SOLUS. By using the sound matrix, you can play samples of the different sound levels. Your customers will hear for them- selves that sounds are clear and comfortable.

hearinG in nOisy envirOnmenTs

Q – Noisy situations are difficult for me. Can Beltone ACCESS help?

A – Beltone ACCESS has a noise reduction system that makes it comfortable to wear the hearing aid even in noisy environments.

D – To demonstrate this, you can present the graphic for SPD in section 3 in this guide. You can also play the sound of a vacuum cleaner from AVE and turn noise reduction on and off on the sound track.

Q – Customer Question

A – Suggested Answer