core

user

man

ual

congratsLifeEar®CORE puts you in control, helping you

optimize your hearing with ease. The CORE creates

an accurate, unique profile, instantly personalizing

your hearing aids, in the privacy of your own home.

Advanced digital sound technology adapts to the

noise level around you, so conversations and sounds

stay crisp, sharp, and clear — year after year.

customer-inspired supportIf you have any questions, our team of friendly

and knowledgeable hearing instrument

specialists are waiting to hear from you.

Call (312) 638-1301 for a confidential,

one-on-one phone consultation.

Email support@LifeEar.com

table of contentsbox contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 02

CORE diagram • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •05

quick start • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •06

insert battery/turn on • • • • • • • • • • • •08

place on ear • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10

volume & program control • • • • • • • 12

replacing tips & tubing • • • • • • • • • • •14

high volume kit • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 18

ordering replacement parts • • • • • • •21

MDShield™ Protection Plan • • • • • • • 22

telephone use • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 25

care & cleaning • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 26

troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 28

warranty & repair • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 32

return policy • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 34

warnings • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 36

important notice • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 38

FCC regulations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 40

technical specs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •41

notice of cancellation • • • • • • • • • • • • 42

box contents.01 quick start guide .02 size 312 batteries .03 CORE hearing aid(s):

assembled with thin tubing and open ComfortTIP™

.04 app manual

.05 CORE user manual

.06 microfiber cloth

.07 cleaning tool

.08 high volume kit earhook, 13PLUS tubing,

and closed ComfortTIP

.09 carrying case

02

coreuser manual

app manual

quick start g

uide

.01

.02

.03

.04

.05 .06

.07

.03

.09.080303

04

stabilizer bar

core diagram

tubing base

volume/program (push button)

battery door (on/off control)

thin tubing

snap end

microphonesComfortTIP™

05

Three easy steps for using your LifeEar® CORE.

.01 Insert battery to turn on.

.02 Place CORE on your ear.

.03 Adjust volume and/or program.

quick start

note: The app is required to personalize your LifeEar. See the app manual for personalization instructions.

06

note: Tubing and tips are left and right ear specific. The CORE body becomes left and right specific when it is personalized with the LifeEar app.

identifying your left and right core

Hold an aid upright in each hand, with the controls facing you.

The tips/tubing point toward each other when in the correct hand.

left core in left hand

right core in right hand

07

note: If battery door does not close easily, battery may be inserted upside down.

insert battery/turn on.01 Remove brown adhesive tab. Wait one (1) FULL minute for battery to fully activate.

.02 Hold CORE with the push button facing right. Use the nail grip to open battery door. Insert battery “+” side up.

.03 To turn CORE on, close battery door. (To turn off, open battery door.)

nail grip

.01

.02

.03

08

Battery Type: Size 312 zinc-air (brown tab)

Low Battery Warning:A voice prompt indicates “low battery”. Depending on usage, you will have about five (5) minutes before losing power.

Battery Tips: • Open battery door when not in use.

• Store batteries in original packaging.

• Do not use expired, unsealed, or corroded batteries.

• Do not leave exhausted batteries in your CORE.

caution: Be sure to keep batteries out of reach from children and pets. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately, or call the National Battery Hotline collect at 202-625-3333.

09

place on ear.01 Hold thin tubing at stabilizer bar junction. Gently insert ComfortTIP™ into ear canal.

.02 Place CORE body behind ear. The curve of thin tubing should rest on top of your ear comfortably (next to glasses).

.03 Tuck stabilizer bar in the outer bowl of ear. It may be trimmed to suit the size of your ear.

important! Always verify the ComfortTIP is pushed all the way on tubing before inserting tip into ear.

.01

.02

.03

10

product safety and handling

the core in final position

Prevent tip from coming off in ear: The end of tubing should be visible through the opening of the ComfortTIP. Otherwise, tubing may detach from tip when removing from ear.

Prevent whistling:Whistling may be heard if CORE is not positioned securely in your ear. Once the ComfortTIP is properly inserted in your ear, whistling will stop.

If you experience whistling at higher volumes, remove open ComfortTIP and replace with closed ComfortTIP.

11

ýþ

important! When CORE is turned on, it will take five (5) seconds to begin amplifying sound. Raise the volume SLOWLY to avoid a sudden blast of sound.

The CORE uses a multi-function push-button. Top of button — raises volume and program. Bottom of button — lowers volume and program.

Change volume: Press and quickly release. There is a single beep with every increment. A voice prompt indicates minimum and maximum volume.

Change program: Press and hold. A voice prompt indicates the program number.

volume and program control

raises volume and program

lowers volume and program

12

4. Restaurant

3. Conversation

2. Quiet

1. Automatic “Program one”

“Program two”

“Program three”

“Program four”

“out and about”, it automatically adapts to the noise level around you.

in a constant “quiet” environment,like at home watching TV.

having conversation in small groups of three to five people.

in a noisy restaurant or loud place, to provide maximum noise reduction.

best when you’re . . .program voice alert

note: When CORE is turned off and back on, it will reset to Program 1.

program selection

13

open closedComfortTIPs™: Left and right specific. Open: Allows natural sound and better air flow.

Closed: Allows highest volume without feedback.

Tubing: Thin tubing (default): Left and right specific. 13PLUS tubing (included in the High Volume Kit,

see page 18): Allows higher output/more volume or a custom tube length.

replacing tips and tubing

note: If you experience whistling at higher volumes, remove open ComfortTIP and replace with closed ComfortTIP.

rightleft

14

lower outputThin Tube +

Open ComfortTIP

high volume kit

higher outputThin Tube +

Closed ComfortTIP13PLUS Tube +

Open ComfortTIP13PLUS Tube +

Closed ComfortTIP

initial assembly other combinations

tip and tubing combination chart

Experiment to find which combination works best for you.

15

replacing tips

.01 Hold tubing at stabilizer bar junction with one hand and remove ComfortTIP™ with other hand.

.02 Align new ComfortTIP so vented end is lined up with stabilizer bar. Push tip over the ridges on end of tubing.

.03 important! The end of the tubing should be visible through the opening of the ComfortTIP to prevent tip from detaching (see page 11).

stabilizer bar

vented end

note: ComfortTIPs are left and right specific.

.01

.02

16

replacing tubing

.01 Rotate tubing base 90° and pull off to remove old tubing.

.02 Align new tubing base with CORE body and push to attach.

.03 Make sure the tubing base is flush with the sides of CORE body when you are finished.

note: Thin tubing is left and right specific and must be used with the left or right CORE body.

.01

.02

.03

17

High Volume KitUse the High Volume Kit located in the bottom tray of your LifeEar® box if you require a higher volume or a custom tube length.

.01 Remove thin tubing (see page 17).

.02 Verify ComfortTIP™ is pushed all the way on 13PLUS tubing (see page 11).

.03 Push earhook onto CORE body..03

.02

18

.04 Insert ComfortTIP (with 13PLUS tubing attached) into ear canal. Place CORE body behind ear so the earhook rests on top of ear. Mark a line on tubing ABOVE bottom of earhook. Cut tubing at marked line.

.05 Push the cut end of 13PLUS tubing over the end of Earhook.

mark and cut here

overlap

core assembled with the High Volume Kit

.05

.04

19

20

ordering replacement partsFor optimal performance, tubing and ComfortTIPs™ should be replaced every three (3) months. Regular replacement will keep your CORE sounding and feeling like new.

Visit www.MDHearingAid.com to order new tubing, tips, and batteries.

21

PROTECTIONMDShield

TM

PLAN

MDShieldTM

PLAN

MDShield™ Protection PlanMDShield Protection offers 100% coverage against any defect or malfunction past the 90-day warranty, and all types accidental damage (water or pet damage, etc.).

Coverage lasts for one (1) year from date of purchase (must be purchased within initial 90-day warranty).

To purchase or renew your plan, contact us at 312-638-1301 or support@LifeEar.com.

note: Product loss, accessories, and unauthorized repairs are not included.

22

23

24

telephone useUse Program 2 or 3 when using the phone.

You may need to make slight adjustments to

the volume of either your phone or CORE.

If whistling occurs, try different positions

with the phone’s audio output and CORE's

top microphone until you find what works

best for you.

note: The speaker function on your phone also works well with your CORE.

audio output

top mic.

25

care and cleaning.01 Daily cleaning: Use cleaning tool brush to remove debris from ComfortTIP™, push-button, and microphones. Then wipe CORE with the microfiber cloth.

.02 Regular cleaning: Remove tubing (see page 17). Thread cleaning tool wire through tubing base and out of tip. Wipe end of wire clean and repeat as necessary.

.01

.02

26

guidelines for optimal performance

• Do not let your CORE get wet.

• Do not expose your CORE to excess moisture or heat.

• Remove your CORE before using hair spray or a hair dryer.

• Avoid physical shock, such as dropping on the floor.

• Store in a cool dry place, such as a hearing aid dehumidifier, with battery door open.

• For prolonged periods of non-use, remove battery to prevent corrosion.

27

Open/close battery door

Replace battery

Adjust volume

Clean tubing/tip

Clean ear canal

Use dehumidifier

Change tubing/tip

issues

acti

on s

teps

Intermittent or distorted sound

Feedback:Whistling/squealing

Weak or no sound

troubleshooting

note: For more detailed troubleshooting tips, see the following pages. 28

.01 sound is intermittent or distorted.

• Trapped moisture may be distorting the amplified sounds. Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight.

• Lower the volume.

• Replace the battery with a fresh one.

• Check tubing/tip for wax or debris that may be blocking sound. Clean tubing/tip and replace if they appear worn.

29

.02 instrument makes a whistling sound.

• Whistling (feedback) occurs when amplified sound returns to the microphones and is re-amplified.

• Most hearing aids whistle when not inserted properly. Reinsert the ComfortTIP™ into ear canal so it fits better.

• Lower the volume.

• If whistling occurs when you raise the volume, try using a closed ComfortTIP .

• If whistling occurs after trying a closed ComfortTIP , you might require more gain (volume) and should try the High Volume Kit (see page 18).

• Clean any wax or debris from tubing/tip and/or ear canal. Whistling will disappear when the condition is corrected.

30

• Trapped moisture may be distorting the amplified sounds. Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight.

• Make sure your CORE is turned on.

• Make sure battery is fresh and is inserted correctly (see page 8).

• Remove tubing from the CORE body and increase volume. If it whistles, your CORE is working and the tubing/tip needs to be cleaned or replaced.

.03 instrument has a weak or no sound.

note: If you're still having difficulty, please contact us at support@LifeEar.com

31

warranty and repairThe LifeEar®CORE is covered against defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days from the date you receive your order. If our examination determines 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 your CORE, such as physical shock, damage from moisture or sweat, excessive wax build-up, or tampering with the instrument, all of which void the warranty. (For added coverage, see page 22 for the MDShield™ Protection Plan.)

For Warranty or Repair Service, please contact us for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number, instructions and repair costs (if applicable).

For fastest service, e-mail: Or, call: 312-638-1301 support@LifeEar.com office hours: Monday to Friday,

8:30 am to 4:30 pm (CST).

32

RMA#MDHearingAidPO Box 5014Southfield, MI 48086

repair packaging guidelines

Do:

• Send ONLY the CORE Body

• Use a small padded envelope

• Write RMA number on the OUTSIDE of envelope

Don’t send:

• Carrying Case

• Packing materials

• Batteries or other accessories (unless otherwise instructed)

RMA # MDHearingAid PO Box 5014 Southfield, MI 48086

33

1-2021-4546+

90%100%

No Refund

80%80%

No Refund

amount refundeddays from invoice with RMA w/out RMA

return policyYour satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with your LifeEar®CORE, you have 45 days from the date of purchase to return it for a full refund.

LifeEar requires a minimum trial period of 21 days. This minimum trial period is required because medical studies show that your brain requires about three weeks to adjust to new hearing aids. Return requests prior to 21 days from date of invoice will incur a ten percent (10%) Early Return Fee.

All products MUST include a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number for proper processing. Products returned without a RMA number will incur a twenty percent (20%) No-RMA Fee.

note: We are unable to honor return requests after 45 days from the date of purchase as shown on your invoice.

34

RMA # MDHearingAid PO Box 5014 Southfield, MI 48086

return mailing address

important! Contact customer support for a RMA number before mailing to this address.

Please e-mail support@LifeEar.com for a RMA number and specific return instructions. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (a calendar day equals a business day). Or you may call Customer Service, 312-638-1301 Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Central Standard Time.

35

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.

• Pain or discomfort in the ear.

• Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days.

• Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 hertz (Hz), 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz.

• Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.

warnings

36

Stop using the LifeEar®CORE and consult a physician if:

• Hearing in one or both ears worsens.

• Hearing does not improve while using the CORE.

• Skin irritation develops in or around your ear canal.

• Your ear becomes occluded with excessive ear wax.

• You develop an infection of your ear or ear canal.

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.

A hearing aid will not restore normal hearing and will not prevent or improve a hearing impairment resulting from organic conditions. In most cases infrequent use of a hearing aid does not permit a user to attain full benefit from it. The use of hearing aids is only part of hearing rehabilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory training and instruction in lip reading.

37

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 a 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

important notice for users

38

dispensers now offer programs that permit you to wear a hearing aid for a period of time for a 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 (without prior consultation by an ear specialist) is not in your best health interest and its use is strongly discouraged.

Children with hearing lossThis product is not for use by anyone under 18 years of age. 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. Hearing loss may cause problems in language development, educational growth, 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.

39

Per FCC 15.19(a)(3) and (a)(4), this device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Radio Equipment Directive Information:The equipment operates in the ISM 2.4 GHz band (2.40 – 2.4835 GHz), using the Bluetooth™ SMART protocol, and the maximum RF Power transmitted in that band is -10.1 dBm EIRP.

Manufactured for LifeEar® by MDHearingAid®.

FCC regulations

40

technical specsMAX OSPL90 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 124 dBSPL

HF average OSPL90 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 119 dBSPL

HFA full-on-gain • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 40 dBSPL

THD • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 500 Hz 3%

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 800 Hz 1%

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1600 Hz 0%

Equivalent input noise • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 24 dB

Battery current drain • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0.90 mA

41

notice of cancellationYOU MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, WITHOUT ANY PENALTY OR OBLIGATION, WITHIN 45 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. IF YOU CANCEL, ANY PROPERTY TRADED IN, ANY PAYMENTS MADE BY YOU UNDER THE CONTRACT OR SALE LESS ANY NONREFUNDABLE RESTOCKING FEE, AND ANY NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT EXECUTED BY YOU WILL BE RETURNED WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING RECEIPT BY THE SELLER OF YOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE AND ALL MERCHANDISE PERTAINING TO THIS TRANSACTION, AND ANY SECURITY INTEREST ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTION WILL BE CANCELED. IF YOU CANCEL, YOU MUST RETURN TO THE SELLER, IN SUBSTANTIALLY AS GOOD CONDITION AS WHEN RECEIVED, ANY GOODS DELIVERED TO YOU UNDER THIS CONTRACT OR SALE. TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN NOTICE, OR SEND A TELEGRAM, TO MDHEARINGAID, PO BOX 5014, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48086 NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF THE 45TH DAY AFTER THE INITIAL TRANSACTION. “I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION,” SIGNED:

buyer’s signature date

42

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www.LifeEar.com10.17v