Life 500 | User manual | Introducing Siemens Explorer 500 P.

Introducing Siemens Explorer 500 P.

The dedicated pediatric hearing instrument that brings sound to life.

Audiologist and Hearing Care Professional Information.

www.siemens.com/hearing

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Sound envelops children and connects them to their world. Sound soothes them to sleep and stirs them out of bed.

Sound piques their curiosity and helps them discover. Sound makes childhood the wonderland that it is. Explorer brings sound to life. So children can experience their world to the fullest.

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One instrument. Many stages.

Siemens Explorer TM , a new dedicated pediatric instrument from Siemens, lets kids experience all the priceless moments of childhood. Designed exclusively for a child’s lifestyle, Explorer offers the features that kids need to stay connected to their world. Packed with the latest hearing technology, fully compatible with most FM systems, and easily upgradeable, it is the ideal hearing instrument for infants, toddlers, and teens alike.

Explorer is very versatile. It can be adjusted to match the age specific needs of all kids, and it uses the most recent research to define age appropriate settings.

Siemens supported studies focused on pediatrics from researchers like

Ruth Bentler (University of Iowa, USA) and Teresa Ching (National Acoustics

Laboratory, Australia). These studies explored topics such as the use of noise reduction systems and directional microphone systems with children 1, 2 .

Explorer is the first pediatric hearing instrument to incorporate the findings of these studies.

Flexible enough to adapt to the constantly changing needs of growing children and sensitive enough to meet the requirements of infants, Explorer empowers children to explore their world through all the stages of childhood.

1. R. Bentler, PhD; D. Stiles, PhD; B. Kirby, PhD; “Impact of Digital Noise Reduction on Pediatric Performance.”

Presentation at NHS 2008, Como, Italy.

2. TYC Ching, PhD; H. Dillon, PhD; AO O’Brien, PhD;

L. Hartley, PhD; D. Hartley, PhD; G. Racevich, PhD;

“Does directional microphone technology in hearing aids benefit young children in real life?” Presentation at NHS 2008, Como, Italy.

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Expert tested tough.

Explorer is ready for the rough and tumble world of childhood. Equipped with a host of safety features, it is one the safest hearing instruments available for children.

Explorer is nanocoated to repel dirt and grease. This coating helps the instrument retain its sheen even after extended use.

Beneath the surface, the tough housing protects the instrument from bumps and drops. So parents can breathe easy, knowing that their child can’t take the instrument apart.

Every Explorer instrument comes with a small undamped pediatric earhook, designed specifically for babies and younger kids. It’s easy to screw on but difficult to screw off. So babies can’t take it off the instrument. Explorer’s rugged push button gives fingertip access to all its program modes. It has a rounded cover and cannot be bitten or chewed off. While older kids can easily switch the instrument on or off and change instrument modes using the push button, babies and toddlers can’t.

Explorer also features a baby-safe battery door lock to prevent children from pulling out the battery. The battery door uses a metal pin locking mechanism that’s capable of withstanding more than 20 N of force, so children can’t open it. But parents can easily open the battery door using a small screwdriver.

Designed to withstand a child’s curiosity and built to last, Explorer is well prepared for the crib, school, and playground.

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Tek gives teens fingertip control of all their favorite audio devices. So they can stay in tune with their world. Wirelessly.

Sounds like teen spirit.

The teen years are all about independence.

And with Explorer’s Tek ™ option, teenagers can truly enjoy the freedom of wireless connectivity. The Tek wireless enhancement lets them stream audio content, in true stereo, from mobile phones, MP3 players, televisions, and other audio sources directly to their hearing instruments.

The Tek package consists of the versatile

Tek Connect remote control and the

Tek Transmitter Bluetooth adapter. They come pre-paired, so kids can quickly and easily transform an ordinary audio source into a high fidelity Bluetooth wireless system.

With Tek, teens can enjoy unmatched wireless connectivity within a range of

40 feet (10 meters). Unlike conventional

Bluetooth systems that have noticeable transmission delays, Tek’s proprietary

Bluetooth protocol, developed by

Siemens, provides disturbance-free listening with exceptionally low transmission delays. For even greater convenience, wearers can connect their

MP3 players and other portable devices directly to the remote control, using the included 2.5 mm stereo input, and enjoy wireless connectivity on the go. Tek gives kids the power to transform their hearing instruments into precision-paired high performance stereo headphones. So they can truly be one with their world.

Mobile Music Television

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A little wonder for little wonders.

Explorer may be small, but it can make a big difference. Packed with the latest hearing technology, and fully compatible with all popular FM systems, Explorer offers proven and patented technologies to enhance development in children with hearing loss. Equipped with 8 compression channels with 4 handles, a dedicated speech-in-noise management system, automatic adaptive microphone,

FeedbackBlocker ™ , and a host of other features, it is truly a prodigy.

Programmable volume control with power-off functionality

The transparent volume control wheel with end stop has clear markings to visually indicate the current volume level.

Programmable push button

Explorer’s rugged baby-proof programmable push button gives fingertip access to all its programs.

LED visual status indicator

The LED indicates the status of the instrument. The convenient positioning of the LED lets parents and teachers check the instrument without removing it from the child’s ear.

Robust screw-on earhook

The undamped pediatric earhook is easy to screw on, but hard to unscrew, so babies can’t take it off.

Water-resistant nanocoating

Resistant to dirt and humidity. The nanocoating repels dirt and moisture to prevent corrosion inside the housing.

Baby-safe battery door

The battery door lock resists forces of more than 20 N, which is equivalent to the weight of more than 4.4 lbs

(2 kg) pulling on the battery compartment. It’s virtually impossible for infants and toddlers to open.

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Audio shoe

1. Metal pin increases locking force.

2. Hole inside housing for metal pin.

The audio shoe enables direct audio connection. It is compatible with most FM systems and provides an excellent signal-to-noise ratio for learning in school or at home .

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1. Open the battery compartment.

2. Lift the audio input cover and close the battery compartment.

3. Place the gold contacts of the audio shoe against the audio input contacts of Explorer and rotate the audio shoe forward until it clicks into place.

4. To remove the audio shoe, rotate the audio shoe in the opposite direction and close the audio input cover of Explorer.

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Does everything but homework.

8-channel compression system

More channels mean greater flexibility.

With direct access to 48 compression ratios and 16 compression kneepoints in

8 compression channels, you can precisely match a child’s targets and map the sounds of life into the child’s residual dynamic range.

Multichannel output limiting

Explorer’s 8-channel output limiting system allows you to precisely match frequency specific Maximum Power Output (MPO) targets in order to prevent uncomfortable loudness. And Explorer’s unique output limiting system, best described as a smart combination of a multichannel Automatic

Gain Control-Output (AGC-O) and a broadband AGC-O, automatically accounts for the loudness summation effect.

This means broadband sounds have lower uncomfortable levels (UCL) than narrowband sounds.

Up to 85 dB real ear insertion gain

Little ears need small hearing instruments, but also lots of power. Explorer offers up to 85 dB real ear insertion gain for infants 1 .

With the perfect balance between size and power, Explorer is versatile enough to fit kids of all ages. Moreover, in cases where hearing loss increases with age, kids and parents don’t have to worry about finding a new instrument every time a change is detected. Explorer’s amplification and power can be easily increased to match the new level.

Extended frequency range

High frequency speech sounds are important for speech understanding and clarity. Clinical studies indicate that hearing instruments with extended frequency range may improve speech understanding and language acquisition of hearing impaired children

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. So we designed Explorer with an extended frequency range of 100 – 7100 Hz, which allows children to hear words more distinctly and supports language acquisition.

Direct audio input with speech activated FM

Nothing connects kids to school better than the Direct Audio Input (DAI). This empowering technology literally brings a teacher or parent’s voice directly into a child’s little ears. It lets kids follow everything the teacher says in school, and it delivers the voice of parents to infants with hearing loss. Fully compatible with virtually all FM transmitters used in schools, the Direct Audio Input feature lets kids of all ages establish dedicated audio connections with parents, teachers, and other caregivers. In addition, Explorer’s unique “Speech activated FM” feature allows fully automatic operation of the

DAI. When Explorer detects speech coming from the FM system, it quickly and automatically switches to the FM setting.

If no FM signal is received, Explorer automatically activates the microphone.

1. 136 dB maximum output and 73 dB maximum gain in 2 ccm coupler (ANSI S3.22).

2. Stelmachowicz PG, Lewis DE, Choi S, Hoover B. “Effect of stimulus bandwidth on auditory skills in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired children.” Ear Hear. 2007

Aug; 28(4): 483–94.

Automatic situation detection

Kids should be aware of their surroundings.

At all times. So we equipped Explorer with an automatic situation detection feature that classifies different environments based on the sounds present. It controls the noise reduction and directional microphone system to appropriately amplify ambient sounds. If speech is present, it is given priority. However, no sounds are completely suppressed because other surrounding sounds – like the honking of an approaching car – are also very important for the development of the auditory system and the child’s awareness.

Audibility focused speech and noise management

Designed to support language acquisition skills in children, Explorer’s advanced audibility focused speech and noise management technology intuitively processes sounds to deliver a natural hearing experience. This technology makes speech audible even in noisy environments without completely eliminating surrounding sounds.

So children always hear what is said to them, and also discover new sounds around them.

Automatic directional microphone system

Kids replicate words they hear. The more words they hear, the faster they learn. Explorer’s automatic directional microphone system is particularly useful for pre-school and school-aged children.

It helps them focus better and hear clearly, enabling them to develop language skills faster. To fulfill the specific needs of all age groups, the microphone system can be set to omni directional, static directional, adaptive directional and automatic. In the automatic mode,

Explorer only activates directivity when speech in noise is detected. At other times directivity is disabled to support incidental learning.

FeedbackBlocker with acoustic fingerprint technology

Children are quick to make associations.

So, if a loving hug from a parent triggers feedback, it can cause the child to shy away. But with Explorer’s built-in

FeedbackBlocker that’s not a problem.

This automatic system quickly and reliably detects feedback signals, eliminating them before they become audible.

So kids and their parents can have affectionate moments without worrying about feedback.

eWindscreen

A soothing burst of autumn breeze shouldn’t sound like a tornado. That’s why Explorer has eWindscreen installed.

The advanced eWindscreen lets children experience the sensory pleasure of playing in the wind without having to worry about bothersome over-amplified wind noise.

Hearing programs

Life doesn’t always sound the same.

Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s bustling and noisy. To match the various situations in life, Explorer is equipped with up to five individual hearing programs. School children can quickly adjust their instruments to “audio shoe” mode to follow a lecture in class, and then switch back to “universal” mode to enjoy the hullabaloo of recess. ClinicalFit ™ , the pediatric fitting workflow, offers a variety of additional program presets that can be optimized to match the needs of different age groups.

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A unique sticker book that’s full of colorful and lively stickers shaped to fit the outside of the instrument is also available with

Explorer. So kids can personalize their Explorer instruments with superheroes or footballs or flowers. They can choose from over 40 imaginative designs.

A perfect fit for childhood.

The new fitting software, Connexx 6.0, with the pediatric ClinicalFit workflow makes fitting kids a breeze. In fact, it’s probably easier than getting them to try new clothes. The new fitting software and

ConnexxLink ™ , a wireless programming device, free the fitting process from cumbersome wire connections. So kids can be kids. And while they fiddle and fidget, the fitting workflow lets you accurately program the instruments for the best possible fit.

ClinicalFit ClinicalFit

Connexx fitting software provides a unique tool for adding efficiency to your pediatric clinical workflow.

ClinicalFit is specially designed to match your measurement preferences and fitting protocol. Kids are always on the go, and

ClinicalFit lets you manage the pace.

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It’s all a kid needs.

Features

Pediatric BTE hearing system for moderate to severe hearing losses

Baby-safe battery door

Nanocoated housing

Programmable end-stop VC with clear markings and power-off functionality

Programmable push button for program selection, standby, and FM mode

8 channel AGC-I and AGC-O

FeedbackBlocker

Audibility focused speech and noise management

DAI with Speech activated FM

High performance directional microphone (static, automatic, and adaptive)

SoundSmoothing eWindscreen

T-Coil (manual and automatic)

Battery type 13

Fitting & Programming

ClinicalFit: Dedicated pediatric software supports fitting workflow (DSL v5, RECD etc.)

Up to 5 individual programs for microphone, audio shoe, T-coil, and/or Bluetooth

Alerting tones for low battery voltage and program change

Options

Visual status indicator (LED)

16 colors (including transparent colors, baby pink, and baby blue)

Compatible with ConnexxLink (wireless programming system)

Accessories

Audio shoe

Pediatric ear hook with 680 Ohm damper

Pediatric ear hook with 1.5 kOhm damper

Eyeglass adapter

ProPocket remote control wireless connection to audio devices

Decorative stickers

Teen kit

A rainbow of choices.

Explorer comes in 16 playful colors to appeal to a wide range of tastes. And it’s easy to change colors. So the look never gets stale.

The Charles D. Earworm display lets you organize and present all the colors at once.

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Kids rule.

They fill the world with joy and happiness. They create sounds and ideas that we haven’t heard before. They define imagination and embody inspiration. They are your patients. The leaders, scholars, and explorers of tomorrow. And with Explorer, they can now enjoy a life that sounds superb.

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The information in this document contains general descriptions of the technical options available, which do not always have to be present in individual cases and are subject to change without prior notice.

The required features should therefore be specified in each individual case at the time of conclusion of the respective contract.

© 04.2008 Siemens AG

Order No. A91SAT-00415-99C1-7600

Printed in Germany

104300/12459 04083.

Siemens

Audiologische Technik GmbH

Gebbertstrasse 125

91058 Erlangen

Germany

Phone +49 9131 308-0