1. Speakers Notes: Welcome to Tools for Schools (TFS)
Speakers Notes: Welcome to Tools for Schools (TFS). The Tools for Schools program was created by Advanced Bionics in order to support children with cochlear implants in school. Understanding how a cochlear implants work, what to expect in a child using a cochlear implant, and troubleshooting the device are important to a child’s success. Visit Tools for Schools at for additional information and resources on supporting children with cochlear implants. 1

2. Using & Troubleshooting Cochlear Implants
Speakers Notes: The Harmony® HiResolution® Cochlear Implant System is designed for ease of use and effortless access to sound for everyday listening.
Name
Title
Using Troubleshooting_V3_Dec08

3. What you will learn today:
How to use and troubleshoot Advanced Bionics’ body worn sound processors.
How to use and troubleshoot Advanced Bionics’ behind the ear sound processors.
How to use FM systems and accessories with our sound processors
Speakers Notes: This presentation reviews using and troubleshooting the current Advanced Bionics cochlear implant system: The Harmony® Sound Processor and the Platinum Series® Processor. The goal is to help the viewer gain an understanding of the operation of these sound processors and provide tools to maximize a child’s access to sound in school.

4. ® Auria® Harmony® Sound Processor HiRes® 90K Bionic Ear SoundWave
Professional Suite
Platinum Series™
Speakers Notes: The current Advanced Bionics cochlear implant system includes the HiRes® 90K internal cochlear stimulator, the SoundWave™ programming software, and the body worn and ear level sound processors.

5. Sound Processors Evolution
Harmony®
Clarion® 1.0
Clarion® 1.2
S-Series®
Platinum Sound™
Processor
Platinum
BTE®
CII BTE®
HiRes®
Auria®
Speakers Notes: Sound processor technology has evolved to be simpler to use, smaller in size, and built with greater power. Advanced Bionics is a world leader in sound processor technology. This slide illustrates the history of Advanced Bionics processors from the first FDA approved processor available for clinical use , the Clarion® 1.2 (1996) to today’s technology, the Harmony® Sound Processor.

6. Harmony® Sound Processor
LED Indicator
Volume Control
Dual protection for water resistance
3-Slot Program Switch
Headpiece and Cable
Processor Microphone
Speakers Notes: The Harmony® Sound Processor is designed to be not only water resistant, but also highly durable. The monthly return rate for repair is 1.5 %. A child using any of the Advanced Bionics sound processors will benefit from consistent access to sound and limited time with their processor in repair. There are features to note which assist the specialist, care giver, and educator in system management: programmable telecoil, volume control, and program selector switch; LED status indicator light; earhooks for connectivity which go on in a snap; and a rechargeable battery which provides a full day of listening on a single charge.
Built-in Telecoil
Programmable Controls:
Telecoil
Volume Control
Program Position
T-Mic Earhook
Rechargeable Battery

7. Harmony® Sound Processor User Friendly Controls
Decrease
Increase
Decrease
Volume Control
Typically worn at 12:00
as shown by the dot
Increase
Speakers Notes: The volume control dial allows the user to adjust the loudness level of the incoming sound. It is typically set at the 12:00 position seen here. Turning the dial to the right increases loudness and turning it to the left will decrease loudness. Note: The audiologist can limit the range on the volume control so that the child doesn’t access sound which is too loud. This will be noted in the program details for each program setting.
Program Switch
3 slots
#1 on the “bottom step”

8. Harmony® Sound Processor: LED
Orange
Battery status
||| or ||||
Good battery
Low battery
|| || ||
Change battery
Green
Microphone status
Flickers green in response to loud sounds
Good
Indicates empty program slot suitable for performing microphone test
Red
Lock Status
| | | | | | | | (1 sec interval)
No lock
||||||||||||
Wrong implant linked
Processor error condition (remove and reinsert battery to reset)
Speakers Notes: The LED status indicator provides information on the processor battery, microphone, and lock (or communication) status. A few features are programmable to provide younger children and care givers with a few more options – low battery, change battery and microphone status. Basically, when a charged battery is placed on the Harmony® processor the battery charge status sequence will begin, the LED will respond with a series of orange flashes indicating the level of battery charge. Immediately following the battery charge status, the processor will attempt to establish “lock”, or communication, with the internal cochlear stimulator. You will note a flashing red light in one second intervals until lock is established. As soon as the implant is in place and a stable connection is set, the LED will become quiet. If the microphone status has been activated in the program, then in response to louder sounds the LED will flash green. Note that a solid light of any color requires the user or caregiver to troubleshoot or check the processor function.

9. Auria® Sound Processor Previous Generation
3-Slot Program Switch
Volume Control
Processor Microphone
Headpiece & Cable
Speakers Notes: The previous generation ear level sound processor is the Auria. Unlike the Harmony, the Auria does not have a status indicator light; however many other user features are similar: programmable volume control, three position program switch, and interchangeable earhooks. Like the Harmony, the Auria is highly durable with a monthly return rate of .79%. The rechargeable battery will provide 8-9 hours of use on a single charge with the PowerCel Slim or up to 16 hours with the PowerCel Plus.
Dual protection for water resistance
Rechargeable Battery
Programmable Controls:
Volume Control
Program Position

10. Auria® Sound Processor User-friendly Controls
Decrease
Volume Control
Typically worn at 12:00
as shown by the dot
Increase
Speakers Notes: Volume control and program switch have similar functions as with the Harmony. Again, the audiologist has the option to limit the volume control range for ease of use and prevent a user from over stimulation.
Program Switch
3 slots
#1 on the “bottom step”

11. Auria® Sound Processor FireFly™ Earhook*
Single Amber LED
(solid)
Good
| | | | | | | |
Troubleshoot
(no light)
Change battery
Speakers Notes: The FireFly earhook provides a mean by which to visually troubleshoot the Auria processor. This quickly snaps in place of the standard earhook. Information regarding battery and lock status are provided with this earhook.
*This earhook is ONLY compatible with the Auria processor

12. Auria® Sound Processor PowerPak*
Can be used instead of a PowerCel
Uses one AA battery and provides longer operating times before a battery change is required
Attaches to the student’s clothing
SPEAKER’S NOTES: An accessory which is available for the Auria processor is the AA PowerPak. This is a good backup power source should a student’s rechargeable battery run down during school hours. To attach the PowerPak, slide off the regular PowerCel and slide on the attachment for the PowerPak. The PowerPak will last about 24hours before a battery change in necessary.
*This option is ONLY compatible with the Auria processor

13. Using Ear Level Sound Processors
How do you turn the BTE on and off?
Placing the PowerCel on the processor turns the processor on
To turn the processor off, remove the PowerCel
Speakers Notes: None

14. BTE Processor Microphone Check
Harmony has a built in amplifier
Requires an open program position
Direct Connect System & headphones provides access to the processor microphone
Auria does not have a built-in amplifier
Direct Connect System and a RadioShack portable amplifier (speaker) provides access to the processor microphone
Speakers Notes: The Harmony has a unique built in amplifier to provide convenient access to the microphone for a listening check. An open program position is required in the Harmony to perform the microphone check and designated by a solid green light on the LED. This is programmed by the audiologist. If there is no solid green light on the LED for any of the program positions then you will not be able to perform the microphone check. The Direct Connect System (earhook & cable) are placed on the Harmony as shown in the above picture. The Microphone Listening Earphone is then plugged into the Jack on the Direct Connect System. Talk into the microphone and there should be a slightly amplified, but clear signal. There is no stimulation to the child during the microphone system check. Since the Auria does not have a built in amplifier, an portable amplifier will be required as indicated in the slide.

15. BTE Processor Making it easy for parents and school staff…
Speakers Notes: There are many accessories for the Harmony and Auria ear level sound processors to aid in troubleshooting and use. Visit for more information.
Earhooks go on in a snap
(regular and pediatric sizes)
iConnect
(Wireless FM)
Off-the-ear power options
(currently under development)

16. BTE Processor PowerCel Batteries
Rechargeable and environmentally friendly
Proprietary design for safety and longevity
10 second battery changes
Full listening day on a single charge
Harmony users report up to 50% increase in battery hours when upgrading from the Auria
Speakers Notes: None
PowerCel Slim™
PowerCel Plus™
* Battery hours with Harmony processor
Avg. 14 Hours*
Avg. 24 Hours*

17. BTE Processor Earhook Options
Speakers Notes: None
FireFly™
(Auria)
T-Mic
iConnect
Standard
Direct Connect

18. Platinum Sound™ Processor (PSP)
Cable
Sound Processor
Rechargeable battery
Speakers Notes: The Platinum Sound Processor has a modular design for easy use and troubleshooting. Like the Harmony, the PSP is highly durable with a monthly return rate for repairs of .93%. Note the integrated headpiece and microphone, nothing sits on the ear. The rechargeable battery will provide up to 14 hours of sound, enough for a full day at school on a single charge. The cable detaches for simple troubleshooting and maintenance.
Headpiece
(includes microphone, transmission coil,
and magnet)

19. Platinum Sound™ Processor Features
LED
Sensitivity
Program Switch
Speakers Notes: The controls for the PSP include 3 dials: a program switch, volume control and sensitivity control. The LED (light emitting diode) provides information on processor function and the status of communication between the processor and internal cochlear stimulator. Finally, a 3.5 mm auxiliary connector port is located to the side, just below the LED for access to audio input devices and FM Systems.
Auxiliary Connector
(on side of SP)
Volume
Jack for HP cable

20. Platinum Sound™ Processor Program Switch
Speakers Notes: The program switch has five positions: Off, P1, P2, P3, and Microphone Test Position. The three positions are independent and offer the option of multiple listening programs. The Off position will power the sound processor off. At this setting, no sound is transmitted to the child and the battery will not drain. The Microphone Test Position allows a caregiver or teacher to listen to the headpiece microphone. Plug the Microphone Tester Earphones into the 3.5 mm auxiliary connector port on the side of the PSP, turn the switch to the arrow and listen through the earphones while talking into the microphone on the headpiece. The Microphone should sound clear, but slightly amplified. The child will is stimulated with the program switch in the mic test position.
Microphone Tester
Earphones
Microphone Test
Position

21. Platinum Sound™ Processor Volume Control
12:00
Decrease
Increase
Speakers Notes: The volume control dial allows the user to adjust the loudness level of the incoming sound. It is typically set at the 12:00 position seen here. Turning the dial to the right increases loudness and turning it to the left will decrease loudness. Note: The audiologist can limit the range on the volume control so that the child doesn’t access sound which is too loud. This will be noted in the program details for each program setting.

22. Platinum Sound™ Processor Sensitivity Control
The sensitivity control knob determines the softest level of sound that the cochlear implant microphone will pick up.
12:00
Decreases
the microphone sensitivity
Increases
the microphone sensitivity
Speaker Notes: The sensitivity control dial determines the quietest level of sound that will be captured from the environment by the microphone. This also is typically set to 12:00. Like the volume control, turning the dial to the right will increase the sensitivity (allow the microphone to pick up softer sounds from farther away) and turning the dial to the left will decrease sensitivity (require that sound be closer to the listener to be heard).

23. Platinum Sound™ Processor Light Emitting Diode (LED) Indicator
The LED is used to indicate the following:
Battery charge status, then
Lock status, and finally,
Microphone system status
Speaker Notes: The Light Emitting Diode is a tool to monitor sound processor function and communication between the processor and internal cochlear stimulator. The primary functions of the LED are to indicate battery status, lock status (the communication link between the processor and ICS), and microphone system status.

24. LED Indicator Battery Status
(3-4 quick blinks)
Battery charge status is good
(2 quick blinks)
Battery is sufficiently charged to power the system
(1 quick blink)
Battery is nearly depleted and should be replaced
||| or |||| || |
Speaker Notes: This chart explains the visual indicator for battery status. When the PSP is turned on, the LED will flash red in one of the above patterns to indicate battery charge.

25. LED Indicator Battery Status
Lock Status
Information regarding the communication link between the sound processor and internal cochlear stimulator
After the battery charge sequence the LED will continue to flash red once per second until the headpiece is over the internal implant and communication with the internal device is established.
Speakers Notes: Once the battery charge status sequence has completed, the sound processor will begin searching for successful communication to the internal cochlear stimulator (ICS). The LED will begin to flash red in one second intervals. Once communication is established, i.e. the headpiece is in place and the processor is on, the LED should stop flashing. A microphone status check then can be done.

26. LED Indicator Microphone System Status
Indicates the microphone is picking up sound and transmitting to the internal cochlear stimulator
After the battery and lock status sequences the LED should flash green to loud speech
Speakers Notes: After the battery and lock status sequence the LED should flash green to loud speech. If the LED does not flash green to loud speech, the microphone is not picking up sound as it should and troubleshooting is necessary.
Microphone System Status- indicates the microphone is picking up sound and transmitting to the internal device.

27. LED Indicator IntelliLink™ Implant ID Safety Feature
A feature to assure that the correct processor and implant are being connected
A rapidly blinking red light indicates:
Wrong processor
In rare instanced, that there is a processor error condition
Speakers Notes: Intellilink checks the implant ID and verifies that the processor programmed for that implant is being placed on the ear.

28. Platinum Sound™ Processor Audible Alarm
Optional feature designed primarily for children
Alerts the caregiver or teachers when the system:
is not transmitting sound to the implant
beeps once each second until proper lock status is achieved OR
the battery is near depletion
slow beeping tone until the battery dies or is replaced
**Only available on the PSP
Speakers Notes: This is an optional feature specific to the PSP. When enabled, the audible alarm alerts the care giver or specialist to troubleshoot the implant system. In general, lock has been lost for one of the following reasons:
1. Head piece has fallen off
2. Sound is no longer transmitting to the internal cochlear stimulator
3. Battery is near depletion
4. Cable is no longer connected: due to loose connection or frayed wire
Not all students will have this feature activated. The audible alarm is something the student’s programming audiologist can turn on during mapping.

29. Platinum Sound™ Processor Battery Pack
An alternative battery source that is powered by 3 AA batteries
Speakers Notes: The power source for the PSP and S Series processors is a custom designed rechargeable lithium ion battery. The battery slides on and is held in place by a latch. It will provide power to the processor for about 8 hours, however, length of battery life differs for each patient. The AA Battery pack is an alternative battery pack that is powered by 3 AA batteries. This is a great backup power source to have on hand in the classroom in case a student’s rechargeable battery dies.

30. System Sensor*
Verify’s communication link between speech processor and internal stimulator
Green LED
Orange LED
Outcome On
System OK
Blinking
Troubleshoot
Off
Replace battery prior to further troubleshooting
Sensor needs replacing
Speakers Notes: The System Sensor is a tool to verify that a signal is transmitting from the headpiece to the internal cochlear stimulator. This tool is intended for use with the all of the Advanced Bionics sound processors except the Harmony.
*This device does NOT work with the Harmony due to the built-in LED

31. Sound Processor Placement & Device Check
Platinum Sound™ Processor
Harmony® Processor
1. Processor
Verify battery charge
Turn down the Volume
Set sensitivity to user position
Set program selector to “On”
Turn down the volume
Select the appropriate program
Speakers Notes: None

32. Platinum Sound™ Processor
Harmony® Processor
2. Establish communication
Set headpiece in place
Select the appropriate program
Verify lock
3. Turn up the volume (12:00)
4. Check the microphone
5. Behavioral listening check
3. Turn up the volume (12:00)
Speakers Notes: None

33. Behavioral Listening Check
Purpose:
Confirm that the child has access to meaningful sound with the cochlear implant
Tools:
Working cochlear implant system
Age appropriate materials
Acoustic Screen
Ling Six Sound instructions
Documentation:
Establish a baseline
Chart progress
Speakers Notes: Once the cochlear implant system is verified for function and communication between the processor and internal cochlear stimulator is established, a check of the child’s hearing with the implant is necessary. This is accomplished with a behavioral listening check. Listening checks should be done daily and after troubleshooting the device. Assessment tools for the listening check are available at or .

34. Troubleshooting Keys to Success: Access support: on-line & on-call
Keep tools on hand
Daily listening checks
Speakers Notes: None

35. Troubleshooting the Sound Processor
When the child stops responding to sound as expected:
Visually inspect the student’s equipment
Verify processor settings
Check the battery status using the LED
Speakers Notes: If you suspect that your student is not hearing well, do the following:
1. Visually inspect the student’s equipment: battery position, cord connections and status, headpiece status
2. Verify that the processor is set to the correct program and volume
3. Verify battery, lock, and mic status utilizing the LED indicator

36. Troubleshooting the BTE Processor
What can you do to troubleshoot the sound processor?
Change the battery
Replace the integrated headpiece cable
Listen to the microphone
Reminder: the processor must be set to an empty program slot
Harmony – use microphone tester headphones
Auria – use RadioShack speaker
**If the microphone is faulty, plug in the auxiliary microphone to provide a different sound source
Speakers Notes: None

37. Troubleshooting the PSP
What can you do to troubleshoot the sound processor?
Use the LED sequence to determine what the problem may be
Change the battery
Change the cable
Listen to the headpiece microphone with the microphone tester earphone -change the headpiece if warranted
Plug in the auxiliary microphone to provide a different source for microphone pick up
Speakers Notes: None

38. FM Systems
Frequency modulated (FM) systems are composed of a teacher-worn transmitter (microphone) and a receiver worn by or positioned close to the child
Teacher’s voice is captured by the transmitter (via the microphone) and sent wirelessly to the receiver via radio waves
An FM system brings the teacher’s voice directly to the student and is designed to:
Improve listening in noisy, reverberant classrooms
Overcome the problems of listening at a distance
Microphone
Transmitter
Speakers Notes: Children are developing auditory skills (auditory memory, listening in noise, attention) well into their teen years. For this reason, consistent access to the classroom teacher’s voice is important for optimal academic achievement. In addition to managing the classroom acoustically, we can improve the child’s access to sound by use of an FM system. The Harmony and Platinum Sound Processors have several convenient FM receiver options to connect into an FM system.
Receiver

39. FM Systems Receiver Options
Platinum Series Processor (PSP)
Speakers Notes: Note that the addition of interface cables and a receiver to the sound processor may mean the addition of controls and batteries which need to be monitored along with the processor.

40. FM Systems: Receiver Options
Harmony or Auria BTE Processor
MyLink receiver accessed by:
iConnect adapter with Phonak receiver
Harmony
internal T-coil
Auria
external T-coil
Speaker’s Notes: There are several convenient options to connect to an FM system with the Advanced Bionics sound processors.
Direct Connect earhook and cable with Phonak receiver
T-mic earhook and regular headphones with box receiver

41. FM systems iConnect adapter
Cable-free connectivity to standard Phonak 3-prong receivers
No compromise in PowerCel operating time
Uses one ZeniPower Zinc-Air Size 10 battery (available from Advanced Bionics)
Averages hours of battery life
Speakers Notes: The iConnect offers a wireless light-weight option for standard Phonak receivers. There is no compromise in operating time as the iConnect has it’s own battery source, ZeniPower Zinc-Air Size 10 battery, which is available through customer service at Note confirm receiver setting with the audiologist, for example the Phonak MLxS should be set to the single dot position during operation.

42. FM & Assistive Listening Devices Direct Connection
Only use with battery-operated devices
Processor connects to audio input cable to device
Platinum Series Processor (PSP)
Use the auxiliary input jack (on the side of PSP)
Harmony or Auria BTE Processor
Use the Direct Connect earhook and cable
Audio Interface Cable
Speakers Notes: The Direct Connect System provides a wired connection between the audio input device, i.e. FM receiver, and the sound processor.
Note: Never plug the direct connect into a battery powered device. There a few considerations for using the Direct Connect:
Jack size compatibility: All current sound processors from Advanced Bionics utilize a 3.5mm Jack size
Mono vs. Stereo Issues:
1. All body worn processors accept mono input
2. All BTE processors accept stereo input
Don’t plug a mono cable into a stereo jack due to potential damage to your audio appliance.
Plugging a stereo plug in a mono jack may result in sub-optimal performance.

43. FM & Direct Connect
Speakers Notes: These are examples of an FM Receiver connect to the Harmony on the left with the Direct Connect Earhook and Cable; and on the right utilizing the built in Auxiliary Input Jack on the PSP.

44. Direct Connect
Speakers Notes: The Direct Connect System can also be used to connect to MP3 players, battery powered laptop computers, cell phones, and portable gaming systems.

45. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) T-Mic® Earhook for natural connectivity
Headphones
Computer lab
Music players
Telephones and cell phones
Just hold up to the ear in a natural position
Speakers Notes: The T-Mic offers a natural way to access sound. As an auxiliary microphone which snaps onto the ear level processor, the position of the T-Mic takes advantage of the acoustic properties inherent in the pinna: enhanced access to speech in noise and directionality. Sound is collected by the T-Mic at the opening of the ear canal; therefore headphones, earbuds, and wireless cell phone receivers can be used without special connectors or wires. A a student wearing the T-mic can access sound like everyone else does!

46. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) T-coil
Harmony (internal) / Auria (external)
Requires program set up by the audiologist
Audio Mixing
Connect to:
Neckloop Receiver
Silhouette/induction earhook(s)
Binaural Considerations
Speakers Notes: With an active T-Coil in the Harmony or as an external T-Coil on the Auria, a student can easily access FM. A growing use of this option in the field is with students who have bilateral Harmony processors. To discuss this option, contact an audiologist at Advanced Bionics at

47. Summary
When troubleshooting, it is important to start simple then progress
There are many options for your student to connect with our system
Should you need additional support do not hesitate to contact our On-Call support staff
Monday-Friday 5 am – 5 pm PST
Don’t forget to go to for more information
Speakers Notes: Call to speak to an audiologist or go online to view resources and information.

48. Questions and Discussion….
Speakers Notes: None
Questions and Discussion….