Phonak Vitus+

RIC
User Guide
This user guide is valid for:

Wireless model CE mark applied

Phonak Vitus+ RIC-312T 2018
Your hearing aid details

If no box is checked and you do not know the

model of your hearing aid, please ask your hearing
care professional.

Model Battery size

c Vitus+ RIC-312T 312

Earpiece
c Dome
c SlimTip
c cShell

Your hearing care professional:

3
Your hearing aids have been developed by Phonak – the
world leader in hearing solutions based in Zurich,
Switzerland.

These premium products are the result of decades of

research and expertise and are designed to keep you
connected to the beauty of sound! We thank you for
making such a great choice and wish you many years of
listening pleasure.

Please read the user guide carefully to make sure that you
understand and get the best out of your hearing aids. For
more information about features and benefits, simply
contact your hearing care professional.

Phonak - life is on
www.phonak.com

4
Contents

Your hearing aid

1. Quick guide 6
2. Parts of the hearing aid 8
Using the hearing aid
3. Left & right hearing aid markings 10
4. On/Off 11
5. Batteries 12
6. Putting on the hearing aid 14
7. Removing the hearing aid 15
8. Push button 16
Further Information
9 . Care and maintenance 17
10. Exchanging the earwax protection 20
11. Service and warranty 26
12. Compliance information 28
13. Information and description of symbols 30
14. Troubleshooting 34
15. Important safety information 36

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1. Quick guide
Left & right hearing aid markings

Blue marking for left hearing aid.

Red marking for right hearing aid.

Changing batteries

1 2 3

Remove the Open the Place battery in

sticker from the battery door. the battery door
new battery and with the “+” symbol
wait two minutes. facing upwards.

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On/Off
On Off

Push button

The push button on your hearing aid

can either be volume or program
change depending on the hearing aid
programming.
The function for your hearing aid
is indicated in your individual
instructions.

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2. Parts of the hearing aid
The pictures below show the models described in this user
guide. You can identify your personal model by:
• Checking “Your hearing aid details” on page 3.
• Or comparing your hearing aid with the following
shown models. Pay attention to the shape of the
hearing aid.

Possible earpieces

Dome SlimTip cShell

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Vitus+ RIC-312T

Tube Push button

Anchor (optional) Battery door

Speaker (without earpiece attached)

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3. Left & right hearing aid markings

1
Open the battery door. To do
this, pull down on the ridge at
the bottom of the hearing aid.

2
There is a red or blue marking inside the battery door and
on the speaker. This will tell you if it is a left or a right
hearing aid.

Blue marking for left hearing aid.

Red marking for right hearing aid.

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4. On/Off

The battery door is also the on/off switch.

1
Closed battery door =
hearing aid is on

2
Open battery door =
hearing aid is off

When you switch on the hearing aid you may hear a

start-up melody.

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5. Batteries

1 2 3
Remove the Open the Place battery in
sticker from the battery door. the battery door
new battery and with the “+”
wait two minutes. symbol facing
upwards.

If it is difficult to close the battery door:

Check that the battery is inserted correctly and the
“+” symbol is facing the “+” label inside the battery
compartment. If the battery is not inserted
correctly, the hearing aid will not work and the
battery door can be damaged.

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 Low power: You will hear two beeps when the battery
is low. You will have approximately 30 minutes to
change the battery (this can vary, depending on the
hearing aid settings and battery). We recommend that
you always have a new battery on hand.

Replacement battery
This hearing aid requires a size 312 zinc-air battery.

Model Zinc-air Color IEC ANSI

battery marking on code code
Phonak Vitus+ size package
RIC-312T 312 brown PR41 7002ZD

Please ensure you use the correct type of battery in

your hearing aids (zinc-air). Please also read chapter
15.2 for further information on product safety.

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6. Putting on the hearing aid

1
Place the hearing aid behind
your ear.

2
Insert the earpiece into your
ear canal.

3
If there is an anchor attached
to the earpiece, tuck it into
the bowl of your ear to secure
your hearing aid.

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7. Removing the hearing aid

1
Pull on the bend of the tube
and remove the hearing aid
from behind the ear.

In very rare cases, your earpiece can remain in your

ear canal when removing the hearing aid from the
ear. In the unlikely case that the earpiece does get
stuck in your ear canal, it is strongly recommended
to see a medical specialist for safe removal.

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8. Push button

The push button on your

hearing aid can have
various functions or is not
active. This depends on
the programming of the
hearing aid, which is
indicated in your
individual “Hearing aid
instructions”. Please ask
your hearing care
professional for this
printout.

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9. Care and maintenance

Diligent and routine care of your hearing aid contributes

to outstanding performance and a long service life.

Please use the following specifications as a guideline.

Further information regarding product safety, see
chapter 15.2.

General information
Before using hair spray or applying cosmetics, you should
remove your hearing aid from your ear, because these
products may damage it.

When you are not using your hearing aid, leave the
battery door open so that any moisture can evaporate.
Make sure that you always completely dry your hearing
aid after use. Store the hearing aid in a safe, dry and
clean place.

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Your hearing aids are resistant to water, sweat and dust
under the following conditions:
• The battery door is fully closed. Ensure that no foreign
object such as hair is caught in the battery door when it
is closed.
• After exposure to water, sweat or dust, the hearing aid
is cleaned and dried.
• The hearing aid is used and maintained as described in
this user guide.

Hearing aids with the design-integrated Roger

receiver are also water resistant.

Hearing aids with an audio shoe and Roger X are

not water resistant.

Use of your hearing aid around water can restrict

air flow to the batteries causing it to stop working.
Should your hearing aid stop working after coming
into contact with water, refer to the
troubleshooting steps in chapter 14.

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Daily
Inspect the earpiece for earwax and moisture deposits.
Clean the surfaces with a lint-free cloth or use the small
brush provided in the hearing aid hard case. Never use
cleaning agents such as household detergents, soap, etc.
for cleaning your hearing aid. It is not recommended to
rinse with water. If you need to clean your hearing aid
intensively, ask your hearing care professional for advice
and information on filters or drying capsules.

Weekly
Clean the earpiece with a soft, damp cloth or with a
special cleaning cloth for hearing aids. For more in depth
maintenance instructions or for more than basic cleaning,
please see your hearing care professional.

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10. Exchanging the earwax
protection

Your hearing aid is equipped with an earwax protection to

protect the speaker from earwax damage.

Please check the earwax protector regularly and exchange

it if it looks dirty or if the hearing aid volume or sound
quality is reduced. The earwax protection should be
replaced every four to eight weeks.

10.1 Removing the earpiece from the speaker

1
Remove the earpiece from the
speaker by holding the speaker
in one hand and the earpiece in
the other.

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 2
Gently pull on the earpiece
to remove.

3
Clean the speaker with a
lint-free cloth.

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10.2 Exchanging the earwax protection
1
Insert the removal side of the
exchange tool into the used
earwax protector. The shaft
of the holder should touch the
rim of the earwax protector.

2
Carefully pull and remove
the earwax protector straight
out of the speaker. Please do
not twist the earwax protector
when removing.

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 3
To insert the new earwax
protector, gently push the
insertion side of the exchange
tool straight into the hole of the
speaker until the outer ring is
perfectly aligned.

4
Pull the tool straight out.
The new earwax protector will
remain in place. Now attach
your earpiece to the speaker.

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10.3 Attaching the earpiece to the speaker
1
Hold the speaker in one hand
and the earpiece in the other.

2
Slide the earpiece over the
speaker sound outlet.

3
The speaker and the earpiece
should fit perfectly together.

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25
11. Service and warranty

Local warranty
Please ask the hearing care professional, where you
purchased your hearing aid, about the terms of the
local warranty.

International warranty
Sonova AG offers a one year limited international
warranty, valid starting from the date of purchase.
This limited warranty covers manufacturing and
material defects in the hearing aid itself, but not
accessories such as batteries, tubes, earmolds,
external receivers. The warranty only comes into
force if a proof of purchase is shown.

The international warranty does not affect any legal

rights that you might have under applicable national
legislation governing sale of consumer goods.

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Warranty limitation
This warranty does not cover damage from improper
handling or care, exposure to chemicals or undue stress.
Damage caused by third parties or non-authorized service
centers renders the warranty null and void. This warranty
does not include any services performed by a hearing care
professional in their office.

Serial number Authorized hearing care

(left side): professional (stamp/signature):

Serial number
(right side):

Date of purchase:

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12. Compliance information

Europe:
Declaration of Conformity
Hereby Sonova AG declares that this product meets the
requirements of the Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC
as well as the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity can be
obtained from the manufacturer or the local Phonak
representative whose address can be taken from the list
on www.phonak.com (Phonak worldwide locations).

Australia/New Zealand:
Indicates a device’s compliance with applicable
Radio Spectrum Management’s (RSM) and
Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA) regulatory arrangements for the legal sale
in New Zealand and Australia.
The compliance label R-NZ is for radio products
supplied in the New Zealand market under
conformity level A1.

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Radio information of your wireless hearing aid
Antenna type Integrated ferrite coil
antenna (inductive)
Operation frequency 10.6 MHz
Occupied bandwidth approx. 500 kHz
(99% BW)
Modulation DQPSK
Channel Single channel radio
Operating range 18 cm (7”)
Use case Streaming of audio or
command signal to
receiving hearing aid on
the other ear
Magnetic field strength -25 dBµA/m
@ 10 m

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13. Information and description
of symbols

With the CE symbol, Sonova AG confirms that this

product – including accessories – meets the
requirements of the Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EEC as well as the Radio Equipment
Directive 2014/53/EU. The numbers after the
CE symbol correspond to the code of certified
institutions that were consulted under the
above-mentioned directives.

This symbol indicates that the products described

in these user instructions adhere to the
requirements for an applied part of Type B of EN
60601-1. The surface of the hearing aid is
specified as an applied part of Type B.

Indicates the medical device manufacturer, as

defined in EU Directive 93/42/EEC.

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This symbol indicates that it is important for the
user to read and take into account the relevant
information in these user guides.

This symbol indicates that it is important for the

user to pay attention to the relevant warning
notices in these user guides.

Important information for handling and

product safety.

During transportation keep dry.

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Operating The product is designed such that it functions
conditions
without problems or restrictions if used as
intended, unless otherwise noted in these user
guides. The hearing aids are classified IP68 (depth
of 1 meter for 60 minutes) and designed to be
used in all daily life situations. Therefore you do
not have to worry about getting the hearing
aids exposed to a rain shower or sweat. However,
the hearing aid is not intended to be used in
water activities that includes chlorinated water,
soap, salt water or other liquids with a
chemical content.

Indicates the manufacturer’s serial number so that

a specific medical device can be identified.

Indicates the manufacturer’s catalogue number so

that the medical device can be identified.

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Temperature during transportation and storage:
–20° to +60° Celsius (–4° to +140° Fahrenheit).

Humidity during transportation: Up to 90% (non

condensing).
Humidity during storage: 0% to 70%, if not in use.
See instruction in chapter 15.2 regarding drying
the hearing aid after use.

Atmospheric pressure: 200 hPA to 1500 hPa

The symbol with the crossed-out garbage

bin is to make you aware that this hearing
aid may not be thrown away as normal household
waste. Please dispose of old or unused hearing
aids, at waste disposal sites intended for electronic
waste, or give your hearing aid to your hearing
care professional for disposal. Proper disposal
protects the environment and health.

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14. Troubleshooting

Problem Causes
Hearing aid not functioning Dead battery
Blocked speaker/earpiece
Battery not inserted correctly
Hearing aid switched off

Hearing aid whistles Hearing aid not inserted correctly

Earwax in ear canal
Hearing aid not loud enough Volume too loud
or distorted Low battery
Speaker/earpiece blocked
Volume too low
Hearing has changed
Hearing aid plays two beeps Indication for low battery
Hearing aid switches on & off Moisture on battery or
(intermittent) hearing aid

If the problem persists, contact your hearing care professional

for assistance.

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What to do
Change battery (chapter 1 + 5)
Clean speaker opening/earpiece
Insert battery correctly (chapter 1 + 5)
Switch hearing aid on by completely closing the battery door
(chapter 4)
Insert hearing aid correctly (chapter 6)
Contact your ENT/GP or hearing care professional
Decrease volume if volume control available
Change battery (chapter 1 + 5)
Clean speaker opening/earpiece
Turn volume up if volume control available
Contact you hearing care professional
Change battery within the next 30 minutes (chapter 1 + 5)
Wipe battery and hearing aid with dry cloth

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15. Important safety information

Please read the information on the following pages before

using your hearing aid.

A hearing aid will not restore normal hearing and will not
prevent or improve a hearing impairment resulting from
organic conditions. Infrequent use of a hearing aid does not
permit a user to attain full benefit from it. The use of a
hearing aid is only part of hearing habilitation and may
need to be supplemented by auditory training and
instruction in lipreading.

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15.1 Hazard warnings

The intended use of Do not use the hearing

hearing aids is to amplify aids in explosive areas
and transmit sound to the (mines or industrial areas
ears and hereby with danger of explosions,
compensate for impaired oxygen rich environments
hearing. The hearing aids or areas where flammable
(specially programmed for anesthetics are handled).
each hearing loss) must
only be used by the Hearing aid batteries are
intended person. They toxic if they are swallowed!
should not be used by any Keep out of the reach of
other person as they could children, individuals with
damage hearing. cognitive impairment, and
pets. If batteries are
Changes or modifications swallowed, consult your
to the hearing aid that physician immediately!
were not explicitly
approved by Sonova AG
are not permitted. Such
changes may damage your
ear or the hearing aid.

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 If you feel pain in or that warning signals or
behind your ear, if it is noises coming from
inflamed or if skin behind, e. g. cars, are
irritation and accelerated partially or entirely
accumulations of earwax suppressed.
occur, please check with
your hearing care This hearing aid is not for
professional or physician. children below 36 months.
It contains small parts
In very rare cases, the that can cause choking,
dome can remain in your if swallowed by children.
ear canal when removing Keep out of the reach of
the hearing tube from the children, individuals
ear. In the unlikely case with cognitive impairment,
that the dome does get and pets. If swallowed,
stuck in your ear canal, it consult a physician or
is strongly recommended hospital immediately.
to see a physician for
safe removal. Do not make a wire
connection from your
Hearing programs in the hearing aid to any external
directional microphone audio sources like radio
mode reduce background etc. That could cause
noises. Please be aware injuries on your body
(electric shock).
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The following is only Hearing aids should not be
applicable for persons with fitted with domes / wax
active implantable medical protection systems when
devices (i.e. pacemakers, used by clients with
defibrillators, etc.): perforated eardrums,
Keep the wireless hearing inflamed ear canals or
aid at least 15 cm otherwise exposed middle
(6 inches) away from the ear cavities. In these cases,
active implant. If you we recommend the use of
experience any interference, a custom earpiece. In the
do not use the wireless unlikely case that any part
hearing aids and contact of this product should
the manufacturer of the remain in the ear canal, it
active implant. Please, note is strongly recommended
that interference can also to see a medical specialist
be caused by power lines, for safe removal.
electrostatic discharge,
airport metal detectors etc.
Keep magnets (i.e. battery
handling tool, EasyPhone
magnet, etc.) at least
15 cm (6 inches) away
from the active implant.

39
15.2 Information on product safety

Phonak hearing aids are Never wash the

water resistant and not microphone inputs. Doing
waterproof. They are so could cause it to lose its
designed to withstand special acoustic features.
normal activities and
occasional accidental Protect your hearing aid
exposure to extreme from heat (never leave near
conditions. Never immerse a window or in the car).
your hearing aid in water! Never use a microwave or
Phonak hearing aids are not other heating devices to
specifically designed for dry your hearing aid. Ask
extended periods of water your hearing care
submersion on a continual professional about suitable
basis, that is worn in drying methods.
activities such as swimming
or bathing. Always remove The dome should be
your hearing aid before changed every three
these activities, as the months or when it
hearing aid contains becomes stiff or brittle.
sensitive electronic parts. This is to prevent the dome
from detaching from the

40
tube spout during insertion a new one to avoid any
into or removal from skin irritation. You can
the ear. return used batteries
to your hearing care
When you are not using professional.
your hearing aid, leave the
battery door open so that The batteries used in these
any moisture can hearing aids should not
evaporate. Make sure that exceed 1.5 Volts. Please do
you always completely dry not use silver-zinc or Li-ion
your hearing aid after use. (lithium-ion) rechargeable
Store the hearing aid in a batteries as these may
safe, dry and clean place. cause severe damage to
your hearing aids. The table
Do not drop your hearing in chapter 5 explains
aid! Dropping onto a hard exactly which type of
surface can damage your battery your particular
hearing aid. hearing aids require.

Always use new batteries Remove the battery if

for your hearing aid. In you are not using your
case a battery is leaking, hearing aid for a long
replace it immediately with period of time.

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 Special medical or dental Do not use your hearing
examination including aid in areas where
radiation described below, electronic equipment
may adversely affect the is prohibited.
correct functioning of your
hearing aids. Remove and
keep them outside the
examination room/area
before undergoing:
Medical or dental
examination with X-ray
(also CT scan).
Medical examinations with
MRI/NMRI scans,
generating magnetic fields.
Hearing aids don’t need to
be removed when passing
security gates (airports
etc.). If X-ray is used at all,
it will be in very low doses,
and will not affect the
hearing aids.

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Your hearing care professional:

029-0564-02/V2.00/2018-09/ao © 2017-2018 Sonova AG All rights reserved

Manufacturer:
Sonova AG
Laubisrütistrasse 28
CH-8712 Stäfa
Switzerland
www.phonak.com