The Auria is designed to give many years of troublefree use. Nevertheless it is important to understand when something may be going wrong and how to carry out basic checks and remediation.
This is particularly the case with those who may not be able to report basic problems themselves – for example very young children.
Being aware of a child’s normal response to sound provides an obvious baseline from which to observe changes in listening behaviour and comfort. Daily routines or games may provide a structure for spotting changes. The Ling 6 sounds detection task can be used for this purpose.
If the cochlear implant (CI) user reports intermittencies or absence of sound, or fails to respond normally to a Ling 6 Sound detection task, please follow the further guidance.
Please note that this guide deals only with the external parts of the cochlear implant system. If you are concerned that damage may have occured to the internal part, for example after a blow to the head in the region of the headpiece, you should report it to the parents or the cochlear implant centre.
Notice : Frequent visits to the audiologist are common during the first 3-6 months of device use. In addition, regular visits to the audiologist are common during the first year. Following the first year, children see the audiologist at least once annually.
Damage
| INDICATION | ACTION |
| PowerCel or PowerPak • Broken |
• Replace the battery. • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Auria processor battery pin • Broken |
• Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Auria housing • Broken • In 2 parts |
• If the CI User can hear properly, avoid manipulating the device during the school day. • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Volume dial and/or program selector • Broken |
• If the CI User can hear properly, avoid manipulating the device during the school day. • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Earhook bayonet • Too loose • Broken |
If the CI User can use the device • If he/she can hear properly, avoid manipulating the device during the school day. • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. If the CI User can not use the device • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Headpiece and cable • Cable too loose or to stiff • Broken headpiece or cable • Broken elastomer sole |
• Replace the Auria headpiece. • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Colour Cap • Broken |
• Change the cap with a spare unit. • Inform the parents or contact the programming centre. |
Reported Problems
| INDICATION | ACTION |
| No sound • Adult suspicion • CI User’s report |
1. Verify processor controls are set correctly, based on cochlear implant centre recommendations. 2. Use the System Sensor to check processor and battery status. 3. Replace the headpiece. 4. Perform Ling 6 Sound Test to see if the user can respond to auditory input. 5. Inform parents or contact the programming centre. |
| Bad sound quality • Background noise perception • Sound is not clear • Sound is too soft • Intermittent functioning |
1. Verify that the programme setting and volume control are according to the audiologist’s advice. If not, reajust them. 2. Use the System Sensor to check processor and battery status. 3. Clean the battery contacts. 4. Clean the sound processor’s battery contacts. 5. Check to ensure cable is securely attached to auria processor module. 6. Try alternative programme. 7. Replace Auria headpiece. 8. Perform Ling 6 Sound Test to see if the user can respond to auditory input. 9. Inform parents or contact the programming centre. |
Accidents
The Auria is designed to operate within the range of climatic conditions found around the world. Nevertheless accidents and freak weather conditions do happen. This section describes how to deal with a loss of function where the cause is suspected to be related to some extreme of temperature of moisture. The Auria will normally recover from accidental, short-duration, immersion in water. If water gets into the microphone there may be a short term deterioration of sound quality but this should improve when the water is removed by shaking and if necessary the use of the Dri Aid system.
| INDICATION | ACTION |
| External component falls in water | • Remove the battery from the sound processor as soon as possible. • Disconnect all the components. • Wipe each component with a dry cotton swab. • Place all the exposed components into the Dri Aid system for 12 hours to remove all traces of moisture. |
| External components drop down on the floor | • Visually inspect the CI User’s equipment: battery is in order and in place? Cable twisted, frayed or broken? Headpiece cracked? • If one of those appears broken, use the spare equipment to complete investigation. |
| Extreme temperature exposure Advanced Bionics qualified operating temperature from 0°C to 45°C |
• Remove the battery from the sound processor as soon as possible. • Visually inspect all parts of the equipment, if one of those appears broken or otherwise damaged, use the spare equipment to complete investigation. • Place all the exposed components into the Dri Aid system for 12 hours to remove any condensed moisture. |
| Extreme humidity exposure | • Remove the battery from the sound processor as soon as possible. • Place the exposed components into the Dri Aid Kit overnight as a standard precaution. |
