Absolutely every possible piece of knowledge you may need to physically fit a Passion to an ear, to change a receiver, to change a receiver housing etc.

1. Audiological bulletin no. 50 (Rev.A)
Passion
• Ear-Set
• Programming Notes
• Troubleshooting
News from Audiological Research and Communication.
Revision A - Widex Canada, December 2009.
9 502 1209 001 – 12-09

2. 2
Passion - RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)
Table of Contents
Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Acoustic Identities: Instant or Custom Open, Instant or Custom Flex .................................... 3
Ear-tip Styles ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Flex Ear-Tip Vent Selection ............................................................................................................. 4
Assembling the Ear-Set .................................................................................................................... 5
Finding the appropriate EarWire length............................................................................ 6
Connecting the receiver to the EarWire and attaching the NanoCare wax guard...... 7
Attaching the receiver ear-tip .............................................................................................. 8
Connecting the EarWire to the hearing aid ...................................................................... 11
Anchor configurations.......................................................................................................... 12
Adding Left and Right Colour Markers ........................................................................................ 16
Placing the Hearing Aid on the Ear ............................................................................................... 17
Ear-Set Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 18
Disconnecting the EarWire from the Hearing Aid ..................................................................... 19
Replacing the Receiver ..................................................................................................................... 20
Replacing the Receiver Housing ..................................................................................................... 20
Connecting Programming Cables to a Passion Hearing Aid..................................................... 21
Fitting Passion with iP5 Portable Programmer............................................................................ 22
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 23
Note: New Passion orders will be shipped with the ear-set pre-assembled if the EarWire size is specified.
Glossary
CRET Hard – Custom Receiver Ear-Tip Hard
CRET Soft – Custom Receiver Ear-Tip Soft
Ear-set (Passion) – assembled EarWire, receiver, and ear-tip
EarWare – components used to assemble an ear-set
Flex ear-tip – ear-tip with vent options, including closed
Open ear-tip – ear-tip with large vent

3. 3
Acoustic Identities: Instant or Custom Open, Instant
or Custom Flex
The Passion hearing aid is flexible and can be configured as an instant/custom open fitting or an in-
stant/custom flex fitting with a vent.
When fitting Passion, ensure the physical and acoustic identities are the same. Select the correspond-
ing acoustic identity in Compass to ensure the correct data is loaded into the hearing aid.
Fitting type Acoustic identity Ear-tip styles Fitting Range
Open fitting Wire open • Instant receiver ear-tip open
• Custom receiver ear-tip open:
soft or hard
Flex fitting with Wire flex • Instant receiver ear-tip flex -10 dB
0
optional vent • Custom receiver ear-tip flex: 10
20
soft or hard, specify vent size
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8kHz
Ear-Tip Styles
Ear-tip styles Size
Instant Receiver • Large (10mm)
Ear-Tip Open • Small (6mm)
• The ‘umbrella’ can be removed to create a
4mm ear-tip
Instant Receiver • Size 11 (11mm)
Ear-Tip Flex • Size 10 (10mm)
• Size 9 (9mm)
• Size 8 (8mm)
Custom Receiver • Custom
Ear-Tip Hard
Custom Receiver • Custom
Ear-Tip Soft

4. 4
Flex Ear-Tip Vent Selection
To achieve a vent effect similar to a traditional classic earmould with a Passion custom or instant re-
ceiver ear-tip flex, find the corresponding vent size for a classic earmould and translate this to the vent
diameter for a Passion ear-tip as shown in the table below.
Vent size for Classic Custom receiver ear-tip Custom receiver ear-tip Instant receiver ear-tip
earmould flex (hard) - vent flex (soft) - vent flex - vent diameter (mm)
diameter (mm) diameter (mm) (closest option)
1.0 No vent No vent No vent
1.5 0.8 1.1 1.0
2.0 1.0 1.4 (1.7)
2.5 1.2 1.8 1.7
3.0 1.4 2.2 (1.7)
4.0 1.7 2.9 n/a
How to read this table
Example 1: If you decide on a 2.0mm vent in a classic earmould, you would select a 1.0mm vent diam-
eter in a Passion CRET Hard flex, a 1.4mm vent diameter in a Passion custom soft flex, or 1.7mm in
an instant receiver ear-tip flex to achieve the desired vent effect.

5. 5
Assembling the Ear-Set
Passion EarWare Kit
The Passion EarWare kit contains all the tools and accessories to assemble a Passion ear-set.
Contents include: EarWires in three lengths (1,2,3) for left and right ear, instant receiver ear-tip open
and instant receiver ear-tip flex in several sizes, lock rings, anchors, wax guards, vent tubes, vent
blocks, receiver housings, an assembly tool, a measurement tool, a measurement dummy, a spare
receiver and an instruction sheet showing how to assemble the ear-set.
EarWires - 3 lengths Receiver Spare Vent tubes Vent blocks Wax guards
for left and right ear housings Receiver
(6 lengths available)
Anchors Lock rings Measurement tool Measurement Assembly tool
dummy
Instant Receiver Ear-Tip Flex Instant Receiver Ear-Tip Open
(size 11, 10, 9, 8mm) (Large, Small)
The Passion supplemental kit includes 3 less common EarWire lengths: 0, 4, 5.
EarWires for the right ear are marked with red numbers and EarWires for the left ear are marked
with blue numbers.
Note: Do not use m or 9 ear-tips with Passion hearing aids or vice versa.

6. 6
Step 1: Finding the appropriate EarWire length
Start the fitting process by finding the appropriate EarWire length.
A) Measurement Dummy
Place the measurement dummy on the client’s ear. Count
the beads from the top to the centre of the tragus. They
correspond to available EarWire lengths from 1 to 5. The
bend above the first bead is size 0.
The ear in the photo will be best fit with a length 2
EarWire.
— OR —
B) Measurement Tool
Place the measurement tool on the client’s ear. Align the
dot/number with the centre of the tragus to find the cor-
rect EarWire length.
The ear in the photo to the left needs a length 2 EarWire.

7. 7
Step 2: Connecting the receiver to the EarWire and attaching
the NanoCare wax guard
Before attaching the receiver, the black protective housing must be re- Place the white receiver housing
moved. Place the EarWire with the black housing in the assembly tool. (with receiver inside) in the assem-
The number printed on the end of the EarWire must face upwards. Pull to bly tool with the number facing up.
disconnect the EarWire from the housing and dispose of the housing. Place the EarWire in the assembly
tool with the number facing up.
Place a finger over the housing and
EarWire to hold them in place.
Push the tool together until you
hear a click.
Remove the EarWire by lifting it
upwards and out of the tool.
Attach the NanoCare wax guard into receiver opening.
Important: A new receiver housing must be used every time the housing is removed from the
EarWire. Reuse may result in the housing detaching from the EarWire and remaining in the
ear. (See page 20 for instructions on changing the receiver housing.)

8. 8
Step 3: Attaching the receiver ear-tip
Instant open
For open fittings select an instant Slide the ear-tip onto the receiver Ensure the ear-tip is securely
open ear-tip. This receiver ear- housing. fastened to the receiver housing.
tip is available in Small (6mm) or
Large (10mm). The umbrella can be
removed to create a 4mm ear-tip.
Select the appropriate size for the
client’s ear canal.
Instant flex
For vented or closed fittings select Push the receiver housing into the Ensure the blue/red number on the
an instant flex ear-tip, available in larger of the two openings of the flex EarWire and the anchor holes are
four sizes: 8, 9, 10, 11mm. ear-tip until it locks. still visible.
The wax guard will rest slightly
below the tip.
Using Vent Blocks in the Instant flex ear-tip
Sound bore The instant receiver flex ear-tip has two openings:
• The sound bore for the receiver housing (larger opening)
• The vent canal (smaller opening)
The vent diameter can be set by using a vent tube/block.
• 1.7mm vent: no insert
• 1mm vent: insert the vent tube
• 0mm vent: insert the vent block
Vent

9. 9
Step 3: Attaching the receiver ear-tip
Custom Receiver Ear-Tip (CRET) Hard
A lock ring is used to attach the Once installed, the ring must rotate Insert the receiver and EarWire in
receiver assembly securely to the freely. the CRET starting with the hear-
CRET Hard. To install lock ring, ing aid end of the EarWire and pull
hold the receiver assembly in one through the custom tip.
hand. With the index finger from
your other hand, start at a 45 de-
gree angle and push the ring onto
the receiver, stretching it over the
housing. (This requires significant
pressure.) Do not use a hard surface
to try and push the ring on as it will
distort the ring.
Push the receiver into the custom tip with your finger. This will require some pressure.
Note: Do not use a hard surface to try to push the ring on as it will distort the ring.
Ensure the receiver is firmly
secured by the lock ring by gently
pushing and pulling the EarWire.

10. 10
Step 3: Attaching the receiver ear-tip
Custom Receiver Ear-Tip (CRET) Soft
Push the receiver housing into the soft tip until the wax guard is flush with the end of the soft tip.

11. 11
Step 4: Connecting the EarWire to the hearing aid
The EarWire is connected to the hearing aid by plug-
ging it into the socket on the top of the hearing aid.
The EarWire is attached correctly when a click is heard
and the collar of the EarWire is flush with the hearing
aid.

12. 12
Step 5: Anchor Configurations
To ensure proper retention of Widex RIC and thin tube hearing aids, we recommend using one of the four
anchor methods listed. In the majority of fittings the new Tragus Anchor configuration will be most ef-
fective. If, however, it is necessary to try one of the other three methods, we recommend trying the Heart
Shaped Anchor first, followed by the Concha or Loop Anchor.
Tragus Anchor (recommended for most ears)
A
Insert the anchor in the upper hole Pull the anchor until it is stopped by Guide the anchor around the Ear-
on the EarWire. The angled grip (A) the angled grip. Wire. After a few days of use the
at the end of the anchor should point anchor will retain its shape.
towards the hearing aid.
Trim the anchor length for comfort, When using the tragus anchor, the
leaving enough length to maintain anchor should be placed in the
retention. client’s ear so it rests in the concha.

13. 13
Step 5: Anchor Configurations
Heart Shaped Anchor
Insert the anchor in the upper hole Now bend the anchor up and over Cut off any excess leaving only the
on the EarWire. Pull the anchor un- guiding the pointed end through the loop. Use the tip of your finger to
til it is stopped by the angled grip. lower hole from the opposite side as check for sharp edges.
shown, forming a heart-shaped loop.
The heart shaped anchor fits in the
ear canal entrance.

14. 14
Step 5: Anchor Configurations
Concha Anchor
A
Insert the anchor in the upper hole Pull the anchor until it is stopped by When using the concha anchor, the
on the EarWire. The angled grip the angled grip. anchor should be placed in the
at the end of the anchor should be client’s ear so that it rests in the
pointing away from the hearing aid concha. Trim the anchor length for
(A). comfort, leaving enough length to
maintain retention.

15. 15
Step 5: Anchor Configurations
Loop Anchor
Pull the pointed end of the anchor Bend the anchor down guiding the Cut off any excess leaving only the
through the upper hole until the pointed end through the lower hole loop. Use the tip of your finger to
anchor is stopped by the grip at the to form a small loop. check for sharp edges.
end.
The loop anchor fits in the ear canal
entrance.

16. 16
Adding Left and Right Colour Markers
The colour marker (blue for left, Remove the insert tool from the Bend down the protective por-
red for right) is inserted above package. tion of the insert tool to expose
the battery door hinge. the marker.
Firmly press marker into slot. Twist the tool to detach it from
the marker.

17. 17
Placing the Hearing Aid on the Ear
Place the hearing aid behind the client’s ear and
manoeuvre the ear-tip into the ear canal.
When the hearing aid with the receiver ear-set is
positioned correctly on the ear, the EarWire should
closely follow the contour of the ear and the hear-
ing aid should not pull on the ear-tip.

18. 18
Ear-Set Maintenance
Replacing the NanoCare wax guard
The receiver remains in the receiver housing when changing the NanoCare wax guard. For Custom
receiver ear-tips (hard/soft), exchange the NanoCare in the same way as you would with an ITE or CIC
hearing aid.
See Passion user’s instructions for details.
Cleaning
Never use water or cleaning solutions to clean the EarWire. Do not use ethanol to clean ear-tips.
Replacing the receiver
If the receiver stops working properly, it should be replaced. See page 20 for instructions on how to re-
place the receiver for each Passion receiver ear-tip type.
Replacing the receiver housing
To ensure a stable and secure connection, the receiver housing must be replaced each time it is removed
from the EarWire. Reuse of the receiver housing may result in the housing disconnecting from the Ear-
Wire and remaining in the ear.

19. 19
Disconnecting the EarWire from the Hearing Aid
Grip hearing aid firmly between your index finger
and thumb.
Using your other hand, curl the index finger under
the EarWire as illustrated. Pinch EarWire between
thumb and index finger. Do not use your finger
nails.
Firmly pull straight apart.

20. 20
Replacing the Receiver
Instant Open/Flex Ear-Tip
Disconnect the EarWire from the hearing aid (see page 19). Pull the tip off of the receiver housing. Proceed to
‘All receivers’ below.
CRET Hard/Soft
Disconnect the EarWire from the hearing aid (see page 19). Push the receiv-
er through the ear-tip as shown. Remove and discard the lock ring if using a
CRET Hard tip. Proceed to ‘All Receivers’ below.
All Receivers
Place the EarWire and the receiver housing in the closed assembly tool with
the number printed on the receiver housing facing up. Hold the receiver
housing in place while pulling the assembly tool open.
Remove the EarWire and the receiver from the tool.
Place the white receiver housing (with receiver inside) in the assembly tool
with the number facing up.
Place the EarWire in the assembly tool with the number facing up. Place a
finger over the housing and EarWire to hold them in place.
Push the tool together until you hear a click.
Remove the EarWire by lifting it upwards and out of the tool.
Replacing the Receiver Housing
Remove the NanoCare wax guard. Press the receiver housing into the hole
with the pin of the assembly tool. The receiver will eject from the old hous-
ing.
Place a new receiver housing into the other hole in the assembly tool. Align
the grid side of the receiver with the numbered side of the receiver housing
and press the receiver into the new housing.
See page 7 for receiver and EarWire assembly.

21. 21
Connecting Programming Cables to a Passion
Hearing Aid
The Widex CIC programming cables are used to program Passion. Before connecting the cable, re-
move the battery drawer, by following the procedure below, to avoid damaging the hinge.
Step 1: Removing the Battery Drawer
Open the battery drawer to it’s Hold the cable in place and push Remove the battery drawer. The
fullest extent. Place the thin the battery drawer as if to close Passion hearing aid is now ready
portion of a programming cable it. to be connected to the Widex
(or something similar) across programming cables.
the hinge.
Step 2: Attaching the Programming Cable
The programming adaptor is attached at the hinge like a battery drawer. The two projections on the
programming adaptor are placed on the hinge pin of the battery compartment. The adaptor must be
closed firmly and flush with the housing. Pull the blue or red sleeve away from the hearing aid and fit
on patient.
Step 3: Attaching the Battery Drawer
When you have finished programming, remove the programming adaptor by opening it fully and
pulling straight off. To replace the battery drawer, hold it at an angle of 45 degrees and push it firmly
onto the hinges as shown above.

22. 22
Fitting Passion with iP5 Portable Programmer
Fitting Passion with iP5
To fit Passion hearing aids with the iP5 programmer you need iP5 e-prom version number V4.7* or
higher.
iP5 Programmer and Acoustic Identity
The acoustic identity cannot be converted when fitting Passion with the iP5. When using iP5, make
sure that Passion has the desired acoustic identity, i.e. wire open or wire flex (using Compass).
Note: The factory default acoustic identity is wire flex.
Limitations when fitting Passion hearing aids with the iP5 programmer
The following features cannot be accessed or fine tuned with the iP5 programmer:
• Sound Diary
• Conversion of acoustic identity from wire flex to wire open and vice versa
• Use of individual RECD data
• Less flexibility in fine tuning options
• Hearing aid options
• Compass solution guide
• No record of selected ear-set tubing, ear-set tip and vent sizes.
*PA-105/110/115 can be programmed using e-prom V4.4 or higher.

23. 23
Troubleshooting
Symptom Cause Possible remedy
Hearing aid hanging EarWire too long Choose a shorter EarWire
above the ear
EarWire pulling at the EarWire too short Choose a longer EarWire
ear and hearing aid
EarWire protruding EarWire too long Choose a shorter EarWire
from ear
EarWire protruding Loop or heart shaped anchor too Make the anchor smaller
from the ear canal large
Anchor choice is not ideal Try another anchor style
Discomfort or itching Loop or heart shaped anchor not Check that the anchor is trimmed flush
in the ear canal trimmed appropriately with the EarWire
EarWire too short Choose a longer EarWire
Ear-tip incorrectly sized Choose a different size of ear-tip
Loop or heart shaped anchor size Resize anchor
inappropriate
Ear-tip detaches from Ear-tip not firmly pressed Check that the ear-tip is firmly attached
the EarWire onto receiver housing to the ear-set
Ear-tip size is too large and diffi- Choose a smaller ear-tip
cult to remove from ear canal
Hearing aid falling off Anchor not providing adequate Try another anchor style or resize loop or
client’s ear retention heart shaped anchor
Ear-tip too small Choose a larger size of ear-tip
Incorrect size of EarWire Choose another EarWire size
No sound coming from Wax guard blocked by wax Replace NanoCare
the hearing aid
Black receiver housing has not Remove black housing and connect white
been removed housing with receiver
EarWire/hearing aid connection Remove then reinsert EarWire firmly into
faulty hearing aid
EarWire/receiver connection faulty Replace receiver housing and reconnect
EarWire defective Replace EarWire
Receiver defective Replace receiver
Ear-tip works out of the Anchor choice is not ideal Try another anchor style or resize loop or
ear canal heart shaped anchor
Ear-tip choice is not ideal Choose another ear-tip size or style

24. Tel: 905.315.8303 | 1.800.387.7943 | Fax: 905.315.8176 | www.widex.ca