Philips HearSuite Fitting Software Instructions
PHILIPS HearSuite Fitting Software Instructions
Microsoft, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Explorer are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
HI-PRO is a registered trademark of GN Otometrics A/S in the U.S and in other
countries. Noah is a registered trademark of HIMSA II K/S in the U.S.
Outside the U.S., Noah is a trademark of HIMSA II K/S.
NOAH link is a registered trademark of HIMSA II K/S in Denmark.
Outside Denmark, NOAH link is a trademark of HIMSA II K/S.
BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
EXPRESSLINK is a registered trademark of Sonic Innovations Inc. in the U.S.
and in other countries.
Fitting LINK is a product of SBO Hearing A/S
In addition, system and product names used in this document are, in general,
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective developers or
manufacturers.
However, the ™ or ® marks are not used in all cases in this document.
Introduction
These instructions for use are valid for Philips HearSuite 2021.2. Philips HearSuite 2021.2 is a fitting software used for Philips HearLink 9000, 7000, 5000, 3000, 2000 and newer hearing aid families and models.
A copy of this document is available on:
https://www.hearingsolutions.philips.com/professionals/resource-center/
A printed version can be obtained from your local distributor.
If you have additional questions about the use of the fitting software, please contact your local distributor.
Note
For better readability, HearSuite is written in the manual instead of Philips HearSuite 2021.2
Intended use
The fitting software is intended for the fitting and updating of hearing solutions.
The fitting software can facilitate access to real-ear measurement equipment.
Indications for use
There are no indications for use (diagnoses) for the fitting software itself.
Intended user
The fitting software solution is intended to be used by hearing care professionals (HCP) who in this document are referred to as, but are not limited to, hearing aid professionals (HAP), audiologists, ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctors, and hearing aid dispensers (HAD)*.
The user of the fitting software shall be a hearing care professional who is appropriately trained, and has proven competency in professionally assessing hearing, selecting, fitting and delivering hearing aids and rehabilitation care to persons with hearing loss. The training of the hearing care professional is in accordance with their specific educational background following national or regional regulations.
* The job title may vary from country to country.
Use environment
Clinical setting.
Contraindications
No contraindications.
Clinical benefits
See clinical benefits of the hearing aid.
Installation
This USB flash media contains several different software modules:
- Philips HearSuite
- Philips Firmware Updater
- HearSuite Updater
- SoundStudio
Installation of the software will install HearSuite. If you have it already installed, it will automatically be updated.
Preparing your PC
Before starting the installation, please make sure that your PC hardware and software meet the minimum specified system requirements and that your Windows system is updated to the latest published service pack. Please also make sure that you have administrator rights on the PC.
Some virus protection software may compromise the installation process and you might have to deactivate your virus scanner to be able to run the installation.
Installation
Insert the USB into a port. Please start your file explorer, click on the USB flash media and start setup.exe. After starting the installer, please follow the instructions on the screen.
System requirements
The following are the recommended minimum requirements to install and use HearSuite.
Note: Installation of software on computers that do not meet specific system requirements noted above may result in system failures.
Optional tools
- An Internet browser to access the website
- Adobe™ Acrobat Reader™ software
It is recommended that you protect your system by installing virus protection software.
Getting started with Philips HearSuite
To start a fitting session, enter or open an existing client in your office system and start the fitting software.
In this chapter, the essential steps for fitting hearing instruments, in a standard fitting flow are explained.
Follow the steps in the order described.
Client Data
Client data, preferred language, fitting rationale, audiogram and REM data can be entered here. Verify and update audiometric parameters to ensure correct gain prescription. This is especially relevant for the fitting of hearing aids for infants and young children.
To detect and connect to the hearing aids, click <Detect> .
In-situ Audiometry
The In-situ Audiometry tool lets you measure the client’s hearing using the hearing aids as transducers. This means that the results will be specific for the instrument and acoustic coupling.
Instrument Acoustics
Here you can select hearing aids for simulation or detect hearing aids. You can also detect hearing aids in all screens via the detect button in the menu bar.
Acoustic dashboard
After the hearing aid is selected or connected, the “acoustic dashboard” is shown. There you can enter the acoustic options.
The acoustic dashboard also shows updated information about the hearing aid performance with the selected acoustic options. It can be opened from any screen during the session to view or change the acoustic options. The graph view in the dashboard can be configured in the preference menu.
Fit Instrument
This menu contains all the steps necessary for fitting the hearing aids to the client’s hearing loss. You can adjust the gain, assign programs, and measure feedback.
Adaptation allows you to increase gain in the hearing aids manually or automatically over a specific time period, from 80 % to 100 % of the prescribed gain.
Transfer Settings
This tool lets you transfer gain, MPO and Adaptation to a new selected hearing aid in a fitting session. These settings are copied – as closely as possible, given the limitations of the target hearing aid – and adjusted to the new acoustic set-up. All other settings remain as prescribed for the target hearing aid. This feature is not intended to replace a standard fitting.
Feature Selection
This menu offers screens to adjust the hearing aid’s general features and program specific features.
Finish Session
This menu is used to configure local controls and indicators (beeps), and to save and quit your fitting session in the office system database. It also allows you to save the data in the hearing aid.
A copy of the hearing aid settings is preserved at the beginning of the fitting session. It will be saved back to the hearing aids if you decide to end your fitting session without saving changes.
Connection status indicator
It informs you about the connection status of the hearing aids to the programming device at any time during the fitting session.
The indicator can show the following connection states:
- Moving dashed lines indicate connection and pairing in progress.
- A solid green line indicates hearing aids are connected.
- Moving dashes in blue and red indicate data transfer in progress.
If the connection to the hearing aids is interrupted, a conflict dialog box will inform you. In this case, you can continue in simulation mode and connect the hearing aids later or try to re-connect to the hearing aids.
Philips Firmware Updater
When you update hearing aids, make sure that your client is not wearing the hearing aids while updating. Connect the hearing aids with a cable connection or wirelessly. Do not disconnect the hearing aids while updating.
After the update, hearing aids will be returned to factory settings. Let the hearing aids reconnect automatically (or do it manually) to restore user settings before you give the hearing aids back to the client.
Provide your client with the latest version of the “Instructions for use” booklet.
HearSuite Updater
With the updater you can download updates and new releases when they are available. It automatically opens and checks for new updates when you start Windows. You will be notified when a new update is available. The updater icon is shown under Hidden Icons in your Windows task bar. It allows you to set a number of preferences.
Remote Fitting
Remote Fitting enables you to communicate with the client and make real-time adjustments to the client’s hearing aids remotely. Be aware that if you cannot upload your changes remotely, a physical visit is necessary.
Remote Fitting can be used when a valid audiogram is on record, and it has not changed. In extraordinary circumstances you may not be able to perform a hearing evaluation in person. If this occurs, it is recommended that you use an approved remote diagnostic device. For further information, contact your local distributor.
System requirements for the hearing care professional
Please make sure that your equipment complies with the following system requirements:
- Internet Explorer 11
- Internal webcam or external camera device
- Microphone and speakers or headset
- A Remote Fitting account. To sign up for an account, contact your local distributor.
- A stable Internet connection suitable for both sound and video streaming, with a recommended minimum speed of 1 Mbps (upload/download) (check with your Internet provider).
System requirements for the user
- Hearing aids paired to a user’s phone / tablet
- A compatible Apple iOS or Android phone / tablet (to check the compatibility, please check the Instructions for Use of the hearing aid of the user)
- A stable Internet connection suitable for both sound and video streaming with a recommended minimum speed of 1 Mbps (upload/download) (check with your Internet provider)
- An email account, or Apple, Google or Facebook credentials
Launch Remote Fitting
To use Remote Fitting, you must first create an account and then launch Remote Fitting directly from within the fitting software.
Important Notice
The hearing care professional is responsible to obtain the license needed to use Remote Fitting with users. SBO Hearing A/S does not assume any responsibility.
Create account
To create an account, open the Remote Fitting invitation email sent by your local distributor and follow the instructions.
To run Remote Fitting
Make sure that you have an account and you have enabled Remote Fitting. Start Remote Fitting and sign in. Make sure you have entered the email address of the user you want to connect to.
Note
It is only possible to start a visit when the user has started the visit first and is waiting for the hearing care professional to join the session.
To sign in and start a visit
To establish communication with the user, start the session and detect the hearing aids. If the fitting software recognizes the hearing aids, you can see them.
To perform a fitting, upload settings, and save
Adjust the hearing aids as you normally would. Be aware that not all options are available during a Remote Fitting session.
When you are finished changing the settings of the hearing aids, you must upload the new settings. To do this click the upload button. It is recommended to upload after every change made to the hearing instrument, to ensure the user receives the changes in real-time, and to act as a safeguard in the event of a sudden lost connection. To save and end the session go to Save and Quit.
Clicking the End Session button ends the Remote Fitting session with the user.
In-situ audiogram
Remote Fitting allows for remote in-situ audiometry to be performed, in order to fine-tune the gain of your client’s hearing instruments.
Important Notice
Do not use in-situ audiometry for diagnostic purposes
In order to obtain accurate in-situ audiometry results:
- Ensure your client is in an environment with little or no noise, and understands that background noise may impact results
- To compensate for possible delays in connection, play tones for at least two seconds. Also, consider longer than normal pauses — preferably more than two seconds — between the tones presented to the client
- Ensure you mute / turn off your microphone to avoid any unwanted noise, as it could impact results
- Inform your client that the hearing aids must be worn as previously advised
Important Notice
Before performing remote in-situ audiometry, inform the client that if the internet connection is lost during the procedure, the client must remove and restart the hearing instruments if they are muted or still playing sound.
Warnings
To avoid possible client injury or hearing aid failure, for your personal safety and to ensure correct usage, you should familiarize yourself fully with the following general warnings before using the fitting software. Contact your local distributor if you experience unexpected operations or serious incidents with the fitting software during use or because of its use. Serious incidents should also be reported to the national authorities.
General safety information
For safety reasons, it is important that you read the Intended Use of the fitting software in the Introduction section of this booklet. If you are fitting a hearing aid with Tinnitus Sound Support, please familiarize yourself with the risks related to the fitting level of the Tinnitus
Sound Support feature, and the recommended wearing times.
The developed SPL in the ears of children can be substantially higher than in average adults. RECD measured to correct target of fitted OSPL90 is recommended.
Connection
Take care not to lose the wired or wireless connection to the hearing aid or let communication errors interrupt the fitting flow.
Choking hazards
For safety reasons, caution must be taken when fitting children younger than 36 months. Children younger than 36 months must always use a tamper-resistant battery drawer.
For safety reasons, always use earmolds when fitting children younger than 36 months.
Firmware
For safety reasons, always ensure that the client is not wearing the hearing aid during a firmware update, as the updated hearing aid will be reset to factory settings after the update.
Moreover, do not give the hearing aid to the client before restoring user settings.
Ensure that the serial number of the connected hearing aid corresponds to the serial number registered in the office automation system for the relevant client. Always note the firmware version of the hearing aid before and after a firmware update.
Ensure that the firmware version of the programming device is compatible with the firmware version of the fitting software. Avoid interruptions or connection failure to the hearing aid or connectivity device during a firmware update.
REM system
Pay attention to any error messages from the REM system caused by incorrect or unintended data sent to the REM system.
Power instruments
Special care should be exercised in selecting, fitting and using a hearing aid where maximum sound pressure capability exceeds 132 dB SPL (IEC 60318-4) as there may be risk of impairing the remaining hearing of the hearing instrument user.
Transfer Settings
Your client must not wear the hearing aids while transferring settings.
In-situ Audiometry
In-situ Audiometry should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Make sure that you add an audiogram in NOAH or Standalone before you conduct In-situ Audiometry.
Remove any Real Ear Fit results before you conduct In-situ Audiometry.
Make sure you carry out In-situ Audiometry in a quiet area.
Disclaimer
The manufacturer does not assume any liability for compliance with local requirements regarding fitting of hearing aids. It is entirely your responsibility as the user of HearSuite to ensure that you have the required education and/or authorization for fitting hearing aids. The manufacturer does not take responsibility for the consequences of using the fitting software outside intended use or warnings.
2021
SBO Hearing A/S
Kongebakken 9
2765 Smørum
Denmark
www.sbohearing.com
© 2021 SBO Hearing A/S
Philips and the Philips Shield Emblem are registered trademarks of Koninklijke Philips N.V. and are used under license. This product has been manufactured by or for and is sold under the responsibility of SBO Hearing A/S, and SBO Hearing A/S is the warrantor in relation to this product.