Small Receiver Size of the Bernafon brite

Question

Answer

A decision to make the brite receiver unit housing as small as possible was taken based on known comfort and insertion problems that have been encountered by other RITE instruments on the market. This has been particularly notable with smaller ear canals. The brite housing is approximately 20% smaller than any other currently available. As a result, significant fitting advantages are envisaged. These include the ability to fit significantly smaller ears than has previously been possible with RITE products, to fit sharper bending and more rapidly narrowing ear canals with out discomfort, to enhance cosmetics and to open the possibility of RITE fittings to more end users.

In significantly shortening the receiver housing, the decision was taken to remove the sports lock. Evidence in the market tells us the sports lock is not always used and benefit of its use is questionable. To circumvent any stability issues, the brite wire bending has been extensively evaluated to ensure the best possible contour and retention in any ear.

brite will generally be fitted with soft open or tulip domes. Open domes are usually used for more mild hearing losses, and are available in 3 different sizes (6, 8, 10mm). Tulip domes accommodate moderate losses, and provide a slightly fuller fit in the ear canal. Open and tulip domes are disposable and should be changed every 7-10 days, whenever a battery is.

Micro Molds are a custom earpiece solution made from a deep ear canal impression, much the same as that for a CIC. The Micro Mold is a hard acrylic earpiece which is used for more significant hearing losses as it provides a fuller seal of the ear canal. A Micro Mold may be vented if desired. It may also be used to enhance retention in the ear canal, if movement is a problem, or simply if the user wishes a customised ear piece. The Micro Mold has a life span similar to a conventional earmold.

In regards to wax protection, brite utilises a single wax protection system, built into the open or tulip dome, and the Micro Mold. No wax protection is placed into the receiver housing. So when should the wax protection systems be replaced?

Domes: should be replaced every time a battery is changed or approximately once every 7-10 days. This is a required best practice for fitting brite. Regular dome change will ensure the reliability and longevity of the receiver performance. Old domes should be discarded.

Micro Molds: wax filters (disposable WaxStop) should be replaced in a manner similar to that for CIC's, or whenever the filter appears effected by wax. This will vary depending on the ear, but may range from one to four weeks per filter.

Duane Higginbotham earned his M.S. in Communicative Disorders/Audiology from the University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point, and his MBA from Eastern University. He joined Bernafon-US in early 2007 as an Audiolgy & Education Specialsit. He has 30+ years experience in Audiology dispensing and training, including positions as Director of Audiology at Saint John Regional Hospital (Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada), Director of Audiology at the Veterans Administration, Manhattan, New York, and Trainer and Regional Business Development Manager for Miracle Ear / Amplifon.