FAQ's

• We recommend at most two SurfLink Medias for North America and one for Europe. It is good practice to separate the units by 40 feet (13 meters) or more to minimize unintended interference.

• Any electronic device with an Audio Output jack (Analog 3.5mm, Analog RCA, Digital Optical Toslink, Digital S/PDIF Coaxial) can be directly connected to the SurfLink Media. In addition, an External Microphone (part# 52640-000) can provide indirect audio input to the SurfLink Media when a direct connection is not possible.

• It is not necessary to specifically pair hearing aids to the SurfLink Media. Though, a professional does need to enable the SurfLink Media via Accessories.

• In use, a SurfLink Media streams audio to all “streaming-enabled” hearing aids within range. Depending on the hearing aid setup, each hearing aid can begin streaming either “Automatically” or “Manually” upon a “Start Streaming” remote control command (“star” button).

• The SurfLink Media is capable of streaming to multiple sets of hearing aids in a typical listening environment.

1. Press “star” button on the SurfLink Advanced Remote. Within Inspire, the “star” button must be assigned “Stop/Start Audio Stream” functionality.

2. Switch to a hearing aid memory environment that isn’t enabled for audio streaming.

3. Turn off the Audio Source.

4. Turn off the SurfLink Media.

• Anytime a hearing aid is connected to a SurfLink Media, the hearing aid battery will be discharged at an accelerated rate. Typical hearing aid battery life may decrease by up to 35%, but varies based upon many individual factors.

• In general, the Streaming Activation Control on the SurfLink Media modifies the distance that hearing aids will be able to start streaming. It has no effect on the active audio streaming distance, which is fixed and not user adjustable. If a patient is in “Manual” streaming mode, pushes “star” button, and they are outside of Streaming Activation broadcast distance, then no audio stream will be heard. Both “Automatic” mode and “Manual” mode must be close enough to Streaming Activation broadcast distance to activate “streaming.” Once streaming is active, “Manual” mode and “Automatic” mode behave the same.

• Note:  If Streaming Activation Control slider is farthest left (one blue dot), this is a test mode (6”-12” activation distance). Two blue dots typically activates within 4’-8’.

• If the Audio Source or SurfLink Media are turned off (streaming connection lost), the hearing aids will no longer be streaming, but they will still be in “streaming mode.” Whenever the streaming restarts (e.g. TV or SurfLink Media turned on), then hearing aids will restart streaming without patient intervention.

• SurfLink Media streaming is disabled in telephone memories.

• • Example: Patient has streaming enabled in Memories 1, 2, and 3. If patient is streaming audio in Memory 3, uses the SurfLink Remote to cycle to Memory 4 (which is in rotation), then streaming would stop. Memory cycling to Memory 1 would re-start streaming in both hearing aids.

• Note:  While streaming audio, ear to ear commands are not possible.

• • Example: Assume patient has setup hearing aid Memory 4 to be autocoil or automatic telephone. If a telephone call is received during an active streaming session (e.g. Memory 2), then “phone ear” will enter Memory 4. All streamed audio to “phone ear” will stop during telephone call. “Non-phone” ear (still in Memory 2) will continue streaming at same audio level. After telephone call ends, “phone ear” hearing aid returns to Memory 2 and audio will restart streaming.

• (lower switch position): Up to 4000 Hz. All 900MHz hearing aids can stream this format.

•  (upper switch position): Up to 8000 Hz. Only hearing aids marked with this icon can stream this format.

• Valid North America system:  SurfLink Media (Serial number starts with “M”) and SurfLink Remote (Serial number starts with “N”).

• Valid EU system:  SurfLink Media (Serial number starts with “D”) and SurfLink Remote (Serial number starts with “E”).

• Valid Australia/New Zealand system:  SurfLink Media (Serial number starts with “A”) and SurfLink Remote (Serial number starts with “N”).

• A SurfLink Remote button push event is not an instantaneous event. It gets routed through the SurfLink Media, which may add a slight delay (up to 5 seconds), on its way to the hearing aids.

• Many older televisions and many new flat-panel televisions have no Audio Output jacks. The External Microphone (part# 52640-000) provides a means to receive audio and stream it to hearing aids. 

  Connector Type	Item (Connects to Audio Source or Power Supply)	Item (Connects into back of SurfLink Media)	SurfLink Media Jack	Part Number
  	External Microphone	3.5 mm (1/8”) diameter male jack	1	52640-000

• See "Using with External Microphone" in the SurfLink Media Manual for more information.

• We suggest the options below during the initial setup.

  Connector Type	Item (Connects to Audio Source or Power Supply)	Item (Connects into back of SurfLink Media)	SurfLink Media Jack	Part Number
  	Analog RCA (red-white) Cable	Analog RCA (red-white) Cable	2	52642-000
  	Digital S/PDIF Toslink Optical Cable	Digital S/PDIF Toslink Optical Cable	3	52641-000
  	Digital S/PDIF Coaxial Cable	Digital S/PDIF Coaxial Cable	4	52643-000
  	3.5 mm diameter male jack	Analog RCA (red-white) Cable	2	52644-000

• See "Connecting to Electronic Audio Sources" in the SurfLink Media Manual for more information.

• Plug enclosed AC power supply into wall and microUSB connector into jack #5.

  Connector Type	Item (Connects to Audio Source or Power Supply)	Item (Connects into back of SurfLink Media)	SurfLink Media Jack	Part Number
  	AC Power Supply	Micro-USB Power Cable	5	52645-000

• See "Connecting to Power" in the SurfLink Media Manual for more information.

• When initially setting up SurfLink Media, a solid green LED confirms that an electronic audio source is outputting audio at a detectable level and the cable is properly attached to SurfLink Media. If the patient is still not hearing streamed audio, troubleshoot by changing memories in the hearing aids or by pressing the “star” button (start/stop streaming) on the remote control.

• The rear LED indicator provides helpful information about the SurfLink Media:

  LED Behavior	SurfLink Media State
  Off	SurfLink Media is turned off. SurfLink Media does not detect any incoming audio.
  Blinks 5 times	During power up, LED blinks to signal SurfLink Media is ready to stream audio. When the () or () switch is changed, LED blinks as a reminder that a reboot is in process.
  Solid Green	Incoming audio is available.
  Blinking continuously	Possible error condition. See Troubleshooting.

• Hearing aids with a “” marking cannot stream audio from the top position, as they are incompatible with that audio format. These hearing aids will remain in hearing aid mic mode.

• Set the Mono/Stereo Audio setting to Mono.

• 

• Syncing is a two-step process:

• • First, enable the SurfLink Mobile via Accessories.

  • Second, on the SurfLink Mobile, go to Tools>Settings>Advanced Setup>Hearing Devices and sync the hearing aids.

• Computers may recognize the SurfLink Mobile as an Ethernet capable device (as it runs Ethernet over USB). By default, many computers drop their Wi-Fi connection when an Ethernet (hardwired) connection is established. If this behavior is not desired, then the Networking behavior can usually be customized on the computer itself.

• In a Bluetooth situation, both the car and SurfLink Mobile are considered “slave” devices to the cell phone, which is the “master” device. Since both can be paired with and used to stream audio from the phone, we cannot predict which Bluetooth device the cell phone will choose by default. In some cases it is first come, first served while in others, it always selects a particular device by default. The best approach is to turn Bluetooth Off on the device you don’t want to use while in the car. For example, if you want to use the SurfLink Mobile in the car, the car’s Bluetooth system should be turned Off.

• 

• SurfLink Mobile is compatible with all 900 MHz wireless hearing aids. For best performance, hearing aids should always use the most-up-to-date hearing aid firmware.

• No. Ear to ear hearing aid commands are disabled when the hearing aids are actively engaged in communicating or streaming from SurfLink accessories: SurfLink Programmer, SurfLink Media, SurfLink Mobile, or SurfLink Remote Microphone.

• SurfLink Mobile streams in stereo during Bluetooth (A2DP profile) and line-in streaming. In these two scenarios, the SurfLink Mobile always streams to both hearing devices if binaural hearing devices are synced to the SurfLink Mobile. The right audio channel is sent to the right hearing device and the left audio channel is sent to the left hearing device. If only one of the binaural hearing devices is engaged in the streaming session, only one channel of audio will be heard.

• SurfLink Mobile streams a mono signal during cell phone and remote microphone streaming. For a monaural fitting, the SurfLink Mobile will combine the right and left audio channels and stream both to that hearing device.

• When streaming audio, Noise Control options are applied to both streamed audio and hearing aid microphone input. If some Noise Control options are enabled, the hearing aid may interpret the streamed audio as undesirable noise and may alter the audio presentation.

• By default, both the Music and Streaming environments disable the Noise Control adaptations in the hearing aid.

• No. The USB connection currently supports only data transfer (e.g., firmware updates) or charging. The microUSB-to-3.5mm Audio Jack Cable (shipped with the SurfLink Mobile) should be used for wired audio output from a computer.

• Increase the audio source output level.

• Maximize audio stream level (from Streaming screen) while decreasing hearing aid volume (from Remote screen) to obtain a comfortable setting. For best audio quality, audio stream level should be set at 75% or higher. Each audio input (including Surround and Focus mic modes) have independent stream levels.

•              

•           Streaming Screen               Streaming volume at 75% or higher

• While streaming cell phone calls, maximize audio stream level (from Phone screen) while decreasing hearing aid volume (from Remote screen) to obtain a comfortable setting. For best audio quality, audio stream level should be set at 75% or higher.

•              

•              Phone Screen                 Streaming volume at 75% or higher

• Adjust the Stream Boost frequency response to optimize sound quality. For example, reduce low frequency gain.

Yes. You will need the following accessories:

• Optional 3.5mm Stereo female-to-RCA male Cable (not available from AAH)

• 

• Line-in Cable (shipped with the SurfLink Mobile)

• 

Follow these steps:

1. Plug the RCA male Cable to the TV audio out jacks.

   

2. Connect the Line-in Cable to the 3.5mm Stereo female end of the RCA Cable.

   

3. Connect the micro-USB to the SurfLink Mobile.

   

• Yes. The SurfLink Media and SurfLink Mobile are designed to work with the same set of hearing aids. On the SurfLink Mobile, the Remote screen can function like the Advanced SurfLink Remote. The Favorite button may be used to Stop/Start streaming of the SurfLink Media.

• If possible, it is best to answer an incoming call via the SurfLink Mobile. There are some cell phones that do not properly route the call to the SurfLink Mobile if you answer a call via the cell phone itself.

• When using a Hands-Free Profile (HFP) connection, the Disconnect/Connect button on the SurfLink Mobile Remote screen switches between streaming the audio via the SurfLink Mobile and conducting the call via the cell phone itself.

• 

• During a phone call, the Remote Favorite button is replaced with the Disconnect/Connect button. When the phone call is completed, the Favorite button programmed functionality returns.

• The SurfLink Mobile detects which Bluetooth profiles are supported by the connected cell phone. If the connected Bluetooth device supports both Hands-Free Profile (HFP) and Media Profile (A2DP), such as smartphones, SurfLink Mobile expects both profiles to connect prior to establishing the Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP).

• If for some reason, only the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) connection is established, the SurfLink Mobile is unable to connect to the Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) until the Media Profile (A2DP) connection has been resolved.

• If the cell phone does not support the Media Profile (A2DP), the SurfLink Mobile will automatically connect the Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) immediately after establishing the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) connection.

• The SurfLink Mobile is compatible with a wide variety of cell phones and tablets. Please refer to the SurfLink Mobile Compatibility Chart found on the professional website.

• The transmission ranges vary based on the required function.

• From	To	Communication Type	Range in Feet	Range in Meters
  SurfLink Mobile	Hearing Devices	One-way Audio Streaming Surround Mic Focus Mic Line-in Audio Bluetooth A2DP Audio One-way Cell Phone (JustTalk Disabled)	12 -15 Feet	4 - 5 Meters
  SurfLink Mobile	Hearing Devices	Two-way Cell Phone Streaming (JustTalk Enabled)	3 - 6 Feet	1 - 2 Meters
  Bluetooth Device (cell phone, MP3 player, laptop, etc.)	SurfLink Mobile	One-way Audio Streaming	Up to 30 Feet	Up to 10 Meters

Volume is adjusted via the physical buttons on the side of the SurfLink Mobile.

Volume Control Adjustments While Streaming

• VC adjustments from the Streaming Screen adjusts the audio input level and is displayed by an audio level ramp

• 

  SurfLink Mobile remembers the previous audio input level setting used

• VC adjustments from the Phone Call Screen adjusts the audio input level (this screen only appears during an active phone call) and is displayed by an audio level ramp

• 

  SurfLink Mobile remembers the previous audio input level setting used

• VC adjustments from the Remote Control Screen adjusts the hearing aid volume and is displayed by a speaker with plus or minus sign. If actively streaming audio (Phone call, “Surround” mic, “Focus” mic, Line-in, or A2DP Bluetooth), then the hearing aid also amplifies/attenuates the streamed audio.

•  

Volume Control Adjustments When Not Streaming

• VC adjustments from the Streaming Screen adjusts the hearing aid volume and is displayed by a speaker with plus or minus sign

• 

• VC adjustments from the Remote Control Screen adjusts the hearing aid volume and is displayed by a speaker with plus or minus sign

•  

• Currently there are no Bluetooth hearing device systems in the industry that provide sound quality that would be acceptable to medical personnel.

To optimize the product demonstration, follow these steps.

1. Do not wirelessly program with a SurfLink Programmer at the same time.

2. Turn off all nearby SurfLink accessories (e.g., SurfLink Remote Microphone and SurfLink Media).

3. Demonstrate in an 8 meter x 8 meter (25’ x 25’) room or larger:

1. United States and Canada:

2. Maximum of 2 active SurfLink Mobiles may be supported.

   Europe:

3. Maximum of 1 active SurfLink Mobile may be supported. The EU limits the RF bandwidth which reduces the ability of the SurfLink Mobile to avoid interference by moving to a new frequency channel.

• This information was taken directly from the SurfLink Mobile Operations Manual:

"If you use other medical devices or wear implantable medical devices such as defibrillators or pacemakers and are concerned that your SurfLink Mobile might cause interference with your medical device, please contact your physician or the manufacturer of your medical device for information about the risk of disturbance. The SurfLink Mobile should not be used during an MRI procedure.”

• When two 900 MHz electronic devices are placed in close proximity, the radio frequency (RF) emissions can cause unintended interference with the SurfLink Mobile or vice-versa. On the SurfLink Mobile, this may result in disrupted signals and/or decreased audio quality. In most environments, SurfLink Mobile’s Adaptive Frequency Agility technology adjusts to an interference-free frequency channel to resolve the interference.

• However, if the interfering signal either is close enough, puts out a very strong signal, or is very brief in duration, users may notice slight changes in the audio signal quality on the SurfLink Mobile. In most instances, simply moving the SurfLink Mobile farther away from the interfering 900 MHz equipment will resolve any issues.

  On rare occasions where there is insufficient available space to separate the interfering equipment or where there is insufficient available space to separate the interfering equipment from the SurfLink Mobile, it may be necessary to replace or adjust the frequencies of the interfering equipment or temporarily stop audio streaming on the SurfLink Mobile.

• When the smartphone (e.g., iPhone) uses the HFP+A2DP profile, the smartphone routes its indicator sounds (e.g., SMS/keyboard clicks) through A2DP. Therefore, you will only hear these indicator sounds when already actively streaming A2DP audio from the SurfLink Mobile.

• Hearing aid does not revert to pre-streaming volume levels once the stream stops.

• SurfLink Remote Microphone is compatible with select wireless 900 MHz hearing aids (Pride, Pride IIC, and Z Series).

• See "Basic Use" in the SurfLink Remote Microphone Manual for instructions on setting up the SurfLink Remote Microphone.

• No. SurfLink Remote Microphone can only be synced to one left and one right hearing aid at a time.

• Yes. Multiple SurfLink Remote Microphones can be synced to one set of hearing aids. However, only one SurfLink Remote Microphone can be used at a time with a set of hearing aids.

• Optimal operating range is up to 20 feet (~7 meters). Operational range may be reduced by environmental factors, such as obstructions, interference, and human body positioning. Larger operational distances are achievable, though audio quality and connectivity will decrease.

• No. Ear to ear hearing aid commands are disabled when the hearing aids are actively engaged in communicating or streaming from SurfLink accessories: SurfLink Programmer, SurfLink Media, SurfLink Mobile, or SurfLink Remote Microphone.

• This information was taken directly from the SurfLink Remote Microphone Operations Manual:

“If you use other medical devices or wear implantable medical devices such as defibrillators or pacemakers and are concerned that your SurfLink Remote Microphone might cause interference with your medical device, please contact your physician or the manufacturer of your medical device for information about the risk of disturbance.”

“SurfLink Remote Microphone should not be used during an MRI procedure.”

• When hearing aids are synced, all previously synced hearing aids will be deleted from SurfLink Remote Microphone. There is no method to explicitly “delete” synced hearing aids without syncing new hearing aids.

To optimize the product demonstration, follow these steps.

1. Do not wirelessly program with a SurfLink Programmer at the same time.

2. Turn off all nearby SurfLink accessories (e.g., SurfLink Mobile and SurfLink Media).

3. Demonstrate in an 8 meter x 8 meter (25’ x 25’) room or larger:

1. United States and Canada:

2. Maximum of 2 active SurfLink Remote Microphones may be supported.

   Europe:

3. Maximum of 1 active SurfLink Remote Microphone may be supported. The EU limits the RF bandwidth which reduces the ability of the SurfLink Remote Microphone to avoid interference by moving to a new frequency channel.

• By default, Stream Boost is disabled for “Speech and Noise” and “Machine Noise”. These can be enabled via Environment Manager for the Stream Boost (and/or Streaming) memory.

• SurfLink Remote Microphone battery can be recharged via an AC wall socket, DC power outlet (in a car), a USB connection (on a computer), and a USB connection (using an instant-charger, external battery pack). See "Typical Charging Method" in the SurfLink Remote Microphone Manual for more information.

• Yes. The user can charge the SurfLink Remote Microphone while streaming.

• LED slowly blinks red and a unique audible indicator tone is sent to the hearing aids. This indicator tone occurs every 5 minutes until SurfLink Remote Microphone shuts down or until a recharging power source is applied.

• Three consecutive tri-beeps, which are designed to be distinct from hearing aid low battery notification.

• Click  to hear audible indicator.

• No. SurfLink Remote Microphone automatically sets its “Focus” (directional) or “Surround” (omni) modes based on its physical orientation. When placed horizontally (on its clip), it will be in “Surround” mode. Other orientations will be in “Focus” mode.

• Mono.

• Yes. Hearing aid does not revert to pre-streaming volume levels once the stream stops.

• If synced hearing aids and SurfLink Remote Microphone go out of range from each other, the audio stream will stop. If and when the hearing aids come back into range, the hearing aids will automatically reconnect to the stream.

• No. Exposure to water or excessive moisture may damage it. If the SurfLink Remote Microphone is accidently exposed to water or moisture, then:

• • Power it down

  • Wipe it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth

  • Let it completely dry out before turning it back on