Medical Information

Product Facts:
Read and follow directions carefully before purchase or use.

Use:
Provides safe, comfortable amplification for mild to moderate hearing loss in healthy adults 18 years of age and older.

Warnings:
This product is not for use by anyone under 18 years of age.

If you have or think you may have any one of the following symptoms, do not use this product until you have consulted a physician:

• History of excessive wax build-up
• Pain or discomfort in the ear
• Fluid or drainage from the ear within the past 90 days
• Ear canal blockage, a lasting ear infection or a plugged up fullness feeling
• Visible deformity of the ear
• Sudden, rapidly progressing, or fluctuating hearing loss within the past 90 days
• Ringing in only one ear
• Hearing loss only in one ear that worsened in the past 90 days
• Spells of acute or chronic dizziness

Important Medical Information:
Hearing loss can be the symptom of a more serious medical condition or the result of an excessive wax build-up. A physician can treat these conditions. If you have not already done so you should consult a licensed physician (preferably one who specializes in diseases of the ear) to rule out any of these medical concerns. Physicians who specialize in diseases of the ear are often referred to as ENTs, otolaryngologists, otologists, or otorhinolaryngologists.

In accordance with good health practice, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that a person with hearing loss have a medical evaluation by a licensed physician before purchasing a hearing aid. However, federal law permits a fully informed adult to waive this recommendation.

The same medical and warning information appears on the packaging of every Songbird Disposable Hearing Aid.

If you are buying Songbird for someone else:
Please remind the recipient to first read all of the packaging materials including the medical information, warnings and detailed instructions prior to using the product.

Is there a history of excessive wax build-up in the ear canal?
In most people, earwax clears itself in a natural process. However, some people are prone to accumulate excess wax that can be deep in the ear canal and hard to remove. This wax should be removed before you use a hearing aid. If you have a history of excessive wax build-up, consult your doctor to examine your ears and remove any wax.
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Is there pain or discomfort in the ear?
Ear pain or discomfort can be a sign of infection or other ear problem and should be evaluated by a doctor.
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Is there a history of fluid or drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days?
If you have moisture in your ear other than normal moisture from perspiration, swimming, or bathing, the drainage can be a sign of infection or other ear problem. Drainage can be any color or consistency. Even if you have had this condition for many years and have been told that there is no cure, you should have an exam by a doctor to see if you should wear a hearing aid.
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Do you feel "plugged up" or experience a feeling of "fullness" in your ears when not wearing the hearing aids?
This may be characterized by a plugged-up feeling like that associated with an ear infection, head cold or allergies, or when flying in an airplane before your ears "pop". If you have any of these symptoms, you should have a medical exam because the medical problems causing these sensations may be treatable.
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Is there a visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear?
Does either ear have an unusual shape or malformation? Examples are an unusual shape of the outer ear, partially-formed ear, partial ear canal, surgically changed ear or inner ear. If so, your doctor should evaluate if the Songbird Disposable Hearing Aid is suitable for you.
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Is there a history of sudden, fluctuating, or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days?
Hearing loss is usually very slow. A hearing loss that happens suddenly over the period of a few minutes, days, or weeks, is more unusual and may be the sign of a medical problem. Sometimes your doctor can treat these recent losses.
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Has there been ringing in one or both ears that has come on within the previous 90 days?
Ringing, or tinnitus, may sound like anything from a low roar to a high squeal or whine, and you may hear it in one or both ears. Ringing may be caused by a number of things, including noise, medications, high/low blood pressure, or more serious medical conditions. When it occurs suddenly, it may be your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. It is important to see an your doctor to determine the cause of your ringing so that the best treatment can be determined.
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Has there been a sudden hearing loss within one ear in the previous 90 days?
Our ears are typically subjected to the same sounds, noises, contaminants, toxins and traumas. If you have noticed a rapid change over the period of a few minutes, days, or weeks, in just one ear it is more unusual and may be the sign of a medical problem that should be checked by a doctor. If you are uncertain if there is a difference between your ears, hold the telephone up to your ear and listen to the dial tone. If you notice the dial tone sounds much louder in one ear, consult your doctor to make sure there are no medical problems.
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Is there acute or chronic dizziness?
The inner ear is responsible for both hearing AND balance. Balance disorders, including symptoms of dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, and a feeling of "seasickness" can be symptoms of an ear problem that should be evaluated by a doctor. These symptoms can be present all the time, but also occur in spells or episodes. Certain head movements can bring them on.
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Hearing health is critically important and should be evaluated frequently.