• Function Check
  
  
• The Chords
  
  
• The Speech Processor
  
  
• The Microphone
  

Function Check

• Turn the control setting on "T" for Test. The "M" (microphone) light on the top of the speech processor should shine continuously. If the child is wearing the implant, he should hear a steady noise. Confirm this.
  
  
• Set the patient controls to user settings. Place the transmitter coil on the side of the speech processor, near the top. The "C" (coil) light should flicker continuously.
  
  
• In a quiet room, hold the microphone approximately one foot from your mouth and say the Ling Five Sounds: /ahh/, /eee/, /ooo/, /sss/, and /shhh/. The "M" light should flash for each sound. It should not stay on continuously.

If the function check indicated that the implant system is not functioning appropriately or if your child reports that sound is intermittent or unclear, you must troubleshoot each component to identify the problem.

• Ensure that the cords are plugged in properly. Match the dot on the cord connector of the long cord to the dot on the microphone. The end of the cord that plugs into the speech processor will fit only one way. Check the short cord to ensure each end is plugged in securely to the microphone and the transmitter coil.
  
  
• Replace the long cord that runs from the speech processor to the microphone. Repeat the function check.
  
  
• Replace the short cord that connects the microphone to the coil. Repeat the function check.

• Set the users controls to "T" for Test. If the "M" light does not shine continuously, there is a problem with the speech processor. The battery may be dead. IF the battery is low, the "M" light will flash slowly. Replace this battery will a new or fully charged one.
  
  
• The battery contacts may be dirty. Clean the silver battery contacts with alcohol on a Q-tip.
  
  
• If the "M" light still does not shine when the processor is set to "T", there may be something wrong with the speech processor. Contact the implant center. If the "M" light shines, but Step 2 of the function check indicates no signal is coming out of the coil, check the cords and the microphone.
  
  
• If Step 2 of the function check indicates no signal is coming out of the coil, check the microphone.

• If Step 3 of the function check indicates you voice is not being processed and you have already changed the cords, the microphone may be nonfunctional. You can verify this by trying the hand held microphone which is part of your child's accessory kit. Plug it into the port at the top of the speech processor and repeat Step 3 of the function check. If the hand held microphone works, but the ear-level microphone does not work, contact the implant center for a replacement of the ear-level microphone.
  
  
• If the microphone has been exposed to moisture, place it in the dri-aid kit immediately. After 12 hours, repeat the function check. If it is still non functional. Contact the implant center for a replacement.