This document is a user guide for the Phonak Virto B series of hearing aids, including models B90, B70, B50, and B30. It provides detailed information on the device's function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.
Function Description
The Phonak Virto B hearing aids are designed to amplify and transmit sound to the ears, compensating for impaired hearing. These devices are custom-programmed for individual hearing loss and are intended for use only by the person for whom they were prescribed. They are not designed to restore normal hearing or prevent/improve hearing impairment resulting from organic conditions. The use of a hearing aid is part of hearing habilitation and may be supplemented by auditory training and lipreading instruction.
Some models (Virto B-10 O, Virto B-10, Virto B-13, Virto B-312) are wireless and can connect to various audio sources and remote controls via Phonak accessories. Directional microphone modes can reduce background noise, but users should be aware that warning signals or noises from behind (e.g., cars) may be partially or entirely suppressed.
Important Technical Specifications
The user guide lists several models with corresponding battery sizes and CE mark application year (2017 for all listed models).
Wireless Models (CE mark applied 2017):
- Phonak Virto B90-10 O
- Phonak Virto B90-10
- Phonak Virto B90-312
- Phonak Virto B90-13
- Phonak Virto B70-10 O
- Phonak Virto B70-10
- Phonak Virto B70-312
- Phonak Virto B70-13
- Phonak Virto B50-10 O
- Phonak Virto B50-10
- Phonak Virto B50-312
- Phonak Virto B50-13
- Phonak Virto B30-10 O
- Phonak Virto B30-10
- Phonak Virto B30-312
- Phonak Virto B30-13
Non-Wireless Models (CE mark applied 2017):
- Phonak Virto B90-312 NW O
- Phonak Virto B90-10 NW O
- Phonak Virto B70-312 NW O
- Phonak Virto B70-10 NW O
- Phonak Virto B50-312 NW O
- Phonak Virto B50-10 NW O
- Phonak Virto B30-312 NW O
- Phonak Virto B30-10 NW O
Battery Information:
The hearing aids require zinc-air batteries. The correct battery size can be identified by checking "Your hearing aid details" on page 5, the marking on the inner side of the battery door, or the following table:
| Model |
Zinc air battery size |
Color marking on package |
IEC code |
ANSI code |
| Phonak Virto B-10 NW O |
10 |
yellow |
PR70 |
7005ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-10 O |
10 |
yellow |
PR70 |
7005ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-10 |
10 |
yellow |
PR70 |
7005ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-312 NW O |
312 |
brown |
PR41 |
7002ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-312 |
312 |
brown |
PR41 |
7002ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-13 |
13 |
orange |
PR48 |
7000ZD |
Users are warned to use only the correct type of zinc-air battery and not to use silver-zinc or Li-ion rechargeable batteries, as these may cause severe damage. Batteries should not exceed 1.5 Volts.
Radio Information for Wireless Hearing Aids:
- Antenna type: Integrated ferrite coil antenna (inductive)
- Operation frequency: 10.6 MHz
- Occupied bandwidth (99% BW): approx. 500 kHz
- Modulation: DQPSK
- Channel: Single channel radio
- Operating range: 18 cm (7")
- Use case: Streaming of audio or command signal to receiving hearing aid on the other ear
- Magnetic field strength @ 3 m: -20.5 dBµA/m
Compliance Information:
- Europe: Complies with Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC and Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
- Australia/New Zealand: Complies with Radio Spectrum Management's (RSM) and Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulatory arrangements. The R-NZ label is for radio products supplied in New Zealand under conformity level A1.
- USA/Canada (Wireless Models):
- Phonak Virto B-10 O (M/P/SP): FCC ID: KWC-ITEV100, IC: 2262A-ITEV100
- Phonak Virto B-10 (M/P/SP): FCC ID: KWC-ITEV10, IC: 2262A-ITEV10
- Phonak Virto B-13 & B-312 (M/P/SP/UP): FCC ID: KWC-ITEV13, IC: 2262A-ITEV13
The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada, subject to two conditions: it may not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Sonova AG may void FCC authorization. The device has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits.
Environmental Conditions:
- Temperature during transportation and storage: -20° to +60° Celsius (-4° to +140° Fahrenheit).
- Humidity during transportation: Up to 90% (non-condensing).
- Humidity during storage: 0% to 70% (if not in use).
- Atmospheric pressure: 200 hPA to 1500 hPa.
Usage Features
Left & Right Hearing Aid Markings:
- Blue marking for the left hearing aid.
- Red marking for the right hearing aid.
The color mark is located on the battery door, on the shell (text printed in red or blue), or the shell itself is colored red or blue.
On/Off:
The battery door acts as the on/off switch.
- On: Battery door closed.
- Off: Battery door opened.
A start-up melody may be heard when switching on.
Battery Replacement:
- Remove the sticker from the new battery and wait two minutes.
- Open the battery door.
- Place the battery in the battery door with the "+" symbol facing upwards.
If the battery door is difficult to close, check that the battery is inserted correctly with the "+" symbol facing upwards. Incorrect insertion can damage the battery door and prevent the hearing aid from working.
A low power warning consists of two beeps, indicating approximately 30 minutes of remaining battery life (may vary). Users should always have a new battery on hand.
Putting on the Hearing Aid (all models):
Take the hearing aid up to the ear and place the ear canal part into the ear canal.
Removing the Hearing Aid:
- With a removal handle: Hold the removal handle and carefully pull the hearing aid up and out of the ear.
- Without a removal handle: Put your thumb behind your lobe and gently press your ear upward to push the hearing aid out of the canal. Making chewing movements with your jaw can help. Then, grasp the protruding hearing aid and remove it.
Push Button (optional):
The push button on the hearing aid can have various functions or be inactive, depending on the programming. Users should consult their individual "Hearing aid instructions" or their hearing care professional for details.
Volume Control (optional):
- Increase volume: Turn the volume control forwards.
- Decrease volume: Turn the volume control backwards.
The volume control can be disabled by the hearing care professional.
Adjusting Virto B-10 NW O with Phonak MiniControl:
The MiniControl contains a magnet that functions as a remote control.
To use: Unscrew the magnet from the keychain housing and hold it inside the ear canal without touching the hearing aid. Remove the magnet promptly once the desired program or volume is set.
- Safety Warning: If using a medical device like a pacemaker or ICD, read the specific user guide for possible magnetic field impact. Do not place the MiniControl (open or closed) in a breast pocket; maintain at least 15 cm (6 inches) distance from any medical device.
Wireless Accessories:
A range of Phonak accessories are available for wireless hearing aids, including:
- Phonak RemoteMic (clipped onto speaker's clothing for better understanding over distance).
- Phonak streaming device (e.g., Phonak ComPilot II or ComPilot Air II) for connecting to cell phones (Phonak EasyCall II), MP3 players, or other audio sources via Bluetooth or audio cable. These devices also offer basic remote control functionalities and can be used with the Phonak RemoteControl App.
- Phonak DECT II phone.
- Phonak PilotOne II remote control.
- Phonak TVLink II connected to TV.
Communication in Noise and Over Distance (Roger portfolio):
The Roger portfolio offers outstanding microphone performance for better understanding in noisy environments and over distance. Benefits include:
- Understanding every word in noisy situations (e.g., restaurants, public areas).
- Discreet design.
- Speech transmission directly to hearing aids with an attached receiver or via a body-worn receiver.
- Some Phonak Roger microphones also support audio input via Bluetooth® or cable (only available for Virto B models with telecoil).
Maintenance Features
General Information:
- Remove hearing aids before using hair spray or applying cosmetics, as these products may damage them.
Daily Care:
- Daily cleaning and the use of a drying system are highly recommended. Phonak's C&C line offers cleaning products.
- Never use household cleaning products (washing powder, soap, etc.).
- If the hearing aid performs weakly or fails to operate, clean or replace the wax guard system. If the issue persists after cleaning/replacing the wax guard and inserting new batteries, contact a hearing care professional.
Weekly Care:
- For in-depth maintenance or more than basic cleaning, consult a hearing care professional.
Wax Protection:
- SmartGuard: A unique membrane design that completely protects the hearing aid from wax and moisture.
- Cerustop wax guards: An alternative protection system. Consult a hearing care professional for detailed information on using wax protection systems.
Troubleshooting Guide:
The guide provides a table of common problems, their causes, and recommended solutions:
| Problem | Causes | What to do |
| :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :----------------------- | :------- | :-------- |
| Phonak Virto B-10 NW O | 10 | yellow | PR70 | 7005ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-10 O | 10 | yellow | PR70 | 7005ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-10 | 10 | yellow | PR70 | 7005ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-312 NW O | 312 | brown | PR41 | 7002ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-312 | 312 | brown | PR41 | 7002ZD |
| Phonak Virto B-13 | 13 | orange | PR48 | 7000ZD |
| Problem | Causes | What to do
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