BACKGROUND NOISE
I honestly think those of us with severe loss in the high frequencies aren’t going to get the “wow” or “life altering” experience that others are experiencing.
Download a db meter to your phone such as Decibel X. Measure the environments that give you the most trouble, and report those findings to your audiologist. For me when it gets to about 75 db, the Spheres just aren’t getting it done. I end up using my Roger On. Before I purchased the Spheres, I had a long discussion with Otolaryngology at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I was told, with my loss, there would be situations where I would still need the Roger On.
Spheres have helped me in less noisy retail stores (60 db - 65 db) to clearly hear the clerk, something I struggled with when wearing Phonak Lumitys. Phonak Lumitys had Dynamic Noise Cancellation in both Speech in Noise and Speech in Loud Noise programs. I never could get either of those to work to wear I was satisfied. I am finding the same experience with the Speech in Noise program within the Spheres. I think the DNC just isn’t aggressive enough for some of us.
REM
Since becoming a HA user, and trying to learn as much as possible to get the most out of my hearing aids, there isn’t a topic that is debated more than REM.
Years ago when I was wearing Marvel 70s, I had REM performed prior to an international vacation. I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to hear in all situations. It was a disaster. It did not improve my ability to hear better in background noise (airport checkins, hotel checkins, restaurants). In calm situations, peoples voices sounded very tinny. When I upgraded to Lumity 90s I did not have REM performed, nor do I intend to with my current Spheres.
I did discuss this with an audiologist who does perform REM and my direct question was “Will REM help me hear better in background noise?” The response was a firm no. I get where REM will help conversation in calm situations sound more clear, or media streaming and BT telephone connections.
Even Dr. Cliff Olson says here that only 30% or hearing care professionals use REM.
Just passing along my experience.