Hello everyone,
- I agree with Ranson’s explanation that the reason FMA120 uses USB-A is to ensure better reliability and longer lifespan. However, nowadays, most users tend to prioritize compactness over longevity. From a manufacturer’s point of view, using USB-C—even if it may have a shorter lifespan—could actually increase sales volume.
- The FMA120 has no physical switch design, which I think is excellent—it avoids accidental touches and ensures stability. By the way, the FMA120 can only be paired with one device, which makes its reconnection stability exceptional. Even during a call, if you discovered that the hearing aid’s microphone isn’t picking up sound well, simply plugging in the FMA120 can re-establish a stable connection to the hearing aids within just a few seconds. As long as Bluetooth on the phone is turned off, audio will be routed to the FMA120 within seconds, and the system will automatically route the microphone input to the phone’s built-in mic.
- My personal suggestion for the FMA121 design is that it could continue the idea of having no physical switches. As for how to determine audio routing, the following logic could be applied:
(1) If the FMA121 is not plugged in, follow the phone’s original settings.
(2) If only the FMA121 is plugged in, route the audio to the hearing aid while using the phone’s built-in microphone for input.
(3) If both the FMA121 and a 3.5mm microphone are plugged in, switch the input from the built-in microphone to the 3.5mm mic.
If this concept is feasible, it could avoid the complications and costs associated with physical switches, align with user habits, and eliminate the need to learn new software settings or operations.
I previously tried DIYing a similar idea based on this product:
But due to its large size and poor stability (connection quality was bad, and volume fluctuated), I eventually gave up.
(I also tried building a large setup using the PHONAK TV CONNECTOR—it was bulky and ugly, but very effective when stable phone calls were needed.)
In my opinion, if the FMA121 could be designed and brought to market with USB-C and the benefit of microphone routing, and if it’s compatible with both Android and iPhone, then every user of Phonak hearing aids would must buy it.
Thanks to Ranson and also to Floogoo for your efforts on this issue.
— Jack