Hi
Which hearing aid is right for me? Things have been getting worse lately. I often get staphylococcus aureus in my ear, and I’m getting the vaccine. I’d like to have a supply for the future.
Phonak sphere I90 vs naida limity bte 90 ?
Best regards
Most would say Audeo Infinio Sphere i90, as it’s their newest model, but that doesn’t mean the Naida Lumity L90 (SP or UP) are suddenly bad hearing aids. I’m personally having great results with both Sky L70 UP and L90 SP. For music and streaming, the sound is extremely rich. I also prefer BTE over RIC, and disposable over rechargeable.
1 Like
Is the staph infection typically otitis externa? If so, there may be times that having any hearing aid in the ear is not prudent. I’d think it’s best to consult an ENT and audiologist (simultaneously if possible) about whether a BTE, RIE, Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) or Cochlear Implant (CI) would be best for you. If you use a BTE or RIE, cleanliness of the components that go into the ear will be crucial, as will controlling moisture by using an electronic hearing aid dryer/dehumidifier with ultraviolet disinfection after scrupulous cleaning of the wires/tubes, speakers, and domes. Fastidious cleaning and manual disinfection before using the electronic dryer/dehumidifier will be essential to avoid having your hearing aids become a culture medium of staph that re-infects your ears. Scrupulous hand hygiene is also essential.
As for features, both are available with UP speakers, Infinio are rechargeable and Naida Lumity use 675 disposable batteries. Both models have people who are enthusiastic about their features and performance. If I were frequently dealing with infected ears, I’d probably use the Naida Lumity - because tubing is easily detached and can be soaked in disinfectant, or thrown away if need be, and the same goes for domes.
3 Likes
I’ve been wearing CIC hearing aids for 20 years. That’s why I need to change them. I’d like Sphere, but I don’t know if my audiogram allows it or if there’s a spare. The CIC is bothering me, and my ear can’t breathe. My ears are under doctor’s supervision, and I regularly take antibiotics. The hearing aids are disinfected and kept clean. There’s no leakage. I like the Sphere because I tested it. Thank you very much for your help.
2 Likes
Sorry for my English. I’ve tried almost all the high-end hearing aids, except for the Widex Ric (I have a test scheduled). I’m really interested in the Phonak Sphere. But will it have power reserves for the future? I don’t want BTEs; they’re very bulky. If I have to, I’ll buy them.
Yes, it’s an external infection. Since the antibiotic is in ear drops, it only helps for a few months at most. It’s possible that the vaccine I’m using will help.
If you want to get the most out of Phonak Sphere I90 hearing aids, .it is said you should have a fairly occlusive fit. This won’t let your ears breathe much. As for power reserves for the future, do you mean the ability to do stronger work if your hearing gets worse? I believe that the Sphere I90 can use an UP receiver, so I think it will be pretty strong. Some people want an open fit and are disappointed with the Spheres because an open fit lets a lot of background noise in, which keeps the noise suppression from working the best.
No need to apologize for your English, it seems fine!
4 Likes
Your fitting range is perfect for UP receiver with Sphere.
For Professionals - Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio hearing aids | Phonak
However you’ll be in need of rather occlusive fit to achieve proper target gains especially in high frequencies and for boosting the efficiency of directionality and denoising features.
I do not buy the idea you need open fit because of ear infection. For what I know, no evidence suggest that with more occlusive fit and regular daily hygiene the risk is increased, especially when we talk about otitis media.
You didn’t specify, which infection you have - otitis media (zapalenie ucha środkowego) or externa (ucha zewnętrznego)?
Another option is just released ITE Virto Infinio R - the SP has huge reserve and can give MUCH gain even in highest frequencies
3 Likes
Thank you very much for your help. It’s definitely an external ear infection, because the doctor saw skin irritation and swelling. Antibiotic drops helped, and an antibiogram was performed. This hearing aid, the ITE version, is very interesting, but I need a soft dome.
My current hearing aid, the Widex Moment 220 CIC version, is hard, very irritating, and stretches the skin. I’ve had new castings made several times over the past three years.
Now I need to have a casting again; my ear canal is getting bigger. Time for a RIC or BTE (which I don’t want). Best regards.
this is a red pen eraser.
It’s very tiring. My left ear changes a lot.
the left ear has a problem with staphylococcus aureus.
I’m very careful about cleanliness, but without this rubber, I don’t have a seal and the hearing aid squeaks. My journey with CIC hearing aids is coming to an end.
1 Like
So, try Audeo Infinio Sphere with UP receiver in silicone earmold with small vent, like 0.6-0.8mm. Ideally with long canal stalk reaching bony part of ear canal especially if you have big ear canals
The earmold impression is a key. It should be done deeply with the end at least 5mm past 2nd bend of ear canal. Ask for impression with open-jaw technique. In that you have to put 2.5cm bite block between upper and lower incisors and then hearing aid specialist perform silicone injection. No talking during silicone curation and still with bite block until removing the silicone impression.
3 Likes