Hi, I’m after a CIC hearing aid with Bluetooth.
So far I am considering the Starkey Edge AI 24 CIC Custom 312 vs the Phonak Virto paradise P-312 as these both seem to be similar (smaller) size and also have bluetooth connectivity.
Does anyone have direct experience of wearing either of these devices and could share their experiences? Alternativly, are there any other products on the market, that are similar ie small in the ear devices that also have bluettoh capability.
Many Thanks!
Have you learned anything new. I am making a similar choice (except my insurance only covers the Genesis, not the Edge).
However, it seems that the Starkey is available as a CIC (with one mic and an antenna) or as a ITC (HS) (with 2 mics and no external antenna). The Phonak you mention is an ITC (HS), not a CIC. I have not found another CIC with Bluetooth besides the Starkey.
I understand that the Edge version should have improved bluetooth, but does it still only have one omnidirectional mic?
Hi there, I am actually picking up the Starkey Edge CIC (with Bluetooth) tomorrow and as you mentioned I think it’s the only CIC device on the market with Bluetooth.
I will let you know how I get on with some initial impressions and also any further updates via this thread.
What you dont like about Edge AI ?
Very many things - sound quality in all modes worse than infineo sphere, battery life not as claimed - slightly worse than infineo sphere with my useage - wind noise reduction very poor - weird changing of sounds as th AI tries to figure out what to do (eg the noise of a nearby fan fades in and out randomly), metallic sound of voices in Edge mode plus, streaming qulity of music worse than infineo sphere, and finally despite being smaller than the infneo sphere it was actually less comfortable to wear.
Of course this is just my experience based on 4 weeks or trying each, others may have had a different experience which is why I would suggest anyone to give a goood trail of at least 2 devices prior to purchase.
Thank you very much , i currently purchased Edge AI ITC but thinking to swap for Sphere too. its really hard to trial both aids because of my country is still got 1 generation behind so i have to purchase online oversea. i want discreet aids but i find Starkey ITC is quite larger than my previous Oticon Own ITC. Sound a bit tinny too. Only downside of Sphere is their size and no black color to match my hair.
Blue is Edge Ai ITC vs OWN ITC
I was worried about the size of the Spheres as well, but it’s not an issue, they are comfortable, and when you hear the quality, you most likely won’t care about the size anymore!
There is a black colour version coming out later this year.
Interesting to read your comments. I didn’t see your review, but see the comments you made 5 days ago. Did you decide not to keep the Starkey? I am new to hearing aids, but I wonder if I can try the Phonak VIrto P-312 for comparison. How does it work if I do that but then want to switch back to the Starkey, would I be allowed?
I wanted to get a CIC. So, I think that there is no other option. @Zynkronize mentioned the Own ITC, did you try that as well? Or, maybe just an Edge ITC which also has two mics and might be better.
My insurance doesn’t cover Oticon, so I didn’t look into those. I also am trying the Genesis since the Edge is also not yet included by my insurance.
For me, battery life seems OK, but I don’t stream much (since the streaming quality is not good – it seems to drop out). The voices don’t sound very natural, but I think that is because the audiologist turned on “frequency lowering” and when she showed me with it off, voices sounded more natural.
I also can’t figure out what and when the AI is taking action. Sounds do sometimes seem to come in and out (volume raises and lowers).
How do you compare comfort with the Infineo Sphere. Isn’t that a RIC only? Or, is there an ITC version that I have missed?
Also, for ITC or CIC, does the brand matter for fit? I was led to believe that the physcial case was kind of independent of maker (or is that wrong)?
