Today I had a hearing test and visit with my audiologist. She said my hearing is stable. I have severe/profound in the right and Mod/severe in the left. I currently use Marvel Virto in the ear custom mold with batteries. She said the newest Phonak is only available in the behind the ear verson from Phonak. I wear glasses and sunglasses and take them on and off frequently and prefer the custom molds. She said if I was to get new aids in the custom molds they would not give me the same benefit and that usually Phonak comes out with new models first in behind the ear and later in the molds. Does anyone know how long Phonak usually takes to offer new technology in the custom molds? My current aids are five years old and work pretty well. Like most people with hearing problems, speech in noise is an issue.
You mean custom hearing aids like Virto? I speak for Phonak only. New generations of Phonak hearing aids are released every two years; the last release to the market was in August 2023 - Infinio in RIC versions. The Virtos usually lagged about a year. So I suppose:
- new RIC lineup - Aug 2026
- new Virtos lineup - it will probably be summer or autumn 2027.
It’s good to know that Phonak AI features today require a rechargeable battery (because of larger voltage) and a second chip; both need greater space, which for now makes it impossible to manufacture IIC/CIC/ITC or even ITE hearing aids (the last one has at least a rechargeable battery, but no AI DEEPSONIC chip).
It is Oticon Own SI, but I do not expect the same AI quality as in the RIC Oticon Intent or Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere 90.
So for now, you can change your mind and at least try the RIC form factor. Alternatively, you can wait at least 2 years for the IIC/CIC/ITC/ITE version, with no guarantee of getting the AI feature.
Wonder if you might be a candidate for a cochlear implant. Something to look into perhaps.
It depends of @montieth WRS score in quiet. When it is poor (like <60% in sentences in quiet) - CI can be considered. However, in case of better speech understanding, HA could be probably better.
Just a thought: if the earpieces of your glasses are thick plastic, consider switching to titanium or other metal frames which are substantially thinner. That provides more room between the head and the inner edge of the ear for glasses and hearing aids. For me, making that change let me switch from battery behind-the-ear units to rechargeable BTE units as they provided additional clearance and comfort. I’m using Oticon Intent 1s. Just a thought. Good luck.
Good idea. I lobbied for “early” cataract surgery to reduce eyeglasses need and used the argument that I already couldn’t hear and needed to see. I really didn’t qualify but if there is any difficulty or hesitation to drive in the dark, which k had a lot of, surgery can be approved. Now I just need readers which is still a pain but better! I have CI and HA. I was borderline to qualify for a CI but decided to get it sooner than later and have zero regrets but that’s just me.
The rechargeable Virto Infinios were due out last. . . November? The non-rechargeable CICs were released in the spring but the rechargeables continue to be delayed. The next release is usually in the fall, so if you’re okay waiting a few months to see if they make it out you could. That said, I have no expectation that they will have the Sphere AI chip in them–just regular infinios. Although the infinio is a decent bump up from the Marvels.
I think I will give it a try then
At my hearing test I was told that I am close to the threshold but not a candidate for CI. If my hearing gets worse I might be a candidate. It has been stable now the last three years.
I just recently bought new glasses and they are thin wire frames so that might help.
I recently had cataract surgery also and feel the same way. I want the best seeing possible to maybe compensate for poor hearing. The cataract surgery has really helped.
Yes, I did mean custom hearing aids like Virto.I am used to in the ear mold with nothing behind the ear.