A review: I’ve included a lot of information here for newbies that long-term users may not be interested in.
Received my new JPE20s on Monday (4/6/24). The sound quality when first put into my ears (before any fitting/REM attempts), compared to my 5-yr old Phonaks, was amazing - clear, undistorted, not crackly. But then the Costco fitter opted to ‘make them better’ with an REM (Real Ear Measurement). Bad move - sounded like I was in the bottom of a very deep bass drum. After a few minutes of unsuccessfully tweaking, he reset them to the out-of-the-box status and all was good again. Then repeated the REM, which helped slightly. Side note here - he’s a long-term HA wearer.
I’m using custom molds with these. The only installed programs are ‘All Around’ and ‘Hear in Noise’.
Initial results: Setting up (pairing) the JPEs to phone, TV, pre-amp was a breeze. I’m using the “All-around” default mode all the time. No adjustments used. Wife no longer repeats herself 3 times minimum or writes notes; TV volume is reduced from near 20 (evening national news) to 10 (couldn’t really understand it at 20 used CC); am able to understand TV well enough now that reliance on CC is lessening; phone calls through aids are much more understandable - rating improved from 4 to 8, though women with chipmunk voices and accents are still difficult. Battery life from 3 days with old Phonaks to 5 days & counting (disposable, not rechargeable).
I typically wear my aids 15 hrs/day. Fitter recommended I use the electric HA dehumidifier with UV-C Lamp Sanitizer I bought from Costco years ago instead of the storage case. The aids go in there while showering and for 30 minutes after, and at night when sleeping. Apparently, Costco no longer sells that item, though I found one at AMZ for a ridiculous price.
Per instructions from an ENT doc years ago, I also wipe the aids with an alcohol pad, letting them (and my ears) dry before putting them in.
Haven’t been in a noisy environment yet (restaurant) and based on other’s comments, am not expecting a lot of improvement. Will probably opt for the Jabra Multi-Mic for group settings.
Surprisingly, I was able to carry on a back yard conversation with a neighbor. I love that because I’ve been avoiding people/social situations including family gatherings.
Here’s a shout-out to whoever included the graphics/instructions for adding the "Hear in noise option allowing the directional ‘cone of hearing’. My fitter struggled with it until I showed him the instructions I’d copied to my phone from this forum.
Minor annoyances: as an Android S21 Ultra 5G user, I’m able to connect my TVs, PC, and other equipment to the aids (haven’t tried everything yet); can use wireless headphones streaming from TV, amp, etc. device while using aids, although there’s a tiny bit of feedback/squeal in the right aid. Phone calls via aids are very good but cannot use the ‘tap’ aids’ feature to answer/end calls. Must use phone to speak. Not critically important to me. Really dislike the 5 chimes that sound when the phone boots. Fitter said he can eliminate that. The tubes that run from the battery compartment to the aids (speakers) don’t lay flat against the side of my head. That’s a cosmetic/vanity issue.
That’s all so far.
I’ve been using aids for 35+ years and as my hearing has worsened to beyond the initial point of being qualified for cochlear, aid manufacturers have touted improvements to help me hear better. Frankly, I’ve never noticed any until now other than adding phone apps that allow users to tweak settings. The JPE20s have made a significant improvement in my quality of life. I’m as tickled as a poverty child with a new toy on Christmas! And the icing on the cake is, I’m no longer paying between $5K & $6K for a pair of aids. Thanks Costco!