I appreciate this discussion about the Trax 42, as you folks seem to have more knowledge about those HAs than the 3 different Costco audiologists I’ve seen. The first audiologist I saw put me in Rexton Charismo HAs without any discussion about the other HA options. 6 weeks later, I wanted to demo the Trax 42 because they have many more features than the Charismo at the same price, but the 2nd Costco audiologist convinced me to exchange them for the KS6. I have worn the KS6 for the last 6 weeks and, in my experience, they are GREAT if all you want to hear is ambient noise and have no interest in hearing speech. Finally, last week, I demoed the Trax 42 for about 30 minutes. Boy, what a pleasant difference compared to the KS6. At the full volume setting, rather than the beginner level, the Trax 42 reduced the ambient noise, enhanced speech and were very “gentle” compared to the harsh KS6 (which weren’t even at full volume). It was love at first sight. In two weeks I’m being fitted for the Trax 42 and the divorce from the KS6 should be finalized.
When having the KS6 adjusted, I asked a 3rd Costco audiologist if the Trax 42 had 42 channels and he said that they couldn’t because he’d never heard of so many channels. (KS6 have 17-18 channels.) I pulled up this tread on my cell phone and showed him that do have 42 channels. He was surprised. My understanding is that channels play a role in reducing ambient noise and enhancing speech sounds. (If I’m wrong on this, please let me know.) My experience with Costco has taught me that I really need to be an educated consumer rather than completely dependent on the audiologists.
