Hi all! I’m a long-time hearing aid user (30+ years) and new lurker of this page. I’ve worn Phonak Naida M90 BTEs since 2020, and like the Bluetooth connectivity but always felt like speech in noise programming wasn’t perfect (like most hearing aid users). My right hearing aid is finnicky (I have to close the battery door multiple times occasionally for it to turn on) and I’m out of the warranty period, so I’m looking for new hearing aids. I’m currently demoing Phonak Naida L90 BTEs, and I’m not impressed by them. I actually feel like they’re worse than my Marvels in some situations; I’m having to listen more, I’m struggling more in speech in noise situations and some high frequency speech is sounding harsh. I’ve made some programming adjustments with my audiologist, but I’m not noticing a big enough improvement to justify the cost.
I’m considering trying Oticon Intent 1 and/or Resound Nexia 9, but my audiologist is cautioning me against them since I like a lot of gain and it’ll be a RIC instead of a BTE for Oticon at least. I had Phonak Naida Q90 RICs before my Marvels, and they were okay but I felt like I was missing out on conversations and the hearing aids weren’t as durable as my previous BTEs. Obviously, technology has advanced since then.
So my question is, has anyone else switched from BTE to RIC for severe to profound hearing loss and what has your experience been? Are there other hearing aids I should be considering for my hearing loss?
Thank you!