Some hearing aids have larger receivers (sound generators) than others. Receiver-in-canal models (like Phonak Marvels) tend to have smaller receivers than Behind-the-Ear receivers with tubes (like Phonak Bolero/Belongs). This article states that smaller receivers typically are limited to lower Max Power Output (MPO), which correlates with compressed sound at louder volumes:
http://www.hearingreview.com/2008/06/mpo-a-forgotten-parameter-in-hearing-aid-fitting/
I imagine that the lower compression afforded by a larger receiver with higher max power translates into a richer more detailed sound, like an audiophile stereo system with a strong amp and big speakers. Does anybody have experience with this?
Phonak offers 4 different RIC receivers (S, M, P, UP), each with increasing power, meant for different levels of hearing loss. I wonder: do the higher-powered receivers provide richer, fuller sound than the lower ones, and if so, why donât people just choose those all the time? Are they too big for some ears? More feeling of occlusion? Lower battery life? Increased feedback? All of the above?
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