>5. The iCom as a Bluetooth device paired with cell phones is a terrible, …
While expensive ($1100 - $1300 online), the SmartLink+ might do what you want. There are other (cheaper) options, too. phonak.com/com/b2c/en/products/fm/transmitters.html
>I tried to return the iCom before the 30 day trial period was up, but my audiologist flat-out refused to take it back. In fact, I had requested the FM system when I first ordered the Naidas 6 months ago. She ordered the iCom instead. Thus far she has refused to order the FM system.
Well, this kind of thing bugs me a lot. I switch businesses for less. If possible, use a university audiology clinic to obtain hearing aids. They don’t have much financial interest in what aids/options you buy or don’t buy.
>Now she says that the Naida can’t be fitted with the FM system. I never would have ordered the Naidas if they weren’t compatible with the FM system! Anyway, that’s a separate post/rant.
There are some shoes that attach to the Naida S that give them FM ability: phonakpro.com/com/b2b/en/products/hearing_instruments/naida-s/accessline.html
If she used the Phonak web site to find out if they could be fitted with an FM system, I can understand her response. I found the place where I thought it should have told me if it could use FM, but there was nothing about FM. I needed to keep hunting.
>Does anyone have any solutions to the above issues? Sympathy?
You definitely have my sympathy, and some empathy, too! The Phonak web site has a ton of information–so much, that it is hard to find what one is looking for. Unfortunately, the information they have on each hearing aid and accessories is inconsistent. However, if you keep hunting, you can find out almost anything.