I’m in my 70s and looking to replace my 11-yr-old Starkeys with a newer HA. I’m used to disposable batteries. For about $100, I can purchase a year’s worth of batteries for my Starkeys, which is handy in case the grid goes down for a while. And I always have batteries easily on hand if I’m traveling, unlike an HA charger.
Has anyone here tried both the rechargeable AND the disposable battery versions of the Jabra Enhance Pro 30 or Resound Vivia? I’d like to know how much of a difference you notice in sound quality - voices, loud and quiet settings, telephone. The version that takes disposable batteries does not have AI DNN, and I’m wondering if that’s going to end up being a deal breaker. Also, do both versions work about the same with Android phones?
Not saying I won’t end up with a rechargeable; but I’d prefer a good, current, disposable-battery HA if there is one, whether Jabra/Resound or something else. Worse case, I get a rechargeable and hang on to my Starkeys as back-ups.
The answer to this is: It depends on the type of environment you spend your time. If you spend your time in quiet environments, then DNN is not essential. If you share your audiogram, others can provide additional help. It also depends if you are currently struggling with speech in noise with your current devices.
Considering how many complaints I’m hearing about the new batteries packaging, getting non-rechargeables can be a pain these days.
It was for me.
I’m in the ~30% camp that prefers batteries. Primarily because I go off the grid sometimes with my lifestyle. I was originally going to order the battery version. After repeatedly reading the brochure I noted the other differences are tap control is in the rechargeable. Telecoil if is important to you is in the battery version but if you get the MultiMic+ that will give you Telecoil.
My thoughts were get the rechargeable with AI DNN which can be turned on or off to actually see if it does make that much of a difference. If it doesn’t make a notable difference within the trial period I can always exchange for the battery version.
Of note, my first hearing aids were Siemens. They had a rechargeable size 13 battery that could be swapped for a regular size 13 battery. I sort of liked that idea but have not seen it since.
My biggest concern will be how long will the rechargeable battery last? i.e. lifespan?
I can see that as an issue in the future for keeping the these aids as spares. As that will likely be the limiting factor.
You will lose the Hear in Noise DNN/dual chip set and it appears the tap control with the battery version. The rechargeables also are smaller, if that matters. The latest technology requires more power than the replaceable battery versions can provide. My Jabra rechargeables last almost 2 full days on a single charge if turned offat night. The charger has battery back up and provides another 4 days worth of charges without being plugged in and a few pocket power banks can provide dozens of charges if ever needed. Unless you spend weeks off the grid i can’t see why anyone would want battery versions. But i get that its a personal decision and to each, their own.
Well Sti-user has been using the old Starkey hearing aids for 11 years, so that is part of this person’s thinking. Plus folks want a backup hearing aid, and that pretty much means an old fashion disposable battery hearing aid, unless the manufacture makes a replaceable, rechargeable battery that can be installed at one’s local audiology store/clinic like the old Oticon model.
The worse one’s hearing loss (snake belly) , the more important it is to have a backup hearing aid.
However, you are correct in that the hearing aid needs a more powerful battery then what a disposable battery can provide if you want the new hearing-in-noise capability.
And from my POV, the decision is a bit more complex because I’m getting older.
It’s one thing to accommodate moderate hearing loss (age 60 to age 71), my Starkeys have been fine. I love the convenience of disposable batteries. I always have them on hand, in the car, in my wallet, etc. And I don’t have to worry about the likely rising cost of rechargeable replacement batteries every few years (assuming it’s every few years).
But on the other hand, going from age 70 to, say, 80, presumably my hearing will continue to decline. Will rechargeables take the lead in being “cutting edge”, providing better support for aging ears, and making me wish I had them, despite having to rely on a charger and an available outlet?
I guess I’ll be having this conversation with the audiologist when I go for my hearing test next week.
I was thinking about this. If I have a pair of backup aids, wouldn’t they *need* to have disposable batteries? I feel like disposable battery hearing aids can last nearly a decade maybe longer who knows, but won’t rechargeable ones become unusable after 3-5 years? Will turning the rechargeable hearing aids off for months or years degrade the lithium ion battery to the point where it’s no longer holding long enough of a charge to get through the day? Or does that not really happen?
With Phonaks, you can put them in stock mode (deep sleep mode) to preserve life when not used. That said, batteries do wear over time, even when not used.
Some people take their aids to their place of purchase a bit before the expiration date for a battery replacement. That gives you 8-10 yrs of life.
The main question is do you want the latest technology for hearing-in-noise? If hearing-in-noise has been an issue for you then you have no choice but to go with a rechargeable battery hearing aid.
The AI, hearing-in-noise technology will eat up the battery fairly quickly when in use. You can of course turn it off when it’s not necessary.
If interested, then go to Costco and try the Jabra 30 hearing aids. You have 180 days to get your money back if you are not impressed.
Just make sure the hearing aid fitter has it set up correctly. See Flyboy’s thread with the back and forth with David.
I use disposable batteries, but if we’re still stuck with ‘childproof’ battery things, I’ll probably go to rechargeables, especially since they’ll probably be more powerful in a year than they are now.
Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who lost dexterity to carpal tunnel syndrome before age 60 (and only partially regained it through surgery), it might be wise to consider current hand function and potential future changes. Rechargeable hearing aids are awfully convenient that way! Even more so with the packaging requiring the skills of Houdini, from what I’ve read. I’ll be 65 soon, but it’s not merely those of us with higher mileage who need to consider our hands.
For my own peace of mind, I think I’d try to establish a rotation of regularly using my backup HAs so I know that they stiil work, still hold a charge and still meet the needs of my hearing correction. It would just make me less anxious about it.
I actually have 2 sets of backups. My original Jabra Pro’s and also i have my 12 year old Hansaton’s with 312 batteries. But I really like my new Pro 30’s, a lot.
Concerning rechargeables and battery life, right before 3 years old, I had Costco send my original Pro’s in for a battery replacement. I cant remember if they charged me shipping or not but there was no charge from Jabra because they were still under warranty. Right before sending them in, I purchased the new Pro 30’s so now I have 2 sets with new rechargeable batteries. Due to my loss I found the new Pro 30’s worked better for me so didnt mind buying them even though my originals were still working pretty good, but i still struggled in noisy situations like a restaurant or party. Also got a new phone and my connection to my aids is rock solid now, knock on wood. Aids are such personal choice that there is really no right or wrong when it comes to battery type or new technologies, its what works for you.
I like to be prepared. That the Boy Scout’s marching song.
Why would anyone want to carry scissors around with them wherever they go? Why would anyone want to carry a sharp tool around when it may not be necessary? Why would anyone want to leave shards of hard plastic around?
I could change batteries on a schedule, but what schedule would that be? I usually get 14 days out of a battery, but sometimes it’s less. Do I litter the environment with extra batteries or … carry a pair of scissors around with me all the time, in case a battery fails at 4 days?
As it happens, I can still get to a battery using brute strength, but I don’t know how long that will last.
Meanwhile rechargeables seem to last longer and longer. More important HA manufacturers are forcing them on buyers. For example, if one wants the latest in ReSound’s or Phonak’s features, one must accept rechargeable batteries. I’m not sure I’ll experience benefits from the new tech, but I know I will by getting away from the awful battery packaging.
The version that takes disposable batteries does not have AI DNN, and I’m wondering if that’s going to end up being a deal breaker. Also, do both versions work about the same with Android phones?
