Lexie B1 vs Jabra Select 200, or other OTC

Hearing Aids
#1

I got my first HA 6 years ago, Ihear Max BTE but the company no longer exists and software won’t work anymore because it was online. Looking to upgrade. Won’t spend 4-8k.

Considered HA’s that I could program myself, looks like I should avoid that even though I have plenty of technical experience with computers/electronics.

Want BTE with RIC , and disposable batteries (but you might talk me out of that—wondering what happens when a rechargeable battery goes bad).

Was attracted to Costco’s Jabra Enhance Select 200 ($1600-2000) because it got good reviews, but still I’m locked in to their adjusting it.

Now considering the Lexie B1 by Bose, because I can do all the adjusting myself, and has disposable batteries.

Question now is, is the programming that I would do via the APP that comes with it be comparable to what would be done by an audiologist, such as what would be done by the Costco audiologist programming a Jabra 200. Am I on the right track? Any thoughts appreciated.

(BTW, don’t need bluetooth streaming or connecting to TV, I use hearing aids only to hear)

#2

I don’t know about the B1 specifically, but in general, the programming options of an OTC hearing aid are very, very limited compared to what an audiologist could do (or what self-programmers can do themselves). If part of the appeal of the B1 is (hopefully) being able to do audiologist-level adjustments yourself, then that’s basically self-programming. So why rule out self-programming and limit yourself to the B1? There are lots of used (and some new) battery HAs on eBay that are probably better than the B1, for the same or less money, if you’re comfortable programming them yourself.

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#3

Thanks, any suggestions for brands of comparable quality? I’m open to programming, and to Ebay as well. (Retired veterinary surgeon, ham radio operator, RC planes, and Linux user)

#4

Well in that case your possibilities are endless, Jabra are ReSound models, so if you wanted to start there you could review some of those later models from ReSound, all the software is easily available and the hardware devices needed for programming, we have a DIY forum on hearingtracker.

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#5

You’ll need an x86 Windows system for self-programming.

#6

The Costco version is the Jabra Pro 10, not Enhance 200. I know Costco sells rechargeable and disposable battery versions that use 312 or 13 batteries; mine use the 13s, which last for 2 weeks with my usage. I have RICs, but they apparently sell CICs and BTEs, too.

With a Noahlink and ReSound software, you’re free to adjust the settings yourself.

Are you sure about your needs? Which receivers do you need? Which domes/molds? Do you want M&RIE or standard receivers? Etc., etc., etc.

I’m not so worried about the battery not lasting. My worry is about having the recharger accessible when I need it. No one seems to stock rechargers, so if you leave it at home on a trip or misplace it, you might be out of luck.

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#7

Ok, you’ve convinced me

(Buying used hearing aids sounds a little dicey at first)
Have a audiogram from 6 years ago and will get an updated one soon
I’ll get on the Self-fitting and Adjusting forum and start doing my homework
I’ve got x86 windows

Biggest thing I need is advice on specific brands and models. Before last week I had never heard of Resound or Phonak Starkey or Widex, and am certainly not limited to ReSound. The problem is I have no familiarity.

Remembering I would like a BTE with RIC, (more later), it would be nice to get some:
“Look for a xxxxxBrand, xxxxxModel, with this hardware, and download xxxxxSoftware,
in the range of $xxx-yyy”

Just looking for great quality and reliability, and something that a lot of you guys know so that I can depend on others on this forum.

The grand kids are coming day after tomorrow, so will be unavailable for about 10 days
Thanks again!

#8

First, you need a new or recent hearing test. Costco will do the test for no extra charge if you’re a member (minimum $60/year, but you may be able to make that back in savings). In 6 years, your hearing has probably changed, so ignore the old one.

If you have no insurance and don’t want to spend more than $2K for new aids, and if you’re close enough to a Costco, you can choose between Jabra (ReSound), Rexton (WS Tech - Widex, Siemens), and Philips (Demant - Oticon, etc.), all starting under $1700/pair, including charger, if you buy rechargables, 6 month money-back guarantee, basic loss insurance, free cleaning - domes - wax filters, etc., etc., etc.

No one can tell you what brand to get. A Costco person will make a suggestion. They’ve always let me walk around the store with a couple of options, and I’ve picked one.

It’s said, and I agree, that the fitter is more important than the HA. Many of us have had good luck with Costco, but some have not. Same with audiologists - some great, some OK, some bad.

Another under $2k option, as you’ve apparently found, is Jabra at jabraenhance.com - testing, sales, adjustment all online. I don’t know how the 200 compares to the pro 10, but they look like they’re the same.

Each manufacturer makes its own software for fitting their aids. ReSound’s works for ReSound and Jabra Pro 10s, and I believe it works with all their brands including the online version.

Have fun with the grandkids.

How old is your ‘x86’ computer? If it doesn’t run Windows 10, you will probably have to replace it.

#9

Just to be clear, do I have to have a x86 computer to run Windows, or will a x64 work? I have a 64 bit with windows 10, and my laptop is dual booted with Win 10. I can dig up an old x86 if necessary.
Got some good headphones today and took two online tests, my hearing is worse than I thought. Got a call from a Jabra rep within two hours of taking the test.

#10

Also still considering used HA’s from Ebay (or friends) along with hardware and downloadable software, any suggestions? (RIC)

#11

x86 in the broader sense which includes 64-bit. System requirements for the various fitting software can be found online.

#12

I think buying from ebay would be a mistake for you. IT knowledge is the smallest piece of getting HAs to work well. You’ve indicated you’re not knowledgeable about the HA market (makes, models, prices) and not knowledgeable about DIY adjustment, and you’re probably not knowledgeable about turning what you want to hear into the actual adjustments you’d need to make.

You say your hearing is worse than you thought. The quickest way to improve your hearing is to get audiologist-supported HAs, like Jabra Enhance 200 or Pro 10. The 200s give you 100 days and the Pro 10s give you 180 days of refundability. You get a potentially high return at low risk and low effort for you.

Going the ebay route is much higher risk (Buyer beware!), and requires much more of your effort without getting a higher return.

I guess if you settle on a specific brand and model, you can check ebay for a bargain … but what you find there may be too good to be true.

#13

Thanks Phil, I think you’re right. I could do it, and “over-engineer” it like I’ve done many other things in life. My hearing might not be as bad as I made it sound. I dug up the audiogram I had done 6 years ago, and got an excellent pair of headphones today and tested again using hearingtest.online. I’ll try to post the pics.

That being said, I’m back to the original comparison (in this case) of the Jabra and the Lexie B1. I’m not covered by insurance, and do want to take advantage of the OTC market, and am cost conscious, and obviously like to be in control of my devices (love Linux). Only disadvantage I have found so far in the Lexie is possibly a lesser rating for environmental noise suppression (or something like that).

Audiogram3
Audiogram3800×600 122 KB

AudioGramBoth

(Maybe I just need to get my wife and two guys at church to speak up!)

#14

The sooner you get real hearing aids, the better for your brain–and relationships. That’s a strong statement, but browse this site, and you will see what I mean.

I am a retired engineer with similar interests. I have gone the Costco route and am satisfied. They set the aids up, and I modify the settings to my requirements.

You could try this and that, but going the Costco route would probably be cheapest in the long run. Do the research first. This site is great for that. As far as brands are concerned, only your ears can tell. However, the programming is more important.