My Audi just gave me this with a the new pair of More 1s I’m trying out… I guess a marketing opportunity not to be missed 
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My audi explained that this could be a problem, and she suggested that I use an around the neck snood like thing that I could just bring up to cover my nose and mouth when needed. It has worked PERFECTLY, and I just leave it on during whatever time I am out and about, raising it when needed. Added benefits are that it is more comfortable than the behind the ears mask and I don’t have to keep taking it off and putting it back on.
Oh, and Phonak also has a clip that they provide with the Paradise that hooks on to the “straps” of a regular mask and then clips together. Looks like it would work better than the Oticon thingy. Haven’t tried that but I like the around the neck solution better.
I have a similar neck covering with a draw cord so it can be fastened over the nose, its draw back is it is a single layer of fabric. I also could add a scarf, but both are not really suitable as we enter summer.
I do see people wearing visors and no direct mouth and nose cover. I have some too but not sure whether they are really acceptable.
One thing I haven’t heard mentioned in this entire discussion is the level of protection the masks provide. IMO if they aren’t N95 then you are kidding yourself and others.
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Member, I supposed I questioned the issue of face masks and face shields, but regarding level of protection that is an entirely different topic and I am sure there are other discussion and groups covering that.
The issue here is avoiding losing one’s aids when complying with the law. In Spain masks are mandatory even out doors. In UK and US we do see people wearing them out doors though they are not, as far as I am aware, mandated.
At least wearing them indoors and out reduces the chances of losing the aids in the great outdoors.
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Can’t understand what anyone says anyway with their mouth covered with a mask so I might as well just leave the aids in my pocket
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Hass, very true. I was in hospital yesterday. The floor signs were not the most explicit. I was supposed to stand a metre back from a perspex screen that had some holes drilled in it. Either side were, what I eventually worked out, were microphones on stalks and two speakers. The receptionist sat, masked, behind the screen. I stood closer and to one side (I only have one aid at the moment). Sign language would have been easier.
I bought some of that style at Staples, and find them very comfortable and handy.
I use these KN95s from Amazon. They use headbands rather than ear loops and provide a high level of protection (they were certified by the FDA for emergency use authorization as they tested out equivalent to N95s (the US standard). Not all Chinese KN95s are as efficient as marketed so it’s something to keep in mind. You can also get a proper tight fit over the ear loop versions that never really seal right (at least for me). Here’s a link (no, I’m not in the business).
AccuMed 5-Pack KN95 (Headband) Protective Face Mask (FDA Registered, GB2626-2019), Safety Face Mask, Air Filtration Anti Dust Mask, Disposable Particulate Filtering Mask (5-Count), White https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08N48Y4JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JQTVWJ0HZE8WDGEBRBG1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
When I got my new HA last week the audiologist asked if I wanted the ‘wire’ or anchor on the receiver. Only when I looked at the booklet (my original audiologist had not given me one) did I see the little anchor to hold the aid in the ear.
I had only used an anchor like this on my Siemens aids for a day or so, prior to that I had not seen them and didn’t know the Phonak could have them too.
My question therefore is do they help retain the aid in the ear with masks?
not sure if anyone’s ever brought this up but I wonder if there is a lost protection program around, I see some places that offer them but not much details given 
Abby, yes, there will be plenty of options for insurance. Actually one of the first things my audio said when I spoke with he after the fitting.
I am sure you will find dedicated insurers that will insure your aids. When I lost mine it was covered by my household insurance.
I don’t know how this might work in USA but in UK my insurer insures items away from the home up to £4,000 single item. I do not have to declare items of value less than this. On claiming I have to pay an excess of £250.
It might be possible to get a no excess or smaller excess insurance.
If you have household insurance, look there first.
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Sorry @roybrocklebank: an excess of what? Did they charge you an additional amount for buying just one HA? (I don’t understand what there was too much of.)
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[EDIT: After consulting 3 online dictionaries, I see that excess = deductible in our English.]
Spud, good question and correct answer.
Some insurance policies require the insured (You) to pay the first part of any claim and this is termed the Excess. It is to deter frivolous claims. The excess may be either compulsory which effectively sets a lower limit for a claim, or voluntary which is an additional amount added to the compulsory excess. This means you can reduce your premium (payment) and carry that risk yourself.
If, for instance, your excess was 250 and your HA claim was 2000 then you would get 1750 from the insurer. If your claim was for, say, 300 they would pay you 50. However there could then be a higher charge the following year (they claw back that 50). OTOH if in a year you make no claim they may discount the premium the following year.
I do have one policy for keys, credit cards, money and documents that has neither excess nor discount (no claims bonus) and that has been superb value for me over the years.
@roybrocklebank: Thanks for the explanation - it is just as our “deductible” works. I was flummoxed, at first, however, since the first two dictionaries I consulted (one of which being the Cambridge!) did not mention the NA equivalent.
Now I understand…
I did a search in UK for specialist insurers and here is one example:
Hearing Aid Insurance
- Includes accidental damage, theft or loss
- Premium of between £100 - £300 per aid per year*
- Premium varies depending on hearing aid and personal circumstances
- Making a claim may affect subsequent premiums
- £50 excess during claim*
I have not explored this but I would guess a high value aid near £1,800 per aid would attract a premium of £300. That would be £600 per aid and cost an additional £50 excess per claim.
This contrasts with my home insurance of £200 for house, contents and accidental damage and a £350 excess.
Yes, for me they do. I’ve known them as “sport locks” and the are concha locks in audiology terminology. I have had them on mine since I got them about 2 1/2 years ago. I ride a bicycle and helmet straps can flip hearing aids.
Now with masks in the pandemic, I will occasionally flip the RIC body off my ear, but the receiver and concha lock stay firmly in place. I highly recommend them for those who can use them.
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In my opinion, kinda. They help but are not 100%
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teejayess, ‘anchor’ is the Phonak name. The audiologist that fitted my new aid gave me an instruction booklet that the first had not. It is good to know the maker’s names for all the bits.
What people here call Domes are in Phonak parlance, dome, slimtip and cshell. The wire from the device is tube which holds the speaker to which anchor and earpiece are attached.
I don’t believe I was told how to switch off Blue Tooth which I now know how to do too.
Just had an email from my audiologist - on a Sunday!. She is sending me some.