New Audiologist For Adjustments?

Hearing Aids
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#1

Hi All - I moved from AZ to MN a year ago and went to an audiologist recommended to me by a group. They seemed knowledgeable and I purchased Phonak Lumity 90s. While I definitely can tell that these are a much better fit for me than my previous Widex, I am struggling with the actual sounds. I did go back to the Audiologist for some programming items, however it seems like they weren’t as strong in the programming.

I know most audiologists don’t like to program hearing aids that they didn’t sell originally, however I am loathe to buy a new set out of pocket since these are only a year old (insurance won’t cover a new pair yet).

Has anyone visited an audiologist just for adjustments with aids purchased elsewhere? How did you go about finding them?

Also if anyone has any recs for audis in MN, I am all ears :wink:

2 Likes
#2

Hi there, yeah it can be a real pain trying to find a sympathetic clinic to work with you, I’d just say “bugger” them and just go DIY, it’s really not that hard, but like a lot of things in life you need to do your research before jumping in, lots of good information available just here on hearingtracker, now you are no longer beholden to them ! Do anything in your own time when you choose.

1 Like
#3

Thanks for the quick response! I do have Noahlink and have tried to do it myself, but I am just having a very hard time. I definitely had an easier time messing around with Widex/Resound, probably because of the “automatic” program and how hard it is to see what program it is actually using each switch, but in this case it’s starting to affect my homelife so I am thinking I need a professional :slight_smile:

1 Like
#4

Oh yeah by all means, if DIY is not working out for you then you’ll need the help of the pro, hopefully you’ll get it sorted.

#5

Your hearing aids are the best Phonak had. I have Paradice P90Rs that were crap for the first two years. I had to find someone skilled to set them up.

I learned a lot during those two years. Most important thing was to advocate for myself.

There are some simple things too.

DaveL

Edit
Have you replaced your wax guards?
What domes do you have?

I blamed my hearing aids. It was the way they were set up.

I had to leave my dispensing audiologist. He actually quit. He did me a favour!

We have wonderful audiologists and specialists here. And wonderful participants too.

I had given up hope until I found a specialist who has helped me.

Hope this helps

Dave

#6

Have you:

  1. Matched your hearing aids and molds/domes to what you have, in Target?
  2. Done an Audiogram direct, including UCL (I’ve found the UCL very important to my fitting)?
  3. Done the Feedback & Real Ear measurement?
    Peter
1 Like
#7

I did that. I bought from the largest ENT practice in my state, who also has a large audiology practice, and got the Phonak expert audiologist. They were terrible. Young audiologist, 30’s, but no up to date knowledge and scared to make any changes. It was shocking. So i went to my wife’s aunt’s audiologist because i had gone with her before and had met the owner/audiologist. When i got to the appointment it was with the young audiologist instead, because “Bobby doesnt do Phonak”.

So OK. It was a very similar experience except this time the audiologist set up the audiogram with nothing above 80 db. She didnt believe there is any benefit possible if you have more than 80 db loss. I can only guess she learned this in school 10 years ago from a professor not up on the latest at that time.

I ended up with an audiologist that listens more, and will try things, and keep at it until it works.

The first two didnt want to make any changes but the Phonak first fit default has almost no noise reduction and sound recover. Also, the overall level of the targets are very low in Nal-Nl2.

I was surprised how easy it seemed to change audiologists and the reasonable costs. For Phonak UP receivers in acrylic molds was $190/ pair and average 30 minute adjustment settings were around $100.

2 Likes
#8

Wow this is terrible, as you’re paying good money for this. I’m from the UK, and this is the same inadequate treatment I got from our “free at source” NHS. Their product knowledge was awful, and they bluffed their way through one fitting. I went private for this very reason.

I’m moderate/severe, and my first attempt at self programming defaulted with SoundRecover2 enabled. This certainly wasn’t necessary, and made my guitar sound very weird at a reheasal. I didn’t understand what was going on.

I can understand it in the profound ranges, also with the Naida UP fitting range the high frequencies. Good luck finding someone

#9

Im guessing now that Phonak doesnt train or vet audiologists on their equipment. Mabe the local Phonak rep is supposed to train, but it is not happening here (Birmingham, Alabama).

#10

What should we ask to ensure our “medical equipment” performs well?

DaveL