I’ve had hearing aids for about 13 years now (i am 48 now). This is actuallly my 3rd pair. I have had these Starkey Destiny 1200 CIC for about three years now. I just started really wearing them a few months ago. I could not get used to them & felt bothersome in going back for adjustments. No more!
I went for a few adjustments and now I hear grasshoppers, wind in the trees & MUSIC sounds so much better. I was there yesterday for another adjustment for voice in noise. Not sure if that’s any better. The problem is I think I am out of adjustment on the higher frequencies. Did I say how much better I enjoy the music (& the stupid grasshoppers). Hey - I actually hear my wife calling me now too… Where’s the off button??
I am looking for some new aids and have 127 questions. I like the Exelia Art series. I want the added channels because I THiNK that will help clarity (right/wrong). I am trying to learn as much as I can. These message boards have been invaluable. I will have to wait until next year and up flex spending. No $$ to do it now! I like the cic’s that I have now because they aren’t noticeable. I am telling myself I won’t care if I get some BTE’s but I don’t want them to sit on the shelf either (like the others have - Wides & Siemens). I like the Nadia (water resistent - sweat too much) but do not need quite that much power. At least I don’t think… I need a new audiogram.
Suggestions on Make/Models? I also like the thought of open ear but I somethings like the plugged affect. I can turn them off & sleep on bus (1.5 hour commute). Or with the Blue Tooth quietly listen to music to drowned out the bus noise… Most people are sleeping though - It’s like 5:40 when I get on the bus!
How beneficial are have different programs (music, noisey, etc)
If you walked into my office with those comments I’d explore the possibility of a pair of open fit micro-BTEs with RICs, wireless/Bluetooth capabilities, and a remote control. There’s a little more to model selection, but based on your post that’s where I’d probably start.
The benefit of additional channels is somewhat exaggerated, in my opinion. Going from 4 to 8 channels can make a noticeable difference, going from 8 to 12 channels can make a small difference, and going from 12 to 16 or 20 channels will offer a very minimal improvement. I’ve seen a couple cases where having tons of channels allowed me to make fine adjustment in regions where the audiogram changed dramatically (e.g. dropping from 20 dB to 60 dB) between points and the client felt it sounded better as a result, but that is pretty rare.
You’ll want multiple programs. Many of the top-end, modern hearing instruments have gotten better about automatically adjusting themselves to the type of environment you’re in, but there are definite benefits to having the ability to override this manually. A good example of this would be trying to carry on a conversation with someone in the backseat of the car while you’re driving. Many hearing instruments would automatically go into a noise reduction/directional mode where they’re amplifying sounds coming from in front of you, while reducing sounds coming from behind you – not exactly what you want in this situation!
MinnesotaHIS.
I’m about to embark on getting new HAs from the VA. Can you provide a couple of specific vendor/model examples for your thoughts above. I’m interested in getting the most improvement of my still active in business meetings, phone calls (both office and cel, TV, conversation in crowds, (the usual mixture). I appreciate your suggestion about channels, and believe that RIC is the right approach for me.
I’m hesitant to discuss specific brands or models online in a way where I might recommend one. When working with an audiologist/specialist your best bet is often to choose a model made by one of the manufacturers they’re most experienced in fitting, and this will vary depending on who you see. The basic fitting/programming is fairly easy regardless of which brand you’re working with, but knowing how best to take advantage of the advanced features and quirks of a particular model come with more experience fitting that brand.
If you’re worried about the person you’re working with not being thorough enough, I’d suggest going to different manufacturer’s websites and looking over the “for professionals” sections for product information and specifications to see what differs between models. For example, one model may have no special telephone capabilities, while another has a telecoil, and still another has Bluetooth connectivity. Get a feel for what’s commonly available between manufacturers and any features that appear to be exclusive to a given manufacturer. Write these things down and take this list with you to use to help determine which of their models will best meet your needs.
MinnesotaHIS,
Just to be clear, I didn’t ask for recommendations, I asked you to name a couple of models that you know have 8-12 channels, multiple programs with manual overide of auto selection, Bluetooth, etc. With mabe 40 brands and 500 models, it’s a bit overwhelming to start from scratch. Sorry to have put you on the spot.