NHS Oticon Synergy Sense mini BTE

Hearing Aids
#7

Not the newest platform - that is for the Siya’s and the OPN’s, but still it is a updated platform compared to the current common NHS aids. So they are “legacy” but the newest “legacy” available.

Normally NHS aids are probably what you would consider “mid-range”. But the Synergy Sense is a bit of a break from that. When I compared detailed specs I remember them coming out as “high-end”. To be completely fair I think Oticon had 2 entry level, 2 mid and 2 premium. Its nearest match was the lower of the two premium hearing aids.

Any of the top manufacturers newest high-end high street hearing aids should be a step up. But they are still good units. I think of them the same way I think of iPhones - the iPhone6S or iPhone7 range aren’t the best available, but they are still very capable and getting those for free would still be brilliant! :slight_smile:

All have 16channels, 10 fitting bands and up to 5 YouMatic profiles. Software features are as mentioned in those links above. The mini-BTE are “85dB” units and have a bandwidth of 100->8500Hz (Ear Simulator) and 100->7500Hk (2CC Coupler). THD is <2%. The full size BTE in its 85dB version has marginally wider/better bandwidth.

It does NOT have direct bluetooth, and none of that family do. Instead it continues with the older tech of linking to a ConnectLine unit which in turn uses bluetooth to connect to phones etc. Nor is there inbuilt capability to be rechargeable.

They are however very capable for lots of potential users.

Me? - I have a very unusual audiogram and I didn’t get on with things like the anti-feedback or most of the fancy compression based software features like SpeechguardE, but I never do… so its not a criticism at all. Once the fittings and settings were set up properly for me they have been really good.

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#8

I can’t actually fault the NHS Audiology services, they’re superb in my opinion. I’d gladly contribute to the cost if there was a way to do so.

I previous had the Oticon Synergy Spirit mini BTE. I tried the Starkey Kinnect W40 but couldn’t get the streaming to work, although feedback cancellation was better. I though the audio wasn’t as good on the Starkey. That’s how I came to have those domes. I also prefer the slimmer profile of the 312 battery vs the 13. I still get around 10 days of battery.

I am awaiting mini moulds to hopefully provide a better seal.

I understand the Older Synergy Spirit was based on the standard Inium platform.

All in all, I can’t complain. I was thinking of purchasing a backup pair or perhaps just one spare. Would make sense to match what I have as closely as possible.

Once again, great replies.

Many thanks.

#9

Alta2 (not the Alta2pro though) was my conclusion when I looked it all up originally. Mine may actually be Alta2’s as they were/are test units “made” as a one off and a few months before the Siya’s were launched. The spec sheets I have had some things listed in a different order but had only minor changes apart from the name and the sheets being “preview”.

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#10

I probably shouldn’t have this paperwork - but what I know about the mini-BTE is attached (I hope).

EDIT EDIT EDIT - the three files merged into one so the board will allow it for a new user… It imposes a 3 post and single image limit so I can’t give you more than this.

Features%20miniBTE_detail
Features miniBTE_detail.jpg4290×2621 2.36 MB

I hope that helps you. As I said - I think it is based upon the Alta2. Remember mini-BTE doesn’t have T-coil. Also mini-BTE has limited power, whereas the BTE has higher power versions.

My view is it is not just more sophisticated but also has a wider bandwidth than the current mainstream NHS Oticon. Greater bandwidth is a nice bonus, particularly for those of us who are involved in music in one way or another.

Cheers!

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#11

Any spec sheet or paperwork would be appreciated!

I’ve had a look at the one for the Alta 2 mini BTE.

#12

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#13

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#14

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#15

That’s great!

Thanks @glucas @hearingtracker2 and @Zebras

Nice to have some concrete information as to the capabilites of these devices.

#16

Yep, it’s the previous platform. I keep a List#2 for this kind of info, which you can find by clicking my Avatar and then click the link within and the scroll down to find LIST#2 Recent Hearing Aid Platforms by the Big5:;

eta: I updated my list of recent hearing aid platforms to show the difference between Oticon’s Inium Sense and Inium platforms (mentioned in the next post, thanks).

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#17

Minor addition/change to the table above:

Inium Sense - 2015 - Alta2, Nera2, Ria2 (and Pro versions)
Inium - 2013/14 - Alta, Nera, Ria (and Pro versions)

NHS Oticon Spirit Synergy commonly prescribed here in the UK looks pretty much based on the Nera (Inium platform). It has “fitting bandwidth” of 8kHz, 8 fitting bands and 3 YouMatic personal profiles.

NHS Synergy Sense which is just at the very start of appearing here in the UK looks pretty much based on the Alta2 (Inium Sense platform). It has some processing/software enhancements, plus a wider bandwidth with “fitting bandwidth” of 10kHz, 10 fitting bands and 5 YouMatic-Premium personal profiles.

As this thread is based on these hearing aids in a mini-BTE format… The bandwidth of the older Inium based NHS Spirit Synergy units that were replaced looks to have been 100Hz->7200Hz (Ear Simulator measurement), 100Hz->6200Hz (2CC Coupler measurement). The new NHS Synergy Sense units supplied are based upon the Inium Sense platform. These are stated as having increased bandwidth to 100Hz->8500Hz and 100Hz->7500Hz using those measurement methodologies, as well as having the other enhancements mentioned.

I know this board is primarily USA based so the systems across the Atlantic Ocean in the UK must look rather odd and rather out of date. Certainly these units are behind the leading edge technology in common use in USA. Nevertheless they are still pretty good hearing aids for many UK users, especially as they are prescribed and maintained for free to anyone with hearing loss. Thats isn’t quite as good as it sounds though because whilst of working age we have compulsory “National Insurance” we pay as an extra tax. Once reaching pensioner age though those payments stop but the NHS services continue for life. A long time away for me but still it helps lots of retired folk.

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#18

That tallies with what I have been reading.

Hopefully the Synergy Sense will be an improvement on the Synergy Spirit.

They seem a decent size. I don’t think they are much bigger than some of the RITE devices.

#19

I can say for certain:

1/. I definitely found the Synergy Sense to be an improvement on the Spirit Synergy;

2/. Those mini-BTE devices you have are exactly the same size as the SMALLEST of the RITE devices.

NHS as a policy states it (normally) only gives out BTE devices, with either thin-tube or earhook. Predominantly these are the larger BTE devices that use larger batteries so you were fortunate. Hopefully your audiogram is stable as it is pushing towards the limits of the mini-BTE package, even with the mini-Moulds you have arriving soon.

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#20

I tried the Microtech Kinnect W40 between the Synergy Spirit and the Synergy Sense. The biggest problem was that the app didn’t work on my phone. That was a 13 battery and a bit bulky.

Audiogram is stable. Damaged by measles in 1985 and has been the same since.

I could always buy something privately if it does change.

I trialled the Phonak Lyric but they caused irritation. They are pretty expensive tho, about £3K p.a.

#21

My lad keeps me pretty poor at the moment so I’m not buying privately at this time - but there are loads of great devices appearing currently. And they are getting far smaller.

My loss means open fittings are essential so Lyrics etc just won’t work for me. Anything with a size 312 battery or smaller is pretty discrete though. And the tech is leaping forward at the moment.

Glad to hear your loss is stable - that means those devices should be a great backup pair for you for a good while. And they genuinely are good devices if programmed correctly.

You mentioned mini-moulds? - and I guess your audiogram looks like you stand a great chance of finding those occluding mini-moulds work very well for you. Possibly you may consider getting some of the temperature sensitive ones done privately to improve comfort?? I was once forced to try mini-moulds, however alongside that fitting being completely wrong for my weird loss type I did find the firmer NHS plastic was a bit harsh.

#22

My NHS trust Kings has just given me new aids.
For the last 3 years I’ve had Siemens Teneo S+ which took a 312 battery.
They have just been fitted me with Phonak Nathos Auto M aids which take a 13 battery. These new aids are quite a bit lager than the old ones and I would find that annoying if it wasn’t for the fact that they are a big improvement on the old ones.
They told me I could keep the old aids, so now I have a spare pair.
I think the new aids might be equivalent to Phonak Naida V70 aids?

#23

The Nathos Auto SP and UP are equal to the Phonak Naidas. I think yours are the Bolero V70 M.

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#24

Thank you Zebras.
It seem the NHS has given me rather old (2015) technology in a rather large aid. They are however much better than my last aids.
I wonder how much better new aids would be?

#25

You’ve got the latest aids that are available on the NHS. You’ve done well! NHS are never up to date with their aids.

#26

I’m really pleased with them.
I received a letter asking me to book an appointment. When I booked the receptionist asked if I thought I needed an appointment and seemed to try and talk me out of booking one. I assumed I was just going to get a hearing test and maybe my existing aids checked, so It came as quite a surprise when they gave me new aids.
With my old aids I had several follow up visits and they always had feedback issues. With these new aids I don’t feel I need to go back at all.

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