I have just been for a hearing test with the new audiologist that I found that is a family run business. I am very pleased with him and have confidence that he will be able to finally address the issues that my previous audiologist was never able to.
He has recommended trialing Widex Allure 440 (his preference) and if I am not happy with that, then trialing the Oticon Intent 1 model. Having no experience of Widex and having worn Oticon OPN S1 model for the last 7 years, I don’t know what to expect with the Widex.
The impression I got with Widex reading online is that the Widex is great for music, natural sounds, slightly softer volume and has some background reduction (just not as heavy as Resound etc). However, the Oitcon while not as great for natural sounds, apparently is still better for speech clarity and has no background noise reduction. I didn’t care for the noise reduction in my old Resound hearing aid as it never got the environment right!
For others who have worn Widex and Oticon - does this match up with what you have experienced? I have asked them if I can trial both because speech clarity is like the most important aspect for me and maybe the Widex is really good for that and my research is wrong? I guess I just don’t know why I would go Widex over Oticon?
My new audiologist uses INSET which I understand is a modern replacement for REM? But everyone on this forum always talks about REM, I don’t recall anyone saying go get an INSET? What do you think.
Keen to hear what people have to say about Widex as I know nothing about them. How do trials usually work? Do you get demo aids or just send back the one you don’t want?
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Ive never heard of it, and a quick casual google search doesn’t bring anything up besides things being inserted into the ears. I’d say REM is still the real deal and I’d ask for info on inset before trusting that to be sure your fitting is anywhere near correct.
WH
Does INSET = in situ test?
If so, it isn’t replacement for REM, because you and your audi:
- still didn’t know, how much dB are near the eardrums
- In situ test assess only threshold levels compared to 50, 65, 80 dB stimulus (or 55, 65, 75 dB) it is also 85/90 dB sweep tone to assess MPO of the hearing aid.
It probably stands for in situ test. No idea at all. The impression that I got is that it is something newer than the REM, but does something similar in that the test is done with the hearing aids in the ears and has the same function.
I can’t remember why he said it was better than the REM - he did explain, but I have forgotten what he said. I will ask him next time.
However, from talking to him, it is very clear to me that he is very knowledgeable and was able to explain why I was having the issues I am having with my current aids. End of the day, all that really matters is results. I will see what happens when I start the trial of the aids.
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People really will give any excuse not to use REM. It’s incredible.
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In situ tests may be newer in terms of when they were invented, but they’re definitely not better. They are more convenient to do with the patient, but they lack validity.
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I have read this topic - Real ear measurement vs. in-situ audiometry and it is clear that some are all for REM and others think REM is not as essential as many state. I honestly don’t know enough about the issue to know either way. But the fact that many audios do not use REM does suggest it is not the all powerful solution that it is made out to be?
Also had an interesting discussion with Chatgpt about the issue and the reality is - it depends or how long is a string kind of answer. Many are for and many are against. Chatgpt leans towards Inset because Inset is used for fitting, REM is used for verification.
With regards to my new audio, apparently it is known that REM does not work well with Widex and that may be the reason why he does not really recommend REM as most likely prefers to fit Widex.
I will just simply state to him (as I am trialing both Widex and Oticon), I don’t care whether he uses REM or INSET as long as he delivers results, but I will remind him that it was only with REM that my current Oticon actually reached the point they were usable! Widex - I accept that REM does not work as well with their fitting rationale, but I know (or at least I have heard) that Oticon do advise audiologists to use REM when fitting Oticon.