They’ve taken the page down - it did contain 3 performance levels with associated features. This was the link that russiandeaf posted above, and was available in the last 2 days, but it had a further link to datasheets which did not check out. My guess is that they are doing a press release and doing further work on the website, which hopefully should be available soon, as it’s an interesting development. Wonder if custom instruments will get the update as well.
Did anyone capture the page by any chance?
Thanks,
M
No. That wasn’t it. Localisation was one I think, speech clarity was another.
There was Opn 1, 2, and 3, with 1 being the most advanced (and the one currently on sale). There was a table indicating which features were present/absent, but I can’t recall the details.
I looked up the differences between the Opn1, 2 and 3 online, and all they show is 4 areas, rapid noise reduction, localization of sounds, speech clarity, and personalized listening experience, where the Opn1 has 3 dots, the Opn2 has 2 dots, and the Opn3 has 1 dots.
I assume that all 3 versions must be on the same Velox platform. I wonder if they simply disable the functionalities somehow to come up with the 3 versions, or if they use different grades of the chips for the different models. For example, the chips that pass their speed tests go to the Opn1, those that don’t go to the Opn2 and 3 where maybe they slow down the clocks a bit or something so that they still work but operate at slower speeds.
No, same chip, same aids physically. Purely EEPROM changes through the manufacturer menu within Genie 2.
Um Bongo, how to access this manufacturer menu? Is this menu present in Oticon Genie and Phonak iPFG? I want to turn my old Naida V UP to Naida IX UP. If this information is confidential, please answer me in private messages.
P. S. I have Oticon CATHI and own programmer, but even CATHI cannot change level (described by model number)
I’m sure it’s not that easy to install the firmware of an Opn1 onto an Opn3 to make an Opn3 work like an Opn1. Same for Phonak for that matter. At least I don’t think they’d enable it at the level where the audi can access through Genie 2 to make that happen. But you never know, maybe there’s a back door.
My take was this is “manufacturer” level software. I would assume it’s pretty restricted. It would have to be, otherwise somebody could by entry level and resell as premium level. My understanding is that all that separates the levels of a lot of modern aids is the software.
Essentially yes, we wouldn’t get to see this level outside of the manufacturing centres. The one exception is Unitron who have written their recent EEPROM with unlock codes to allow upgrades. You can always try the upgrade first without the code on a time limited basis.
if this is just a software upgrade the manufacture should just provide the best available software and stop ripping off the hearing impaired consumers. One would think that there is some regulation that covers this.
I think “just” software is not recognizing the tremendous amount of cost that goes into it’s development. A lot of software companies have different levels of software. Are they ripping you off by not selling you their top level software for the same price as their entry level software?
I would rather see them reduce some of the functionalities through software to make the HAs more affordable at different price points. It can only benefit the consumers to have more choices. It’s also a smart move to expand their market share.
The R&D has been completed they are just charging more to turn on a button. look at other technologies and see that the prices go down after the first year. Not the we have the capacity built in but we are going to see how much we can get out of the consumer. as for reducing the functions why? leave that part up to the fitter. Getting the best possible hearing (which is not the same for all) is not a luxury item that should be exploited
This is not about exploitation, it’s all about running a for-profit business. The HA market is very small and captured so in order to win more market share and recoup their R&D cost, theyneed to provide options at different price points. It’s not just Oticon that’s doing it. Almost all vendors seem to have different models and price points.
The global hearing aids market was valued at USD 4.5 billion in 2015 and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period. The high growth is expected on account of increasing deafness resulting from increased noise pollution levels, genetic factors, ear infections, birth complications and other factors. The aging population is at a high risk of suffering from hearing loss. In addition, the rise in demand for technologically advanced and aesthetically appealing miniature devices propels the market growth.
The WHO estimates suggests that over 5% of the global population, suffers from disabling hearing impairment.
This does not seem like a small market
No one claimed that oticon was the only one to do this. When all premium HA’s cost the same (approx. $6,000 US) one could only wonder why.
Contrary to belief (and the lack of insurance coverage) Hearing aids are medical devices.
The VA is the largest customer for aids. A couple of years ago, someone pointed to a VA report that disclosed the cost per unit. I think they were paying around $330 per aid. They are set up as a distributor so can install the ROM that sets the level so that’s for any level including premium which I image is all they use.
You might asked your congressmen for current info.
A brief treatise on the three levels is found in the OPN Product Guide at https://www.oticon.com/support/downloads/.
I’m a mid 60s male, soon to get my first pair of hearing aids. My audiologist has recommended Oticon’s OPN with performance level 1, which according to her was the most advanced HA available. Apparently, it’s about the most expensive. Is there any downside other than cost to having a higher performance level than needed?
Could anyone compare the OPN 1 to a Widex Beyond 440?
| Hz | 250 | 500 | 1K | 1.5K | 2K | 3K | 4K | 6K | 8K |
| L | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 45 | 75 | 90 | 95 | 95 |
| R | 20 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 35 | 65 | 85 | 85 | 80 |