I am at a bit of a quandary. I am testing new Phonak Audeo B90’s with RIC and I really do like them, but I am also offered 2nd hand Bolero B90’s with standard hook BTE’s. The difference between 3200€ (1800€ after tax reduction) and 320€ is rather significant. As I have been programming aids a rather long time, I am wondering whether I shouldn’t make the jump to do the whole thing myself.
I have trouble finding out whether I have to get a whole new housing or that I only have to replace the top to install a slimwire with a custom mold tip. Does anyone know what I would need and if at all possible where to get it? Answered by @Zebras
Second question is about the difference between BTE and RIC. I have always worn BTE’s, but I do like the testing I have done with RIC’s (Phonak Naida V70’s, Phonak Audeo B90’s, Resound Verso 90’s, Oticon Nera 2’s and Oticon OPN 1’s.) Can I expect a comparable quality from a slimtube that I can expect from the RIC’s?
Last question: The B90’s that are put up for sale are SP’s. I only have a moderate-severe hearing loss. Will those be good for my hearing loss?
They told me the same when I bought my Bernafon Cronos 9’s five years ago: They died on me three months after the 5 year warrenty :(.
However, robustness isn’t what I am that interested in for the moment.
I am wondering how the sound quality compares.
So those groves at the end of the slimtube go directly into the housing? Great!
Last question: The B90’s that are put up for sale are SP’s. I only have a moderate-severe hearing loss. Will those be good for my hearing loss? Phonak Target’s description states it’s for moderate to severe hearing loss: So that’s me. I remember the audician saying that we might have to go the heavier recievers in the Phonak Audeo RIC’s.
Bought the Bolero SP B90’s +microphone+dry box+TV Link 2+ComPilot 2 for 320€. Spent another 50€ on slim tubes and domes.
So the question was whether I would be hearing well for 370€?
I do. Highlights: I hear better than my partner in a rowdy beach restaurant. I hear the whole conversation while my daughter is riding her bicycle next to me. I can finally(!) play the piano with hearing aids in.*
Further testing is of course needed – isn’t it always – However, at this point for me they out perform Phonak Audeo B90’s, Phonak Naida V70’s, Oticon Nera 2’s, Oticon OPN 1’s and ReSound Verso 9’s.**
Next thing to do is to try and make my own earmolds from epoxy resin!
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*Power domes allow both the automatic program and any special music program. Closed domes (with 2 vents(!), go figure that) only allow for non-distorted piano with whistle block set to 0 and preferably minus 4 to 6dB over the entire range.
**All RIC with 85dB speakers.