Phonak Bolero B90's versus Audeo B90's

Hearing Aid Self-Fitting and Adjusting [DIY]
#1

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?

#2

You won’t have to replace the housing, just take the ear hook off and replace with slim tubes.

I’ve always been told that BTE are more robust over the RIC.

#3

Thanks for replying @Zebras!

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. :slight_smile:
I am wondering how the sound quality compares.

So those groves at the end of the slimtube go directly into the housing? Great!

phonak-slim_HE_tube.png767×767

Another question that arose: Can I get custom molds for those slim tubes?

#4

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.

#5

My friend wears the Bolero SP and has a mild to moderate loss.

#6

Thanks @Zebras.

I read your post literally minutes before I saw that they wanted to sell them to me. Gave me the right nudge.

Also the fact that if I sell the equipment from a big city, I probably get a better price, does make it a low risk buy.

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#7

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 :slight_smile: – 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!

…
*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.

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