I have had Phonak Paradise P90’s for 5 years, fitted by what I considered to be a competent audiologist but NOT a REM fitter. I always have had trouble in noisy environments like a restaurant or at a large dinner table. I am interested in the Phonak Sphere I90 hearing aids and am seeking an opinion by someone, more knowledgable than I, about the suitability of the Sphere’s fitted by a REM specialist for my hearing. Or if another brand would be more suitable? My audiogram from September 2024 is attached.
I am also thinking about buying my next hearing aids from Zip Hearing using a REM audiologist since I have seen a lot of good reviews from satisfied customers.
Thank you.
If you are already using Phonak and you like the sound (except for the speech in noise issues) then yes, the Sphere is an excellent option . Please do REM this time.
Lots of information and reviews about the Spheres in hearing tracker. I recommend you review those.
I have purchased from a ZipHearing audiologist (when I purchased my Lumity90’s) who does not do REM and I was very happy. Only about 1/3 of the audiologists in the US use REM, so take that for what it is worth. In a discussion with one of the professionals on this forum, it was pointed out that REM is most helpful in cases where you have a smaller or larger than average ear canal. I guess mine fell into the average category or my audiologist was experienced enough to adjust for that. The I90 should be very helpful in noisy situations otherwise I have not noticed a significant difference in the I90 from my old P90’s
Thank you, very interesting.
I currently use the Sphere I90 that I purchased from ZIP. I switched from Signia Insios that I also purchased from Zip. The Insios did well with static background noise but could not handle dynamic noise like the Sphere. Based upon your audiogram I would strongly encourage you to opt for custom ear molds rather than standard. This will give you the amplification that you require without feedback issues. Based upon my experience, I think you will also experience much less occlusion.
In 6 years I’ve gone from Phonak models V50-13, Marvel 70s, Lumity 90s and I’m a month in on wearing Infinio 90-Sphere with custom molds. Prior to purchase Sphere I had a long consultation with Otolaryngology of Northwestern Memorial in Chicago. I was told that even with Sphere, given my loss, there would likely be situations I would still need my Roger On assisted listening device.
Using the mobile app Decibel X I am finding that things start to get interesting in background noise above 75 db.
I made a change on my fitting algorithm from Prescribed Compression to Semi-Linear and it has made some improvement in my ability to hear in background noise.
I am totally not sold that REM fitting will benefit everyone, but I may go through the process more out of curiosity.
You’re in custom tips with that loss, right?
Also looking to update my hearing aid. Currently wearing a Virto Paradise 312 ITC P90 in my left ear only which I’ve had for two years.
Also looking to upgrade to Infinio Sphere like OP. I think my hearing results are similar, would you say the Infinio Sphere would work for me for the amount of loss I have? Left ear only, in the future a CROS device maybe released and I could try that on my right.
Currently struggle in noisy environments and even quiet classrooms.
If I trial these I will need to do them with domes. How much difference do custom molds make on these?
See my audiogram - I hear only with right ear. Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere 90, which I have, doesn’t support CROS. It doesn’t matter for me, because I have CI in the deaf ear. In the past, I tested CROS with not many perceived benefits, so I didn’t buy it.
Custom molds can provide HUGE difference.
See here: