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.
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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.
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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
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Thank you, very interesting.
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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.
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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:
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