Hello!
-
auto ZoomControl does change direction automatically. The auto ZC detects where speech is coming from and thus acts accordingly.
-
SoundRecover has been nothing but terrific for me. It’s optimized for high frequency hearing losses. It compresses higher frequencies in lower regions and is designed very well.
It takes time to get used to, but it was wonderful to be able to hear previously inaudible sounds. An incredible experience!!! For me, I feel it does help me understand people more too. It’s a nice “boost” in that regard.
-
Certain Ambra behind the ears do have volume control. It depends on the model of Ambra.
The Ambra Petite, Ambra microM, Ambra M H20 do not have volume control directly on the BTE but do have a program switcher button (program switcher doesn’t change volume, just switches manual programs you’ve set).
The Ambra microP and SP do have volume control in addition to the program switcher button.
I would definitely trial them with your audiologist.
I don’t have experience with Costco, so I can’t comment. I would personally feel that I wouldn’t want to get my hearing aids from a place that has a focus on bargains, since HAs are so important to me. HOWEVER, that’s based off of no experience with their hearing aid services and if you like your audiologist and they give you a good trial period then by all means use them. It seems like you’ve had a positive experience there thus far.
Phonak Ambra is the best out of the Solana and Cassio. It has the most flexibility. Solana is one step down from Ambra and Cassio is another step down.
So, I would definitely go with your audiologist’s recommendation for the Ambra, especially considering your audiogram, you want the best possible experience.
I didn’t like the myPilot remote as much as some other people. I felt the digital display caused short battery life (this remote is rechargeable). HOWEVER, there is another remote: the PilotOne which looks extremely appealing to me as it uses a battery to power it and there’s no digital display. Again, this is personal preference and your experience may very well be different.
You can always ask to trial a remote and try another one.
But Phonak’s automatic program in which they automatically utilize other programs when they detect the need for them (eg. noise cancellation, etc.) is the program I use. I just leave it on that and the hearing aid does a good job. I find that for me, when I get a good fit from the audiologist and we’ve adjusted everything, manual control isn’t as important. That’s my personal experience and yours might be different.
I hope that helps!