I have 60% comprehension on my left ear and 20% on my right. These aids are my fourth pair in 10 years. They are Jabra Enhance Pro 10 from Costco. After many adjustment it was recommended that I obtain custom ear modes. I have had them for 4-5 weeks and my voices, to me, sounds like I am in really deep well. After several adjustments, about 30 seconds each visit, I can actually hear better with my hearing aids. I have visited two different Costco stores but not much help. I would like to go independent for adjustments (willing to pay) but I understand these hearing aids are locked. I don’t know what to do and would appreciate any suggestions! I really think it is an adjustment problem.
Costco confirmed that my hearing are unlocked. I went to an independent audiologist. They redid my hearing test and then tried to sell me new hearing aids and charged my insurance for the hearing test plus $200 for adjustments. Adjustments made my understanding of voices, etc much worst!! I tried different providers at Costco but still having trouble I tried Apple Aids Pro 2. Clarity was really improved versus my Jabra HA’s but due to my small ear canals I could not keep the pods in the canals so I know I can hear clearly with proper adjustments. At this point I don’t what to do? Any suggestions?
You can always try the DIY route by going to the DIY section here on this web site. The folks there will tell you what you need to get started.
In the meanwhile, I would see if the person that adjusted your hearings can restore the program that you came in with, or see if that person can fix the issue. Of course, you can go back to Costco and see if they can fix it for you.
If the deep well issue came after getting the molds, then that’s where you need to look at for a solution. Since molds tend to seal better, two possible issues are occlusion and too much bass.
As you’ve found out Costco models are not locked,
Yeah I’d say it’s time for a DIY project, you were actually lucky to have found an independent clinic willing to help so quickly, most don’t like doing this at all.
Just reading what you have so far, it sounds like the physical coupling to your ears is a heavy contributor. Depending on (or maybe regardless of?) the justification for custom earmolds (retention, feedback, etc.), if you have small/narrow ear canals, venting custom earmolds is going to be a fairly big task. If you are not vented enough you can certainly encounter plugged or barrel-sound quality. As AirPods are not custom molded, it would make sense that the adverse effects of occlusion are mitigated i.e. low frequencies masking higher frequency speech sounds.
Obviously without looking at your ears and, specifically, how the hearing aids sit in them, I would maybe move back to domes to help with the problems you’re having. It is also not unheard of at all to even use domes from another manufacturer, some that may work with your ear canal shape better.