I’m considering getting a new hearing aid next year when the newest models containing Bluetooth LE become available that will stream from/with computers and other devices in addition to iPhones.
Are HA makers building HAs such that rechargeable batteries can be replaced when they wear out??
Or are they still forcing customers to buy new HAs when the rechargeable batteries expire?? Which is forcing people to buy expen$ive devices every 2-3 years.
I’m asking about HAs in general, not specifically Oticon HAs.
Thank you, Tom
All I can tell you is that the new Oticon Intent aids have rechargeable batteries that you cannot replace. I think many other aids are now the same way.
This is from Google… No, you cannot replace the rechargeable batteries in an Oticon Intent hearing aid yourself; the batteries are built-in and non-removable, so if they need replacing, you must take the hearing aid to a hearing care professional to have them replaced by a qualified technician.
1 Like
The INTENT aids are rechargeable and they have to be returned to Oticon to have the batteries replaced.
WRT rechargeable batteries, I think you need to negotiate with your provider to perhaps get them replaced before your warranty has expired. My Costco has twice offered to send HAs in for a pre-warranty-expiration check and battery replacement.
Both iphones and most ASHA- compliant Android phones have been using BT Low Energy for some years; LE drains batteries more slowly.
The newest feature is BT LE Audio which can and probably will eventually be compliant with the Auracast standard. Auracast could be very beneficial to HA users. If you use iphones, I don’t know when or if Apple will ever make them BT LE Audio-capable, Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer and newer Pixels (starting with series 7?) are already at least partially compliant. The thing is, Auracast-compliant accessories (mics, streamers, etc.) are supposed to be usable without regard to brand; that apparently hasn’t been achieved yet.
The manual for my Jabra Enhanced Pro 10s from 2 years ago stated the aids are designed for 5 years of service. I interpret that to mean that most batteries will last 5 or more years, but some will fail much sooner. I don’t know what ReSound does if a battery dies after the warranty expires.
How long do you want use your aids?
How long?? Until I decide it’s worth the trouble to get new ones.
Only reason to change HA now is BT LE to stream to the aid with more devices vs. just only an iPhone. Otherwise it’s diminishing returns more or less.
1 Like
I put my 100% charged Signia Pure Charge&Go 7 T IX (w/hp receivers) in this morning at 8:30a and it’s now 6:30p and they are at 80%. I watched 1 movie and multiple youtube videos via my StreamLine Mic. I watched several football games via my StreamLine TV. They have been continually connected to their app on my old Pixel 3.
1 Like
I think you are referring to BT LE Audio, which is the new BT standard with the LC3 codec and Auracast.
Several HA mfgs presently have that feature, but it is NOT supported on iPhone (yet).
Pixel series 7a through 9 and Samsung S23-24 all support it, and there may be 1 or 2 more android phones in the mix.
The newest phones require more current to operate with all the AI & DNN processing, so the internal batteries are not field replaceable since they use contact charging, and are soldered in.
Most venders will send your HAs in to the mfg before the warranty is up to replace the batteries, so you could be able to keep them for 5 or 6 years (be sure to get it in writing), beyond that, technology will have become even more advanced, and you’d probably wish to replace them to keep up.
1 Like
My INTENt1 aids support le audio as does my Samsung S23 and the streaming sound is great. Connectivity is almost perfect. I have full hands free call answering and ending calls. The distance I can be from my phone and still have connection to my aids is amazing.
1 Like
I handed off my Signia Ax 7 rechargeable aids to my audi just under the three year warranty battery replacement gaurentee. I was given a pair of loaner aids to use in the meantime, programmed to my specs. three weeks later, I received, free of charge, a NEW set of Signia Ax 7s. so again: after three years, under warranty, I got a new pair of aids. Apparently it’s cheaper for companies to send out new aids, rather than replace the batteries. Fine by me!
all of this one reason why I pay more up front for my aids than I would through Costco–and I love costco for providing affordable aids!!!–but if you can find an independant, nearby distributor with a good variety of brands and good audiologists/specialists—you’re lucky. I’m lucky.
2 Likes
Same deal for both my wife and I at Costco with our KS10s. Except no loaner. But I had one Marvel rechargable and one Unitron Moxi All with disposable battery. Programmed them to be temps and got by pretty well with the mix. Single-ear streaming but the price was right.
1 Like
I think others have offered this solution, but my plan is to just go in a few months before the warranty ends and ask for new batteries. I have a pair or Real 1s to fall back on while the switch is made.
2 Likes
Amazing this service of your US providers. I can hardly believe it, 2 for the price of 1. Doesn’t this mean they’re making an enormous profit, so they can afford it?
I’ll ask my HCP about this service.
I’ve got the same aids only Truhearing branded. With the telecoil option you get slightly longer life on these aids. That why my provider ordered my aids with telecoil. I use a S22 and with usage as you described, I get about the same 80%.
1 Like
Yes I got the telecoil as well. My battery life. is very good.
My Resounds cannot have the batteries replaced. The entire aid must be replaced when the rechargeable battery no longer holds a charge. I did get my Resounds replaced just before the three-year warranty expired. But it does mean I will not likely be able to keep using my aids after six years.
So budget accordingly. What that means to me is: if you want rechargeable aids with batteries that can’t be replaced, and assuming a three-year warranty, don’t spend more than you feel comfortable spending every six years. Most hearing aids are replaced within that time frame anyway, for a variety of reasons, and getting parts to service aids that are older than 8-10 years becomes increasingly dicey. But I’m a guy who drives a car until it’s no longer worth putting money into it, so I would like my aids to last longer than six years.
But most people getting their first pair of hearing aids are not told about this short lifespan issue by the audiologist, and don’t understand, that their “investment” may well have a finite life span that is shorter than they imagine. Musta slipped the audiologists’ minds. It’s one reason to consider button-battery aids (or aids with rechargeable batteries that can be replaced, if you can still find them), instead. They’re much easier to service and can last longer.)
1 Like
This is the mfr warranty, not something the provider does from the goodness in their heart. 3 year warranty is typical in US.
WH
Some people have had luck with getting their rechargeable batteries replaced under warranty even without a diagnosed problem. I say “luck” because AFAIK no manufacturer promises this. I don’t recall reading about any providers who promise it in writing, either.
Yep, i don’t understand people that claim they can’t get a day from rechargeable aids
When my p90-r audeos were brand new, I could get about 16 hours if I didn’t stream. Streaming would bring it down a couple hours. Three years later, I’m looking at the 12 hour range if I stream much at all. The audiologist agreed in August to send them in for me when I get new aids next May/June on their dime. I use airpods a lot to supplement.
WH
Are your next new aids going to be Phonak?