Assuming it was the Kirkland Signature 5 that you first tried at Costco, it can do most of what the Linx can do, but it requires the use of the Phone Clip+, which I think you can just carry in your pocket for playing music; though you do have to speak into it for phone calls. Maybe it would be worth checking that one out again to see if it works better than the Linx. Just an idea - I haven’t personally used the Linx or Phone Clip.
I’ve just got to add my few cents here. I’ve recently picked up a set of GN Resound Linx 961 hearing aids. I’m not completely sure what my loss numbers are (everyone seems to have them posted here) but my audiologist tells me that I have significant to severe loss depending on the ear though I’ve been dealing with it for 17 years after my stapedectomy). The again, my linx are using the NP receiver with an open dome. However, I am a former musician and am currently an IT professional so I do have at least a unique understanding of how to “deal” with some of the issues I’m seeing here. Here are a few observations that I’ve had in my three weeks with the Linx 961 and a single follow up adjustment (I average 18 hours a day even though I am a first time hearing aid user). Now, having said that I’m having a difficult time figuring out how I managed life before having these things! I mean, I know how I did it. It just blows my mind!
Sound Quality
OK, I am a first time Hearing Aid user. However, having formerly been a musician I can tell you that the sound quality of these are great, once you get them adjusted properly. I am learning very quickly (form research mostly) that your audiologist/hearing aid specialist REALLY needs to know what they are doing when setting these things up. While I would have assume that was a given, I’m seeing posts all over the place here that reflect a very different reality.
SMART APP
• I hate to say this, but the SMART app is slow and doesn’t provide that much. 90% of the functions it provides are covered by Apples built in “Hearing Aid” settings available in the accessibility options. (triple click of the home button). This means that the ONLY two things that ReSounds SMART app gives you are 1) the ability to “locate” your missing hearing devices and 2) set GPS locations for automatic program switching. If you don’t use either of those regularly then just use Apples built in options. The same goes for the “TruLink” application used by other manufactures. That said, TruLink is a bit faster and prettier with the same feature set.
Streaming/Pairing
•OK, so you have to be SUPER CAREFUL when initially pairing the Linx to an iOS device. From what I understand there is a very special “token” that is accepted by the Linx itself on first pairing. If ANYTHING attempts to stream audio to the hearing aids during this initial pairing you’re GOING to experience horribly annoying disconnections and difficult repairings
• No matter what “programs” you’ve had setup, when you stream a new, otherwise non-selectible program called “iPhone” (or, I would imaging, iPad or iPod touch if that’s what you were streaming from). This leads to a lot of these streaming complaints. Users here have noted that audio can sound “tinny” and that the hearing aids often give way to non streaming sounds. This is, in part because there is a separate “program” for streaming that your hearing aid specialist needs to set. A lot don’t seem to know about it even after being trained. By default ALL of the great features from All-Around are turned off on the streaming “program”. So, whoever is programming these for you can turn on all of these great settings and get the sound you expect back. FYI, the tinny sound seems to come from the combination of the “inverse wave” (Noise Cancelation) being turned off and the hearing aids prioritizing external sounds over the streaming audio. Good news on that second part as well. You can adjust the “priority” of the streaming audio over external sounds.
I pay very, very close attention to the software that they were using during my consultation and feel that I know it pretty well. Full disclosure, I am an IT professional and tend to pay attention to these things.
Other Observations
• So the Linx seem to “drop out” when changing programs or streaming devices. It’s only a second or two, but this is normal behavior. Anything beyond that and you’re having an issue
• • The SMART app, also seemed to forget itself from time to time. This is A MAJOR annoyance BUT IT HAPPENING FOR A REASON (Read till the end on this) Here’s my example:
Before I adjusted everything and added a number of programs, I needed to pretty much shut off the mic’s on my left side while driving. There was too much wind noise and I couldn’t hear my audiobooks if I was streaming. I would open the SMART app, mute my left hearing aid and then swap back to my Audible app. Unfortunately, once I started streaming again the SMART app would activate my left hearing aid. What I didn’t realize is that each of these settings is only saved while you are on a specific “program”. When I would start streaming something from my phone I was actually telling the Linx to start the “iPhone” program which automatically reset the hearing aid levels as it is supposed to. It’s just that I never realized that my aids were switching programs when you start any new stream (hence the temporary “off time” that the aids go through while switching programs).
So, with that said. In this weird stream of consciousness blurb (during office hours so it’s been sporadic) I hope I’ve covered what most folks seem to be talking about in some form of reasonable manner.
Thoughts?
P.S. I kind of refuse to purchase any of the GN Resound accessories so I can’t talk about the phone clip or the streamer.
This is my 8th day with the ReSound LiNX 961. So far it been a love-hate relationship. Lost Pairing (for no apparent reason) is my biggest complaint. Have tried several work around to re-establish connection to no avail. End up doing a full reboot on iPhone.
Audi set up 4 preset programs; 1 Everyday, 2 Restaurant, 3 Traffic and 4 Outdoor. Have not noticed any discernible difference between program 2 & 3 when compared to 1.
Battery usage similar to previous aids. Doubt that battery indicator in ReSound’s App if functional. Constantly indicates full charge till aids shut down.
Time spent tweaking and making adjustment pays vast dividends. Intend to ask Audi to make these changes the default settings on next follow-up visit.
Hopefully when Apple releases ios 8 this Fall, the lost paring issue will be resolved.
Overall I am really pleased with the performance of these aids.
New things (for me) to get used to:
- When answering incoming call, wait till HA’s have established connection before speaking.
- Taking advantage of the Treble and Bass adjustments in the ReSound App.
- Remembering to save location after getting adjustment set to my liking.
— Updated —
I’ve been working with the Linx 9 now for a couple of months. I can share a bit more of what I’ve experienced.
The software Aventa is available for download here:
http://www.supportgn.com/resound/subsites/releases_updates_patches.html
The airlink usb device is something that should ship with your digital ears - but don’t. In fact, it should be bluetooth adjustments easily accessible to the client from their computer or hand held, but I’m getting off on my rant a bit early.
Some programming options are outlined here:
It displays the default program settings for things like:
NoiseTracker II: environmentally dependent
Environmental Optimizer II: on
DFS Ultra: mild
Directionality: SoftSwitching
Directional Mix: prescribed
Wind Guard: off
I’ve copied this to a spreadsheet in the hopes of, eventually, tracking my settings.
The first “made for iPhone” digital ears can’t be adjusted using Apple systems. Twisted.
The Aventa software and Airlink will work on the Mac with VMware Fusion and windows.
I’m experimenting with a lot of the programs. It’s very challenging to make adjustments for specific environments on the computer, then experience the environment, note the effect, and return to the program. For example, I’ve yet to create a satisfactory experience in either the Restaurant or Party programs. I find I’m using the Soft Switch program more for general use. I love the music program as is.
You don’t need the phone program to stream phone calls. That’s actually controlled in the “phone clip/smart device” area. I’m not sure what the phone program is for.
Streaming music still sucks. It has a Bass Booster which helped round out the sound. Inserting an isolation ear plug on top of your digital ears helps a lot. But it is still distorted. The best I can describe it - in the old days of cassette tape there was a distortion issue called wow and flutter. That’s what the signal does. Flutters. It’s my hope that the next version of things improves this. Meanwhile, I’ll keep trying things. Don’t expect these to sound like $5000 headphones - even though they should sound, at least, like $50 headphones.
There’s an “environmental optimizer” which should be in the phone app. It’s remarkably difficult to preset these parameters and know what to expect.
I’m ignorant of a basic audiologists education. I’m just scratching the surface here and open to suggestions. Tweaking these is very subjective and should be in our hands with a clear and functional interface. That’s my rant to GN.
Thanks and good luck.
Hz…250…500…1000…1500…2000…3000…4000…6000…8000
R: .10……15…….30… 20……35………45…50……50…40
L: …15….15…….25… 25……25………35………45……40….….50
SRT: R 20 dB… .L: 20 dB
WRS R-90% at 55 dB, L-100% at 55 dB
MCL: R-55, L-60
UCL: R-85, L-85
— Updated —
I’ve been working with the Linx 9 now for a couple of months. I can share a bit more of what I’ve experienced.
The software Aventa is available for download here:
http://www.supportgn.com/resound/subsites/releases_updates_patches.html
The airlink usb device is something that should ship with your digital ears - but don’t. In fact, it should be bluetooth adjustments easily accessible to the client from their computer or hand held, but I’m getting off on my rant a bit early.
Some programming options are outlined here:
It displays the default program settings for things like:
NoiseTracker II: environmentally dependent
Environmental Optimizer II: on
DFS Ultra: mild
Directionality: SoftSwitching
Directional Mix: prescribed
Wind Guard: off
I’ve copied this to a spreadsheet in the hopes of, eventually, tracking my settings.
The first “made for iPhone” digital ears can’t be adjusted using Apple systems. Twisted.
The Aventa software and Airlink will work on the Mac with VMware Fusion and windows.
I’m experimenting with a lot of the programs. It’s very challenging to make adjustments for specific environments on the computer, then experience the environment, note the effect, and return to the program. For example, I’ve yet to create a satisfactory experience in either the Restaurant or Party programs. I find I’m using the Soft Switch program more for general use. I love the music program as is.
You don’t need the phone program to stream phone calls. That’s actually controlled in the “phone clip/smart device” area. I’m not sure what the phone program is for.
Streaming music still sucks. It has a Bass Booster which helped round out the sound. Inserting an isolation ear plug on top of your digital ears helps a lot. But it is still distorted. The best I can describe it - in the old days of cassette tape there was a distortion issue called wow and flutter. That’s what the signal does. Flutters. It’s my hope that the next version of things improves this. Meanwhile, I’ll keep trying things. Don’t expect these to sound like $5000 headphones - even though they should sound, at least, like $50 headphones.
There’s an “environmental optimizer” which should be in the phone app. It’s remarkably difficult to preset these parameters and know what to expect.
I’m ignorant of a basic audiologists education. I’m just scratching the surface here and open to suggestions. Tweaking these is very subjective and should be in our hands with a clear and functional interface. That’s my rant to GN.
Thanks and good luck.
Hz…250…500…1000…1500…2000…3000…4000…6000…8000
R: .10……15…….30… 20……35………45…50……50…40
L: …15….15…….25… 25……25………35………45……40….….50
SRT: R 20 dB… .L: 20 dB
WRS R-90% at 55 dB, L-100% at 55 dB
MCL: R-55, L-60
UCL: R-85, L-85
Why do these posts get duplicated? I try edit to get rid of the duplication and it’s blank.
— Updated —
Why do these posts get duplicated? I try edit to get rid of the duplication and it’s blank.
use the advanced tab. then post. that should stop the double postings
I’ve found that the pairing issues are on the iOS side. I, along with you, hope that iOS 8 will clear up some of these issues. Based on other users experiences I quit all open apps before turning on Bluetooth and the phone tends not to drop them once they’re restarted. I’d be happy to share my testing methodology, but I’m pretty happy that it doesn’t appear to be an issue on GNs side.
Hi steveGL, if you’re using both ReSound LiNX and ReSound Unite Phone Clip+, the default connection will be between your iPhone and ReSound LiNX. If you’d rather stream through your Phone Clip+ when making a phone call, you can choose “Hearing Aid Phone” from the audio output options that appear on your iPhone screen. When receiving a phone call, your iPhone will automatically connect to your ReSound LiNX instead of the ReSound Unite Phone Clip+. In this case, you can swipe up on your iPhone screen after receiving the call to change the audio source to “Hearing Aid Phone”.
To answer your second question, the ReSound Unite Mini Microphone is not designed to provide a Bluetooth connection between itself and a device, instead, you would need to place the Mini Microphone in front of your computer speaker to have that audio streamed into your hearing aids, or connect the Mini Microphone to the device’s headphone jack via a 3.5 mm stereo audio cable (available for around $3.00).
Also, you should download the ReSound Smart app that works with ReSound LiNX and will allow you to switch programs, adjust volume and treble/bass, and geotag locations with your favorite settings. If you have additional questions, you can always contact our consumer support team by calling (888) 735-4327 or emailing consumerhelp@gnresound.com.
I am a new user to HA’s. I just got a Linx 961 from the VA about 4 weeks ago. I am sort of like you, I have been in Electronics for a bunch of years. I am the beta tester for the audiologist on these HA’s. Basically I like them, but have never had any before.
One issue I have noted is the time it takes the phone to sync up when you first start. The HA function on the iPhone sync fairly quick but the App from Resound is really slow to sync up. Matter of fact I downloaded a new revision the other day and the App is locked up. I am in the process of deleting the app and re-downloading it from the store. I seems to lock up when I try to use the My Places function.
FYI, with the upgrade to iOS 8, there seem to be far fewer “drops” when switching programs and apps. There is still a slight lag when answering a phone call or swapping from program to program but it ‘feels’ a little faster.
— Updated —
FYI, with the upgrade to iOS 8, there seem to be far fewer “drops” when switching programs and apps. There is still a slight lag when answering a phone call or swapping from program to program but it ‘feels’ a little faster.
[quote=chafnerjr;113266]FYI, with the upgrade to iOS 8, there seem to be far fewer “drops” when switching programs and apps. There is still a slight lag when answering a phone call or swapping from program to program but it ‘feels’ a little faster.
Hey, does anyone else have any experiences with iPhone6 and using iOS 8 with the ReSound LiNX. I am curious.
“Hey, does anyone else have any experiences with iPhone6 and using iOS 8 with the ReSound LiNX. I am curious”
Since the iPhone 6 has been available for only 6 hrs and 50 mins I would imagine the feedback would be kind of sparse.
As to IOS 8.0, have been using it for a couple of days. In relationship to IOS 8 and LiNX things seem to be more stable, less disconnects. (yeah!)
I like it but I have a question about the “triple click” function on the iPhone 5s. The VA determined that I was eligible for a HA for my left ear. When I triple click I only see the volume for the right HA. Any advice?
A few things on those questions.
- My Hearing Aid Specialist told me that she has heard of some issues with the iPhone 6, but since I haven’t picked mine up yet I can’t corroborate. There are notes in iOS 8.1 indicating that there have been “improvements” to bluetooth as it related to device connectivity. So… maybe wait until then or until more folks answer.
- As for “tripple click” only seeing 1 aid. I;ve had this happen to me a few times and it’s usually because I’ve forgotten that I was connected to my iPad AND my iPhone. One hearing aid stayed connected to one and vice versa. This is really always my fault but as I’m always switching between my iPad and iPhone I do sometimes forget. Or, worse; Walk away from one (leaving BT range) and then pair with the other. This means that one of my hearing aids may reconnect to the original device when I’m back in range. Still my fault. If only Apple could add handoff to BT!
— Updated —
A few things on those questions.
- My Hearing Aid Specialist told me that she has heard of some issues with the iPhone 6, but since I haven’t picked mine up yet I can’t corroborate. There are notes in iOS 8.1 indicating that there have been “improvements” to bluetooth as it related to device connectivity. So… maybe wait until then or until more folks answer.
- As for “tripple click” only seeing 1 aid. I;ve had this happen to me a few times and it’s usually because I’ve forgotten that I was connected to my iPad AND my iPhone. One hearing aid stayed connected to one and vice versa. This is really always my fault but as I’m always switching between my iPad and iPhone I do sometimes forget. Or, worse; Walk away from one (leaving BT range) and then pair with the other. This means that one of my hearing aids may reconnect to the original device when I’m back in range. Still my fault. If only Apple could add handoff to BT!
Hi - I’m interested in finding out the current settings of my Resound LiNX too, can you tell me which app you used on the iPhone to display the current settings of the hearing aids. Thanks!
I have linx 9 HAs - which I got last fall. I’m not too thrilled with the way my audiologist has programmed them, but I am trying to find ways to do that myself. From these postings, perhaps that is possible?
My main concern right now is that while I have found that with the XM radio app running on my iPhone 5s I can enjoy music directly into my ears. However, when I downloaded some audio CDs onto my iMAC Retina 5k using iTunes and then sync’d to my iPad Air 2, playing those CDs using the Music app was horrid! Static-y and barely audible.
Any suggestions?
Thanks very much.
I am not sure what you meaning by the Music App
My audi game me a special music setting which works very well in modulating the screaming violins etc. from using the Lynx on the regular setting. Still a little tinny, but music is enjoyable.
Seems as if LiNX may not be ready for prime time in the area of not having to employ an intermediate Bluetooth device…which is one of the features that has attracted me to ReSound in the first place. If it can’t deliver good fidelity to my iPhone or a TV-linking Bluetooth module, then I’m thrown back on Rexton (Siemens) or Phonak, brands I’m more familiar with.
OTOH, now that LiNX2 is out, I may wait and try the Costco KS-6 when it comes out later this year. Costco’s 90-day trial is generous enough that I ought to be able to make up my mind about whether the improved Bluetooth is good enough.
Later? It comes out April 1, in 5 days.
Thanks for the info, I hadn’t seen a specific date, only a reference to “second quarter 2015.”