I’m a first time HA user who will be trialing the Soundlens 11’s. I have some questions and would appreciate it if current Otolens/Soundlens users and Audis would be kind enough to post their “Real World” experience with these aids.
I’ve got a set of soundlens s series 11, phonak nanos, and have had lots of experience both as an audiologist and wearer of various options - I’ll share my thoughts.
Do you find that you use the programs or do you pretty much leave the aids on Normal. I realize that diffenent types of loss might might require more or less different settings, but in general, do you use the programs?
The benefit of the smaller aids is that once they’re tuned and comfortable (be prepared for a few audiological visits though) they are pretty much ‘set and forget’ - If you want programs and bluetooth etc than I would consider a different option. Many people, myself included, like to keep it simple.
Is T2 the only way to change programs and volume? Or are there other options? My cell phone only sends DTMF to a phone that has been dialed. Then it will only send a pre-programed string so no real time dial pad tone.
The T2 works but it has some issues - again if having control of your hearing aids is important, i’d consider a different option
What is your average battery life?
4-5 days
Have you experienced much downtime (repairs, etc. when your aids were not available to you)?
If you look after them, keep them dry, clean them regularly etc you should have minimal problems. Statistically, custom made devices tend to require more repairs in general
For those of you that have had issues; how was your experience with Starkey’s customer service?
I’ve always found Starkey’s customer service first class
How do you find the sound quality? Is it natural or mechanical? How has your experience been with Movies, Music, Crowds, etc.
[To be honest I found them tricky to get used to - this is purely my personal experience. Clients of mine have various reactions. Background noise is a bit of an issue, however I think the new x series soundlens (with spectral IQ) may help by accentuating the high frequency information needed to hear in noise (mine are the earlier model that doesn’t have this feature). A huge practical benefit with these aids is that you can wear them in wind (i.e riding a bike) where other aids with more exposed microphones can cause annoyance. Music and movies sound good!
Are you glad you went with the IIC or have you experienced a case of buyers remorse? These are expensive aids and I’m wondering if you still feel as positive after having used them awhile as you were when you first purchased them.
There will always be an element of that - technology changes quickly and given the huge amount of options its hard not to question whether you should have gone for something else. I guess you have to consider what your priorities and lifestyle are. If cosmetics aren’t an issue you could get them made so they don’t fit quite as deep - having experimented a bit I prefer the comfort of small cics that aren’t quite so deep…You’ll get good back up service from Starkey so that’s a plus
Thanks for taking the time to post.