Posting earlier considering the KS9’s, someone asked that I give a summary after I used them for a while. Here is that summary:
To “beat” year end insurance cut off for out of network reimbursement, I rushed purchase of KS9. Did a bit of research here, but not enough for my usual, pre purchase scrutiny of any sizable cost outlay.
KS9s were $1,500. Buying before Dec 31, netted reimbursement of $1,000 (already received) leaving me $500. out of pocket. After Jan 1 at required sources would have tripled my out of pocket. This was a major incentive.
I’m happy to say after wearing them for several week, they are a great improvement over the old, Costco Bernofons from 2013. This is my critique:
Background noise is substantially reduced in meetings, restaurants, etc. Of course, not a miracle and can’t hear squeaky voiced little kids over noisy diesel engine school bus I drive, but there is a small improvement. Watching / listening to TV in same room with my wife has eliminated her complaining “IT’S TOO LOUD”
I didn’t buy TV streaming thing for $100 bucks on Costco recommendation I try without first. This was good advice.
The bluetooth connection to my phone is really good. The button to push to answer a call is a little small for my big hands, as is the up/down volume buttons, but given some time, it should get easier.
Putting into my ears is more difficult than old Bernofons. Stiffer, plastic tubes on the Bernos were easier to handle sticking in ears. KS9’s have a limp, fiber optic, making this a little harder. The aids themselves are also smaller and lighter. Although it hasn’t happened yet, I’m afraid they might get bumped and fall out getting in/out of car or putting ID badge lanyard around my neck.
Blue tooth allows both the phone call connection AND a remote volume adjustment from phone. I haven’t been able to make both connections work at the same time, but I have a techy son who I’ll be talking to.
One of the really good things, is I can hear google map turn by turn instructions. Occasionally, I drive a kids field trip someplace I’m not familiar with and not allowed to have a phone in my hand driving the school bus. Previously, I tried it with phone in my breast pocket to hear direction but noise of the engine makes that really hard.
It’s also better on personal trips GPS in my car is old and sucks. The interface is only slightly advanced from chisel and stone input. Listening to google maps on a trip yesterday was a great improvement, but getting notifications for messages, etc interferes. My son is helping me inhibit most notifications. He also showed me how to disabled phone unlocking when paired with my hearing aids. For phone calls, I can simply say, “hey google”, call “Sam”, etc without first having to put my fingerprint to unlock phone.
Bottom line regarding the KS9’s, I’ll give them a 9.8 rating and glad I bought them. To get a “10”, they’d have to canceled the diesel engine noise or turned the clock back to when I was 16 yrs old.
