Did i read somewhere that the new Target software is available for download? If so I imagine I would need the icube to make changes to my Smart IX’s?
also, is the windblock built into these aids? I find wind noise to be horrible!
tks
So far no one has found a good link to the software, but yes you would have to have either the cabled programming box or an iCube.
Windblock is a built in feature that can be turned on or off by the Audi. I believe it is on by default.
It must be available for download because Phonak released Target 1.1 and the best way to distribute a revision is via download. I wonder if it requires logging into a Phonak account to download. Some people have talked about downloading the software from torrent sites but, to my knowledge, without success. Yes, you would need an iCube along with a bluetooth enabled computer or a HiPro with CS44a cables to program.
Wind block management should be an option in the programming of your hearing aids, in iPFG 2.6b it’s available in 4 levels: off, light, moderate and strong.
If anyone knows where to get the Target software please PM me, Thanks.
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i would love to be able to get into that software and play with it. My audi is great but still learning and i get the feeling that while he is competant with it he hasnt really dug into it. If anyone can figure out how to get it let me know as well.
cheers
From what I know of the Spice software, you also need to have their loader program. The Spice platform is essentially just an add-on module to this more general software (kind of like an O/S). From discussion with my audi (I inquired about what I’d need if I wanted to get the software), it seems pretty difficult to obtain if you aren’t a registered audiology, HA technician, or ENT specialist and it would cost a couple thousand dollars for all the hardware and software.
I am also very happy to see how the program works Target. Thank you
Yeah, me too! You might be able to luck out with putting in the corrent info, the FM successware is not downloadable but the updates are online by direct download on non-searchable sites, I will try some options to see if Target comes down the same way. Doesn’t seem much sense in not allowing people to look at it, it’s much easier to go to the audi office saying “I see you can do this, can we try that” than try to guess at the features that may or may not be available and rely on them knowing it can be done. Makes me unsure whether to invest in new gen or old.
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i completely agree with RoseRodent…i find it very frustrating to sit and watch while my audi “discovers” things within the software. I’d love to be able to get in and look around and then go to him and say…lets try this and this. Right now its the blind leading the blind. I wonder if it would be worth a call to Phonak and simply ask.
Is this the iPFG software? Or is the Target software different? I just got my Phonaks 5 days ago. I would also like to know what all the options are so I can talk more intelligently with my audi.
iPFG is the software for the Core processor pre Spice processor which requires Target software. As yet the Target software set is not available as a Phonak download (to non professionals at any rate).
Regards,
TerryB
PS If you haven’t seen this section of Phonak’s website, check it out. It’s their training for pros, you get to see a bit of the software, overviews of the features, etc. etc.
http://www.phonakpro.com/com/b2b/en/elearning/products/phonak_target.html
I am considering the purchase of a pair of Phonak Naida IX SP BTE. I too am very interested in obtaining the Target Software for many of the same reasons that have been expressed here. I found a place on the Phonak Pro website to request the software. I sent in request and received the following reply from Phonak:
Thank you for your inquiry on the Phonak website.
Phonak Target fitting software is provided to hearing professionals for the express purpose of fitting Phonak hearing instruments. We do not distribute our fitting software outside of that channel, as Phonak remains committed to supporting the critical role that hearing professionals play in the successful delivery of services to the hearing-impaired.
If you are a hearing professional with a Phonak account, please provide me with that information and I would be happy to accommodate.
Regards,
Diane R. Hammel, Au.D., FAAA
Sr. Manager, Technical and Software Support
Phonak US
diane.hammel@phonak.com
1-800-777-7333 ext 5292
The Naida programs with Ipfg not target.
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I meant to write Naida S. Which does require Target.
None of the big manufacturers want to support end user software for economic reasons.
Their customer is the licensed professional and they will do everything legally possible to protect the profitability of those retailing their products.
If the mfg’s were to open distribution of their hardware and/or software it would seriously undermine the pro’s profit by introducing open market price competition. The professional has expenses to pay and would switch from unprotected brands to assured gross margin (profit) brands.
There will never be open price competition in the hearing aid industry as long as the governments classify aids as medical devices, thereby avoiding Restraint of Trade Laws.
$4,000 to over $6,000 per pair for top line aids which really are just minature audio amplifiers/sound conditioners quite similiar to Bluetooth in-the-ear devices sold at Radio Shack for under $ 150 each.
As I and others have said many times today’s technology would make it possible to mass retail aids to handle the majority of hard of hearing for a small fraction of today’s effective prices. Self fitting is possible for many HOH.
Though severe/Profound or complicated losses would still need skilled professional fitting. Just my personal opinion, Ed
Aint it something. Phonak upgraded the Naida line to the Spice Chip with little fanfare. I have been waiting for this info and you brought it forward. Sure enough its there on the Phonak website.
So Target can’t programme aids before Spice?
No, it’s only for the Spice (and Spice+) range. I still have to keep a copy of iPFG on my work machines in case someone comes in with an older aid…
Ed I don’t disagree with a lot of what you wrote, but the consequence would likely be a lack of service for people with profound or severe hearing loss. You cant both cut into audiologists revenue streams and also expect them to stay around. So if everyone with my type of hearing loss was able to bypass the audiologist, there probably wouldn’t be any audiologists for people who really really need a trained pro.
Having said that, Phonak openly and actively support self programming of back generation hearing aids. iPFG2.6 is freely available and this is not a mistake. Phonak wants everyone who wants it to have it. I cant post the link, but it is not hidden. They are doing that because they make money off of Core generation aids and self programmers.
That creates a very unwholesome relationship between audiologists and phonak in my mind. But who am I to judge. They make a great hearing aid. Really great.
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Phonak openly and actively support self programming of back generation hearing aids. iPFG2.6 is freely available and this is not a mistake. Phonak wants everyone who wants it to have it. I cant post the link, but it is not hidden. They are doing that because they make money off of Core generation aids and self programmers.
Doesn’t sound right to me.
If this were the case in the UK I would know about it. I have spoken to the MDs of most of the major suppliers about self programming and other novel marketing ideas and at NO time have I been encouraged to support self-programming.
I really can’t see that they make money from self-programmers … where do the aids to be self-programmed come from? They MUST come from registered dispensers.
And what proportion of users are self-programmers? Maybe 0.1%? Not exactly a mountain of revenue there.