This is a question for someone more technically savvy than me.
Currently wearing Phonak Audeo B90-13 BICROS aid.
Originally I was told that the aid would Bluetooth to my phone directly.
Once I got the BICROS rig I was told that the BICROS remote monopolized the built-in Bluetooth capability of the aid, so I’d need a compilot to Bluetooth to phone. Never bought the compilot, no Bluetooth to phone.
Now I’ve given up on the BICROS remote for various (irrelevant here) reasons.
I asked the Audiologist whether she could re-program the aid to enable Bluetooth to the phone, accepting that the BICROS remote would then become permanently useless.
She said no way, I need to buy the compilot.
To me this implies that the aid itself is internally wired so it can only Bluetooth to the remote, which seems odd. I thought it would be a software deal, not hardwired.
So does anyone have any information to either confirm or refute that the aid can not be re-programmed to eliminate BICROS and enable phone Bluetooth?
Thanks in advance for your insights and apologies if this is rambling and incoherent.
Raudrive asks the key question. If these were Audeo B-Direct, then they would be able to directly stream. If not, then Compilot (used generically, make sure you get the compatible model) would be needed.
I do not know whether it is Direct or not, I’ll go find the paperwork. All I have right here is the box it came in so I’d get the model name right, and it does not specify Direct or not.
I took a look at Target. The listings for the Audeo aids appears to be that the Audeo B90 13 aids are not the Direct version. The Direct version does not indicate 13.
So, it appears you will need the Compilot2 to use Bluetooth with your phone.
For what it’s worth, I really liked the Compilot. It is very functional and has a bulletproof Bluetooth connection.
Thanks! I looked through all the paperwork and could not find the word “Direct” so I’m sure you are correct.
I have to think about this. I had a “Streamer” or “Soundgate” ? - that linked phone and Costco Bernafon and it worked ok, but when the battery died they said it was not replaceable and I’d have to buy the whole thing again.
I read on this Forum about using a small battery intended for an Apple mini-pod or something, and it worked but I decided to never buy anything with a built-in non-replaceable battery again.
So I’m reluctant to buy the compilot without knowing for sure how well it might help with speech comprehension on the telephone.
Thanks for your help and guidance!
And - Target? Not sure I understand… the store?
TexasBob - Thanks! That’s something to investigate!
Sorry to not explain.
Target is Phonak’s programming software for your hearing aids.
If you decide to use the Compilot2 your fitter will need to add it in the hearing aid software. Then you can not only stream phone calls but change hearing aid volume and programs. A Phonak TVLink2 is also very nice for streaming TV straight into your hearing aids. The Compilot2 can be charged in the TVLink2 also. Pretty handy.
That will probably be very hard, since all products in general push for built-in versions. I think none of current HA accessories has customer replaceable batteries.
Some offer possibility that manufacturer replaces the battery, but some don’t. Worth asking before buying.
I’ve asked for phonak roger select and it possible to send for battery replacement. That’s my only battery accessory. So, ask for yours explicitly. If that would be suitable option for you.
You are undoubtedly correct that the push is for built-in batteries that cannot easily be replaced. There used to be a phrase, “Planned Obsolescence” for costly things with deliberately short service lives.
Good information on the roger select! It is something to investigate.
But mainly I just evaluate my actual need for accessories and so forth, and if the need is not acute it is best to pass.