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I have Resound Linx 3D's. I don't think the brand is as important as the quality of care you get from the audiologist or hearing instrument specialist (HIS). Note, in this response, I refer to an audi as an audiologist but it applies to a HIS also. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. If you have an audi that you like, stick with them, otherwise ask around. Unfortunately, I don't think this message board is the best place for that since you would need to research in your area. Knowing what you want before choosing a brand is also more important than the brand itself. For me, connectivity with the phone was the most important feature since I have a severe-profound loss (I use custom molds as opposed to a "dome"). Resound streamed into both of my hearing aids from my iPhone. You want to make sure the brand you choose will stream to BOTH ears with your phone since Android and iPhone are handled differently. Another factor for me was having a telecoil. When manufacturers release new models, they may not have a telecoil option. You may be able to upgrade to the telecoil option, if it becomes available, but you will be without your aids for the upgrade. Make sure you know if there will be a cost for this upgrade. Another feature I looked for was remote programming. With the Resound smartphone app, I can submit a request that goes to the audiologists office via the "cloud". They can make programming changes based on what I've mentioned in the request. Once the audi makes the changes, my phone will update my aids with these changes without me having to visit the audi's office. Inquire if there is a cost for any remote programming. Finally, you may want to download the app from both manufacturers to see what kind of changes you will be able to make. When we're in a difficult listening environment, we need to try things to improve the performance of the aids. The bottom line is that you have to accept the fact that you still have hearing loss with your aids in. I hear "This is the best for background noise". I've yet to try an aid that handles background noise like I'd expect it to. Do go into those difficult environments while in the aid's trial period. Ask if you can get 45 or 60 days trial since most only give 30 days.
Tony in Michigan
Replies to "I have Resound Linx 3D's. I don't think the brand is as important as the quality..."
I am using my 3rd and 4th HA at this time. The 3rd was a RESOUND Preza I bought 2 years ago costing $2,600 from Costco without insurance covered it. The 4th was a Signia Active Pro all paid for by my insurance because if I don't get it I lost it. As I still can get another in another 3 years. My insurance's HA supplier only choice is Signia and I don't like it as I used two already. That was why I wanted to try another brand. All I can say is I am not happy with any of them. The problem is I still cannot understand some speeches. The one I dislike most was the background noises. While I was watching TV , the sound my wife walking on a wooden floor behind me was loud. While she was washing and handling the plates, I just could not bear that. Does anyone has that problem? Please advice and share.
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T-coil, t-coil, t-coil ! I second Tony's motion that you should ask for a t-coil in your hearing aid. I've been using hearing aids for well over fifty years. Mostly they were Oticon, but the most important aspect is that they ALL had telecoils. They helped me in business and at home for using the telephone. Now they help me at church which has an FM system so I hear the sermon and the announcements while I sit way in the back when I'm an Usher and behind the pulpit when I'm a Eucharistic Minister. If you are in a theater, or church, or store which has a hearing loop, just flip on your t-coil and you are good to go. I also have a cochlear implant (with t-coil, of course) so my hearing in any case went from 35-40 percent speech discrimination to 90-95 percent. Loud coffee hours and noisy restaurants are still a problem, but you can't have everything. As a hearing loss advocate, I cannot speak highly enough of the t-coil. (And it's been the law in Florida for your audi or specialist to advise of this tiny miracle since 1993; I've been told that many break this law by keeping quiet about it.)