Signia. Resound - Anything else out there?

Have said this so many times I feel like a broken record...but it's extremely important. Get hearing aids that have manual controls for volume so you can determine what you need when you need it. Do not buy a hearing aid that does not have a telecoil. Be sure you can control that with an on/off feature. BlueTooth is definitely worth having. It does not replace the telecoil's capabilities. Insist on being taught how to use both the telecoil and the BT technology with a live demonstration. Don't just sit there and let them explain it. Try it. The add on assistive technology that works with hearing aids is extremely helpful. BT microphones can make a huge difference in social settings. The telecoil can connect you directly to a public address system where hearing loops are installed. It's like having binoculars for your ears as it brings desired sound direct to you without all the ambient noise in the room. No hearing loops in your area? Time to do some educating and advocating.

YOU can buy a personal hearing loop, called a neckloop for about $60. IF there are places in your area with FM systems and transmitters, you can use the neckloop with those. Or, you can just put it around your neck and plug it into your computer. Find a YouTube presentation of interest, turn your hearing aids to the telecoil setting and see how well you can hear. That kind of hearing is possible in theaters, performing arts centers, churches, meeting rooms, etc. The only reason this technology may not be there is because we, who need this don't ask for it. And those who sell us hearing aids don't advocate for us either. It's about education. The American's with Disabilities Act mandates communication access for people with hearing loss. BUT, it also states very clearly that those who need this access must ask for it in advance of needing it. If we don't educate and advocate for what we need, the ADA does not serve us.

Hi, You might want to look at Widex - a Danish company that prides itself on sound quality. It's like I have a mini music studio in my HAs. I can dial in more bass if I want, I can choose how much streaming sound comes to my ears as opposed to ambient sound. Many features you can look up. You are very lucky to be looking at aids now. Hearing technology has improved immensely. I can't forget the day I heard Bass for the very first time several years ago. They've come a very long way from being a hideous transistor box thing strapped to my chest and a cord to my earpiece when I was a kid. The big advances were - bass, then bluetooth, now re-chargeables among others (if that suits you - I think it limits you too much IMO). The quality of sound has improved so much that my hearing has improved with age - totally due to technology. My word recognition with aids is over 90% and for someone who is severely to profoundly hearing impaired, that's amazing. Research for the features you really want. T-coils should be included, but after that it's personal, get the sound you like and features. Warning though - if you get used to one type of hearing aid your brain might need time to get used to another or not accomplish that. Now that I wear Widex, I can never switch to another aid apparently because the sound profile is so different. I tried another brand and it was like I was drunk. I couldn't walk or stand properly. My audiologist said to stop wearing other aids even after a few hours. Good luck, work with your hearing aid fitter and get the best you can based on your requirements.

@lucyg I am testing Phonak Audeo 90's right now which overall I like. One issue is the bluetooth connection when I am outdoors walking and listening to music. If I have phone in my left cargo pocket or in my left hand, the music cuts out. If I have it in my right side, it is ok. Only happens when outside. If I am inside, it is fine in either pocket. Have you seen anything like this with the Widex, which is the other brand I was going to look at. Thanks.

Hi, I just tested streaming to my HA usinng Widex with my phone outside using my jeans back pockets. Both pockets work equally. That said outside is not as good as inside streaming. My Widex uses iPhone technology only. It is 3 years old and maybe the newer ones can connect to Android, but I'm not sure. What i cannot do is use the car's bluetooth connection to my HA . But I hear from my HA specialist they have resolved this now. Good luck with the Phonaks, from what I've read they have excellent sound profiles as well.

Hey, @raykraemer. Great photo. I encourage to add it to your profile.
- How to Update Your Profile https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/how-to-update-your-profile/

I thought you might appreciate a shortlist of related discussions on Mayo Clinic Connect members have shared info about choosing hearing aids.
- How do I choose the best hearing aids? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hearing-aids-1/
- How do I chose the right Hearing Aids for hearing loss & tinnitus? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hearing-aid-selection/
- What to Expect at Your Hearing Aid Fitting https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect-at-your-hearing-aid-fitting/
- Resound or Oticon? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resound-or-oticon/
- Help! I can't afford to buy hearing aids https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-11/
- When to replace hearing aids https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/when-to-replace-hearing-aides/

I like my Widex aid so much that I chose to stick with it instead of going to ReSound, which is compatible with my cochlear implant. My audi also told me that being used to Widex made using another brand more difficult. However, next time around I am going to try to tough it out so I can use my CI accessories with both technologies. Isn't it a shame that the CI manufacturers partner with only one brand of HA? It should be universal connectivity. IMHO. I do well with the Cochlear/Resound Mini MIc 2+ and use it all the time. I know I'd do even better if I was able to hear with it binaurally.

Well, Colleen, I don't know why the pix showed up so large; didn't plant it that way, but I'll update my profile. Thanks.

Thanks, I did update my profile and added a photo. Btw, I am going to be trying out the Phonak Paradise, brand new technology. I hope this is the one to replace my six-year old Resounds. I am really excited about it. Hope it really is what all the hype is all about.