problems with latest new hearing aids & what to do about them.

@raykraemer Thanks for your evaluation of the Phonak Paradise P90 aids. Given the problems you're having, I would not keep them. It sounds like there may be some design flaws and they may be able to be fixed with firmware updates. Do you know if those Phonaks can be programmed remotely without a visit to the audiologist? My Resounds (Linx 3D) are 3 years old but have remote programmability.
Tony in Michigan

@awilst
I have read all the good suggestions here . I don’t think there is that much of a difference in the major brands as they all have compression technology vs the linear aids used years ago. The problem lies in how fast or slow the attack/release needs to be for each individual. Not everyone benefits from a fast attack/release. It depends on the severity of the loss, cognition, age etc. This is something a good Audi should know. I know each brand is different and there is new technology coming out all the time. The Audi needs to keep up and understand a lot of technical information and should be consulting the manufacturer on a regular basis.

I switched from Oticons to Phonaks about 20 years ago as my loss increased from severe to bilateral profound. I have worked with good and bad audiologists and currently have one of the best programmers I have ever had. She had been on the phone with Phonak a couple of times over the years.

That being said, Phonaks are the best for me and I have trialed all the major brands. I will suggest seeing another audiologist who may understand how compression works better or insisting that a Phonak tech be present (either in person or virtually). Don’t accept the aids as they are. Phonaks are excellent and very powerful....it is how good and patient the programmer is.

I don’t know how the VA works and maybe another brand would benefit. You are in the drivers seat and don’t worry about offending the current Audi. I have a very difficult hearing loss to program and my Audi explains what and why she is doing certain adjustments while I am watching the screen. This lady knows her business and always wants to learn new things...rare bird.

Let us know the outcome and keep pushing for optimal hearing.

FL Mary

@awilst What VA facility are you going to for your Hearing Aids.. I go to the Des Moines Iowa VA Hospital where the Audiologists are in a separate building and we can go there without an appointment to have problems solved... Certainly it is sometimes better to have an appointment, but there are at least 2 audiologists ... but they are not there every day... so try to get a different audiologist and take measure of that person's capabilities.. Even in this Pandemic the VA Audiologists seem very helpful... So many who have been in the service have hearing problems... so get it so you are satisfied.. If you are going to one of the outpatient clinics, try going to a bigger facility... Its time to get shots... sign up for that too... Ken

orlando fl VA... used to be walk in, now by by appt only.. I just got a new appt. , 1st avail 3 weeks wait.

the phonak m90s, that I have , in adddition to audiologist programming the HAs, have a additional feature. a phonak smart phone download that allows you via bluetooth to tweek the hearing aids using your phone . a bunch of different controls.
and guess what, nothing I try does much good. and I have tried.
i THINK THE PROBLEM IS ATTCK/RELEASE SPEEDS, MY GUESS. but as I said before I previously had an older set of phonaks & I could understand my wife pretty well.
now she had to repeateverything.

not sure if it is hardware or programming?

as I understand it, the technical settings determine the quality of the speech perception.
the computer takes the sound, converts it to digital. (does it replicate the total sound wave, does it slim it size & mabe distort output?) how fast/how slow? whats best for my condition?? and a bunch of other stuff I dont know.
all technical questions that can effect output.

I believe you are entitled to your test results and also to any information about the products you are fitted with. As Tonyinmi pointed out, those settings may be worthless to you. On the other hand, if you are traveling and something goes wrong with your hearing aids, a provider in another area could possibly be of help. It's important to know that some providers 'lock' the hearing aids they sell, so they cannot be programmed or adjusted by a competitor. This is more typical of the 'big box' providers. Most audiology practices, especially those that sell a variety of brands, do not do that. Still, it's a question worth asking.

Keep in mind when buying hearing aids that the fitters vary greatly in skill, training and formal education. Hearing aids may be the best on the planet, but if they are not fit well, they won't do well. The fitter's skill if the key to success. And, if you don't get enough value from new hearing aids, return them and go elsewhere unless the provider is willing to give you more than 30 days time to work on them. I read things like bundled services that 'allow' 2 visits per year and it makes me sad. In many cases it may take many more visits to get it right. A provider should be willing to work with you as often as needed. It may not seem fair, but we are consumers of these products, so must be assertive enough to help ourselves.

Thanks Tony for your description of the reality!

I find huge differences between audiologists. I have been to 3 different VAs and have been seen by 7 different audiologists there. Of the 7 I have found one audiologist to be excellent. In VA it is very difficult to go cherry picking for an audiologist you like. All of them have been competent and compassionate people and tried to be helpful. But out comes are quite different. Biggest factor here is you need to be your own advocate - read up, inform yourself, and go back till it works. For example, I didn't get a real ear measurement until I asked for it.

I have also been to 4 different private practice audiology clinics and been seen by 6 different audiologists there and found them to be about the same as VA. I think there is at least as much difference in outcome from the audiologist as from the hearing aids themselves. Getting hearing aids properly fitted is one of the keys.