I'm completely new to the world of hearing aids. Advice please.

That’s interesting. I didn’t know they only worked with one brand. I have their most expensive model also, since that is what the audiologist suggested I get. I’m glad yours works so well for you.

That’s interesting. I didn’t know they only worked with one brand. I have their most expensive model also, since that is what the audiologist suggested I get. I’m glad yours works so well for you.

@bruceandruth1970

I see her again in mid August for a cleaning . She is concerned that my Cros receiver is not compatible with the newer model of Phonak (she called the manufacturer while I was there) but they said that another update is possible in a few months where I may not have to buy a new Cros but be able to pair it with the newer update.

FL Mary

@pachab00

In my 40 plus years of wearing hearing aids I have never come across an Audi or Hearing Aid Provider who only dealt with one brand. I can understand a provider being biased towards a certain brand but dealing only with one brand is a disservice to patients.

You must be able to trial different brands…that is something everyone should insist on. The Audi develops a relationship with each manufacturer and , if they are not as knowledgeable about a brand you prefer, they absolutely should be on the phone to someone
for help. My providers have always been on the phone asking for guidance at certain times…and they do this while I am in the office. I have had my last wonderful Audi fielding questions for me with the manufacturer on a back and forth session. We both learned a lot.

I would never ever visit a practice that only dealt with one brad no matter how much the provider knew about that brand. Another brand might have been so much better for your particular loss and you never got to experience it. Also, the top of the line on a particular brand is not always the right choice for your loss. I don’t benefit from all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models and I don’t remember any provider ever pushing that on me.

I’m in the drivers seat when it comes to my hearing and I learned a lot over the years. I wish everyone new to hearing aids had an experienced advocate with them at their first visits.

FL Mary

FL Mary

@bruceandruth1970

I think I will remember but perhaps you will give me a nudge towards end of August…if you remember lol.

FL Mary

@barbarat

I agree with @minniemimi about perhaps switching ENTs. I also wanted to mention that hearing aids need cleaning by your Audi at least every 6 months. Those openings where the microphones are can get clogged with normal debris espically on women who use hair products. My current Audi just vacuumed out my Cros and other 2 aids and I could notice the difference. They sell vacuums on Amazon that I am considering.

I am not sure if you wear BTEs with tubing and molds .
I retube mine on a regular basis and also change the ear hooks every few months. I do this rather than having to go to my Audi when I think they need cleaning or changing. This is something your Audi should be doing on a regular basis. Also, if you wear molds, how they fit is a major priority for optimal hearing.

I question why you bought your current aids if they seemed no better than your old ones at the time. I have a very challenging hearing loss with a small area to fine tune and adjust. My old Audi ,who was the best programmer, left the ENT practice for a different area and was a superb patient women, I wanted to stay with the ENT practice and think I may have lucked out with this new Audi. She seems very energetic and proactive and even got on the phone with Phonak when I had a question about a possible new aid. I am seeing her again in 6 months because she said Phonak is coming out with something new that may be compatible with my Cros.
The Phonak Paradise is also a good update.

I would read up about Cros and BiCros receivers and some of the new aids coming out before you select a new Audi. Also get to know about Bluetooth capability and those handy speech to text apps and other assisted devices that are out there.

We have to educate ourselves and not rely solely on the Audi. I am partial to Phonak because of the power and I have trialed all the major brands. I also have been wearing aids for 40 plus years and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in hearing loss professionals.

I think a teaching hospital is a great place to go if you have one near you. I was evaluated at one many years ago but never returned. We are overrun with Audiologists and hearing aid techs in my area in Florida and can pick from the best. Don’t be afraid to move on…it really sounds like you could be understanding a whole lot better than you are know.

Hearing loss and diet are my passions. They are related more than you think.

FL Mary

FL Mary
You ask why I got my Phonaks if they were not much different than my Oticons. Basically I lost one of the Oticons during
my trial period for the Phonaks. It was at the beginning of mask wearing and I was not then as careful about pulling off my mask. The audi found a vendor but they wanted $600 for one 7 year old aid which I thought extortionate!