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← Return to Resound or Oticon?
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I have a pair of Oticon Real 1's. Previously I had Widex Beyonds, which I had for 6 years and before that Phonaks. The Oticons are, according to the vendor and other audiologists in this area, the best offered, second to the Phonaks. I can't say I am totally satisfied but they give better sound than the older Widex. These retail for about $7,000 but I got a pair for $4,300 because they are demos. Yes they are new and have the same features but do not carry any warranty or replacement guarantee. My vendor does that for 3 years and I am fine with that. The sticking points for me are the bluetooth that disconnects from my iphone and the app at least 2 or 3 times a day which means I have to restart the phone or redownload the app or disconnect the aids, none of which is a major task but an annoyance especially when using the phone or trying to talk to someone. I use the background noise reduction which helps but not much. The sound is generally ok but I found much clearer after I got custom fitted ear molds. They held the aids much more firmly, hence improved sound. The TV adapter is a real help. Much better sound when watching.. I think if I could redo I would also give the Phonaks a try but all in all they are ok. All any hearing aids do is amplify the sound and so don't expect a miracle.. try at least 2 or 3 brands.
Replies to "I have a pair of Oticon Real 1's. Previously I had Widex Beyonds, which I had..."
Most of the major brands of hearing aids that have been mentioned in this conversation are of excellent quality. There are different levels within each brand. They are all capable of including BlueTooth and telecoils; two features I strongly suggest you insist on when purchasing hearing aids. Then insist that the provider takes time to help you learn how to use both features effectively.
A couple other things can be helpful. One is having a manual volume control that allows you to control the volume. Automatic volume control can be annoying. It sounds like a good idea until you need to turn down the volume in a specific setting. The other thing is having professionally fitted ear molds rather than the ear buds that are not custom fit. Many people find that those ear buds pop out. They work well for other people.
It's important to understand that the success of hearing aids depend greatly on the skill of the person who is fitting them. It's also extremely important to be allowed a sufficient amount of time to try the product(s) in as many situations as possible. That trial time varies considerably between providers. Be sure to ask about it. And don't hesitate to return the hearing aids if they are not working well. They often can be adjusted, and that trial period can be extended.
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I had Oticon aids for 4 years, but just switched to Phonak aids which I like better because I seem to hear better even when there is a lot of noice or multiple voices around. I also got the TV adaptor which works fine providing great sound via bluetooth connection. It is true that when other bluetooth connections are activated such as iPhone 14 cell phone or audible.com audiobook, they can interrupt current hearing aid connection.
Don