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Huge discovery for guitar playing hearing aids folks
This is my first week with HA's and I'm a guitar player. One of my biggest concerns was fitting large headphones over the HA's so I can practice silently, as the AuD recommended a behind-the-ear, reciever-in-canal model. She believed I should tial these HA's for their best in class bluetooth options and she was hoping for a guitar player that could do that for her. Plus they are geared well to handle my hearing loss prescription.
I'm trialing the Phonak Audeo Lumity Life HA's. They come with a Phonak TV Connect product as a free bonus right now. The TV Connect hooks up to the TV & sends TV stereo sound directly to the hearing aids. The sound quality is wonderful.
I found that my large over-the-ear headphones I use for silent guitar practice fit over my ears and the HA's without any problems, so that works as one option.
However, here is the real magic. I use an IRIG interface device and Amplitube5 software as part of my guitar amplification system. IRIG is a small interface device that connects my laptop computer Amplitube5 software which models thousands of different amps, pedals, & sound affects. It enables connections between my guitar, my computer laptop, & my standard guitar amp. Also, the IRIG interface has a headphone jack for silent practice which I use a lot.
I plugged the Phonak TV Connect device into the IRIG headphone jack. The TV Connect device is now sending stereo guitar sound to my HA's directly via blue tooth without any lag. Plus, I can play a jam track on my computer and play my guitar with all that sound linked directly to my hearing aids.
It's a great thing for me as I'm hearing my guitar so much better now.
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@johnbflat This is great that you are having a positive experience. You say that your hearing aids came with the Phonak TV connect option. Do you live in the United States? I have not heard of getting any optional equipment while trialing a hearing aid. It certainly helps so it should be the normal thing to do for people to try their hearing aids with that device. That will be something to consider since the price could be deceiving. We have to know if the cost includes any optional equipment. You bring up a good point in that even though the TV connect is geared towards TV use, it can be used for just about any device that has an audio out jack.
Tony in Michigan
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1 ReactionYes....my AuD included Phonak TV Connect, no added charge (that I'm aware of), with my new Phonak Audeo, Lumity, Life, E90's. I was given the HA pricing, first, two weeks ago, and didn't know about the TV Connect device.
TV Connect was given to me free during the fitting session a week later & she asked me to try it out with my guitar sound equipment. Her husband plays out in a popular band.
I'm in Florida & recieved everything Tues.
Is that a separate component that plugs into the TV?
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1 ReactionYes. It's a small square device with rounded corners. It has a power cord, an optical audio port for the TV, and a 1.5" stereo audio jack. I'm using the optical jack for the TV and 1.5" jack to plug in my IRIG guitar interface device.
That sounds awesome! I recently had SSD occur on my right side, so likely I will be getting a Cochlear Implant there soon. But I'm very intrigued by your rig thinking I should be able to do that with the implant as well. Thanks for that!
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1 ReactionHi
I wondered how you are getting on. I am about 6 weeks into trying a pair of oticon more 1 aids. Speech is great but my guitars don't sound great. Initially there has been a marked double note on the 3 higher strings. My audiologist is lovely and has put music listening and playing programs on but some notes still sound bad. The guitar has been set up really well with no buzzy frets
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1 ReactionI have an ENT/ Audiologist initial visit in July. I'm going to come back to your post for guidance as I'm new to this world. I'm HAPPY to know of the tools, strategies and pathways for guitar players. Thank You!
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1 ReactionI was brave and returned my oticon more 1s back and went to a different Audiologist
I now have a pair of Phonak lumity life90s.
I have had them a week and they have been absolutely fine.
My guitar sounds fine(and probably better) and I haven't needed to use a specific music program (the aids do it automatically). I am very happy so far. I don't know whether that will change when they are turned up full volume - they are currently on 80%. So far I think I will be very happy with my phonaks where the issue with the oticons was really quite upsetting. It could be that the oticons were faulty but suspect not.
Good luck and feel free to ask for an up date
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2 ReactionsI absolutely WILL. I'm glad to know you're having forward progress AND I'm glad you didn't give up on finding the right help.
Thank You