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Phonak Lyric Invisible

Phonak Lyric Invisible

by | Jun 1, 2021

 Phonak Lyric Invisible 4

Phonak Lyric

 

Phonak Lyric Invisible Hearing Aids review

Phonak Lyric invisible is an exceptionally good option for the right candidates. During my 37 years of practice, I have found no other hearing aids like it.

Lyric is the only hearing aid technology that offers complete invisibility; when it comes to cosmetics, I would like to recommend Lyric as the best option if there are no clinical contraindications!

The fact that is placed deep in the ear canal makes it possible for clients to have the benefit of the ear anatomy for better directionality, natural sound transmission and improved clarity.

As Lyric is worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and as clients use Lyric during all their daily activities naturally, clients might forget that they are using a hearing aid. The fact that Lyric is worn 24/7, may also reduce the risks associated with untreated hearing loss. Read more about the benefits of Phonak Lyric here.

I have found Lyric a great option for clients who have difficulties managing traditional hearing aids, as Lyric has no batteries to change and requires no maintenance and no daily insertion or removal.

In cases when clients can manage, clients can be provided with a SoundLync, a magnetic adjustment tool that allows clients to adjust the volume, turn Lyric on and off, and to put it in sleep mode. Lyric can also be removed, if needed, with the SoundLync.
Cons: Lyric may not be affordable if clients have a limited budget. However, these clients can be offered payment plans.
Not everybody would be a candidate for Lyric. Narrow ear canals, history of excessive earwax build-up, eardrum perforations, ear discharge and bleeding disorders are among the factors, which may exclude clients from being a possible candidate.
Although I have had amazing results with Lyric, I have had these good results only with the right candidates. To find how Phonak Lyric works click here! 

Review by Dr Moh Dadafarin,  Audiologist, Hearing Rehabilitation and Lyric Specialist,  Melbourne, Australia

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How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

The best hearing aid for you is the one that not only meets your unique hearing loss requirements but also suits your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. Whether you want your hearing aids to be invisible or discreet, are looking for instruments that are easy to use or maintain, or those that have the maximum speech clarity, it all comes down to what’s best for YOU and your individual hearing needs. Therefore, deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you will be based on a variety of clinical and personal factors.

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Oticon More miniRITE

Oticon More miniRITE

by | May 31, 2021

Oticon More miniRITE

Burt Newton and his Melbourne Audiologist Dr Moh Dadafarin

Oticon More miniRITE – Hearing Aids Review 

Oticon recently released their Oticon More hearing aids coming in 3 levels, More 1, 2 and 3. Each packing fantastic speech clarity in background noise whilst claiming to provide better spatial awareness than previous generations.

My Top 3 Features

As seen above, the Oticon More hearing aids come in a range of colours from Hear Pink to Diamond Black built to look great no matter how you like to accessorise!

Most Reliable App – Oticon ON App – Hearing aid controls

From my experience, the Oticon ON app has been the most reliable and responsive apps on the market. They connect immediately without fail on almost any phone and allow you to control numerous settings. From volume controls to program switching, from battery percentages to equaliser settings, each adjustment is snappy and accurate.

To find out if your Phone is compatible with the Oticon ON app, click HERE!

iPhone and Android Connectivity

The Oticon More hearing aids, like many other modern hearing aids, are Made For iPhone (MFi) meaning they directly connect to and stream from almost any iPhone or iOS device (iPhone 6s and newer).

Although Oticon More hearing aids are able to stream from the latest Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S20/S21), I have found connectivity with older devices hit or miss. Unfortunately, due to the current limitations of Bluetooth Low Energy, More can’t directly connect to all Bluetooth devices. So if connectivity and streaming are a priority for you, consider picking up a ConnectClip or looking into the Phonak Paradise and Marvel hearing aids.

Always remember to keep your phone (iPhone or Android) close, as it uses the microphone in the phone to pick up your voice.

Design and Comfort

Look and Feel

The Oticon More hearing aid’s small and discrete nature along with their myriad of colour options make them a fantastic accessory whether you’re looking to match it with your hair or outfit. Each hearing aid is equipped with two buttons for volume and/or program controls which are tactile and easy to press. In my experience, the More’s fit comfortably behind the ear and both their domes (eartips) and earmoulds fit well. The thin and small design also fit nicely behind the ear, even with glasses.

Onboard Controls

One feature I miss switching from the Phonak Paradise hearing aids to the Oticon More hearing aids were their onboard media controls. With the Paradise aids, you are able to answer and end calls with the click of a button and raise or lower volume without ever picking up your phone. I wish more manufacturers would provide media controls directly on their hearing aids.

Speaker Dome Options (Eartips)

Oticon has a wide variety of dome options ranging from open to occluding. Your audiologist will pick the right size and type of dome/earmould depending on the severity of your hearing loss. Custom earmoulds are also available for those with more significant losses.

Find out how to change domes HERE!

Battery Life and Battery Types

The Oticon More, unlike previous generations (OPN-S and before), only come in a rechargeable option. The battery is set to last around 20-24 hours without streaming and 16-20 hours with streaming. So, like many other rechargeable hearing aids, if you take them out of the charger in the morning and place them in at night, they will last you the whole day. Unfortunately, unlike Starkey, Signia or Phonak, Oticon does not have a charger option with an in-built battery, meaning you will have to be plugged into the wall or get a powerbank for emergencies (such as a power outages). Aside from that, their charging case is one of the easiest to place and remove from, making them fantastic for anyone with dexterity issues.

Accessories

For streaming to any other Bluetooth connected device (eg. older iPhone/Android or laptop), you can use the ConnectClip. The ConnectClip also allows for truly hands-free calling, using its built-in microphone for phone calls. Making taking phone calls much more convenient and carefree.

Verdict

In summary, if you’re looking for a stylish hearing aid which performs well, has a great design and sounds great, these may be the right hearing aids for you.

Review by Dr Moh Dadafarin & Mark Truong, Audiologists, Melbourne Australia

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How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

The best hearing aid for you is the one that not only meets your unique hearing loss requirements but also suits your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. Whether you want your hearing aids to be invisible or discreet, are looking for instruments that are easy to use or maintain, or those that have the maximum speech clarity, it all comes down to what’s best for YOU and your individual hearing needs. Therefore, deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you will be based on a variety of clinical and personal factors.

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Phonak Audeo Paradise 90

Phonak Audeo Paradise 90

by | May 28, 2021

 Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 /Audeo P90

 

Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 RIC Hearing Aids review

Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 Hearing aids (Audeo P 90) Leading the innovation change in the hearing aid technologies. The overwhelming success of Marvel was a tough act to follow for Phonak, but early feedback indicates that Paradise is pleasing Australian hearing aid users even more.

These multifunctional hearing aids deliver excellent sound quality, are easy to use and provide a true sense of well-being. Between the sound quality, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity (allowing two simultaneous active connections) and new features such as tap control and motion sensor hearing, Paradise is setting a new benchmark in hearing aid technology in Australia.

Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 (audeo P90) is a multifunctional hearing aid that delivers an excellent hearing experience with industry-leading wireless connectivity. Unlike any other hearing aid, they connect directly to either your iOS, Android smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled devices to stream any kind of audio. Users can have hands-free conversations and connect with popular voice assistants like Siri, by double tapping their ear. With Audeo P, the microphones on the hearing aids can be used to send the user’s voice to the caller. This means the user can walk away from the phone and still have a clear conversation. The user can even answer, hang-up, or reject a phone call with the hearing aids themselves.

With more than 60% of smartphone users in Australia owning Android devices, those using Paradise love that it can connect to all Bluetooth devices, iOS and Android alike – even their TV and laptop. You can enjoy true hands-free phone calls and stereo sound quality streaming for your music, videos, e-books, podcasts and so much more!

The integrated motion sensor detects when the wearer is moving and having a conversation and can automatically steer the hearing aid microphones for better speech understanding. Developments in the sound processing chip also allow the hearing aid to enhance soft sounds in quiet situations; and engage personalised noise cancellation in more noisy environments. Rechargeable and non-rechargeable options are available, with the rechargeable variant offering the most features.

With a simple plug and play solution, called Phonak TV Connector, you can also enjoy your favourite TV programs and movies. It’s just like using wireless headphones – except maybe even better.

What makes Audeo Paradise hearing aids outstanding?

  • Crisp, natural sound, brilliant speech understanding and personalised noise cancelling.
  • Exceptional sound quality from first fit
  • Simplified Universal connectivity, which has been enhanced by new features such as Tap Control and multiple Bluetooth® connections.
  • Tap control enabled voice assistant
  • Ease of conversation when walking due to motion sensor hearing
  • Combining all of these features with powerful Lithium Ion rechargeable technology and empowering smart apps!

The New Phonak Audeo Paradise has an impressive range which includes Lithium Rechargeable, Lithium Rechargeable with Telecoil, size 13 battery with Telecoil, and size 312 battery model.

My favourite feature in Paradise is AutosenseOS 4.0. which is an automatic program that adjusts the hearing aid programming depending on the environment that the user is in. This feature makes Phonak hearing aids a good option for people who may have difficulties manually selecting programs for different environments. However, the key factor for this feature to work is a thorough fine tuning of all these programs by the audiologist using Real ear Measurements at the fitting appointment. Unfortunately not many audiologists perform these measurements for all programs as it may be considered time consuming!

Binaural VoiceStream Technology in Audeo P allows for features like StereoZoom within the Speech in Loud Noise program which can improve speech understanding in background noise significantly.

Rechargeability is a great feature of Audeo P – The Audeo PR Audeo P RT provides 24 hrs of battery life. This may drop to 16 hours of if you are doing 4 hours of Bluetooth classic streaming per day. What makes the new Audeo rechargeables easier to use is that they turn on immediately after removing them from the charger case which removes the need for the user to switch the aids on or off.

The Audeo P has access to the myPhonak App which can control Program and volume changes, allow users to adjust the environmental balance when streaming, and provide battery readout for rechargeable models. The Phonak eSolutions portal within the app also contains a hearing diary, and access to Remote Support with the audiologist. The Tinnitus app – This allows the user to control tinnitus – masking sounds if needed. The Call to Text feature can turn a user’s smartphone into a captioned telephone so the user can read the conversations as s/he hears them.

One limitation of the Audeo Paradise range is that they are not CROS compatible and, therefore, may not be a good option for people who have Single-Sided Deafness who may benefit from CROS or BICROS fittings.

Click here to learn more about Audeo Pradise features.

Review by Dr Moh Dadafarin, Audiologist, Hearing Rehabilitation Specialist, Melbourne Australia, October 2020

Make an Appointment

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

The best hearing aid for you is the one that not only meets your unique hearing loss requirements but also suits your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. Whether you want your hearing aids to be invisible or discreet, are looking for instruments that are easy to use or maintain, or those that have the maximum speech clarity, it all comes down to what’s best for YOU and your individual hearing needs. Therefore, deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you will be based on a variety of clinical and personal factors.

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Phonak Virto 90 Titanium

Phonak Virto 90 Titanium

by | May 27, 2021

Phonak Virto Titanium

Phonak Virto

 

Phonak Virto B90 Titanium IIC Hearing Aids Review

If end users are looking for a super discreet hearing device, then the Phonak Virto B Titanium Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) is the one for them. Released in 2018, it is the smallest in-the-ear device that Phonak has put forward from its predecessors.

Compared to the tradition acrylic in-the-ear devices in the market, the titanium shell is seemingly thinner and stronger. The thinner shell enables a deeper fitting of the device in the ear canal (up to 26% smaller) so that exceptional sound quality can be achieved. It also has an IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water.

The Virto B Titanium comes in 2 performance levels, the premium performance level B90, followed by the advanced B70 performance level. The device is suitable for individuals with mild to severe hearing losses.

Importantly, the stand out feature incorporated in the device is known as Autosense OS. This sophisticated feature senses the client’s surroundings and automatically adjusts accordingly to the program available, to deliver the best speech understanding. In other words, less effort is required by the client. From my clinical experience, Autosense OS is rather beneficial for clients that find it difficult to select the appropriate program for a specific environment.

Although the super small device is appealing for hard of hearing individuals, like most products there are limitations. I have found that frequent maintenance is required as the style of the device makes it more susceptible to cerumen. Users that have dexterity issues have commented that the devices are relatively difficult to manage i.e. replacing filters and the small size 10 batteries.

Nonetheless, in contrast with the other custom devices the design of an enclosed microphone (located underneath the battery compartment) is a brilliant initiative to protect the microphone, increasing the reliability of the device. This design is what separates this device from other in-the-ear products in the market.

Overall, the Phonak Virto B Titanium delivers excellent hearing and comfort outcomes so that clients can establish confidence in their everyday hearing situations.

Review by  Wai Yin Pong, Clinical Audiologist, Clinical Audiologist, Melbourne, Australia.

Make an Appointment

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

The best hearing aid for you is the one that not only meets your unique hearing loss requirements but also suits your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. Whether you want your hearing aids to be invisible or discreet, are looking for instruments that are easy to use or maintain, or those that have the maximum speech clarity, it all comes down to what’s best for YOU and your individual hearing needs. Therefore, deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you will be based on a variety of clinical and personal factors.

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Signia Active X and Active Pro

Signia Active X and Active Pro

by | Apr 26, 2021

Signia Active X and Active Pro

 

 

Signia’s Active X and Active Pro – Hearing Aids Review

Hearing Aids or Ear Buds? Signia’s Active X and Active Pro hearing aids bridge the gap between the two worlds, fitting over a hundred years of research and development into a new and revolutionary form factor. With rechargeability, direct iPhone streaming, and all day battery. the Active X may just be the hearing aid you’ve been waiting for.

Full Review

My Top 3 Features

Form Factor and Design

The Active X hearing aids look like no hearing aids which have come before. Their large body and minimalistic colours are built to be seen. Just like a cool Apple Airpod or Samsung Buds, these can be worn proudly as a fashion accessory with the benefit of better hearing. 

Rechargeability and Charging Case

The Active X’s are the only fully rechargeable in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aids which don’t require a custom mould. Starkey’s Livio Edge Ai ITC hearing aids are the only other hearing aids on the market which offer rechargeability but they do come in a custom form factor. Depending on your hearing loss and design preference, you may choose one over the other.

Accompanying this modern hearing aid is one of the smallest and, in my opinion, best designed cases on the market. Closely resembling the Apple AirPods’ case, the Active X case has a secure lid, magnets to hold your hearing aids in place, internal batteries, and USB-C/wireless charging. From my experience, for someone who frequently travels or needs to take off their hearing aids often (working with power tools, etc.), this is a fantastic option. Other cases currently on the market are much bulkier and often do not include an internal battery, requiring you to be plugged directly into the wall at all times.

Direct iPhone Audio Streaming – Videos, Music, Calls, Podcasts etc.

The Active X offers direct streaming and app controls on most iPhones, allowing you to listen to calls, movies, podcasts and lots more straight to your ears. For streaming from Android phones or other bluetooth devices, a Streamline Mic accessory is necessary.

iPhone Streaming

The Active X devices are compatible with iPhones 5 and later, allowing direct music and call streaming to the hearing aids without an additional accessory. Like most other hearing aids (besides the Phonak Marvel/Paradise lines), phone calls stream directly to your ears but use the iPhone’s microphone to pick up your voice. If you want truly hands-free calling you can pick up the Streamline Mic.

Android Streaming

No direct audio streaming capabilities are currently available for Android through Signia devices. You need a companion device like the Streamline Mic for this purpose. Only Phonak’s Audeo Marvel and Paradise devices currently have direct audio streaming for all Bluetooth devices. 

For the full Streamline Mic Review, CLICK HERE

Comfort and Design

Comfort and Ease of Use

Personally, the Active X’s are quite comfortable. Their Click Sleeve Domes fit well and the large body is well supported on the ear. For individuals with narrow ear canals, behind-the-ear options like the Signia Styletto X or Oticon More hearing aids may be a better fit. Your audiologist will be able to advise if this would be a suitable option for you.

Signia App

The Signia app is available for both iPhone and Android and allows you to control settings like volume, program switching, directionality, and sound balance. Signia has also recently added a new mask mode and Signia Assistant to provide additional help during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For the full Signia App tutorial, CLICK HERE 

Battery Life

The Active X’s are set to last around 16 to 19 hours on a single charge depending on the level of your hearing loss and streaming time. A full charge will take around 3 to 4 hours whilst a 30 minute charge will last you around 5 hours. The case is said to also contain up to 3 to 4 additional charges, making it a great option if you go on short road trips and don’t want to carry a power brick.

Summary

In summary, if you’re looking for a hearing aid which looks like no other, is fully rechargeable, and fits well in the ear, I would highly recommend going to your local audiologist for a trial of the Signia Active X’s!

Review by Mark Truong, Audiologist, Melbourne Australia

Make an Appointment

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

The best hearing aid for you is the one that not only meets your unique hearing loss requirements but also suits your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. Whether you want your hearing aids to be invisible or discreet, are looking for instruments that are easy to use or maintain, or those that have the maximum speech clarity, it all comes down to what’s best for YOU and your individual hearing needs. Therefore, deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you will be based on a variety of clinical and personal factors.

Read More