Widex Moment 440

Widex Moment 440

by | Jun 28, 2020

Widex Moment 440

 

Widex Moment 440 RIC R D  Hearing Aid review

The latest premium hearing aids from Widex is the MOMENT 440. Like other Widex hearing aids, Moment comes in 4 tiers of 440 (Premium), 330 (advance), 220 (Essential) and 110 (Basic). In this review, we will focus on Premium Widex MOMENT 440 mRIC R D and CIC options. When it comes to size and appearance, MOMENT 440 mRIC R D takes advantage of being the smallest Receiver In the Canal (RIC) Rechargeable Technology currently in the market. 

In terms of functionality and being user-friend, MOMENT 440 has a significant edge in comparison to the previous platform of Widex, Beyond, and that has to do with the rechargeability function for the mRIC R D. MOMENT 440 mRIC R D takes advantage of Lithium batteries which have proven to be much more reliable than the previous platform of Z-power batteries. In addition, MOMENT 440 mRIC R D charger case is very user-friendly and insertion/removal from the charger case is super easy. This makes MOMENT 440 mRIC R D rechargeable aids a perfect option for someone who suffers from dexterity issues. Note, the CIC model does not have a rechargeable option.

In terms of technical features, MOMENT 440 has a few prominent advantages. For one, when it comes to sound level and client’s access to real-world sounds, Widex is by far much more advanced than other manufactures in the sense that the gain range that it provides to the client is more than other hearing aids. What it means for the daily user of the hearing is a much wider access to a variety of sounds which is a great advantage. But what makes MOMENT 440 revolutionary is not just this feature. Rather, MOMENT 440 features a new sound technology named “Pure Sound Program”, providing the hearing aid user with a natural sound that most hearing aids lack. To achieve “Pure Sound Program”, Widex has managed to incorporate a truly fast sound processor that has a delay of almost zero milliseconds. This means that the hearing aid wearer will be able to enjoy a more natural sound with less distortion, and can truly “live in the moment”. Widex also has a different approach to how sound processing is distributed across frequencies or bandwidths. 

The MOMENT 440 prioritises the frequencies that are most important for speech perception. This means that the 15 channels available  are not equally weighted, but rather they are weighted based on the importance that they carry for the hearing aid users. Another fascinating feature is SoundSense Learn, an artificial intelligence learner engine in the MOMENT APP which gives the client access to two different programs to compare and select the one that sounds better to their ears. The concept behind this feature is the manufacturer’s extensive attention to the individual’s preference of sound quality and attempting to provide unique tailor-made sound to the users. Please note, that direct bluetooth streaming is only available with D models for iPhone devices otherwise extra accessories are needed. Clients wanting CIC models will need to use a DEX device for mobile streaming but can use the TONELINK™ app to control programs and adjust their listening settings. Overall, MOMENT 440 models a fascinating hearing aid with so much to offer to a person who seeks quality, looks, and technology.

Review by Mahsa Clinical Audiologist, 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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Signia Styletto 7X Connect

Signia Styletto 7X Connect

by | Jun 25, 2020

Signia Styletto 7X Connect

Signia Styletto 7X Connect RIC Hearing Aid review

The primary focus of the new Signia Styletto Connect hearing aids are to transform the image of current hearing aids from medical devices to “Hearwear”. The goal is to improve wearer acceptance with sleek style, trendy colours and slim-line accessories. There are promising studies regarding the hearing aids performance in noisy situations but marketing seems to focus on style rather than quality of hearing. The aids come with a pocket-sized portable charging case that is smaller than its competition. Further, the portable case will provide enough capacity to offer three full charges. A new feature is the innovative Qi wireless charging station for the portable charging case (first of its kind!). This makes it an easy on-the-go solution and will fit in your pocket to carry around providing up to 3 days use without needing a powerpoint. The disadvantage due to its small size is moulds are difficult to fit into the case.

The product offers made-for-iPhone bluetooth connectivity, smartphone application and remotecare access. Streaming to non-apple products is possible but will require the additional purchase of accessories. Overall, the Styletto Connect hearing aid is designed to be fully automatic and adjust accordingly in different environments. Unfortunately, the aid does not have any control buttons to keep with their sleek design. This means that if the user wanted to do any form of adjustments it must be done via their phone. This can be more difficult for some older clients who are used to button controls and are not tech savvy. Excitingly, Signia will bring out CROS and Bi-CROS solutions for the X series.

Stigma is a significant issue that prevents many people from proceeding with hearing aids. Unfortunately, this will lead to further decline in hearing health and quality of life. The Styletto Connect’s design will appeal to some as a solution to this problem. However, if cosmetics are a concern a potential user should also investigate the lyric or invisible-in-canal style also.

Review by Marcus Zavou, Clinical Audiologist, 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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Siemens Signia Pure Charge & Go NX

Siemens Signia Pure Charge & Go NX

by | May 27, 2020

Siemens Signia Pure Charge & Go NX

 

Siemens Signia Pure Charge & Go NX

Siemens Signia Pure Charge & Go NX Hearing Aid review

These sleek premium range hearing aids are suitable for all degree of hearing loss ranging from mild, moderate, severe and profound. Along with its small housing design which allows the device to sit discreetly behind the ears, the super soft silicone click sleeves are available in different sizes, providing a secure and comfortable fit which is a must for daily usage.

Most importantly, the hearing devices provide a crystal clear natural sound quality and together with the superior noise reduction technology, makes it easier for the user when they are having a conversation in general listening environments but most importantly, in challenging situations such as background noise. What I find remarkable about this premium product is that it has the very sophisticated Own voice Processing (OVP) feature which allows the user to experience a more natural own voice sound quality and as a result, eliminates the complaint of their own voice being unnatural.

This product also comes with a wireless inductive charger, providing high convenience and ease of management to the user. Thanks to the high performance of the inbuilt lithium-ion battery, users will be able to experience a longer daily runtime even when streaming the hearing aids to your Smartphone. Compared to other rechargeable solutions in the market, the lithium-ion battery also possesses the ability to have a longer overall lifetime and shorter charging times (approximately 3-4 hours).

Users will be impressed with the superior connectivity this product offers. The Touch control App provides the user with the flexibility to change programs and volume, bass and treble depending on their listening needs in a specific environment just from their Smartphone. If users don’t have a Smartphone, there is an option of getting a reliable, easy to use and discrete mini remote control known as the miniPocket.

Accessories compatible with this product include the Streamline TV, allowing direct streaming of TV shows to your hearing aids and the Streamline Mic, providing a hand-free experience when streaming phone calls and music from your Smartphone. This discrete compact device also works as a personal remote microphone to improve the user’s ability to hear conversations in noisy situations.

Overall, the Signia Pure Charge & Go 7Nx hearing aid is a smart discrete device, providing advanced sophisticated technology, improving the user’s hearing quality and hence quality of life.

By: Wai Yin Pong, Clinical Audiologist, 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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Unitron Moxi Jump R9

Unitron Moxi Jump R9

by | Sep 12, 2019

Unitron Moxi Jump R9

Unitron Moxi Jump R

Unitron Moxi Jump R9 Hearing Aid review

Unitron has recently released their version of the “Made For Any Phone” hearing aid, Moxi Jump R9 and Moxi Fit which are part of their new line of devices that can connect to any Bluetooth device using the SWORD 3.0 chip that allows for Bluetooth connection to Apple & Android devices.

This will be a review of Moxi Jump R9 as it is Unitron’s latest rechargeable device.

Unitron hearing devices have an automatic program classifier, SoundNav 3.0. , that can automatically change between different program settings depending on the environment you are in If you are in a quiet environment, the hearing aids know this and will put you into the correct program settings. If you transition into a noisy environment, the hearing aids will know this as well, and put you into ideal program settings for those environments. Basically, the Unitron Moxi Jump R does everything for you so you don’t have to worry about it.

The new Moxi Jump R hearing aids use a lithium battery. Lithium has proven to be the most reliable form of rechargeable battery technology. The devices also automatically turn on when you remove them from the charger and off when you place them inside the charger, so you don’t have to fuss with the push button for turning the hearing aids on and off.

Unitron hearing aids have a very unique feature, FLEX: UPGRADE, that allows their hearing aids to be upgraded from a lower level of technology to a higher level of technology without having to buy new hearing aids or exchanging your current hearing aid hardware. This means you can start with a lower level of technology and upgrade down the road if you need a higher level of hearing aid performance in more complex listening situations. All you have to do is have your audiologist upgrade your hearing aids to whatever technology level is best for you and you just pay the difference for the upgrade.

There are a few things that I don’t particularly like about Moxi Jump R hearing aids. The first one is the limited battery life. At only 16 hours, some hearing aid users may not get a full day’s worth of use out of a single charge. Especially if you require a lot of amplification using a power receiver, and if you stream a lot of audio and phone calls which create more battery drain.

The second thing is the thickness of them. Rechargeable hearing aids are naturally larger than most disposable models, but the Moxi Jump R is pretty thick. If you wear glasses, expect them to push your ears off to the side.

Cons aside, the Unitron Moxi Jump R would be a great option for your next set of hearing aids due to their unique FLEX:UPGRADE feature.

By Hami Resalat, Senior Audiologist, Melbourne, Australia.

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 OPN

Oticon OPN

by | Nov 27, 2018

Oticon OPN S1

Oticon OPN S1 mini RITE Hearing Aid review

Oticon OPN S hearing aid is an updated version of the extremely popular Oticon OPN1 hearing aid, with improved performance, and added more features. When the original OPN hearing aid was released in 2016, it was extremely popular due to its ability to provide exceptionally better hearing in background noise.

The OPN S utilizes Oticon’s New Velox S chip which is designed to improve upon their previous Velox chip by providing an additional 15% better speech understanding in noise, 10% reduced listening effort, and 10% better memory recall compared to the original OPN hearing aid.

OpenSound Navigator in Oticon OPN S provides a 360° sound experience. Most hearing aids manage the noisy environments by focusing on one speaker – typically the one in front of the user. Now, with the technology in Oticon Opn S users would have access to the relevant sounds (including speech) around them, and puts them in charge of which sounds they want to focus on. The result of this breakthrough technology is that users can understand speech more clearly, with less effort. This improves the outcomes even in challenging listening situations such as family dinners in noisy situations.

The new Oticon OPN S comes in 3 different performance levels. The OPN-S 1 which is the premium level, followed by the OPN-S 2, and OPN-S 3. They also have several different models including the MiniRITE, MiniRITE T (telecoil version), MiniRITE R (rechargeable version), & the BTE Power Plus.

My favourite option amongst the OPN S range is the rechargeable version (MiniRITE R). OPN S R has a super fast charging lithium technology that only takes 3 hours for a full charge with an expected 20 hours of battery life. If you do run out of battery, it only takes 30 minutes to add an additional 6 hours of battery life.

In terms of management, I have found OPNs R a very good option as clients don’t need to change batteries nor need to turn the aids on or off (when the aids are placed in the charger they are turned off automatically and when they are removed from the charger they start working straight away).

With its OpenSound Optimizer, OPNs has improved Feedback Control significantly. This feature provides an additional 6 dB of gain before allowing feedback (whistling). OPNs does this by introducing a breaker signal to disrupt the traditional feedback pathway.

The OpenSound Booster is the most aggressive form of noise reduction inside of Oticon’s OpenSound Navigator. It gives the users extra support from the OpenSound Navigator, regardless of their predefined setting. Whenever they feel they need an extra boost of help, they simply activate the OpenSound Booster, available in the Oticon ON App. This is designed to improve how well you can understand speech that is directly in front of the user.

The fact that OPNs’ are made specifically for iPhones limits the connectivity flexibility/benefits for Android device users. Another limitation with OPNs is that not all styles have the rechargeable option.

Since the introduction of the new OPNs, I have had exceptional outcomes with both new and experienced hearing aid users.

Review by Dr Moh Dadafarin, Clinical Audiologist, Melbourne, Australia  Jan 2020

Book 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