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Question about the microphones in Phonak hearing aids

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Edited

Sorry if I am not able to explain properly.

Does anyone know if it is possible to make my Phonak Naida Marvel hearing aids not blocking out the sounds behind me the way that they are doing now? I don’t feel as safe walking outside when I can’t hear behind me at all. Is there a setting that can make the microphones in my hearing aids be more for 360 degrees than just blocking out everything except in front of me? I don’t have a Phonak audiologist or shop in my country but when I can I will make appointment abroad and fly there. I just need to know if this possible please?

Thank you!

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A similar (almost the same ) question was asked a couple of days ago here. See my answer below
Move the speech focus slider to Wide in your app.

Are there aids which have the microphones pointing, or focussed, forwards?
This is the pic of the section of the app that allows to change mic directionality: narrow points to the front , wide → 360. You can click on Automatic → Adjust → program settings . Maybe NHS uses a non-Phonak app , that I don’t know [IMG_0676]

Hi there @Beans, Yes, you (or your audiologist) can make the microphones in the Phonak hearing aids be more for 360 degrees => omni directional

In the Phonak Target software you need to open → Fitting → Fine tuning → Program options

There you first select the desired program (e.g. comfort in noise and set the lever for Hearing aid microphone more to the left side.

Screenshot

If you slide the lever for Hearing Aid microphone completely to the left you get the full omni directional mode.

Screenshot-omni

Maybe you should also reduce the WindBlock feature.

In the newest Phonak hearing aids from Paradise (2020), so Lumity (2022) and Infinio (2024) there’s motion sensor which senses when you walking and then make mic setting omnidirectional.

Something else is hearing aid placement on the ears. They need to sit on top of the ears, not too far back or forward for the aids mics to function properly.

Too much noise reduction can affect sounds around you as well.

Edited

In reply to @Bimodal_user

@Bimodal_user said:

In the newest Phonak hearing aids from Paradise (2020), so Lumity (2022) and Infinio (2024) there’s motion sensor which senses when you walking and then make mic setting omnidirectional.

Yes , the “Motion Sensor” is only available for the rechargable Audeo () and rechargable Naida hearing aids, not for Naida / Sky with zinc-air batteries.

In reply to @Beans

@Beans said:

I don’t have the app and it isn’t available in my country in App store

set your internet to another country using VPN so that you may be able to get the App, in the app there is a function to widen the mic capture, works for me and saved it in a walking program, I use it when walking and I do hear cars coming from all directions.

In reply to @Beans

If you don’t have the app then you cannot do what you are asking yourself. The buttons only control volume, program switch and phone call answer on/off.

Your can do a remote/virtual session (no need to fly there) . Or, as @kgmgpm said, use a VPN or sideload an APK (if using android).

To clarify, your aids don’t block sounds in any specific direction (except for the sound-blocking characteristics of your molds). Instead, they utilize microphone directionality to enhance speech in certain directions. With the app, you can set a narrow field of view or a wide (360) field for that speech sound enhancement.

Apple does not allow sideloading apps (another excellent reason to stick to Android and apks). TunnelBear and Windscribe provide iOS apps with free VPN. If your country allows to install these… You may also (could, at least) set your iphone to an app store in a different country.

In reply to @RobHooft

Actually you can if you use any of these methods :

(1) the paid developer workaround ($99 per year) (I use this to run Kodi on my tvOS and ipadOS).

(2) f you live in a European Union member country, Apple officially allows third-party alternative app marketplaces and web distribution

Installing apps through alternative app distribution - Apple Support1

If alternative app distribution is available in your region, you can install apps from sources other than the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

(3) For users outside the EU, sideloading requires installing third-party applications (often called “store signers”) that push .ipa files onto your iPhone. Common tools include: AltStore and Sideloadly. This one does require more tech expertise .

All the above can be done without jailbraking your Apple device.

Thank you but I don’t live in EU and the other approach seems too complicated for me.

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