Back in the market

Thanks Raudrive.
I’ve always preferred toss ’em away batteries so, have not been connected to my phone but think I may go that route this time.

Now i guess that brings up another question; are there any statistics on failure rate of rechargeables?

I am probably not the right person to answer the rechargeable battery failure rate question. I do read the forum members will return the aids prior to the warranty running out to get the batteries replaced. That seems to be a really good deal for those people.

Battery life is a big question asked often. The Jabra aids might have the best but I am not sure about that.

The phone app is talked about often. Some are much better than others.

Bluetooth connectivity is important for many. Pending on the phone you have some aids are better than others.

I am sure there will be others joining this thread. Lots of opinions. Keep us posted on the new hearing aids you pick..

Thanks tenkan. I went with Philips last time because of disposables, but at that time bluetooth was only available with rechargeables. Has that changed?

Actually you should of had Bluetooth offering, including some with MFi for people who like Apples, but yes has definitely changed, as they all offer Bluetooth now,directly without accessories etc only think that’s dragging out is Auracast, not a deal breaker as yet because so few places are using it, updating your phone as well certainly helps as well.

I see two things in your post. One is that you have difficulty hearing in noisy restaurants. Two is that you have never had any luck with programming. I have a history with Costco much like yours. Rexton then KS9.

There are a new generation of AI enhanced HAs out there that offer significant improvements in noisy environments. Oticon, Sharkey and Phonak to name a few. Do what I did, leave Costco behind and find yourself a good audiologist who sells the full lineup and trial a couple of the AI enhanced ones on for size. A good deal on an HA that doesn’t work for you and is not set up properly, is a waste of your time and money.

And – All Costco HAs are the top-tier-tech rebadged aids from major brands (Sennheiser = Phonak, Soundgear AMP = Starkey, Jabra = Resound, Phillips = Bernafon, Rexton = Signia).

The Soundgear AMPs are a gen behind Starkey-branded HAs. I tried a pair, and they’re good even so. I believe they do AI noise suppression even with disposable batteries; I didn’t have a really great test, but they seemed very good at hearing in noise.

To get Resound’s (Jabra’s) best Hear In Noise performance, you have to use rechargeables. I think it’s worth giving up disposables - I’ve had conversations with Jabra’s HIN program that I haven’t been able to have in decades.

But Satrkey and Phonak have their fans. Phonak seems to be recommended most. I’m happy enough with my Jabras that I didn’t try out Starkeys or Phonaks, but you may benefit from checking them out.

My experience checking out Soundgear AMP, Philips, and Jabra said to me that today’s technology is much better than the 3 year old Jabra Pro 10s that wre my last HAs, and the Pro 10s were far better than the Philips 9010s I had before the Pro 10s.

My reco is to check the new aids out. All it will cost you is some time.

@tenkan said:

Actually you should of had Bluetooth offering

In 2022, when I got the Philips 2030 with disposable batteries Bluetooth was not available.

My Costco still carries the battery wheels.

I had my appointment with the Cosco tech and we did s hearing test. My left ear has lost hearing since my last test in 2022.

She adjusted the aids, said they were as good as new and any upgrading would produce minimal results, so carry on for another year or so. I’m ok with that.

Left, right and both were tested and when tested together, the test showed that the left ear robbed hearing from the right, or rather the brain had trouble balancing the two and dropped the right one down closer to the left. She suggested I try removing the left aid in noise to see if that would make a difference.

An anomaly, she said but one she has encountered before.

General hearing has improved from before the test, but I haven’t been in a noisy situation yet.

FWIW, I use my Sear Craftsman HandiCut Tool, but not every one has one ! PITA, like much I’ll-considered

Legislation!

Overall, I still prefer disposables … YMMV! Good luck! Best, Bob.

@whahuh said:

My Costco still carries the battery wheels.

Are they the easy-open battery wheels or the new style that needs a scissors to open?