I got my hearing aids on Friday, so that makes it 4 days with them. I think I already love these aids. I wear them with the slim tubes.
There are only one thing that bothers me about them, they sound so quiet. The problem is that I have never worn Phonak’s before and not even high end aids. When I test them with my pc speakers, I can hear all the high frequencies, but with them in it feels too normal. Is this normal?
Even when I change programs I can hardly detect a difference in the programs itself, but I am sure it must make a difference in sound quality.
I got the iPilot and the iCom too. The iCom works great except that with my work phone (I got the Jabra on it) the sound is really loud and I have to bring the volume down with iPilot. The phone itself is already on the lowest volume, but the iCom doesnt pick up my voice that well. I am now looking for a solution for that. Maybe try to clip the iCom a bit higher on my neckline closer to my mouth.
Please share if you have any experience with the Naida’s.
Yes I have the SP version. Color is pure(transparent), it intrigue me to see all the little wires.
For the next adjustment I am thinking of putting the gain a little bit up, just to be sure I dont miss anything.
There are so many good things about them, the feedback is fantastic. Now I dont have to worry anymore when hugging my friends. Although I miss been able to “check” if the batteries are still good.
I am able to check the battery level with the myPilot. do the Naida’s not have that ability? The usually show fully charged until the HIs give the low battery beep, so it doesn’t matter very much anyway.
The Nadia IX aids are top of the line Phonak aids with more power, more buttons and water resistance. Very nice aids.
Gaba-gal, I am sure glad to hear the Nadia IX aids with slim tubes are working out well for you. The Exelia aids I have now are doing better than the Nadia V aids with slim tubes. Maybe I should keep my eyes open for the IX’s.
I have recently gotten Audeo Smart IX (a custom package but basically the Smart IX) and the iCom. I am using a Plantronics Voyager 500A base unit with my work phone and it works fantastic. The 500A has settings for both my mic levels and the volume level I hear in my aids and it was quite quick and easy to get setup. I spend a huge part of my work day on the phone and this has been a major improvement in my ability to do my job.
I am able to check the battery level with the myPilot. do the Naida’s not have that ability? The usually show fully charged until the HIs give the low battery beep, so it doesn’t matter very much anyway.
Yes I am able to check with the iPilot, but its just the bad habit of checking by quickly holding my hand over the aid. I kind of miss that, but its all good.
I have recently gotten Audeo Smart IX (a custom package but basically the Smart IX) and the iCom. I am using a Plantronics Voyager 500A base unit with my work phone and it works fantastic. The 500A has settings for both my mic levels and the volume level I hear in my aids and it was quite quick and easy to get setup. I spend a huge part of my work day on the phone and this has been a major improvement in my ability to do my job.
The Jabra works great too, well on the recievers end, but some people do say my voice sounds a bit far off and very much like I talk on a speaker phone. This is off course the iCom that make it sounds like that, and I am working on a solution to get it closer to my mouth. I also tried to put the iCom’s wire through a cutoff shoelace (can easier pin it up where I want it) but then it gives some feedback. So I took the lace off again. Hopefully I will be able to work something out.
Gaba-Gal, your is very similar to mine. I have been struggling with Phonak Naida V for several months. I’ve been away from all discussions and technology info. Where is the IX compared to the V (besides an increase of IV)?
My previous aids were Unitron Element 4 (a very far cry from the technology of the Naida IX) and Ive never worn the Naida V - so cant really compare. Also I am still in my “test phase” but still love them. Currently I am focusing on trying to get the hang of sound recover.
There are not a lot of difference between the features of the two, Zoom control, echo block, sound relax, voice zoom, and due phone. I guess it would be more to do with the technology.
When looking at the prices the V was much more cheaper, but I decided to go with the IX. Because I took out a personal loan to pay for it (no medical here), and thought that the aids must keep for a while, I would go with the newer model.
Also remember I am wearing them with thin tubes, with . I had molds made, and am planning to try it with them too, but prefer the thin tubes.
Something else I must mention, is that my hearing disability has made me lazy. eg I just ignore people talking if they dont talk to me, and I have found now that this has made my hearing get worse. So I am also in the process of trying to concentrate on people talking (even if it is not with me) and bought a small radio - I force myself to listen to it at least an half an hour every day. Trying to “hear” different words and get the idea of what they are talking about. Radio advertising is fantastic because the voices keep changing and force you to concentrate.
I realised a while ago that hearing aids is not a “magic bullet” and that hearing is really hard work, but it certainly helps.
Sorry for all my ramblings, but this is very close to my heart, the fact that I need to change my habits of shutting things out I cant hear rather than trying.
What are the things you are struggling with? Sound, noise, etc?
My previous aids were Unitron Element 4 (a very far cry from the technology of the Naida IX) and Ive never worn the Naida V - so cant really compare. Also I am still in my “test phase” but still love them. Currently I am focusing on trying to get the hang of sound recover.
There are not a lot of difference between the features of the two, Zoom control, echo block, sound relax, voice zoom, and due phone. I guess it would be more to do with the technology.
When looking at the prices the V was much more cheaper, but I decided to go with the IX. Because I took out a personal loan to pay for it (no medical here), and thought that the aids must keep for a while, I would go with the newer model.
Also remember I am wearing them with thin tubes, with closed domes. I had molds made, and am planning to try it with them too, but prefer the thin tubes.
Something else I must mention, is that my hearing disability has made me lazy. eg I just ignore people talking if they dont talk to me, and I have found now that this has made my hearing get worse. So I am also in the process of trying to concentrate on people talking (even if it is not with me) and bought a small radio - I force myself to listen to it at least an half an hour every day. Trying to “hear” different words and get the idea of what they are talking about. Radio advertising is fantastic because the voices keep changing and force you to concentrate.
I realised a while ago that hearing aids is not a “magic bullet” and that hearing is really hard work, but it certainly helps.
Sorry for all my ramblings, but this is very close to my heart, the fact that I need to change my habits of shutting things out I cant hear rather than trying.
What are the things you are struggling with? Sound, noise, etc?
Well stated and insightful. All the best as you optimize your new equipment.
I’m surprised to learn iCom is lacking in outgoing voice quality given its cost. The fact that VdrSain gets good results with a different (adjustable gain) Bluetooth device at the phone end might be a good clue to the problem (unhappy levels, Jabra problem, etc.). It might be instructive trying the Plantronics Voyager 500A on a return/refund arrangement.
Thanks for your response. We have quite a bit in common but have been handling things differently.
I have been trying to maintain a “normal hearing” image for 35 years. As my hearing loss has worsened to the “profound” range, I have continued to use other senses and cognitive means to stay connected. After trying every conceivable technological advancement and application, I’m just really really tired.
So when the audiologist told me he wanted to fit the new Naida (with its “incredible” new hearing technology), I was very excited. However, there has really been no functional improvement over the “old” technology. I have a Smartlink transmitter, as well as an iComm fitted with an receiver, and FM boots on both Naidas.
The one thing you COULD help me with is explaining the use of the Jabra. Right now at work I am using the phone “softphone” option, and running audio directly out of the PC into the Smartlink, with a USB microphone for my voice. I took the hard phone out completely.
I’m surprised to learn iCom is lacking in outgoing voice quality given its cost. The fact that VdrSain gets good results with a different (adjustable gain) Bluetooth device at the phone end might be a good clue to the problem (unhappy levels, Jabra problem, etc.). It might be instructive trying the Plantronics Voyager 500A on a return/refund arrangement.
Unfortunately I cant return the Jabra, but I saw the post by VdrSain and I regret that I didnt do better research before I bought the Jabra. There is a place where you can change the volume but it doesnt appear to make a big difference. I will give it a couple of weeks, and if I still find the Jabra is not up to the task see if I can find the Plantronics localy - I would like to test it first.
Thanks for your response. We have quite a bit in common but have been handling things differently.
I’m just really really tired.
The one thing you COULD help me with is explaining the use of the Jabra. Right now at work I am using the IP phone “softphone” option, and running audio directly out of the PC into the Smartlink, with a USB microphone for my voice. I took the hard phone out completely.
Maybe not so different, I see myself as a well functioned professional - who cope ok at work. I guess my laziness comes from the fact that I also gave up at one stage. I also think I am very clever (for that matter I think most hearing impaired people are clever) we are very resourceful when it comes to figuring out what the hearing folks wants to tell us, without even hearing them
I were also very excited when I got my new aids, and that is one reason why I thought I would put a lot of effort in to make it worth it. I know it wont give me back my hearing, and I still cant hear everything, (which is very frustrating), but I am giving it my best shot. I think I am at the point where… Ive build a bridge and got over it - it is a problem but it doesnt define my life anymore.
The Jabra or the Plantronics voyager 500A, is basically a bluetooth device that you “plug” into your phone. (Between the handset and the base unit) you then pair the iCom with it and Viola!! When you make a call you just press the iCom and connect to the phone through the Jabra/Plantronics, then dail the number, and the call is heard directly in both your hearing aids.
The iCom is where I got some trouble cause of the sound quality the other person gets, but I understand that the Plantronics is much better in that regard. You can then still use the phone in the normal manner, which is a great option for a home phone too if other members of the family use the phone as well.
I am not sure if you can use the smartlink like that. I believe ljjehl have the Naida V UP with a smartlink - He might have some good tips for you as well.
I also think I am very clever (for that matter I think most hearing impaired people are clever) we are very resourceful when it comes to figuring out what the hearing folks wants to tell us, without even hearing them
Absolutely! In that regard, we really ARE more perceptive and better listeners.
When I test them with my pc speakers, I can hear all the high frequencies, but with them in it feels too normal. Is this normal?
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I have not tried those aids but your comments remind me of the time a few years ago when I picked up my first pair of C-in-Cs from the audiologist’s’office in a shopping mall. When I went outside I was startled at all the noise! So much so that, joking, I went right back in and asked them if they realized just how noisy it was outside. :-). It took only a few days to get used to the normal that I had long forgotten.
I have not tried those aids but your comments remind me of the time a few years ago when I picked up my first pair of C-in-Cs from the audiologist’s’office in a shopping mall. When I went outside I was startled at all the noise! So much so that, joking, I went right back in and asked them if they realized just how noisy it was outside. :-). It took only a few days to get used to the normal that I had long forgotten.
Yes the same kind of feeling, the only difference is that I was used to my old aids, who were just ok, but the Naida’s is a totally different experience. For example my old aids bring the high frequencies up but just to a point, were a whistle is not a whistle, but just a high pitch sound. With the Naida’s, a whistle is a whistle, more subtle but a huge difference.
It is not always easy for me, I immigrated to New Zealand 9 years ago, and english is not my first language. I hear better in my first language, because the sounds are “harder”, and english has all the soft sounds that I have trouble hearing. So I am struggling with a hearing loss and a second language. But I am not going down without a fight…
Lucky for me most people dont pick up all my grammar mistakes when I speak cause they tend to listen to my accent
Gaba-Gal, the language difference would make things even more difficult. I respect you for not giving up without a fight. My father also had profound sensorineural loss in both ears, and he had basically quit trying. I decided when I was very young that if I ended up with the same kind of hearing loss, I would never give up. But now I can understand how much of a challenge it really is. Certain people in my life don’t understand how severe my hearing loss is because I use all kinds of cognitive methods to figure out what people are saying. But the temptation to just give up is always there.
Yes the same kind of feeling, the only difference is that I was used to my old aids, who were just ok, but the Naida’s is a totally different experience. For example my old aids bring the high frequencies up but just to a point, were a whistle is not a whistle, but just a high pitch sound. With the Naida’s, a whistle is a whistle, more subtle but a huge difference.
It is not always easy for me, I immigrated to New Zealand 9 years ago, and english is not my first language. I hear better in my first language, because the sounds are “harder”, and english has all the soft sounds that I have trouble hearing. So I am struggling with a hearing loss and a second language. But I am not going down without a fight…
Lucky for me most people dont pick up all my grammar mistakes when I speak cause they tend to listen to my accent
I loved this phrase . It reminded me of a nice song I know.
My father also had profound sensorineural loss in both ears, and he had basically quit trying. I decided when I was very young that if I ended up with the same kind of hearing loss, I would never give up. But now I can understand how much of a challenge it really is. Certain people in my life don’t understand how severe my hearing loss is because I use all kinds of cognitive methods to figure out what people are saying. But the temptation to just give up is always there.
In my mind I have worked out why its so easy to give up.
If you are trying to do something people usually can see you are trying, and would comment - good on you for trying etc etc. But they cant see if you are trying to hear better, there are no recognition, only ignorance, or at its best a rude person who think you are stupid cause you dont understand - not realising that you cant hear.
I think it is universal that any person who have done something well, look for just a little bit of recognition, doesnt matter how small, with hearing no one else but yourself can give it. Trying to hear, motivating yourself, staying positive, and giving recognition is hard work.
I am the only one in my family with hearing loss, I think it all started when I were a child, had heaps of problems with my ears, and took a lot of antibiotics. I remember crying in the night because of my ear pain. But I also think that my hearing has worsened over the years, I am not certain. I were tested when I were little, but the audiologist (of whatever they were called at that time) thought I were playing with the button, not understanding that I had tinnitus and couldnt distinguish the sounds between that, and I were to stupid to explain about the sounds in my ears. I thought it was normal.
I had my first proper hearing test about three years after I started working.
You say certain people in your life… Most people in my life, dont understand the impact. I sat down with a good friend the other day and explained my to her in full detail, what I hear and what I dont - and she commented that she never knew it was that bad. (She worked with me for three years, so just show how good I got at it.)
Four years ago my brother for the first time got an inkling - just out of the blue he said to me - I just realise that you dont hear music the same way I do…
Thats why one of my “projects” is to let my close friends know the full details of my hearing, and I keep talking about it at work. The rest doesnt matter that much. I do the best I can, and can do nothing more than that.
What are your methods to figure out what people are saying?
It would be nice to compare.
Mine is usually …huh? or a “blank” face.
I also have a copy of the military alphabet next to my phone.
Avoiding my one boss, cause I can never hear what he say. Just thinking now I talked to him yesterday and it wasnt that bad, so the Naida’s must makes his voice more intelligible - I should “test” it a bit more with him. Goal for today: Go and talk to boss!
What are your methods to figure out what people are saying?
It would be nice to compare.
Mine is usually …huh? or a “blank” face.
Well, obviously, I read lips a lot, and look for facial expressions and general body language. Also, I learn the speech patterns of the person and that helps. But I think the most important method is trying to put the other person’s answers into context. If someone says something out of the blue, I usually ask them to repeat it and analyze it according to what I know about the person and the particular situation. Obviously, there is a lot of guessing involved. Sometimes I hear every third word and try to fill in the blanks. I think your method of explaining the extent of your hearing loss would be less stressful in the long run. When I break down and say, “I’m sorry…I didn’t hear you”, the vast majority of people are happy to repeat it.
But you are absolutely right. Most people don’t understand the effort that’s required for us to carry on a normal conversation.
I read lips a lot, and look for facial expressions and general body language.
I think your method of explaining the extent of your hearing loss would be less stressful in the long run. When I break down and say, “I’m sorry…I didn’t hear you”, the vast majority of people are happy to repeat it.
I tend to read lips too, but most NZders tend to talk “inwards” they kind of swallow their words, which makes it harder.
My reasoning for my “project” of explaining my hearing loss in detail to my close friends is that if I am with them, I want to relax. If they know the extend of my hearing loss, they would also be more proactive and make all our conversations easy - eg I can really relax and dont have to work that hard to hear them.
I am in week two now with the Naida’s, and am still very much pleased. I were tired yesterday afternoon and found that I still “shut” my brain of hearing when I were sitting in a group at teatime, knowing I dont have to speak. I guess its all in the mind, if you want to hear you will, if not you wont.
Texas Hill Country
