Is Oticon Opn 1 Remote Microphone Useful?

To stick with your car analogy. Might be similar to why some people are big fans of CB radios–because they do something that nothing else can. Perhaps they don’t work very well, but I don’t think anybody else offers networked microphones. As a lay person, I really don’t know what to make of accusations of Phonak not updating their technology. Their literature seems to imply that their current stuff is digital, but as in all things hearing aids related, few details are offered and are overshadowed by the hype.

Anything relating to computer<>sound has to be digital at some point. So not sure what that really means. As @Um_bongo mentioned, digital transmission can be more efficient. But that shouldn’t be a big deal here.

It is adaptive digital.
https://www.phonakpro.com/content/dam/phonak/gc_hq/b2b/en/evidence/insight/Insight_Roger_new_wireless_Technology_028-0955.pdf15

There are two models of opn1, one of which has telecoil (which I opted for). It is just a very teeny bit larger. In church today it was as if the Vicar was sitting next to me. I heard every word of the sermon (which was not boring).

There are four programmes on my OPN1’s. Normal (1 bleep), Speech in crowds (2 bleeps), Music (3 bleeps) and Telecoil (4 bleeps) operated either by the rocker button on the HA’s or my option remote control. I do not use (or need) streaming at all. I doubt a non-telecoil model could be upgraded. As I said, it’s a teeny bit larger to accomodate the coil.
Most churches, theatres, cinema’s, railway stations, buses, larger shops in the UK have loop systems for telecoil. These are usually indicated by a logo sign.

I haven’t found a use for using iPhone as remote mic. I tested it with ReSound LiNX, Oticon Opn1 and Signia Pure 312 Nx7.

I ended up choosing Signia and purchased StreamLine mic, which can be used as remote mic. That makes more sense than putting my phone at a distance.

But, frankly, I haven’t found much use for it as remote mic. For me, the problem is you can only start it from the mic itself, so you can’t adjust relative volumes volume once you place it across the room/table or turn it on again. You can turn it off, but you have to have it back in your hand to re-start.

Cheers.

Does the Oticon Connect Clip require any intervention from the Audiologist or is it connectable right out of the box with a pair of OPN1 & iphone? thank you.

@MrAerodynamic if you read the early part of this thread, lot of questions about usefulness of remote mic— though all agree if issues could be resolved it could be an amazing feature that many would want.

@davidbarry said:

Are there other features available w a firmware upgrade? Does Oticon charge for that?

Firmware 4 update for the OPN brought Speech Rescue, a significantly new frequency lowering technology free of charge. It also brought several built in programs like for music and Speech in noise and Lectures, etc.

Firmware 5 update brought the Connect Clip support and the restoration of the in-situ audiometry.

Of course these firmware updates also improve the stability of the MFI connectivity.

All firmware updates are free of charge.

Curious if one bought hearing aids in an “unbundled” approach if firmware updates would be free. Definitely a downside of online providers unless one is self programming–one would never know about and have a way to get updates.

No argument from me, although I would expect them to be “free” if I bought a bundled package. Really seems like there’s an opportunity to use adjunct staff to do some of the tasks that audiologists end up doing. Updates come to mind, as does helping a patient download and figure out a smartphone app. I took up a fair amount of an audiologist’s time trying to get an app to load until finally I said I’d take care of it at home.

@MDB said:

Really seems like there’s an opportunity to use adjunct staff to do some of the tasks

Don’t think so. They can only be managed by licensed individuals. Certainly more restricting than the environment you come from. Your idea has merit; it’s just illegal.

Licensing is a form of monopoly. That’s how so many licensed profession work; even outside the medical area.

I claim no knowledge of audiology licensing, but generally somebody just needs to be supervised by a professional. I find it really hard to believe that it would be illegal for a clerk to help a patient download a smartphone app and pair it with the hearing aids. Not sure where “the line” would be. Costco uses clerks to clean hearing aids and change domes and filters.

I talked with the clerk at my Costco. She was there alone. I was picking up a repair. I suggest she just copy in what was stored which is what the HAD would do. She said she couldn’t and that it was illegal. She is in training to become a HAD. She can only have training with product under supervision until she has her license.

Of course, states do the licenses so it may be possible elsewhere. Doubt it though.