Costco Kirkland Signature 9.0 (Product Information)

It’s actually streams via AirStream, not Bluetooth or .

HIdy_Ho

SF Bay Area

Oct 4, 2019

In reply to @rdboukes

@rdboukes said:

Yes, KS9 and the Phonak BT TV connector, $100 from Costco. I have three, so my phone is direct, 2-TV’s and my computer. When switching from one to the other I only need to push the link button, to switch, then when going to another the same. My understanding is the BT TV connector will connect to any compatible HA’s. So I am not sure how many people wearing such can link, and can not experiment as I am the only user in the home. Printed directions are not conclusive, but appear to suggest more than one.

OK I think I understand it better. So your TV connector makes physical connection to a device (TV or computer). So, it’s not a connector I envisioned (like Connexx Smart Mic with KS8) which connects to a device via wireless bluetooth (and remembers up to 8 pairings) and also connects to KR8 wireless.

As far as I know, this type of functionality is missing in KS9 as of now.

Oct 4, 2019

I must regress as to the method of streaming the TV, or other audio, however it is simple to select whichever device you wish to use, the streamer claims to be providing Dolby sound reproduction, I have no way of testing or knowledge of that, but the quality I am experiencing is quite good. You can only link the ’s directly to one source, at a time, so the smartphone is the suspected source and overrides the TV Connector during a phone call. I wouldn’t really enjoy all at once being transmitted to my HA’s so this is a rational means of organizing and utilizing this feature.

RDB

Oct 4, 2019Edited

According to a little research the TV connector can pair to and stream to an unlimited number of ’s.

From another area of this site, and quoted from a Phonak source, "The TV Connector uses Airstream™, a Phonak proprietary 2.4 GHz streaming protocol which offers high quality audio streaming from any television directly into the hearing aids. "

RDB

Oct 4, 2019Edited

Wow! Good detective work! Thanks.

Now in my first week, I am getting confused about something as fundamental as volume control. I had assumed that the upper and lower buttons on the hearing aids controlled volume, but I have not been able to lower or raise volume, and the manual seems surprisingly vague about it, suggesting that it depends on how the aids have been set up at the store. Could that be true? I must be mistaken.
Also, when I switched pairing from my cell phone to my laptop, it seems that the phone app no longer has any controls over anything at all?
Am I forced to pair to my cell phone in order to adjust volume?
Really would appreciate some help and guidance.

Raudrive

Texas Hill Country

The hearing aid button can be set a number of ways. The Costco tech should have left you with paperwork describing all your programming.
A phone call might clear all this up.

When I got the bright idea to link to my computer and other TV I thought that was great, however when going back and trying them, I realized the phone wasn’t working on BT and neither was the previous link to the other TV, so came to the conclusion that I had to unpair from the computer and other TV. To get phone function I had to go through the pairing of both the phone and Easyline. I did not experience a loss of control that I was aware of however I didn’t try it either as this all took place over a 20 minute period. So first unpair from everything, re-pair to your phone and Easyline. Then see where you are at.

RDB

Oct 5, 2019Edited

Thank you for that suggestion, which I have followed. However, as far as I can tell, I am still unable to raise and lower volume through the hearing aid buttons, and the Easyline Remote app doesn’t seem to give me any other control except volume control. I somehow was under the impression that the app gave us another way to control the hearing aids. I didn’t think it took away the option to control the hearing aids directly without the phone. Have you found a way to control the hearing aids without picking up your cell phone?

Yes, the volume as you believed is raised by clicking the high, and lowered by clicking the lower. I also can mute with a long push of the lower. I have 2 manual programs as I had problems with the auto so now can cycle through the two programs with a long hold of the top button. The cool result is when using the TV connector I can disconnect with a long hold of the top button, the next long hold gives me the next program, and again another puts me back with the TV connector. Easyline will also switch me into any of the programs. When Easyline opens it checks off the left and right, then would allow a volume change, split, will allow higher or lower on the left or right, and then there is a balance between what you are linked to and the surrounding sound. This can be useful when you are linked to say your computer via the (TV) connecter and the TV is loud enough for your partner, you can reduce/eliminate the background sound. The programing is the key and I am unhappy about what was offered , I’ve had to complain to get this far, and am not done yet, but it is early in this new model and everybody is learning at the same time. At the top of Easyline there is an arrow that you click for the programs to show.

RDB

rdboukes, Thank you very much for your helpful and detailed reply!
When I asked to have programs installed for Restaurant, etc. I was told that would be done at the followup appointment in about two weeks, and I went along with that, even though I had programs installed in my KS5s, but I had no idea that I would need a “Program” just to manually control things like volume and mute from my KS9s! And I frankly don’t like the idea of being dependent on that cell phone app to control my hearing aids. Guess I am going to have to call and get back in there sooner.
In the meantime, I would very much appreciate it if you would consider tell me/us which “Programs” you have now and which additional Programs you intend to ask them to add.
Thank you!

bllp

By default, the buttons on both your KS 9s control the volume with one short press . Buttons on either side can be used to change the volume for both. On mine there are ~11 volume settings. I hear a tone with each press of a button and can also hear sound levels going up and down after each press. Double tones occur when the lowest, mid-point (default), and highest volume levels are reached. When you press the buttons do you hear these tones?

I agree that one should be able to control most of the basic functions manually. The only functions that I cannot control are the balance, and split volume. The programs that were installed were said to have been written for me by whoever the dispenser refers to. I had told her that the auto program wasn’t working for me and wanted some manual ones. She calls one quite, which allows most all sound to be heard and is pretty natural, the other is called noise, which does mute a lot of background sound, but allows good communication hearing, so would probably be good in restaurants, etc. I am confused also as the hype is clear that we should be able to have the auto program and up to three manual ones. I was told my complaints were because I have had the same aids for 9 years and am having trouble adjusting. I don’t totally buy it,. My old aids were also Kirkland/Rextons and had three manual, a phone connector and a TV connector, and am competent to new and different experiences. I do believe however with what sounds negative that I will very happy with these once it is settled. I live in SoCal and there are a number of Costco’s and bought my last from a different one and may go back there and try with them if I don’t get satisfaction. Costco has wonderful policies and the 6 month return allows for ample time to sort this out.

RDB

I have noticed when first using Easyline that if you don’t clear your phone of using it the last time, it doesn’t reload. So after access I clear my android phone by hitting the three vertical lines, lower left, and clearing it of all activity. I’m sure you do this also, but maybe the cause of it not working. As I have said I do not believe the dispensers have enough experience yet, our patience is there opportunity to learn.

RDB

In reply to @bllp

@bllp said:

By default, the buttons on both your KS 9s control the volume with one short press . Buttons on either side can be used to change the volume for both. On mine there are ~11 volume settings. I hear a tone with each press of a button and can also hear sound levels going up and down after each press. Double tones occur when the lowest, mid-point (default), and highest volume levels are reached. When you press the buttons do you hear these tones?

By jove, you’re right! I am getting single tones up and down and a double-tone at the last stop! So I guess I do have manual control of at least volume on the hearing aids - I wonder whether I will/would retain that manual control if I switch my bluetooth pairing off my hearing aids and back to my laptop? Will have to try that too.

In reply to @rdboukes

@rdboukes said:

I was told my complaints were because I have had the same aids for 9 years and am having trouble adjusting. I don’t totally buy it,.

I don’t buy that either. With all devices I’ve owned over the years, I have always wanted to know what controls and features were available and how to implement the ones I choose to implement.

In reply to @bllp

PS How does the mute work from the hearing aids? There are times I would choose to surreptitiously mute my previous hearing aids, as for example in a waiting room that has a TV blaring or a baby crying. I would want to continue to have this option.

bllp

As far as I’m aware, Bluetooth pairing will not affect the volume function of the buttons. I’ve found that changing the volume via the buttons is reflected on the Easy Line app volume bars.

You may have to ask for mute, as I did. That was one of my early complaints as opening the battery door isn’t convenient. On mine it is a long hold on the lower button, 2 seconds, then again to unmute, this does not turn them off or disconnect the power but works great as I have the cshell, or molds which seal the ear pretty well. Vacuuming, lawnmower, etc. Manual volume should always work.

RDB,

bllp