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Choosing among Phonak Paradise models

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My insurance is covering Paradise M50 rechargeable aids with no co-pay. If I want to upgrade, it’s an extra $500. or $1200. for the Paradise M70 or M90, for the pair of respectively.
I see there is the convenience of the Tap Control for the two upgraded models, which is nice, but what I’m more concerned about if I were to upgrade, is quality of hearing. Are the extra hearing features (e.g., StereoZoom, WindBlock, SoundRelax, Comfort in Echo, etc. to name a few) worth it? The provider was pushing Signia, which they deal with, but I’ve been fairly satisfied with my Phonak Marvels (except for one-device-at-a-time) BlueTooth, and some cellphone crackling), and prefer to stay go with the Paradise models. Which level is the question. Thanks for your input.

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The M70 is Marvel 70 which I would prefer.

It’s a bit confusing if you meant to put P70 and P90 rather then the older M70 and M90.

Either way, M70 or P70 I would say is the better one as it has WindBlock which is useful when outdoors.

Sorry for the confusion. I copied what the seller, HearUSA, had written. Their errors could fill the forum. They are Phonak Paradise that I’m asking about. I understand the 70 or 80 would be better, I just wondered how much better. For example, does the WindBlock (and other features) make a noticeable difference? That’s what I’m trying to ascertain. Thanks.

The differences matter if you go places or are in circumstances where they are useful. If you don’t really spend much time outside then windblock isn’t so great. If you rarely go places where there are groups of people gregariously talking then higher features are nice but rarely used. A quiet life at home may well be satisfied with the lower ends and maybe an assistive listening device like a Roger mic.

Only you can decide for you.

WH

I think differences will be subtle. If you’re hearing aid provider knows how to use the feature, they should have test hearing aids that they can do a software change and they could demonstrate the different models all in one hearing aid. Things that make a big difference are the accessories like TVConnect and a like PartnerMic or Roger On.

And here I was thinking insurance companies who paid for hearing aids didn’t stipulate which hearing aids they would pay for within a particular model. Don’t know why I’m surprised. I guess they don’t want to pay for an aid that a person doesn’t really need. I just never had this come up. It just says pay for hearing aids

To clarify: Kaiser Senior Advantage (my insurer) doesn’t stipulate which models to purchase, but they allot me a generous amount ($5000) for the pair, and mandate that I purchase them at HearUSA. HearUSA charges $5000. for a pair of Phonak Paradise P50. If I want to upgrade to the P70 or P90, I have an out-of-pocket charge, as described in the original post.

I got all that and I appreciate you trying to clarify it. I just never gave it much thought that there would be additional charges by the insurance company if you upgraded to the 70 or 90. What if your audiologist says you need the 90 like me. I wasn’t charge an additional out of pocket expense for the 90. I’m just curious and not disputing what you’re saying

In reply to @MoHearing

Those are pretty reasonable upgrade costs. The only way to know if you’d receive any benefit would be to try the different levels.

Wow $5000 for P50 … I picked up a pair of P90’s on ebay for $650.00, and a Noahlink wireless for $65.00, and I love them very much. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

In reply to @GrayGhost

You know the old saying, “Follow the money!” No question the Phonak P90 can be found for far less, as posted by someone here, or simple Google searches. Kaiser once had a major stake in HearUSA, and still has a person sitting in the Audiology Dept. making appointments to their offices. I thought it smelled fishy when I went through this three years ago w/ my Phonak Marvel aids. They were trying to push the Signia , so they don’t carry the various Paradise models for me to test drive. I have to get the first pair, try them, and then decide if I want to upgrade within 45 days.

IF those six features on the chart you posted really work as advertised, it makes me want to pony up the extra co-pay. Or, looking at it the other way: “Look what I’m missing with the P50!!!”

Full feature chart.16 How well any feature works (if it is enabled by your - some need to be enabled) is for you to decide. I have Audeo P90s and like them very much. But I have a Roger On Mic which has helped tremendously.

Best wishes,
WH

Edited

In reply to @MoHearing

That’s definitely what they want you to think. I’m pretty confident you won’t think they work “as advertised.” Regarding wind noise: My Mom’s Phonak M50 (without windblock, but with differently designed microphone openings) is notably better in wind than my KS9 (similar to M90, has windblock equivalent, but diff microphone openings) There have been studies done and many (most?) people can’t tell the difference between a more"advanced" aid and a basic one. However some people can and predicting which is which doesn’t seem possible.

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