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Conversion to Rechargeable

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@ssa: This is true - in theory. I have been issued a SmartCharger by VAC, and it’s dandy - when it works. It’s already been returned for replacement and I haven’t had the use of it in almost 2 weeks. So it’s not a dependable solution, IMO.

In reply to @prodigyplace

It depends whether you order the standard or ‘travel’ charger with Oticon. The difference is under £200 but makes a difference to some customers with differing needs.

A few of my clients have bought the travel charger as an extra, subsequent to the sale.

“Travel” “/smart”/ “premium” charger is just a charger with a built in battery, nothing more and nothing less, like an airpod carrying case…

Edited

@OpenFitted & @ssa & @prodigyplace: I don’t want to be misconstrued. My SmartCharger went (past tense) a long way to assuaging my rechargeable anxieties when it worked, but it has proven to be less than reliable, and - until those inherent reliability issues are addressed by Oticon - my rechargeable angst remains largely unresolved.

In reply to @1Bluejay

I’m not sure of the Phonak options.

We don’t sell Sonova any more since they crippled their own devices with unusable wax-traps, overly short battery life and undercutting independent dispensers using their chain of shops.

@Um_bongo: I applaud you, having myself fallen victim to Sonova’s “slave chain” of Canadian retail outlets. They certainly did not listen to my needs and complaints, and seemed at a loss to provide competent fitting and fine tuning.

The world needs more people who - regardless of their place or role in the larger schema of marketing - will hold Sonova’s feet to the fire.

In reply to @ssa

Ah so! Thanks for clarifying. In that case, I think that’s the very same charging base I have plugged in to the wall. It’s considered a “travel” version cuz if I unplug it and take just that relatively LARGE base, it runs for up to 3 battery recharges on my aids.

In reply to @Um_bongo

Mmmph. So that’s what happens when the big WHALE scarfs up the food chain: The Sonova holding group operates through its core business brands: Phonak, Unitron, Hansaton, Advanced Bionics, AudioNova and Sennheiser.

I’ve owned and enjoyed Phonak and Sennheiser products … but then again, TOTALY agree about the Phonak wax-trap changers. On top of which they’re basically replacing smaller, more flexible/reliable battery-operated aids with rechargeables.

How I’d LOVE to get on their customer user advisory panel. Ironic how a company that specializes in hearing care hasn’t HEARD that folks still like a choice between battery and rechargeable. :hear_no_evil:

@1Bluejay said:

Ironic how a company that specializes in hearing care hasn’t HEARD that folks still like a choice between battery and rechargeable. :hear_no_evil:

@1Bluejay: Very well said (and - FWIW - I believe that the same is true of Oticon}.

I feel that as a “trench” warrior, I should also have input on the advisory board. Thing is, “providers” can’t speak for our needs … unless of course they have a pair of cinderblock ears like me, and actually NEED to wear hearing aids.

Their value on an advisory board is not based on their own user experience, but rather (ironically) to share the feedback they get from scores of vocal users like US who articulate what they want in hearing aids. Gatekeeper comes to mind.

Edited
@1Bluejay said:

I feel that as a “trench” warrior, I should also have input on the advisory board. Thing is, “providers” can’t speak for our needs … unless of course they have a pair of cinderblock ears like me,

@1Bluejay: I agree with this statement (I think) except that I don’t understand what “cinderblack ears” are. :thinking:

[Are these ears that have been held too close to the kerosene lamp?]

[*Addendum: When I Google it, the only hits I get are for cinder block.]

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