Costco Philips HearLink 9050 fitted using the new Act (Audible Contrast Threshold) Software

I’ll be darned. Mine is basically seamless, whatever device is closest to me automatically connects, which is the way I want it. I have had problems, infrequently, with the HA not connecting to my desired device. I’m using streaming multiple times a day, typically. And maybe once a month or so I can’t get a connection at all. When this happens I have to go to Accessibility and rattle the pipes and hit things with a hammer, lol, in order to get connected. What I’m saying is that when they won’t connect I just have to fiddle because I can’t find a single method that works. Rarely I will have to re-pair everything - this has happened only a couple of times in the time that I’ve had the 9040, which is well over a year now.

I use ACT on regular basis. It’s currently on the Affinity compact , MedRX , and GSI (dont recall the model). It is not an expensive product.

It can be used to fit Demand hearing aids, In the case of oticon - it changes the more sound intelligence.
Usually high scores might require remote mics.

It does work. I dont see it going anywhere, if Sonova or WS audiology implement it.

I just peaked the Hearsuite, higher ACT values yield more noise reduction
and speech clarifier.

Had my Costco appointment today with a new hearing test, some change in my right ear hearing. The audiologist adjusted my KS10’s to suit, fitted new domes etc. After that, an instore trial of the Philips 9050, quite a lot of backround noise going on, although as she was talking to me I could hear every word clearly. So i have a pair on order, included in the price of £1348, or US$1750 are, both the travel charger and TV streamer. Return period in the UK is only 90 days. I will be on a cruise ship in Asia for 21 days during that period, so they will be well tested. Sorry I forgot to enquire about ACT, but will do so at my fitting. Further posts to come.

Hi Pete, Is that stated on your sales voucher under “electronics return policy information” or do you have any special membership? Scotland should be no different to England.

Hi Barry,

Attached is the purchase agreement

Thanks for that Pete, have emailed Costco, waiting for reply.

I suspect no Costco will have the capability to do the ACT test even though it is clearly on the fitting software. My best guess is customers and potential customer will have to ask that Costco get the ability to have their equipment do the test. If enough bring up the subject maybe Costco will get it.

@smcc said:

Knowing practically nothing about the ACT, while it sounds helpful for some of us with hearing issues in noise (such as myself), how helpful is it proving to be? I would be willing to drive an exta hour if beneficial.

I wear the Oticon Intent. I get my HAs through the VA.
The VA employs AuD’s to fit and program patients’ HAs.
I asked about the ACT test when I was fitted, and my audi said “what is that?”
I don’t know anyone that’s been fitted with the ACT. It’s just another tool to put in the toolbox, and Demant is pushing it as a “Must Have”. Another marketing bullet point.
The VA uses REM and so does Costco. They don’t feel the need (at least, not yet) to have to add another step to the fitting.
SIN is handled very well by following best practices fittings, and listening to patient feedback.

@Don_B said:

I suspect no Costco will have the capability to do the ACT test even though it is clearly on the fitting software

I agree.

ACT is used to quantify the person their ability to hear in Noise.
A higher ACT value would mean the patient would need more support,
you can use ACT values to fine tune Real or Intent @ the More sound
intelligence. It is not REM (rem is a verification test) Higher scores of
ACT could help in order to recommend remote mics.

Flashb1024,
Thx for the info, that is helpful. I also listened to the video posted after your comment regarding the ACT. After the video explanation of what ACT does, I can see it potentially reducing (not eliminating) additional trips to the audi to adjust performance parameters.

After going through a couple of other audi, I like the one I am with now, so will order the 9050’s and then see what happens.

Thx again

@user246 said:

It is not REM (rem is a verification test)

I understand that, and didn’t mean to compare REM directly with ACT.
I thought i saw somewhere, that the ACT test could be done manually, somehow, by testing tones with noise, and gauging the result. One could than input the result in the ACT formula to set the MSI levels.
Have you heard of this?

This is a big ACT, a lot of mumbo jumbo, if you think that somehow this new “test” is gonna have some kind of “wow” factor and restore your attention to detail in noisy environments is well …

You can check the ACT in the Oticon / inter acoustics you tube channel.

The value of the ACT can help you determine optimal setting in the MSI

therefore save settings.