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Some Interesting Points from a Discussion with my Audiologist (switching from Full Shell Earmold to RIC?)

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I thought I would see what others here think as well. Basically, what do you think? Have you ever switched from “standard” full shell acrylic earmolds to an ? And if so, did you notice any difference? How did it ultimately work out for you? Did you stick with the switch? Are you happy with the sound quality? Here’s why I am asking.

My Phonak audi on Friday, during my appointment, said that there’s nothing preventing me from using RIC hearing aids. It’s just that they are a different signal type than what I am used to, and he’s reluctant to change something that has worked for me for so long (I’ve been using full shell acrylic earmolds since at least 1990). I tend to prefer more bass, but the RIC aids like the Audeo (Infinio Sphere) would have more mids and high frequencies from what he told me.

The good news, however, is that this move would open me up to being able to use the latest technology if they don’t ever come out with the NAIDA UP version for them.

For me, I’m erring on the side of my audiologist who is concerned about how I may (or may not) tolerate the signal so I’m being cautious here. IF I were to ever make the move, I am going to be more anal about everything I experience with the aids. At least I hope. I will have to make my move here carefully.

But, in the meantime, I wanted to hear about anyone else’s experiences in making a similar move.

You should ask if you can trial aids. Its really the only way you will know. Costco has a great 6 months trial period so that would be a great way to try RIC aids.

You can get molds for , and I think if you go with UP receivers you pretty much need to use molds. use a tube to deliver the sound into the mold. RICs have the receiver in the mold. But very similar form-fit-function. BTEs tend to have higher headroom available because the receiver isn’t limited to fitting inside your ear canal.

WH

Indeed, I have molds on ’s with an outer shell in my ear to prevent the interference from the piano acoustic sounds with the aids generated sound. It also increases my speech understanding slightly.

may be billed as “UP”, but if one is used to a UP . . . it’s just difficult for the RIC to beat the BTE for richness and power. The overhead is a bit lower too, and for power BTE users who like a lot of sound that can perceptually translate to sort of a reduced bubble if that makes sense.

But it depends on what you are used to and how the BTEs have been set up. It’s not a terrible idea to TRY a RIC and see because it might do just as well. Some people really appreciate that they are a bit lighter on the ear. Depending on your ear the fit of the hard acrylic mold can be a bit fussier compared to a deep full shell BTE mold that just stays exactly where you put it.

Those are some great considerations, Neville, thank you!! I think the only way for me to really experience this is to do the trial. It’s certainly a consideration at this point, but I don’t want anything compromised. I’ve done really well with …and I’ve been bitten by the hype bug before. This is a concept I may keep in the back of my mind for the future.

Thank you, Neville, and everyone for your continued feedback. It is much appreciated.

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