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Are there aids which have the microphones pointing, or focussed, forwards?

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I have the standard NHS Phonak Nathos Nova aids and they are pretty good (especially for what they cost me!) but I still struggle having a conversation when there is lots of noise behind me. Are there any aids with forward-facing (or forward focussed) microphones that support hands free calls on Android and are suitable for moderate high frequency loss? My LF hearing is reasonably good so I’m told that I wouldn’t like the sound from aids.

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@squawk7600 said:

Phonak Nathos Nova

You should be able to adjust the mic directionality with the app. Also , Phonak have hands-free calling with Android and they are suitable for high frequency loss.

Can you share in more detail what are the issues ?

I wear Starkey so I’m not familiar with your particular aids.

My app cannot address directionality either.

My audiologist can add a program with it. It’s normally called restaurant. Check with the audiologist and see if this can be done. It may not, but doesn’t hurt to ask.

In reply to @squawk7600

This is the pic of the section of the app that allows to change mic directionality: narrow points to the front , wide → 360.

You can click on Automatic → Adjust → program settings .

Maybe NHS uses a non-Phonak app , that I don’t know

IMG_0676

I dont know they if will fit you use, but i’m using the Signia Active Pro which sits in your air like the earbuds everyone uses these days. Sometimes I have to explain that I’m not
unsociable, it’s my . The two mics are pointing out/for-wards and can be setup for 360 degrees or directional. Since I’m listeing to music a lot they also work much better with over-the-ear phones than the types.

Are you saying speech focus in the app doesn’t have the effect you want?
It might be cheaper to try a used select to see if you can benefit from real direction focus.
Nova is Marvel and uses My Phonak app.

@squawk7600 said:

I still struggle having a conversation when there is lots of noise behind me. Are there any aids with forward-facing

Make sure you don’t have too long silicone tubes which connects your with earmolds. That could helps with aligning microphones in more horizontal, parallel to the ground position. However that is problem mainly with form factor:

My Jabra EP20s, new several years ago, have a forward-facing setting called “hear in noise”. It makes a huge difference for me in a place like a cavernous store with conversations when I want to talk to the clerk or cashier. I think most modern hearing aids have similar settings.

Thanks for the responses. Embarrassingly, I hadn’t noticed the “adjust” button on the program selection page of the MyPhonak App (v7.4.1.1877). I’ll modify the “speech in loud noise” setting and see whether that solves my problem

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