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Single (CIC) vs Dual (ITC) Microphones - Is there really much difference?

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For those who have tried and compared a single microphone and a dual microphone hearing aids would you say there is much of a difference?

In the past 30 years I have always had a with a single microphone. From the I have looked at the only real difference seems to be the dual microphones if I was to move up to a .

I don’t really want to move to any other type yet so just between these two.

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No experience, so my comments are just “book learning.” Dual microphones should give better “directionality,” meaning they could narrow the focus of the microphones and reduce noise coming from other directions. My “gut” suspects you’ll be happier sticking with what you’re used to. If you want to experience what dual microphones might accomplish without having a custom aid built, you could try out a or perhaps even Signia Silk, a sort of that claims microphones that comes with silicone sleeves that don’t require custom molds.

I made the transition from to the last time I bought new aids. During the trial period I went back and forth between the CIC and the RIC (Widex Beyond 440), and I could CLEARLY hear better with the RIC. It was a difficult decision, because CIC works better with a very active lifestyle, but for me, the performance difference outweighed it all.

Stupid audiologist about fell over herself with “I told you so’s”, but she allowed me the luxury of going back and forth for weeks to decide.

Being used to dual, when I had a single it was significantly worse for me. Dual (for me) is a bit like the surround sound in the cinema (Custom Evoke 440), single felt like taking out six speakers in the cinema to have just one either side. But if that’s what you’re used to, it may take a few weeks to adjust and start to appreciate the difference.

Thanks for the replies. I am looking to replace my hearing aid for my left ear and my Audi has given me a few options. I think I will just stick to the type I have.

My right ear is dead therefore he has also suggested giving a a try however reading up on these I think most people don’t get on with them.

So if we stick with the single microphone I have the options of:

  1. Signia Insio CIC 5Nx - if I go with this I can also try a Signia Nx Silk CROS for my right ear and if I don’t like it I have 60 days to give it back.

or

  1. ReSound Quattro 7 CIC - as this does not have CROS compatibility I would not have the option to try this, even though I don’t think I will get on with it.

If we stick with no CROS which of the two is best would you say?

I doubt your choice is going to make a lot of difference. I can argue both ways. I think I’d probably go with the Quattro since I think it would be compatible with the Resound MultiMic. It’s a very good and should help a lot with speech in noise. However, I can see wanting to try the Signia to see what some semblance of hearing might sound like. I don’t think you can go wrong.

@MDB said:

I think I’d probably go with the Quattro since I think it would be compatible with the Resound MultiMic.

Yeah, good choice, it might be more ‘canal’ sized than , but if there’s room for the Mfi/accessories aerial, the benefits are quite considerable, even the ‘Remote Mic’ option on the iPhone.

Thanks for the answer, is there a way to find out the release date of these or any other hearing aids? Just want to get the latest thing that is out.

In reply to @Um_bongo

Thanks. I don’t do iPhones but that Remote Mic option sounds good, I take it is not available for Android?

The Remote Mic is double the price of the Signia StreamLine Mic, therefore assume the latter is no way near as good as the Remote Mic?

I know the Quattro has built in bluetooth however I am told you can add bluetooth devices to the Signia via StreamLine MIC Remote. So assume this would make the actual CIC smaller for the Signia?

In reply to @TBOX

The Quattro should be available now. It is in the U.K. afaik.

If you want to get the best out if any Mfi hearing system, IOS is always good option. Even the functionality of the App is better in IOS too.

Edited

In reply to @TBOX

Remote Mic is a feature of iPhone so no extra cost once you have an iPhone. It uses iPhone’s microphone. Resound MultiMic is more expensive than Signia’s StreamLine Mic, but is a more capable device.

I think I got that wrong about Remote Mic. The iPhone feature I was thinking about is called Live Listen. Remote Mic seems to be a feature that can be used with a Mac computer.

I’d say 70-80% of the people I fit with a are pleased with them. I’m not sure why there is such a negative perception of CROSes around here. Historical, maybe.

If you go with a #10 battery , expect to have minimal battery life.

Not great, but better than the . The CROS transmits constantly. I usually try for a #13 battery or a rechargeable.

That being said, I have at least one user who likes small and likes connectivity and is comfortable changing his #10 battery daily. It just depends on your priorities.

The signia (premium?) will work together to create some diractionality. I think they are still the only CIC that does that. I would have to double check whether that worked with the CROS.

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