Widex hearing aids on TradeMe are not receiver in canal. You will understand once you have been assessed and tried something.

____________
Pureaudio
www.pureaudio.co.nz/
www.facebook.com/pureaudio.co.nz/

www.independentaudiologists.nz/

____________
Pureaudio
www.pureaudio.co.nz/
www.facebook.com/pureaudio.co.nz/

Jan 11, 2021 18:30:03 GMT 12 garym said:

Widex hearing aids on TradeMe are not receiver in canal. You will understand once you have been assessed and tried something.

Yes, it is also the basic model - Momentum 110 and does not appear to have a mode for listening to music.  The Momentum series go from 110, 220, 330 and 440. Only the top two have a music mode.

I don't know that I'd worry whether the Widex had a music mode...it was Fremer's least preferred mode - he said it was too 'intrusive' and adversely affected transparency. I guess, as with all things audio, we'll just have to suck it and see what works ;-)

Indeed, all a matter of what works best, given “one size doesn’t fit all”.


Have a correction to a previous post, where I said Bay Audiology is owned by the company that makes Resound HA. Not sure how that happened, but guess I was confused by the amount of data I was reading in my on line research. Bay is in fact owned by Amplifon, a worldwide HA retailer not a manufacturer. Had an appointment at Bay last week, was told they can offer a choice of different makes, but highly recommended the new Phonak Paradise range - the model one down from the top was circa $7500!

I asked if they could source Widex, yes they can, “but they are very expensive”!

Seeing Triton next week who sell Phonak. We will see what they have to offer.

Found a retailer selling Widex - Bloom Hearing. Have a shop in Whangarei who have a clinic in Waipapa each Monday. Have an appointment there on 25th.

Crossover appearing between wearables and aids...

www.signia-pro.com/en/product-portfolio/signia-xperience/active/

____________
Pureaudio
www.pureaudio.co.nz/
www.facebook.com/pureaudio.co.nz/

following your journey with interest Sub so please keep the updates coming. I need to pluck up courage and book a test soon. My last one was eight years ago and the results weren't encouraging. Hearing speech with any background noise getting worse, especially in the cars. I still think my music hearing isn't too bad especially with headphones but some days it's difficult to tune out the tinnitus which curtails any enjoyment.

Jan 20, 2021 9:10:47 GMT 12 garym said:

Crossover appearing between wearables and aids...

www.signia-pro.com/en/product-portfolio/signia-xperience/active/

Not listed on their nz website yet.

Had my Triton appointment yesterday. Hearing test confirms have moderate (in the low frequencies) to severe, especially in L ear, for the high frequencies.
Not sure how much the audiologist took note of my priority for wanting a HA for listening to music, as they already had a set on the desk and told me these would suit.
Phonak Marvel 70, which was superseded by the Paradise model last October.
$2000 off the Marvels until end of month, but Paradise are not discounted.
Gave me a written quote of $4599 for the Marvels and $7590 for the Paradise. The quote includes on going support and lifetime warranty.
Interestingly, read an article on line which suggests that nz prices for HAs includes a 70% mark up as the audiologists cut. Which covers the “free” hearing tests and ongoing support.
Checking out the Widex Moment 330 next Monday - the retailer claimed they have a 50% off special deal on that model. Full price I was told on the phone is $9700 for the rechargeable model.
I was given to understand that the device to provide RIC (receiver in canal) is a consumable and comes at an extra cost.
However, things are complicated by waiting for ACC to make a decision on my claim for work related and or surgical hearing damage.

Kept my appointment with Bloom Hearing yesterday. They are a worldwide retail chain owned by the company that makes Widex. They also sell Signia brand of HAs.
Confirmed 50% off Widex Moment 330 (full retail $9700) and 440 ($12500). However, if ACC approve my claim it would cost me considerably less than half price!
So, going to wait for ACC, and keep an eye on the special offer, and will take a punt and buy the 330s if the offer expires before ACC make up their mind. It is on the cards my claim could be declined.

Jan 11, 2021 18:23:41 GMT 12 garym said:

One other factor with the aids is their digitization ceiling. How many bits and at what dB spl they overload. Can be relevant for live music.

Watching with interest.

Yes this is a factor. I have to take mine out at loud concerts & electronic music gigs. Not usually a problem though as at that level there is no difficulty hearing & I have no problem with 100db plus sp's at home. Do have to be careful as I once lost one of my 10K hearing aids putting them in my pocket at a club - nothing to do with the tequila shots I assure you 

It's been my experience that tequila shots tend to boost ALL the senses to near-superhuman levels, hearing included. But I struggle with the side-effects these days.

I had to postpone my hearing-aid fitting the other day because I was clagged up with a cold. I'll be trialling some Phonak Paradise P90's which will cost me $2732.60 after ACC contribution (for the rechargeable model with no accessories - $4000 with all accessories). I've downloaded the Phonak fitting software (Target 7.0), and will have to buy a NoahLink Wireless (about $200 on Amazon, which was cheaper than Ebay or Ali) if I want to customise settings. Another hi-tech toy to screw up ;-)

Got my aids last Thursday darklantern.proboards.com/post/27142/thread

Just a question from the curious...

Can modern hearing aids be used to attenuate external sound ?

Is there a noise cancelling mode ?

Feb 8, 2021 9:47:24 GMT 12 michaelw said:

Just a question from the curious...

Can modern hearing aids be used to attenuate external sound ?

Is there a noise cancelling mode ?

This is promotional blurb from the Phonak website, but I haven't played with those settings yet:

"Personalized noise cancelling

It sometimes takes effort to follow conversations when speech is coming from the front and noise is coming from the side and back. This can often vary depending on the type of room you are in, or even how you feel during that time. With the Dynamic Noise Cancellation you can personalize the amount of noise cancellation you want all in real-time – all through the myPhonak app."

Feb 8, 2021 9:47:24 GMT 12 michaelw said:

Just a question from the curious...

Can modern hearing aids be used to attenuate external sound ?

Is there a noise cancelling mode ?

Yes and yes!
most mid to top of range models can raise or lower volume, some by touching the ear piece.
Ditto noise cancelling, eg wind noise when driving with window down.
A friend described using hearing aids for first time as being a bit unsettling - eg hearing the swish of your trousers rubbing together as you walk, the jingle of coins in your pocket.

Jan 26, 2021 15:44:05 GMT 12 steviewunda said:

It's been my experience that tequila shots tend to boost ALL the senses to near-superhuman levels, hearing included. But I struggle with the side-effects these days.

I had to postpone my hearing-aid fitting the other day because I was clagged up with a cold. I'll be trialling some Phonak Paradise P90's which will cost me $2732.60 after ACC contribution (for the rechargeable model with no accessories - $4000 with all accessories). I've downloaded the Phonak fitting software (Target 7.0), and will have to buy a NoahLink Wireless (about $200 on Amazon, which was cheaper than Ebay or Ali) if I want to customise settings. Another hi-tech toy to screw up ;-)

Tell me about the acc part. When do they come to the party?

____________
Pureaudio
www.pureaudio.co.nz/
www.facebook.com/pureaudio.co.nz/

The following paragraphs were copied from www.audiology.org.nz/for-the-public/hearing-aid-funding/

"Adults

Most adults are eligible for government help for hearing aids from the Ministry of Health (MOH), and some are eligible through other sources such as ACC or Veterans' Affairs. Depending on what you are eligible for, you may be able to get free hearing aids, or you might need to contribute your own money towards their cost. Some DHBs provide adult hearing aid services, however most hearing aid services for adults are provided through the private sector.


Hearing Aid Subsidy Scheme (MoH)

All adults over 16 years old living in New Zealand with a permanent hearing loss who are New Zealand residents and who do not qualify for funding from other sources are eligible for a subsidy of $511.11 per hearing aid, once every six years.

More detailed information can be found on the Ministry of Health website


Hearing Aid Funding Scheme (MoH)

Adult New Zealand residents over 16 years old with a permanent hearing loss who are living in New Zealand may be eligible for the Hearing Aid Funding Scheme, which covers the cost of your hearing aids if you meet one of these criteria:

Have had a significant hearing loss since childhood
Have both a hearing loss and another impairment that limits your ability to communicate safely and effectively e.g. visual, intellectual or physical.
Have had a sudden significant hearing loss within the last six months
Have a community services card and are either working more than 30 hours per week, in full-time study, seeking employment, engaged in voluntary work, or are the main carer of a dependent person

If you are accessing the Hearing Aid Funding Scheme through your DHB, you won’t have anything to pay. If you are using a private audiology service, you will need to pay them a fitting fee for their time, because the Hearing Aid Funding scheme only covers the cost of the devices. You will not have to pay for repairs if your devices are funded under the scheme, but you will have to pay for batteries.

More information is available from the Ministry of Health website


ACC

You may be eligible for ACC funding towards hearing aids if your hearing loss is the result of prolonged occupational noise exposure or a sudden trauma that has damaged your hearing. Your audiologist’s assessment will show if the hearing loss is the result of noise damage, but your claim can only be lodged by your GP or registered medical specialist. An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon is the only person who can make a specific diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss.

If ACC approves the claim some funding for hearing devices is provided.

Funding may be available for occupational noise exposure that occurred before ACC began in 1972 but is not usually available for sudden-trauma hearing loss that occurred before that date.

If you think you have a hearing loss that’s caused by noise exposure, act now even if you don’t think you need a hearing aid. The longer you leave it the harder it may be to prove that your hearing loss is caused by noise alone, rather than age-related deterioration.

ACC hearing aid funding ranges from just over $3000 to just under $5000, which you can use towards the hearing devices including the audiologist’s time. You may be able to get hearing devices completely covered by your ACC funding, or you may need to contribute some of your own money to get the hearing aids you need. Your MNZAS Audiologist will give you all your options.

ACC also provides all your hearing aid batteries and contributes towards costs for servicing and repairs of your hearing aids.

More information is available from ACC"

For ACC to contribute to the cost of hearing loss due to noise exposure, the noise must be experienced in a paid work environment. It your hobbies expose you to noise that damages your hearing you are not covered.
Trauma damage can include those caused by surgical procedures
I’m looking for work related exposure during 1970s to 1980s, and or damage caused by surgery and radiation therapy last year. Fingers crossed.

I have ACC cover. It is related to noise exposure driving kiwifruit blast sprayers & mowers in the late 70s early 80s. For many years it paid all related costs. As I get older the subsidy has reduced to the point it covered half my recent pair. If claiming you must point to a specific date, time & cause. I have always neen grateful for the help as without them I can not function in a working environment

New Triton store opening in Newmarket on 23 Feb. www.worldofhearing.co.nz/
Sounds Apple store-ish.

"At the heart of the new store is the Experience Room, a surround sound mini-cinema, which gives customers the chance to try hearing solution in ‘real world’ environments. Go to a BBQ or rock concert at the touch of a button. Even those who do not yet wear devices can immediately experience the difference the latest hearing technology can make."

"Triton World of Hearing is a completely new concept with interactive hearing experiences, innovative hearing products and services, plus expert audiological advice on hand. It will be an audiology experience like no other.

Auckland has the scoop with the opening of the flagship store on Broadway, Newmarket on the 23rd of February 2021."

Must have been one of Gary’s last posts above!

Well my hearing aids saga takes another step. ACC turned me down! Bay Audiology quoted me $6250 for Phonak P70s, but Bloom Hearing still have a 50% promo offer going on .Widex.  Bloom is owned by Widex.

With 50% off and also less the standard $1000.22 Ministry of Health subsidy -

Moment 440 (as reviewed by Fremer on Analog Planet). - $5227.78 (full price $12500!)
Moment 330 - $3827 ($9700).

Both models have the Puresound programme installed (the mode Fremer recommends for music) while the 440 has programmes for reducing wind noise and for hearing in noisy environments. Since I would also need to buy a smart phone and subscribe to have accesses to internet while mobile, that would involve extra expense. I am still able to install a control app onto my iPad, but that is tethered to my home wifi.

So have ordered the 330, which will keep some cash in reserve for new prescription glasses which I will need after cataract op on L eye, which hopefully will happen soon.

Will let you know how music sounds once my new hearing aids have arrived.

I hope you, kind DL members, can help me make a decision, that may cost me an extra $1400!

I have re-read the Analog Planet review of the Widex Moment 440.

www.analogplanet.com/content/two-months-widexs-moment-440-mric-r-d-hearing-aids

Fremer refers to two versions of the HA -  the M, for moderate hearing loss, and the P, for severe, and quotes a frequency response for each - up to 9.2KHz for M and 7.2KHz for P. I have searched the Widex website and carefully perused the pamphlets given me, but can find no reference to the two modes, but a graph indicates that all Widex models have a frequency response of 500-8000Hz.

I emailed the audiologist to clarify. He explained the difference between M and P was the size of the receiver, and that both are available on the 440 and 330 models. He said the M receiver will suit my hearing loss and has a frequency response of 100-10000Hz. However, the 440 has a programme to boost higher frequency response which should increase enjoyment of music. The 330 does not.

The 440 also has some extra features that the 330 does not. 15 channels vs 12, fluid sound analyser 11 vs 7, wind noise attenuation, improved hearing in social environments.

So, do I spend the extra $1400 for the benefit of being able to boost high frequencies?

I’m also going to have to buy a new iPad, as my first gen iPad cannot have it’s iOS upgraded in order to download the Widex app.  A basic model will be fine - $569.  I can afford the extra costs, but will have to save to have enough for new prescription glasses following my cataract op, which won’t happen until June.

i know I previously expressed my choice of buying the 330, but am now leaning toward the 440.  What would you do?

Hi sub

I think it's a bit like choosing a new laptop. Do you buy the basic version which is cheaper but plan to update in a shorter time frame, or do you update the Ram, the processor and the hard drive, pay heaps and and plan to keep it for ages. Technology changes so fast - how long do you want to keep them before you upgrade to a new set? For laptops I go for the max upgrade / keep for ages plan but I know lots of people go for the minimum standard issue and faster upgrade cycles.

So I expect hearing aids will continue to improve technologically, but if you are thinking of hanging onto them for a long while I would spend the $$ now and get top enjoyment from them. That’s my 2c worth.

Good point paulsaints.
At my age, 79 in two days time, I expect to keep them long term, especially since the MOH subsidy is only available once every six years.
One tick for the 440!

I usually run a cost/benefit analysis and end up buying the most expensive one I can afford anyway. On the few occasions I let the budget decide I typically wonder if I've made the right choice but never have when I've bought the best.

Hi.
- ACC can fund hearing aids if hearing loss is gradual and due to noise exposure
- Work & Income also has a subsidy for retired folks
- good advice to see an independent audiologist. Bay, Triton, etc will push their brands, often aggressively.
- Hearing aids are very personal so do not buy off Trade Me or eBay.
- current models can be ‘personalised’ to the individual by the audiologist.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!

In view of the audiologist advising that the Widex Moment 440 has a mode enabling high frequency boost (not discussed by Fremer in his review) I realised that if I bought the 330, I would always be wondering if I was missing something!

So I have ordered the 440. Should be here in just over a week.

Time to start selling surplus items!

Have had the Widex Moment 440s since Monday. Been told, confirmed others experiences, will take a while for the brain to adjust to a new way of hearing.
Only tried listening to music once, on Tuesday, but not a very satisfying experience. Will wait a while before trying again.
I use the Puresound mode, as discussed by Fremer, and find speech and normal every sounds, do indeed sound lifelike.
Some sounds are exaggerated, and annoying - a tap running, pots and pans being put down on bench or cooker top, dishes clattering when being put away in cupboard,, for example.
More later!

Had first serious music listening session today, several albums from the hard drive of my Innuos Zen Mini.
By and large very satisfying listening via Puresound mode on the Widex remote.
Except for one annoying glitch, everything seemed to sound as I remember it before I went very deaf.
The glitch is in the R ear. There seems to be a “sizzle” in the upper midrange. Especially noticeable on some voices, but not all.. I proved it was R ear by turning down the volume for that ear, and the sizzle went away. I think there is some damage in the inner ear. When walking outside and there is a breeze blowing, rustling the trees, I experience the same issue.
Have a follow up appointment with the audiologist, let’s hope some adjustments can be made to help.