New Phonak Micropower?

[Terri]

Dear Administrator,

I noticed that Phonak has a Micropower IX that is brand new. How does this differ from the regular Micropower? Also does Sonic Innovations have any digital behind the ear aid that automatically switches programs as the need arises? One final question: do any of the major hearing aid providers (except Starkey/Audibel) have a CIC on the horizon for severe to profound hearing losses?

Thank you!

[Admin]

Although the power CIC's theoretically sound good, they are rarely optimal for profound hearing losses, particularly if you have an air/bone gap where your nerve hearing is better than through the way you normally hear, often caused by otosclerosis (calcium deposits), eardrum problems, etc.

For those, the Micro Power would be a great choice, since it is very very small. In fact, I have several patients who feel they are less noticable than their past CIC's.

Sonic has just released a product called balance, which automatically switches programs as other products also do.

Many profound loss patients like having the remote capability of the Phonak and still allowing the aids to switch automatically also.

I will post some pics so that you can have an idea as soon as possible. As far as the differences with the new IX, I will find out also from our Phonak rep.

[Terri]

I look forward to seeing a picture and knowing more about the Micropower IX and its enhancements. Also, what comments have you heard about Sonic's new Balance? Is there any delay in the program switching feature and does it shut the volume down low when blocking out background noise? I just looked at Sonic's website and they have a micro bte model that looks cosmetically appealing but I'm not sure if it would have enough power for my loss. Other than switching automatically, what changes have they made to this model that can be easily explained to a lay person (Hearing aid manufacturers have a habit of using terms that end users are not familiar with...thus clouding the issues). Your assistance is much appreciated.

Thank you.

[Admin]

The difference between the MicroPower and IX is that the original is based on the Eleva (3 auto programs) and Savia (4 auto programs) for the IX.

As for Sonic's Balance...I will be at their lab in Minnesota and taking their training on Balance this week, so I will report back next week.

[Terri]

I am very interested in this new product and will follow this board to read your comments regarding your training class.

[stream2525]

Although the power CIC's theoretically sound good, they are rarely optimal for profound hearing losses, particularly if you have an air/bone gap where your nerve hearing is better than through the way you normally hear, often caused by otosclerosis (calcium deposits), eardrum problems, etc.

For those, the Micro Power would be a great choice, since it is very very small. In fact, I have several patients who feel they are less noticable than their past CIC's.

.

Could you please explain that more?

Thanks

[click hearing]

I'm pretty sure that the MicroPower IX is phased out now; along with the Savia Art range. It's still available, but isn't on Phonak's newest product line-up.
I'd look for newer technology that has the power you need. Maybe Oticon Epoq RITE Power or Unitron Passport Moxi.

[xbulder]

I'm pretty sure that the MicroPower IX is phased out now; along with the Savia Art range. It's still available, but isn't on Phonak's newest product line-up.
I'd look for newer technology that has the power you need. Maybe Oticon Epoq RITE Power or Unitron Passport Moxi.

i think the moxi has less fitting range than the Oticon Rite power (which claims to fit up to 110). Phonak will soon come out with a similar product, no doubt about this

[xbulder]

phonak is coming with a 70db CIC, much like the siemens nitro

[stream2525]

phonak is coming with a 70db CIC, much like the siemens nitro

Starkey cic provide 75db of power.

Siemense Nitor 70db

Phonak 65db


Small system, big results: the new Power CIC from Phonak

With the new Power “Completely-in-the-Canal” (CIC) hearing system, Phonak introduces an incredibly small in-the-ear solution designed specifically for people with severe hearing loss. The new hearing system which is available for the Exélia, Versáta, and Certéna product families provides amplification of up to 65 dB (real-ear gain) and a fitting range that is 15-20 dB higher than that of a standard CIC. Particularly in the frequency range between 100 Hz and 1 kHz, the Power CIC hearing system provides a performance spectrum that is up to 25 dB higher than that of comparable products.

http://www.phonak.com/company/mediacenter/product_news.htm?id=55559&checksum=597954BA7BD5B4FB4A6804D02DF94E71


I wonder if anyone has used this .

We need some feedback from someone who tired it.

[Hyperion]

Starkey cic provide 75db of power.

Siemense Nitor 70db

Phonak 65db

These dbs are bullsh*t.
I have siemens nitro 6 CIC, I need only 30db in my ear and still after decades of adjustments I am completelly unsatisfied, with enormous feedback (like a sword cutting the air) also.
Nothing is working right.