Newby Request for Help - Phontak Audeo S/Starkey Wi

[KJPCalgary1]

Okay, so after knowing for a number of years now, that I needed HA's, I finally went for "the test" and was told what I already knew! I have been 'lurking' in this forum for awhile now - just doing research. This is my first post and request for guidance, although not likely my last as I embark on this HA journey.

I work in an office environment - lots of meetings, telephone/video conferences, 1-1 meetings, telephone calls, etc. Some social settings with background noise, etc. I am also an outdoors sort - fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. I know that I have been missing much of what is on TV or at the movies (the jokes just are not funny when you cannot even hear them!).

My audi has recommended that I test drive the Phontak Audeo S Smart, in either the IX (premium) or V (advanced). While I am not adverse to paying for an improvement in hearing quality or features, there is about $3000 difference between the two. Never having HA's before and not knowing what I haven't been (or should have been) hearing, will I be able to distinguish an improved sound quality between these two models? I guess I could try both in different situations and see.

The other make she suggested I could try was the Starkey Wi (which has features comparable to the Phontak IX). I am somewhat reluctant to try these as I understand that they are somewhat newer and she admitted that she has not fitted any, as yet. Does anyone have any comparisons to the Phontak IX vs. the Starkey Wi?

Thanks for any help offerred, as I am trying to make up my mind what HA to try first.

Cheers!

KJPCalgary

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