Phonak Ambra Micro

[ArtN]

HI, I am interested in purchasing right ear Phonak Ambra Micro with Phonak CROS transmitter for left ear. I have had for past 7 years
Onticaon Syncro (right only)......Has anyone had any experience using this system, Ambra Micro with CROS transmitter?

I would like to know any information, good and bad so I can evaluate it.

Thanks,

ArtN

[DocAudio]

If you are getting the Ambra for good sound quality and additional adjustment features then it's a great choice but be aware that StereoZoom will not be something you can use as it requires a binaural fitting meaning both ears. The transmitter is not a hearing aid so it won't work with it.

I've had good success with the Phonak CROS system.

[ArtN]

DocAudio, that is the system I am interested in using the Ambra and Cros system.

I tryed the system and kept getting my voice as if I was in a chamber, echo like.

Audiologists toned it down, but could not go lower, leaving me with some echo like when I spoke and everything was very loud around me, I may need to wear the system for a while, so audio says........Now as I understand, to lower I press Cros button and to raise the volume press the Aid button. Audiologist suggested not to lower volume. Maybe I am mis-under standing..........

Thank you for your help and input

[DocAudio]

Yes, that's how you increase/decrease the volume and I'd agree...try to leave it alone if possible.

The reason I brought up the Ambra is that typically, I won't use the Ambra in this configuration since you can't use the Stereozoom feature and, IMHO, that's what you're paying the extra money for. For my CROS patients, at most I'll recommend the Solana.

In general, people with CROS systems either love them or don't, there isn't much gray area there.

[ArtN]

Thank you DocAudio, You suggested using Solana istead of Ambra, with CROS? If I do not lower the volume every noise around me is amplied very loud, which is uncomfortable, I am happy too be hearing better but as it helps my surround sound, it also amplies to the point I cannot understand what is being said from those speaking. WOW! So if I do not lower volume, you suggest as my audiologist did saying not to lower volume. Will my brain accept this after a while? LOL!''

I understand I will be able to return, would suggest I change over to Solana.

Thanks again,

ArtN

[mike1963]

there is no need to spend the money on an Ambra in a BICROS set up --- the additional features are not enough to justify the additional cost when using it as a single aid - Solana makes much more sense from a price/performance perspective.

The CROS/BICROS systems are excellent for some people - totally useless for others - you need to understand exactly what it can and cant do and also be patient as it can take some getting used to.....

With regard to the Voice/volume issues - the type of dome used can be critical, you haven't mentioned what type you tried with but this may be a place to start rather than "volume" adjustments...........

Good luck and i hope it works out for you ------ keep us posted

[ArtN]

there is no need to spend the money on an Ambra in a BICROS set up --- the additional features are not enough to justify the additional cost when using it as a single aid - Solana makes much more sense from a price/performance perspective.
The CROS/BICROS systems are excellent for some people - totally useless for others - you need to understand exactly what it can and cant do and also be patient as it can take some getting used to.....
With regard to the Voice/volume issues - the type of dome used can be critical, you haven't mentioned what type you tried with but this may be a place to start rather than "volume" adjustments...........
Good luck and i hope it works out for you ------ keep us posted

Mike thank you for your response, well it looks like no need to switch to Solana if Ambara will work, regarding the CROS/BICROS I would love too hear from somone who knows the difference and how they work. The short time I have used this system, I notice a tremendous change from having one HA on right side, everything sounds a lot louder and hearing more of my surroundings of course making things uneasy, but I suppose in time things will change for the better.

Right HA has ear mold, and CROS has dome <<-- type

I have another question which has come up regarding the use of Phonak's ComPilot for listening and watching TV, would it help any, I know TVears help a lot, but ComPilot looks like a more modeern device.

Thanks

[DocAudio]

CROS = only takes sound from the dead ear and transmits it to the good ear (receiver) which has normal hearing. The device worn on the good ear is only a receiver to get the sound into the good ear. There is no amplification happening on the good side.

Bi-CROS: The bad ear has the transmitter and the better ear is using the receiver which is also a hearing aid set for the hearing loss that is present in the "good" ear.

Any time you are new to hearing aids you will hear noises you aren't used to hearing. Over time your brain adjusts.

[ArtN]

Thanks, great info, I am looking forward to acquiring a ComPilot, I can see future help.

You are correct I need to work this system out.