Time to replace my Oticon Delta 8000 - but with what make/model?

[careh]

I have sensorineural high frequency loss. I got Oticon Delta 8000 Hearing Aids for both ears in late 2007. They were my first HA's and seemed to work fine. The only issue I have with the Delta's is hearing in noisy environments and the tendency of the ear canal domes to come off in the canal (that has happened twice so far - now I check them every insertion).

Most dispensers in my city favor Oticon product. I read on the web about how the Delta had limited 'channels/bands' (7 I believe) and that other manufacturer aids have more channels. I am guessing more is better but I have no idea if that is true for my needs. I also see the newer Oticon Alta have 10 channels & saw posts here about how channels could be marketing hype when they get into very high numbers.

Time for a replacement as my current hearing test shows I am outside the power range for the Delta's. Is there a particular brand that would better suit me -or- would just about any maker have a brand that would work? I am active / outdoors.

I have tinnitus - hard to say how loud it is - but it can get pretty loud if I am stressed yet at other times I don't notice it. The asymmetrical loss on the right ear was investigated - a MRI was done, nothing was found.

I hope I am showing the test results correctly - if not let me know.

0250 R10 L08
0500 R05 L08
1000 R12 L10
2000 R30 L30
4000 R95 L85
8000 R85 L55


Pure tone average 3freq
R . . L
17 . 15

Speech Audiometry

. . SRT MCL
R . 15 . 60
L . 10 . 60

Discrimination Loss
. . % . Stimulus
R 100 . 60
L 100 . 60

Tympanometry

. . . . . . . . . . . . . R . . L
Type . . . .. . . . . . A . . A
Peak Pressure . . -63 . -5
Ear Canal . . . . . 2.1 . 2.7
Static Compliance 0.8 . 0.8

[seb]

You may find that you are accustomed to the Oticon sound and you may not like the sound of another brand of HA.

Most people prefer to stay with one brand of hearing aids altho some people do change.

I've only ever had Phonak.

A lot of people say Oticon are the most natural alto still doesn't suit everyone.

[HearingAidHelper]

Perhaps try the new Oticon Alta product, or potentially try the new Siemens Pure Micon line. Both have proven to be quite good with respect to sound quality. The Siemens Micon products have by far the most channels/bands than any other hearing aid ever if that interests you at all. But in my opinion, sound quality is king.

[audiogal]

You've got a heck of a ski-slope loss, so I'd stick with Oticon as they have a ski-slope algorithm specifically designed for your type of loss. The Altas are much better in noise than Deltas were, so if you can afford them that would be a good choice.

[careh]

Thanks for the suggestions. Does anyone know of sites that compare aids like a 'Consumer Reports' review?

[HearingAidHelper]

Originally Posted by careh

Thanks for the suggestions. Does anyone know of sites that compare aids like a 'Consumer Reports' review?

There has been no such thing... too many variables and configurations to be able to produce such a thing, and ultimately keep up to date.

The Oticon Alta's and the Siemens Micon hearing aids have excellent feedback management systems as well for your type of loss. As I am sure you have heard before, try them out yourself and you will be able to determine which is best for you.

[xresolutionx]

I would try some Bernafon Chronos or Unitron Era Platform instruments as alternatives. I wouldn't call the Siemens or Oticon feedback management systems excellent compared to the Resound Alera/Verso or Bernafon Chronos feedback management systems from experience. I fit a lot of children though, so we're really pushing things to the limit. Given the extent of your loss at 4kHz you may or may not find frequency compression beneficial. Is it severe to profound at 3 & 6kHz also? You could try Phonak or Siemens MiCon products which have that feature.

[careh]

Originally Posted by xresolutionx

I would try some Bernafon Chronos or Unitron Era Platform instruments as alternatives. I wouldn't call the Siemens or Oticon feedback management systems excellent compared to the Resound Alera/Verso or Bernafon Chronos feedback management systems from experience. I fit a lot of children though, so we're really pushing things to the limit. Given the extent of your loss at 4kHz you may or may not find frequency compression beneficial. Is it severe to profound at 3 & 6kHz also? You could try Phonak or Siemens MiCon products which have that feature.

I can't post an image (too few posts -although this gives me one more!!) - so all I can get you are the numbers off the audiogram.

Right 3000 = 75
Left 3000 = 60

Right 6000 = 95
Left 6000 = 70

[seb]

Careh,
Actually Consumer Reports did do a comparison on HA's several years ago. I'm not sure if they do it each year or only once in a while.