RESOUND ONE -A STEP BACK IN TIME?

THE NEW RESOUND ONE - A DIFFICULT ONE TO JUDGE!

In 2005 I embarked on a near 12-year journey in my career with Amplifon UK, to which i have a lot of fondness, firstly as a successful Hearing aid Audiologist and later as an area manager. Throughout my career, at Amplifon we had many journeys, many successful and some not as much. There were many changes in the business, innovations but not a major amount of consistency, which could be accepted in an ever-changing industry.

Behind Amplifon has always been a successful partnership with GN Resound that stretches across the whole of Amplifons network and over my time with them was largely rewarding, resulting in worldwide growth rarely seen in the hearing aid industry, and RESound has contributed greatly to this consistency.

I can recall many great innovations and fantastic hearing aids along the road to progress, the Lynx 1,2,3D and Quattro range made for iPhone aids groundbreaking at 2.4ghz wireless, the blooming indestructible Canta 2,4,7 ranges from a bygone era, but none quite as remarkable and game-changing as the hearing aid industry-defining Contact Air - the first real hearing to help those factory, industry and army guys hearing losses i.e the noise-induced loss. The brilliant Ultra Power Enzo aids too, just terrific.

Along the way, there have been some not-so-killer hearing aids - the remote helix mics anyone! - I can see a lone hand or maybe two in the crowd - The Lex!

My Experience with Resound has always been a positive one, as an independent provider I have the choice now but I always seem to fall back onto the Lynx Quattro with the Ultra Power encased receivers for severe to profound loss. They are exceptional and small, brilliant linear options, sound shaper technology as good as someone would probably need with that magnitude of loss and processing power and good battery life with a good recharger. It is one of my favorite hearing aids hands down.

So when resound announced a new processor platform, a 3rd microphone in the ric for better awareness, a new design (the Quattro 61 was great looking for a traditional ric and something that has been a resounding strength for a few generations). As a backdrop the competition was fierce, the Signia X chips Pure and Styletto, the Phonak Paradise (pina colada anyone), The Oticon OPNs, The Starkey Livio AI with all the health trimmings. All decently cosmetic aids, great processors, big ranges of connectivity, great features…So could Resound take them on and reclaim that innovative top spot that in past results possibly had given them the advantage before?

Well…Not really, although good it’s just not as good as it should be…and I say this with a heavy heart.

Let’s start with the good…based on the regular RIC with recharge

• The Connectivity is fantastic, both iPhone and Android

• The Battery life is terrific - over 30 hours on my test from 1 charge

• The Music Mode is truly good

• Noise performance is good*

• The battery charger is as good as before for storing extra days power

• It has many power options including the UP*

Let’s finish with the Bad…

• It is huge and Uncomfortable

• The MRIE receiver is a letdown and expensive

• It doesn’t progress from the Quattro

• It is expensive and the consumables are over the top expensive

• The MRIE rics do not come as standard, an industry first for a standard RIC

Let’s be clear first…The Resound One is a good hearing aid as was its predecessor the Quattro, but for me, it just doesn’t sound any better, the MRIE ric is meant to give a better awareness and clarity in noise with the 3rd microphone on the receiver in the ear - think Signia a bit with the motion sensor in the X chip I guess - utilising a 3rd point of entry for sound but in truth, I was disappointed that it didn’t provide any improvement in noise- in my humble opinion a hearing aid should sound good in quiet anyway.

The Noise response was in truth similar to the Quattro, but no better from what my ears were telling me, and a couple of clients I gave them to try found this similar.

I also found having to tell a client the cost which to me was several hundred pounds more expensive to buy than many other manufacturers per unit a bit hard to do for an aid that in my opinion doesn’t perform as well as say the Signia X chip or the Starkey Livio AI or the Phonak Paradise which I can provide at a much cheaper level for the client and also the MRIE (Major new selling point) was close to an extra £100!

The biggest drawback was the size - the Echo’s of a Sherman Tank came to mind - easily the most uncomfortable hearing aid in its class and a major drawback for resound in my opinion and my client’s opinions. It truly is massive and full of edges - compare this to a styletto, Pure, Livio or a paradise it is incredibly uncomfortable and bulky.

The version I had was also a full retail one of the 9 level as Resound wouldn’t send me a demo one as I don’t do enough business with them apparently although in units I would suggest at the time they had the second most business from me in 2019-20. I am indeed a small independent retailer of hearing aids that provides unbiased advice so I do not enter into unit deals etc but hey if I can’t demo the aids I can’t let clients make a truly independent decision for themselves. Slightly disappointing service from resound on top of the general cost.

VERDICT:

Early days for the MRIE technology, I’m sure Resound will improve, firmware, and develop it, I just hope they have factored updates into the chip.

Although there are some disappointments in the Resound One, that in my opinion really hold it back, it is a capable aid similar in performance to the Quattro, but although the MRIE has innovated, I feel it hasn't moved on, which leaves a dilemma. would I at this stage recommend the older Quattro instead of this?

It is also worth noting the One 9 level is also pitched at a premium plus above the top-level hearing aids from other manufacturers, making it in some cases £500 to £800 more expensive per pair?!?!

Sound: 3 1/2* it’s still very good but not at the same level as the Signia Xperience platform, Livio AI EDGE, etc

Connectivity and Features 5* - it does lead the class in connectivity on the whole and power levels

Power: 5* - But the MRIC is limited to M power in the main-

Design 2* - A total letdown - the worst shaped RIC out there and it’s huge - the Quattro was far better and so much more comfortable- the MRIE ric also had some issues with wax blockages due to its location

In conclusion- 3 1/2* for excellent connectivity and power - but Resound had that with the Quattro

A very capable aid that should have been better and the MRIE idea has legs but it just seems rushed and out of place in the design area. I’m hoping it develops into a Contact Air in the future and not a LEX/remote mic - however, a smaller version might just work!

For now, when I use Resound I’ll stick to the Quattro I think

Signia Styletto X - 18 months on!

In my humble opinion the best out there! 18 months on!

So…here it goes

What hearing aids can deem themselves as a WANT product - none (well maybe the Active/Active Pro)

This is, I believe, a true statement when you take into account Hearing aid stigmas, getting old or feeling older maybe and not wanting to admit it, plus the fact that over 80% of the UK’s population still associate hearing aids as big bulky things from the national health service (we know this has improved over the years but if you don’t need hearing aids you don’t look at hearing aids).

The facts are all there, it takes 7 times to walk past a hearing aid shop before walking in, 7-10 years or so to admit a problem, etc. I think all these are probably true marketing and mindset statements for most people.

I also think it’s true to say that no matter what, hearing aids are still not cool to look at, with most manufacturers churning out tweaked increments of their unique designs shaving millimeters off, and rounding corners to look as closely as possible to each other! As a person, I try to think outside the box and try not to conform with the crowd and this also attracts me to companies that follow a similar out of box-ness, e.g Tesla (wish I could afford one), Apple in the early days, Dyson, etc - you see if we don’t innovate things stay still and dull.

Not revealing any names, at a conference of many manufacturers nearly 4 years ago, just as I was in the throws of setting up my EarGuru business I witnessed what can only be described as sniggers and swipes and back-handed comments from some manufacturers at one of Signia’s latest development - Own Voice processing - which let me tell you works and works well, but also a new slim form factor of hearing aids - which they had called the Styletto. Queue up some sniggers about the name, the fixed rics, the earbud-like charger, and limited battery life, oh and it was a gimmick, so they all said.

Now I’ve seen gimmicks plenty in my many years in the hearing aid industry, anyone remembers those remote mics from GN that went in the helix! Sorry GN, but they broke, bent, and generally didn’t work, but hey you tried something new and in a similar vein, I tried them just as I did and went big-time for the styletto as I could see something in it, a willingness to try new things!

So what worked - the design - straight out of…well…Apple I guess, a bit like an iPhone 3gs with the white and gold sides with a slim body and a cracking little charger. brilliant replacement warranty in the event of a fault and a 48hr turnaround service. Own voice processing. A major reduction of hearing aid blandness.

What didn’t too well: No Bluetooth streaming, fixed rics, and low power output, and limited battery life.

Verdict - A brilliant idea, with stigma reducing capabilities - a break from the norm

WIND FORWARD 12 months - STYLETTO CONNECT

Simples- Better Chip, Bluetooth Added, Better Battery and Slightly more rounded - still brilliant, just better! -but still fixed medium rics.

WIND FORWARD to 16-18 months ago: THE KING OF THE STYLE AND PERFORMANCE

STYLETTO XPERIENCE -

• Motion sensor

• Dynamic Soundscape Processing

• Interchangeable M and P RICS

• 18 HR Battery life (after firmware updates)

• Improved Own Voice Processing OVP

• Larger but more rounded

• Affordable performance from 1x to 7x

Easily my most popular hearing aid - over 30 pairs now provided, one return due to battery life being up 20 hours use per day - other than that 100% satisfied customers.

I’m sorry to say to other manufacturers, you may claim to have better features but on looks and comfort alone, plus the OVP. This hearing aid has the greatest acceptance and experience ever, whether this is a mindset I don’t know. This hearing aid just works…not just in the top of the range guise 7x but also for 90% of people the cheaper 5x too. Making this great value for money aid, the motion sensor and processor gives great power, accuracy, and performance in noise, but, with far more natural results.

Thank you Signia, from myself and my customers for breaking the mould.

I think those initial sniggers and comments are now firmly finished, I hope some other manufacturers take a leaf from your book and start to make hearing aids look and feel for the times we are in.

Signia Active Pro

Just the ticket if you dont like the idea of hearing aids!!!

So without giving too much away, I’m in my early 40’s and I have a mild high pitch hearing loss from playing guitar in bands and gigs, etc early in my youth without ear protection… of course, I luckily at the minute do not have tinnitus but I do notice from time to time the TV has to be up a little, etc but overall I do ok. I am only talking about 15bdhl at 4khz but it does give me an advantage when testing and making judgments on hearing products, I can tell a difference when I have in some demo aids…but would I wear a hearing aid daily…well I’m not quite ready even if I provide this service to other people.

However…would I wear the active pro’s from Signia…Well I already am.

If you have looked at my previous posts you will see what the Xperience chip does and the same chip is firmly cemented in these beauties! It’s a great processor and has become my go-to technology for many clients as it’s easy to wear, it’s got great sound as well as the own voice features, etc.

The Active pro just screams cool, it has the same colour schemes as the brilliant Signia Styletto X and delivers in a similar way…unique and different to the competition.

Many manufacturers claim to have better signal processing, machine learning, best in class this and that, but, time and time again I come back to the X chip and for me, it’s astonishingly satisfied customers.

The main difference here is younger folks like me (cough) might just talk an earlier step on the ladder to improving hearing earlier - let’s keep it simple, these can be fitted with open domes that really do work so you can feel lightweight (admittedly a closed dome does improve music reproduction) but I found a great balance between with a semi-open tulip style dome.

The App and the Signia assistant are easy on the iPhone (android no call streaming or music hear sorry to say, but still there is an app for volume and just hearing aid).

I love mine…they are great and when I need a lift in hearing it’s there!

Teenagers, Millenials, and anyone young at heart will just prefer these to the traditional hearing aids, and when things get a bit needier for hearing there’s always the styletto X!

Review:

Sound 5* (4* for music with open domes)

Style 5*

Comfort 4*

Performance in Noise/Groups 4 1/2*

Overall - 4 1/2*

SIGNIA - Please keep innovating and delivering on this scale pease!

Early Thought on Signia Xperience...Battery version Pure 312 only

image of the forthcoming Charge and Go Lithium-ion version

Xperience by Signia ….So far so Xcellent

The latest platform X (hence Xperience) is the latest offering by Signia.

Now I will openly start by saying that I really like Sivantos brands of hearing aids, I have had fantastic results with the Styletto and Charge and Go products on the NX platforms and find them to be pretty much the best all round instruments on the market currently. What I mean by this is that I find them less compromising in certain areas such as the occlusion or own voice effect caused by other manufacturers. Signa hearing nailed that with the own voice processing OVP which means even with a closed ear fit the aid processes the own voice effect out of the mix whilst not effecting the real world performance of hearing clearly…something that a first time hearing aid user would find very acceptable.

So whats new…

New chip…Yes…built from the ground up in house that makes the best use of the facilities available to Sivantos aids. Faster…yes…Better in Noise…Yes…Smaller…Yes…but we’ve heard all this before from every manufacturer…Made for Iphone…Yes…Made for Android…well not yet, but with the massively mixed results from Android 5 and current Made for Android…this might be a smart move for now.

So whats’ new…

Motion sensors

Yes I did say motion sensors…Sensors that can work out the distance and true movement of the world around you. This is a major step forward in real world back ground noise ability and focus…and this is not the type that uses the motions of smart phones etc…they are in the aid.

So what does this sound like to the everyday Joe Bloggs with a hearing loss…

Real world accuracy; speech is in its correct place, background noise is how it should be, coupled with the OVP own voice processing is remarkable. I have tried many hearing aids in my ears but I have never experienced a hearing aid that sounds as naturally accurate.

Situation detecting…yes that the aid is preloaded with thousands of different sound environments etc like every other aid but…but in real terms this helps the aid to understand which microphone polarity mode the aid needs to choose, the Xperience just reacts so well.

The look…

Much improved with better design and size, the charge and go lithium-ion model coming by the end of the year is hardly bigger and both have had the styletto slim down whilst still looking more traditional they now fit much better behind the ear with glasses.

The App…

One app for all is better but I would still say slightly behind the best apps…e.g the GN Resound app on appeal and functionality, however, the ability to change the microphone directionality is still a plus.

LASTLY…I’ve demoed over 10 trusted clients with them and 9 of them said they would swap their current aids for them…when money allows.

EARLY SCORES

LOOK:- **** not as cool as the Styletto but a big improvement…now for a glossy black version!

SIZE: ***** Much smaller than a Marvel/Jump R and very comfortable…and really slim!

INITIAL SOUND: ***** Mind-blowingly good - the easiest hearing aid to pick up and wear

NOISE/GROUPS: ***** The best aid out there…enough to say on that

CONNECTIVITY: **** Some will say No Android but genuinely not a deal-breaker for me with all the curent issues. MFI works as well as ever and the TV kit is so simple to use. Plus…you can still have a traditional remote control.

VALUE FOR MONEY: ***** Unless you have to have Android capability…The best hearing Xperience you can get bar none.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR…IF YOU ARE CLOSE TO A EARGURU HEARING CLINIC GET YOURSELF IN FOR A DEMO IF YOU ARE THE MARKET FOR A GREAT HEARING PRODUCT…IF YOU ARE NOT CONTACT SIGNIA TO FIND A SUPPLIER NEAR YOU.

GN Resound Quattro Lithium Ion

A very capable hearing aid that is very adept at improving severe to profound hearing loss in a small package.

Headline Pro’s:

Awesome flexibility - low power RIC’s to Monster Power Rics

Fully made for Iphone with future Android potential

Robust Desktop charger and lithium ion

Streaming is impressive

Semi Linear and Linear options for profound loss, excellent frequency shaping capabilities

Nice colour range with glossy options in a neat design

13 size recharge unit - good battery life on a single charge

Excellent Music Mode on 9 and 7 model.

Remote control option, TV Kit and Multi Mic are very good and easy to use once paired

Brilliant encased moulds for profound fittings.

Headline Lows:

Slightly too ‘toppy’ sounding on first fit under manufacturer algorithm

Awkward control options on aids and quite erratic

Charger is an additional cost and expensive.

Feedback manager a step back from previous models

Review

First, I realise that the GN Resound Quattro has been out for a good number of months now and is certainly a good product, however, until the last few month I have found some competitors products to be slightly preferable. As an ex Amplifon employee I am certainly very familiar with GN Resound being their major supplier but when I created EarGuru Ltd I wanted to be totally transparent which took me off on the path of expansion into other realms.

In this review, I am not going to go into detail about surround sound processing or in truth bin-aural bumph etc channels etc but real life situations. The hearing aid is good in those environments and pretty much the same as most at this price point. I will point out things that have an effect in real life. If you really want to know these things download the manufacturers datasheets and marketing info from the websites.

We will start with the bad…but only to explain how I came about how great this hearing aid can be.

When I demonstrate hearing aids I often give clients the choice to compare and contrast models and manufacturers and often unfortunately for the Quattro’s they do not often seem high on the preferred lists in clients hearing opinions. I think this is due to what I would call the ‘thin-toppy’ effect, some would call it ‘tinny’ and slightly aggressive in this area. For a first time user, or an existing user from say widex, signia or oticon, this can be a big turn off and can sometimes rules them out straight away.

Some audiologists may just make up their minds here and decide ‘not for me’.

I am a little different…you may say slighty nerdy.

I always felt a little sorry for the Quattro as it has so much going for it- a superior charger, lovely design if you like the ‘audi’ look to a hearing aid, excellent accessories once you’ve circumnavigated the pairing process and button issues. The app is very good and so is the streaming capabilities on an iphone. The glossy colours are outstanding especially the glossy anthracite, and music reproduction is very good with a couple of software tweaks. So why was I not getting the results???

In July this year I was approached at my optician day centre in LS26 by a gentleman who has tried and tried to sort his hearing out for over 20 years, always rejecting the aids within the return for credit periods, NHS etc and recently been told that his only option was a cochlea implant. loss 45 dbhl (250hz) to off the charts at 4khz.

So…immediately I go to Ultra Power BTE option, sound recover/shaping, great feedback capabilities etc. Show him Naida, Enzo and the like. No Simon…I can’t wear them, he has very tight, none protruding ears with the hearing aids just sat on his ear not behind. Feedback was the other issue as the mould was so tight fitting on his NHS, it made his sweat. I started to sweat…there was not much going for him. I ruled out so many hearing aids, demoing with Power domes from varying manufacturers etc. The one aid that seemed to give him some level of hearing was the GN Enzo, but in truth he looked ridiculous.

So…I thought I wonder…I knew that the Quattro was capable of getting to 110 dbhl losses with a UP receiver but up to now I had little success with the product, and the feedback system seemed a step back from the 3D range often having to cut gain in certain areas. So, I decided to give it a go despite my reservations.

My perception changed of this product 10 days later.

I ordered encased moulds with UP receivers, a black casing in gloss and the lithium ion rechargeable. Ran the In Situ Audiometer, feedback manager set to 1st time user around 90% and…awful. Occlusion, dead region buffeting etc. Everything you don’t want.

However I’m not one to give up…so I back off the gain,immediately the client said that is getting more bearable. I would say at this point I had the aids at 70% to target. Then I added the sound shaper into the mix at roughly the 3.5khz midpoint and immediately he started to hear more…I would have expected this but it had not worked on Phonak etc, however, the sound was way too tinny. I then swapped to semi linear processing algorithm and this time…boom.

Over the last 8 weeks I have been able to increase the gain in stages and they are the best results I have had with a UP/Power. The addition of a multi mic has been also a benefit as has constant expectation setting but with perseverance and patience by the client we have got there.

Only one client you say…not quite

I have now had the pleasure of 2 additional fittings to similar severe to profound losses, and utilising similar fitting approaches, somehow I have managed to get the little quattro’s to outperform traditional UP BTE’s. Points to note is just how much warmer and clearer the aids become in semi linear mode (for obvious reasons) but also the actual effectiveness of GN’s sound shaper in comparison to other manufactures. It has become my power aid of choice.

Cost

Overall I would say the GN Resound Quattro is on par with mid and high end hearing aids but I do find the cost of the charger is a bit much especially when the cost of the aid is greater already for the recharge version.

Recharge

The charger is robust and a full 24 hours can be achieved from 1 charge with an additional few days in the charger itself. Streaming does have an effect on the battery but not to such extremes that you shouldn’t easily get 16 hours out of a full charge.

Summary out of 5:

Sound **** but for profound ***** in semi linear mode

Performance in Difficult situations: ****1/2

Range of Power: ***** CLASS LEADING

Feedback Cancelling: ****

Range of Accessories: ****

Accessibility (Recharge): *****

Design and Colour Configurations: ****

Value: ****

OVERALL VERDICT: 4* out of 5* but 5/5 for severe to profound

VERDICT

6 months ago I would have given the GN Resound Quattro probably 4* overall as it is a very capable hearing aid on par with most of its competitors, a good all rounder, good connectivity, excellent charger etc and I still do overall. I think that Signia Charge and Go and NX platforms (soon be replaced and upgraded to the Xperience), Unitron Jump R and Oticon OPN S had the edge overall in the sound stakes in an almost out of the box approach. Where it exceeds the rest is just how unbelievably capable it is at high output with closed encased moulds and total flexibility in terms of fitting approaches.

When I fit every hearing aid, I try very hard to improve user comfort, if I can just improve the look of the aid just a little, it is my opinion that clients and patients really build confidence in their hearing. Probably psychological but it does make a difference. In the case of the Quattro, not just can do this but I can in spades…The output of this tiny rechargeable aid is fantastic and with a bit of tweaking, thought and setting clients expectations GN have really changed the way I think and dispense Ultra and super power aids.

Yes…there will be situations where only a UP can reach but as an audiologist, do we really always think…I wonder if by doing this…not just resting on proven past results, we could actually do improvements to peoples lives that maybe make a bigger difference than expected and just now and again expand our thinking.

Well done to GN for such a capable and flexible hearing aid, and a message to others…with lithium ion capabilities and power output, do we need to be developing huge 675 UP hearing aids? Doesn’t UP deserve to be smaller in this age???

A Giant Leap forward...The Viron by Bernafon

My July 19 Edition of the EarGuru review blog is the new Bernafon Viron.

Headline Pro’s:

Great flexibility from the receivers - 55 to 105db in a friendly small size

Excellent Powerful Processor

Smart Desk top charger and lithium ion

Competitively priced among it’s peers - with excellent performance to boot

Headline Lows:

Design- looks like a more traditional hearing aid that maybe needs freshening up

User controls are bulky

Colours

Charger is an additional cost and the lithium ion batteries will need changing periodically

Review:

Bernafon Viron is a very good hearing aid…simply put. It shares many of the features of the excellent Oticon OPN S, chassis, processor, charger etc but packages them together differently, coupled with excellent customer service and support from the Bernafon team from a hearing aid provider point of view…Bernafon hearing aids are definitely on the up.

I like to keep my reviews short and to the point, highlighting the statistical high points but actually what do the end users think, much more importantly.

From a chip set processing point of view, 32000 single data points of entry and amplification adjustment of 20000 times per second, 2.4ghz and NFMI dual radio processing is nothing to grumble about. Very similar to the Oticon OPN s as you would expect being sibling companies, but this is really the first time both companies have launched a product within months of each other that resemble a similar level of performance.

Again…similar to the Oticon OPN S…4 ranges of receiver power giving excellent flexibility to a vast number of end users, however, major improvements in the feedback cancellation systems have resulted in over 30% better gain stability…meaning that with high power severe users, this technology could replace larger BTE style technology. I recently demonstrated to a 2 year old BTE user of another well known brand with power domes the capability of the aid with absolutely great results.The Feedback Canceller is now a claimed 10 times quicker then the previous Zerena range. This seems a noticeable improvement and not just a claim, very solid gain input indeed.

Looking back at Bernafon Zerena products, many end users and demonstrates liked the ‘one program’ approach called DECS technology - this is here too and thankfully so…Many of my end users in blind tests preferred this technology to the 360 degree Brain hearing functionality of the OPN S…However at this point the test pool has been small and I would not like to comment further other than to say that the Oticon systems are excellent, meaning if this is true…well done to Bernafon. In direct like for like real world tests on real ears, the Viron really does impress, The True Environment Processing seems to deliver what it says on the tin focusing on the important speech cues whilst giving a natural soundscape to background levels, and given it’s lower price point against many of its competitors it really does holds its own.

In my blind test comparisons…the Viron in its early days has indeed done well…out of 10 demonstrations, 4 preferred the Viron against similar level products only losing out to Signia’s NX platform aids and The GN Resound Quattro line. Unfortunately this comparison is not compared to Phonak’s Marvel or Starkey Livio AI as I have not received any demo aids, so I cannot comment.

The Charger is shared pretty much with Oticon S, excellent charger, very fast - under 3 hour charge for a full day - however it is a plug in desk charger and not a pocket style charger such as the Signia Styletto or Phonak Marvel reducing its flexibility from a lifestyle point of view. Good but there are more appealing out there if charger flexibility is your thing.

As a MFI and potential Android connectivity hearing aid however, many comments have been made by end users regarding the look of the aid and its controls. The Bernafon aid shared a very similar case to the traditional Oticon products as you would expect, however, on the latest Oticon OPN s products the colours and button styles have been updated thankfully, unfortunately, this makes the Viron look a little tired and old fashioned with its large buttons and ‘Hearing Aid Beige’ albeit 2 tone colour schemes. I’m sure this will change over the years and the more important technological advances internally have been prioritised but with the Signia Styletto and the new Oticon products looking a million dollars in hearing aid design terms maybe a little more effort should be pushed in the direction of ‘appeal’. I always think especially to a new use, that cosmetic appeal is 50% towards getting someone to accept the wear of amplification, especially the younger audience with apple earbuds, headphones etc.

The App is very capable and very similar to many rivals, but for me this negates the need for big buttons on the aid, I know, some folks like buttons and some don’t have smart phone etc but there is always a remote control that is very affordable in the Bernafon range

As with most hearing aids 2.4ghz wireless brings TV fits, soundclips for remote mic and android access etc, all are capable and user friendly. One small bug bear with both Bernafon and Oticon is the price for the charger, with many brands the charger comes as a complete kit in the price, with some companies charging as much as £250 for the pleasure…as the periodic need to change batteries (yearly to 2 years which can be done in clinic), however, as earlier mentioned, generally the Bernafon product is a cheaper price point therefore still keeping a good value element to the product.

The Viron has been released in 9,7 and 5 ranges covering the mid range to high performing bracked of hearing aids, and thanks to excellent customer relations and service with the Bernafon staff, I was provided with all 3 ranges for demonstration purposes. I find all 3 ranges more than live up to their counterparts broadly speaking and offer again really good value and performance to the end user.

Summary out of 5:

Sound **** 1/2

Performance in Difficult situations: ****

Range of Power: *****

Feedback Cancelling: ****

Range of Accessories: ****

Assessibility (Recharge): ****

Design and Colour Configurations: **1/2

Value: ****

OVERALL VERDICT: 4* out of 5*

As mentioned earlier, the Viron is a substantial leap forward for Bernafon, giving Oticon a real run for it’s money as well as many other manufacturers who may just be nervously looking over their shoulder. Bernafon are definitely now sitting at the big table with a very capable hearing aid range, falling just short of the industry leading products, however, don’t let that put anyone off trying them, my experience with end users is very very good, and in some cases £500 less than more established brands for similar performance levels makes them a very appealing proposition.

EarGuru prices range from £1990 for a binaural set of 5 level aids including the charger and topping out at £2790 for the 9 level with the charger, additional warranties above the inclusive 2 years are an additional cost. (Prices accurate at time of press, these are subject to market changes))

The above review is completely based on customer and end user experience and feedback and the views shared are based on personal opinion of myself and my customers. As I use every manufacturer and stay totally unbiased, relying on what my end users and customers prefer.

Signia Styletto/Audio Service Stiline by Sivantos A first time users dream product - updated 2nd July 2019

Highlights:

Slim RIC design is a game changer - most attractive hearing aid yet

Signia NX platform processor is first class in almost every environment you can throw at it

Small form factor recharge case - lithium Ion with 3 days further battery storage

Fantastic Warranty options

Unique colour sets

Up to 5 technology platforms -7,5 and 3 in ‘Connect/BT’ mode and 2,1 in non wireless.

Great app and accessories - Made for Iphone compatible direct

No on-board controls

Own Voice Processing is incredible for new users!

Lowlights

1 Receiver power - designed for mild to mod/severe

No Loop

Not Android directly connectable

No on-board controls will put some off.

Review

Since October the Styletto by Signia (Sivantos Group) and more recently Audio Service Stiline has transformed the lives of many of my clients for the better, the feedback I have received has been far beyond what I could have expected.

Comments such as:

‘My hearing in background noise has never been better’

‘The way they look has meant that I’m no longer bothered that people see them’

‘They are so comfortable and the sound quality is fantastic even with music’

‘The re-charger is awesome’

Sivantos seem to have really got an excellent range of hearing aids on their hands. The hearing aid has changed my perception of what a hearing aid is about and to many of my clients and here’s why:

When reading this review, I would like you to think in the shoes of a first time user, someone who has either taken years to come to terms with a loss or maybe someone who in the past would be considered too young to wear hearing aids, or maybe just through the stigma created by past occurrences, ‘big banana’ aids in hearing aid beige, whistling, batteries lasting days, can’t hear in background noise or groups, phone calls being useless etc etc.

The hearing world is a different time in 2019, worlds apart from the start of the millennium or even the advent of digital aids. Or so you would think so…?

Have hearing aids got more attractive…the answer for many audiologists would be absolutely!

Have hearing aids got more attractive…the answer for many clients would be…a little I guess!

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So why is it still a very difficult to sometimes persuade a client/patient to wear hearing aids?

The answers are above: The perception to the first time client not is almost still the same as 2005…

Whichever way you look at hearing aids, they are still hearing aids…invisible in the ear technology certainly helped things move along 5 years ago, thanks to the Phonak Titanium, Signia Silk, Starkey Soundlens, but realistically at a sacrifice of performance in many group or background noise situations, and certainly no wireless/bluetooth capabilities.

So what is different with the Styletto/Stiline?

RIC style hearing aids have been around for well over 10 years as Audiologists know…the bench mark for hearing aids across every manufacturer. The RIC (Receiver in Canal behind the ear product) is the first hearing aid that gets launched before all others when a new range comes out.

Why?…That would be because its generally smaller, is neat along the tragus and into the canal with a micro wire being barely visible but still a behind the ear aid…this has not changed in 10 years. Some are smaller, some have controls, some are rechargeable, some are blue-tooth/wireless, smart phone connectable etc…but are they attractive still to the first time user…well a bit better!

I fact I would say if you want a rechargeable hearing aid the size has gone up…Is this what a first time user, already nervous about stepping into hearing aid territory wants…NO it isn’t they want the invisible in the ear types that will likely be unsuitable for their hearing.

STEP FORWARD SIVANTOS - TAKE A BOW FOR BEING PREPARED TO TAKE A RISK!

YES…before I start it is still a behind the ear aid…but just look at it, it’s a risky proposition when looking at the design from a traditional hearing aid perspective.

What Sivantos has done with the Signia Styletto or the Audio Service Stiline is really delve deep into making a product work for that first time user, whether young at heart over 70’s or that young professional struggling with a hearing handicap in this modern 2019 society.

Firstly…The the product works so well with glasses…a tradition bug bear…It looks different; very un-hearing aid like.

Secondly…The charger is loosely (maybe not so loose) based on an apple earbud headphone charger so a TICK…young professional…and a TICK…older person not wanting to feel older.

Thirdly…The colours are NOT HEARING AID BEIGE…instead Silver and gloss black, Cosmic Blue and ROSE GOLD…Rose Gold and arctic white…brave choices again.

Fourthly…You can use them as headphones (Not unique but hey, they are close to looking like cool headphones)

So it just about the look them…

NO…Psychologically they make the first time user feel better about the aids…this is a big step to acceptance, a big step to improving their handicap earlier and more vitally the knock on deprivation effects of leaving a loss alone for a few more years.

Yes but are they any good from a sound perspective?

Absolutely…The Signia NX platform is excellent, utilising true binaural processing couple with a fantastic processor. I have blind tested many hearing aids but nothing in my opinion come close to an ‘all rounder’ as the Nx chip, the pure charge and go for example has been an excellent hearing aid long before. I also find that in a lot of cases where certain manufacturers lead into ‘the top of the range’. I am very comfortable demonstrating the 5 level product as it performs remarkably in comparison, for less money, also aiding the acceptance factor of cost.

The Binaural processing of the Nx chip is outstanding giving a true perception of the wearers environment and balancing the ability to hear within the noise of 99% of the situations that you would find yourself in. For me the ability to be able to empower the wearer with the correct level of expectancy via the data management of the hearing aid is also a very powerful tool.

I have a current Styletto user who has been blind from birth, he uses ‘Echo location’ as a guide to his surroundings. He is also an audiophile record listener and a DJ for internet radio. He was very skeptical about all of those things as you would expect. After 2 hours he just felt totally comfortable with the performance of the product. He felt natural, his echo location was correct and he was amazed at the quality of the sound coming from not just his high end hifi but his iphone through spotify…a true testament to the brilliant performance of this product. Oh and this was the 5 level not the 7!.

The ‘own voice processing’ which I was sceptical about initially really does make a difference in acceptance when adjusting a new user to hearing amplification. The system calculates the users voice in the mix after a little counting out loud. Reducing that occluded, echo feeling. At certain hearing conventions, I have heard sniggers from other manufacturers around this feature…maybe they should think about introducing something similar as in my opinion this is a really great acceptance feature that is missing from their products.

From an audiologist end user perspective, the 48 hour replacement under warranty is truly unique, as is the attention and levels of customer care by the Sivantos team. I never feel anything is too much trouble.

Made for Iphone or Android via the smart mic accessory, the aid can stream music, phone calls, spotify, whatever, into the hearing aids and the quality is fantastic.

In an attempt to reach out to new users Signia have taken some sacrifices…It only comes in a single receiver power designed for the lighter to moderate user, which for power users will come as a blow, and this means no loop or buttons on the aid. It is not the market that Signia is targeting with this product.

Did I mention the charger…yes I did, but it is so small and holds a 3 day extra charger!

Summary out of 5:

Sound *****

Performance in Difficult situations: *****

Range of Power: ***

Feedback Cancelling: *****

Range of Accessories: ****

Assessibility (Recharge): *****

Design and Colour Configurations: *****

Value: *****

OVERALL VERDICT: ***** out of 5*

This is a land mark product in hearing terms, an aid that makes that nervous first time user a giant step closer to wearing a hearing aid. Well done Sivantos, as GN Resound did with the contact air back in 2005, you have closed the gap on reducing stigma of hearing aids closer towards acceptance. The thing for you to do now is make your other products a variant of this…makes me think why couldn’t manufacturers be this brave earlier!

The Signia Styletto Series is now available from the value of the 1 range right through to the top of the range 7 model in the ‘non’ connect model, and 3,5 and 7 in the ‘connect model’.

They only come in ‘lithium ion rechargeable’ including the charger in the price and unfortunately for monaural users they only come as a pair in the styletto, however, the Stiline is now available monaurally.

This means starting at the great value of £1395 for the 1nx model with a 2 year warranty and service, the styletto would be the perfect hearing aids for 85% of losses and wearers.

The whole range is available at industry leading value at the earguru.co.uk. We always offer free advice and the ability to hear aids in practice. You will not be disappointed!

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