Q: starkey halo

Hello CDC870

I have never been able to obtain great results in a noisy restaurant with my Halos.  I fumble around with a variety of settings but I still find the external noise intrusive.  I'd love to know what settings you used!! thanks.

Honestly I tried them all And the audiologist set parameters for normal and crowd which differ greatly and overall found myself choosing the normal setting. I did not mind the amplified noise because I had never been able to listen in or carry on a conversation in that situation before. Life changing for me. I have a follow up in a few days and will ask about possibly softening the ambient noise a bit. It will be about a week before I can report back with that experience.

I've been absent from this group for a long time. I purchased the Starkey Halos 110 over a year ago. I had two choices for brands through The Group Health Hear Center: Starkey or Oticon. I had worn Phonak for years without problems. I found that there were so many connection issues with the Starkeys that I sent them back. I trialed the Oticon Chilis next, but the quality of sound was awful for my ears. Due to the limited choice, I decided to go with the Starkey Halos. Sadly, the initial experience that I had with them has held true. I have never had good solid BT connections. It is a pain to move between ipad and iphone. So much so that I just leave them set on the iPad and don't use them on the iPhone. The sound quality is still good, but the earmolds are impossible to "tweak" in the audiologist's office. The entire hearing aid has to be returned to Starkey so that Starkey can do the rebuild and, of course, reap the financial benefits. Since I have one mold that is troublesome (feedback and the need to frequently push it down into the ear canal or it hurts), not being able to have the mold adjusted in the office is a HUGE issue with me. I can't hear at all without the hearing aids so sending them back for a few weeks is problematic. My audi doesn't have replacement hearing aids just lying around as loaners.

I have never given a poor recommendation to a hearing aid before and I've worn them for 40 years. I am grateful for the technology, but I am unhappy that Starkey and Apple can't provide a product that "just works". We pay thousands for these hearing aids. Most of us can't afford them, but there is no choice, we are a captive audience. I am not a technical illiterate. I've tried many fixes and options. In the end, the Blue tooth is almost useless to me. I can't use telecoils any longer. Head phones don't work well for me.  The app doesn't even give me the kind of sound block that I need in restaurants... my list of complaints goes on and on. I'll spare you any more.

This is simply my cautionary response to those looking to buy into the magic of streaming with your iphone,ipad, etc. When it works, it is a miracle. Problem is that it sure doesn't work consistently. At least, it doesn't work for me. Maybe it has something to do with my severe/profound level of loss. Others seem to be just fine. I now wish that I'd gone with the old type ear molds that only required an office visit for adjustment or fine tuning. There are many ways to add the other "bells and whistles" beyond buying into the Apple/Starkey eco system.  I can ill afford to move away from these hearing aids, but I'm trying to figure out how I can do so. For those of you thinking about Starkey/Apple, just be certain that they will truly serve you well BEFORE you buy. Go with your first impressions during the trial period. Good Luck. May you be one of the many satisfied customers.

Have you updated to the most recent iOS on your iPhone? Solved all my problems including  the ones you mention.

I concur.  I *LOVE* my Starkey Halos AS HEARING AIDS.  The sound quality can't be beat.  But STREAMING quality is poor.  Mine connect flawlessly every time, and I can switch between iPhone and iPad easily by simply turning the Bluetooth OFF on one device and ON on the other, then reversing the procedure to switch back.

Luckily FOR ME, I only use streaming for VOICE PODCASTS.  The voice quality is quite poor, but I'm interested in the CONTENT of the podcasts, so I put up with the poor quality.  For PHONE CALLS, I am quite pleased because I can use BOTH EARS.

It is an imperfect world, and you and I have imperfect ears.  The next generation may benefit from us guinea pigs.

Jim Flannery

Littleton, Co.

dogsitter,

Hi and thanks for your effort to help. You have always given good advice in this forum. You do know your "stuff".

Yes. Everything is up to date.  I've used many of the recommended fixes, talked to a Starkey Rep in the past, seen my audi,and so forth. I just don't think these are the hearing aids for me. Would LOVE everything to work, but, for me it "just doesn't work".

After all of this time of wearing hearing aids, you'd think I'd learn not to jump on the newest wizbang band wagon, but I did and do. Wrote to Starkey today and also to my Audi, but I am seriously looking into older tech again. I've had separate units for adjusting sound in the past. Even a watch that went with my Phonak! Didn't use it much after the fact, but it did work as a controller. Could just be me, but I want to use my hearing aids with more than a couple of devices. I REALLY miss being able to work on the computer and use telecoils. They weren't perfect for me, but they worked better than what I have now. Again, when I sit with my iPad and stream. I am blown away by the stream of sound. Maybe that is why I am so disappointed. It simply doesn't work all the time. Sometimes it is perfect. Sometimes it only streams to my right ear. Sometimes it doesn't work at all. Well, you get the idea.

Hearing, I suppose, is just like everything else. What works for one, doesn't always work for another.

Thanks again for your quick offer of help.

Hello,

Sorry to hear you’re having a lot of problems with your Halos. What IOS device and IOS version are you using? Check what firmware your Halos are on using the Trulink app. Ever since IOS 8.2, connectivity and performance improved. Check your IOS devices and Halos to be sure you are up to date. In other words, don’t take other people’s word on what you have.

You know, I credit my audi for helping me make the correct choice and helping me resolve my issues. Not to be disrespectful, but from your post, it sounds like your audi doesn’t have his/her act together. Something as basic as having loaners while your pair is out isn’t a good sign. In addition, it sounds like he/she replaced your Halos without really troubleshooting since your new pair did the same thing. Also, when they replaced your Halos, did they replace the reciver, or the hearing aid or both? I found out that some places will replace the reciver only then tell their customer the unit was replaced. I am not sure if it’s due to not knowing how to troubleshoot, the customer’s lack of understanding, or the audi not being specific on what was replaced. In this case, the customer may still have the same issue. Perhaps you should visit another audi to have your Halos evaluated?

I’ve worn hearing aids for over 20 years and these are the best pair I’ve had. The noise filteration works great. I can wear headsets with no feedback. I can hear and understand soft voices in restaurants and karate studios. I can use Voice Over, listen to book or music, without anyone knowing. The only problem I run into is crackling once in a while during streaming. I noticed this occurred when the battery on the Halo is low. You can either replace the battery or put up with the crackling which goes away after a few seconds. And best of all, I do not need an intermediary device.

HTH and good luck.

I had many problems until recent iOS updates and firmware updates to the HA's.

Like several of you, I had problems with the quality and volume of Streaming, but my audi worked with me for several sessions to get both quality and volume worked out. I can listen to music with as good qaulity as my earpods. Most all podcasts are now very good. Before his work with me I'd listen to Morning Joe on MSNBC and about the only distinction in the voices was female and male. Now I know the voices by sound.

I listen a lot to audiobooks. It's hard to be sure why at times the quality is not good but I think it is because of the recording and the artist reading the book.

In short, if you are having problems go see your audiologist. YOu paid a hefty amount of money for him,her to support you. If you don't get gracious help, see someone else. The audi who sells the HA gets a substantial commission.

I am fortunate to have an exceptional audi recommended by a retired audiology Prof from U of Florida. I doubt though there is only one such audi.

Your audi is your link to HAs that work as they should.

Hi Fellow Halo users!

Still struggling through with my Halos. At least they are consistent in their hookup to my iPad now. Not working with either my iphone or new apple watch though. I've tried the recommended fixes to get the Halos to transition from one device to another without success. I'm actually afraid to disconnect from the iPad (even if I could get that to happen). I don't want to lose the streaming from that device too.

Actually, I have another question:

Has anyone tried the bone conduction headsets along with their Halos?

Guess they've been around for quite a while, but I just learned about them. They sound interesting. Unfortunately, Best Buy doesn't seem to carry them so I can't try before buying. Amazon, though, has many to choose from. I just want something to be able to use with my Macbook Pro for audio courses. I'm not a music audiophile, just need something that won't disturb others while I work and something that will give me good sound for my gimpy ears. ;-)

I just can't find a set of earphones that work comfortably without feedback or discomfort. I know, I've brought up the headphone issue previously and there were some great recommendations. I've tried most of the recommendations.

This is a great group. Thanks again.

-Rachel

Hi Rachel!

I've never tried Bone Conduction earphones, but think that all you'd get is muddy bass.  My real reason for writing today though is to say that you don't need to do anything other than to swipe up from the bottom of your iPad screen and touch the BlueTooth icon to turn OFF BT on the iPad, then try pairing your Halos to another device.  To use the iPad again, just swipe up from the bottom and turn BT back on.  You don't need to "Forget This Device" or anything like that.

I do this all the time.  Turn BT off on one device, then ON on the other.  Works every time.

BTW: I was reading your post as I was trying out a new BlueTooth HEADSET that I received today -an early Christmas present to myself!  It is the V-Moda Wireless (BlueTooth) that also plays corded if I want.  So far, so good.  They sound very nice, and have lots of options.

Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah!

Jim Flannery

Littleton, Colorado

Jim,

Thanks again for your always supportive help. I'm going to check out the headphones. I'll also try the swiping up that you've recommended. I've never tried that one. Now, I'm excited. Will let you know...

Happy Holidays to you too! Also sending similar wishes to the rest of the group.

-Rachel

I should have mentioned that YOU CAN SWIPE UP FROM THE LOCK SCREEN and don't even have to log in.  Works with both iPhone and iPad.  That makes it super easy and fast.

Jim, et al,

Jim- I tried your most recent recommendations, but it was a "no go" for me. Had to completely re-pair the HAs to my iPad. I did get the connection on the iPhone, but there was no seamless connection when moving back to the iPad. Guess, I'm just not going to have a seamless bridge between the two devices. I've been living this way since the beginning so it isn't going to hurt me much. I tend to use my iPad more for streaming anyway.

On to the next question.: That is regarding Assistive Technology that will work with the Halos? Is anyone using bluetooth to stream from the TV or computer via a bluetooth transmitter similar to this one?  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P24XKS8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_t itle_1&smid=A2KUZVNQ9LP7N9

The transmitter depends on headphones or headsets so I need to find something comfortable that won't give feedback.  I'm still curious about the bone conduction headsets. Jim, you said that you thought they would sound muddy. Is that due to our hearing losses? I'm not sure they would be comfortable either due to the way they hook over the ears, but I seem to have trouble with the weight and size of the headphones with ear cuffs. (Jim, I haven't gotten to BestBuy to try your recommendation yet.) Those headphones are a little spendy for me though.

As an example, here is some information on one brand: http://www.amazon.com/Aftershokz-Wireless-Stereo-Headphones-AS500/dp/B00JO9Y176/ ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=145…

Just trying to find some workarounds for the Starkey Halos when not using the iPhone or iPad. Should have gone with something more flexible, but just goes to show me that I'm never too old to learn.

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions.

-Rachel

Darn!  Sorry that didn't work for you.  Electronic things seem to like me and work for me.  Not so for gasoline things like lawn mowers, weed trimmers, or chain saws.  Those things only work ONCE for me, then never again.

Bone conduction seems that it would just transmit the low sounds.  I could be wrong though.  I've never tried it.

Hello,

To turn Bluetooth on or off without going to settings.

1. Ask Siri to turn Bluetooth off or on.

Control center. Tap once on the battery meter on the upper right corner. Then just above the home button, swipe up.

As far as headsets go, you should be able to put on a pair without feedback. If you’re getting feedback, let your audi know so he/she can fix it.

          HTH and good luck.