starkey halo

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.

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.

I don't know how to start a new thread, so I'm just using reply to get this out.

NEW THREAD: I HAVE BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES THAT I CAN RECOMMEND!

I can still use headphones, and have a wall full of them, both wired and BlueTooth. A month ago I found some that I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND. They are the V-Moda Crossfade Wireless: http://v-moda.com/crossfade-wireless . They can be used BOTH WIRELESS AND CORDED and are completely compatible with iPhones and iPads. The sound is EXCELLENT, and I cannot hear any difference between corded or BlueTooth. They have a built-in microphone, so you can use them for phone calls. The people that I have spoken to say that my voice comes across just fine. The battery lasts "12 hours, depending on volume."

These are OVER THE EAR earphones, so they fit around your ears, and are very comfortable for long periods of use.

The only caveat is that the battery is not USER replaceable. But V-Moda has a LIFETIME warranty that extends beyond the normal one year warranty. The way it works is that if you are past the one year warranty, you can get a BRAND NEW replacement at HALF PRICE. The cost of the headset is $300, so an out of warranty replacement would be just $150.

I also have Sennheisers that cost more, but the V-Moda beat them hands-down. Much better Bluetooth and much louder sound.

Jim Flannery

Littleton, Colorado

I am a 2 week use of Halo i110 units (both ears).

I have a question about Comfort Boost - I have read some general info in the manuals but don't really know when to use the setting button to turn it on, leave it on all the time?, leave it off?

What is it doing and how are others using it?

Generally, I am liking the units - I do use streaming for podcasts and phone but use normal speakers or ear devices for Music listening.

I would like to be able to adjust the sound better than with Soundspace as others have commented on.

I have found a low hiss setting that I have done in Soundspace that helps the audiologist Normal setting but if I understand correctly, the audo won't be able to see what I have done?

fmH

Hi Jim,

I have not been to the forum for along time. I've been wearing the halo i110s since september 2014. I had the same initial BT connectivity issues that most people were experiencing. Once the iOS upgrades come out, my Halos have been virtualy trouble free. Add an apple watch recently, still no issues at all. I predominately stay connected to the phone rather than my ipad, although I do switch back and forth occasionally without issue. My loss is extremely profound. I only hear the first 2 hertz at about 20% and then drop to zero. My speach recognition is below 50%. The halos are by far the best aids I have every had. I can't watch TV without a headset and closed captioning, the aids don't help much with the TV viewing. The headset I currently use is from Sony. very comfortable over the ear, wireless infrared connection from the rechargeable headset to the base. The base connects to the the microphone jack on the TV, when connected that TV doesn't put sound into the room, which is a great set up for the bedroom, where we have his and hers TVS. I am looking for a headset that would connect to smart tv in my family room, allow regular volume in the room, so I could actually enjoy TV with my family.

Even with my Halos, watching TV without a headset doesn't work for me, I need the sound to be streaming directly to my ears in order to have any hopes of hearing enough on the program to enjoy it. Do you think the V-Moda would work for me?

Well, they're LOUD, but I guess you won't know without trying them. They're much louder than my Sennheisers. Any more, I only use the Sennheisers with the TV, and that's just because I plug the base unit directly into the TV.

Good luck to you!

Jim

LOUD is good, my hearing is BAD! Do they have a volume control?

When in BlueTooth mode, YES. There are 3 buttons and a switch. The switch turns 'em on, then there are buttons for +, -, and the standard pause multi-function. When used with say, an iPhone or iPad, the + and - duplicate the effect of the buttons on the iDevice.

When you use the headset WIRED, it is just "earphones" and uses the source volume control.

Jim