Ad loading

I have Rexton BTE aids that are about 5 years old. The original provider left town and the folks who picked up servicing my aids tell me that the software to reprogram my hearing aids is discontinued and no longer supported. Is this correct?

Ellen Nathan

Hearing Healthcare Provider

07 November 2017 - 1.36K Views

That is an out and out LIE!!!  Rexton software is readily available for download from their site, or they will happily send it to the vendor.  Legacy software doesn't discontinue for around 10+ years or so.  I know this because I had to replace a computer at one of my office workstations and I had to replace all the software.  All the manufacturers gave me both current software and the older software too.  A 5 year old Rexton would require  Conexxfit v6.5, which is still available.  I am ashamed of places like this, it makes all of us look bad.

Upvote (2) Downvote Reply

Nathan Rhodes, AuD

Doctor of Audiology

07 November 2017 - 1.4K Views

The software is no longer updated, it has been replaced by a new version of the software that is not compatible with the older hearing aids. Many providers still have the older version of software on their computers and can still program the hearing aids provided they also still have the proper cables. 

Upvote (2) Downvote Reply

Susan Lew, AuD

Audiologist and Hearing Healthcare Provider

08 November 2017 - 1.32K Views

Hello!  I agree with everything that has been said; however an updated audiogram should be performed as well as a good history of lifestyle and any increasing challenges or changes in circumstances.  Once that is obtained, a fuller and further discussion of the entire hearing healthcare situation is warranted.  Obtainable software, being out of date or unavailable, just adds another layer in providing excellent consumer healthcare and professional services and warrants discussion.

Susan M. Lew,Au.D.

Ballas Hearing and Audiology

648 N. New Ballas Rd

St. Louis, MO

314.569.4040

Upvote (1) Downvote Reply

in Phoenix

07 November 2017 - 1.34K Views

If the clinic is a Rexton provider, they should be able to request the old software if the current software isn't backward compatible.

Upvote Downvote Reply

Kristi Reed, AuD

Audiologist

07 November 2017 - 1.35K Views

Even if your hearing aid is discontinued and no longer supported, it's likely you can find an audiologist that still has the older software on their computer.  You might try calling a few other places.

Upvote Downvote Reply

Jeff Brown, AuD

Hearing Healthcare Provider

07 November 2017 - 1.35K Views

I suggest contacting another provider. The software is still available. I agree with answers that have already been provided above. 

Upvote Downvote Reply

Stefanie Behnke, AuD

Audiologist

07 November 2017 - 1.35K Views

While that particular provider may not have had the correct software, there are always ways to access older software/programming cables--usually by calling the manufacturer.

Upvote Downvote Reply

Mark Butler, AAS

Hearing Healthcare Provider

07 November 2017 - 1.36K Views

Software is updated on a regular basis and the new updates are backwards compatible with any older products that used that same software.  When manufacturers change the hardware platform significantly they may also bring out a new software package that is not compatible with anything older.  Most dispensers will keep the old software as well as the new and can then program older aids without any issue.  The old version of software is also readily available from the manufacturer.  It only takes a phone call to get a copy of the old version or it can be downloaded online on the spot.

Upvote Downvote Reply

Michael Passineau

Hearing Healthcare Provider

07 November 2017 - 1.36K Views

The answer should be, how old is the product you are wearing, was there a misunderstanding of whether the software is no longer supported or are the hearing aids themselves discontinued. If the answer is the hearing aid has been discontinued and no longer supported by the factory then yes this is true. As with any software program when new products from Windows comes out not all software will or can be run anymore. 

Upvote Downvote Reply

Caleb McNiece

Professional Member

07 November 2017 - 1.39K Views

Generally speaking, the software should still be functional. If they previously had the rexton software there is no reason why that age software should not be working. Potentially if they didn't work with Rexton previously they might not be able to get it from the manufacturer but that's a bit of a stretch i believe as manufacturer software support can usually get AuDs/HISs a download of the software if physical media are no longer available.

 

Upvote Downvote Reply

Discussion

This Website Does Not Provide Medical Advice. All material on this Website is provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion of information on this site does not imply any medical advice, recommendation or warranty. Answers provided should not be considered a substitute for the advice of health professionals who are familiar with your specific medical history. Experts who provide advice via "Expert Answers" assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of, nor any liability to update, the information provided. Expert answers and comments may be removed at any time, at the discretion of the moderators, without notice.