I am 62 and new to hearing aids. My test shows loss in mid-range freq. I have to turn the TV up and lose words in conversations, etc. I want the best hardware - small, light-weight. Which will work better for me Signia primax 7px or Oticon Opn?

Siemens and Oticon are both excellent manufacturers, researching and developing the best in hearing aid technology. I have worked with both the Primax 7 and the new Oticon Opn with success. It's always nice to work with an audiologist that will let you try both instruments however, it also depends on your needs. If you want the latest in direct connection to your iphone that option is not available in the Siemens product. On the other hand, Siemens is the way to go if you want a rechargable device. If you have an audiologist that you are comfortable with and trust they will guide you through this process. Best wishes and success,

Both of these devices can be excellent. Which one is better for you would depend on a variety of factors that you would need to discuss with your audiologist. I have patients using both products and each is happy. I agree with Melanie that you may want to try both in the office and see which you prefer. They can both be lightweight and small but they have very different processing algorithms. I have had amazing feedback from my patients wearing the Oticon Opn as it is a revolutionary platform.

Both manufacturers make good quality devices. At the moment the Opn (in the UK) is only available in the "1" spec ie top of the range. It may be that this is over prescribing.

Incidentally, I am a big fan of the Opn device but how I tend to prescribe hearing aids would be based on your lifestyle & QuickSin scores. (Complex lifestyle &/or poor score high spec aid more basic lifestyle & or better QuickSin score lower spec aid).

Regarding your lifestyle, trying to hear the TV more clearly with a hearing aid alone doesn't always give the maximum benefit. If you are the owner of one of the more modern flat screen TV's what you have gained in screen size & picture quality you have traded away in sound quality. Lots of modern TV's have speakers of a similar quality to those found in a laptop so a good way to maximise your ability to hear the TV would be to use a supplementary accessory to stream the sound from the TV. In addition to better sound quality & clarity you have the additional benefit of being able to move around ie to make a drink or visit the bathroom while still following the TV show. 

So the answer would be if you have a very low QuickSin score (ie you have good processing ability) you may want to choose a lower spec aid but supplement it with a TV streamer (so this may rule out the Opn until the 2 & 3 spec are released). I think of hearing aids as the foundation for hearing better but not always the complete answer. If you have a very poor score hearing aids alone may not restore all the words you are losing in conversations in complex environments, therefore a remote mic may also be necessary. Sometimes it is better to keep the same budget but try a package to meet your hearing needs.

I hope this helps.

 

 

The primax 7 is an excellent choice. The Oticon Opn is also an excellent option as they are both top flight solutions.

Generally speaking your loss can be easily addressed. However the greatest determinate of success is your speach discrimination scores.

This in combination with your other listening environments that you are needing addressed in addition to your budget will ultimately decide the right level of technology and product needs.

The ultimate goal is to get you hearing on a path that will be sustainable over your lifetime while preserving your current hearing and your ability to discriminate speech.

Why not try both and see which is better for you?  Find an audiologist who isn't owned by the company they work for and have them order both.  Try each for a week and you decide which is best for you.  There will probably be a charge but it would be money well spent.

Both systems are good, but more importantly, you should see a professional and listen to the aids yourself!  Find someone in your area that would provide a demonstration of both technologies.

Both options are excellent choices.  You won't make a bad choice either way.  My preference is the Opn, but the only way to truly know, is to try them both.  I am certain the dispenser you are working with is willing to let you try them both before you decide.  I fimly believe there is not a single hearing aid that is right for everyone.  We all have different preferences.  Manufacturers process sound differently, which means you will likely notice an immediate sound quality difference between the two instruments.  Both are successful leading manufacturers but you will likely prefer one over the other.  Try before you buy!

I have found over the years that while I might be able to predict generally how many will choose which device, I am not always right...I prefer putting both aids on patients to see which one they prefer.  My patients have been pleased with this approach because no one knows their ears like they do!