Compare Hearing Aids

John, the reason we don't have detailed comparisons for the KS 8.0's is because the spec sheets are a bit cryptic and don't allow us to do our typical research to enable apples to apples comparison across generic features. Sorry about that.

My comments apply to the KS 8.0 specifically, but I suspect they are widely applicable. Good luck with your hunt. Don't give up, there is an enormous advantage to be gained.

My first post to this forum was 19 Oct 2018 so this will be four months later. As a first-time user, this has been a fascinating (and almost completely positive) experience. These devices do, in fact, do all they claim to do and then some. If there is a blatant weakness, it is the subjective nature with which the manufacturer describes the specific modes, features and functions. While this particular model can store six individually selectable 'programs', there are eleven or twelve available to choose from. Each is described in a general way (suggesting a particular advantage in a given situation) but the relationships and trade-offs between the programs are not defined. My experience has been that these differences can be extremely subtle up to wildly different with the triggers not easily understood. By trial and error, I believe that the non-automatic selections provide more CONSISTENT results, but not necessarily BETTER results. It appears that the entire repertoire of functions is imbedded by default, with the 'manual' programs providing additional enhancement. This would make perfect sense IF the actual contours of each function were more clearly defined. Things become chaotic in the automatic mode because the 'emphasis' among functions is shifted without notice (an automatic transmission with a mind of it's own) nor indication of 'which gear we are in'. Unfortunately, most of us do this shifting with our minds which will not always agree with the 'auto' algorithm. It should also be understood that the advanced functions of these devices far exceed the capabilitities of 'normal' hearing and processing. For this reason, I believe the manufacturers have failed to take advantage of the most valuable aspect of the devices; training. There's a clear link between the devices as worn, our laptops (or tablets or phones, etc.) and the manufacturers. The potential to create an 'interactive' experience, it seems to me, would be ideal to allow us (users) to learn new hearing skills and how to 'drive' these exciting new devices.

The KS8s are a closed architecture. The Smart Direct app offers very little control over the sound manipulation/suppression. Your Costco tech should explain and customize each program. Ask to look at his screen. Smart direct doesn’t provide that level of detail. My guy created three extra programs tailored to my feedback ... 

I was so close to giving up during those terrible early months before my brain stopped fighting the HAs. But he kept throwing new changes at me and asking me to try them. 

Also I should report that I experienced tinnitus suppression early on, well before acclimation to the full benefits of HAs.

I have tough listening situations. A lot of outdoor events, music festivals and weird club shows. When I walk in I often flip frantically from program to program to find one that stops the discomfort of the loud noise/music. I’m still learning. Sometimes I have to give up and take them out. (I’ll post elsewhere about my failed attempts to use them with my motorcycle helmet, which has its own Bluetooth intercom, microphone and audio receiver.)

Wish the Smart Direct app worked better. Much better. 

No one has ever been able to explain what the “sound exposure” setting does. 

I figger “motion sensor” is an excuse to harvest and sell my location data. 

Hey Smart Direct: I’ll GIVE you my location data if you give me directional microphone control - currently only available in “automatic” program. (2B clear, directional mic setting is boiled in to each program, but can only be altered in the default automatic programs.)

Example: I was in a loud pub, sitting across table from friends.  I selected “noise/party” (or maybe it was “cafe”), which brought the din of the room down below pain threshold. Weird result was voices from behind me coming thru loud and clear above the din, while I watched my friends’ lips move silently. 

I understand why we need ‘canned’ sound packages in the first year, but after that...

 One of you hearing impaired tech geeks should figger out how to open these things up and give me full control over the sound, including very aggressive noise suppression.  That’s an app i’d pay for. Or better yet make it free and sell my anonymous usage data  to the HA companies. 

It's interesting that no one has approached the subject of hearing lose vs. speech understanding. I hear very well with my Costco Kirkland Signature 8.0. hearing aids but many times I cannot understand what a person is saying. If they're speaking too fast I ask them to slow down, then, many times, it's easier to understand them. If they mumble I first say "what?", if that doesn't work, I then ask them to speak more clearly. This usually produces speaking LOUDER.  Does anyone know if not understanding speech is something future hearing aids will be able to correct? Thank you, Barbara and Allen Choate