Review of the Phonak Icom Hearing Aid system (pls read Description!)

NOTE: I am on my 3rd iCom - first two replaced by Phonak with broken wire (that goes around neck). It weakens slowly from movement. Also, since upgrade to iOS 4, it crackles badly and is unusable with my iPhone. Since it worked before upgrade with iPhone, and also with Palm Centro and HTC G1 (original Android phone) this probably isn't Phonak's fault. Still a useful device, but it EATS batteries! Also, several people have told me my on-call clarity is poor, but the device *is* about at my sternum, far away from my mouth, so if you use it in loud places it's not going to work at well. You kind of have to pick your spots, but I still think it's worth it if you really need it. If you can, try one for a week before you buy it.

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In response to a private message question "18 months after creating the video are you STILL happy with the iCom" I replied in part:

"I'd say that I'm *somewhat* happy with it. I've had two break on me (the wire that goes around the neck) and though I've gotten two replacements no charge, it's a bit much to take. Also, battery life is very poor while it is in use.

Since I upgraded to iOS4 on my iPhone I have been unable to use it well. It's certain nice at times -- beats headphones a lot of the time, but it's also proving to be less-than-rugged and in a noisy environment, you can't hear well. Even in a car it is often too quiet to hear anything but music, and even then it is somewhat drowned out.

For my car, I actually bought a new stereo system so I could plug in my phone and listen over the stereo. I use Skype for a lot of calls now, and take one aid out for that. Lately I've rarely listened to music on my iPhone as if I'm listening, I'm around my computer (which I plug into big speakers) or in my car, where I plug into the car stereo.

This represents a bit of a change partly because of my lifestyle now, and isn't complete indicative of how useful the iCom is/was. When I made the video, I was living in a way when I needed it a lot but at the moment I do not and no longer wear it every day."

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• phonak
• hearing
• aids
• icom
• review

[windsurf17]

(cont from prev comment) ... your icom will cut out. Same for phone ringing, or anything. I was hoping to have it set up to "mute microphones during music but not other sounds" but there is no option for that. My aids/icom setup were a half-and-half mix by default. When a text came, it would quiet the mic slightly as it beeped in my ear, but not totally. This mix/mic shutoff is done at your aid provider's office with their computer software.

[windsurf17]

The base sounds okay. It's definitely not going to match what you are used to with good buds or a stereo. I think you can get better clarity, if not fidelity, by adjusting the aids so that nearly all sound is cut off to the microphones when it is active. I tried this, though, and I warn you that every alert (like when the batteries are going dead) and manual switch to a different program, will kill sound to your aids. For instance, say you are talking to someone and your text msg beeps... (cont)

[windsurf17]

The iCom must be worn around the neck, though I never tried not wearing it, so maybe that's just their "best practice." Apparently the wire that goes around the neck is part of the antennae or system or whatever, and the iCom itself must be between your ears. Again, I never tried it though.

[windsurf17]

Yes, my model is micro-usb

[windsurf17]

You can set up the iCom to make everything around you quieter when it is in use -- this makes sense except that whenever the iCom alerts you about something it will cut the sound around you. Take this example:

Say I have my iPhone and the iCom paired and I get a text message, which plays a sound, and the iCom cuts out the hearing aids. This can be *very* distracting and if it happens during a conversation, you probably will miss what was said.

[colpat7]

I'm 76 widower. I use iCom with my iPhone 3g.  People see me dining alone, talking to my great grand daughter who is in Japan using Skype (internet phone). They often remark "see that little old man who has an imaginary friend or is talking to himself. But it makes a good pickup line. "Want call me and talk to me on my hearing aids?' If she does I have her phone number!

[windsurf17]

@colpat7 Awesome icebreaker line! 

[DanielAvilaAGT]

You sound like Obama

[WhereDaBudAt95]

i found one of these inn my house but its only the square thing and the necklace thingyy?? about how much is that worth or wats needed?

[jwjustlookin]

Thanks for the review. I just got my Phonak Cassia micro P's with the iCom system, and I must say, it is amazing. I can listen to the music streaming from my phone now.

[ecpioneer]

Thank you. I need a hearing aid and this helps. I want a similar setup. You must be a Christian because you are helping people as Christ taught. God will honor you for it.

[Alyaptiva]

Thanks for recommending the Phonak hearing aids. I have had my Naida IX Ultra Powers for about 8 months now and I love them. I'm 53 and have worn hearing aids since I was 27. I'm still a few years from retirement so it's imperative that I have really good hearing aids and I have to say these are the best so far. And the ICOM...my God, what a blessing. I have the TVLink which is great. I can walk all over my house and not miss a word on TV. This thing really is life changing. Thanks..

[racsop70]

@windsurf17 how does the base sound? I guess it depends on the HA. I just got the icom with the Audeo Smart IX and I'm a little dissapoonted on the sound quality. I guess I'm used to the iPod ear buds which have a great sound. I'm wondering if the base is something the Audi can adjust. Works great for the phone. Thanks again for the review.

[racsop70]

@windsurf17

Does the icom have to be worn around the neck? In other words, when I'm sitting down at my work desk, can I place it near me and still have the Bluetooth function with my desk or cell phone?