Note from Gardner Audiology: Tom was a participant in our ‘field study’ program. He was fit with a set of the new Starkey Omega AI 24 hearing aids to try in his real life for one week. Unfortunately, due to home repairs, new hearing aids are not in the budget currently, but Tom wanted to share his experience with our practice and with these hearing aids for anyone thinking about utilizing our practice or the new Starkey devices. Tom, thank you for your honesty and trust!
Gardner team, thank you for entrusting me with a pair of Starkey hearing aids for several days of testing. My comments below are intended to provide useful feedback for you and other users.
In full disclosure, I have not been diligent in wearing my 5-year-old Star Evolution R Li BTE devices, but I do admittedly achieve a “basic satisfactory” (not excellent) hearing quality when I wear them religiously … as confirmed by my wife!
Next, I thoroughly tested the Starkey Omega AI 24 hearing aids in diverse environments: television, phone, car, bank, CVS, restaurant, outdoor sports activity, classroom, potluck party, retail and grocery stores, and quiet conversation. In only one situation, when a food server stood over me in a noisy cafe, did I “miss” what she asked. I also switched programs while in various environments to test the customization features. The results were somewhat discernable, but not dramatic.
In general, the Starkey Omega AI 24 devices performed quite well, clear and crisp. They charged quickly and lasted well. I was able to wear them all day. The programs and setting were sophisticated, although I did not seem to “need” most of them for everyday circumstances.
The primary factor affecting my purchase was an unexpected meltdown of our 13-year-old furnace and air conditioning systems, resulting in the need for quick action and a $16k expense! While the nice folks at Coast-To-Coast Heating & Air were able to complete a total replacement in a 13-hour installation marathon on Saturday, the timing and severity of financial impact put all other discretionary expenses on hold.
Thank you for your patience and a positive experience. You have a great team. I hope to be back for periodic check-ups.
-Tom R. , Inverness
