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A couple days ago the head audiologist at the Denver VA contacted me and suggested we meet face to face (or better, mask to mask). So yesterday afternoon I drove to the VA and met Dr. Steven Huart in his office for an hour and a half. I found him to be a friendly, engaging guy, probably in his sixties, and we started our conversation by him wanting to know why I felt I needed new hearing aids and why, in particular, I was focused on the Phonak Paradise 90.
He was sincerely interested in listening to me and was not looking to steer me in a different direction. After I showed my extensive study of the Phonak Paradise and why I was convinced that they offered me the best chance of being able to hear better in noise, which is my biggest present issue, he said he would approve my getting these hearing aids if I would partner with him and continue our dialogue on my experiences with them. Of course I was delighted to agree to the commitment of time with him as long as he was benefiting from getting my feedback. It really seemed like a win-win for both of us. And I was particularly impressed with him wanting to learn about all my reactions, both pro and con, as I tried these new aids out in all my various social and teaching situations.
So he took molds of my ears and said it would take about two weeks to have the Phonak aids ready for me to use. I’ll keep you apprised of how things go once we start the implementation process. And I am most pleased to see a leader like Dr. Huart taking this approach and I am most happy to be a guinea pig in this transaction and that I stand to benefit along with many other vets who might be in a similar hearing situation.
And, Jim, thanks for your information comparing Oticon and Phonak. Any others on this link that want to contribute to my education on Phonak Paradise 90’s are encouraged to keep the data coming.
Dick Wisott
On Aug 28, 2021, at 7:35 AM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Dick, in case you are still shopping here is the comparison list I made for Oticon More and Phonak Paradise. It is still a work in progress.
<Hearing aid comaprrison pdf.pdf>
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Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry,
M.A./M.B.A.
10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608
Phone (562) 947-2258
Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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Steve, I think Phonak tech support can answer that tor you.
If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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Phonak Tech Support will not talk to VA customers. They will refer you back to the VA.
Steven C. Sterry,
M.A./M.B.A.
10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608
Phone (562) 947-2258
Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 7:11 PM Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote: Steve, I think Phonak tech support can answer that tor you.
If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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They talked to me. And I had disclosed that I was a patient at VA. They were the first to tell me about the Paradise firmware update. And they even told me that VA would not have the update until November (the next contract)
On Aug 29, 2021, at 9:24 PM, Steve Sterry <steve.sterry@...> wrote:
Phonak Tech Support will not talk to VA customers. They will refer you back to the VA.
Steven C. Sterry,
M.A./M.B.A.
10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608
Phone (562) 947-2258
Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 7:11 PM Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote: Steve, I think Phonak tech support can answer that tor you.
If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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I’m not scheduled to be at the VA until two weeks from last Friday…and I will try to remember to ask about the firmware.
Phonak Tech Support will not talk to VA customers. They will refer you back to the VA.
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 7:11 PM Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote: Steve, I think Phonak tech support can answer that tor you.
If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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Thanks.
Steven C. Sterry,
M.A./M.B.A.
10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608
Phone (562) 947-2258
Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 8:18 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: I’m not scheduled to be at the VA until two weeks from last Friday…and I will try to remember to ask about the firmware.
Dick
Phonak Tech Support will not talk to VA customers. They will refer you back to the VA.
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 7:11 PM Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote: Steve, I think Phonak tech support can answer that tor you.
If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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You were lucky.
Steven C. Sterry,
M.A./M.B.A.
10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608
Phone (562) 947-2258
Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 7:29 PM Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote: They talked to me. And I had disclosed that I was a patient at VA. They were the first to tell me about the Paradise firmware update. And they even told me that VA would not have the update until November (the next contract) Phonak Tech Support will not talk to VA customers. They will refer you back to the VA.
Steven C. Sterry,
M.A./M.B.A.
10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608
Phone (562) 947-2258
Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sun, Aug 29, 2021 at 7:11 PM Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote: Steve, I think Phonak tech support can answer that tor you.
If you can remember, can you find out if there is a firmware update for the Phonak Marvels available through the VA?
Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A. 10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA 90603-2608 Phone (562) 947-2258 Email: steve.sterry@...
On Sat, Aug 28, 2021 at 1:37 PM dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote: Jim, I will ask about the firmware as I do have the iPhone 12 and thanks for the advice. I also agree with your point suggesting we all need to not be intimidated when the VA says “no” to our request for supplies or service. While that had never happened to me previously, I sense some belt tightening more recently…and I made that point with my doctor visit yesterday. And I will keep this thread advised of my progress in getting new hearing aids over the coming weeks.
Dick On Aug 28, 2021, at 1:45 PM, Jim Rau < jimrau@...> wrote:
Congratulations Dick. I hope things work out for you.
I too am convinced that the medical staff at VA are caring, competent people in general. Of course, people being people, some are better than others.
You might want to ask your audi at the fitting in two weeks how the lack of the latest firmware update from Phonak will affect the performance of your hearing aids. Both Phonak and VA have told me the same thing - “VA will not have the new firmware until November”. The Phonak Paradise that Phonak is providing to VA under their contract does not have the newest firmware. It may not be an issue for you but I know that if you have an iPhone 11, 12, or SE it will affect the performance. Oh and I hope you got t-coils ordered in your new hearing aids.
Please share your thoughts about the Paradise HA when you get them. I’m still very undecided on choosing between the Otidon and Phonaks for myself.
And for the rest of the veterans on here it is important that while Dick and I got great audiology care from VA ti took some foot stomping and shouting to get it. Just think of how many veterans just take what they are given and go home whether it works or not. Military veterans in general are taught to "get in line and shut up”. The sad truth is that we have to be our own advocates. We have to inform ourselves about our audiology care. We have to ask the right questions. And sometimes we have to make some noise. Hopefully this group will make a difference for a few veterans getting audiology care.
Jim On Aug 28, 2021, at 12:13 PM, dwisott < dwisott@...> wrote:
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