Could this be the next big thing......again! The "Be" was Resound's initial manifestation of this type of product and it actually sold very well but unfortunately there were reliability and feedback issues. Maybe it was just too far ahead of its time when components weren't nanocoated and the feedback managers weren't as effective as they are today. FYI, Resound did a very good job in the UK of replacing nearly all the problem aids. I, personally, was sad to see it go because as a concept it worked on a number of levels, but now it's back, repackaged as the Lex and without the flaws of the Be. The only question I have for Resound is, why did it take so long?
It is the only discreet in the ear (ITE) hearing aid that can be fitted instantly. For this reason, The Hearing Lab will keep some stock so that you can try the hearing aids and walk out wearing them the very same day. Different lengths for microphone wires and sizes of speaker domes allows us, as audiologists, to adapt the aids to fit any ear.
They use the same microchip as the Resound Alera which gives me tremendous faith in their feedback management. In fact, when I first tried these, I decided to push them to their gain and feedback limits and there was no whistling at all and they sounded clear and sharp.
The main idea of the Lex is that they can be fit openly (not block the ear canal) so that the ear retains it's natural hearing and the aid just adds what's missing in an ITE form rather than a behind the ear (BTE) solution. Therefore, its ideal for people who have reasonable low pitch hearing and poorer high pitch hearing. It is also suitable for people who need the canal to remain ventilated. For example, for skin conditions such as exzema, perforations and those who are prone to ear infection.
Most of the main part of the aid fits into the ear and it's tapered for comfort. It's comfort comes from the fact that there is very little in contact with the sensitive skin of the ear canal and only touches at a few points - a square shape in a round hole to bluntly describe it. The microphone tucks neatly away in the helix area of the ear and is therefore hidden in the upper fold. This means it is also hidden away from the wind and you would almost have to be in gale force conditions to get any microphone wind noise. These are perfect for the adventurous or on the golf course.
There are a two types of Lex, the 800 and the 400. The 800 is the premium model and has 17 channels (WARP compression bands) instead of 9 and the 800 has the benefit of the Environmental Optimizer II. So, there is quite a significant difference between the two. The extra channels will improve hearing in background noise and give a more natural hearing experience and the Environmental Optimizer II will add even more self adjustment for different listening conditions than normal. This could be important as the Lex has no manual control or remote control options.
These are already in stock so if you would like to give these a try just contact The Hearing Lab and make an appointment.
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