[dfex]

I am currently trialling a pair of Phonak hearing aides (mid-range audio package, roughly AUD$5K) and I can assure you the sound quality is garbage even at this price point.

Yes, they pick up sounds I don't normally hear, but I would compare the experience to listening to world through a cheap high-school PA system.

[jimktrains2]

I also have phonaks on a similar price range and mine sound pretty good. Could it be an issue with how they're configured?

[dfex]

I sure hope so. Like I said, I'm only trialling them. Do you find they pretty much have no low-end/bass at all?

[konradb]

Are you used to wearing aids? Like have you worn them for several years? I remember when I first wore hearing aids it sounded like really tinny bluetooth speakers hovering behind my head. It was distracting and a bit depressing to think this was what I was going to have to listen to.

Over a few months my brain priced it in, and now I don't get that at all. Putting them in just means I hear better. It is like my brain has noticed the new sounds and interprets them before I hear them. The audiologist I spoke to said this happens to everybody, however the longer you've had untreated hearing loss and the older you are, the longer it will take your brain to adapt.

[dfex]

No - I have only been trialling them for about 2 weeks after having substantial hearing loss on one side for 20+ years.

Thanks for your insight though - I was told "a couple of days" to get used to them would be enough.

[jimktrains2]

I think they sound ok. Even when used as a Bluetooth headset for music there's enough bass that I haven't really thought about it.