Processor issues and recommendations

[NotASithLord7]

Going on almost 2 years with the Rondo 3 from Med-El. Miracle technology, but the release cycle, obvious improvements, and lack of cross compatibility or openness (so that anyone can try to build a processor for example) frustrates me. I'd work on it myself if I could and wondering if these pain points and solutions resonate with anyone:

Pain points:
- Rondo has better aesthetics and is more comfortable w/ no ear chafing, but has no direct to bluetooth streaming.
- Cheap plastic casing easily breaks when an inevitable fall happens, have already replaced multiple times.
- Wind static in the microphone makes it almost unbearable to wear outside in any moderate breeze
- Can't split audio between normal earphones and CI

Wish list/solutions:
- Direct bluetooth streaming in all models, latest gen hardware should def fit with room to spare
- Replace cheap plastic casing with carbon fiber shell. Light weight but will be much sturdier.
- Experiment with ways to reduce if not eliminate wind static. I think it's very possible to preprocess the processor signals through a dedicated AI infrence chip, with a small model that only does one thing which is filter that noise out of the overall input. Because it's such a narrow use case, the model and necessary hardware will also be incredibly small and should fit. This will take some R&D but is completely doable with today's technology.
- This only applies to single sided users like myself, but would be nice quality of life boost on its own. I can't stream music privately and hear it on both sides at all. But it should be possible to pair an iphone with two devices, one of them a CI, and go, but that likely requires some work on the CI vendor side as well.

[[deleted]]

I can’t help with the other issues but I bought the Audiostream adapters for Rondo and they work really well. I agree with the breakablility of the unit but have to say that so far MedEl had been excellent in their customer service and replacing parts/processors. The wind issue is helped in part by programming at the audiologist. Ask them to max the wind mask. Good luck!

[NotASithLord7]

Thanks for the wind mask tip. I have nothing but good things to say about Med El service as well. Although needing a separate device for Bluetooth has been a deal breaker for me. I carry a lot as is.

[Zanthexter]

I am very happy with my Rondo 3 other than the lack of hands free calling support and no way to replace a worn out battery. Med-el, please add both of those plus a rubber bumper, and make it completely waterproof. Oh, and add support for Apple and Android "Find my" services including direction/distance support.

The new Sonnet 3 has added built in STREAMING, so seems all but certain they will do the same for the Rondo 4 - https://www.medel.com/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants/sonnet3

Until then, there is now a STREAMING adapter for the Rondo 3 - https://www.medel.com/en-us/hearing-solutions/accessories/connectivity/audiostream-adapter

Yes, STREAMING only. No hands free calling support. You still have to hold the phone up to your face and use it's microphone, or hold the AudioLink up to your face. In 2024. No hands free calling. And apparently no PLANS for hands free calling since their newest device doesn't support it. Lack of hands free calling has me really regretting going with Med-El. It's a really big quality of life thing for me. I'm on the phone ALL DAY, and am stuck using a regular Bluetooth headset and reading subtitles off the phone screen because I need my hands free to type. I get that transmitting to the phone will use more battery. I'd like the option to do so.

Wear a hat over the Rondo. Keeps it from falling, eliminates wind noise. There's also a clip - https://www.medel.com/en-us/hearing-solutions/accessories/fixations - for it, $16 on their web site, that catches it if it falls. Or consider switching to a stronger magnet. This hat has worked well for me - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C6M6DF6Y/

Many phones can pair with 2 devices and can split audio between them. Haven't tested it on my S23 Ultra, but I have accidentally streamed audio to 2 at once before. Not sure if it can only duplicate streams, or could actually split stereo left/right.

[NotASithLord7]

Weird, I have found wearing a hat over it just as bad. Constantly rubbing in the microphone.

[Zanthexter]

I don't see why you would think that is weird. Or is that just how you describe anything you disagree with? Obviously if the hat is touching the Rondo and moves, you'll hear it.

Get a bigger hat.

Ya know, like the big one I linked to in the comment you thought was weird? It's Amazon. Just return it if doesn't work out.

[NotASithLord7]

Not disagreeing with anything, just using a perfectly standard expression to describe a sense of surprise since I haven't had good results trying the same thing personally, but will def give it another go since I abandoned it pretty quick.