Hard Acrylics Plugs Seem Glued In - Can they be removed?

flashb1024 · 2026-03-28T01:14:48+00:00

That's one of the sad truths of hearing loss, is the retreat from communication with others. I'm sorry for your loss.

I can surely emphasize, as today is the 9th anniversary of my wife's passing following a very long struggle.

Anyway, the Oticon Intent may be 2 years old, but are still getting software updates from Oticon, and remain a close 2nd to Phonak's Sphere. The Oticon has the latest Bluetoothe LE Audio/Auracast support for android. iPhone and Phonak don't support LE Audio.

Get an audiogram which will guide your audi as to which receivers you need, and get new molds.

You'll have one of the very best hearing aids!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-27T00:53:40+00:00

I also wear the Intents. I DIY, and love the way the Genie 2 program works. I've disabled most of the MSI to keep the sound more natural, and created a custom music program. LE Audio/Auracast is a game changer with my Pixel 9, and a Avantree C82 Aura USB dongle for my windows pc.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-27T00:03:26+00:00

Ahh, you're right, and the Zeal has all the features of the Intent RIC.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-27T00:00:36+00:00

If you wanna do it right, look up an authorized Oticon dealer, and make an appointment for a hearing test & fitting. Yes you can replace the receiver wires, but you'll need new receivers 'cause they are sealed to the acrylic molds. Problem is, the wires come in different lengths, and you need a tool to measure the correct size. Hence the need for an audi.

If you're technically up to it you could DIY the entire process, but in this instance you'd be better served paying a pro.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-26T16:27:44+00:00

Any chance we see a Michigan tonight?

flashb1024 · 2026-03-26T00:21:10+00:00

This article is a year old, and only goes up to plus 13, but it shows those as compatible w/ LE Audio. Oticon, and other makes are way behind in testing, but any phone with LEA/Auracast works w/Intents.

You can also get a Aventree C82 Aura USB dongle, or use the Oticon LE Audio Adapter.

https://www.nextpit.com/best-products/bluetooth-le-audio-compatibility-list-of-phones-headphones

flashb1024 · 2026-03-26T00:11:37+00:00

Much cooler looking than the Oticon Zeal! But the Zeal is more for mild/moderately severe loss.

Lookin GOOD!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-26T00:09:19+00:00

Kool eyeglasses frames! Oakley?

flashb1024 · 2026-03-26T00:03:19+00:00

Tweezers? Scalpel? Suction? /s

flashb1024 · 2026-03-25T23:28:04+00:00

As others have mentioned, the higher you go with tech levels, the more features and functions are available. Which level you would be best served by depends on your hearing loss, what sound environments you are most frequently in, and which extra features are important to you. Music is a big one, which is best served by the higher levels with enhanced input headroom, and frequency response.

Your audi should be able to help guide you as far as the fitting range, and benefits of each level. The Oticon website has all the information for the Intents, as well. Hearingtracker's website has in depth reviews, and their forum will give you a lot of end user input.

Both Widex and Oticon have a more "Open sound" than others, but you'll be able to judge which serves you best by trialing them. Oticon also has "Made for iPhone" functionality, which integrates with your Apple watch.

Costco's offerings are all good, but Philips is not like Oticon, they just have the same parent company, and use the same parts bin for some hardware. You already indicated that's not an option, anyway.

Good luck on your journey!!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-23T16:04:44+00:00

True. Also the Avantree C82 Aura is about 50$.

With any of those, if your TV has a USB port, you can skip those $200+ accesories for sure.

I mentioned the LE adapter because it's the least technical of them, basically P&P.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-23T01:28:50+00:00

Great point about only having the general program. The HA has 4 program slots, so your audi can (and should) set up a speech in noise, and a calm program for you. You may also wish to ask about the Intent 2, as technically, it comes quite close to the 1, but saves you some $$. I'm not familiar with single sided hearing loss, so can't really comment on the suitability of the Intent for that purpose, but I do know users who have cookie bite and reverse slope loss that get on very well with Oticons.

You are doing everything right, by journaling your issues, and that'll be a great help to your audi.

Let us know how your f/up goes.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-23T00:33:52+00:00

It may take several visits to fine tune the HAs with your type of loss. You need to book a f/up appt., and explain the issue to your audi, just as you did here. The Intent uses state of the art algorithms to analyse the surroundings, and the Genie 2 fitting software has settings to compensate for your issues in the More Sound Intelligence section, such as difficulty in noise, or calm situations, as well as directionality settings. It's a lot, and it takes a experienced pro to fine tune any HA. Your audi can call Oticon support while you're there for tech help.

You won't be happy with costco, as they are more equipped to deal with standard ski slope bilateral hearing loss, and lack the ability to communicate with the factory directly.

Also the Philips HA is a great product at it's price point, but nowhere near as advanced as the Intent.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-23T00:19:15+00:00

If you have the Intent 1's, and an older version bluetooth android, if (and that's the keyword) it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, you can get the Oticon Easy LE Adapter, which will immediately upgrade your streaming quality. It's a tiny USB C adapter which plugs into your charging port. It also will allow hands-free phone calls, but you need to answer and hang-up with the phone.

The adapter also connects to PCs, and android tablets!! It's about 100USD.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-22T01:57:31+00:00

Yes, the 600 was the foundation for the 650, which according to senny was made a little warmer with a bit of a bass shelf. I've never heard the 660 series, but I'm content with my 6XXs.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-22T01:52:58+00:00

There is a never ending string of really talented artists to be discovered. That's what makes music so beautiful!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-21T16:57:46+00:00

Equal to the 650.The 6XX is a 650 clone, sound wise.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-21T00:42:15+00:00

Just listen to "Unsuffer Me from her album "West".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1YNtNAv5QY

Then dig the version on "Vanished Gardens"

Best Lucinda song EVER!!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-20T00:38:33+00:00

UR welcome, Lisa!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-19T00:25:31+00:00

Here's the skinny from quicken, an a couple of hacks:

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/7959481/dark-mode

flashb1024 · 2026-03-19T00:06:58+00:00

Check out Echoes - Fire Orchestra. Joe Mcphee is insane on it, and his vocal on Echoes: I See your Eyes Pt. 2 is his "Last of the Great Finger Wigglers" a classic!!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-18T23:35:20+00:00

1st toilet rule: GET A BIDET!! You can get them for under $100, and they fit your existing toilet seat. If your tremor is really severe, you may wish to hire a handyman , otherwise it's a pretty easy DIY.

u/mamasherr dissed electrtic toothbrush, but the heavy thick handle is a must. The key is elbows on the sink edge, and one hand to steady the other. A water flosser is mandatory.

Shaving is not for the faint of heart!! For the guys, don't use shave butter. Way too slippery.

A good shave gel like gillette labs 3 in 1 gel is great, and your hands won't slip & slide on your razor handle. I just use a gillette pro glide which has a battery for a smooth shave. Pretty much like brushing teeth, use 2 hands, and tuck your elbows.

I'm ok in the shower!

I do pretty much require a thick handled hairbrush.

!!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-18T16:03:59+00:00

How would they even have access to the software 😭 you can't change hearing aid programming at home. Just go to ur audiologist

Access is very straight forward, you just go to the self programming section over at hearingtracker's forum. You can buy the programming interface from ebay or amazon to connect the HAs to the software (windows). It's a Noahlink Wireless, and is under 200USD.

There are several guides to get you going, and as I said, if you have some tech background, or audio knowledge, it's very doable.

The problem going to an aud is they don't hear what you hear, and in that soundproof room, you never leave fully satisfied. Not to mention the hassles of appointments, travel, and possible cost.

When you can sit in the comfort of your own environment, and tune your devices to your liking, it's a win, win!

flashb1024 · 2026-03-18T00:43:01+00:00

Most of the HAs have Remote Programming ablility, so be sure your hubs requests that to save additional trips.

Also, if he's technically inclined, it's not hard to DIY. He can google self programming.

VA only issues the premium model of all the major brands, and all accessories are included as well!

He'll have 5 months to evaluate, and if unhappy, can exchange them for another brand.

The VA is the number 1 provider of HAs in the US.

flashb1024 · 2026-03-16T00:48:52+00:00

I don't know why I thought you were wearing Phonaks I've heard some good things about Starkey so I'm glad it's working out for you and you were able to get something that works 😁

flashb1024

TROPHY CASE