BiCROS WiFi Aid.... Interesting Case!

The client I saw in this observation I had seen a few weeks before for a hearing aid evaluation. The client was now being seen for the hearing aid orientation because his aids had arrived at the clinic. During the previous session, the client stated that he had Meniere's disease and had the eighth nerve severed in his left ear due to extreme attacks of vertigo. The left ear, therfore, was dead as shown through testing. Puretone and speech testing were performed. MCLs and UCLs were also obtained. Amplification was then discussed. The client wanted a Unitron BiCROS system with a Unison 6 for the right ear, better ear, and a WiFi microphone for the left ear. The clinician and the client discussed this option, and it was determined that this aid would be an option for him. The aids were ordered. It should be noted that the molds were ordered through Microsonic, and the client was charged an additional $80 during the session.

This session was for the hearing aid orientation. Steps were first taken before the client was brought to the fitting room. Due to the clinician and supervisors being new to the aid, the team gathered to discuss how the aid worked and how to program it. The team then programmed the aid. The Unifit programming software through Unitron was used for programming. Program 1 was set for "Quiet/Match Target" using a BiCROS and digital wide dynamic range compression (WDRC). Program 2 was set for "Group/Party Noise" using BiCROS and ASP noise suppression. Program 3 was set for "Acoustic Telephone" using a BiCROS and linear limiting. This program requires the T-coil to be activated.

The client was then brought to the fitting room. The tubing was cut and adjusted to fit the clients molds with the aid and microphone. It was noticed that the mold for the right ear did not come with a vent. The supervisor then lowered the gain for the lower frequencies to make up for this so the clients voice did not sound as "boomy." The clinician then began to inform the client about the hearing aid. The clinician instructed the client to pay attention to how the aid sounded while the system was being explained; therefore, adjustments could be made if necessary. The client was informed about the 30 day return policy (shipping cost not refundable). The clinician also informed the client that he may return for adjustments but would definately need to return annually to check for hearing changes in his left ear. The accessories were then explained. The aid came with different cases, a warranty card, a user manual, a cleaning brush, and an extra battery door. The clinician also gave the client a DryAid kit to keep moisture out of the product. Next, the beeps for different settings and a low battery were testted to be sure the client was hearing the beeps. The settings for the programming were saved in the database and the aid and mic. The clinician then explained to the client how to change the battery, the volume control, and switch programs. The clinician then opened the user manual to the front page and wrote down the contact information for the clinic, information on the different programs, and the type of battery that the client would need. This makes this information easily accessible for the client. The warranty was then discussed. The warranty is for 3 years, while loss and damage are only covered for one.
This is definately the most interesting case that I have seen thus far. Due to the aid being unfamiliar to many, I have included the website for the Unitron aid and WiFi mic (BiCROS system). http://www.unitronhearing.us/ccus/professionals/products_us/accessories/wifimic.htm That website actually describes how the WiFi microphone works in the system. The actual aid is the Unison 6 through Unitron.
I also found the DryAid kit very interesting. I had not seen these before. The following website shows a Dry Aid kit. http://www.azhearing.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=SDA