Kearns-Sayre syndrome and hearing loss
July 15, 2022
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July 22, 2022My review of the Phonak Naida P-UP
After trying the Phonak Naida Link M hearing aids and finding the connectivity with my AB Naida CI M (cochlear implant) leaving more to be desired, I returned to the familiar. High powered hearing aids are what I’ve worn my whole life. Would the Naida P-UP be a better fit for me?
What is the Naida P-UP?
Unlike the Naida P-PR, which is for mild to severe hearing loss, the Naida P-UP is for severe to profound hearing loss. The UP stands for Ultra Power. It uses a 675 zinc-air battery. This meant after finally getting used to the smaller batteries and size of the Naida Link M, I had to reacquaint myself with the size I had previously used.
The Naida P-UP has direct connectivity to iOS and Android devices and supports multiple Bluetooth connections. These features alone make it superior to hearing aids I’ve had in the past.
“These features alone make it superior to hearing aids I’ve had in the past.”
Adjusting my new Hearing Aid
For some reason, getting an earmold to fit has been a lifelong struggle for me. It often requires several trips to the audiologist. Such was the case here. I couldn’t fully assess this hearing aid until I had a well-fitted earmold without feedback. After my initial earmold fitting, I realized there was feedback whenever I smiled. The cool thing was I was able to have a session with my audiologist via the myPhonak app, saving me a trip to her office. Unfortunately, we discovered that my particular issue had to be fixed in person.
One thing I’ve learned is that after about four months or so, my tube needs to be replaced. Around that time, I notice that the volume and quality had also diminished, and the feedback had increased.
Read more: Naida Link M review
Bluetooth Connectivity
Because my cochlear implant (CI) has Bluetooth connectivity, I’m able to stream things directly. Wearing a hearing aid in the other ear provides some balance, even if it doesn’t link. I have noticed, however, that there seems to be some inconsistency. Sometimes I have to take my CI off and put it back on to start the connection with my iPad. Other times, it’s still active from the last time I used it. Sometimes my iPhone connects, and sometimes it doesn’t. I’m currently exploring whether this has been the cause of missed notifications on my iPhone and Apple watch.
Read more: The Jelly Bean-Sized Tech that Turns Cochlear Implants into Wireless Headsets
My Review of the Naida P-UP
It doesn’t make sense for me to wear the Naida Link M if I can’t detect the link. The Naida P-UP seems to be the right hearing aid for me. I just wish the on/off switch could be like it used to – an actual toggle, instead of having to open and close the battery compartment. Maybe it’s just me, but I can only do so by taking the hearing aid off.
The Naida P-UP also works with Roger technology. Phonak has loaned me the Roger On to try. I must admit, I am skeptical because of my level of hearing loss. With my lipreading skills and hearing devices, I do fine communicating. I don’t believe that being able to better hear a speaker in a group environment will necessarily help me, but maybe I’ll be surprised. Unfortunately, because of COVID, I haven’t really had the opportunity to test it out. Stay tuned!
