General Category > Hearing Issues

Oticon Ponto

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alabamajane:
Stew,
Yes it will automatically adjust to situation or you can control it yourself with a button on the processor or by the phone app. Mine automatically comes on to the default #1 program ; however. I prefer the #2 program more often than not. Just seems clearer to me and less noise from background ( which is exactly how she programmed it),,, and as I say,, she can tweak it on the computer program to my needs. Very helpful, ,,

I hope you will be able to " try" both devices before you decide. I never tried the Oticon as it is not available at any office I am aware of close to me. So I can't say how it differs,, I just know that after wearing the BAHA 4 for 2 years,, this new 5 power is wonderful and the difference in night and day!

Not sure what the audiologist is getting at with her questions about feedback.  ?? As I say, mine can be programmed to eliminate much of the surrounding noise in a situation , and I only get feedback if I touch the processor while it's on,  I guess similar to what a microphone used to do sometimes ,,,

And as far as water resistance,, you can't wear it in the water and you are told not to get soaked in a rain storm if possible. Mine comes with a jar of drying beads to keep it  in at night.   

Anyway,, good luck in finding an audiologist that can demonstrate both units for you. SSD is not THAT bad,, but this new BAHA I have definitely makes life a little sweeter 8)

Jane

CHD63:
Hi Stew .....

As I am sure you have been told, an implanted device sounds much better than a headband demo, for either brand.  That being said, no device can give you directionality like normal hearing if your auditory nerve has been removed on one side.  The bone-anchored devices simply transmit the incoming sound to the good nerve.

Unfortunately the posts are different sizes between Oticon Medical and Cochlear so one cannot have the post put in and then try out each one.  So I can only speak from my experience with the Ponto.  I have zero issues with feedback, unless I wear a hat/cap/hood that touches and covers the processor when being used, then it is a matter of pulling the fabric away from touching it and is is normal.  Therefore, I have had no need to adjust the feedback control on mine.  As for water, I treat my Ponto like I do my cell phone, which I would not put in water.  If needing to walk in the rain without protection, I put my hand over mine.  Obviously I do not wear it swimming or in the shower.  I have never put mine into drying beads and never had any issues related to moisture.  The old "rice trick" for accidental dunking of cell phones would probably work the same for BAHAs.

Best wishes.

Clarice

terp1974:
Hi Clarice,
Thank you for the feedback (no pun intended) on the Ponto.  Since my AN was removed by Translab 6 years ago, I no longer have a hearing nerve.  One of our chapter members told me that when she went in for the MIPS, the otolaryngologist instructed her to bring in a hat so he could determine the proper location.

My SoundBite required me to wear multiple parts. It sounds like the only part you wear for a Ponto is the processor.  Is this correct?  No more wires to break! Nothing in the mouth!

I guess there is no problem getting the abutment (spelling?) wet.

This week, I finally saw someone wearing a Cochlear. I had no idea what it was until he told me.

It sounds like Ponto also has some type of program that if they update the technology, there is a way to obtain a new processor. Do you know anything about this?

Stew

CHD63:
Hi Stew .....

To answer your questions: 

Once the abutment is implanted and fully osseointegrated, the only part to the Ponto system is the removable processor, which should be kept dry.  The abutment is part of your head so it is perfectly safe to get wet.

As for the update in technology, you would need to check with your audiologist and/or Oticon Medical and/or your insurance company, depending upon how long you have been wearing the Ponto before an upgrade/update is released.  Most insurance companies will not pay for an upgrade in less than five years.  However, it is my understanding that if your Ponto should have a manufacturing issue OR you break/destroy yours, it will be replaced with the latest technology.

Here is a link to the FAQs on the Oticon Medical site:  https://www.oticonmedical.com/bone-conduction/new-to-bone-conduction/living-with-a-ponto/ponto-frequently-asked-questions

I have been wearing my Ponto for six years now with zero issues with the product, other than about a year after receiving the original one, I fell and banged my head right on the processor, breaking it.  I returned it to Oticon Medical and it was replaced overnight with my programming, free of charge.

I explored the SoundBite briefly when it was still in development but did not give it serious consideration because of the multiple parts and having something extra in my mouth.   ;D  However, I think the product had merit as another option for hearing assistance so I am sorry they went out of business.

Good luck.  Clarice

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