The Costco stores in this area stock the KS7. I scheduled an appointment with the express intent of buying them and wearing them after that fitting, and did just that.
Neat that it happened that way for you. That was not how it happened for me. I was tested and fit, but aids needed to be ordered and I came back in a couple of weeks to pick them up. I think calling them as DocJake suggested is a good idea considering the 4 hr drive.
When I set up the appointment I let them know that my intent was to buy KS7 if they will work for me, as I had to make a long trip to get there. I also mentioned my interest in a Smart Connect for the same reason. I asked that the appointment have enough time for the hearing test and to be fitted for a pair of KS7s. If need be I’ll set up a second appointment for adjustments a week later, if they have an opening. When my brother, who lives in the same Colorado town as me was in Arizona he was able to get the whole thing done with one long appointment at the Tempe Costco a month ago.
Again thanks for the advise –
Cool! People coming from long distances may be a common issue for them and they’ve learned to accomodate. Nice.
I would like to learn a lot more about the options on my new KS7s, so I downloaded the Connexx 8 software, as suggested, but when I open it I don’t see an option for Rexton 80S (6c). There are choices for Emerald XS, Emerald S, Emerald M, Stata and Charismo. Am I doing something wrong or did I download the wrong software?
I’ll look on mine later, but I’m pretty sure you want the Emerald S. Should be options for 80, 60 and 40. Choose the 80. If that doesn’t work, let me know,
and I’ll go back into mine and get back to you.
I chose Emerald S 80 6C. I wasn’t sure about the numbers in the brackets but I chose 119/60 M for no reason that I recall. Remember that the KS7 was made for Costco to be slightly de-featured from a full-on Rexton that you see in the simulation. It will figure itself out if and when you actually connect the aids and will show all that’s available in the KS7’s.
I was hoping to find a list and description of the different programs available, so I can ask for specific programs when I have my follow-up appointment. Does such a list appear on the Connexx 8, because I couldn’t find it. Or better yet, is such a listing available somewhere more straightforward? (Feeling like a real dolt about this!)
KS7 programs
Have you read the 14 page thread and the other 7 page thread? Those are the two primary threads for the KS7’s. Maybe you don’t realize that the KS7’s are a de-featured Rexton brand.
I’ve only had mine for about a month but I currently have (in addition to the required Automatic that takes up one spot of 6) Telecoil (MT), Listening with speakers, Telecoil (T) and Noise/Party.
I found the music program to be quite good (obviously not perfect). Although I can also just adjust my audio output EQ to something to match my audiogram. I just have mostly middle-aged hearing loss. Some bass and dropping highs and generally less capable hearing.
I made my own hearing loop for my desk area and so use the Telecoil (MT) while working at my desk job to enjoy music in my ears. It sounds like a tinny old AM transistor radio of days gone by but it’s not like I need a concert hall in my ears when I’m at work.
I haven’t used the other programs very much at all yet.
For something more straightforward, I agree that reading the threads is the way to go. The list is available on Connexx 8 under program handling.
You may not need any other programs. The basic idea is to see if the automatic program can “solve” your hearing problems. If there are any special situations that still bother you, then adding programs that may be somewhat better in that situation is a reasonable thing to try, but so is just using the automatic program.
Party, Noise. = when you are in difficult situations
Outdoor = wind reduction
Car = 360 short range
Music = added low range sound
There’s a little more to it then that, especially for music. There’s actually 3 music program possibilities: one for listening to live music (extended highs, directional mic) playing music (extended highs, omni mic (so you can hear fellow musicians) and listening to recorded music
I am a firm believer in the KISS principle. It is easy to over complicate hearing aid “features” offered in the complicated features lists manufacturers promote/make-up. Too many drink their kool-aid.
I did read through the threads linked to above before posting, thanks. I’ve now spent more time figuring out how to use Connexx 8, and finally found what I was looking for. I then found this thread http://www.hearingaidforums.com/showthread.php?21251-Best-programs-to-use-with-Kirkland-Signature-7/page3 which includes the list of programs. I now feel much better prepared for my appointment later today!
I’ve read through this and several other threads. I currently have a pair of KS7 hearing aids and I’m considering the Smart Connect. I’m curious about how the phone pairing experience and clarity results you may have encountered before I buy the device. Any updates?
Put the easytek into pairing mode and search for easytek from your phone.
The clarity on both ends is good. Suggest you set the phone program to turn the mics way down. The easytek make your phone use really hands free.
I’m just reporting back that I’d been using a Smart Connect with good results since I’d originally posted in this thread. Curious if the firmware get’s updated?
Is anyone else having this issue with their KS7 and Smart Connect Bluetooth device? Mine is version 2.0 hardware and version 6.0.0 firmware, and I just purchased it the end of October 2017 along with the KS7s. Whenever I try to stream music from my phone to the hearing aids via the Smart Connect, the sound is very choppy, and kinda’ like a stuttering effect. It’s definitely on the Bluetooth side of things, and it’s not a range / signal strength issue since this happens even if my smartphone is like 1 inch directly in front of the Smart Connect.
It happens with phone calls too.
I can fix the issue, making the sound streaming flawless with the following procedure:
While wearing the Smart Connect and leaving it turned on,
Close the Smart Connect App on the smart phone
Turn off Bluetooth on the smart phone
Open the Smart Connect App on the phone
Answer Yes to dialog for Bluetooth permission request Allow app to turn on Bluetooth?
Bluetooth turns on, and Smart Connect App connects to the KS7s
Switch to music streaming app on phone.
Select Play button to play music.
The music starts and plays just fine at this point, no stuttering and everything is great.
…Until I stop the music playing (either pushing the center button on the Smart Connect, or just hitting the pause in the music streaming app (doesn’t matter what music app or podcast app I use, the result is always the same).
When I go back to listen to something streamed from my phone to the Smart Connect, the stuttering sound begins all over again, and I have to go through the procedure above.
If I directly connect an audio cable to the Smart Connect, the audio plays in the KS7s flawlessly every time. I only get this issue when using Bluetooth.
My phone is the LG G4 and is running Android 6.0.
I think I’m just going to return the Smart Connect and get a new one, and ask to get the Version 5 hardware that I’ve read about on this site somewhere. I don’t know why I would get a Version 2 hardware Smart Connect in the last 2 months from Costco, unless that’s all they are offering.
Ideas?
I also have the version 2 hardware. However it’s been working pretty well for me. The only time it’s stuttered is when I’d worn it under my shirt during exercising and it had accumulated a bunch of sweat.
After letting it dry out thoroughly, it was back to normal operation. However the symptoms you describe and the method to fix it sounds like you should consider swapping it out at Costco. You have a 1 year warranty with them.