At last I have received the HI-PRO USB interface, the leads to connect to my hearing aids, and have found the PFG_8.6b software from the internet with which to get started.
The HI-PRO interface is sold in two versions - one is serial and the other is USB. As far as I know, you can use either (and serial ones are only available used so, if you can find one, it will be cheaper). But the USB version is faster and it takes its power from the USB cable, so there is no need to worry about separate power supplies. My HI-PRO USB box has taken a convoluted route from the factory in Denmark, via the UK and USA before finally reaching me in Finland. It is made of a vile colour 1980's sort of plastic which gives it the appearance of a kids' toy. Albeit a very boring toy for very boring children.
This morning I have installed the HI-PRO software, connected up the HI-PRO interface and then installed Phonak's PFG_8.6b software which is compatible with my Valeo 311 AZ Forte hearing aids. Subsequently I have successfully downloaded my hearing aid data to the computer from the hearing aid.
I'm eager to get playing with settings but I must be methodical about it. To start with, I must save the existing data so that I can revert back to it when everything goes pear-shaped. As far as I can tell, each client can only have one set of data. So I will store the existing data under my own name. Then I will invent a new personality to save the changed data.
My first impression of the programming software is that it looks quite complicated. I didn't expect anything less. The key problem is that the software itself doesn't present a clear workflow - so it's up to me to work out what to do first. I'm quite sure that, if Phonak made a consumer version of the software, they could (or would have to...) make it much more user friendly. I'm confident that I will be able to find my way around. But if you've never used a computer before, this software is probably not for you.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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