A Marvel

At the beginning of August 2024, I received a new processor to replace the old Naida CI Q90.  The new one is called Naida CI M90. That sounds rather similar but in fact they are quite different as the M90 is based on a different chip platform called the Marvel. The processor and batteries are slightly smaller and sleeker.  The headpiece is noticeably slimmer too.  

The main difference, however, is connectivity.  The old Q90 could only communicate with external gadgets via an intermediate Compilot device.  This is a small pendant thing that hangs around one's neck on a special wire.  This wire lets the Compilot talk to the processor using something called NFMI (near-field magnetic induction).  The Compilot then talks to gadgets via Bluetooth or via a 3.5mm audio jack. This mostly works quite well if one is sitting in a chair; however, the NFMI is somewhat sensitive to outside electric noise and to the orientation or movement of the processor with respect to the wire.  So it's fine for walking along listening to a podcast but not so good for listening to something while running or cycling.

The new M90 has built-in Bluetooth in addition to some other Bluetooth-like proprietary protocols.  So it can connect directly to a smartphone, computer, tablet and even some newer TVs. This works very nicely once the processor is correctly paired with the device.  There is some noticeable lag if, say, watching a YouTube video and the sound seems to be a fraction of second behind people's lip movements. But it's not intolerable and it seems to vary somewhat between different devices.

The "Bluetooth-like" protocols include another gadget called a Phonak TV Connector.  This has been around for a few years in the hearing-aid world so it's well tested.  It plugs in to the back of the TV or other similar gadget and streams the sound directly to the processor.  No pairing or other messing around needed!  And, in principle, multiple people can listen to the same TV Connector provided they are reasonably close to the TV.  I find I can walk to the kitchen (about 30 feet) before it starts to cut out.

So far, so good. Except that this connectivity only works with my new processor and not with the old hearing aid that I wear in my left ear.  It would be nice if I could stream stuff to both ears at the same time.