Easy Line Remote Reviews

by TeyeDoubleGuhRrr

I was thrilled when I got my KS10 hearing aids, but EasyLineRemote leaves so much to be desired! From random program changes to the very narrow feature set to the fact that there isn't support for the Apple watch it's overall not terribly useful. Giving EasyLineRemote a serious UI overhaul and presenting the available programs and sound options front and center would go a long way toward improving the ux with this line of hearing aids. EasyLineRemote shouldn't require an internet connection to use - and it should more clearly disclose what data is being sent! It makes it impossible to change some settings if I'm in an area without connectivity. If EasyLineRemote requires connectivity, then there should be an iOS widget to perform settings changes that does not require a connection to the internet.

by No Such Files

I’m not sure why a developer would release an app that has so many bugs in it. It is clearly unfinished. What surprises me further is that Costco would allow this to be paired with their hearing aids. The devices themselves are great!! EasyLineRemote is a failure. My hearing aids seem just as confused as I am with regard to what they are listening to. The devices turn on and off, lose pairing with EasyLineRemote and that means zero control over the devices. I had to remove this from my phone in order to use the hearing aids. I’ve paired and repaired, deleted and reinstalled EasyLineRemote , made sure my software for my phone is up to date and still EasyLineRemote creates chaos with the devices. I would recommend not using EasyLineRemote until someone with common sense finishes EasyLineRemote and re-releases a new version.

by àasassshhhh

Bought Costco Kirkland 10.0 aids. My second set of aids, the first an experiment from an online seller. Do not recommend the online approach as setup is critical until they furnish an app with all the abilities needed.
EasyLineRemote does not work well with Kirkland. EasyLineRemote allows creating custom programs. Unfortunately, many different interruptions result in the program switching back to the “default “ automatic program. This means you cannot select any audio changes that stay in effect, as they constantly get interrupted and revert to the default. This means EasyLineRemote is worthless. I am returning the aids and the totally worthless TV streamer which does nothing. I am keeping the original online product until something comes along that actually works.

by Old Fashioned Spaceman

It appears that the K10 hearing aids have a lot of capability, but the limitations and failures of EasyLineRemote (even with the May 2021 update) take almost all of that away. While there are customizable adjustments and programs, EasyLineRemote seems to change back to the preset Automatic (at least) everytime you touch your cell phone - and maybe just at other random times. There is no indication to the wearer, other than hearing changes, that EasyLineRemote has defaulted to the Automatic program. To try to minimize these uncommanded, seemingly random, program changes, I've unconnected the separate Bluetooth connection that ties my iPhone to the right hearing aid for phone calls, music and other audio. I think that helps some, but not much. Too bad, unless EasyLineRemote is fixed, I'll probably just go back to my 6 year old hearing aids.

by Flyindon

I really like my hearing aids from Costco; however, the accompanying app is useless. Bluetooth connection is spotty at best, and EasyLineRemote never opens up in the preferred state — it defaults to “automatic” always — not my preferred custom app. Moreover, when I contacted customer service, their response was to make an appointment with the dispensing tech so we could watch a video together. Whaaaat? How arrogant for them to presume that mere mortals cannot comprehend a video highlighting features of their app without the guidance of a professional. If it is that complex, then I submit that it was written by incompetent software developers.

Bottom line: I have three more months on my trial period, and I am leaning heavily towards returning the hearing aids for a refund.

by Larenim

EasyLineRemote is supposed to control the interface between the Phonak TV Connector and my Kirkland 10T hearing aids. It is so poorly designed that it is almost useless. Won’t allow save of my settings. Volume must be reset every time. TV-Environment fade must be reset every time. No way to adjust frequency response. Mute function doesn’t work. I could go on and on…

(edit) So, I sent details. Of course, I received no response. Not even an acknowledgment that the developers would study my concerns and suggestions. Really, really poor (actually, nonexistent) customer service. It’s time for Costco to find another vendor.

by Colorado Woodbutcher

It seems absolutely bizarre to me that when you don’t have an internet connection EasyLineRemote won’t connect to hearing aids. I concur that most of us are constantly “connected”. Sometimes, though, like in huge stretches of Wyoming or not so isolated fishing streams in Colorado you can’t use EasyLineRemote to change programs or change the volume on connected hearing aids. It simply reports that there is no internet connection.

I can understand needing an internet connection for downloading EasyLineRemote or using the “remote programming” capability of the hearing aids. Please explain why EasyLineRemote needs more than just phone Bluetooth to connect and talk to the hearing aids or fix this piece of stupid.

by Bsduicceymng

When I first started using EasyLineRemote in spring 2020 I was a little disappointed. More basic than I had hoped for, but I will say the hearing specialist at Costco did warn me not to expect too much. The only feature I like and used is the separate left and right volume control (balance). Since the Apple update 13.6 and subsequent Easy Line update I have lost balance control. Only a single volume control. Can do that with the physical control. Would really like balance control back.

by Dan Xyz

Just got my hearing aids and download EasyLineRemote.
In order to adjust the volume I have to wake up my iphone in order to have EasyLineRemote on the screen to slide the Volume button on EasyLineRemote .

Then in a few seconds my phone goes to sleep and I have to wake me up again in order to use EasyLineRemote in church very irritating.

Suggestion on my phone if you slide your finger down on the right hand side you get a screen that you have things that you need quickly.
I was able to add the hearing to that screen but it will not control the volume.

On that screen when I touch the little ear icon.

This statement is shown:
( live listening Unavailable for current route )

Can this be fixed.
If this could happen you would not have to open your phone you could just slide your finger on the right side and you’ll see the ear which should bring up your app.
That would be great
can you direct me to someone banging tell me what to do.

thanks

by CinciPete

Apparently no one at this company reads the reviews of their App software. If you want to use EasyLineRemote software to adjust the hearing aids and also multitask on your phone, forget it! My iPhone 11 is not the problem. EasyLineRemote software I believe is the problem. Any adjustments made on EasyLineRemote software disappears the next time you activate your iPhone for any reason. I would think by now software engineers could have fixed this problem.
In addition, the Bluetooth application on EasyLineRemote software does not work consistently to provide other app performance utilizing this software. For example Google maps directions cause havoc on the performance. Each time directions are given in Google maps, the activation haptics are engaged. It is most annoying.

by Wonder1517

I was excited to get my bluetooth hearing aids in order to connect to my phone. However, there isn’t a way to choose when they’re connected. I don’t want/need it for every phone call and the connection is spotty if the phone isn’t close to them. I have also had to make sure that all apps on my phone are closed, otherwise it will randomly connect, making the things I want/need to hear more difficult. (It also randomly disconnects the bluetooth in my car and seems to “fight” with other bluetooth devices.) Hopefully some improvements will be in the works.

by RJRCO

I purchased the Costco 10 hearing aids about a month ago, and was excited about both the features, and price. Service was very good, except there wasn’t enough time allocated to fit, and explain. HOWEVER, when I went in about a week after for a follow up, the Costco Audiologist could Not get the hearing aids to stay connected to her system, and decided to REPLACE them. Since I have had the new pair, they have been AWFUL! The fully charged pair only last about 10-12 hours , even with little streaming. AND, THEY WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED TO THE PHONE/App.

by VikingCheeshead

All EasyLineRemote does is control volume, connect by Bluetooth. Don't expect it to do any thing else. If you happen to have it open when the battery is low, it will tell you besides the hearing aid beeps. I haven't had any trouble with EasyLineRemote . Interestingly, EasyLineRemote will make a connection when the iPhone (8) BT setting shows one is not connected but that's how Bluetooth works. It connects to the right one and that sends sound to left. Stereo headphones are the same. Has worked all the time for me. Does mute, volume control, period. Have not had them block connection to car BT from phone or any other BT connection. I use BT a lot at home. BTW app not from Phonak. Have been using app & 9.0 aids for 8 months and all this is still true. Also to dismiss safety notice, just hit return arrow. FYI I'm using iOS 14.1 with no problems. Update with iPhone 12: cannot get it to download which usually means it’s incomparable although I see another w/ iPhone 12 has it. Was working as above until my new phone. UPDATE (10 Sep 2021): still have 9.0 but on advice from audiologist at Costco switched to myPhonak app which works wonderfully. After app update, app status at previous setting even after opening aides, putting in case overnight. None of other problems mentioned in reviews here. BT connection flawless. Still using iPhone 12, iOs 14.7. Do yourself a favor: SWITCH APPS!

by +.(lew).+

The version 3.0.3 update was a welcome improvement.

The problem with always changing to the Automatic Program after bluetooth notifications appears to have been fixed.

Only some of the problems with volume levels and saved settings 'not sticking' were successfully addressed (so far, I hope).

The long connection time doesn't appear to have been addressed in any way.

It should also be possible for the hearing aids to stay connected as long as the phone is powered on and in range. (They already stay connected the whole time they are in the charging case. What gives?)

This will be an extremely useful app once it gets to be release quality, but for now my opinion is it is 'considerably better than nothing'. This is a *big improvement* over the last version which was 'nearly worthless'.

I anxiously await the next update.

by Guapo Guitarro

I have to ask pretty early on in most conversations because sometimes they do & sometimes they don’t. I’m constantly re-pairing, sometimes deleting EasyLineRemote then reinstalling, just so someone can hear me when I’m on the phone. I don’t know if it’s EasyLineRemote , iPhone, or the Costco hearing aids, but the combination has been very inconsistent for the last 6 months I have owned them. When it works It’s awesome, I just wish it would work 75% of the time is all. I could live with that for the convenience of keeping my phone in my pocket or charging and having a conversation which is 90% of my job.

by Ijust46

Version 3.03 is a good improvement on the previous one that so many complained about. They seem to have better control over the Bluetooth and memory issues.
I’m still struggling with trying to control the volume of each side independently AND remember it.
Also, for me, the dynamic setting was much, much more desirable than the new contrast slider. It’s harsh and totally different than dynamic. Why would you make such a drastic change when I didn’t see anyone asking for it?

by Geppetto425

Great price, great service from COSTCO. I can finally hear! (Don’t ever buy hearing aids online without a heating test and custom fitting!)
EasyLineRemote could be better. It keeps switching back to automatic. I’m a truck driver and it’s very frustrating to have it switch to automatic and start picking up all the road noise. I finally checked out the comments on the PHONAK app. Go there for help and guidelines (like turning off all the alert sounds on your iPhone) and they say the developers are working on it. It would be nice if they would respond on EasyLineRemote as well.

by Heywally12

With the latest versions of both the hearing aid and app (Feb of 22) things are working well, including EasyLineRemote . From EasyLineRemote , able to adjust everything I need to for different environments and sounds and can create custom settings for recall. On my iPhone 11, the Bluetooth connection is solid, so far. I am using only the left hearing so EasyLineRemote doesn’t require the right aid or both to connect up and work.

by Jrf512

App works well but most every other app on my phone when used, resets the “Program” to Automatic. This is the default. What good is developing custom programs if anytime a text message or phone call or email comes in, it resets the hearing aids to Automatic?

The ability to create custom programs is great. Make it possible to change the default to any custom programs you want. Then, when a text, call, email, whatever interrupts the program, it returns to the custom program set as default.

This is still a huge improvement on standard settings. Thanks.

by Carlajoe1957

Just picked up my new hearing aids yesterday and I have to say EasyLineRemote will save me the cost of buying the tv connect device. I set the remote setting of EasyLineRemote to tv and never had to turn up the volume on the tv or the aids. The Bluetooth connection was seamless but the volume of notifications is loud (startled the crap out of me the first time) so I am still learning to adjust things 😉

by DiscerningUser5

The Costco K9 hearing aids are excellent, but EasyLineRemote is not. Especially with CarPlay. It doesn’t connect to the hearing aids about 75% of the time. That’s with fresh initialization, whether or not CarPlay or other Bluetooth device is in use. Worse, if a phone call comes in while CarPlay is in use, EasyLineRemote routes the call to the hearing aids and WIIL NOT TURN LOOSE OF THE CONNECTION. It’d be better to have the option to NEVER use the hearing aids for phone calls and just hold the phone to the ear and not have to repair CarPlay every darn time.
The Hearing Aids are highly recommended, but EasyLineRemote is worse than useless. Uninstalling it.

by Nevets0001

The week it worked was fine. Simple. Don't need too many controls for hearing aids. Great to switch between different profiles the audiologist set for me. Did everything to get it to hook back up but no luck. Bluetooth to iPhone 10 works just fine. EasyLineRemote just won't pick them up. Btw like most here say, the aids are great. Been wearing aids since i was 5. I'm 50 now. First digital set I've owned that didn't have issues with piano, guitar, and music in general. So live without EasyLineRemote . Been paying 6k for aids every 5 years or so. These are nice aids. To hell with EasyLineRemote

by 7th Try Nickname

EasyLineRemote , as said by others is only good for volume. FAQ only shows Q’s no answers. The only way to switch from one device to another, phone / iPad is to disconnect the first device, delete EasyLineRemote and pair to the second device. The tv streaming device only uses an digital optical connection for streaming.
As for the aids the sound is great and they are easy to use. The main problem I have is that they don’t announce the caller as my previous Phonak,s did therefore you always need your phone handy to screen for spam or robo calls.

by Hatetheapp46

My hearing aids were just one day old and the pairing failed. I have been unable to pair them after trying everything possible for more than an hour. EasyLineRemote is total garbage. I use an iPhone 8 Plus. Now I have to return to Costco to see if they can pair the hearing aids and if this time the pairing holds. If not I will have to return them for good. Shame on Costco and phonak for making such a garbage product and letting customers buy it.’

by Djmikeinkc

App doesn’t want to connect to one of the aids. I’ve deleted it and reinstalled, very hit and miss with EasyLineRemote . Also, FAQs provide links that take you nowhere. Someone didn’t try very hard with EasyLineRemote. I filled out the in app survey twice to provide improvement recommendations but who knows if that’s even read by anyone. I wish I had another alternative because it would make wearing these hearing aids more enjoyable.

by 60sBoy

I’m new to hearing aids, but one of the reasons I was open to them was because of the availability to control the hearing aids through EasyLineRemote . The mute works initially, but as soon as I use another app on my iPhone the mute is deactivated. I tried to use the volume control in church, and there was no change in the volume. Overall I find absolutely no use for EasyLineRemote, which is a major disappointment.

by Michael Wyland

EasyLineRemote keeps switching programs to use a “Bluetooth streaming” program that messes up my hearing aids and wasn’t part of the setup the audiologist did. Like another reviewer said, I can use EasyLineRemote to set volume. But I need to disable Bluetooth to stop the program switch. I lose phone use with the hearing aids as a result. Very disappointing!

by JAC6149

Finally figured out how to pair this capability while still keeping Bluetooth phone or media connected. (Bluetooth Settings shows that hearing aids are not connected BUT they are since EasyLineRemote used an alternate BT frequency. Apple BT setting for phone talk/listening uses another.

Also try using the FAQ pull down - good luck it’s not activated.

Really does only one thing with my aids; setting volume.

by Rickus22

Aids are good but EasyLineRemote lacks substance.
Needs tone controls. Ability to save user settings. I will most likely not buy these because I need more control. My hearing is variable from one ear to the other and day
To day.

by HDpops

Despite the other reviews EasyLineRemote actually works. But...it needs a couple of improvements: It needs an ipad version so I can split screen EasyLineRemote with another app. ie. This would help in a mtg when taking notes and listening at the same time. My only other option is to manually adjust. Kinda embarrassing sometimes. How about being able to save settings; I have one bad ear and one really bad ear.

by Wire Twester

It worked on my iPhone 6s till iOS 13.2.3 may be the iOS because it only connects to the right hearing aid. Still works fine on my iPad 13.2.
I do like EasyLineRemote it does every thing I want.

by JerryinVA

I just got my hearing aids and downloaded EasyLineRemote . EasyLineRemote doesn’t function when talking on the phone. I would like to be able to use the features available when streaming while on a phone call. It would also be nice to be able to sync with Apple Watch.

by Bayberry North

Turn off your sound like keyboard clicks on off clicks etc. found this information on the website. Improves functions. It mistakenly reads clicks as a streaming app

by Jimmyfin

This is a minimalist app that works perfectly so I don’t understand the bad reviews. The three programs work fine and I do use all three but mostly I’m set to auto. I liked the volume a tad higher so instead of always changing it on EasyLineRemote I had Costco program it a notch higher. I’m very pleased.