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We reviewed and tested Phonak hearing aids - here's everything we learned and what we thought
As one of the leaders in the hearing aid industry, Phonak has spent seven decades providing life-altering solutions for those with hearing loss. In AOL's quest to learn about all things hearing loss and the best hearing aids on the market, we wanted to know more about Phonak, its hearing aids, and the science behind its cutting-edge technology. That said, we didn't want only to gain that information from Phonak; we wanted our hearing-impaired testers and expert panel of licensed hearing aid specialists, audiologists, and otolaryngologists to weigh in. Keep reading to learn about the various types of Phonak hearing aids and what our experts and testers had to say.
What is Phonak?
Established in Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak has been a global leader in innovative hearing solutions since 1947. For more than 75 years, the Swiss-based company has remained at the forefront of hearing technology with some of the most innovative products. It currently holds the bragging rights for having the first 100% invisible hearing aid that you do not have to remove. Phonak offers a wide range of solutions for people of all ages, from children to adults, as well as specialized products for those with more severe or complex hearing loss.
Over the years, Phonak has earned a reputation for providing high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly products. Its latest technology brings Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction technology, and conversation enhancement (to name a few) to the forefront. However, the company's top priority is speech understanding and communication, as they believe “well-hearing is well-being.” According to Dr. Anish Thakkar, Director of Audiology at Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy, the company is succeeding at its mission, sharing, "Phonak makes excellent hearing aids."
Types of Phonak Hearing Aids
Phonak's current lineup includes four styles of hearing aids catering to distinct comfort levels and aesthetics.
Behind-the-ear: This style of hearing aid sits behind the ear and is connected to a custom earmold or dome that fits inside the ear canal.
Receiver-in-canal: Similar to BTE, this style also has a small device that sits behind the ear, but instead of being connected with a tube, it uses a magnetic coil to deliver sound directly into the ear canal.
In-the-ear: These are custom-made to fit entirely or partially in the ear canal.
Extended wear: These are the most discreet options, sitting entirely in the ear canal for months of wear without removal.
What products does Phonak offer?
Audéo Lumity
Key Features:
Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from electronic devices
Disposable or rechargeable battery options
Health data tracking via the myPhonak app
Waterproof
The Audéo Lumity is an advanced hearing aid for a seamless, personalized listening experience. It features Bluetooth connectivity for directly streaming audio from your smartphones or other electronic devices to your hearing aids. As the updated version of the world's first waterproof, rechargeable hearing aid (Audéo Life), it offers improved battery life and features like health tracking through the myPhonak app. Color options include sand beige, silver gray, champagne, and precious pink.
Our tester said this was a great "straightforward" hearing aid. Being just a little larger than a quarter is a testament to how far hearing aids have come since the days of very large devices that stuck out like a sore thumb. Once the hearing aid was fitted and programmed to our tester's needs, it was "like the volume was turned up in both ears and I could hear a pin drop in a room of loud teenagers."
Audéo Fit
Key Features:
Designed for active lifestyles
Tap controls for easy adjustments
Tracks heart rate, calories burned, steps, and more in the myPhonak app
Water and sweat-resistant
The Audéo Fit caters to those with an active lifestyle, providing a comfortable, secure fit during physical activity. It features tap control for easy adjustments and tracks fitness information like heart rate, steps, and calories burned through the myPhonak app. Other notable features include Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and a water and sweat-resistant design.
Our tester loved that you could run, jump, bike and sweat while wearing the hearing aid. it was comfortable and stayed in place through the day and activities. It's also very small, so it can easily be hidden by longer hair. The only issue was getting used to having the receiver in the ear during extra strenuous activities. The positive was that the hearing aid did not move or become affected by the sweat.
Slim Lumity
Key Features:
Discreet, ergonomic design
Automatic background noise reduction
Quick-charging and long-lasting battery
The Slim Lumity is a discreet, receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid that offers automatic background noise reduction to improve speech understanding in noisy environments. It's designed for people with mild to profound hearing loss and is available in a four-color range of sandalwood/black, copper/black, graphite/black, and silver/black. The Slim Lumity also boasts a battery that charges within three hours for 24 hours of use.
The first day our tester got the hearing aid, she wore it all day without issue, saying, "By the first hour, I forgot it was there." It blends seamlessly with her skin tone and is easily covered by hair. She also noted that even though there is the ability to adjust to an atmosphere you find yourself in — restaurant, concert, watching TV — she felt that the automatic adjustments the aid did on its own were enough. She never had any trouble going from day to night wearing the device.
Naída Lumity
Key Features:
Suitable for severe to profound hearing loss
Improved speech understanding in noisy environments
Rechargeable battery
Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming
The Naída Lumity prioritizes speech recognition and understanding in challenging listening situations. It features Phonak's signature AutoSense OS technology, automatically adapting to your environment for precise and comfortable sound. It’s also equipped with a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth connectivity and comes in classic color options like beige and champagne.
We did not test this hearing aid as it is best for those with profound hearing loss, and we did not have any testers that fit the bill.
Sky Lumity
Key Features:
Designed for children with hearing loss
Adapts to all sound frequencies for natural sound perception
14 color options, including brighter and more playful options for children
Pairs with the myPhonak Junior app, a kid-friendly version of its adult app
Water-resistant
The Sky Lumity is a behind-the-ear model for children with mild to profound hearing loss. It features updated technology that adjusts the hearing aid settings based on the environment and frequency of sound. Its most noteworthy features include Bluetooth connectivity, a tamper-resistant design for curious little hands, and LED lights for parents to check the battery status quickly. Plus, a pediatric app called myPhonak Junior helps kids adjust the volume setting themselves.
We love that Phonak is just as focused on helping children with hearing loss as adults. While we didn't have a child to test the hearing aid, I think we all have seen the videos of children hearing clearly for the first time and know how important these hearing aids are.
CROS Lumity
Key Features:
For those with single-sided deafness
Transmits sound from the non-hearing ear to the other ear
Rechargeable battery
Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming
The CROS Lumity accommodates people with single-sided deafness. It features a transmitter placed on the ear with no or extremely limited hearing and sends sound signals to the hearing aid on the other ear for improved sound awareness and speech understanding. Our favorite features include Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from electronic devices and a built-in rechargeable battery. With 14 color options, you can easily match it with your hair color or skin tone.
Key Features:
100% invisible
Worn 24 hours a day for months
Must be fitted by a hearing aid professional
No batteries or charging needed
The Lyric hearing aid is the world's first and only 100% invisible hearing aid. The hearing aid is encased in soft, biocompatible foam designed to contour the ear canal for a comfortable, barely-there fit. The device requires a subscription that ensures you receive a new, replacement lyric before it needs to be replaced — which could be two to three times a year and depends on the individual's ear conditions. The subscription also comes with a SoundLync — a magnetic adjustment tool that allows you to adjust the volume, turn the hearing aid on and off, or put it in sleep mode. With Lyric, you will essentially get your hearing back without the hassle of remembering to put in your hearing aid, charge it, or clean it.
We did not test this hearing aid, but we all agreed that if we needed a hearing aid, the Lyric is one we would seriously consider due to being 100% invisible and 100% hassle-free in between fittings.
Does Medicaid, Medicare, or insurance cover Phonak hearing aids?
Every insurance plan differs, and coverage varies depending on your policy. However, some insurance plans may cover all or a portion of the cost of Phonak hearing aids. Medicaid, a government-funded health insurance program for those with low income or disabilities, may cover the cost of hearing aids if deemed medically necessary. “Medicaid coverage for hearing aids, including Phonak, is state-specific,” says Dr. Ross Cushing, a clinical audiologist and CEO of Live Better Hearing + Balance. “Some states cover hearing aids for both adults and children, while others may have more limited coverage.”
Medicare, a federal health insurance program primarily for those over 65 or with disabilities, typically does not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for hearing aids as an added benefit. These plans are optional and vary by state, so it's worth checking with your specific plan.
Private insurance companies often have more comprehensive coverage options for hearing aids, including Phonak products. It's best to contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and benefits. An audiologist can also assist in navigating insurance coverage for hearing aids.
How do Phonak hearing aids work?
Phonak hearing aids use advanced technology to help people with hearing loss interpret sounds clearly and naturally. The devices capture sound waves through a microphone, which are then processed and amplified by a tiny computer chip inside the hearing aid. The enhanced sounds are then delivered into the ear through a speaker, allowing you to hear more clearly.
Phonak's latest technology focuses on clarity of conversation to better understand speech in noisy environments. Hearing aid models like Phonak's Lumity line distinguish between speech and background noise to automatically adjust the volume for improved speech understanding. Many of their hearing aids also offer wireless connectivity to electronic devices (like laptops and phones) for streaming audio directly into the hearing aids.
Another significant innovation in Phonak hearing aids is its universal connectivity. The Phonak Paradise, for example, can connect to two devices so that you can connect to both your smartphone (for in-app controls) and TV or other Bluetooth devices for streaming audio. Paradise also boasts noise cancellation and motion sensors for more accurate sound processing. The Phonak Marvel encompasses high-tech features that make hearing more comfortable and natural, with additional capabilities such as connecting to make phone calls hands-free and automatically adjusting to different listening environments.
Who are Phonak hearing aids best for?
Phonak hearing aids cater to people with mild to profound hearing loss, and its products accommodate many different lifestyles and preferences. Some key features that make Phonak hearing aids stand out include automatic sound adjustments, Bluetooth connectivity, and health-tracking capabilities through the myPhonak app. These features benefit most people with hearing loss, from those leading active lifestyles to those who prefer a discreet design.
Its current lineup includes 13 models with customizable styles and features. Phonak also offers pediatric hearing aids and solutions for individuals with single-sided deafness. Speak with a hearing professional to determine which models best suit your hearing needs, habits, and style preferences.
FAQS
How do I know if Phonak hearing aids are right for me?
An audiologist or hearing professional can assess your hearing needs and determine if Phonak hearing aids are the best option. The degree of your hearing loss, lifestyle, personal preferences, and budget will all be considered. If you have medical coverage, your audiologist can help guide you through the insurance process and determine your benefits for Phonak (or other) hearing aids.
Do I need a prescription for Phonak hearing aids?
Yes, you need a prescription from a hearing healthcare professional to purchase Phonak hearing aids. This ensures the devices are programmed and fitted correctly for your hearing needs. You should visit your audiologist regularly to adjust and maintain your hearing aids. While online retailers may offer Phonak hearing aids without a prescription, consulting a professional in person is best.
Are Phonak hearing aids customizable?
Depending on the model, Phonak hearing aids can be customized to fit your preferences. Most models offer different color options, while others have various features that can be adjusted through the myPhonak app. Some models, like the Virto Marvel, are custom-made to fit discreetly in the ear.
Do I need an audiologist to set up my hearing aids?
Yes, an audiologist is needed to set up and program your Phonak hearing aids properly. “Even if the ears are found to be normal, it is extremely beneficial to work with an audiologist to determine the best type of hearing aid,” says Dr. Carissa Wentland, a pediatric otolaryngologist at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. “The audiologist can program the hearing aids to a comfortable level, help with proper fit, and make sure that the volume of the hearing aids isn’t too loud (which could further damage the hearing).”
Phonak has earned a reputation for providing high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly products. Its latest technology brings Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction technology, and conversation enhancement (to name a few) to the forefront. However, the company's top priority is speech understanding and communication, as they believe “well-hearing is well-being.”
