Phonak Hearing Aids Review: What Experts Say (2024) (2024)

Sonova, the parent company of Phonak, is one of the top five largest global providers of hearing aids. Phonak offers the only completely invisible hearing aid (called the Lyric) and is known for its innovative hearing aid technologies for better sound and hearing, along with advanced streaming and Bluetooth connectivity.

The average cost for Phonak hearing aids is about $2,750 for each ear. However, the total cost varies greatly and is determined by the audiologist or other hearing aid provider selling the hearing aid with or without “bundled” services.

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Phonak Audéo Lumity

Summary

  • Coverage of types and severities of hearing loss: Phonak’s broad line of hearing aids covers all types and severities of hearing loss, with the exception of cochlear implants, which its parent company Sonova sells under the brand name Advanced Bionics.
  • Technology used in Phonak hearing aids: Phonak was the first hearing aid company to offer universal Bluetooth compatibility and is the only hearing aid company to offer a hearing aid that goes deep in the ear canal, is invisible and can be worn 24/7.
  • Selection and features: Phonak currently offers 30 models of hearing aids and 20 wireless accessories for hearing aids.

What We Like About Phonak Hearing Aids

  • Leading manufacturer of the newest hearing aid technologies
  • Compatibility with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants
  • Wireless accessory portfolio is outstanding (lots of solutions for office and school environments)

What We Don’t Like About Phonak Hearing Aids

  • Accessories can be expensive

About Phonak

Sonova, maker of Phonak, is one of the oldest and largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. It’s headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland and includes Phonak, as well as hearing aid brands Unitron, Hansaton and Advanced Bionics, under its umbrella. Phonak is the largest of Sonova’s hearing aid brands and serves customers in more than 100 countries. Phonak has a Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Phonak Hearing Aid Options and Prices

Phonak currently offers 30 models of hearing aids for all levels and severities of hearing loss. The models listed in the table below include some of Phonak’s most recent hearing aids that include the newest technologies.

ModelLevel of Hearing Loss TreatedType of Hearing AidFeaturesPriceView MoreLearn more CTA below textLearn More
Audéo Paradise P-R and Audéo P-RTMild to profoundReceiver-in-Canal (RIC)Rechargeable battery; connects to Android and iOS devices and most modern Bluetooth devices.; tap control; motion sensor hearing; telecoil for better hearing in auditoriums and churches (P-RT model only)Approximately $1,500 to $4,000+ per hearing aid, depending on bundled services package price set by audiologist or other distributorLearn MoreOn ZipHearing's Website
Virto M-TitaniumMild to moderately severeCompletely in Canal (CIC) / Invisible in Canal (IIC)Discreet; limits wind noise and feedback because microphone is deeper in the ear; some models have a good IP ratingApproximately $1,500 to $4,000+ per hearing aid, depending on bundled services package price set by an audiologist or other distributorsLearn MoreOn ZipHearing's Website
Naída MarvelSevere to profoundPower Behind-the-Ear (BTE)Reduces listening effort in noise; live transcription of phone calls with Phonak myCall-to-Text app; connects to Android, iOS and most Bluetooth-enabled devicesApproximately $1,500 to $4,000+ per hearing aid, depending on bundled services package price set by an audiologist or other distributorsLearn MoreOn ZipHearing's Website
LyricMild to moderately severeInserted / Extended-WearTiny, about the size of a pencil eraser and invisible; can wear for months without removing; clear, natural soundRequires an annual subscription fee, which varies by audiologist, as it must be inserted in office initially and replaced each time the battery diesLearn More

Customization Options and Special Features

Depending on the Phonak hearing aid model, features vary but may include:

  • Motion sensor hearing, which detects when the wearer is moving while talking and automatically adjusts the microphones to focus on the direction of speech.
  • Tap control, which allows the user to tap the hearing aid to answer their phone, play or pause media, and access voice assistants.
  • Connectivity for up to eight Bluetooth devices, which allows the wearer to connect a Bluetooth-connectivity hearing aid to two devices at the same time.
  • Dynamic noise cancellation, which helps reduce unwanted noise, such as traffic or noise in the distance.
  • Speech enhancer, which allows for better hearing of soft, conversational speech in quiet environments.

Phonak Apps and Hearing Aid Accessories

Phonak offers a line of accessories for hearing aids, depending on the model. Accessories available include:

  • Roger microphone portfolio. Phonak’s Roger microphone, designed to provide users with severe to profound hearing loss with a better listening experience, is compatible with nearly any hearing aid with a telecoil, including other brands besides Phonak.
  • TV connector. This plug-and-play streaming interface connects televisions and other audio sources for Paradise, Marvel and Audéo B-Direct hearing aids. It can connect to an unlimited number of hearing aids simultaneously.
  • PartnerMic. This remote, directional microphone amplifies sound coming directly from in front of a person to a greater level than sound coming from behind. It also enhances listening in one-to-one conversations when attached to the other person’s shirt, blouse or jacket.
  • Remote control. This device controls primary hearing aid functions, program changes and volume.
  • myPhonak app. This app can be used on Bluetooth-enabled smartphones with hearing aids that have Bluetooth connectivity. It provides remote hearing aid adjustment and support from your hearing health professional.
  • Online hearing test. Phonak offers a free three-minute online hearing test. An online hearing test is a good way to confirm to yourself that you have a problem with your hearing, but never base hearing aid purchases on the online test alone. “Specialized equipment is needed to properly diagnose the problem, and a doctor of audiology is the most qualified professional to conduct that evaluation,” says Stelios Dokianakis, an audiologist and owner of Holland Doctors of Audiology in Holland, Michigan.

Phonak Hearing Aids Costs and Insurance Options

Medicare doesn’t pay for hearing aids, although some Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing benefits. Medicaid may have coverage for hearing aids, depending on your state’s Medicaid program. Some health insurance providers may cover some of the cost of Phonak hearing aids, but many do not. Contact your health insurance provider to find out whether your policy covers hearing aids.

Evolution Of Speech Understanding

Phonak's Audéo Lumity has been trained with artificial intelligence-based machine learning to accurately identify a sound environment. It was created to orchestrate the numerous comfort and speech understanding features to adapt to your personal environment. Enjoy the benefits that this technology brings to you and your loved ones.

Shop Now

On ZipHearing's Website

Phonak Discounts and Warranties

Phonak hearing aids purchased in the U.S. come with a one- to three-year manufacturer warranty, depending on the model you choose. You may also be able to purchase an extended warranty from your hearing health professional.

What Audiologists Say About Phonak Hearing Aids

As one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers, Phonak has the financial resources to put in the necessary research and development of innovative and advanced hearing aid technologies, says Julie Prutsman, an audiologist and owner of Sound Relief Hearing Center, which has locations in Colorado and Arizona.

“With one of the top brands, you know you’re getting the best sound quality, reliability and technology,” says Prutsman. “If you select a hearing aid from a lesser-known company, you’re most likely not getting the latest and greatest technology.”

Phonak stands out as the first hearing aid manufacturer to offer Android and general Bluetooth compatibility in their devices, says Dokianakis. Phonak is also known for its excellent contralateral routing of signal (CROS), technology for people with normal or mild to moderate hearing loss in one ear and hearing loss in the other ear that can’t be helped with a hearing aid, he adds.

The reliability of Phonak hearing aids is comparable to other brands, but the design of the devices and the user’s environment (working outside, for example) can affect their susceptibility to moisture damage and problems caused by earwax or debris in the microphone, says Dokianakis. “This is another reason why product selection should be guided by a professional who understands these issues and can fit each patient with the best option for their needs,” he says.

What Users Say About Phonak Hearing Aids

One Consumers Advocate reviewer shared that she currently has Phonak hearing aids and has used both Phonak and Starkey hearing aids over the last 15 years. “My current aids are a blessing,” she wrote. “I have more options to hear in a wide range of places I go… I have the ‘remote’ on my phone that I use to set the program I need at the time.”

Another Consumers Advocate reviewer posted that Phonak hearing aids are excellent, but the accompanying app has issues. “Although the settings can be adjusted, the app constantly reverts to the default setting,” they wrote.

And HearingTracker.com reviewer shared, “Great connection with Android and its Bluetooth. So many other aids are just not truly compatible with Android unless you have the latest Android operating version.”

Who Should Buy Phonak Hearing Aids?

Phonak hearing aids are available for all levels of hearing loss, from mild to severe or profound. Evaluation by an audiologist can help you choose the best Phonak hearing aid for your level of hearing loss, lifestyle and listening environments.

Phonak Hearing Aids Review: What Experts Say (2024) (2024)
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