Phonak Hearing Aids Review

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Consulted with geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Why Phonak Is One of Our Top Picks

Phonak is one of our top hearing aid picks because they offer a wide range of customizable options with advanced technology features suited for many different types of users. Not only is Phonak one of the oldest and best-known names in the industry, they have also developed some important hearing aid technologies. We like that they offer behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid models with four different performance levels to meet different hearing loss needs.Many Phonak hearing aids are also Bluetooth compatible, allowing users to connect their hearing aids to devices including smartphones, televisions, speaker systems, and more. This also allows users to manage and adjust their Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids using the myPhonak app. We especially like the various technology features that help improve hearing in noisy settings, like crowded restaurants or busy streets.Finally, Phonak provides customers with a great variety of style and design options to choose from. This allows the wearer to find a hearing aid that can both help improve hearing, but also fits their comfort and style needs. We like brands that give customers more say in the look, feel, and functionality of their hearing aids.

Pros and Cons of Phonak Hearing Aids

Pros

• Wide range of behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) models
• Leading hearing device manufacturer with more than 70 years of experience
• Almost all Phonak hearing aids can connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices
• Many designs accommodate challenging noise environments like schools and offices
• Long-lasting batteries and extended wear options
• The Phonak Lyric is the only hearing aid that is 100 percent invisible when worn
• Lyric includes a 30-day trial
• Advanced technology like telecoils, noise cancellation, speech enhancers, and tinnitus treatment help to balance sound and speech

Cons

• Prices are not featured on website and vary widely by distributors
• Expensive when compared to competitors
• Purchase requires professional consultation
• One-year limited warranty
• Mix of good and bad customer reviews

Models Offered

The Phonak hearing aid line features three main three styles of hearing aids: behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) in a range of models. Many Phonak hearing aids are also Bluetooth compatible, allowing users to connect their hearing aids to devices including smartphones, televisions, speaker systems, and more. This also allows users to manage and adjust their Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids using the myPhonak app. We especially like the various technology features that help improve hearing in noisy settings, like crowded restaurants or busy streets.Finally, Phonak provides customers with a great variety of style and design options to choose from. This allows the wearer to find a hearing aid that can both help improve hearing, but also fits their comfort and style needs. We like brands that give customers more say in the look, feel, and functionality of their hearing aids.

The Phonak Lyric hearing aid is known for being the only completely “invisible” hearing aid. This device is discreet, comfortable, and precise. Its miniature design fits within the natural anatomy of the ear and uses the shape of the ear canal to amplify sound. The Lyric must be inserted by a specially certified audiologist, but can be removed by the user if necessary.

Many customers choose the Lyric for its extended-wear technology. It fits seamlessly into active lifestyles because users can wear the aid 24/7 for months at a time. Lyric customers can easily use the aid with a helmet, under ear phones, and even in the shower. The device features moisture protection so you don’t have to think twice before exercising or showering.

Lyrics are different from other Phonak hearing aids in that they are sold by a yearly subscription, not by device. Once removed, the Lyric is not designed to be reinserted, but your audiologist will send updated devices as needed throughout the year. The Lyric doesn’t support battery replacements or fixes, but is simply replaced if it needs a charge or repair.

The Naída Paradise from Phonak supports people with hearing loss to better discern speech from distracting background sounds using noise cancelling, motion sensing, and speech enhancing technology. It’s designed to improve hearing in a range of situations, from intimate conversations with friends to noisy environments like street traffic. The Bluetooth technology also allows you to answer phone calls, access voice activation, and stream music all by simply tapping the device in your ear.

The Naída Marvel model uses technology that adapts to changing noise levels. In each new situation, the system recognizes and balances incoming sound. This device uses Phonak’s Binaural VoiceStream Technology to link the two hearing aids and stream sounds bidirectionally, imitating what the brain does with sounds from both ears. Users feel the full benefit of this technology in a noisy environment, or where the listener can’t face the speaker.

Like the Paradise model, this hearing aid also links to smartphones and other Bluetooth enabled devices for streaming music, videos, podcasts, and taking phone calls. The additional Airstream accessory supports access to audio from television and stereo systems.

The Bolero Marvel hearing aid integrates Bluetooth technology to make daily life easier for the wearer. Users can access ebooks, videos, and music streaming right from their device. The Bolero also uses Binaural Voicestream technology to overcome challenging listening situations. The rechargeable battery is designed to last the full day without interruptions. You can expect your hearing aid’s lithium-ion battery to last a lifespan of six years.

The Audéo Paradise uses a recent advancement in hearing technology from Phonak called the ActiveVent Receiver. A disc within the hearing aid moves to alternate between open and closed acoustics. This makes the sound of your own voice sound more natural while adapting to other noise input, balancing optimized hearing with listening comfort.

The Audéo Paradise comes with options for tap control, built-in rechargeable batteries, and telecoil technology, making for better hearing in large indoor spaces. Additionally, the Audéo Paradise Life is sweatproof and waterproof, a rare feature in hearing aids.

The Virto Marvel is a sleek, discreet titanium hearing aid. The Virto comes in multiple sizes so that users can comfortably wear their customized in-the-ear aid. Designed to look like an earbud, and available in multiple color options, Phonak wants the Virto Marvel to help users overcome the stigma of wearing hearing aids and to feel confident in any setting. The titanium model offers an especially hardy exterior, while inside the precise AutoSense hearing technology automatically adapts to changing listening situations. The Virto M-312 also supports hands free calls and direct connectivity.

The Phonak Sky Marvel model is made specifically for children, and the line features a range of bright mix-and-match colors and glossy designs, as well as more discreet, muted tones. The CDC agrees that there is no one hearing intervention to fit every child’s hearing loss. This particular hearing technology is engineered to support children in the sound environments they frequent, like school classrooms and busy playgrounds. Sky Marvel hearing aids use Bluetooth to easily connect to learning devices at school, so students with hearing loss don’t miss out on educational technology. The long-lasting, 10-hour battery means kids’ schooling or playtime won’t be interrupted, and it fully recharges in three hours.

How Phonak works

Phonak, a subsidiary of Sonova, has designed hearing aids and accessories for more than 70 years, and is one of the largest distributors on the globe. The company’s continued commitment to research allows it to stay at the cutting edge of hearing technology. The designers at Phonak know that there isn’t one perfect hearing aid — they have designed a range of devices, accessories, and styles so individuals can find the right fit for their lifestyle and type of hearing loss.

After taking an online hearing test on the Phonak site, customers interested in learning more should reach out to their audiologist. Phonak does not directly sell to consumers, but through hearing loss specialists.

How Much Do Phonak Hearing Aids Cost?

Phonak pricing varies widely because the company does not sell products directly to consumers. Instead, price is determined by individual healthcare providers and varies based on geography, services included, and type of device, but Phonak aids generally range between $1000 and $4000 per ear.

As the company does not sell its products directly, it does not offer financing or payment plans. Check with your audiologist to inquire about their options for financing. Prospective buyers should also contact their insurance provider to determine the specific terms of their policy. Many private health insurance providers do not cover hearing aids, but a few policies do. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover hearing devices, but some Medicaid plans do, depending on your state’s program.

Phonak App and Accessories

myPhonak app

The company has designed its own app to support remote hearing aid adjustment through Bluetooth-enabled smartphones. You can also use the app to reach out for video support from a hearing health professional to make real time adjustments to your device.

Online hearing test

Phonak’s free online hearing test allows potential users to confirm that they have a problem with their hearing. Of course, this hearing test is not comprehensive—it is only meant as a screening to be followed up with a full evaluation by an audiologist.

TV Connector

Phonak’s TV Connector pairs your television with your Paradise, Marvel, and Audéo B-Direct hearing aid. It streams the television audio, just as if you were using wireless headphones. The connector supports streaming to an unlimited number of hearing aids.

Roger microphones

Some users need to enhance their hearing aid with the use of directional microphones. Phonak’s portfolio of Roger microphones enhance sound differently for a range of scenarios. The Roger On supports users looking to distinguish a voice from background noise. The Roger Table Mic II works best in group discussions and connects to a MultiTalker network for large groups. Designed for students in school, the Roger Touchscreen can be worn by a teacher or placed in a small group of students.

Phonak Hearing Aids Customization

Phonak offers a range of colors, sizes, and levels for users to customize their hearing experience. Most of their devices come with color options, from the Virto’s sleek black titanium shell to the Sky Marvel’s bright mix-and-match colors. Many wearers prefer to choose from a range of flesh tones to match their skin for a more subtle look.

There are also a range of options for users to customize their device’s functionality. Customers often have a choice between built-in lithium-ion batteries or changeable zinc batteries. Some models are offered in a range of levels; the four performance levels, Essential, Standard, Advanced, and Premium, describe the device’s speaker and receiver functions, streaming programs, and features like motion sensors and noise cancellation.

Finally, users can find the most natural fit by choosing from a variety of sizes and styles. Phonak offers behind-the-ear, receiver-in-the-ear, and in-the-ear designs. Some models, like the Virto, even come in a range of sizes so you can customize your device to comfortably sit in your ear.

Customer Service and Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction with Phonak products varies widely. Phonak receives an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, but on some third-party reviewer sites customers complain of technical difficulties and unsatisfactory customer service. These hearing aids are a big investment, and it’s disappointing when the devices don’t perform as expected. In some reviews, buyers express frustration with the lifespan of their aids, difficulties with the app, and some complaints about customer support.

The myPhonak App is a quick way for users to reach out for help with their device, and the app even supports video conferencing with an audiologist to troubleshoot issues. But it’s important to note, many customers seek support from the hearing center where they purchased the device rather than through the Phonak company directly.

Comparing Phonak to Other Brands

What to Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

People with hearing loss experience that loss differently, so it makes sense that hearing aids are not one-size-fits all. People living with hearing loss will need to carefully consider how their type of hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget make some devices a better fit than others.

A high tech hearing aid might delight one user and overwhelm another. Those who value simplicity should stick to more basic wearable models. Many Phonak devices, like the Naída Paradise, feature Bluetooth technology and adjustments that can be activated by using a finger to tap the device in your ear. Take some time to determine what hearing technology can best enhance your lifestyle.

You’ll want to consider how your daily routine determines what you need from a hearing aid. For example, the presence of telecoil technology improves the quality of sound coming from audio devices, like speech through a microphone or intercom in theaters, churches, schools, and offices. Bluetooth enabled hearing aids allow users to easily stay connected to streaming audio and video.

Phonak devices also cover the range of hearing loss, from mild and moderate to severe and profound hearing loss. If possible, users should try out a variety of device styles to feel behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, or in-the-ear designs, to see which is the most comfortable. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders suggests researching how choosing the right style of hearing aid can help you overcome your hearing challenges.

Additionally, some products are geared toward especially active users, like the Audéo Paradise Life model, which is sweat proof, showerproof, and waterproof up to 1.64 feet. Active users might also consider the Lyric, which, once fitted by an audiologist, can remain in the ear canal around-the-clock for months at a time.

Phonak Hearing Aid Customer Reviews

While we found many strong reviews of Phonak products, we also included some customer complaints to give a more complete picture of some of the issues encountered with this brand.

How We Reviewed Phonak Hearing Aids

To create our review of Phonak hearing aids, we examined the brand based on price, the number of models available, the types of hearing loss covered, advanced features, comfort and fit, customer reviews, and warranty options.

We like Phonak because it offers lots of different hearing aid options that are often customizable in terms of size and style. Most models also include upgraded versions with four performance levels for different hearing loss needs. These upgrades add features like noise cancellation, tinnitus balancing, and the ability to adjust to different noise levels. Phonak also stands out because it offers the Lyric hearing aid, the only invisible hearing aid that is placed inside the ear canal and can be worn 24/7 for multiple months.

The drawbacks to Phonak hearing aids include the higher price tag, and the fact that pricing is difficult to determine on your own. Since Phonak does not sell directly to consumers, you must go to a hearing center for a consultation with an audiologist to determine cost options. This makes the brand less easy to buy, try, and return than some other options available for purchase online. Additionally, some customer reviews claim that the 1-3 year warranty is not long enough for such an expensive piece of technology.

Bottom Line

Phonak hearing aids are high quality, but you’ll pay a premium for your device. This isn’t a budget hearing aid and that is reflected in Phonak’s high-performance technology. The Marvel line is especially strong in creating listening devices that balance sound in challenging noise environments. The Lyric is another game-changer, as the invisibility and extended wear features make this a great fit for any active lifestyle. It’s a device that, once fitted, you really don’t have to adjust or think about.. Phonak also offers users a lot of customization options in terms of device color and technology.

While this brand is known for leading in new technology, its distribution model is still old-school. To purchase a Phonak device, you’ll need to visit a hearing center and consult with an audiologist. This leads to unpredictable and often high prices, depending on your location and the services you need.