Phonak, a part of the Sonova Group, is one of the “Big 6” manufacturers of hearing aids. It is also one of the most preferred hearing aids prescribed by audiologists. This article gives you a brief review on some of the most popular Phonak hearing aid models. We will discuss the pros and cons of these models, providing you with a tool to make an informed decision when choosing a hearing aid.
Phonak Lyric Hearing Aid Reviews
Phonak Lyric is an invisible-in-the-ear (IIC) hearing aid. It is the world’s only 100% invisible hearing aid. The Lyric is placed inside your ear canal, close to your eardrum. It is composed of biocompatible seals for the outermost body, with a battery that works for months at a time. Let us take a look at some of the pros and cons of this completely invisible hearing aid below:
Phonak Lyric Pros and Cons
One of the biggest advantages of Phonak Lyric hearing aids is that you can continue to live your life normally. You can go about your daily activities such as showering, sleeping, wearing a helmet, and participating in sports or daily workouts without any hassles. Being inside your ear and closer to the eardrum, Lyric allows you to hear clear, natural sounds. You can also attend calls on your phones or use your headphones/earphones as you normally do.
Additionally, Lyric hearing aids give you constant relief from tinnitus symptoms, even when you’re sleeping. They can be worn for months at a time without having to replace or recharge batteries. Phonak Lyric is the only hearing aid that is truly invisible, giving you complete discretion.
The biggest con of using Phonak Lyric is that long term use of the hearing aid can cause discomfort in your ear. The skin inside the ear is thin and sensitive. Prolonged usage of Lyric can cause the skin to irritate or pain. The need to replace the hearing aids vary from individual to individual. Depending on how long the battery lasts, you may have to replace the hearing aid from anywhere between one to two months. This hearing aid is available on a subscription basis, which means that you might end up paying more than what you would otherwise pay for a normal hearing aid. Additionally, if you are suffering from an immunocompromised condition or are taking blood thinners, you would not be eligible for wearing Lyric. Also, if you are suffering from profound to severe hearing loss, then Lyric is not the right hearing aid for you.
Phonak Virto Paradise Reviews
Virto Paradise is the only custom-fit, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid by Phonak. This hearing aid is built after taking an impression of your ear, as a result of which is fits perfectly with the shape of your ear. The Virto Paradise is available in four different versions: Virto P-312, Virto P-312 NW O, Virto P-Titanium, and Virto P-10 NW O.
- Virto P-312
- Virto P-312 NW O
- Virto P-Titanium
- Virto P-10 NW O.
Virto Paradise Pros
Virto Paradise offer excellent sound quality and better speech understanding. These hearing aids offer universal Bluetooth connectivity with several devices, with two simultaneously active connections and handsfree calling. All Virto Paradise models offer tinnitus management.
Virto Paradise hearing aids are available in several different colours, allowing you to choose the one most suitable to your need for discretion and lifestyle.
Virto Paradise Cons
Bluetooth connectivity and handsfree calling are only available with the Virto P-312 model. None of the other models offer Bluetooth connectivity. All models come with the traditional, replaceable battery. Only the Virto P-312 model is compatible with the myPhonak app and other hearing accessories offered by Phonak. You would have to wear a neck loop in order to be able to connect with any of the wireless accessories.
Phonak Audéo Paradise Reviews
Launched in August 2020, Phonak’s Audéo Paradise hearing aid was a revolutionary step from their previous Marvel hearing aids. Audéo Paradise is a technology marvel where hearing aids are concerned, and offers highly advanced features that make hearing an easy task.
Audéo Paradise Pros
Audéo Paradise hearing aids are best if you are suffering from either mild to severe or mild to profound hearing loss. These behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids allow you to enjoy exceptional sound quality and better speech understanding even when you are in a noisy environment. The sound appears quite crisp and natural. You can now easily stream audio, answer calls or access AI assistants with a mere tap. On a full charge (e.g. overnight charging) you can get up to 24 hours of battery life. It may vary a little depending on streaming and other activities.
This is the only Phonak hearing aid model that comes with a cross model. It means that if you’re suffering from single-sided hearing loss, you can use the CROS P hearing aid in conjunction with Audéo Paradise hearing aid.
The hearing aids offer universal connectivity with Bluetooth enabled devices. You can pair up to eight devices, with two simultaneous active connections. You can monitor your health activities such as steps taken, distance walked and even the number of hours you wore your hearing aids with these hearing aids. You have options between rechargeable hearing aids and those with a traditional, replaceable battery.
Audéo Paradise Cons
Although an advantage, the Tap Control function is too sensitive, which may make it difficult for you. For example, it may cause you to accidentally disconnect a call or turn off your AI assistant without intending to. With regards to Health in the myPhonak app, heart rate tracking function is available with Audéo Fit only. Audéo Life is the only waterproof and sweatproof hearing aid.
Phonak Naída Paradise Reviews
Naída Paradise is a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. It comes with a tube and an earmold, and is available in several different colours to meet your style and need for discretion.
Naída Paradise Pros
Naída Paradise hearing aids are best for mild to profound hearing loss. They offer better sound quality and speech understanding even when you’re in a noisy environment. You can universally connect with Bluetooth enabled devices.
This hearing aid is compatible with the myPhonak app, Roger microphones and other Phonak hearing accessories. You have the option to choose between a rechargeable and non-rechargeable hearing aid. You can easily answer calls, stream audio or access AI assistants with a mere tap.
Naída Paradise Cons
The Tap Control function is too sensitive, which may make it difficult for you. For example, it may cause you to accidentally disconnect a call or turn off your AI assistant without intending to.
Phonak Sky Marvel & Sky Link M Reviews
Phonak has specifically designed the Sky Marvel hearing aids for children. They are available in a wide range of colours to offer children with more confidence and comfort about wearing a hearing aid.
Sky Marvel & Sky Link M Pros
Sky Marvel is the only hearing aid that is built with an operating system that is designed specifically for noisy environments such as classrooms and playgrounds. They are safe and comfortable for children to wear all day. The hook and battery door are built tamperproof so that children’s energetic and outdoor lifestyle cannot damage the hearing aid easily. Children can directly stream audio via Bluetooth enabled, Android, and iOS devices.
The hearing aids are compatible with Roger microphones, which allows children to hear better, e.g. when in a classroom. They are also compatible with the myPhonak Junior app, which allows children to have a sense of control on the device. At the same time, it also allows parents to control and monitor the use and issues with hearing aid that the children are facing.
Sky Link M is the only hearing aid that can be used in conjunction with a cochlear implant. Your child can wear the Sky Link M in the other ear for a better, natural hearing experience.
Sky Marvel & Sky Link M Cons
This hearing aid does not offer the dynamic noise cancellation feature. As a result, the hearing aid is not equipped to make automatic adjustments based on different listening environments.
Tap Control function is also not available with the Sky Marvel hearing aids. It might make things easier for children.
Phonak Bolero Marvel Reviews
Bolero Marvel hearing aids are behind-the-ear (BTE). They are available in different colours, allowing you to choose the one most suitable to your style and need for discretion.
Bolero Marvel Pros
The Bolero Marvel hearing aids offer rich, clear sounds, giving you a better speech understanding. They offer easy, universal connectivity with Bluetooth enabled devices and smartphones. Its compatibility with the myPhonak app gives you more control over your hearing experience. Furthermore, being compatible with Roger microphones and various other Phonak hearing accessories enhances your listening experiences.
You have the option between a rechargeable and non-rechargeable hearing aid. Moreover, if you are uncomfortable with a receiver in your canal, you can opt for the hearing aid with a tube and an ear mold.
Bolero Marvel Cons
No real disadvantages, except that there are Phonak hearing aids now available with far more advanced technology and features.
Phonak Audéo Lumity Reviews
Audéo Lumity is the latest Phonak hearing aid, launched in August 2022. This hearing aid is quite revolutionary, with several advancements in the chip and other technology used by Phonak for their hearing aids.
Audéo Lumity Pros
The design and built of this hearing aid is slimmer compared to other Phonak hearing aids. This means you have to worry less about wearing a hearing aid from aesthetics point of view. You can universally connect with any Bluetooth enabled device and stream audio, answer calls or even access AI assistants. You can pair up to eight devices and have two simultaneous active connections.
You can now experience exceptional sound quality and speech understanding with highly intelligent features that analyse and adjust your hearing aids according to your environment. Compatibility with the myPhonak app allows you to have far more control over your hearing aids and experience. You can further enhance your hearing experience by connecting your hearing aids with the several hearing accessories offered by Phonak.
Audéo Lumity Cons
The Tap control function is too sensitive, which may cause you to unintentionally disconnect a call or turn off your AI assistant. All Audéo Lumity hearing aids are rechargeable. There is no option for a hearing aid with a traditional battery. This hearing aid does not have the CROS P option available.
All in all, Phonak hearing aid reviews are fairly positive. They are also one of the most preferred hearing aids, both by audiologists and those experiencing hearing loss. The only downside to Phonak hearing aids as a whole is that the company does not sell their hearing aids itself. They are only available through a select network of audiologists and hearing care centres. Furthermore, Phonak offers a limited one-year warranty on its hearing aids. However, your audiologist would be the best person to decide which Phonak hearing aid would be the best for you.
