Phonak Hearing Aids Review 2024: Tried and Tested by Us

Jun 17, 2024
Fact Checked
Our audiology experts review Phonak hearing aids based on price, features, sound quality, style, and more.
Written by: Chrissy Holm
Medical Reviewer: Brad Ingrao, AuD
Best for Severe Hearing Loss
8.5
Very Good
Free online hearing test
16-hour rechargeable battery life
Ongoing audiologist and hearing aid specialist support

Phonak Hearing Aids Review: Key Takeaways

With so many hearing aid companies to choose from, each with different models and various levels of advanced technology, it can be challenging to decide which hearing aid works best for you and your hearing loss. To help you make sense of it all, our Reviews Team researched Phonak, one of the largest hearing aid companies on the market, and created this Phonak hearing aids review.

This review dives into the pros and cons of Phonak hearing aids, details each of Phonak’s hearing aid models, compares Phonak versus other brands, and summarizes Phonak hearing aids customer reviews. We hope this helps you or your loved ones search for the best hearing aids.

Why trust our expert review?

5,300
Hours of research
12
Experts consulted
1
Surveys deployed

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

Phonak hearing aids: pros and cons

Pros Free online hearing test and ongoing audiologist and hearing aid specialist support Available for mild to profound hearing loss Most models connect to Bluetooth A variety of advanced technology, depending on the model, including noise reduction, telecoil, tinnitus management, and automatic sound adjustments using AutoSense technology myPhonak smartphone app for remote support and, depending on the model, user adjustment
Cons Prices aren’t listed on the Phonak website and vary among distributors Limited one-year international warranty Expensive compared to some other hearing aid companies Requires free, in-person consultation with an audiologist or hearing professional before purchase

Comparison of Phonak hearing aids models, as of 2024

Bolero Marvel Bolero Marvel Visit Site
Naída Paradise Naída Paradise Visit Site
Audéo™ Lumity Audéo™ Lumity Visit Site
Audéo Paradise Audéo Paradise Visit Site
Virto Paradise Virto Paradise Visit Site
Lyric Lyric Visit Site
Starting cost per pair $2,100 $2,400 $1,359–$6,000 $2,010–$4,800 $2,450 $2,450 $3,000–$6,000
Type of hearing aid BTE BTE BTE RIC RIC ITE IIC
Type of hearing loss Mild to moderate Mild to profound Severe to profound Mild to profound Mild to profound Mild to severe Mild to severe
Battery type Traditional Rechargeable Rechargeable or traditional Rechargeable Rechargeable or traditional Traditional Single-use, non-rechargeable
Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Water resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Depending on version Yes Yes
Telecoil Yes Yes Depending on version Depending on version Depending on version N/A N/A
Directional microphone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A
Noise reduction Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A
Processing channels Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Audéo™ Lumity

Why we like it

In addition to being waterproof and available in eight color options, this model has high-tech features like AutoSense for sound environment adjustment, Roger wireless technology, a TV Connector feature, and Bluetooth connectivity wit streaming capabilities.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $2,010–$4,800
  • Dimensions: 29.5 mm L x 12.9 mm W x 9 mm H
  • Weight: 0.08–0.1 oz
  • Type of hearing aid: Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Additional information

The Audéo Lumity, the newest model from Phonak, has exceptional quality, rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and streaming, and other high tech features, such as AutoSense technology. This feature automatically detects your sound environment and adjusts as needed. For example, the devices will notice the noise around you and will make necessary changes with little to no interruption to your hearing ability.

The Phonak Audéo Lumity also has the ability to connect to Roger wireless technology, TV Connector, and Bluetooth. Roger wireless technology, which is a variety of microphones and receivers that can cost up to an additional $1,500, allows you to understand conversations in difficult-to-hear environments. You can stream and listen to television with the Phonak TV Connector without disturbing others. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can answer or decline phone calls with a tap of your hearing aid.

The waterproof Audéo Lumity has a 16-hour rechargeable battery life, eight color options, and health activity tracking in the myPhonak app. When you connect to the mobile app, you can track steps (how many daily, weekly, monthly or annual steps and distance walked or ran) and wearing time (detailed wearing time on the left and right hearing aid and in different acoustic environments).

For those with mild to profound hearing loss that are looking for a high-tech hearing aid, the Audéo Lumity might be a good fit. If the price on this hearing aid ($2,600–$6,500 per pair) is out of your budget, you might consider a different prescription option on this list, such as the Bolero Marvel.

Bolero Marvel

Why we like it

This basic model is the most affordable Phonak option but still manages to offer telecoil, AutoSense sound technology, and Bluetooth connectivity with both iPhones and Androids.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $2,100
  • Dimensions: 10 millimeters (mm) x 12 mm x 35 mm (length x width x height)
  • Weight: 0.08–0.1 ounces (oz)
  • Type of hearing aid: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
  • Battery type: Rechargeable or traditional
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Additional information

The Bolero Marvel is Phonak’s least-expensive hearing aid. It’s a BTE hearing aid with two models: the Bolero M-PR and the Bolero M-M. Both models have telecoil, or t-coil, technology built in, which allows you to pair your hearing aids with assistive listening devices and sound systems found in public settings, like theaters, airports, or churches.

A telecoil allows you to connect to sound systems in public places, so you can hear clearly without interruptions from surrounding sounds. The Bolero Marvel also directly connects to iPhone and Android devices via Bluetooth, pairs with the myPhonak smartphone app and other hearing aid accessories such as remote microphones, and is available in nine colors.

In addition, the Bolero Marvel has AutoSense OS 3.0 technology, which adjusts your hearing aid based on your surroundings. For example, the technology analyzes the sounds around you—whether at a restaurant, at home, or in your car—and adjusts your hearing aids automatically, without you having to manually adjust the settings.

Slim

Why we like it

This mid-range model comes in four color options and offers universal compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity with both iPhones and Androids, along with AutoSense sound intelligence.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $2,400
  • Dimensions: 1.68 inches x 0.74 inches x 0.34 inches (length x width x height)
  • Weight: 4.6 (oz)
  • Type of hearing aid: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
  • Battery type: Rechargeable
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Additional information

Coming in four different color combinations, the Slim is Phonak’s second least-expensive (and newest) hearing aid. It’s a BTE hearing aid and comes in two different models (L90 and L70), with the primary difference between the two models being some different tech features. The Slim is contoured to naturally rest behind the ear and designed for a discreet and comfortable fit. Both models have universal connectivity, allowing the user to directly connect with iPhone and Android devices via Bluetooth and pair with the myPhonak smartphone app and other hearing aid accessories.

The L90 and L70 models also both have telecoil technology, which allows you to connect with sound systems in public settings, as well as AutoSense OS 5.0 technology built in. AutoSense OS 5.0 is an intelligent operating system that uses machine learning to help the wearer more easily identify their listening environment and adapt to surrounding sounds. It also uses SmartSpeech, which connects to Roger microphone accessories and features:

  • StereoZoom 2.0: Gives the wearer more noise and spatial awareness
  • SpeechSensor: Detects the direction of speech and adjusts directional microphone accordingly
  • Speech Enhancer: Helps reduce listening effort in quiet environments

Naída Paradise

Why we like it

We like this aid’s convenient tap-control system for switching  between phone calls and streaming, the advanced background noise cancellation feature, and the innovative motion sensor hearing.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $1,359–$6,000
  • Dimensions: 36.7 mm L x 16.4 mm W x 8.5 mm H
  • Weight: 0.09–0.11 oz
  • Type of hearing aid: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
  • Battery type: Rechargeable or traditional
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Additional information

The Naída Paradise hearing aid is a step up from the Bolero and comes in two versions: the Naída P-PR for mild to severe hearing loss, and the Naída P-UP for severe to profound hearing loss. Both are available in eight colors.

The Naída Paradise model has dynamic noise cancellation, a feature that allows you to adjust the amount of background noise according to personal comfort and preference. For example, a student could use dynamic noise cancellation to block the noise of surrounding classroom conversations to hear a teacher better.

The Naída Paradise also works with the Roger On, a remote microphone that can be clipped to a speaker’s clothing or set on a table and pointed in the speaker’s direction to feed the speaker’s voice directly to the hearing aid, helping the hearing aid user better understand the speaker from a distance, or in a group.

Unique to some of the Paradise models, the Naída P-PR includes Tap Control and motion sensor hearing. Tap control allows users to answer or reject phone calls, activate voice assistants like Alexa or Siri, and pause or resume audio streaming with a simple tap to the ear when connected via Bluetooth. Motion sensor hearing helps address the challenge of listening while moving, automatically adjusting the microphone to adapt to the environment when it detects that the user is moving. For example, as you move, sounds can appear louder or fainter based on the direction in which you’re moving. Motion sensor hearing helps reduce these types of changes in sound due to movement, as well as improve speech understanding.

Audéo Paradise

Why we like it

This model has great sound clarity thanks to the ActiveVent Receiver, plus it comes in eight colors with five styles that can incorporate features like telecoil and motion sensor hearing.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $2,450
  • Dimensions: 8 mm L x 12 mm W x 30.5 mm H
  • Weight: 0.04–0.08 oz
  • Type of hearing aid: Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
  • Battery type: Rechargeable or traditional
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Additional information

The Audéo Paradise hearing aid is smaller than the Bolero and Naída. It’s an RIC hearing aid designed with the ActiveVent Receiver, an intelligent technology that uses AutoSense OS 4.0 to automatically adjust to your listening environment.

Compatible only with Audéo Paradise hearing aids, the ActiveVent Receiver is a hearing aid speaker with a vent that opens and closes automatically, depending on surrounding noise levels, to give better sound clarity. The vent closes in loud environments, blocking noise so you can hear what is directly in front of you, and opens in quieter environments to allow more sound into the receiver for a natural listening experience.

Please note that the ActiveVent is only appropriate for mild to moderate levels of hearing loss. You will need to check with your hearing care professional to see if you’re a candidate for this model.

The Audéo Paradise model is available in five versions: the waterproof Audéo P-RL, the Audéo P-13T with telecoil, the Audéo P-R with motion sensor hearing, the Audéo P-RT with telecoil and motion sensor hearing, and the Audéo P-312, the most basic of the five options.  They are available in eight colors and are compatible with the myPhonak smartphone app and smartphones, TVs, and more.

Virto Paradise

Why we like it

This small, discreet model integrates Bluetooth technology, speech enhancement, and includes an option for titanium, a more durable material for active users.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $2,450
  • Dimensions: Custom made
  • Weight: Custom made
  • Type of hearing aid: In-the-ear (ITE)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to severe
  • Battery type: Traditional
  • Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Additional information

Smaller than BTE (Bolero Marvel and Naída Paradise) and RIC (Audéo Paradise) hearing aids, the Virto Paradise hearing aid is an ITE hearing aid that sits almost completely inside the ear, making it a more discreet option. This hearing aid has Bluetooth capabilities, a speech enhancer for quiet environments, and is available in three colors.

The Virto Paradise is the only model from Phonak that is custom made for each user. That means the device is custom fit to the shape of your ear, which can result in a better, more comfortable fit.

The Virto Paradise comes in four versions: Virto P-10 NW O, Virto P-312 NW O, Virto P-312, and Virto P-Titanium. Phonak describes the Virto P-10 NW O and Virto P-Titanium as “truly invisible,” and the Virto P-Titanium is made of titanium, with a stronger shell than the acrylic shells used for the other versions. The stronger shell can be especially useful for active users as well as those with dexterity issues who worry about accidentally crushing their hearing aid.

The Virto Paradise is also compatible with the myPhonak app and Roger technology. Roger technology includes microphone accessories designed for loud social situations, like group conversations, online calls or meetings, and social settings such as shopping malls, museums, or restaurants, and is available for both the Paradise and Marvel hearing aids.

Lyric

Why we like it

This smallest of the Phonak aids comes in seven sizes and remains in the ear for a few months at a time, offering a 24-hour hearing tool—with Bluetooth capabilities—that never requires a charge.

Features
  • Starting cost per pair: $3,000–$6,000
  • Dimensions: Based on ear canal size
  • Weight: 0.017 oz
  • Type of hearing aid: Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)
  • Degree of hearing loss: Mild to severe
  • Battery type: Disposable
  • Bluetooth compatible: No
Additional information

The Lyric hearing aid is the smallest of all of the Phonak hearing aids and is a completely invisible ITC hearing aid, meaning the hearing aid sits within the ear canal, near the eardrum, where it cannot be seen.

The Lyric is placed in the ear canal by a trained hearing professional and is meant to stay in place at all times—24 hours a day for several months at a time. The Lyric is water-resistant and sweat-proof, and it does not need to be recharged or turned on and off.

One of the drawbacks is the Lyric is not waterproof, so you can shower with it, but you cannot fully submerge your head under water while swimming. Some other drawbacks include lack of Bluetooth capabilities or user control for noise.

There are seven different sizes available, from XXS to XXL. The Lyric is sold as a subscription covering one year of use, with service and replacement hearing aids included in the subscription cost.

History of Phonak

Established in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1947, Phonak has 123 international subsidiaries and distributors around the world. In 2006, Phonak launched its Hear the World initiative to raise awareness about hearing loss worldwide, including the social and psychological effects of hearing loss and options for prevention and treatment. Since then, Phonak has launched water-resistant hearing aids, as well as models to help manage tinnitus and single-sided hearing loss.

Purchasing Phonak hearing aids

You might be wondering how and where to purchase Phonak hearing aids, how much they cost, if insurance covers them, and how you can save money. In this section, we break down those questions.

How and where do I purchase Phonak hearing aids?

To purchase Phonak hearing aids, you need to work with an audiologist or licensed hearing instrument specialist. Some brands, such as Eargo and Jabra Enhance, offer hearing aids without an in-person consultation and provide free online hearing tests. But Phonak hearing aids cannot be bought online—you must purchase them directly from an authorized retailer such as an audiologist clinic.

If you want professional support and don’t mind an in-person consultation, visit the Phonak website to search for Phonak preferred providers in your area. You can also find an audiologist via the American Academy of Audiology.

Phonak hearing aids cost and insurance

Phonak hearing aids vary in price, starting from $2,100–$4,260 per pair, depending on the model. But prices can climb to more than $7,000 per pair based on hearing aid customizations. Ask if your hearing professional or audiologist offers a discount, financing, or payment plans. Also, reach out to your insurance provider to learn what is covered because some private health plans may cover the cost.

According to our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users, more than 28% of Phonak users reported that the hearing aids are expensive, compared to only 9% of Audicus users, 23% of Jabra Enhance users, and 25% of Signia users.

Cost of hearing aids with disposable vs. rechargeable batteries

Like most hearing aids, Phonak hearing aids with rechargeable batteries generally cost more than Phonak hearing aids with disposable batteries. For example, the Phonak Bolero Marvel with disposable batteries starts at $2,100 per pair, while the Phonak Naída Paradise with rechargeable batteries starts at $2,400, with the main difference between the models being battery type.

While disposable batteries last only a few days before needing to be replaced, rechargeable batteries are designed to last the hearing aid’s life, which is about five years. If a rechargeable battery dies while the hearing aid is still under warranty, you should be able to get it replaced at no cost. If it dies after the warranty has expired, it’s usually best to buy a new hearing aid, as rechargeable batteries are quite expensive.

Phonak warranty

Many hearing aid companies offer three-year warranties, but Phonak only provides a one-year international warranty, beginning the day you purchase your hearing aids. An additional two years of repair, loss, and damage coverage is available for an extra fee at the time of purchase.

The warranty covers:

The warranty does not cover:

Local warranties vary, so check with your audiologist or hearing professional.

Phonak online hearing test

Phonak offers an online hearing test to help you determine if you have hearing loss. But, it’s important to note that online hearing tests can’t diagnose the cause of your hearing loss, just the presence of hearing loss. More research on online or app-based hearing tests is needed to determine whether they’re a good replacement for in-person hearing tests.

For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, which focused on age-related hearing loss (ARHL), stated that “given their low cost and relative accessibility, smartphone-based hearing apps may facilitate screening for ARHL,” but “further research and validation efforts are necessary to determine whether smartphone-based hearing assessments are a feasible and accurate screening tool for ARHL.” [1]Irace, Alexandria L., et al. Smartphone-Based Applications to Detect Hearing Loss: A Review of Current Technology. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Dec. 19, 2020. Found on the internet at https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.16985

“Online hearing tests can be a good way to determine if you should take the next step of having an in-depth diagnostic evaluation,” said Sarah Lundstrom, Au.D, an audiologist with Hearing Care in Venice, Florida.  But “they do not check for other causes of hearing loss, such as wax impaction, ear infections, or other medically treatable causes of hearing loss.”

Hearing professionals recommend you see an audiologist for an in-person hearing test before purchasing hearing aids online.

Phonak app and accessories

Phonak offers four different smartphone apps: myPhonak app, myPhonak Junior app, myRogerMic app, and myRogerCoach app.

Phonak offers seven wireless accessories: Roger On, Roger Clip-On, Roger Table Mic II, Roger Select, Phonak PartnerMic, TV Connector, and Phonak RemoteControl.

Customizing Phonak hearing aids

You can customize your hearing aid settings through the myPhonak app, with different accessories, on your hearing aids, or with support from your hearing care professional. The options are explained here.

Customer service and satisfaction

Phonak customer support is available through:

Our Reviews Team spoke to Phonak customer service several times and received conflicting answers on model dimensions and weight. For specific Phonak hearing aid questions, the company recommends working with your local hearing care provider.

Phonak also has several watch-and-learn videos that cover:

In our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users, more than 70% of Phonak hearing aid users reported it was easy or extremely easy to clean their hearing aids. More than 75% said it was extremely easy to change or charge Phonak hearing aid batteries. The survey also indicated that more than 9% of Phonak users are extremely dissatisfied with the comfort and fit of their hearing aids, compared to 5% of Starkey hearing aid users.

Phonak vs. other brands comparison, as of June 2024

Cost per pair $2,600-$6,500 $799–$1,995 $299–$699.98
Type of Hearing Aids Behind-the-ear Receiver-in-canal Behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, completely-in-canal
Type of hearing loss Mild to profound Mild to moderate Mild to severe

Phonak hearing aid customer reviews

In our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users, more than 28% of Phonak respondents reported that their hearing aids didn’t have enough features, but only 4% stated their hearing aids didn’t look appealing. Customer reviews for Phonak vary among different sites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. On BBB, Phonak has an A+ rating but a customer review rating of 2.11 out of 5, based on nine reviews. On Trustpilot, Phonak has a “poor” rating, with 1.8 out of 5 stars, with 34 reviews. Reviews are as of September 2023.

“I have used Phonak for years for assistive tech devices for students. We have not been disappointed in the products or service.”

STARLA, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW (BBB.ORG)

“Love my hearing aids much better than my old pair and [they are] very small, no one can tell I am wearing them.”

DEREK, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (TRUSTPILOT.COM)

“I purchased a Phonak Audeo P90 RT hearing aid in October and it failed at the end of August. I sent it back to Phonak at the beginning of September. Phonak has been working on it for five weeks. The company says they do not have the parts to fix it. I only have hearing in one ear and the loss in that ear is very bad. I would have gone with my second choice [of hearing aids].”

PATRICIA, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW (BBB.ORG)

Phonak Hearing Aids: Bottom line

Phonak is a reputable brand that makes quality hearing aids. For the last 70 years, Phonak has been supporting people with hearing loss. Phonak hearing aids are for people with mild to profound hearing loss, are built with advanced technology, and come in various styles.

Phonak hearing aids may be the right choice for you if:

Phonak hearing aids may NOT be the right choice for you if:

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Phonak has been around for more than 70 years and makes technologically advanced hearing aids. Depending on your needs, you can find a hearing aid model with telecoils, noise reduction, or water-resistance, and you have options for either rechargeable or traditional batteries.

Hearing aids last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on how they’re worn, cared for, stored, and how much moisture and heat they are exposed to. The battery life of Phonak’s lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids is 24 hours after a single charge.

Sonova makes Phonak hearing aids and operates four other brands as well, providing hearing devices, audiologist care, consumer hearing, and cochlear implants.

Phonak manufacturing facilities are located in Switzerland, China, and Vietnam. More than 100 countries around the world distribute Phonak hearing aids.

Phonak is unique because it’s one of the industry’s longest-run hearing aid companies. For more than 70 years, the company has produced hearing aids to help manage tinnitus and single-sided hearing loss, and has helped lead the hearing industry in technological advancements, including special features like Bluetooth connectivity and voice-to-text transcription of phone calls.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Irace, Alexandria L., et al. Smartphone-Based Applications to Detect Hearing Loss: A Review of Current Technology. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Dec. 19, 2020. Found on the internet at https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.16985
chrissy holm headshot
Chrissy Holm Author
Chrissy Holm is a writer and content editor with experience in health and wellness, weight loss, and hypertension. With her degree in Public Health Education and Promotion, she has designed promotional items, helped clients reach their health goals, and has written about sustainable agriculture and healthy food access for a local Minnesota nonprofit.
brad ingrao headshot
Brad Ingrao Medical Reviewer
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990s, Brad Ingrao, AuD, has fitted thousands of hearing aids to older adults and people of all ages. He is an active member of the Hearing Loss Association of America, including the National Association, the Florida State Association, several local chapters, and a guest presenter for the newly formed Veterans Virtual Chapter. In addition, Dr. Ingrao is on the Board of Directors for the Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss.
Kathleen Cameron
Kathleen Cameron Reviewer
Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.
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