Phonak Hearing Aids Edinburgh, Auchterarder & Gullane
Outstanding hearing instruments from a world leading hearing device manufacturer
Phonak is recognised as one of the premium hearing aid brands and we have had long and repeated success with their devices
Start Your Journey To Better Hearing
-
Delivering Outstanding Levels of Hearing
Even in the most complex of sound environments
Phonak Digital Hearing Aids
Outstanding Hearing Devices
Phonak are recognised internationally as one of the premium hearing aid manufacturers, and they consistently work to improve their technology. We have a long history of experience with the brand and our customers are consistently impressed with the quality of the instruments and the benefit that their solutions provide. Phonak is one of the primary hearing device brands we use because we trust their quality and reliability implicitly.
Phonak was one of the first hearing aid brands to launch a range of lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids. In late 2018, they announced the launch of a new Made For Any Phone hearing aid family the Marvel. The Marvel range was Bluetooth enabled and offered a direct connection to any phone with Bluetooth. Phonak has continued to build upon the foundation of the Marvel, updating and expanding the features and connectivity. Their Paradise range was well received and we expect their new Lumity platform to continue to build upon that success.
Phonak Lumity
Phonak has launched its new hearing aid platform, which they call Lumity. The initial hearing devices launched on the new platform will be their Audeo Receiver In Canal devices which consists of three Receiver In Canal model all of which are rechargeable devices. It appears that there may be no traditional zinc-air battery-powered RIC devices on the Lumity platform as Phonak says, Meet the first fully rechargeable product range from Phonak.
One Device Type, Three Models Initially
As I said, three separate Receiver In Canal models, all of which are rechargeable and Made For Any Phone. There is the Audeo L-R, an Audeo L-RT (which has a telecoil), and an Audeo Life Lumity. This is what they have to offer:
Audéo L-R
- Built-in rechargeable hearing aid
- Mild to profound hearing loss
- Health data tracking**
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android
- Tap Control
Audéo L-RT
- Built-in rechargeable hearing aid
- Mild to profound hearing loss
- Health data tracking**
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android
- Tap Control
- Telecoil
Audéo LifeTM Lumity
- Built-in rechargeable hearing aid
- Mild to profound hearing loss
- Health data tracking**
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android
- Tap Control
- Waterproof*
New AutoSense 5.0 Management System
The new hearing aids have an upgraded central management system called AutoSense to 5.0. AutoSense manages all of the other features, deciding what needs to change to ensure you hear your best as the sound around you does. Phonak has continually upgraded its management system as advances in chipsets and both Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in audiology increase.
SmartSpeech Technology
Phonak has introduced a new upgraded speech-focused technology that they are labelling SmartSpeech on the Lumity platform. The technology consists of two changes in the aids themselves and the use of the external Roger system. You still get the benefit without a Roger device, they have just included it in the concept of SmartSpeech Technology.
StereoZoom 2.0
The aids themselves have upgraded and changed the parameters in their proprietary directionality strategy StereoZoom 2.0, They have also changed the implementation of that feature with an upgraded sound scene analysis system focused on speech that they call SpeechSensor. Sound scene analysis is the analysis system that monitors and analyzes what is going on in the world. The changes here will allow a better perception of speech.
Phonak says that the new Stereozoom 2.0 enables better speech understanding from the front by 16% in a noisy environment. The SpeechSensor feature combined with StereoZoom 2.0 will also deliver 15% better speech understanding from the back and sides.
SpeechSensor
SpeechSensor is an automatic feature that is designed to provide 360-degree speech detection by monitoring your surroundings for speech. It assesses the main speech source and adjusts the aid's microphone modes to ensure that you have more access to speech from the back and sides.
Two Types of Chargers
The Lumity is introduced with a new shape charger for the L-R and L-RT and the Charger Case Go for the Audeo Life. The Audeo Life is going to be the slightly dearer model, however, the Charger Case Go may be worth that extra money if you are an active, on-the-go type. The Charger Case Go can charge the Life aids three times without plugging in.
myPhonak App
As with the platforms before it, Lumity pairs with the myPhonak app, the app gives you the ability to make adjustments on the go and create customised programs. The app also allows you to track personal health data, including step count, wearing time, activity levels, distance walked and ran, and optional goal setting. In addition, myPhonak app allows you to connect directly with a hearing care professional who can remotely assist in personalising their hearing experience.
Phonak Paradise Hearing Aids
Phonak launched the Phonak Paradise hearing aid range during a virtual global launch event on August the 20th 2020. The Paradise hearing aids are completely new both outside and inside. As is a regular event with Phonak, the first hearing aid styles to be launched will be the Audeo (Receiver In Canal) Paradise range.
Their Marvel range was amazingly successful for them and they have built upon the Marvel platform by introducing a brand new computer chip (they call it PRISM), brand new features, a motion sensor, increased connectivity, and a brand new sound all go to make the Phonak Paradise the best they have ever produced.
Four Technology Levels
The new Paradise will be available in the usual four technology levels that Phonak offer, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30. While many of the new features are just available in either the 90 or the 70 levels of technology, the 50 and 30 levels still have plenty to offer.
Motion Sensor Hearing
Phonak has introduced motion sensors with the new Paradise range and they use them for a couple of different things. The motion sensors are used to help the hearing aid management system understand if you are in motion. An understanding of motion can be quite important, for instance, if you are having a conversation with someone while walking. If the hearing aid management system understand that, it can make a better decision about what it can do to help you hear them better. This isn't the only thing the motion sensor does, but we will talk about that in a minute.
Two Active Bluetooth Connections
The Paradise aids offer increased, and in-depth Bluetooth connectivity over the Marvel, with an active connection to two Bluetooth devices. That means you can easily switch between two connected Bluetooth devices, for instance, two mobile phones or your mobile phone and your tablet, without any fuss. The Paradise actually allows for pairing to eight Bluetooth®-enabled devices, but only two can be connected at once.
Tap Control
This feature is the second ability to be powered by the motion sensors, the sensors know when the aids are tapped and Phonak has used that to power some really cool new functionality. The new Tap Control feature allows you to activate popular voice assistants on your smartphone, answer or reject calls, or even pause or resume audio streaming by simply tapping on the hearing aids or your ear. It means that you can do more with your hearing aids without worrying about pressing buttons. It also makes using your assistant or your audio streaming so much easier.
A Whole New Sound
The Audéo Paradise hearing aid range is the first hearing aid range to use Sonova’s new sound processing chip, PRISM (Processing Real-time Intelligent Sound Management). The new chipset allows a host of newly developed hardware and software features to help you rediscover the wonders of sound from the moment they are fit.
The hearing aids deliver crisp, natural sound in any environment, in quiet situations, soft voices over distance are enhanced by the new speech enhancer feature. The new Motion Sensor Hearing allows the hearing aids to detect when you are moving while having a conversation. It will automatically adjust the directional microphones to focus on the direction of speech.
A New App
The new upgraded myPhonak app will provide Paradise wearers with more control over how they hear thanks to a new personalized noise cancelling feature. The Dynamic noise cancellation feature is available in very noisy situations and you can customise it to be more or less aggressive. The app also offers remote support among other features.
Four New Aids
The Audeo Paradise range is made up of four Audeo hearing aids, two rechargeable hearing aids and two traditionally powered hearing aids. It is important to note that only the rechargeable devices have the new motion sensor feature and also the tap control. The new PRISM chip also allows the speakers in the Audeo range to be a little bit more powerful meaning they will cover more hearing losses than ever.
Phonak
Audeo Paradise R
The Audeo Paradise R is Phonak's latest rechargeable Made For Any Phone hearing aid, it is quite discreet and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The device offers a direct connection to two active Bluetooth devices and will pair with up to eight. This model also offers the Motion Hearing feature and Tap Control. The motion sensor is available on the 90, 70 and 50 levels of tech, while the tap control is only available on the 90 and 70 levels of tech.
Phonak
Audeo Paradise 312
The Audeo Paradise 312 is a very small RIC device which uses a size 312 battery, it is quite discreet and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. It doesn't have a telecoil although as always it is a wireless device. The device offers a direct connection to two active Bluetooth devices and will pair with up to eight. This device does not offer the motion sensor feature or tap control at any level of technology. Phonak says that the motion sensor needs to be powered by a lithium-ion cell, so it is only available on the rechargeables
Phonak
Audeo Paradise 13T
The Audeo Paradise 13T is a RIC device that will use a size 13 battery. It will be slightly bigger than the 312, but still pretty discrete. The T, stands for Telecoil so you will be able to connect to public loop systems with this aid. It can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The device offers a direct connection to two active Bluetooth devices and will pair with up to eight. This device does not have the motion sensor feature nor does it offer tap control at any level of technology.
Phonak
Audeo Paradise RT
The Audeo Paradise RT is a rechargeable RIC hearing aid which will have a telecoil. It can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The device offers a direct connection to two active Bluetooth devices and will pair with up to eight. This model also offers the Motion Hearing feature and Tap Control. The motion sensor is available on the 90, 70 and 50 levels of tech, while the tap control is only available on the 90 and 70 levels of tech.
Phonak
Virto Paradise Hearing Aids
Phonak have now introduced the full range of their new Virto P in the ear products. The range will include a Paradise Titanium, two Paradise CIC devices, one with a size 10 battery and the other with a size 312, a Bluetooth enabled In The Canal/Half Shell model powered by a 312 battery and the Virto Paradise Black, basically the same as the 312 In The Canal/Half Shell model but with a black case.
Only the Virto Black and the Virto 312 In The Canal/Half Shell device will have the full Paradise functionality including the amazing connectivity. The other devices will not have connectivity.
The range will be available in the usual four levels of technology, the 90, 70, 50 and 30.
The Models
Virto Paradise Titanium
In the Ear
The Virto Paradise Titanium invisible hearing aids will be available across the top two levels of technology. The Paradise Titanium will not have any connectivity.
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Truly invisible
- Non Wireless
- Omni-Directional
Virto Paradise Black
In the Ear
The Virto Paradise Black is a new concept from Phonak. A cross over device that looks like a typical hearable device. The device is a Bluetooth enabled hearing aid that shares the same benefits as the wider Paradise range including connection to any mobile phone and access to the outstanding RogerDirect system from Phonak.
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Directional Microphones
- Connection to any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone
- Compatible with RogerDirect
Virto P-10 NW O
In the Ear
The Virto P-10 NW O range is available across four levels of technology. It is a non-wireles device and will have no connectivity
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Non Wireless
- Omni-Directional
Virto P-312 NW O
In the Ear
The Virto P-312 NW O range will be available across four levels of technology. The device offers a very discreet profile but the benefit of a bigger battery. It is a non-wireles device and will have no connectivity
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Non Wireless
- Omni-directional
Virto P-312
In the Ear
The Virto Paradise 312 device is a Bluetooth enabled hearing aid that shares the same benefits as the wider Paradise range including connection to any mobile phone and access to the outstanding RogerDirect system from Phonak.
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Directional Microphones
- Connection to any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone
- Compatible with RogerDirect
Meet The Audeo Marvel
Phonak Made For Any Phone
Phonak introduced their Marvel hearing aid platform in late 2018, it was their first full range of Made For Any Phone hearing aids.
Audeo Marvel
The Audeo was the first part of the Marvel platform to be introduced and it was made up of five hearing aids of which two were rechargeable. The smallest traditional Zinc Air battery size was be the 312. The devices are available in four levels of hearing aid technology as you would expect from Phonak. The rechargeable devices will be available at every level of technology for the first time.
While Made For iPhone hearing aids are well established, Phonak decided to go a different way with their mobile phone connectivity. They chose one that would give them a direct connection to any mobile phone. Phonak relied on the traditional Bluetooth protocol, which offered huge benefits. It meant that any hearing aid they produced would be technically able to connect to any Bluetooth enabled device, not just phones. That strategy also presented real technical difficulties. The first Made For Any Phone hearing devices did not offer stereo audio streaming of phone calls or any other audio. It also ensured that Phonak's quite famous ear to ear features did not work.
A New System, No Limits
The new Marvel platform does not have any of those limitations. The Marvel will allow users to experience stereo streaming audio from any Bluetooth enabled device, that includes most mobile phones available, computers, even some modern TVs. Marvel users can have that audio streaming with the full benefits of Phonak's ear to ear features (Binaural Voice Streaming Technology BVST for short). That all means an outstanding new hearing aid platform with no limitations.
Multi-functional and Feature Rich Hearing Aids
These hearing devices are hugely multi-functional and feature-rich. The Marvel contains probably every single one of the current headline features in the hearing aid world, and they have even thrown in some new ones, here’s the quick list:
- Stereo Bluetooth streaming: Stereo streaming from any Bluetooth enabled device, that means iPhone, iPad, laptops, computers, Macs, Android phones, Windows phones, hell any Bluetooth-enabled phone.
- Real Hands-free calling in stereo: Like the Audeo B-direct, the Marvel offers true hands-free calling from Bluetooth-enabled phones and VOIP services like Skype, except, to both hearing aids.
- TV Streaming: Marvel can stream directly from Bluetooth-enabled TVs, and can also stream from the Phonak TV Connector accessory.
- Rechargeability: They say both Marvel rechargeables will deliver a full day of hearing aid use from a single charge.
- Remote adjustments: Marvel hearing aids can be adjusted remotely by your hearing expert.
- New App Eco-System: Brand new apps to make life easier and engage the consumer in the process.
- RogerDirect: This is really fascinating, for the first time, users will be able to stream from Roger devices directly to their hearing aids.
- Full Phonak Feature Set: The Marvel will offer full and up to date inter-ear features.
More Than Just Audio Connection
The Bluetooth connection is being used for more than just audio streaming though. They will also use that same connection for data exchange between the mobile phone and the hearing aids. This ability offers much more benefits for consumers and professionals alike. The data exchange is the core of the new ability to remotely fine-tune the hearing aids in real-time and for the user to give real-time day to day feedback with the new Hearing Diary.
Remote Fine Tuning
The new remote fine-tuning system is excellent, a video calling system gives the same feeling of face to face interaction, just in a different way. While the remote support may not be for everyone, I think it will be welcomed by people who see it as a real alternative to in-clinic appointments
Speech To Text
They have also introduced a new speech to text app with the new products. The new app acts as a transcription system which allows users to read what is being said by the person on the other end of the phone. It works in real time and thanks to hands-free phone calling you can carry on the conversation while you read the dialogue. The app will allow people with hearing loss extra help to understand people on their mobile phone.
RogerDirect Coming
Phonak's Roger system is the Gold Standard in FM assistive devices for people with hearing loss. All Marvel hearing aids will be able to be upgraded in late 2019 by hearing care professionals so that the new RogerDirect™ system can be added to the hearing aids allowing Roger microphone equipment to stream directly to Marvel hearing aids without having to attach an external receiver. That is something special and it will provide even better benefit for people in complex sound environments.
Audeo Marvel R
The Audeo Marvel R is Phonak's latest rechargeable Made For Any Phone hearing aid, it is quite discreet and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The device will connect directly to any Bluetooth enabled Mobile phone and will stream phone calls and audio in stereo. The devices are available from November 22 in the UK and should be rolled out globally through November and December.
Audeo Marvel 312
The Audeo Marvel 312 is a very small RIC device which uses a size 312 battery, it is quite discreet and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. It doesn't have a telecoil although as always it is a wireless device. The device will connect directly to any Bluetooth enabled Mobile phone and will stream phone calls and audio in stereo. The devices are available from November 22 in the UK and should be rolled out globally through November and December.
Audeo Marvel 312 T
The Audeo Marvel 312T is a small RIC device which uses a 312 battery, it is still very discreet and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. This device will have a telecoil. The device will connect directly to any Bluetooth enabled Mobile phone and will stream phone calls and audio in stereo. This device is now available.
Audeo Marvel 13T
The Audeo Marvel 13T is a RIC device that will use a size 13 battery. It will be slightly bigger than the 312, but still pretty discrete. It can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The device will connect directly to any Bluetooth enabled Mobile phone and will stream phone calls and audio in stereo. This device is now available.
Audeo Marvel RT
The Audeo Marvel RT is a rechargeable RIC hearing aid which will have a telecoil. It can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The device will connect directly to any Bluetooth enabled Mobile phone and will stream phone calls and audio in stereo. This device will not be available until late 2019.
Rocker Switch, Not Push Button
Phonak have also changed the push button on the devices, they now offer a rocker switch instead for more functionality.
Stereo Bluetooth streaming
Marvel will directly stream stereo audio from any device capable of streaming audio via Bluetooth. This includes almost any device you can think of. You can connect it directly to your Android phone; you can connect it directly to your Mac Book or Windows laptop. You can even connect it directly to any Bluetooth enabled television. That is pretty amazing, that is a direct connection without any streamer. The quality of streaming audio is excellent; audio is full and clear. Music is warm and full, and phone calls are clear.
True Hands-Free Calling
The Marvel delivers true hands-free calling in stereo. You will hear your phone calls in both ears giving you a better chance at understanding what is being said. Hands-free means you don't need to touch your phone. Your phone can be up to thirty feet away. You simply hit the button on your hearing aid to answer the call.
Versatile TV Streaming
While the Marvel hearing aids will connect directly to Bluetooth enabled TVs, Phonak also introduced a new TV Streamer with the Marvel range. The TV streamer allows low energy streaming offering great audio and reduced battery usage.
Fully Featured Hearing Aids
As I said, these hearing aids aren't de-featured in any way. They include all of the latest Phonak features including their much-celebrated ear to ear features. They also have a brand new sound management system called Autosense 3.0 which recognises and automatically adapts to precisely match more listening situations than ever before. Autosense 3.0 also classifies streamed signals and will adapt how it works to better help you to hear the way you should.
If you have any questions about Marvel hearing aids, are looking for a hearing test, give us a call on 0131 629 1819 or contact us online now.
Virto Marvel Hearing Aids
Phonak introduced the full range of their new Virto M in the ear products in 2019. The range included a Marvel Titanium, two Marvel CIC devices, one with a size 10 battery and the other with a size 312, a Bluetooth enabled In The Canal/Half Shell model powered by a 312 battery and the Virto Black, basically the same as the 312 In The Canal/Half Shell model but with a black case.
Only the Virto Black and the Virto 312 In The Canal/Half Shell device have the full Marvel functionality including the amazing connectivity. The other devices don't have connectivity.
The range will be available in the usual four levels of technology, the 90, 70, 50 and 30.
The Models
Virto Titanium
In the Ear
The Virto Titanium invisible hearing aids will be available across the top two levels of technology. The Marvel Titanium will not have any connectivity.
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Truly invisible
- Non Wireless
- Omni-Directional
Virto Black
In the Ear
The Virto Black is a new concept from Phonak. A cross over device that looks like a typical hearable device. The device is a Bluetooth enabled hearing aid that shares the same benefits as the wider Marvel range including connection to any mobile phone and access to the outstanding RogerDirect system from Phonak.
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Directional Microphones
- Connection to any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone
- Compatible with RogerDirect
Virto M-10 NW O
In the Ear
The Virto M-10 NW O range is available across four levels of technology. It is a non-wireles device and will have no connectivity
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Non Wireless
- Omni-Directional
Virto M-312 NW O
In the Ear
The Virto M-312 NW O range will be available across four levels of technology. The device offers a very discreet profile but the benefit of a bigger battery. It is a non-wireles device and will have no connectivity
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Non Wireless
- Omni-directional
Virto M-312
In the Ear
The Marvel 312 device is a Bluetooth enabled hearing aid that shares the same benefits as the wider Marvel range including connection to any mobile phone and access to the outstanding RogerDirect system from Phonak.
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Directional Microphones
- Connection to any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone
- Compatible with RogerDirect
Phonak Bolero Marvel Range
The Bolero Marvel range is the latest range of Behind The Ear hearing aids from Phonak. It consists of just two hearing aid models, The Bolero Marvel M and the Bolero Marvel PR, over four technology levels.
Bolero Marvel M
The Bolero Marvel M is a pretty discrete mini BTE with a multi-functional button, not unlike the button used on the Audeo. The M can be fitted with a slim tube (which you can see above) or an ear hook for traditional tubing and ear mould. The M will cover hearing losses down to 75 dB in the low to 95 dB in the high frequencies. That, of course, depends on configuration, with the slim tube fitted, that reduces to 80 to 85 dB in the high frequencies. The M has all of the features of the Marvel platform with a direct connection to any Bluetooth mobile phones and Roger devices. However, the M does not have a telecoil onboard so a connection to a Loop System is out. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30
Bolero Marvel PR
The Bolero Marvel PR is slightly larger than the M, but it is still relatively discrete. It uses the same multi-functional button as the smaller M. The PR is a lithium-ion powered rechargeable hearing aid can be fitted with a slim tube (which you can see above) or an ear hook for traditional tubing and ear mould. The PR will cover hearing losses down to 80 dB in the low to 100 dB in the high frequencies. That, of course, depends on configuration, with the slim tube fitted, that reduces to 70 in the low and 90 dB in the high frequencies.
The PR has all of the features of the Marvel platform with a direct connection to any Bluetooth mobile phones and Roger devices. It also has a telecoil onboard so it can be used to connect to a Loop System. Phonak say that you will get a full day of use out of one charge and use time is similar to the Audeo. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30
Phonak Naida Marvel Hearing Aids
Made For Any Phone Super Power Hearing Aids
Phonak announced the launch of the new Naida Marvel range in January 2020. They will be launched at the end of February 2020. At present, it appears to be just one superpower Behind The Ear hearing aid that is powered by a size 13 battery. The hearing aid will be available in nine colours and the usual four levels of Phonak technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30. The hearing devices will cover losses from moderate to profound.
Hands-Free Phone Calls & Complete Connectivity
The new Naida will offer the hands-free phone call experience and comprehensive connectivity that other Marvel users are used to. Because the new Naida is built on the Marvel platform it will offer almost complete connectivity to any device with a Bluetooth audio output. That means iPhones, Android Phones, dumb phones, laptops, computers and even Bluetooth enabled TVs. For people with severe to profound hearing loss, this type of connectivity is a true godsend. It levels the playing pitch, allowing them to use devices in the same way others take for granted. Of course, there are two other features in the Marvel platform that will really make a big difference to them.
Roger Direct & myCall-to-Text
People with severe to profound hearing loss need all of the help that they can get to hear better. The myCall-to-text app will deliver just that on their Smartphone. It transcribes phone calls in real-time, offering them live subtitles for their mobile phone calls. This app combined with direct connectivity could allow some people with severe to profound hearing loss use their mobile phone for the first time.
The Roger Direct system is outstanding and now with the Naida Marvel, people with severe to profound hearing loss will be able to use Roger devices without any intermediary devices. That makes life easier and it allows people with this type of loss get on better in more challenging sound environments. That can only be seen as a good thing. The Naida has always been viewed as one of the best hearing aids for severe to profound hearing loss. The release of the Naida Marvel will only cement that position.
Virto B Hearing Aids
Meet The New Phonak Virto B Range
Phonak have now introduced the full range of their new Virto B in the ear products. They say that they are custom-made to perfectly fit in your ear, Phonak Virto B are the world’s first hearing aids with Biometric Calibration, which take your individual ear anatomy and hearing needs into account. That's an interesting description.
They say that they will identify over 1600 biometric data points in and on your ear, and the unique calibration settings are calculated for each Virto B hearing aid. In this way, Virto B is able to more reliably sense where sound is coming from, thereby giving you access to better hearing performance.
What does that all mean? Well, we think that Phonak are the first ever hearing aid manufacturer to carefully map the outer ear to take advantage of its natural abilities. They say that the new process will deliver a 2dB signal to noise ratio improvement. Basically means it will make the signal (what you want to listen to) 2dB higher than the noise.
2dB doesn't sound like much, but combined with all the other strategies that Phonak use it will be a marked improvement. Phonak Virto B is available in six models to match your hearing needs. It is also available in the usual four levels of technology, the 90, 70, 50 and 30.
The Models
Virto B-10 NW O
In the Ear
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Truly invisible
- Non Wireless
- Omni-Directional
Virto B-10 O
In the Ear
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Wireless
- Omni-Directional
Virto B-10
In the Ear
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 10 zinc air
- Wireless
- Directional Mics
Virto B-312 NW O
In the Ear
- Custom Product
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Non Wireless
- Omni-directional
Virto B-312
In the Ear
- Custom Product
- Mild to profound hearing loss
- Battery: 312 zinc air
- Wireless
- Directional Mics
Virto B-13
In the Ear
- Custom Product
- Mild to profound hearing loss
- Battery: 13 zinc air
- Wireless
- Directional Mics
Virto B-Titanium Invisible Hearing Aids
As part of a raft of introductions Phonak announced that they were introducing a new Virto hearing aid type as part of their Virto Belong range. The device is quite groundbreaking, it is the first hearing aid device to use medical grade titanium to form the custom shell. While this alone is innovative, they have used the properties of the metal to ensure that they can offer discreet custom hearing aids to more people than ever.
A Titanium Shell
The named the hearing aid as the Virto B-Titanium and said it will be the most discreet in ear device they have ever made. It is a fascinating device that uses titanium for the shell instead of the usual hard acrylic. This is the first time that titanium has been used in the manufacture of a custom hearing aid.
Super discreet
Virto B-Titanium is the smallest Phonak in-the-ear hearing aid ever! It is for all intent and purpose an invisible hearing aid device.
Half as Thin
Using titanium allows for a shell that’s half as thin as traditional custom shells. This will result in a deep, comfortable fit. Phonak say that the overall size is reduced significantly, thus increasing invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) fit rate by 64%. That simply means that more people than ever will be physically suitable for their latest invisible hearing aid.
Three Levels of Receiver
The device comes available with three levels of receiver which allows it to cover even more hearing losses than ever before. Because of the use of Titanium, it also allows for bigger vents in their hearing aids which means less occlussion problems for people with good low frequency hearing.
Fully automatic
Virto B-Titanium features AutoSense OS™. It adapts to every sound environment automatically for excellent hearing performance everywhere. There will be no need to manually adjust the hearing aids. Although, they can come with an optional push button for just that.
Technology Levels
The Virto B-Titanium will only be available in the 90 and the 70 levels of technology.
Will Fit More People Than Ever
The material is exceptionally strong, which allows Phonak to make the shell much thinner than ever before with even more strength. This combined with new component design allows them to deliver an invisible hearing device that they say will fit 68% more ears.
The deep position in the ear canal of the device will allow the hearing aid to use the natural shape of the ear to funnel sound to the microphone. This strategy has always proved to deliver excellent directional hearing.
Who will the Virto Belong-Titanium be suitable for?
While invisible hearing aids can be a bit hit and miss for suitability, Phonak say that their new designs and materials will in fact make the hearing aids suitable for more people than ever. While that will most definitely be the case, there will still be some limitations on ability to fit. I would imagine if the bends in the ear canal are too tight, it will preclude this device from being suitable.
Other contra indications are the same as every other invisible hearing aid such as excessive waxy ear canals, history of mid ear infections or perforated eardrums. If you face these issues, this will not be the product for you. In these cases other discreet hearing aids may be more advisable to consider.
Naida Belong Hearing Aids
Phonak has a long history in and is renowned for hearing device solutions for severe to profound hearing loss. They launched their Naida Belong range in February 2018. The Naida had been accepted almost universally as one of the best solutions for profound hearing loss.
Belong Platform Based
The Naida B is based on the Belong chipset and finally brings all of the benefits of that platform to people with severe and profound hearing loss. The Belong platform was exceptionally well received and the Naida B range is available in four levels of technology which include the B90, B70, B50 and B30. Let's take a look
The hearing aids
Naida B R RIC
This is the first ever rechargeable Naida hearing aid, the device is a receiver in canal hearing aid which can be used with three power levels of receivers. The device has a programme button and is powered by a Lithium-Ion rechargeable cell, it will suit people with a hearing loss up to severe. However, the rechargeable hearing aid will only be available in the B50, B70 and B90 technology levels.
The Naida RIC (Receiver in Canal) offers a lot of power in a small package, it will deliver outstanding benefits for people with mild to severe hearing losses delivering power with discretion. The device comes with three possible receiver options, the XS, the XP and the new X UP (for Ultra Power).
Using the new X UP receiver, the hearing aid will cover a hearing loss down to a flat 100 dB. This means that even people with a severe to profound hearing loss can avail of a very discreet solution without compromise in power or functionality.
If this might be an attractive option for you, you need to be aware that there is some extra clean and care steps with a RIC device. As a RIC device, you will need to ensure that you take care of the receiver and follow a daily drying routine to ensure that it does not fail from wax ingression or moisture build up.
Naida B SP
The Naida B SP (Super Power) is a traditional Superpower BTE hearing powered by a size 13 battery that will suit people with a severe to profound hearing loss. The hearing aid has both a programme button and a volume control and will be available in the B90, B70, B50 and B30 levels of technology.
The new Naida B SP can be fitted with a power slim tube and tip which offers real discretion. The power slim tube can be fitted with either acrylic or silicon custom tips. The device can also be fitted with a standard thick tube and mould configuration.
The power output on the Belong SP is the same as the Naida V and it matches the power output of the older Naida Quest UP. This means that more people with severe to profound hearing loss can now avail of a more discreet option.
While the SP runs on a size thirteen battery the power management system that Phonak uses ensures that the battery drain is controlled. The device is a little bigger than the RIC but it is still a very small Super Power hearing aid.
Naida B UP
The Naida B UP (Ultra Power) is a traditional Ultra power BTE hearing powered by a size 675 battery (huge battery, lots of power, big smiles) that will suit people with a profound hearing loss. The hearing aid has both a programme button and a volume control and will be available in the B90, B70, B50 and B30 levels of technology.
The power and size of the new Naida B UP is in line with the Venture UP, giving it even more performance for even the most profound hearing loss. The B UP can also be fitted with a power slim tube and custom tip which means it can be a pretty discreet option.
This is definitely one of the smallest 675 traditional type hearing aid solutions for profound hearing loss. It will give people with profound hearing loss a more discreet solution.
Naida Belong Features
Adaptive Phonak Digital Contrast
The hearing aids have all of the latest features from the Belong range but offer a new proprietary fitting formula called Adaptive Phonak Digital Contrast. Phonak say that the new formula offers real benefits to some people who have real difficulty with hearing speech sounds. In essence, the formula should really contrast the consonant sounds from the vowel sounds in speech to allow better understanding.
Sound Recover 2
This is the latest version of Phonak's sound Recover strategy which was pretty successful when introduced in the Venture chipset. Sound Recover 2 allows access to the nuances of sound that many people with severe to profound hearing loss may not be able to hear. It delivers more speech information without causing distortion.
Water resistant
The range is rated to IP68, which means it will survive immersion in one metre of water for sixty minutes without damage. Phonak are circumspect about calling it water resistant, but another manufacturer calls this level waterproof. One way or the other this range will quite happily get in the shower and the pool with you without having to worry about it failing.
AutoSense
As part of the Belong platform the new Naida range benefits from Autosense and all of its features. This allows it to deliver the best possible experience in a range of sound environments.
Rated 5 out of /5 based on over 40 customer reviews
Looking For A Hearing Test In Edinburgh, Auchterarder or Gullane?
Call us on 0131 629 1819 or book online now
Book Your Appointment Learn more about The Test