Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak Review

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. We like that they offer behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), and invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid models with multiple performance levels to meet different hearing loss needs. 

Most Phonak hearing aids are also Bluetooth compatible, which allows 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 variety of technology features that help improve hearing in noisy settings, like crowded restaurants or busy streets. 

Finally, Phonak does not sell directly to consumers but instead requires the use of a third-party distributor (an audiologist or hearing specialist) in order to get a highly customized hearing solution. The hearing aid focus group discussion from our 2022 Hearing Aid Testing Summit highlighted the importance of customized selection and fit in order to have a positive experience with new hearing aids. “A hearing aid is only as good as the person working on it,” said summit attendee Dr. Candace Ortiz-Hawkins, an audiologist and co-founder of the Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance.

Pros and Cons of Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak Hearing Aid Models and Prices

*Pricing may vary between third-party distributors

Warranty and Trial Period

Phonak does not directly offer free trial periods to customers, but their third-party distributors may. Each distributor determines the conditions of their trial period offerings individually, so you have to check with them about the exact terms. State licensing law dictates the minimum return period that can be offered, which is typically 30-45 days. However, some clinics may offer a longer return period than their state mandates.

Phonak offers a one-year limited international warranty covering manufacturing and material defects in the aid itself, but not in accessories such as batteries, tubes, ear molds, or external receivers. The warranty does not cover damage from improper handling or care, exposure to chemicals, immersion in water, or undue stress. Damage caused by third parties or non-authorized service centers renders the warranty null and void. Your distributor may offer their own additional local warranty.

Apps and Accessories from Phonak

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 for telehealth appoints with your hearing professional to make real-time adjustments to your device. We found the app easy to install and use during our testing of Phonak’s Naída Paradise at our hearing aid testing summit. We were able to adjust volume and switch between preset programs without difficulty. The app also controls your connection to other Phonak devices you use such as a TV connector or Roger microphone. The app is compatible with all devices that use Bluetooth technology.

TV Connector

Phonak’s TV Connector pairs your television with your 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. It is compatible with any hearing aid with Bluetooth capabilities.

Partner Mic

PartnerMic is designed to be worn for one-on-one conversations, or for when a speaker is at a distance such as during a lecture. It is a small, discreet microphone worn by your conversation partner on their lapel (or anywhere near their mouth). It uses AirStream technology to instantly connect to and stream their speech directly to your Lumity, Paradise, or Marval hearing aids. It has a long range of 25 meters and the rechargeable battery supplies six hours of use at a time.

Remote Control

If you prefer not to navigate through a smartphone app to make hearing aid adjustments, you have the option of using the Phonak remote control. It allows you to manage volume levels, check battery life, and see program status with a small, easy-to-use and hide device. It offers a more discreet way of making adjustments as users can often use it while it remains in a pocket or purse. It can also be used to activate your Phonak TV Connector. “Remote controls in general can be helpful for older patients who may not have a smartphone or who only use their smartphone as a phone and not apps,” said Dr. Magann Faivre.

Roger Microphones

Some users need to enhance their hearing aid with the use of directional microphones. Phonak’s portfolio of Roger microphones enhances 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. The Roger Clip-On microphone is a small clip-on microphone for on-on-one conversations in environments with background noise. Roger microphones are compatible with hearing aids that have a direct audio input or telecoil.

Phonak Customer Reviews

Stories from Phonak Users

We spoke with two Phonak customers directly. Dr. Alan Lidsky is a retired internal medicine physician who has asymmetric familial hearing loss, meaning that it is worse on one side and was inherited from his father. All of his siblings also inherited hearing loss. He recently acquired Audéo Paradise hearing aids after first trying out another brand and returning them due to discomfort. He said he loves the ease of use of the MyPhonak app and admits that he doesn’t know what most of the settings do but is easily able to make adjustments when necessary. His Kaiser insurance covered $2,000 of the $5,000 total cost.

Dr. Lidsky reported that his friends and family are relieved to not have to constantly repeat themselves. He told us, “I’m happy with my choice and my audiologist.”

For Ian Kelly, 30, of Denver, Colo., who has bilateral high-frequency hearing loss caused by his years working on jets while in the Marine Corps., the free Phonak Bolero Marvel hearing aids he was able to get through Veteran Affairs has helped improve his comprehension in loud environments like restaurants. “I really like the reduction in tinnitus that my aids give,” he said. “The constant ringing is the worst part of my hearing loss. My only complaint is that I wish they were waterproof. I’ll try to get waterproof ones next time.” He was told that he can get new devices through the VA every four years.

Online Reviews

We also browsed hundreds of online reviews. While we found many strong reviews of Phonak products, we also included some customer complaints to provide a more thorough overview of some of the issues encountered with this brand.Phonak has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and minimal reviews, with only six customer reviews and a score of 2.33/5 stars, it’s hard to get a complete picture. However, Phonak is always quick to respond to every review and take care of any unresolved issues. There has been only one complaint filed with the BBB in the last three years.

Trustpilot gives Phonak 2/5 stars with 17 reviews considered, so again, there are a minimal number of reviews. Many of the complaints were regarding difficulty with the app. On Facebook, Phonak has 3.7/5 stars with 124 reviews. While most reviews praised the sound quality, comfort, and capabilities, negative reviews were mainly focused around not being able to get the tech to work properly.

“Connectivity is a big headache for every hearing aid user. When it works, which is most of the time, it’s great. However, phone updates often wreak havoc on connectivity until the apps catch up and fix the glitch. So, it’s an ongoing issue over time, but one that luckily doesn’t last long each time,” said Dr. Magann Faivre.

Buying Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak hearing aids can only be purchased through a third-party distributor. We spoke with one, Connect Hearing, a nationwide Phonak distributor. (Note: Connect Hearing is owned by Phonak parent company Sonova.) Dracey Kirby, a patient care coordinator, explained that they carry Phonak hearing aids because of their “ease-of-use, wide array of options, and great app.” She explained that most hearing centers provide a free initial hearing evaluation, then recommend the aids best suited to your needs. To help you purchase Phonak hearing aids near you, the company offers a provider directory on the website.

Phonak offers a wide range of colors, sizes, and performance levels for users to customize their hearing experience. There is also a range of options for users to customize their device’s functionality. Customers often have a choice between built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, or changeable zinc batteries. 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-canal, in-the-ear, and invisible-in-canal designs. In-the-ear models, like the Virto, come in a range of sizes so you can customize your device to comfortably sit in your ear.

Online Hearing Test

Phonak’s free online hearing screening allows potential users to confirm that they have a problem with their hearing. It takes about 10 minutes and consists of answering several screening questions then using headphones to listen to various tones while noting the lowest level of volume that you can hear for each ear. 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.

Cost of Phonak Hearing Aids

Kirby quoted a range of $1,000–$5,000 for Phonak hearing aids from her office. She explained that the price will depend greatly on your health insurance coverage, the model you select, and the power level you choose. As mentioned previously, pricing can vary greatly between distributors so it’s a good idea to talk with several before making a commitment.

Phonak vs. Other Hearing Aid Brands

How We Reviewed Phonak

Our experts independently research and test products we believe provide value to the lives of our readers. We personally tested the Naída Paradise, along with several other popular brands and models, in our 2022 Hearing Aid Testing and Research Summit. Our extensive testing included:

• Charging and battery life
• Features included
• App usability 
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Ease of cleaning
• Performance after submerged in water to verify its water resistance
• Durability of the product after dropped

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.

See our full methodology.

Hannah Sherk contributed to this report.