Phonak devices help with all types of hearing loss. The brand has a wide range of designs with various features, including:
Rechargeable batteriesStreaming via BluetoothBinaural VoiceStream TechnologyNoise isolation and cancellation
This article goes into the advantages and disadvantages of Phonak hearing aids. We also show you how much each model costs and weigh their pros and cons.
2,500 hours researched13 experts consulted30 brands considered96 models considered600+ users surveyed
Our experts have spent more than 2,500 hours conducting thorough research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:
Deeply researched the hearing device categoryConsulted with audiologists and hearing device expertsMystery shopped 30 brandsSurveyed more than 600 hearing aid usersRead and reviewed the current studies published in this spaceRead thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
Phonak products stand out in the hearing aid industry because of their advanced technology. Phonak hearing devices sell worldwide in more than 100 countries, thanks to the company’s international network of distributors and affiliates. In our product review team’s February 2022 survey of more than 600 hearing aid users, a majority of Phonak customers said it was extremely easy to change or charge the batteries in their hearing aids. They also reported that their Phonak hearing aids helped them hear conversations in groups of five people or less more clearly.
Regular consultations with an audiologistFree online hearing testSome models include AutoSense technology, which automatically adjusts to different sound environmentsPhonak rechargeable hearing aids last 24 hours on a single three-hour chargeFour models include a rechargeable battery optionProducts available for moderate to profound hearing lossMultiple wireless Phonak accessories are available for better speech comprehensionmyPhonak smartphone app is available on the App Store for iPhone
Cons
More expensive than some other brandsPhonak doesn’t list prices on its siteOnly offers one-year limited warranty (three-year is common)You can only buy Phonak devices from an audiologist or hearing professional office
If you purchase a Phonak hearing aid, your provider will place an order, and you will finish purchasing and payment through their office. You’ll also receive your hearing aids through your provider, who will fit and adjust them for you. Though it may be convenient to purchase hearing aids online, there are benefits to seeing a hearing loss specialist in person. According to Trisha Muth, AuD, doctor of audiology at Bay Area Audiology in Bel Air, Maryland, “Audiologists confirm via a hearing evaluation you are, in fact, a hearing aid candidate, and they rule out any medically treatable hearing condition that would require a referral to an otolaryngologist.” Dr. Muth adds that audiologists also use in-person exams to “determine which hearing aid style and technology is appropriate for your hearing loss and listening needs, size your hearing aids for your ears, and ultimately fit and program your hearing aids to your hearing loss.” Alternatives include Eargo and Jabra Enhance (previously known as Lively), which are both accessible online and cost substantially less, with an average price of $1,850 per pair. You can compare the price, features, and aesthetics of these hearing aids to Phonak options. MDHearing, which sells devices starting at $299 for a complete pair, is also a valuable resource for finding an easy-to-use, inexpensive hearing aid. You may be able to get some of the cost of the hearing aids covered through your private insurance. This coverage could involve hearing exams, screenings, and some financial assistance with buying the hearing aids themselves. However, many insurance providers do not cover hearing aids, so it’s essential that you double-check with your specific provider. Several state insurance mandates also require coverage for children younger than 18, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare Parts A or B, according to the official Medicare website, which means people with that kind of coverage are responsible for the full cost of the hearing aids and exams. Medicare Part C may pay some of the costs of hearing aids. Another option for paying for hearing aids is to use a flexible spending account or a health savings account. When you buy hearing aids, some audiologists and hearing centers may bundle charges. This coverage may include the cost of a hearing test, examination, hearing aid devices, follow-up care, and rental hearing aids, among other things. Consider bundling if you don’t like unexpected expenses and want confidence that you’ll receive comprehensive care. You can also choose to pay as you go for services as needed in most cases, although that approach may end up costing you more. Follow-up treatment, warranties, and return policies will differ depending on the hearing provider. Phonak offers a 45-day, risk-free trial for their hearing aids, which is fairly common. One drawback with Phonak, however, is that they only offer a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, instead of a three-year warranty. You will need to talk to your local provider about any additional warranty coverage.
Phonak Hearing Aid Ratings
Hearing aid reviews for Phonak are divided. On BBB, Phonak has an A+ rating, with a customer review score of 3 out of 5. However, that’s based on only four reviews, so the results are easily skewed. On Trustpilot, Phonak has a customer rating of 2.4 out of 5, based on 10 reviews. Positive reviews: Reviews on both sites report satisfaction with hearing aid performance, as well as the nearly invisible style of some of the devices. Negative reviews: These focus on difficulties with pairing the hearing aids with Bluetooth, as well as lengthy repair times. However, more than three-quarters of the Phonak users in our survey reported that they were able to pair their hearing aids with their mobile phone or other device in three tries or fewer. — PETER, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM TRUSTPILOT.COM) “Love my hearing aids much better than my old pair and very small, no one can tell I am wearing them.” — DEREK, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM TRUSTPILOT.COM) “I’m enjoying music for the first time in 20 years, both heard directly and streamed from my iPhone.” — NED, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG) The following are additional advanced hearing aid features that may help you hear better:
Directional microphonesBatteries you recharge and reuseDigital noise reductionSmartphone compatibility with Bluetooth capabilitiesFeedback-canceling technologyWax guardsManual and automatic control for volumePreset and customizable settingsTelecoil — note that this must be activated by the dispenser and configured specifically for the userMobile app that provides hearing assistance and continuous supportTinnitus masking
After narrowing down our selections, we consulted with an audiologist who medically reviewed each brand and model. We determined our top picks based on the following criteria:
Special featuresUser experienceCostCustomer serviceReputation and credibility
Phonak makes hearing aids for all types of people, from infants to adults, and it has been in the industry for more than 70 years. Unfortunately, its one-year manufacturer’s warranty is limited, but local warranties can last up to three years, depending on your provider, and the brand offers a risk-free trial of its hearing aids for nearly a month and a half. If you are looking for the ease and convenience of buying a hearing aid online, this brand isn’t for you. You can only purchase Phonak hearing aids from a hearing center or an audiologist, and Phonak’s hearing aids are significantly more expensive than others on the market. According to survey respondents, the biggest drawback with Phonak hearing aids is the cost.
