Phonak is the #1 hearing aid brand by unit volume in the U.S. Here's what you need to know about their latest products.
The Zürich-based giant isn't the showiest company in the hearing health space, but their wide-ranging products and technology are worn in more ears every day than any other brand. Founded in 1947, Phonak has been in business for over 75 years.
If you are considering the latest Phonak hearing aids or just brushing up on your Swiss history, this article is for you. We'll dig into frequently asked questions about Phonak and spend some time in the weeds with Phonak's latest range of products.
Let's get into it.
About Soundly
Before we wax poetic about Phonak's background noise handling (which is impressive), we should probably tell you who we are. Soundly is an independent consumer education site focused on hearing aid audio products.
Our team of audiologists and hearing aid wearers tests dozens of hearing aids each month to share our research with you. You can read more about us and our review process here.
Quick Phonak Facts
- Phonak is the leader among the six top hearing health brands.
- Phonak is owned by its Swiss holding company, Sonova (the owner of Unitron, Advanced Bionics, and Sennheiser).
- Phonak offers a wide range of hearing aids, from truly invisible to receiver-in-canal and high-powered BTE (more on the latest styles in a minute).
Phonak's top products today.
Today Phonak's flagship product is Phonak Infinio which the vast majority of consumers choose. The brand also manufactures custom-in-the-ear products under their Phonak Virto line and higher-powered products for severe and profound hearing loss under the Phonak Naída Paradise line.
Phonak also makes a CROS device for single-sided hearing loss and a pediatrics line under the name Phonak Sky.
If you aren't sure what to make of all these names, here's a way to think about it.
- Around 70%-80% of consumers choose Infinio,
- Approximately 10% choose Virto.
- The remaining 10%-20% select Naída, Lyric, or an older model.
Let's take a closer look at the existing Phonak product range. 👇
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
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Featured in this article
Phonak Infinio
Infinio offers the latest sound processing technology, the longest-lasting battery, and a comfortable RIC style. Infinio is the model 80% of wearers choose in 2024.
Phonak Infinio Sphere
Phonak’s Infinio and Infinio Sphere models, released in mid-2024, quickly caught industry attention with groundbreaking features:
- Real-Time AI Processing: Phonak leads in AI innovation with its dual-chip architecture, powering real-time adjustments that make listening easier in complex, dynamic environments. This level of AI-driven sound processing sets Infinio Sphere apart as a top choice for clarity and adaptability.
- Extended Bluetooth Range: Enjoy hands-free streaming and calls with 2x the Bluetooth range, making Phonak an ideal pick for both iOS and Android users who value reliable connectivity.
- Waterproof and Durable Design: Built with an IP68 rating, Infinio Sphere withstands water exposure and daily wear, appealing to users with active lifestyles who want durability alongside performance.
Phonak’s Infinio line combines onboard AI with practical, user-focused features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance and versatility in hearing aids.
Phonak Infinio Sphere receives highly positive reviews, with many users noting significant improvements over previous Phonak models and competing brands. Wearers praise its sound quality and robust Bluetooth streaming. The main complaints we found relate to the larger size and occasional automatic mode switching. Some highlights from our partners at ZipHearing.
- "Wearing these new Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids has been very comfortable and an easy adjustment for me. These are my first hearing aids and the sound with them on sounds very natural. I've been able to understand my friends in a crowded restaurant and have been able to turn off the closed captioning on my TV. The Bluetooth feature has worked well for both streaming music and phone calls. I haven't found any drawbacks yet!" - Eileen
- "I have been wearing hearing aids for 6 years. I started my journey with ReSound which lasted nearly 5 years. I then went to Costco and discovered Costco aids are fine for people with modest hearing loss, but I needed more. I then went with Phonak Sphere and have been very happy. I am active and discovered early on the aids I had purchased were being negatively impacted by sweat. Phonak replaced them with water resistant aids for a very small charge. I am very pleased with my new aids." - David
- "Sound quality is excellent. Definitely an improvement over previous HA. Still trying it out in noisy environments but I definitely see an improvement when in noisy situations in understanding speech." - Ken
- "I am currently wearing the Phonak Audio Sphere 90 hearing aids. Had them about two weeks now and the sound quality is very good. I am a bit frustrated with the Automatic program selection as it does not really seem to pick the correct program for the situation. I have not noted the sphere function working as of yet, even though I have been in a few very noisy situations. They are comfortable and only took a few days to adapt to the thicker design of the body. The battery life is exceptional. After wearing them for 15 to 16 hours they still have 45 percent batter life. The only other complaint is the charger case. It is not easy to get they in and almost kink the wires to the domes. I wish they were bigger like my previous Marvels." - Brian
- Top of the line sound processing (thanks in part to onboard AI)
- Best-in-class Bluetooth connection
- Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
- Sphere is a premium product with an average price of $4,598 per pair.
- Shorter than average battery life of 16 hours per charge
- Phonak Sphere is larger than most hearing aids on the market (due to a larger battery and two onboard chips)
- Phonak Infinio is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Phonak's high-powered Naída Paradise
- Phonak Infinio is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
- After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the myPhonak app
- Phonak is one of our top reviewed products for background noise management
- Phonak Sphere Infinio uses a first-to-market onboard AI processing chip which makes up to 7 million adjustments per second
- Phonak Infinio comes in in a comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- Phonak Infinio offers a rounded, modern form factor and a comparable size to other leading devices
- Choose from a variety of colors including: Chestnut, sandalwood, sand beige, silver gray, graphite gray, velvet black, beige, champagne
- Phonak Infinio comes with rechargeable batteries only
- 24 hours on a 3-hour charge (including 80 min of streaming); 30 minute quick charge provides 6 hours battery life
- Standard charger uses inductive charging
- Phonak Infinio is among our top choices for Bluetooth capabilities
- Allows simultaneous connection to up to four devices
- Allows hands-free calling for both iPhone and Android devices
- Users can tap their hearing aid to answer calls
- Telecoil is available
- Infinio uses universal connectivity for all Bluetooth devices (other leaders use MFI and ASHA)
- Infinio offers 2X the Bluetooth range (distance from your device) compared to older models
- Phonak Infinio is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Infinio devices come with an onboard toggle switch for volume and program changes
- Phonak Infinio is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
- Infinio has even stronger waterproofing than previous models from the brand
- This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Remote care: Available through the Phonak app in coordination with your provider
- Customization: Volume, treble/bass, adjustable custom programs in the app
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your healthcare provider
- Find my hearing aid: N/A
- Health tracking: Tracks length of wear time and step count
Phonak Virto
If you want custom-molded hearing aids that sit inside your ears, Virto is your go-to. Virto uses a slightly older operating system but offers good sound quality and Bluetooth streaming in larger models. The smallest versions of Virto are almost entirely invisible in your ear.
Phonak Virto Infinio
If you’re a Phonak fan who prefers an in-ear device, Virto is a strong choice. Here’s why we picked it:
- Custom Fit: Each Virto is molded to fit your ear canal, providing exceptional comfort and invisibility.
- Enhanced Sound Quality: Equipped with SmartSpeech Technology, Virto adapts seamlessly with AutoSense OS to enhance speech clarity and reduce listening effort across different environments.
- Expert Support: Phonak has a broad network of local experts skilled with Virto, ensuring users receive knowledgeable care for the best results.
- Tiny sized invisible product
- Rechargeable and Bluetooth enabled half-shell product
- Fully customizable by your hearing professional
- Premium price point starting at $3,850
- Invisible style requires battery changes every 4-6 days
- Regardless of size, Phonak Virto Paradise hearing aids are fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-profound hearing loss
- If you have profound hearing loss, you will want to select the largest Virto model which comes with an higher-powered speaker
- Phonak hearing aids are prescription devices fit and programmed by a professional
- To create your custom hearing aids, a professional will take earmold impressions in a clinic or in your home. They will then send those impressions to the Phonak manufacturing facility where a one-of-one replica will be created for your hearing aids
- After an initial fitting, you can connect the largest half or full-shell wireless models to the Phonak app to receive remote care
- Phonak Virto offers strong underlying sound algorithms consistent with Phonak's Paradise technology platform (Phonak now offers newer tech in their Lumity Receiver-in-Canal products).
- The largest Virto model includes directional microphones to manage complex environments
- Phonak Virto custom-molded devices sit comfortably in the ear. Some users with better hearing in lower frequencies prefer an open-fit behind-the-ear style hearing aid that allows more natural sound to pass into the ear canal
Learn more about the choice between in-the-ear vs. behind the ear styles here.
- Sit inside the ear
- Available sizes include Virto-P Titanium Battery Size 10, Virto-P Battery Size 10, Virto-P Battery Size 312 Non-Wireless, Virto-P Battery Size 312 Wireless
- Available Body colors: Blue, Brown, Pink, Red, Cocoa and Black,
- Available Faceplate colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Pink
Phonak Virto hearing aids only use disposable batteries
- Phonak offers Bluetooth enabled and non Bluetooth-enabled options with a size 312 battery (lasts 7-10 days)
- Phonak offers titanium and standard shell options with a size 10 battery (lasts 5-7 days)
- Virto Paradise half-shell and full-shell styles can be equipped with Bluetooth streaming
- Bluetooth models use Bluetooth classic connection and offer hands-free calling for iPhone and Android devices
- Telecoil is optional in all sizes but can not be selected alongside Bluetooth
- All sizes within the Phonak Virto Paradise family require regular disposable battery changes and good dexterity. The smallest sizes are especially difficult to manage due to their smaller size 10 battery.
- All sizes can include an optional push-button, three largest sizes can include an optional volume wheel
- The smallest models of Phonak Virto Paradise have an IP68 rating which means they can sustain 30 minutes of water exposure in up to one meter of water
- Larger 312 models do not include an IP rating
The larger wireless version of Virto Paradise has full access to the Phonak app. Smaller sizes do not have access to the smartphone app.
- Remote care: Available through the Phonak app in coordination with your provider
- Customization: Volume, treble/bass, adjustable custom programs in the app
- Tinnitus masking: Available through your healthcare provider
- Find my hearing aid: N/A
- Health tracking: Tracks length of wear time and step count
Phonak Lyric
Lyric is a unique hearing aid that consumers love or hate. The big selling point is that Lyric stays in your ears 24/7 with regular replacements at a local office. Think of Lyric as contact lenses for your ears.
Phonak Lyric
Phonak Lyric is a truly unique hearing aid on the market, offering an entirely invisible, "set it and forget it" solution for users seeking simplicity and discretion.
- Effortless Wear: Lyric is designed for continuous, worry-free wear. It stays in place 24/7 and is replaced every 8 weeks by a professional, making it an excellent option for those who prefer not to manage their hearing aid daily. Some users can even learn to change it at home.
- Complete Discretion: Lyric’s position deep in the ear canal makes it truly invisible. Even with close inspection, it’s undetectable, giving users complete confidence in its discreteness.
- Ideal for Dexterity Challenges: With no daily handling required, Lyric is ideal for individuals with dexterity issues or those who prefer a low-maintenance solution. Its effortless setup offers ease without compromising on hearing clarity.
Phonak Lyric combines practicality and innovation, making it a compelling choice for anyone that has the time and resources to go this route.
- Totally invisible Wear 24 hours a day including workouts and water
- Clear sound that uses the natural shape of the ear
- Expensive at $4,000 per year
- Includes in-person changes every 8 weeks
- Lack of background noise suppression technology
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Phonak Lyric hearing aids are appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have profound hearing loss, you are a better fit for higher-powered RIC or BTE hearing aids
- Phonak Lyric hearing aids are prescription devices fit and programmed by a professional
- You will return to your audiologist every 8 weeks for hearing aid replacements
- Some users learn to make hearing aid changes themselves at home using a special insertion tool
- Phonak Lyric uses analog sound, preferred by some users, though it lacks advanced background noise management features.
- Lyric benefits from the natural acoustics of the ear canal, which can help improve background noise handling.
- After an initial adjustment period, Phonak Lyric becomes comfortable for most users, with many reporting they forget they're even wearing hearing aids.
- Sit deep inside the ear
- Replaceable using a special insertion tool at your local clinic
- Phonak Lyric devices have an onboard battery that lasts 6-8 weeks, after which the entire unit is replaced.
- Phonak Lyric does not come with Bluetooth streaming
- Phonak Lyric is professionally placed and stays in the ear for 6-8 weeks, making it ideal for users with dexterity challenges.
- Phonak Lyric is water-resistant, allowing for light swimming, daily showers, and exposure to humidity.
- Phonak Lyric does not have an app
- Volume and program changes are made using a magnetic wand accessory
Phonak Sky
Sky is designed for kids and comes with access to the myPhonak Junior app. Phonak is among the industry's leaders in pediatrics.
Phonak Sky
Phonak has been a leader in pediatric hearing solutions for years, and the Phonak Sky series is no exception. Here's why we picked it:
- Phonak’s expertise in pediatric hearing makes Sky one of the most trusted choices for kids, combining clear, rich sound quality with features designed specifically for younger users.
- Safety and comfort come first with tamperproof components like the secure earhook and battery door, plus a rechargeable battery option for worry-free, all-day use.
- Customizable and playful, the mix-and-match color options let kids express their style, adding a fun and personal touch to their hearing aids.
- With Bluetooth and Roger connectivity, Phonak Sky keeps kids seamlessly connected to smartphones, tablets, and other devices, supported by the myPhonak Junior app for easy adjustments and tracking.
Phonak Sky is a full-featured, reliable option designed to keep young users engaged, comfortable, and connected.
Apps and Accessories
Phonak has a few smartphone apps that control Phonak hearing aids and unlock special features like sound quality adjustments, fitness tracking, and more.
Our lead audiologist recently did a deep dive into the myPhonak app here.
Accessories
Phonak offers a robust (although sometimes pricey) line of accessories. I recently tried out the Roger ON external microphone with some fantastic results. Phonak's accessories include:
Roger ON
A versatile external microphone that can plug into your TV or computer, clip onto a partner or teacher's shirt or sit in the middle of a table. Roger ON streams cleaned-up audio directly to your Phonak hearing aids.
TV Connector
Phonak's TV Connector does what you might imagine. Plug the device into your TV and stream audio directly to your hearing aids.
Phonak RemoteControl
A simple, handheld remote made to easily control your Phonak hearing aids without reaching for your hearing aid buttons or opening an app.
Phonak PartnerMic
A small, easy-to-use microphone that attaches to your partner's lapel to improve hearing during one-on-one conversations. This one is incredible in restaurants, sightseeing, or in the car.
How Phonak stacks up against other leaders.
Phonak is the leader among hearing health perennials for a reason. The brand has a broader range of form factors than any other brand and a robust underlying technology base. Phonak's flagship product, Phonak Infinio, has the most versatile Bluetooth connection among hearing aids in 2024, and Phonak does a great job managing background noise.
Compare Infinio to other leading devices like Signia Styletto, ReSound NEXIA, Oticon Real, and Starkey Genesis AI via our comparison tool.
Programming Software and Professional Care
Thus far, most of this guide has focused on Phonak from the wearer's point of view, but each brand has its software for programming and adjustment. We asked our lead audiologist, Dr. Amy Sarow, for her thoughts on the "back end" of the Phonak experience. These were some of her thoughts:
Fitting Software
Phonak's backend software enables me to make fine-tuned adjustments within hearing aid programs, customizing the device to the sound preferences of individual patients. If you're a golf enthusiast, for instance, we can augment the WindBlock feature of your hearing aid. This adjustment allows you to focus more on your game, reducing the distracting noise of the wind. Additionally, for patients who suffer from persistent tinnitus, I can develop specialized tinnitus programs. These programs are designed to help manage the irritating sounds produced by tinnitus, making it less bothersome during your day-to-day activities.
Earmolds
Phonak's meticulous attention to detail extends to the quality of their custom-made earpieces. Phonak's earmold lab is capable of creating earpieces that fit even the most challenging ear canal geometries.
I've worked with patients with extremely narrow ear canals, often a tricky proposition when it comes to fitting hearing aids. In these instances, Phonak's expertise in creating custom earpieces has proven invaluable.
I can attest to their skill at crafting earpieces that not only fit great but also deliver superb sound quality, even for those with challenging anatomy.
Remote Care
One of my personal favorite features of Phonak hearing aids is the remote care options that are available. Through the myPhonak app, I am able to remotely adjust my patients' hearing aids and provide them with support from anywhere.
This means that patients don't have to come to the office for every adjustment, which is especially helpful for those with mobility constraints or who live in remote areas.
Phonak History
AG für Elektroakustik (later renamed Phonak) launched in 1947 and, after three years of R&D, released the first portable hearing aids, Phonak Alpina. In 1965, businessman Ernst Rihs acquired the company's majority shares and renamed it Phonak AG.
The company steadily grew and innovated through the 70s and 80s.
In 1992, Phonak launched the PICS, the first-ever digital programmable hearing system with an analog signal processor.
In 2007 Phonak's parent company changed its name to Sonova but kept the original Phonak name for its flagship brand.
In 2010 Phonak purchased Lyric, a fully invisible hearing aid meant for 24/7 wear.
Over the last 10 years, Phonak has released a steady line of hearing aids with progressively more advanced technology. Phonak Infinio is the company's current flagship.
The Last 10 Years Of Products
2024: Phonak Audéo Infinio, Virto Infinio
2023: Phonak Naída Lumity
2022: Phonak Audéo Lumity, Phonak Virto Paradise
2021: Phonak Naída Paradise
2020: Phonak Audéo Paradise, Phonak Naída M, Phonak Virto M, Phonak Brio 4
2019: Phonak Bolero M
2018: Phonak Audéo Marvel, Phonak Naída B
2017: Phonak Bolero B, Phonak Virto B
2016: Phonak Audéo B
2015: Phonak Bolero V
2014: Phonak Lyric 4, Phonak Lyric 3, Phonak Audéo V
2013: Phonak Naída Q
Final Thoughts
Whether you've worn Phonak in the past or you are just exploring your options, it's safe to say the brand is worthy of your shortlist.
The one major drawback is that Infinio hearing aids have a big price tag ($3,000-$6,500 for a pair). Telehealth leaders like Jabra Enhance Select and Audicus offer a lot of value for significantly less.
Even so, if you are searching for the best option on the market, Phonak is worthy of your shortlist.
You can use our care finder to get up-to-date pricing for your zip code here.
I hope you've found this review helpful. If you have questions or comments, shoot us a note at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Founded in 1947, Phonak has a long history of providing high-quality hearing aids and accessories to individuals with hearing loss. They are known for their advanced technology and commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing impairments. Phonak is owned by a parent company in Switzerland, called Sonova. Under Sonova's ownership, Phonak continues to be a leading provider of innovative hearing care solutions. Among Sonova's product portfolio includes hearing aids, cochlear implants, and personal audio equipment and headphones. Some companies under the Sonova umbrella include Unitron, Sennheiser, Audicus, and Advanced Bionics.
Phonak boasts some of the most popular hearing technology on the market today, with an estimated 24% of the global hearing aid market. Their hearing aids offer technology for individuals with mild to profound hearing loss, and their products are known for being durable and long-lasting. In addition to their commitment to providing high-quality hearing aids, Phonak also offers assistive listening devices for additional support in background noise with their Roger technology. Overall, Phonak is a reputable and well-respected company in the hearing industry.
No, Phonak is not an American company. It was founded in Switzerland and is currently owned by a Swiss parent company, Sonova. However, Phonak has a strong presence globally and their products are available in many countries around the world. So while it may not be an American company, it has a global reach and available widely throughout North America.
Phonak was founded by a group of Swiss entrepreneurs in 1947. It was later acquired by Sonova, a leading Swiss company in the hearing industry. Phonak continues to operate under the ownership of Sonova, who also owns several other notable companies in the field of hearing care and technology.
Phonak's success can be attributed to several factors. They have a long history and strong reputation in the hearing industry, offering high-quality and innovative products. Their commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing loss is evident through their advanced technology and assistive listening devices. Additionally, being part of Sonova's portfolio allows Phonak access to resources and collaborations that contribute to its success. Overall, Phonak's success can be attributed to its dedication to providing top-notch hearing care solutions, field research, and constantly striving for advancements in the field.
The innovative ActiveVent feature is a great option for patients who wear open domes but want some additional support in noise. Designed with open-dome hearing aid users in mind, ActiveVent is a "smart" feature that detects your environment and reacts with either an open or closed setting. This neat trick lets your devices zero in on speech with laser focus, turning a cacophony into clarity by closing the vent and focusing in on speech. And for those moments when you transition to audio streaming, ActiveVent ensures your streamed sounds are rich and full by closing the vent and bringing out bass sounds. This is where Phonak's prowess truly shines—combining form, function, and a touch of acoustic wizardry.
