The New Phonak Paradise

Phonak

Audeo Marvel Hearing Aids

The Audeo range was the first part of the Marvel platform to be introduced. The Marvel Audeo family will be made up of five hearing aids of which two will be rechargeable. The smallest traditional Zinc Air battery size will be the 312. The full Audeo range will not be available initially, below you can see a quick explanation of the devices and their expected availability. The devices will be available in four levels of hearing aid technology as you would expect from Phonak. For the first time ever, Phonak will make the rechargeable devices available at every level of technology.

Audeo Marvel Hearing Aid Prices

We would expect the Audeo Marvel range to be sold at prices from £800.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1000.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

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.  

Versatile TV Streaming

While the Marvel hearing aids will connect directly to Bluetooth enabled TVs, Phonak has also introduced a new TV Streamer. The TV streamer allows low energy streaming offering great audio and reduced battery usage.

You can read about the Audeo Marvel 90 here

You can read about the Audeo Marvel 70 here

You can read about the Audeo Marvel 50 here

You can read about the Audeo Marvel 30 here

Phonak

Audeo B-Direct

Phonak Delivers Made For Any Phone

Phonak introduced the Audeo B-Direct, and it is really a revolutionary hearing aid that changes wireless connection to a mobile phone forever. The Audeo B-Direct connects to any Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone, directly without a streamer. Even better, it offers true hands-free calling. As it supports the classic Bluetooth protocol, it provides direct connectivity to cell phones – including AndroidTM, iPhone® and even classic cell phones – with no extra body-worn streaming device required.

Audeo B-Direct Hearing Aid Prices

We would expect the range depending on the technology level, to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1200.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1200.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

True hands-free calling is now a reality

The hearing aids offer real hands-free voice calling. The wearer can answer or reject a phone call by simply pressing the push button on their hearing aid. The ringing of the phone is heard through the hearing aids and once the call is accepted, the conversation is instantly streamed. You don’t even need to pick up your phone. Your voice is picked up by the hearing aid’s intelligent microphone network and transmitted to the other caller similar to a wireless headset.

No Music Streaming

Unfortunately for people who like to stream music or audio books from their phone, this hearing device isn't the answer. While it delivers astonishing new power over mobile phone calls, it doesn't allow the type of streaming that delivers music or other audio. However, they have thought about music lovers and your TV viewing habits. 

Hearing aids that double as wireless TV headphones

They have also introduced an accompanying TV Connector, which uses their proprietary AirStreamTM technology. It is designed to be a state-of-the-art compact multimedia hub that seamlessly connects wearers to their favourite TV programming for an immersive audio experience. It’s a plug and play solution that automatically turns a pair of Audéo B-Direct hearing aids into wireless TV headphones. The TV Connector can also connect and transmit to multiple sets of Audéo B-Direct hearing aids simultaneously. That’s a pretty good solution for couples with hearing loss.

Delivering direct streaming to an underserved group

Android is the predominant player in the smartphone market with an estimated four out of every five smartphones being Android. The Audéo B-Direct will now bring direct streaming to this neglected market while also providing compatibility with Apple’s iPhone. More than that though, the new solution allows users who own a classic cell phone to avail of direct streaming as well.

The device is a receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aid which means that it will be suitable for a wide range of hearing losses and users. It is also the first device to make use of Sonova’s revolutionary SWORD chip and wireless radio technology. They say that the low-voltage radio chip has the lowest power consumption of any hearing aid using Bluetooth Classic.

The device uses a size thirteen battery and Phonak reports some excellent battery life figures. They say that the battery should last for six days with one hour of phone use and 3 hours of TV per day. That isn’t bad, I would say though real-world experience will vary, some people like to talk more and watch a lot more TV. Even though the device is a size thirteen, it isn't actually much bigger than their Audeo B 312. 

Three levels of technology

The new device will be available in three levels of technology, the 90, the 70 and the 50, so no entry level device this time around. Although that was to be expected based on the introduction of the rechargeable devices.

New Accompanying App

There is a new app to go with the devices for smartphones; the app offers the typical features you would expect.

Volume adjustment, programme changes, you can also rename the programmes to make them easier to remember. The app will show a list of the available audio sources and allow the user to control the balance of audio when streaming.

You can view our full review of the new Audeo B-Direct range here

Phonak

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. 

Virto Belong Titanium Prices

Depending on the technology level, we would expect the Virto Belong Titanium devices to be sold at prices from £1400.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1800.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1800.00 to $3200.00 in the USA. Just to be clear, we don't set prices here and they differ from Practice to Practice across the World so our expectations aren't binding, they are just a guess and some research. Always remember, we all like to shop around, but always be clear about what is being delivered. You will need care and support, make sure you will get it. You will also need your hearing aid validated or verified to get the best experience, paying a little more to ensure your experience is good, is not wasted money. That's our price rant for the day over, let's talk about the devices. 

A Titanium Shell

They named the hearing aid as the Virto B-Titanium and said at the time that 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 fewer occlusion 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 says 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 the 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 contraindications 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.

Phonak

Phonak Belong Virto B90 Titanium Hearing Aids

Phonak

Phonak Belong Virto B70 Titanium Hearing Aids

Bolero B90 Bolero B70 Bolero B50 Bolero B30

Phonak

Bolero Belong Hearing Devices

With the launch of the new Bolero Belong platform of BTE hearing aids, Phonak launched the anticipated lithium-ion rechargeable BTE, the Bolero B-PR. It is the first Lithium-ion rechargeable BTE to the market and the first rechargeable BTE for Phonak. They say that the battery pack will deliver 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge (expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time) which is in line with the performance of the Audeo B-R.

The P hearing aid style is quite a powerful aid and can be expected to be fitted to people with severe hearing loss. The device has a programme button, volume control and a telecoil onboard. The amplification output of this aid demands a lot of power, so Phonak must be very confident with the battery technology.

In line with the Audeo Belong, the range will run on the new improved AutoSense OS and will come in the usual four levels of technology. However, the new rechargeable option will not be available in the lowest level of technology.

The Range

The Bolero range is a full model line up with four models. They will include B-M, B-P, B-SP, and the rechargeable B-PR.

Bolero Belong Hearing Aid Prices

We would expect the Bolero Belong range to be sold at prices from £800.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1000.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

The Bolero Range

Phonak

Phonak Belong Bolero 90 Hearing Aids

Phonak

Phonak Belong Bolero 70 Hearing Aids

The Latest Advanced BTE Hearing Aids From Phonak including Their First Rechargeable BTE Hearing Aid

With the launch of the new Belong Bolero 70 platform of BTE hearing aids, Phonak have launched their much anticipated advanced range lithium-ion rechargeable BTE, the Bolero B70-PR . It is the first Lithium-ion rechargeable BTE to the market and the first rechargeable BTE for Phonak. They say that the battery pack will deliver 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge (expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time) which is in line with the performance of their Audeo B-R.

While this range is a step down from the 90 level of technology, it is still an outstanding offering packed with great features. You can expect pretty good results from these hearing aids even in noisier situations. Phonak have been careful to retain many of the top of the range features, even if they are not automatic in this level, they are still there.

Belong Bolero B70 hearing aids recognise and automatically adapt to your listening situations. The range will run on the new improved AutoSense OS. At this level of technology, it has four automatic programmes that seamlessly blend together to give you the best hearing possible. You also get five extra manual programs to work with on this level for maximum fine tuning for different situations.

Bolero Belong 70 Prices

We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1400.00 to £1800.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1800.00 to €2400.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1900.00 to $2500.00 in the USA. Just to be clear, we don't set prices here and they differ from Practice to Practice across the World so our expectations aren't binding, they are just a guess and some research. Always remember, we all like to shop around, but always be clear about what is being delivered. You will need care and support, make sure you will get it. You will also need your hearing aid validated or verified to get the best experience, paying a little more to ensure your experience is good, is not wasted money. That's our price rant for the day over, let's talk about the devices.

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The Range

The Bolero range, as always, will be a full model line up with four models. They will include B70-M, B70-P, B70-SP, and the rechargeable B70-PR.

Find out more about the Phonak Belong Bolero B70 hearing aid range here

Phonak

Phonak Belong Bolero 50 Hearing Aids

The Latest Standard BTE Hearing Aids From Phonak including Their First Rechargeable BTE Hearing Aid

The Belong Bolero 50 platform is Phonak's latest standard BTE hearing aids range. Phonak have included a lithium-ion rechargeable BTE in the range, the Bolero B50-PR . It is the first Lithium-ion rechargeable BTE to the market and the first Standard rechargeable BTE for Phonak. They say that the battery pack will deliver 24 hours of hearing with one simple charge (expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time) which is in line with the performance of their Audeo B-R.

This range is a big step down from the B70 and the B90, in this technology level you lose access to a lot of pretty cool features that are available on the higher technology models. Your decision really depends on what you want from them, I mean you have to be reasonable about your expectations. If you want a good all-around hearing aid that will do the job for your in less complex sound situations, then this is the range for you. If however, you want something to help you down the local pub on a Friday night, maybe you should look elsewhere. But that really goes for every hearing aid at this level of technology.

Belong Bolero B50 hearing aids are also automatic and will recognise and automatically adapt to your listening situations. The range runs on the new improved AutoSense OS and at this level of technology, it has three automatic programmes. You also get five extra manual programs to work with on this level for maximum fine tuning for different situations.

Bolero Belong 50 Prices

We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1100.00 to £1400.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €1800.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1500.00 to $1900.00 in the USA. Just to be clear, we don't set prices here and they differ from Practice to Practice across the World so our expectations aren't binding, they are just a guess and some research. Always remember, we all like to shop around, but always be clear about what is being delivered. You will need care and support, make sure you will get it. You will also need your hearing aid validated or verified to get the best experience, paying a little more to ensure your experience is good, is not wasted money. That's our price rant for the day over, let's talk about the devices.

Looking For the Latest Hearing Aids or A Hearing Test?

Arrange a consultation with a trusted Independent hearing healthcare professional in your area

Find A Provider Near You

Phonak

Audeo Belong Hearing Devices

The Audeo Belong Receiver In Canal hearing device range is the first Phonak hearing device range with a rechargeable option. This in itself is quite an amazing innovation and a new direction for them. However there is much more that is new in this range than just that, the Belong comes with an upgraded operating system, the latest version of Phonak's SoundRecover2 and new microphones and programme buttons.

The range uses the existing Venture chipset and is available in four technology levels, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30, although the rechargeable option is not available in the 30 level of technology, perhaps in the next platform. That is a pity because the rechargeable hearing devices are proving amazingly popular.

Audeo Belong 90 Prices

We would expect the Audeo Belong 90 range to be sold at prices from £1700.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €2400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $2400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

New Autosense System

The operating system in the Belong range is an updated version of Phonak's Autosense OS. They have improved the system with new settings that manage how the system works. Phonak's continued research on AutoSense OS gave them the opportunity to make it even better.

They have tweaked the operating system, changing how the hearing aids respond to changes in the sound environment. They say that these changes deliver even better speech intelligibility across the different settings.

SoundRecover2

SoundRecover2 is Phonak's latest version of their frequency compression strategy. It is feature that moves high frequency sounds in speech into lower areas of hearing. It is exceptionally useful for people who have little or no hearing in their high-frequency range. The feature works only when needed, for instance if a sound is in an area of hearing where you simply could not hear it.

In cases like this, normal amplification will simply not work well, SoundRecover2 moves the sound to an area where the is usable hearing, which will allow you to hear the sound information you need to understand speech. The new and updated version was first introduced in the new Naida Venture and there have been excellent reports about it from users.

Hardware changes

The Audeo Belong has a new style of button, which is more functional and a new microphone system. While the button change is designed to make the aids easier to use, the microphone change is probably the most important. The new microphone system is designed to make the devices sound better in both noise and quiet. Most hearing aids suffer from something that is called circuit noise, it is a low volume sound that is often described by users as a hiss.

More often than not circuit noise is caused by the function of the microphones in the aids. The noise is never very loud but if you have good low-frequency hearing you will hear it. The new microphone system almost eliminates this noise, the feedback from users is that they are the quietest hearing aids they have ever worn. So quiet that they can almost forget they are on.

The Phonak Audeo Belong Hearing Aid Range

The range itself is a relatively typical ful- line Audeo offering, so that is a full range of Receiver in Canal devices. Let's take a look:

Audeo B-10

Very small RIC device using a size 10 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. It has a button but no volume control.

Audeo B-312

Again a very small RIC device, however, it uses a size 312 battery, it is still very discreet and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. Like the 10, it doesn't have a telecoil although as always it is a wireless device. It has a button but no volume control.

Audeo B-312T

Slightly bigger than the 312, it is still a small and discrete device RIC which uses a size 312 battery, it can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. Unlike the 10 and the 312, it has a telecoil as well as being a wireless device. It has a button but no volume control.

Audeo B-13

The largest of the Audeo B RIC range, it runs on a size 13 battery and can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses. The 13 comes fully loaded with both a telecoil, programme button and a volume control as well as being a wireless device.

Audeo B-R

The RIC device that all the hype has been about, a rechargeable hearing device running on Lithium-ion power. A solid 24 hours of use from one three hour charge. It can be used with several receiver variations meaning it can cover a lot of hearing losses down to profound. It is also a wireless device with a programme button but no volume control or telecoil.