Lumity Technology

Phonak has long been an innovator in hearing technology, and the company’s Lumity technology represents a leap forward in user experience. Phonak pioneered utilizing directional microphone technology to help users separate the speech they want to hear from distracting background noise.

Expert Insight

From Dr. Brad Ingrao, Audiologist

This technology is one of the many reasons I recommend Phonak to my patients, and I’ve personally experienced how well these devices perform when background noise is present.

Some of Phonak’s other key features include:

• Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
• Integrated Roger receivers in some models
• Direct streaming to both Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• AirStreamTM technology for TV and audio streaming

Not new, but significant:

• Binaural voicestream technology allows the two hearing aids to exchange information. It allows for convenience features such as synchronized volume and program control (adjusting one hearing aid makes the identical change on the other side). More importantly for communication, the feature allows the hearing aids to determine which ear has more speech and then copy that cleaner signal to the other hearing aid. It reduces the adverse effects of background noise (Speech in Loud Noise), wind (WindBlock) and reverberant rooms (EchoBlock). Some of the features are available only in higher technology levels, but the basics of synchronized controls are available across levels.

Beyond microphones, Phonak also uses AI in some of their newer devices. The AI and deep neural network (DNN) separate vocals from background noise, allowing wearers to better understand those speaking to them. They call it Spheric Speech Clarity. Demos can be requested on the Phonak website.

Lumity Models

Lumity is available in several styles and models, along with a special series exclusively for kids called Sky. Lumity Sky BTE hearing aids utilize Phonak’s cutting-edge SmartSpeech technology to identify and prioritize speech clarity and understanding. Like every Lumity hearing aid, they reduce listening effort, so your child can focus on their environment instead of their hearing. They have a tamper-proof design and are water- and dust-resistant. They’re Bluetooth-enabled and come in lots of cool, kid-friendly colors.

The Audéo Lumity RIC and Naida Lumity BTE versions are available with traditional zinc-air or rechargeable batteries.

Here's a quick look at some of Lumity’s form factors.

Audéo Lumity RIC	Key features and benefits
Audéo Lumity Receiver in the Canal	For mild to profound hearing loss Utilizes SmartSpeech technology to make hearing easier in noisy and quiet environments SpeechSensor algorithm identifies the direction of the main speech signal Comes in disposable battery and rechargeable options Tracks health data through the myPhonak app Universal connectivity for easy streaming Waterproof and sweatproof models

Naida Lumity BTE

Key features and benefits

Naida Lumity Behind the Ear (BTE)

Phonak’s most powerful hearing aid for mild to profound hearing loss Utilizes SmartSpeech technology for easy conversational listening in noisy environments Speech Enhancer lets you easily hear soft speakers in quiet environments from a distance Universal connectivity with Bluetooth-enabled devices Syncs to the myPhonak app Telecoil Rechargeable options available Connects to Roger wireless microphones

Sky Lumity BTE	Key features and benefits
	Prioritizes speech comprehension Uses AI to identify sounds in the environment Lightweight and durable Wide range of colors from hair-blending to fun and bright Able to fit hearing loss from mild to profound Manual onboard controls Tamper-resistant LED indicators show hearing aid status Can be used with Roger microphones

Pricing and Technology Levels

Phonak offers Lumity in four technology levels designed to match the needs of users’ lifestyles. Below are my thoughts on each. Phonak prices are nearly impossible to cite because of varying geographic availability. Depending on the technology level and location, you can expect hearing aid prices to range from $1,000 to over $4,000 per instrument.

“Essential” devices (Lumity 30) provide a good, solid hearing aid for many people for whom cost is an issue. I see two distinct use cases for this technology level. The one often promoted by the industry is for the stay-at-home patient with mundane listening needs. I’ve had some of these in my practice, but the number of folks who never or rarely venture into challenging listening environments is minuscule.

On the other hand, plenty have great difficulty with background noise and reverberation and can’t fork over $3,000 or more per ear for hearing aids. In this case, I use the system approach, in which we add extra accessories to help improve hearing. Even an Essential-level product will work well in quiet settings. Coupled with a decent remote microphone like the Phonak Roger Select or a simpler solution like enabling a Telecoil for a looped house of worship, the user gets much more bang for their buck.

“Standard” products (Lumity 50) add a few more convenience features, such as the ability to hear a phone call in both ears (DuoPhone) and a few more channels for me to adjust (12 versus eight in the Essential). This level also adds more ability to separate speech from background noise, called SNR boost. In clinical practice, this little bit helped enough people that I usually dropped the Essential level and adjusted my markup to make the Standard product the entry level. These also work well in the system approach.

“Advanced” hearing aids (Lumity 70) start using the binaural voicestream features by adding WindBlock, NoiseBlock and an exceptionally fast-acting reduction called SoundRelax for sharp, loud sounds such as slamming doors. The channels increase from 12 to 16, and the price follows suit.

“Premium” devices (Lumity 90) have 20 channels and add EchoBlock to the Marvel 70 feature set. The price increases, but it’s always been hard to measure significant differences in my patients with this feature. Some people like to have top-of-the-line products and can pay for them, though, so this level usually sells quite well in more affluent markets.

If you are a veteran eligible for general VA medical care, you are eligible for premium-level hearing aids from Phonak at no cost. The same holds for five other notable manufacturers. Also, you are eligible for any needed accessories, such as Roger microphones and media streamers. You do not need a service connection for hearing. All you need to do is report to a VA medical center with audiology and establish eligibility.

You don’t need a primary-care physician or referral. They will complete a means test, and if your income is over a certain level, there may be a copayment for the test and fitting, but the hearing aids themselves are an entitlement benefit. One-year warranties are standard, but many dispensers offer up to three years. If they don’t include it, you can purchase this as an add-on, which I recommend.

Phonak vs. the Competition

Still deciding between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription hearing aids? Here’s how Phonak stands against the OTC competition.

Phonak vs. Jabra

Jabra hearing aids start at $995 per pair and come with up to three years of loss and damage protection, and the company gives you a 100-day free trial to test their devices. We rated Jabra as the best value among all hearing aids. Jabra has BTE models that work with a variety of budgets and on-the-go adjustments with the Jabra Enhance Select mobile app (with Premium packages).

Phonak vs. MDHearing

MDHearing is great for people on a tight budget and those who want to purchase online. The company offers OTC hearing aids starting at $297 per pair. MDHearing will ship hearing aids directly to your home without you visiting a doctor. With MDHearing, you’ll have a 45-day trial.

Phonak vs. Eargo

Eargo offers completely-in-canal (CIC) devices that are nearly invisible and can be bought online. Its prices start at $799 per pair. Eargo offers OTC hearing aids and financing for 12, 24 or 36 months, as well as lifetime remote support. Customers get a 45-day trial to see if Eargo is right for them.

Expert Insight

From Dr. Brad Ingrao, Audiologist

I first learned about hearing aids from my Uncle Angelo, who worked in my father’s pharmacy after losing his hearing to a near-fatal mastoid infection. Between stocking shelves and being one of the first pharmacy technicians, he sold and serviced hearing aids. I started graduate school for Audiology in 1988. I started an externship the next year and was handed a Tupperware container with eight hearing aids. My task was to get the “ears” of a prominent deaf family back up and running after the summer. Phonak made all eight models. None of them needed more than a good cleaning. Phonak has been one of my go-to brands for my patients over the decades.

The Bottom Line

In my long history working with Phonak products (I fit my first one in 1988), I’ve yet to find a patient who couldn’t mesh well with their hearing aids. Other manufacturers have many of the same features, but Phonak has done it for longer and their clinical data is impressive. They are also well made, reliable and durable.

Another big plus for Phonak is their sizable market penetration. Because Phonak hearing aids are everywhere, including the Phonak-owned chain Connect Hearing, it’s usually not hard to find a local dealer to help out in a pinch when traveling — even abroad.

People frequently ask me what the best hearing aid is. There’s no clear-cut answer, but in my 30 years of clinical practice specializing in difficult-to-fit hearing loss, Phonak is almost always on the shortlist.

Watch my video below if you’re still trying to decide if Phonak is right for you. I offer tips for finding the correct hearing aids, compare top brands and discuss my experience with Phonak.