Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak is a premium Swiss hearing aid company owned by Sonova. They have been involved greatly in charities and initiatives for promoting hearing awareness. Phonak is one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world and has always been at the leading edge of technology especially when it comes to improving a person's ability to hear speech in noise. Their latest chipset, called the SPICE+ platform, is the words fastest hearing aid platform running at 200 million instructions per second and is based on a three processor, 6 core design. It is the only hearing aid platform capable of real time wireless broadband audio transmission and simultaneous processing. Due to this technology, Phonak hearing aids contain some features found nowhere else.

Phonak hearing aids are also some of the most flexible and adjustable hearing aids on the market when it comes to setting them for an individual's hearing loss. This means that in the hands of an experienced Phonak hearing aid fitter, they can be made to work for almost any hearing loss or any group of hearing needs, even if this changes over time. Unfortunately this is also why some hearing aid fitters dislike them, as they can be seen as overly complex to the uninitiated. Phonak arguably has the worlds largest range of hearing aids for any hearing loss, hence their slogan of: "a Phonak for everyone".

Phonak has some very capable wireless technologies built into their hearing aids, allowing true stereo wireless transmission of sound through their Bluetooth capable devices. They also have a whole range of hearing aid compatible and free standing FM systems which extends the connectivity even further.

Phonak's web address is: www.phonak.com.au

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Interesting information about Phonak Hearing Aids:

Latest Phonak Hearing aids

Phonak Audeo Q

Phonak has just released its Audeo Q range of hearing aids, whihc replaced the Audeo Smart range. The Audeo Q comes in 4 variants ranging from the Top end Audeo Q90 and goes right through to the entry level Q30. The biggest surprise with the Phonak Audeo Q30 is the fact that for the first time a budget hearing aid is completely wireless and can function with Phonak's extensive range of Bluetooth accessories such as the ComPilot for use with the mobile phone. It alsow works with their TVLink, remote Microphone and a whole ramge of optional remote controls. All the Audeo Q models now have a tinnitus function built in and the Audeo Q50 qnd audeo Q30 have an increased number of channels compared to previous models. This range now offers automaticity right fromt he most basic range thorugh to the ultimate performance in the Premium Audeo Q30. This is most certainly a range to consider.

Phonak Quest Platform

Phonak is about to release a whole new platform based on the Quest chipset which is an improvement on the Spice platform. The Quest platform appears improve on the Spice Platform by improving its real time audio transmission between the hearing aids using Binaural VoiceStream Technology®. This now allows new features such as Auto StereoZoom and Speech in Wind noise, which were not previously possible and should drastically improve the hearing aid user's hearing in noise. The Quest platform will introduce two new model ranges. The first is the Phonak Bolero Q, which is a range of four behind-the-ear hearing aid styles including a water and dust resistant model. Phonak Virto Q is the new range of in-the-ear styles including two invisible-in-the-ear models with the ability to control these tiny hearing aids using a magnetic wand (miniControl). Another interesting accessory release is Phonak's very tiny, light weight and well designed remote microphone, called simply RemoteMic. This will help tremendously in background noise situations, as the hearing aid user's partner simply wears the microphone and their voice is transmitted straight to the hearing aids using the ComPilot Bluetooth accessory.

Both the Bolero Q and Virto Q ranges from Phonak will be available in three price ranges. The top range is the Q90 which includes auto StereoZoom and a unique Speech in Windnoise program. The mid range is the Q70 which now includes StereoZoom (previously only found in premium products). The Q50 entry level has the largest change to technology and now has 12 channels instead of 6 and also includes Duo Phone, which allows you to hear the phone held to one ear in both ears simultaneously, for the first time. It does not appear as if there will be any receiver in the canal or super power hearing aids released initially. These might come around April/May 2013 if Phonak sticks to traditional release dates. The initial Quest hearing aids are now available in Australia. They are slightly more expensive than the Spice range. As always we allow clients fitted with other hearing aids by Value Hearing within the last 60 days to change to these hearing aids if they so choose by simply paying or being refunded the difference.

Phonak Spice+ Generation contained in their latest hearing aids

Phonak released their SPICE generation mid November 2010 and End October 2011, this range got another upgrade, now called the SPICE+, after a significant backwards compatible sofware upgrade was released late 2011. SPICE+ refers to Phonak's latest chipset, which consists of 3 chips and 6 cores running at 200 MOPS. It is the only chipset at the time of writing that can transfer and process real time audio information between two hearing aids. This allows some incredible new features such as StereoZoom, which a binaural beam forming technology helping the hearing aid user to pick out a single voice in a crowd. Another function made possible by this is Auto ZoomControl which when selected follows the loudest voice, not matter where it is in relation to the hearing aid wearer. making listening in situations like the car effortless. These two advanced features are only found in the top of the line hearing aids.

Phonak's current top of the line hearing aids containing SPICE+ consists of the Ambra, Naida S IX, Naida S IX CRT and Smart S IX. The all have the same features but are different styles and can fit different hearing losses. With the introduction of the SPICE+ Phonak has dramatically improved their hearing aids initial acceptance and overall performance in quiet. Any SPICE platform hearing aid bought before this new update can be upgraded to the new technology with a simple software patch installed by the audiologist. Phonak has also introduced a couple of new style including the H2O range, which water and dust proof and directly competes with Siemens's Aquarius. Phonak now also has available the Cassia Nano, Solana Nano and Ambra Nano which are invisible in the canal hearing aids to directly compete with Starkey's SoundLens and Sonic Innovation's Groove. Phonak's Lyric hearing aid is a hearing aid like no other on the market as it is invisible in the ear, can be worn 24/7 for up to 4 months at a time and is hassle free.

Phonak's range of Spice hearing aids have been extended into the basic category with the Phonak Dahlia, Smart S and Naida S I hearing aids. The offer the superior Spice+ processing, but with limited features for the less demanding client.

Latest Phonak Hearing Aids News

Phonak Spice+ offers greater benefit for end consumers and fitters

Available for all Spice products launched over the last 12 months, Spice+ delivers significantly optimized sound quality, improved first fit acceptance, a simplified fitting workflow as well as exciting new products.

Stäfa, Switzerland (October 19, 2011) – Significantly improved signal processing, an intuitive workflow with the fitting software Phonak Target 2.0 as well as breakthrough new products are the pillars of Spice+. Designed to further support the hearing care professionals, Spice+ technology was developed with the aim to further enhance the powerful innovations launched last year with the Phonak Spice Generation, offering enhanced solutions available to the entire Spice portfolio.

Hearing in quiet environments – not as easy as it sounds
Improved speech understanding in noisy listening environments was the major innovation focus during the development of the Phonak Spice Generation. Thanks to the unique Phonak Zoom Technology innovations in the area of directional hearing, this goal has been achieved. The focus of the research and innovation for Spice+ was to leverage the acquired knowledge for listening in noisy surroundings to improve hearing in quiet places. It is often, wrongly, assumed that hearing in quiet environments is a static listening situation that does not require sophisticated signal processing strategies. However, quiet environments offer a surprising variety that can greatly profit from a differentiated approach to amplification. Thanks to the new signal processing strategies implemented in Spice+, sounds embedded in a quiet environment are treated differentially leading to true sound quality benefits for the end consumer.

A smoother fitting workflow for the hearing care professional
As a hearing manufacturer, it is our goal to offer, the hearing care professionals, an easy to use and intuitive fitting software. Phonak introduced Phonak Target 1.0 in 2010. We are now pleased to present Phonak Target 2.0. We have streamlined the workflow, simplified the program manager and added further important convenient elements. The beauty of Phonak Target 2.0 is that it requires no additional training to the hearing care professionals. The slight adjustments that were made to the software are intuitive and will have a high impact on further simplifying the workflow and improving first fit acceptance.

And there is more… a host of exciting new products
With Spice+, Phonak is introducing a variety of great new products such as an entire portfolio of WaterResistant solutions. The new micro-sized housings not only offer the highest water, sweat and dust repellent solution in the industry, their Spice+ performance is just as unbeatable. The three new models cover a wide range of solutions: from the go-to M H2O in three price points to the smallest Naída S CRT with an external receiver. In addition, the pediatric portfolio is being completed with Nios S H20, an extremely robust and reliable new hearing aid for children and teenagers. Complementing this new range of products, Spice+ is also introducing the smallest ever Phonak custom device, Phonak nano. It is so small that it virtually disappears in the ear canal, at the same time fitters will be delighted to learn that it does not require special impression taking techniques. And last but not least, Phonak Spice+ launches the new accessory, Phonak ComPilot a combined streamer and remote control device that can speak using easy to follow voice alerts which significantly support ease of use.

Phonak Spice+ will be available Australian Hearing aid users from the end of November 2011.

Phonak makes a splash with its new water and dirt resistant portfolio

Based on Spice+ technology, the Phonak M H2O hearing aid is the perfect choice for those seeking excellent performance during all activities.

Stäfa, Switzerland (October 19, 2011) – Today’s hearing aid users are clear about their expectations: They want a device that offers reliable performance in every listening environment. The new Phonak water and dirt resistant portfolio is designed to meet these requirements. Whether enjoying conversations in a restaurant or heading out sailing on the open seas, users can enjoy total freedom without having to worry about the their hearing aids. The Phonak water and dirt resistant reliability is available in a range of versatile micro-sized BTEs, a powerful CRT and a dedicated pediatric device.

Featuring an impressive level of water and dirt resistance (IP67) the new Phonak M H2O models are the perfect companion - both indoors, and outdoors, ranging from jogging and cycling to water-based activities. The new housing is designed to be water and dirt resistant, with special attention paid protection of the microphone sound inlet and battery door, ensuring reliable performance in every environment. This micro-sized hearing aid is equipped with a telecoil, an on-board manual control and is Dynamic FM compatible (ML15i receiver). Together with all the other performance highlights, the M H2O is the ideal choice for a broad range of applications.

Based on the new Spice+ technology, Phonak M H2O offers a unique performance and feature set. Spice+ delivers significantly optimized sound quality, a more natural hearing experience in a quiet environment, improved first fit acceptance and a simplified fitting workflow. To cover all needs, the new M H2O is available in three price and performance categories, joining the product families Phonak Ambra (premium), Phonak Solana (advanced) and Phonak Cassia (standard).

“With our new portfolio we introduce truly reliable hearing solutions that offers outstanding performance and a high level of water and dirt resistance. Users can do whatever they want, whenever they want, without having to worry about their hearing aids”, says Alexander Zschokke, Interim CEO of Phonak.

The water and dirt resistant portfolio is completed by the introduction of the new Naída S CRT, an external receiver device for those who do not want to compromise when it comes to a powerful, yet discreet hearing solution. As member of the M H2O product family, the new Nios S H2O is an extremely robust and reliable hearing aid of the pediatric portfolio and offers micro-sized housing perfectly suited for small ears.

Nothing to see, everything to hear

Smallest custom-made Phonak hearing aid offers excellent fit and is virtually invisible in the ear.

Stäfa, Switzerland (October 19, 2011) – With the new Phonak nano, users no longer have to choose between a discreet solution and excellent hearing performance. The smallest custom-made Phonak hearing instrument is virtually invisible in the ear while allowing for clear understanding even in challenging listening situations. Thanks to the Spice+ signal processing technology, spontaneous acceptance is practically guaranteed and overall sound quality is excellent. A new shell design allows the hearing aid to be worn comfortably within the ear canal.

With high ambitions, Phonak aimed to place the best sound processor in the industry in the smallest custom shell, requiring no special impression techniques and delivering the best hearing performance. Phonak nano is the fulfillment of this vision. Many people with hearing impairment are self-conscious and prefer a hearing aid that is not visible. They wish for a small and discreet solution that is not easily seen, but which delivers outstanding sound quality in a wide variety of daily listening environments.

Nano size, great performance
The new custom design coupled with Spice+ technology ensures that there is no compromise between size and performance. A new composite shell material with ceramic-like reinforcement – especially adapted from the dental industry – allows for a significantly reduced shell wall thickness while maintaining strength and durability.

“Many people struggle with their hearing every day, but still refuse to wear a hearing aid because they do not want their colleagues, friends and family to know about it. We have worked hard to offer a solution that delivers outstanding hearing performance in a size that is extremely appealing”, says Alexander Zschokke, Interim CEO of Phonak. “The result is Phonak nano. It allows for effortless hearing, while also being virtually invisible in the ear canal.”

Comfortable fit, high spontaneous acceptance
Each Phonak nano is custom-crafted using advanced 100% digital design and production technology and the latest material science. Thinner shell walls, a new faceplate and battery door design and other innovations allow for optimum component positioning, resulting in a device that sits deeper in the ear canal. A tapered tip prevents contact with the bony portion of the ear canal for enhanced wearing comfort. Device geometry data is automatically transferred to the Phonak Target fitting software for an optimized first-fit result that improves spontaneous acceptance.

The smallest custom-made Phonak hearing instrument, Phonak nano, is available in two price and performance categories, Phonak Ambra nano (premium) and Phonak Solana nano (advanced).