Not every type of hearing loss requires prescription hearing aids. But if your hearing specialist has recommended looking into a pair, you’ve likely come across the name “Phonak.” 

Phonak was founded in 1947 and has been a leading hearing aid manufacturer ever since.¹ Today, Phonak hearing aids are still on the cutting edge with some of the first AI-powered programs and innovative wireless features. That’s partly why we named Phonak our Best Prescription pick in our review of the best hearing aids.

“Phonak hearing aids are a good quality hearing aid,” said Trisha A. Bents Muth, Au.D., CCC-A, an audiologist at Bay Area Audiology in Bel Air, Maryland. “They are one of the largest and best-known manufacturers in the world. The Audeo Infinio Sphere hearing aid that was released by them last year has been very well received by my patients.”

In this Phonak hearing aid review, we take a look at the company’s most recent platforms: the Infinio, the Lumity, and the Paradise. We also cover the Lyric, a unique invisible hearing aid option, and Sennheiser, an OTC brand from the makers of Phonak. 

Why Phonak is a top brand for prescription hearing aids

Phonak has set itself apart from other brands by pioneering technology that makes it easier to hear in noisy environments and increases the connectivity of its devices. “Phonak is the best at changing environments,” said Ron Binkley, a hearing instrument specialist at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Think about when you go from a quiet environment into a noisy one, like a restaurant where people are loud. Traditionally, you would have to push buttons on your hearing aid to adjust.” But advancements in technology have allowed Phonak to make that process automatic and more seamless, he said.  

Based on our research and conversations with hearing experts, Phonak is a leader in streaming technology and using AI to separate speech from background noise in real time. Its newest line, the Infinio, offers the most advanced version of Bluetooth (Auracast) to help make streaming audio clearer over longer distances. The Infinio line also uses Phonak’s most advanced AI technology, which the company says improves speech understanding and lessens your listening effort.

Because Phonak hearing aids are prescription, you can only get them from an audiologist or hearing clinic. While over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids can work for many people by addressing mild to moderate hearing loss, prescription hearing aids like Phonak can address all degrees of hearing loss—from mild to profound.

“Prescription hearing aids offer a broader amplification range than OTC, more digital signal processing, noise reduction, and overall control of sound automation,” said Muth. More than 65% of the respondents to our survey purchased their hearing aids through an audiologist or hearing clinic.² And Phonak users in our survey were about 20% more likely to say they were “very satisfied" with their hearing aids compared to all respondents.²

This guide to Phonak models and features can help provide some helpful things to consider as you go through the process.

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• AI helps separate speech from background noise
• Automatically adjusts settings based on noise level

• Advanced Bluetooth streaming

Comparing Phonak hearing aids

*RIC: Receiver-in-canal; ITE: In-the-ear; CROS: For single-sided hearing loss; CIC: Completely-in-canal

**Auracast is the most advanced version of Bluetooth

Understanding Phonak hearing aid models

Like many prescription hearing aid manufacturers, Phonak offers several technology platforms for its hearing aids. It may help to think of them like operating systems for your computer. Each platform can be used with different models of hearing aids. Phonak has four main platforms, and we look at the three most recent in this review: 

• Infinio
• Lumity
• Paradise

We also took a look at the Phonak Lyric, a unique option that is implanted in the ear canal by a hearing professional and changed every four months or so. 

An audiologist or other hearing specialist is the best resource to guide you through finding a prescription hearing aid that best suits your needs. “They will evaluate your hearing and listening needs to analyze which hearing aid options and or features are most appropriate for your hearing loss, lifestyle style, listening needs, and budget,” said Muth. 

Phonak Infinio: The Flagship AI Model

The Phonak Infinio is the company’s newest and most advanced line. It uses AI and other technology to improve sound and streaming quality. The Infinio platform is designed to enhance speech in any environment by automatically adjusting to filter out background noise. It’s also the only Phonak line with Auracast, which is the most advanced version of Bluetooth. The Phonak Infinio line can pair with eight different Bluetooth-enabled devices (like your TV or phone) and stream from two at the same time.

Phonak Infinio

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• Most advanced Bluetooth with the longest range
• AI-powered noise reduction for clearer speech 

• Excellent sound quality

Phonak Infinio features

• Type of hearing aid: RIC, ITE, CROS (for single-sided hearing loss)
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent, natural sounding speech even in noisy settings
• Can stream two Bluetooth devices at the same time
• Automatically adjusts settings depending on noise level

Cons

• One of Phonak’s most expensive lines
• Telecoil only available in ITE model

What’s different about the Phonak Infinio

The Phonak Infinio is the newest platform from the brand, released in August 2024. It is available in three styles: RIC, ITE, and CROS (contralateral routing of signal), which is designed for people with one-sided hearing loss.

Although we were unable to test any of these ourselves because they are only available with a prescription, we researched the major differences between the Infinio and past platforms and spoke with audiologists to understand what sets the Infinio apart.

Compared to past platforms, Phonak says the Infinio has the company’s best sound quality to date. It is especially well-suited for speech in loud settings. The Infinio series is equipped with an AI-powered feature called AutoSense 6.0 that automatically adjusts to sound in different places. It applies the appropriate settings as you change environments (like from quiet to loud), so you don’t need to manually adjust your hearing aids to get high-quality sound. This feature is intended to make hearing seamless as you move from a louder environment or one with a lot of background noise to a quieter one. According to experts we spoke with, Phonak is a leader in automatic sound adjustments.

Another major upgrade to the Infinio platform is that it has even better wireless connectivity than past models. The Infinio has a better range (Phonak claims up to 675 feet—twice the length of the Lumity platform) for Bluetooth streaming and allows you to connect eight devices at once and stream from two devices at the same time. That means you could be streaming audio from your TV to your hearing aids, and if you get a call you could answer it simply by tapping your hearing aid twice (a feature known as “tap control”). Your hearing aid would automatically pause the TV so you can accept the incoming call. And when you hang up, the TV automatically starts playing again. No need to connect and reconnect devices.

Phonak claims that the more powerful microchip in the Infinio means you can get data faster and with fewer interruptions. The Infinio is also compatible with Auracast, a wireless system designed specifically for audio (it’s the most advanced form of Bluetooth). Auracast can be used similarly to a telecoil to transmit public sound systems (such as TV or announcers in stadiums) directly to your devices. So if you are someone who enjoys using wireless technology with your hearing aids for streaming music or hands-free phone calls, the Infinio platform offers potentially clearer sound quality for those features.

Although the Infinio is Phonak’s newest, flagship model, it’s not without its faults. Since it’s so new, the Infinio is one of Phonak’s most expensive lines, on average. And because it has Auracast, it doesn’t have a telecoil. A telecoil is a small coil of wire inside a hearing aid that lets it become a wireless receiver for audio from a hearing loop. Hearing loops are systems that broadcast information in public places like airports to anybody with T-coils in their hearing aids so those people can hear important announcements. But you can think of Auracast as a newer version of a telecoil.

Phonak Lumity: Impressive Speech Clarity

The Lumity was Phonak’s first platform to use AI-based features to help make speech clearer in any setting. It’s the line that came before the Infinio. The Lumity line uses technology to automatically adjust speech to different noise levels for a more natural sound. Like the Infinio, the Lumity line can stream audio from two different Bluetooth-enabled devices at once. But the Lumity platform has a waterproof model, while Infinio’s models are, at best, only water-resistant.

Phonak Lumity

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• AI-powered noise reduction for clearer speech
• Waterproof model

• Can stream two Bluetooth devices at the same time

Phonak Lumity features

• Type of hearing aid: RIC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes

Pros and cons

Pros

• One of only two Phonak lines with waterproof models
• Great speech clarity, even in noisy settings
• Less expensive than Infinio

Cons

• Slightly shorter battery life than Infinio (18 vs. 16 hours)
• Only one style (RIC)

What’s different about the Phonak Lumity

Phonak’s Lumity platform was the first from the brand to use AI-based features to help make speech clearer in different settings. Up until the Infinio, the Lumity line had the company’s most advanced speech comprehension technology. The Lumity was designed to improve speech understanding in challenging environments like restaurants or parties. 

The Lumity platform uses the previous generation of Infinio’s AutoSense software, which automatically adjusts sound settings to enhance speech in noisy settings. The Lumity also uses technology that wirelessly links the microphones in both hearing aids. Lumity hearing aids can automatically detect where a dominant speaker is in a group of people and position the microphones to focus on what you need to hear. Phonak says that helps the wearer understand speech better and makes the speech sound more natural (less tinny, for example). 

The Phonak brand is one of the best at automatically transitioning among different sound environments, said Binkley, the hearing instrument specialist in Charlotte. He compared it to driving a car with an automatic transmission versus a stick shift. “When you drive your car, you put it in drive and you jump on the freeway, you can feel it shifting gears,” he said. “[AutoSense] doesn't signal to you that it's switched. You hear the shift, but there's no beep. All the other manufacturers started to include it to a certain degree, but not, in my opinion, as well as Phonak. I tell people, to me Phonak is like driving a Mercedes or a Porsche. It just is very smooth and clean.”

Like the Infinio, the Lumity has Bluetooth connectivity and can handle pairing with up to eight devices, including two active connections at one time. Previous platforms, like the Phonak Marvel, were not able to reliably stream multiple devices. Unlike the Infinio, the Lumity does not have Auracast. But the Lumity is one of only two Phonak lines (the other is Paradise) with a completely waterproof model. The Infinio line is only water-resistant, meaning those models can be submerged in 1 meter of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. The Lumity line has one waterproof model (Audeo Life Lumity) that can be submerged deeper, for longer, and in both fresh and salt water.  

Phonak Paradise: Best Value

The Phonak Paradise is the brand’s least-expensive line on average. It is the most basic of Phonak’s lines, but it still has advanced features like sound clarity and technology that enhances speech while you move. It was the first Phonak line to have tap control, meaning you can answer calls by tapping your hearing aid. The Paradise was also Phonak’s first line with a completely waterproof model.

Phonak Paradise

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• Least expensive Phonak line on average
• Sound clarity and speech enhancement technology

• Waterproof model
• Tap control (tap your hearing aids to answer calls)

Phonak Paradise features

• Type of hearing aid: RIC
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes

Pros and cons

Pros

• Lower price
• Waterproof and dustproof
• Clarifies speech and filters out background noise

Cons

• Phonak’s oldest, current line
• Only one style (RIC)
• Doesn’t adjust to new sound environments automatically

What’s different about the Phonak Paradise

The Paradise was the first Phonak platform to allow pairing with multiple Bluetooth devices and stream two at the same time. In time, Phonak came out with more advanced platforms, including the Lumity and Infinio, which made streaming faster and more reliable. But the Paradise line still offers universal connectivity with most devices (meaning it can connect easily to a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices) and features tap control for Bluetooth streaming features. That means you can double-tap the hearing aid to answer or pause calls, for instance. 

The Paradise also has dynamic noise cancellation, a feature the company says improves the ability to hear speech clearly in noisy settings. This can often be a challenge for people who wear hearing aids. Several respondents to our February 2025 survey of hearing aid users said hearing people speak in loud environments has been a challenge with their hearing aids. “Dealing with background noise is a pain,” said one respondent. “It makes it harder to hear people.” Another agreed. “When I’m talking with somebody and hear background noise, I turn up the conversation, but sometimes the background noise goes up as well,” they said. Phonak says the Paradise line’s Speech Enhancer technology helps clarify soft-spoken speech, even when there’s lots of background noise.

According to Phonak, the Paradise line helps clarify speech while you’re stable and while moving using motion sensor technology. Once you’re on the move, the directional microphones automatically focus on wherever speech is coming from to help make conversation clearer.

Unlike more recent lines that use AI technology to auto-adjust settings, the Paradise line relies on settings in the app’s program options. So you’ll be responsible for changing the settings when you go from a quiet to loud setting, for instance. The Infinio and Lumity lines have more advanced technology that will automatically adjust as you change environments. But the Paradise line is the least-expensive line, on average, from Phonak, so the lack of automatic adjustments may be worth it. 

Phonak Lyric: The Truly Invisible Option

The Phonak Lyric is a one-of-a-kind hearing aid that is placed by a hearing specialist completely inside the ear canal. It then stays in place for six to eight weeks, until it needs to be replaced. This prescription-only option is a truly invisible hearing aid.

Phonak Lyric

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• Completely invisible hearing aid
• Is worn 24/7 (but has a sleep mode)

• No need to remove—an audiologist replaces it every four months

Phonak Lyric features

• Type of hearing aid: CIC
• Battery type: Hearing aid is disposable
• Bluetooth compatible: No

Pros and cons

Pros

• Completely invisible
• Worn 24/7 and requires no maintenance
• Easy to wear with glasses and headphones

Cons

• Needs to be placed and replaced by a hearing specialist
• Cannot be submerged in water
• No Bluetooth streaming

What’s different about the Phonak Lyric

The Phonak Lyric is a unique kind of prescription hearing aid. It is the only kind that is completely concealed inside the ear canal because an audiologist places it there during an office visit. The device then stays in place 24/7 until its batteries run out, when it needs to be replaced by a hearing professional. The Lyric does have a sleep mode so users won’t be disturbed at night or other times they choose. Sleep mode turns the hearing aid off for the night. You insert a small magnet provided by Phonak into your ear (without touching the Lyric) and wait for the sound of two beeps. That means the Lyric has entered Sleep mode and your hearing aid is now turned off. 

Because it is available by prescription only, we did not test the Phonak Lyric ourselves. The device typically lasts between two to four months before needing to be replaced. Phonak does offer the option of “self-replacement” every other time, which means you replace the device yourself at home using a provided tool. You must have worn the Lyric for at least three months before being a candidate for self-replacement. Your hearing care provider will train you in their office, after which you can decide if you’re ready to try replacing your Lyric yourself. Otherwise, you need to visit a hearing specialist so they can replace the Lyric every few months.

The Lyric might be a good choice for someone who doesn't want a visible device of any kind, or to deal with any batteries or other equipment or small parts. It could also be an option for someone who has health challenges that may make using traditional hearing aids more difficult, such as dementia. We included the Phonak Lyric in our roundup of best invisible hearing aids.

It’s worth noting that, with the small size, you’ll sacrifice some functionality. The Lyric doesn’t have Bluetooth and it can’t be submerged in water. But if ease and an invisible look are your top concerts, the Lyric could be a good option.

Sennheiser All-Day Clear: The OTC Option

Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids are an OTC option from the Phonak brand. These RIC-style devices use similar internal technology for sound amplification and have Bluetooth streaming. They do not require a prescription or an audiologist to purchase or fit. They are much less expensive (by several thousand, on average) but have fewer advanced features like automatic sound adjustments.

Sennheiser All-Day Clear

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• For mild to moderate hearing loss
• Can purchase online

• Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls
• Longer battery life (21–24 hours)

Sennheiser features

• Type of hearing aid: RIC and earbud style
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes

Pros and cons

Pros

• Can purchase online (no need to see audiologist)
• Least-expensive on this list
• Longer battery life (21–24 hours)
• Universal Bluetooth streaming

Cons

• Less advanced technology than prescription lines
• No on-the-go charging
• No ITE options
• Limited color palette

What’s different about the Sennheiser All-Day Clear

The Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids are the only OTC option from Phonak (the parent company Sonova owns both brands). There are two models:

• All-Day Clear (a RIC-style hearing aid)
• All-Day Clear Slim (earbud style)

The All-Day Clear is a RIC-style hearing aid with a more discreet profile. It’s basically invisible from the front. The All-Day Clear Slim is less discreet. It looks like a normal earbud and has a smaller battery compartment than the All-Day Clear. Because of that, the All-Day Clear has a battery life of 24 hours, and the All-Day Clear Slim comes in slightly behind at 21 hours. But the All-Day Clear Slim costs 30% less, so the trade-off may be worth it.

We did not test either model, but research shows that they have similar features. Both have Bluetooth streaming for music and video and hands-free calling. Both use rechargeable batteries and a smartphone app for control. They are covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty with the option to purchase an additional year.

How much do Phonak hearing aids cost?

Phonak does not publish prices on its website. But the prescription hearing aids in this review range in cost from $3,500–$10,000 per pair, on average. The OTC hearing aids cost $699–$999. For specific pricing information, you need to speak with a local hearing care professional who sells Phonak hearing aids. 

In our February 2025 survey of 300 hearing aid users, 75% of respondents who bought Phonak hearing aids paid between $1,000–$6,000 for their pair.² 

Even among prescription hearing aids, Phonak tends to be on the pricier side. But their devices include a lot of tech-forward features and are known for their quality, so it may be worth the higher upfront cost depending on your needs.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part A and Part B, do not cover the full cost of hearing aids. Medicare Advantage (Part C) may cover some of your hearing aid costs.³ For more information, see our articles on Medicare and hearing health.

If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA), you may also be able to use that money to buy hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered. 

Phonak hearing aids come in a range of technology levels. As the technology of the hearing aids gets more complex, the price of the devices rises. See a general range of prescription hearing aid prices by technology level below.

*These prices are a general range when buying prescription hearing aids at full price. To obtain exact pricing, you’ll need to visit your local hearing care professional.

Phonak smart features and connectivity

Phonak has a reputation as a leader in devices with forward-thinking technology and universal connectivity. Most of their devices have Bluetooth capabilities. Its three most recent platforms (Infinio, Lumity, and Paradise) all have the ability to connect with up to eight Bluetooth devices and stream two simultaneously.

Phonak also has these other features (not available in all lines):

• Auracast. This wireless tech is available only on the Infino platform for now. It operates similarly to a telecoil, connecting to public sound systems (such as TV or announcers in stadiums) to send sound directly to your hearing aids. Auracast has some advantages over telecoils because it was designed for audio and uses a wireless network, not electromagnets. The tech is still emerging.
• Roger™ wireless technology. Phonak’s Roger wireless microphones transmit audio directly from the microphone to your hearing aids. Roger microphones are about the size of a small smartphone. You place them anywhere you want to hear better, whether that’s right next to you or across the room. They can help make it easier to hear in crowded or noisy situations.
• myPhonak app functionality. You can use the brand’s free app with Android and iPhone devices to control your hearing aids. The app is straightforward and walks through how to pair and operate your devices in clear steps. It also connects remotely to your hearing care professional, who can make adjustments to your hearing aids over video call. That’s a big benefit for people who want the advanced technology of prescription hearing aids but prefer the convenience of meeting virtually, like you would with OTC hearing aids.

Phonak hearing aid accessories

Whether you’re looking at prescription or OTC hearing aids, you’ll find most manufacturers offer optional hearing aid accessories that can help enhance your experience. Phonak hearing aids (except for the Lyric) come with a charging station and cleaning kit. You can purchase other accessories for them through your hearing specialist, depending on your needs.

• TV connector. This accessory streams audio from the television or other devices directly to your hearing aids, so they function like wireless earbuds. This can be useful when there is other noise in the room, or for listening without disturbing others around you.
• Roger™ microphone. This discreet cordless microphone can attach to one person and stream speech directly to your hearing aids. That may be useful for lectures or one-on-one conversations where the speaker is far away or there is background noise that may interfere. 
• Remote control. For those who prefer not to use their smartphone to operate their hearing aids, or just want a secondary option, you can purchase a remote control. The remote control is smaller than a normal TV remote and has only three buttons to keep things simple. You’re able to adjust the volume and toggle between audio programs.

Are Phonak hearing aids right for you?

Phonak makes prescription hearing aids for people with mild to profound hearing loss. The brand largely focuses on RIC-style hearing aids with rechargeable batteries but has other styles. Based on our research and conversations with hearing experts, Phonak has a reputation for excellent sound quality and cutting-edge AI technology. They also tend to make devices with great connectivity. When deciding whether to purchase Phonak hearing aids, consider the following:

• How severe is your hearing loss? Phonak hearing aids are designed to treat mild to profound hearing loss. They require a prescription from a hearing specialist to purchase. If your hearing loss is mild or you have trouble only in certain environments, you may want to consider one of the products in our best OTC hearing aids roundup instead. 
• How important is sound quality? If you spend a lot of time in noisy environments or go between noisy and quiet environments, Phonak’s auto-adjust technology may be useful for clear sound in any setting. If you typically frequent the same places, you may not need (or want to pay for) that kind of more advanced feature. 
• How much do you stream? Most Phonak devices can stream audio and deliver high-quality sound, but that does affect battery life. If you want a great streaming experience, though, Phonak has a good reputation.
• What is your budget? Prescription hearing aids tend to be pricier than OTC ones, but even so, Phonak is on the higher end. It offers a lot for the price, but if you prefer a simpler hearing aid, there are other options. People with mild to moderate hearing loss may be interested in our guide to the best affordable hearing aids.
• Are you OK with doctor’s visits? Prescription hearing aids require trips to a hearing specialist. OTC hearing aids don’t require in-person visits and tend to be more hands-off. 

For more information, see our hearing aid buyer’s guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Phonak hearing aids cost?

Phonak does not publish prices on its website, but its products range from $3,500–$10,000 per pair, on average. For specific pricing information, you need to speak with a local hearing care professional who sells Phonak hearing aids. 

Does Phonak make good hearing aids?

Phonak is a brand known for quality prescription hearing aids with high-end and tech-forward features. The brand backs its products with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. 

How do Phonak hearing aids compare to other leading brands?

Phonak hearing aids are a leader in sound quality and wireless connectivity among prescription hearing aid brands. Phonak has a range of styles and features to choose from but may be at a slightly higher price than some other brands. 

Do Phonak hearing aids have tinnitus features?

Yes, Phonak offers a tinnitus-balancing noise generator option on some devices. This feature provides background noise that may help mask tinnitus symptoms.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.