Best Invisible Hearing Aid

Phonak was founded in 1947 in Zurich, Switzerland, and under ownership by Sonova, Phonak continues to merge Swedish craftsmanship with Silicon Valley technologies to create some of the world’s most innovative hearing solutions. Phonak’s devices are manufactured in Germany by Hansaton, Sonova’s engineering specialists.

Phonak created the first invisible hearing aid, the Lyric, which remains the only 100% invisible hearing aid on the market today. The device, which is inserted by a hearing care professional, features months-long battery life, moisture protection, and natural sound. In addition to the Lyric, Phonak offers several other extremely discreet hearing aids, such as the Virto M model. 

What You Should Know About Phonak Hearing Aids

  • Wide range of hearing aid styles: Phonak offers a variety of hearing aid types including Behind-the-ear (BTE), Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), In-the-ear (ITE), and a 100% invisible design that’s unique to the brand.
  • Healthy list of advanced technology and accessories: Phonak hearing aids are some of the most technologically advanced hearing devices. Depending on the model, Phonak hearing aids have tinnitus relief, telecoil, noise reduction, and automatic sound adjustments.
  • 100% invisible hearing aids: While many brands have devices with discreet designs, Phonak features an Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid called Lyric. It sits within the ear canal where it’s 100% invisible.
  • Great Bluetooth support: Almost all Phonak hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity for video/audio streaming and hands-free calls. The Bluetooth connection functions smoothly with good quality audio.
  • Expensive than most brands: Phonak hearing devices are some of the most expensive in the market, costing more $1,000+ per device. Plus, product prices are not available through its website and may vary widely by distributors.

Phonak Audiologist Safety Score

Caring.com worked with two expert audiologists to research and evaluate popular hearing aid brands for safety. The resulting Safety Scores are calculated using a system of three core metrics and 11 subcategories covering access to professional care, accuracy of the brands’ hearing tests, and more. You can find a detailed explanation of Caring.com’s Hearing Aid Safety Scores by reading our Methodology.

Phonak Safety Score:

Hearing Test & Consultation:

Hearing tests and consultations for Phonak hearing aids are conducted in person by licensed hearing healthcare professionals.

Fitting & Follow-Up Care:

Phonak hearing aids are always programmed by a licensed professional and typically include access to both in-person and remote follow-up care. Patients can visit clinics in person for real-time device repairs and adjustments.

Device Safety:

Meets industry standards for device safety, including safe decibel limiting.

close image of phonak lyric hearing aid


Phonak Hearing Aid Models

Features
Audéo Paradise
Naida Paradise
Virto Marvel
Bolero Marvel
CROS B
Lyric
Fit Type
RIC
BTE
Custom in-ear
BTE
BTE and Custom in-ear
CIC — 100% invisible
Battery Size

312, 13, or Rechargeable

675 or Rechargeable

10 or 312

312 or Rechargeable

312, 13, or Rechargeable

Custom

Rechargeable

Some models

Some models

No

Some models

Some models

No — device must be replaced once battery is drained (after several months)

Telecoil

Yes, on “T” models

Yes, on “P-UP” models

No

Yes

No

No

Physical Volume/Adjustment Button

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Varies; some models

No

Note: Phonak’s product line is extensive. The above table is not an exhaustive inventory of available Phonak hearing aids, but represents the variety Phonak currently offers. Additionally, older-generation Phonak devices, such as the Virto B, may still be available from third-party retailers.

Phonak Hearing Aid Technology Levels

Most of Phonak’s hearing aid models come in four available technology levels. These technology levels determine the presence of features like noise reduction and own-voice processing, as well as the hearing aid’s number of programmable channels. Higher technology levels fetch higher prices as well, as the lowest levels (30 and 50) offer Phonak’s most basic feature sets.

Feature

90

Premium

70

Advanced

50

Standard

30

Essential

Duo Phone

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Duo Phone

Yes

Yes

No

No

Duo Phone

Yes

Yes

No

No

Noise Block

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Echo Block

Yes

No

No

No

Real Ear Sound

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Whistle Block

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Finetuning Channels

20

16

12

8

Audéo Paradise

phonak audeo hearing aid

The Audéo Paradise receiver-in-canal line of hearing aids features AutoSense OS 4.0, an enhanced automatic operating system. This feature, along with the Paradise line’s speech clarity technology, provides:

  • Exceptional sound quality.
  • The ability to understand speech in noisy situations better.
  • Top-rated streaming that automatically adjusts for optimized sound quality.

The Audéo Paradise line features two rechargeable options and the ability to stream audio directly from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Paradise models come in nine colors and can accommodate mild to severe hearing loss.

Audéo Paradise Highlights:

Device Type: RIC

Battery Type: 312 or rechargeable lithium-ion

Standout Features: Superior sound and speech clarity

Custom Programming: Up to 10 custom programs via smartphone app

Average Cost: $1,998 per pair (30 technology), $4,598 per pair (90 technology)

Pros and Cons of Audéo Paradise:

Pros:

  • Crisp sound and better speech clarity
  • Supports streaming from smartphones, TV, etc. via Bluetooth
  • ActiveVent Receiver for challenging listening environments
  • Available in rechargeable and replaceable batteries

Cons:

  • Expensive price
  • Physical volume buttons can be too sensitive

Naida Paradise

Launched in early 2021, The Naida Paradise improves upon earlier generations of the Naida hearing aid and continues to bring people with severe to profound hearing loss closer to the beauty of natural sound. Nai

Naida Paradise users will understand speech better, hear high-frequency sounds more clearly, and experience enhanced perception of nearby and distant sounds. The Naida Paradise line features direct Bluetooth streaming from a range of device types directly to one’s hearing aid and can even function as a wireless headset for hands-free calls and meetings.

Naida Paradise Highlights:

Device Type: BTE

Battery Type: 675 zinc-air or rechargeable lithium-ion

Standout Features: Tap controls for voice assistance and hands-free calls

Custom Programming: Up to 10 custom programs via smartphone app

Average Cost: $1,249 per ear (P30 technology), $2,299 per ear (P90 technology)

Pros and Cons of Naida Paradise:

Pros:

  • Speech enhance for better conversations
  • Tap controls for true hands-free calls and voice assistance
  • Dynamic Noise Cancellation for personalized noise canceling in real-time
  • Motion activated sensor (P-PR model) for better on-the-go listening experience

Cons:

  • Expensive price tag
  • Only available in hearing centers or an audiologist

Bolero Marvel

The Bolero Marvel behind-the-ear line features AutoSense OS, improved speech intelligibility in noisy environments, stable and easy communication when in a vehicle, less distortion in environments that echo, and a tinnitus balance noise generator.

The Bolero Marvel line features two BTE hearing aids: A mild-to-moderate model and a mild-to-severe rechargeable option. Both models in this line can stream audio directly from Bluetooth-enabled devices, and each comes in your choice of nine colors.

Bolero Marvel Highlights:

Device Type: BTE

Battery Type: 312 or rechargeable

Standout Features: AutoSense OS 3.0 technology to automatically adjust based on listening situations

Custom Programming: Up to 10 custom programs via smartphone app

Average Cost: $1,600 per ear (M30 technology), $2,189 per ear (M90 technology)

Pros and Cons of Bolero Marvel:

Pros:

  • AutoSense OS 3.0 technology automatically adjusts based on environment
  • Binaural VoiceStream Technology for a more natural bidirectional hearing
  • Bluetooth connectivity for streaming phone calls, audio books, music, videos, etc.
  • Available in rechargeable and replaceable batteries

Cons:

  • Not the most up-to-date hearing aids by Phonak
  • More expensive than comparable aids from the competition

Virto Marvel

The Virto M line features Phonak’s popular custom-fitted hearing aids that blend almost invisibly into the wearer’s ear. Virto M users experience better hearing performance due to this device’s Biometric Calibration, which provides a two-decibel improvement in directionality. Virto M hearing aids also utilize Phonak’s AutoSense OS for effortless listening in any environment. 
These custom models are built with state-of-the-art 3-D printers and are available for every degree of hearing loss. Wearers can select from four faceplate colors and six shell colors in various flesh tones.

Virto Marvel Highlights:

Device Type: Custom in-ear

Battery Type: 312 or 10

Standout Features: Small and discreet custom hearing aids

Custom Programming: Up to 10 custom programs via smartphone app

Average Cost: $1,760 per ear (M30 technology), $3,840 per ear (M90 technology)

Pros and Cons of Virto Marvel:

Pros:

  • Proprietary AutoSense OS 3.0 technology automatically adjusts based on environment
  • Small and discreet design that looks like regular earbuds
  • Designed to be comfortable to wear all the time
  • Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and streaming from any device

Cons:

  • Expensive price
  • No rechargeable capabilities

CROS B

The CROS B can accommodate people who have unaidable hearing loss in one ear using technology that delivers sound from the unaidable ear to the user’s other ear. Utilizing Phonak’s Binaural Beamforming technology, the CROS B models create a very narrow beamforming pattern that results in a 3.8 dB improvement of sound intelligibility in noisy situations. This model is now available with a rechargeable battery.

The BTE version of the CROS B comes in nine colors, and the custom-fitted, in-ear model is available in your choice of eight colors.

CROS B Highlights:

Device Type: BTE, Custom in-ear

Battery Type: 13, 312, or rechargeable lithium-ion

Standout Features: Designed for people with Single-Sided Deafness (SSD)

Custom Programming: Up to 10 custom programs via smartphone app

Average Cost: $1,499 per ear

Pros and Cons of CROS B:

Pros:

  • Good for people with Single-Sided Deafness (SSD)
  • Automatically detects listening environment and adjusts to the best settings
  • Can zoom in on the voice in front of you for better speech clarity
  • Available in rechargeable and replaceable batteries

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • No smartphone app support

Lyric

phonak lyric hearing aid

Phonak’s Lyric is the completely-in-canal model that may be the world’s only 100 percent invisible hearing aid. This model is made from a soft, biocompatible material designed to fit deeply and snugly in the ear canal. It is so discreet that it must be inserted by a hearing care professional. Users can continuously wear their Lyric for months without needing to take it out, even while showering or sleeping. However, a special removal tool is included in the purchase price if one desires to remove their Lyric hearing aid. 

Lyric is not made to be reinserted and needs a replacement after removal. This device best suits users with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Lyric Highlights:

Device Type: CIC

Battery Type: Custom

Standout Features: 100% invisible design

Custom Programming: Up to 10 custom programs via smartphone app

Average Cost: $1,500-$3,000 per pair (but only available via subscription)

Pros and Cons of Lyric:

Pros:

  • Sits deep in the ear canal so it’s 100% invisible
  • Unrestricted wear-and-forget design, and you don’t need to remove it
  • Reduces tinnitus annoyance faster than regular hearing aids
  • Provides 24/7 natural hearing, even in the shower or sleeping

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • Needs to be replaced once the batteries run out (you might get stuck without a backup device)
  • Can only purchase via subscription

Buying Hearing Aids from Phonak

Unfortunately, Phonak doesn’t sell its hearing aids online, unlike brands like Audicus. To purchase a Phonak hearing aid, you need to see a licensed hearing specialist or an audiologist for an in-person consultation. The main benefit of in-person consultations is you’re working with a qualified hearing instrument professional who can assess your hearing loss and recommend a suitable device. On the other hand, the drawbacks of in-person consultations are higher prices and a lack of convenience.

As mentioned, Phonak hearing aids are not available online but only through an authorized distributor like an audiologist clinic. You may use Phonak’s fairly robust Find a Hearing Care Specialist tool for finding local audiologists or hearing centers in your area. In addition, there’s a particular drop-down category if you’re looking for a specialist that offers the 100% invisible Phonak Lyric hearing aid.

Once you’ve set up an appointment, the hearing specialist will perform a series of tests to evaluate the extent of your hearing loss. Afterward, the specialist will advise on the best hearing solutions that are right for you. If you purchase your Phonak hearing aids from the practice, they can fit, adjust and program your hearing aids to suit your needs. Another perk of buying from a local center or audiologist is that they can help repair your hearing aids.

Phonak Mobile Apps and Accessories

Phonak Hearing Aids’ Apps

myPhonak App

The myPhonak app requires an invitation from the user’s audiologist or other professional. This app lets wearers of Audéo Marvel and Audéo B-Direct hearing aids connect with their audiologist in real time. When problems arise, users can contact their hearing care professional through the easy-to-use app via video chat or messaging to solve the problem quickly.

myCall-to-Text App

Anyone with a hearing impairment — whether they wear hearing aids or not — can use this app to ensure they hear their mobile phone conversations correctly. Well, not hear exactly. More like read. The downside is that some of the app’s features require a paid subscription.

All myCall service plans allow the user to make unlimited free calls to anyone who also uses the app. For the user to be able to read incoming calls from non-app users, they’ll have to subscribe to the basic or pro plan. Click here to compare each plan.

Phonak Remote App

Currently, this app only works with the Audéo Marvel and Audéo B-Direct hearing aids. Once the wearer has paired their phone with Phonak’s Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids, they can use the app to adjust their volume, split the volume for each side separately, mute and unmute, access programs, change program names, and much more.

Phonak RemoteControl App

This app works with all Phonak hearing aids as long as the wearer has the Phonak ComPilot Air II accessory. It has the same features as the Phonak Remote app but with extras such as audio streaming and voice alerts.

Phonak Guide App

Phonak wearers can use this app to familiarize themselves with any Phonak hearing aid. Users can learn how to properly handle and maintain their hearing instruments, read through troubleshooting guides and more.

Phonak Hearing Aids’ Wireless Accessories

Roger Select

This state-of-the-art wireless microphone is excellent for wearers who are frequently in stationary situations where hearing may be difficult due to background noise. This accessory can improve their ability to hear by placing the Roger Select on a table. The device will then automatically single out the person talking and switch from one participant in a conversation to another as each person speaks. If the hearing aid wearer wants to hear just one person during multiple conversations, they can manually select who to listen to. This handy accessory also transmits the sound of TVs, phones, and other multimedia devices. 

Roger Table Mic II

This mic does basically the same thing as the Roger Select. It has a battery life of 16 hours and will work with an additional Roger Table Mic II for optimal listening results in multi-party conversations.

TV Connector

Used in conjunction with Audéo Marvel and Audéo B-Direct hearing aids, wearers can route sound from their TV or stereo directly to their hearing aids. This is a plug ‘n play device, so no pairing is needed. It can be connected to an unlimited number of Audéo Marvel and Audéo B-Direct hearing instruments.

Roger Touchscreen Mic

Phonak designed this microphone to help both teachers and students in a classroom environment. The Roger Touchscreen Mic works with most hearing instruments, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing devices, and additional receivers and microphones can be connected to a single network. There are seven additional accessories that work together with the Roger Touchscreen Mic to enhance communication in the classroom. These additional accessories are listed at the bottom of the Roger Touchscreen Mic product page. 

Roger Pen and Roger EasyPen

These wireless microphones were designed to help hearing aid wearers hear and understand speech in noise and speech at a distance even more clearly than people who have no hearing difficulties at all. They automatically adjust to noise levels and can be used in conjunction with Roger receivers. Using Bluetooth, the Roger Pen also connects to mobile phones, televisions, and other multimedia devices. The Roger EasyPen is best suited for users who do not need the Bluetooth feature or manual microphone control.

Roger Clip-on Mic

The directional microphone on this accessory helps the wearer hear one-on-one conversations better through their hearing aids, especially in noisy environments at a distance. All the wearer has to do is give the mic to the person they are having a conversation with, and that person can clip the microphone to their clothing or wear it around their neck. The sound then transfers to the hearing aids. The Roger Clip-On Mic will also transmit sound from multimedia devices to Phonak hearing aids.

Roger Receivers

Phonak offers a variety of receivers that will connect to hearing aids and cochlear implants. When connected, hearing aid or implant wearers can hear sounds transmitted by any Roger microphone.

Phonak EasyCall II

People with difficulty hearing mobile phone conversations, even with a hearing aid, may want to try this wireless accessory. It maximizes speech understanding by streaming cell phone calls directly to the user’s hearing aids. It will connect to any Phonak wireless hearing aid and works with smartphones and non-smartphones that are Bluetooth enabled. Wearers simply attach the EasyCall to their cell phones, and they will always be ready. It has up to 10 hours of talk time and can remain on standby for ten days.

Phonak DECT Cordless Phone

Hearing aid wearers and those without hearing aids with a traditional landline but struggling to hear phone conversations can improve speech understanding by over 40% with this cordless phone. Owners of the Phonak DECT Cordless Phone use it just as they would any other phone, with no programming or additional devices. As soon as the user picks up the phone to talk, the sound is amplified automatically in reaction to peripheral noise. If the user is a Phonak hearing aid wearer, sound transmits from the phone directly to both hearing aids. Users can even connect up to six handsets to the base.

Phonak ComPilot Air II

This device is rechargeable; when fully charged, it can stream for up to 24 hours. It directly streams audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as cell phones, computers, TVs, and more, to Phonak Venture or Belong hearing aids. Users can also use the device as a remote to adjust their hearing aids’ volume and program settings. Wearers can use the ComPilot with the Phonak RemoteControl app to gain even more control over the hearing instruments. Spoken messages inform wearers of the names of callers, the status of the ComPilot, etc.

Phonak PilotOne II

This easy-to-use remote control attaches to a keychain and is compatible with the Venture and Belong hearing instruments. It controls the volume and main programs of Phonak hearing aids.

Phonak RemoteMic

Individuals without hearing aids will clip this lightweight device to their clothing so that their voice transmits directly to the user’s hearing aids—the microphone streams for up to eight hours on a full charge. Hearing aid wearers who use this microphone in conjunction with the Phonak streamer can have a one-on-one conversation at a distance of up to 66 feet. Plus, the volume is adjustable for a variety of listening situations.

Phonak TVLink II

Anyone who wears Phonak wireless hearing aids and owns the ComPilot Air II can use the TVLink to stream audio from their television or stereo equipment directly to their hearing aids. Phonak TVLink II streams audio from a distance of up to 100 feet. While streaming audio to their hearing aids, users can also hear other sounds around them (people, doorbells, alarms, etc.). Hearing aid wearers can also use the charging base of this accessory to charge the ComPilot Air II.

Phonak Hearing Aid Warranties and Repairs

Warranties 

Phonak warranties offer free repairs of hearing aids that malfunction due to manufacturing and/or material defects. Phonak hearing aids are covered by a one-year, limited international warranty. The warranty period begins on the date of purchase and proof of purchase is required to file warranty claims. 

Phonak’s international warranty does not include hearing aid accessories such as batteries, tubes, ear molds or external receivers. Local warranty information can be obtained from an audiologist or other hearing care professional. Authorized retailers may offer their own extended or additional warranties in combination with Phonak’s manufacturer’s warranty.

Repairs

All Phonak hearing aid repairs must be done by your local hearing healthcare professional or audiologist. If you need manufacturer repairs, the audiologist will facilitate the process and ship your hearing aid to Phonak for repairs. After completion of the repairs, Phonak ships the hearing aids back to you directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phonak Hearing Aids

Where can I purchase Phonak hearing aids?

Phonak hearing aids are only available through authorized hearing centers and audiologist practices. Authorized hearing aid retailers are available in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the U.S. Unfortunately, Phonak doesn’t directly sell to customers. However, there are third-party websites that sell Phonak hearing aids but still require a completed in-person hearing test within 12 months.

Is Phonak a reputable hearing aid brand?

Yes, Phonak, a Switzerland-based company, has been in the business of creating innovative hearing solutions for over 75 years. It offers a wide range of hearing aids across different fit styles, models, and technology levels. Plus, Phonak has one of the most extensive lists of hearing instrument accessories, including microphones, TV connectors, and remote controls.

How much do Phonak hearing aids cost?

Phonak hearing aids are some of the most expensive devices on the market. They cost around $1500-$3000 per device or up to $6,000+ for a pair. In addition, the price varies based on the model, level of technology, warranty length, and your provider and associated services. Many distributors offer interest-free financing via medical financing companies if you can’t pay upfront.

Are Phonak hearing aids rechargeable?

Many Phonak hearing aid models are available in both rechargeable and replaceable batteries (typically in sizes 312 or 13). Popular variants such as Audéo, Naida, Sky, and CROS P have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. On the other hand, smaller devices like the Lyric and Virto (some models) are without rechargeable batteries.

Do Phonak hearing aids have Bluetooth?

Yes, many Phonak hearing aid models support Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can easily pair your Phonak hearing aids to Bluetooth-enabled devices like a TV, smartphone, and tablet for streaming multimedia content. If you want Bluetooth streaming with your aids, make sure you communicate that with your audiologist.

How long do Phonak hearing aids last?

Typically, Phonak hearing aids will last around three to seven years, or even longer if they’re well-maintained. According to Phonak, models with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery can last up to six years. In the case of the Lyric hearing aid, it’s wearable for 2-3 months before requiring a replacement.

Learn More About Hearing Aids