Advertisement
Phonak image
Advertisement
Phonak image

Phonak Lumity Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Reviews, Prices, and Sound Samples

Left Column Image
Right Column Top Image
Right Column Bottom Image
$1,714
3.5 stars stars
3.7 stars from 7 reviews
Hands-Free Calling Yes
iPhone Streaming Yes
Android Streaming Yes
Rechargeable Yes
IP Rating IP68

Launched in August 2022, Audéo Lumity is latest flagship hearing aid from Phonak. The successor to the popular Audéo Paradise, Lumity is the first to run on AutoSense OS™ 5.0, and delivers new speech enhancement and directional microphone features that aim to deliver better speech clarity—especially in background noise. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the product in more detail.

HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop provides a detailed review of the new Phonak Lumity hearing aids. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Who Makes Lumity?

Lumity is made by Phonak, a Swiss hearing aid brand founded in 1947 and thought to be the largest among the “Big 5” global hearing aid brands. Phonak is part of the Sonova Group which includes Unitron, Lyric, and makes Audicus and Costco Kirkland Signature 10.0 hearing aids among others. They also own retail channels such as Connect Hearing and Hearing Planet and even manufacture Advanced Bionic cochlear implants.

Key Lumity features

  • AutoSense OS 5.0 – New operating system within the hearing aid;
  • StereoZoom 2.0 – Improved automatic directional microphone system;
  • SpeechSensor – Allows for directionality focused behind the listener.

Who is it for?

You might be interested in Lumity if you’re looking for:

  • Better hearing in noise: The Lumity product line is geared toward people who are seeking easier communication in diverse listening environments.
  • Rechargeability: All Lumity models have rechargeable options.
  • Connectivity: Lumity offers hands-free connectivity for both Apple® iOS and Android™ phones, with tap controls for the top two technology tiers (90 and 70), and it supports up to 8 pairings and 2 active connections.
  • Fitness/health tracking: All Audéo models have some fitness tracking, including step count, wearing time, activity levels, distance walked and ran, and optional goal setting via the MyPhonak app, as well as the ability to connect remotely with your provider.
  • Accessories: Although they generally cost extra, the Phonak Roger line offers one of the best selections of remotes, remote mics, and TV accessories.
  • Stylish Slim option: Lumity Slim is designed to look more like a high-tech communication device than a hearing aid. With a distinct left and right design, the hearing aids feature a unique 7° angle for a contoured fit behind the ear, even for those who wear glasses (see video below).
  • Covers most hearing losses and needs: Good for a very wide range of hearing losses. Lumity Sky, Naída, and CROS have recently been added to cater to the special needs of kids, more severe losses, and one-sided (unilateral) hearing losses, respectively.

Pros and Cons

What we love about Phonak Lumity

Improved, slimmer body design with improved control button
Several rechargeable RICs and BTEs, including a “waterproof” option
Multiple technology tiers
Good connectivity options including Android and Apple compatibility
Built-in Roger receivers for remote microphone use
Option of ActiveVent™ reciever in RICs

Limitations

No custom products available currently
Tap control may be difficult for some to use
Poorly rated myPhonak app
Phonak Lumity On Table

Phonak Audéo Lumity receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids.

Product Form Factors and Technology Tiers

Phonak Lumity comes in Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid styles. The major difference between RIC and BTE hearing aids is the receiver (speaker) location. In RIC hearing aids, the receiver sits inside the ear canal and is connected to the main body of the device by a flexible wire. With BTE aids, the receiver is encased with all the other electronic parts behind the ear. In general, BTE hearing aids can provide more powerful volume levels and are suitable for more severe hearing losses, while RICs can give a more natural sound, especially for your own voice.

Phonak Audéo Lumity RIC hearing aids

Audéo Lumity hearing aids are available in 5 Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) models, including:

  • Audéo L-R = Rechargeable RIC, no telecoil, push button
  • Audéo L-RT = Rechargeable RIC, telecoil, push button
  • Audéo L-RL = Rechargeable RIC, waterproof, no telecoil, push button
  • Lumity Slim = Rechargeable RIC with elongated form factor, no telecoil, push button
  • Lumity CROS = Rechargeable RIC for single-sided hearing loss, push button

All Lumity RICs come with an IP68 rating. The Audéo L-RL (aka, Lumity Life) has additional features, such as the absence of charging contacts, that help improve its resistance to moisture. An IP68 rating means these aids should withstand dust, dirt, and sand and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m (about 5 ft) underwater for up to 30 minutes (but we don’t recommend trying this!).

These hearing aids are available in 4 different technology tiers, including 90 (Premium)70 (Advanced)50 (Standard), and 30 (Essential), and in 11 different color options (Lumity Slim has 4 two-tone colors that are paired with black). Technology tiers provide you with a choice of level of technology and offer lower cost options in the lower tiers. Which tier you choose will depend on several factors, including how much you are willing to pay, your lifestyle and listening needs, and your degree and type of hearing loss—especially your ability to hear in noise.

Telecoil (t-coil) technology, which allows you to access audio from large-area loop systems (e.g., theaters and lecture halls), is available in the Audéo L-RT, as well as the ultra-power (UP) versions in the Naída and Sky models (discussed below). All Lumity hearing aids can be controlled via a push button and the MyPhonak app.

The Lumity Slim looks more like a high-tech consumer audio device than a hearing aid, as audiologist Matthew Allsop shows in this video. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

The Lumity family recently added a CROS/BiCROS hearing aid option, launched at the same time as the Naída and Sky models detailed below. Lumity CROS is designed for people with severe hearing loss in one ear (unilateral) or single-sided deafness where sound is wirelessly routed to a hearing aid on the better-hearing ear. These CROS/BiCROS hearing aids are compatible with Audéo L-R, Audéo L-RT, Naida L-PR, and Sky L-PR hearing aids.

All the above Lumity hearing aids can accommodate hearing losses ranging from mild to severe to profound, and your hearing provider has a choice of 5 different receivers (speakers) to accommodate your hearing loss needs.

Phonak Lumity Naída and Lumity Sky BTE hearing aids

In August 2023, Phonak added two new Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Lumity hearing aid models for adults (Naída) and children (Sky), each with an ultra-power (UP) option for those with severe-to-profound hearing losses:

  • Naída L-PR = Rechargeable BTE for mild to moderately severe hearing loss, no telecoil, push button
  • Naída L-UP = BTE for people with severe to profound hearing loss, size 675 battery, telecoil, push button
  • Sky L-PR = Rechargeable BTE for kids with mild-to-severe hearing loss, no telecoil, push button
  • Sky L-UP = BTE for kids with severe to profound hearing loss, size 675 battery, telecoil, push button

Naída Lumity includes all the flagship family's technology and prioritizes the most crucial requirement of hearing aid wearers: speech understanding. Like Lumity Audéo RICs, Naída Lumity is powered by AutoSense OS 5.0, which leverages AI-based machine learning and continuously analyzes the environment 700 times per second, automatically adapting to the wearer's unique listening environment. Naída L also connects with Roger technology for enhancing hearing in challenging listening environments.

Similarly, the new Sky Lumity hearing aids feature this same technology and have a new emphasis on connectivity, enabling children to connect to the digital world—an increasingly important aspect for kids. Sky L hearing aids use the myPhonak Junior app, the only dedicated pediatric app for hearing aids. It gives them control over their hearing aids while allowing parents to monitor wearing time, schedule remote consultations with hearing care professionals, and set parental controls. Sky L hearing aids are available in 14 different colors.

What about custom ITE products?

Currently, the Phonak Lumity family does not include custom In-the-Ear (ITE) models; however, these styles are available in the company's Virto Paradise product line. As noted by Matthew Allsop in the video below, Virto Lumity ITEs are probably around the corner.

Your hearing provider can help guide you to the right technology, so please be sure to discuss all your unique needs and desired options with them.

Matthew Allsop dives into Phonak's newest additions to their Lumity hearing aid family, released in August 2023, which include the new Lumity Naída and Sky BTEs and the Lumity CROS hearing aid for single-sided hearing losses. He also speculates that a Virto Lumity custom ITE may be around the corner. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Lumity FAQs

All Lumity hearing aids come with a multi-function button on the hearing aid casing. This button acts as an on/off switch and can also be programmed as volume and/or program change control. You also have the option of controlling your hearing aids via the free myPhonak smartphone app, or you can have your hearing care provider order a RemoteControl simple control at an additional cost. The Sky Lumity hearing aids for kids have a special pediatric app, myPhonak Junior, which provides controls for both the user and parent.

What technology tier you choose will depend on several factors, including how much you are willing or able to spend on hearing aids. While Medicare does not cover the cost of a hearing aid, check with your insurance provider to see if you have a hearing aid benefit.

However, cost should not be your only deciding factor when choosing the level of technology. Your lifestyle, degree and type of hearing loss, and listening requirements should guide you to the level of technology you need. For example, if you seldom attend social functions and are often in the same listening environment, a lower tier of technology may work well for you. But if you are often in changing and challenging listening environments, it may be worth investing in the higher-level technology.

Which technology, and indeed which hearing aid model and brand, works best for you should be a discussion you have with your hearing care provider. Ask questions and understand all your options.

Yes, Lumity does have tinnitus features that can be controlled by your hearing care provider, and you can control the volume of the tinnitus noise generator within the myPhonak app.

Your hearing care provider can program up to 4 distinct listening programs for you.

AutoSense OS 5.0

AutoSense OS 5.0 is the new operating system that allows for significant processing power, albeit in the same chip platform used by the Phonak Paradise product line. For example, the system utilizes machine learning to scan and identify the listener’s environment 700 times per second. That information is used to align the technology within the hearing aid, and Phonak reports that there are over 200 different combinations of the hearing aid’s settings.

As with most hearing aids, the intent is to provide the best possible combination of controls for a given listening environment. Lumity will coordinate numerous features such as noise reduction and directional microphones (using microphones on two hearing aids in the case of a binaural fitting), boost soft speech in quieter environments, and even utilize a motion sensor to understand when the listener is moving.

These features and others utilize machine learning so that the hearing aid can learn or improve its accuracy over time.

StereoZoom 2.0 for optimal focus of directional microphones and better hearing in noise

As part of Phonak’s SmartSpeech™ technology, StereoZoom 2.0 is a feature new to Lumity. Essentially, it is an improved automatic directional microphone system that enhances spatial awareness in low-noise environments, and it gradually moves to a more focused directional pattern as noise increases. In other words, when in quieter listening environments, the microphones will attempt to pick up sound from all directions around you, but as noise increases, so does the focus or strength of the directional microphones. So it is adaptive to your current listening environment and is intended to be seamless.

The strength of StereoZoom 2.0 can be adjusted in the programming software by your hearing provider, and you now also have control with the “Speech Focus” slider within the myPhonak app. This gives you, the listener, some control over how “focused” you would like the hearing aids to be for speech coming from in front of you.

Phonak Senior Product Audiologist Shin-Shin Hobi explains the new in StereoZoom 2.0 which is featured in the all-new Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aids. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

According to an internal study conducted by Phonak, StereoZoom 2.0 allowed for a 3.0 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement compared to their older, Real Ear Sound technology, which dates to 2005. How much improvement exists over their latest technology as seen in the Paradise product, for example, is not noted. Phonak also reports that changing the strength of StereoZoom 2.0 from the default setting to its maximum setting allows for an additional 2.5 dB improvement.

So, what does a SNR improvement mean to you? Simply said, those with normal hearing can understand speech in noise better than those with sensorineural hearing loss. This means that if you have a hearing loss, you need the signal (speech) to be noticeably louder than the background noise to have a chance to understand it.  As shown in HearingTracker consumer surveys, hearing in noise is the primary complaint of hearing aid wearers.  As an example, a normal-hearing listener may understand 50% of words in a situation where the signal (speech) is only 2 dB louder than the noise (+2 SNR), but a hearing-impaired listener may need an SNR of +8 dB or greater to get the same score. However, improving the SNR even by a few dB can help increase your chances of understanding what is said and minimize your listening effort.

This is exactly the point of directional microphones as they diminish noise from certain directions around you (usually to the side and rear) and focus on sound that are in front of you.  However, how well the directional microphones work for you will depend on multiple factors, including the real level of the noise, how reverberant the room is, your degree of hearing loss, venting in the hearing aids, etc. 

Regardless, directional microphones are one of the best and easiest ways to help those with hearing loss understand speech in noise while reducing your overall listening effort. This new system by Phonak is a fine-tuning of their previous technology that may further improve your listening in noise compared to their previous generation of hearing aids.

Phonak Lumity Stereozoomusecase 1200x675

Lumity is designed to excel in situations where there is competing noise sources, while also provides speech detection for regions other than directly in front of the user.

SpeechSensor for detecting speech to the side or from behind

Also part of Phonak’s SmartSpeech™ technology, SpeechSensor detects which direction dominant speech is located and allows speech from the side, or even from behind the listener to be amplified. Essentially, it allows for directionality not just from in front of the listener but from other directions as well. Multiple manufacturers have similar technology in their instruments. The ability of the hearing aid to minimize noise from in front of you and hear speech from the side or from behind can be advantageous in certain situations. For example, when driving a car and trying to hear the person in the back seat or when you are otherwise focusing your vision forward but need to hear what is being said to you from behind or to the side.

Keep in mind that SpeechSensor and StereoZoom 2.0 do not work in isolation. Obviously, you are also hearing sounds amplified in the frequency (pitch) regions you need them and other aspects of the hearing aid are also engaged as needed.  For example, directional microphones may be engaged at the same time as noise reduction, compression, etc.

It should be noted that all the features discussed in this article and others are not available on all technology tiers.  That is, some features and even environmental classes are available only in the highest technology tiers. For example, SpeechSensor is only available in the 90 technology tier and StereoZoom 2.0 is only available in the 90 and 70 tiers. This is not unusual as all hearing aid manufacturers limit features in the lower technology tiers.

Ph Brochure Lumity 210x280 En V1 00 028 2418 03 Pd

Illustration of SpeechSensor function. Source: Phonak

Unique ActiveVent reduces own-voice vs. feedback problems

First introduced in Paradise RIC hearing aids, the ActiveVent receiver is a mechanically variable vent that allows, within the same fitting, both an open- and closed-ear coupling. It can vary from fully occluded to a standard 3.5 mm open vent. The purpose of this is to allow for own-voice comfort and improved hearing performance in certain situations.

When you are fit with your hearing aids, your hearing provider will determine what type of ear coupling is needed for your hearing aid. This can range from a very open dome (that allows a lot of unprocessed sound to enter the ear canal) to a custom earmold with no venting (eg, a “closed fitting” that blocks all sound from entering the ear canal and relies completely on the signal processing of the hearing aid). The type of coupling and venting will be based on your degree of hearing loss, the perception of your own voice when wearing the hearing aids, the level of feedback encountered, and other factors.

Open vents have the benefit of making your own voice sound more natural (minimal occlusion effect) and allow for some environmental sounds to be heard naturally. However, open vents have the disadvantage of limiting low frequency (pitch) amplification and, therefore, how effective noise reduction, directionality, and other features are in these low frequencies. It also means that amplified sounds can leak out of the ear and be re-amplified causing annoying feedback. Feedback is that annoying whistle/squelch you hear at times with amplified systems. As such, your HCP must strike a balance with all these considerations to give you the best possible physical and acoustic fit, and sometimes trade-offs must be made.

The ActiveVent receiver, however, is designed to give you both an open and closed fitting within the same earpiece. That is, the ActiveVent receiver has a small disc within it that can switch between open and closed. When the disc is in the open position, you get the advantages mentioned above—most notably, making your own voice sound more natural. However, in challenging noise situations or when streaming music, the disc will automatically move to the closed position allowing for improved directionality, noise reduction, and amplification of low frequencies, if needed.

small study conducted at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) in Australia and in conjunction with Phonak researchers tested the benefit of the ActiveVent receiver in several listening situations: speech in noise and when streaming in both quiet and in noise. The study also asked the participants to rate their own-voice quality when wearing the ActiveVent compared to a standard custom earpiece with venting. The results indicated that the ActiveVent provided a 10% increase in speech understanding in noise compared to the standard custom earpiece. They also found listener preferences for the wearers’ own voice and audio streaming in quiet with the ActiveVent versus the standard custom earpiece. This study supports the use of the ActiveVent and indicates it may be beneficial to those hearing aid wearers who need (or prefer) a closed coupling system but also struggle with the occlusion effect.

Hands-free connectivity for both Apple and Android devices

Phonak has been a leader in hearing aid wireless connectivity for many years, and that tradition continues with the Lumity hearing aids. As you would expect, Lumity is compatible with both Android™ and Apple® products and other Bluetooth® enabled devices such as tablets and laptops. It currently uses Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology, but is also compatible with many older Bluetooth phones. It incorporates both Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy protocols allowing for “universal” connectivity; however, this Bluetooth protocol does not include Auracast broadcast technology.

Phonak Lumity Man At Computer 1200x675

Phonak made-for-all connectivity supports up to 8 pairings and 2 active connections, allowing the wearer to easily switch between streamed audio from one device to another and to make true hands-free calls.

You can be actively connected to two different Bluetooth devices and pair up to 8 devices for direct streaming, in stereo, to your hearing aids. The hearing aids also act as a hands-free device, meaning that during phone calls, there is no need to speak directly into the cell phone as the microphones on your hearing aids act as the input.

Lumity, like its predecessors, the Marvel and Paradise hearing aids, also feature tap control (in 90 and 70 technology tiers) allowing you to accept/end a phone call, pause/resume streaming, and access voice assistants such as Apple’s Siri®. While this is a handy feature, some wearers have noted that it’s not as simple to operate as they had hoped; using the tap control may take practice for some while others may choose simply not to use the feature.

Phonak offers a handy compatibility webpage to see if your phone is compatible with different models of their hearing aids.

myPhonak App: More controls, virtual consults with HCP, and health monitoring for Audéo Fit

The newest version of the myPhonak app, version 6.2.1, was released September 20, 2022 and has a few revisions and bug fixes compared to previous versions. The release of 6.2.0 provided a new separation of speech focus and noise reduction controls, as well as the ability to control StereoZoom 2.0. The app also allows for program change, volume change, and equalizer presets to change tone such as bass and treble.

Lumity App Screen Shots 1200x675

Screenshots of the myPhonak app in action (l to r): 1) Main screen with program selections on top and volume, mute, and basic option screens on bottom; 2) Personalized settings that allow for volume, noise reduction, and speech focus; 3) health monitor screen with hearing aid wearing time, and step counter (note: heart rate monitor available in Audéo Fit only); 4) remote care screen where you can have a virtual meeting with your hearing care provider.

The myPhonak app also allows for health tracking features, such as wearing time, daily steps, activity level, and distance walked. However, not all features, like the heart rate tracking are available with the Lumity hearing aids. For full health tracking features, you would need to purchase the Audéo Fit hearing aids.

Several hearing aid manufacturers are incorporating health features into their hearing aids. The thinking here is that improved hearing is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. Several studies have suggested a correlation between hearing loss and other chronic illnesses such as mobility, risk of fallscognitive decline and dementia, and other deficits. Research has also suggested that older adults (50 and above) with untreated hearing loss may have a higher likelihood of physical inactivity compared to their hearing peers and those who wear hearing instruments.  As such, utilizing your hearing aids and the associated app to improve overall health outcomes is an intriguing thought.  At the very least, it might be fun to set goals and track them without the need for another gadget.

The app also accommodates remote care—allowing you to request a video appointment with your HCP to make hearing aid programming adjustments and even test your hearing through the hearing aids, if needed. Phonak, along with other hearing aid manufacturers, first introduced remote care out of necessity during the Covid pandemic but the option remains in place.

As detailed in this short video, you can also quickly and easily create your own custom programs using the myPhonak app. In this way, if you make adjustments to your hearing aids for a particular listening situation and really like the way it sounds, you can simply recall this program in the app without having to start from scratch again.

The myPhonak app is not highly rated on either the Apple app store or the Google Play™ app store showing ratings of 1.7 and 2.2, respectively.  Most of the complaints revolve around ease of use, maintaining the Bluetooth connection, and the hearing aids staying in the selected program. This type of lackluster rating for a hearing aid app, unfortunately, is not uncommon across brands—primarily due to connectivity issues. The latest version from Phonak, released only one month after 6.2.0, contains bug fixes so, perhaps, the overall ratings will improve.

HearingTracker audiologist Matthew Allsop guides you through the pairing of Phonak Lumity with your phone. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Rechargeability for Lumity models

All Phonak Lumity hearing aids are rechargeable except for two models: the Naída L-UP and Sky L-UP ultra-power aids use disposable size 675 batteries.

Three different chargers are available for the rechargeable models, depending on which RIC product is chosen. The charger should be included in the price of the hearing aids.

The Audéo L- RL (Audéo Life) hearing aid is a “waterproof” version and requires the Phonak Charger Case Go, as the hearing aid utilizes inductive charging instead of charging contacts. This helps to ensure the case remains sealed against moisture. The Charger Case Go also provides portability as the case, once fully charged, will hold 3 additional charges for your hearing aids without the need for an electrical outlet.

Lumity Chargers

The Phonak Charger Ease (left) and the Charger Case Go (right).

The Audéo L-R and L-RT, along with the Lumity CROS, utilize the Phonak Charger Ease: a compact charger with magnets that help guide the instruments into place. The Phonak Slim Charger also utilizes these magnets and charging slots, making it easy to insert and remove the aids, as does the Phonak Charger Combi BTE 2 for Naída L-PR and Sky L-PR, a charger that offers improved reliability compared to the older Charger Combi BTE.

All chargers use a simple USB-C charging port and will take 3 hours to fully charge your hearing aids. Wearing time can be up to 16-18 hours of use on a single charge. However, keep in mind that actual battery life will depend on your hearing aid’s settings, how much time you spend streaming, and your listening environments.

Lumity Fb

Phonak Slim with Phonak Slim Charger.

Accessories

As with most Phonak hearing aids, you have a choice of several different accessories. These include the new RogerOn V2, TV Connector, the RemoteControl, and PartnerMic™. For people who have significant difficulty hearing in noise or are often listening in classrooms or meetings, the Roger microphones are also an option.

The Lumity hearing aids already have a built-in receiver for the Roger remote microphones; they simply need to be engaged to work. Phonak provides an informative website about Roger microphones if you would like to learn more.

All accessories listed below are optional and are typically an additional charge to the price of your hearing aids.

Phonak Lumity Cake 1200x675

Roger On is a versatile microphone for Lumity dedicated for all conversations where background noise is present or when there is a distance to the speaker.

Roger On Microphone

With Phonak's MultiBeam 2.0 technology, Roger On V2 analyzes your environment and delivers clean speech directly to your hearing aids. With its Table mode, Presenter mode, and Pointing mode, Roger On is one of the most versatile remote microphones on the market; it can handle a large range of demanding listening situations and is compatible with many hearing aids and cochlear implants. With Roger On, you can listen to the TV with a docking station that is provided or enjoy music by plugging the cable into a smartphone. When connected to a computer via the USB cable, Roger On can now be used like a headset during online calls: it streams the sound from the online participant(s) to your hearing aids while at the same time picking up your voice and sending the signal through your computer.

Audiologist Matthew Allsop provides an overview of the Roger On V2 microphone, which he views as one of the most versatile hearing aid accessories available. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

TV Connector

As the name suggests the TV connector is used to connect your hearing aids wirelessly to your TV. It is intended to be a “plug and play” solution that can help improve your overall TV listening experience. The TV Connector streams the TV’s audio directly to your hearing aids within a range of up to 15 meters or almost 50 feet. What that means for you is that noise in the room will be less noticeable and you’ll hear the TV more readily, making dialogue and other sounds easier to hear.

RemoteControl

For those who may have difficulty utilizing the hearing aid’s on-board push-button control or lack the tech savvy (or willingness) to utilize the myPhonak smart phone app, a simple remote control is available. The remote may be especially useful for those Lumity wearers who still want/need to change volume and/or program but have dexterity issues (like a tremor) that make using push buttons and sensitive smart phone screens incredibly frustrating or even impossible to use.

PartnerMic

Above we discussed how directional microphones can help improve the signal (speech) to noise ratio (SNR) and why directional microphones are a great way to help improve hearing in noisy listening environments. However, some listeners may require even more help to follow the conversation. 

That’s where the PartnerMic comes into play. Ear-level hearing aids can pick up speech from those around you, but the person you want to hear may be several feet from you and sometimes at an even greater distances (think lecture hall). This means their voice will be diminished with distance and other sounds from the same direction will also be picked up by the hearing aid microphones. However, when a microphone is placed on the lapel of the person you wish to hear, their voice is much closer to the mic—meaning better SNR. This greatly improves the SNR and helps improve speech clarity and understanding.  Remote microphones, like PartnerMic, are simple, very effective, and increasingly popular tools to help you hear speech better.

The PartnerMic needs to be paired to your hearing aids, but once paired will work automatically when your turn it on. It has a range of up to 25 meters (about 82 feet) and provides up to 6 hours of use on a single charge. A full recharge takes approximately 2 hours.

LOTS of choices!

So, if you're a little overwhelmed with all this information, in the video below Matthew Allsop summarizes all the models and many of the features and options in the Lumity hearing aid line, comparing and contrasting why one might be a better fit for you.

Wondering which Phonak Lumity hearing aid is right for you? From styles and colors to features like rechargeability, CROS compatibility, and water resistance, Matthew Allsop explains and simplifies the choices. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Bottom Line on Lumity

The Lumity line of hearing aids are the latest flagship product offered by Phonak. They appear to have some improvements over the previous generation Paradise products especially in regards to how well the directional microphones manage noise. However, these improvements seem iterative—that is, there are no earth-shattering changes in this product compared to Paradise or the Marvel products.

Regardless, Lumity is still a very well-designed high-end hearing aid, and the numerous technology levels make it available at different price points. In addition, Phonak’s universal connectivity, hands-free calling, and other advanced technology features make it a very attractive product. For those who struggle to hear speech in noise and are in variable and challenging listening environments, this product should be a good fit for you. As always, here at HearingTracker, we highly recommend you discuss all your options with your HCP as multiple manufacturers have similar technology.

Specifications for Lumity

Release date: August 2022

Product dimensions:

  • L-R: L x W x D: 27.7 x 12 x 8.1 mm (1.09 x 0.47 x 0.32”)
  • L-RT: L x W x D: 30.3 x 12.6 x 8.1 mm (1.19 x 0.5 x 0.32”)
  • L-RL: L x W x D: 29.5 x 12.9 x 9 mm (1.16 x 0.51 x 0.35”)

Product weights:

  • L-R: 2.2 g (0.08 oz)
  • L-RT: 2.6 g (0.09 oz)
  • L-RL: 2.8 g (0.1 oz)

IP-ratings:

  • IP68 for all models

MyPhone App Compatibility

  • The myPhonak app can be used on:
    Phones with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capability;
  • iPhone® 5s and newer running iOS® Version 12.0 or newer
  • Google Mobile Services (GMS) certified Android™ devices supporting Bluetooth 4.2 and Android™ OS 7.0 or newer
  • Instruction for Use.

Specs for L-RL (90/70/50/30/Trial)

  • USA FCC ID: KWC-PRL
  • Canada IC: 2262A-PRL
  • Antenna type: Resonant loop antenna
  • Operation frequency: 2.4 GHz-2.48 GHz
  • Modulation: GFSK, Pi/4 DPSK, GMSK
  • Radiated power: <2.5 mW

Bluetooth®

  • Range: ~1 m
  • Bluetooth: 4.2 Dual-Mode
  • Profiles supported: HFP (Hands-free profile), A2DP

Power Supply and Charger

  • Power supply input voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, current 0.25 A
  • Power supply output voltage: 5 VDC ±10%, current 1 A
  • Charger input voltage: 5 VDC ±10%, current 1 A
  • USB cable specifications: 5 V min. 1 A, USB-A to USB-C, maximum length 3 m

Specs for L-R and L-RT (90/70/50/30/Trial)

  • USA ICC ID: KWC-MRP
  • Canada IC: 2262A-MRP
  • Antenna type: Resonant loop antenna
  • Operation frequency: 2.4 GHz-2.48 GHz
  • Modulation: GFSK, Pi/4 DPSK, GMSK
  • Radiated power: <2.5 mW

Bluetooth®

  • Range: ~1 m
  • Bluetooth: 4.2 Dual-Mode
  • Profiles supported: HFP (Hands-free profile), A2DP

Power Supply and Charger

  • Power supply input voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, current 0.25 A
  • Power supply output voltage: 5 VDC ±5%, current 1 A
  • Charger input voltage: 5 VDC ±5%, current 250 mA
  • USB cable specifications: 5 V min. 1 A, USB-A to USB-C, maximum length 3 m

Table of Contents

HearAdvisor Sound Performance Lab Results

SoundScore 4.3
Speech in quiet 4.3
Speech in noise 1.9
My own voice 0.9
No feedback issues 5.0
Streaming quality 4.5

Maximum score for each category is 5 points. Green triangles (if present) denote above-average performance; hover your cursor over them to see the specific data.

Off
Initial
Tuned
Busy Café
Quiet Office
Audio Stream

Adjust volume to make "Open Ear" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!

Recordings are made in a sound-treated acoustic test lab an 8-speaker ring presenting ambisonic recordings and an acoustic manikin. For more important listening notes, be sure to check out our hearing aid comparison engine.

HearAdvisor partners with HearingTracker to provide objective laboratory performance data. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz. *Specific model tested: Phonak Audéo Lumity R L90.

Lumity Model Comparison

Model details listed above may be incomplete or inaccurate. For full specifications please refer to product specifications published by the original equipment manufacturer. To suggest a correction to the details listed, please email info@hearingtracker.com.

Back to Table of Contents

Lumity Technology Levels

Technology specifications listed above may be incomplete or inaccurate. For full specifications please refer to product specifications published by the original equipment manufacturer. To suggest a correction to the details listed, please email info@hearingtracker.com.

Back to Table of Contents

Lumity Accessories

Charger Case Go

Charger Case Go

Phonak Charger Case Go features a built-in battery that can charge two hearing aids up to three times. Both chargers use a standard USB-C charging port and the LED on the back lightens up when power is applied.

Functions

  • Battery Charger

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity Life
Charger Ease

Charger Ease

Charges Audéo L-R and RT hearing aids in just three hours so you can enjoy a full day of hearing.

Functions

  • Battery Charger

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity Life
CROS Lumity

CROS Lumity

A CROS hearing aid is a system designed for individuals with unilateral hearing loss, where a microphone on the unaidable side transmits sound to a hearing aid on the better-hearing side.

Functions

  • CROS System

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
myPhonak App

myPhonak App

The myPhonak app allows you to access remote support, information about their hearing aids, and a hearing diary. The app also allows you to adjust the volume and pitch of your hearing aids, and change program settings.

Functions

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity Life
PartnerMic™

PartnerMic™

Discreet remote microphone that helps to boost your partners voice in one-to-one conversations in noise.

Functions

  • Remote Microphone

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity Life
RemoteControl

RemoteControl

The Phonak RemoteControl provides a discreet way to control your Phonak hearing aids.

Functions

  • Remote Control

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity Life
Roger On

Roger On

Phonak Roger On is an advanced remote mic accessory developed by Phonak. It is designed to improve speech understanding in noisy environments, over distance, and when many people are speaking simultaneously. Equipped with MultiBeam 2.0 Technology, it provides a boost in understanding by capturing voices from all directions. The Roger On can connect to a variety of multimedia devices and is fully compatible with almost all hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a T-coil or a Roger receiver.

Functions

  • TV Streamer
  • Remote Microphone

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity Life
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity R
RogerDirect™

RogerDirect™

As a break-through in hearing technology, Marvel hearing aids feature RogerDirect™ which allows the Roger technology to stream directly to Marvel hearing aids without having to attach an external receiver. This major innovation makes Roger technology easier to use and more attractive for a broader group ranging from mild to profound hearing loss. Roger technology makes use of intelligent and adaptive algorithms that continuously measure and precisely analyze noise levels to keep the Roger signal clearly audible above the background noise.

Functions

  • Accessory Connectivity

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity Life
TV Connector with AirStream™

TV Connector with AirStream™

Functions

  • TV Streamer

Compatible Aids

  • Audéo Lumity R
  • Audéo Lumity RT
  • Audéo Lumity Life

Back to Table of Contents

Lumity Reviews

Hearing aid reviews are fundamentally different from reviews for most other consumer electronic products. The reason is because individual factors, like degree of hearing loss, have a profound effect one's success and overall satisfaction with the product. When purchasing a hearing aid, you'll need to consider more than just your hearing outcome ... Continue reading

Write a Review

Overall Ratings

Hearing Tracker uses a ten-question survey to assess consumer feedback on hearing aids. The percentage bars below reflect the average ratings provided per question, averaged across all hearing aids belonging to this family of devices.
Note: Original answers provided in star rating format.

Benefit in Quiet
No data available
75%
Benefit in Noise
No data available
70%
Benefit on the Phone
No data available
85%
Clear and Natural
No data available
80%
Music Improvement
No data available
60%
Physical Comfort
No data available
75%
Reliability
No data available
70%
Feedback
No data available
85%
Hearing Improvement
No data available
80%
Value
No data available
60%
Efthymios A
Efthymios A 08 January 2024
5 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L30 Phonak Audéo Lumity Life

Best hearing aid ever! Lumity life has amazing sound and durability.

Anonymous
Anonymous 20 December 2023
2 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L70 Phonak Audéo Lumity R

I hate my Phonak L70 hearing aids. The bluetooth cuts out all the time. Forget wearing glasses with them because the glasses end up causing a ridge which hurts my ears. Very echoey. Lots of hissing. I feel it doesn't make me hear conversation any better than before. Oh and the volume turns up itself, even though I've set it to -2.

JIRL
JIRL 14 October 2023
3 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L90 Phonak Audéo Lumity R

I trialled the Lumity Audéo hearing aids for about 3 months and really liked them. On my previous hearing aids, I did not have Bluetooth. With the Lumity Audéo trial, I was so impressed with the sound quality and the features.

Speech clarity is incredible. Streaming music was unbelievable - I was hearing sounds I had long forgotten with hearing loss.

I have a lot of online meetings and the Bluetooth connection was fantastic with Windows 10.

Then I purchased a pair and two things happened:

The firmware in the hearing aids was upgraded to v1.0.6.0 when I bought them.

My laptop was upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

This was a disaster for me...

The Bluetooth connection when streaming music was hit and miss. It was also affected by head and phone (iPhone) orientation.

The Bluetooth connection to my laptop was hit and miss. The audio application regularly stalled on my laptop. This resulted in being late on meetings, having to restart my laptop and a lot of other issues.

My only solution was to connect via my iPhone and my laptop to meetings - of course with all the questions from people on the meeting as to why I had to do this.

After waiting a number of months, and coming accross this site, I managed to get a better overview of how others have experienced these hearing aids.

I had previously reached out to Phonak about this and the support has still not answered my question about where to find information on the latest firmware updates - this was disappointing. I finally found it here on this website :).

I visited my audicien a few days ago and got the firmware upgraded to v1.0.8.0. Immediately I noticed that the Bluetooth connection was more stable when streaming music. Likewise the TV streamer I'm also using has an improved connection and doesn't drop out as much due to head movement.

I added my hearing aids to my Windows 11 laptop, setup Teams, made a test call and things seemed to work much better than before. Alas, at my first online meeting yesterday the hearing aids could only be used as a headphone and not a headset. Again, complaints from my colleagues about sound quality and yet again back to two connections for online collaboration with Teams /Google.

Although the sound quality is great with these hearing aids, I was also after a better experience with online calls. The latter has been such a huge disappointment and I do not see a solution at this time.

My older hearing aids were so much better with online meetings.

Member
Member 08 February 2023
3 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L90 Phonak Audéo Lumity R

Upgraded to L90 R from M90 R and disapointed :-(.

The  random "Classic" Bluetooth connectivity wants to change the program settings regardless of whether you clicked on an embedded video link on a web page or not.  It will sound like an ocean wave coming in as it strips away all processing. The Marvels never did this and they could only connect to one device at a time. I had a new Real Ear program inserted when I recieved the Lumity aids.  The Blue Tooth issue was bad. My Aud then swapped my few year older program from the Marvels into the Lumity, it  toned down (did not eliminate) the connecting disturbance but also dumbed down my hearing  program. I see ZERO performance advantage over the Marvels only disadvantage.  In the Phonak App Health Tab the wearing time calendar will show days where either Left or Right will not have a history or may show one or the other operating while in the charger overnight. I am still within my VA trial period and unless resolved I may change to another Brand. with made for I phone connectivity only.

Martino vm
Martino vm 16 December 2022
4 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L90 Phonak Audéo Lumity R

I like the greater clarity of speech even if at the moment the setting is not optimal.

I hope with my hearing care professional to improve the adjustment.

Anonymous
Anonymous 01 December 2022
4 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L90 Phonak Audéo Lumity RT

They are great. My only complaint is that they shut off while using other apps. I have an iPhone and have turned off “lock” sound in haptics and turned off “rise to wake”. I’ve unpaired and re-paired. Turned off and restarted iPhone. Have 16.1.1 software. Can’t figure out how to fix. Disappointing!!!if If I could figure this out, I woulr give 5 stars. I’ve always used ICI HA and theses are much better for speech sound and controlling my own voice!!

Anonymous
Anonymous 30 September 2022
5 stars stars
Phonak Audéo Lumity L90 Phonak Audéo Lumity RT

I have been using widex hearing aids for years, but when I went to upgrade, I learned that all the new android compatible hearing aids don't support hands free calling with my pixel phone. SO, I decided to try phonak, which is apparently the only brand to offer hands free on android (most of the others work with iphone only). While I preferred the sound quality of my old aids, I do think I'm hearing my wife more clearly with these, and the hands free calling is seriously nice.

Filter Reviews

Models

Technology Levels

Back to Table of Contents

Discussion

Use the form below to leave a quick comment about the Phonak Audéo Lumity. Alternatively, consider providing more thorough feedback using our hearing aid review system. If you review your hearing aids using our review system, we'll send you a $5 promotional credit for use in our hearing aid battery shop as a special thank you. Review your hearing aids now.

Member

Hi I am trying the L90 and I am Impressed at how good the sound is all round music watching TV clarity when talking to people and listening I think I’m gonna get it

harry12

I am currently doing the VA trial of the P90, which I find to be good, however, I see the P90 is reaching end of life. I had M90's and I recall be P90 arrived about a year after I got the Marvels. The Lumity release was/is during my trial for the p90's, and I have elected to reject in favor of the L90.

Leave a comment