Phonak recently (August 2016) released the Audéo B-R, touted as “the first mainstream lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aid.” Phonak claims the new Audéo B-R will last 24 hours on full charge, including up to 80 minutes of wireless streaming. The new product is built on “Belong,” the newest processing platform from Phonak.
Phonak breaks down the expected battery life as follows:
24 hours with up to 80 minutes of audio streaming
20 hours with 5 hours of audio streaming
16 hours with 10 hours of audio streaming
Charging times are reported as follows:
3 hours to fully charge up a dead battery
1.5 hours to charge a dead battery to 80% capacity
For hearing professionals - A 10-minute charge is required for a 30 minute hearing aid fitting
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.
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.
Transmits audio to Phonak hearing aids directly from Bluetooth phones, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, and from TV and remote microphones via Phonak 2.4 GHz accessories. ComPilot Air has less battery life than ComPilot but does not require a neck-loop.
Functions
Remote Control
Bluetooth Streamer
Smartphone Streamer
Compatible Aids
Audéo B R
Audéo B 10
Audéo B 312
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
ComPilot II
The second-generation transmits audio to Phonak hearing aids directly from Bluetooth phones, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, and from TV and remote microphones via Phonak 2.4 GHz accessories.
Functions
Remote Control
Bluetooth Streamer
Smartphone Streamer
Compatible Aids
Audéo B R
Audéo B 312
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
CROS B-13
Functions
CROS System
Compatible Aids
Audéo B 10
Audéo B 312
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
CROS B-312
Functions
CROS System
Compatible Aids
Audéo B 10
Audéo B 312
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
Dect II
Phonak DECT is a cordless phone that connects automatically and wirelessly with Phonak hearing aids. It can also be used by anyone with normal hearing not wearing hearing aids. Up to six handsets can be connected to the base, making the phone useful for small offices. Each handset works within 950 feet (300 meters) of the base station.
The Phonak RemoteControl smartphone app provides remote control of Phonak hearing aids. Used in combination with ComPilot or ComPilot Air, it is compatible with both iPhones and Android smartphones.
Functions
Smartphone App
Compatible Aids
Audéo B R
Audéo B Direct
RemoteMic
Clipped onto the speaker’s clothing, Phonak RemoteMic transmits the speaker’s voice directly to both hearing aids via a ComPilot or ComPilot Air over a distance of up to 66 feet (20 meters).
Functions
Remote Microphone
Compatible Aids
Audéo B 10
Audéo B 312
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
Roger 18 Receiver
Functions
Wireless DAI Boot
Compatible Aids
Audéo B 13
Roger MyLink
Functions
Remote Mic Neckloop
Compatible Aids
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
Roger X Receiver
Functions
Wireless DAI Boot
Compatible Aids
Audéo B 10
Audéo B 312
Audéo B 312T
Audéo B 13
TV Connector
Functions
TV Streamer
Compatible Aids
Audéo B Direct
TVLink II basestation
TVLink II connects to your TV and transmits audio directly to your Phonak hearing aids. ComPilot or ComPilot Air II required.
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
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.
Likes: I love how small they are. The battery life is wonderful, blew away my expectations, especially with how much I use my compilot 2 for streaming. With the proper tools, I was able to swap my own receiver that my audiologist sent to me. He is a good friend and talked me through the process over the phone.
Dislikes:. No app support unless you find an old android APK. And even then, it's not truly supported. And the support is only there of you have a compilot. Without the app support, I'm unable to do tele-visits with my audiologist, which is tough. Because he is in Michigan and I am in Florida. But soon, I'll be upgrading and that will be supported.
Likes: ability to have multiple programs, i.e. phone call (more on this below), speech in noise, auto sense, tv connector (more on this below); iPhone app
Dislikes: phone call-streams only in one ear; tv connector-does not allow you to hear/communicate with others in room while in use; no t coil or ability to upgrade to one (purchased these 1 year too early before Marvel release); no program available to connect to loop system like my previous Sonic hearing aids.
Fittings with initial HAs were disasters, ranging from total to unsatisfactory. ALL except current audiologists jacked up MPO way too much., resulting in greatly reduced utility of HAs. Recently MPO was reduced until ears no longer "treated" to harsh sounds in all but quiet environs and started over. Now working to better taylor MPO, etc. to noiser environs. Also now getting started on understanding possible medical & age contributions to my bad hearing.
BTY, these HAs have recharageable batteries and have been totally reliable for 2 plus years. NO problems getting sweaty, caught in rain, etc. Much prefer over batteriy dirven HAs.
I have had these for only 3 days, but am quite impressed with them. The BTE part is about 1/4 the size of my previous HAs (PHONAK Naida IX) and interferes much less with my glasses earpieces than my previous units.
So far, I am very pleased with these instruments.
I love them. I wear them from the moment I get up until I go to bed at night. I only take them out to swim, shower or bathe. I wear them cycling, skiing, hiking, running, doing yoga so basically for my whole life. I can hear things I forgotten that I used to hear such as birds and other cyclists speaking to me while riding. I have found assistive devices to use to enhance my hearing environment for most occasions in my daily routines. I use bone conduction headphones to listen to podcasts or music while running or hiking. I find them useful for answering my phone in noisier environments by improving the speech to noise ratio. I use them when cycling and using GPS apps such as Map My Ride or Google Maps and I can find my way using audition. My main feeling of loss is in noisier environments such as restaurants or large groups of people. I find those situations frustrating and upsetting. But I do love my hearing aids.
I love my hearing aid but phonak customer support is terrible and their apps are worthless.
I bought the compilot and had trouble with it, emailed them and got no response. Went to their site and went to their chat where they said "we aren't tech support talk to your hearing professional. And refused to speak to me...cut me off.
I had already spoken to my hearing professional who tried calling phonak who said go to TV settings and change the Gaming settings ...there are none on my TV. I had already played in the audio settings to no avail.
I am very happy with my ComPilot. Had it for a year and a half. Couldn't figure out why the wireless connection kept quitting on me. Every 5 to 10 minutes. Had to restart both unit by the TV and around my neck. Finally figured out because I am in my mancave I have a wireless connected desktop PC , landline phones, and cellphone with me. I was charging the cellphone and had it off for a day. No loss of connection with ComPilot. Left it off the next day also. Same results. Watched TV for many hours without interruption. At 75 years of age I leave the phone off now unless necessary.
Great hearing progress with the Phonak Audeo B Direct 13. I have been wearing for 10 days and am adjusting to them. The only issue is a little irritation in my ear canals. My ear canals are small and I use the smallest dome. Also, this model does not address my tinnitus. Overall I am very happy so far...
I've had these Audeo B-Direct aids for over a year now, but already have an app't to trial the new Phonak Marvel aids. The simple reason why is for stereophonic streaming on my Android phone. I resigned myself to the B-Direct with its streaming to ONE ear only because all other features and benefits from the aids were vastly better than the Oticon Opns I'd replaced.
While I find overall sound quality (speech, music, ambient noise) EXCELLENT with these aids, the almost fatal flaw is that the current double domes on the receivers keep slipping out of my ear canal, compromising the quality. I've resorted to taping them in with medical tape - but then I have to yank that off once or twice a day when I remove the aids to shower or go to sleep at night.
The unergonometrically-shaped receivers (like a hard matchstick) is something else I have to live with, but even so, the quality and power of these aids is really superb! I'd been a longtime Oticon customer until these Phonaks, and I will likely stick with this brand in future.
Good fit and improved hearing. Tinnitus greatly improved.
Wearing with spectacles is a little annoying.
Very pleased with my aids although I thought they were a little pricey.
I got these (both ears) initially because my wife said I was not responding to her words. I found a significant improvement with the aids but also found that they 're-accustomed' me to her manner of speech and I could easily go a day without wearing them and still respond appropriately. Isn't the mind a funny thing!
Some say that good hearing aids are 'marriage savers'. After 10 days, I have also noted that my understanding of my wife's words has improved, even when I remove them, as well.
I have a Bi-CROS system, the only disappointment is the CROS aid in my right ear is very tinny. The B90 in my half good left ear boosts the 2k - 8k signals so the CROS aid signal is boosted the same without compensation for the lower frequencies. A benefit though is the tinny sound difference may be helping localisation. The rechargeable batteries easily last a full 15 hour day.
It took 3 or 4 times getting them adjustd and experimenting wiht the correct domes. Now they work great.I have had them 2 1/2 months and go back this comeing Friday. After that I go every 6 months unless I feel there is a need. The Doctor supplies my materials such as domes and batteries.
Have fallen in love with the hands free answering of my cell phone. Love that it can be in another room and not have to be on me. Blue tooth has worked great.
I have a Samsung Edge S7.
My right is the better ear so that is the one I answer the phone with. I clean and change the batteries every Sturday. The Doctor told me since she ws paying for them to always change every Saturday morning and I would not have them go dead. I forgot one week and the first battery went dead at 7 days.
I showed 2 years below because 15 years ago I had hearing aids for 2 years and lost one. Never got any others until this Spring.
My Audiologist is Doctor Gilliom with Gilliom Audiology in Jacksonville Florida. The space below would not recognize it and allow me to input it.
My HA's were provided me by the VA and were fitted by a VA audiologist. My HA's currently need adjustment... especially for a noisy environment. Push buttons are set for Volume FlexControl. In a noisy environment an increase of volume control results in brightness with little or no increase in speech level. Left ear is much louder than right. The problem is that it takes about 3 months to get an appointment and the VA clinic is 55 miles away. I am considering self programming.
CROS aid works well with my SSD. Supprising am starting to work out some directionality of sounds.
I can have conversations with people in noisey environments - use to be impossible. The CROS aid is not good for taking phone calls, so use the aided ear which has a fuller sound and works much better for phone position.
The rechargeable batteries easily last all day (>15hr) though only had them for a short time.
These hearing aids are useless in noisy situations.
These hearing aids sound too sharp.
Hearing aids are not good at reducing a constant sound such as a bath fan.
I love my rechargeable hearing aids! I love that these hearing aids provide different settings and easy to access too! Not having to buy battery rocks! Great look and very comfortable!
I’m 79, I have some hearing loss, not understanding words is increasing. I just tested my ability to hear the highest frequency with a digital dog whistle App. Anything over 7,000 kHz is Lost (with or without hearing aids). A couple of years ago it was 8500 kHz. I just got new hearing aids, they are Phonak Audeo B-Direct They have a clear plastic tube that they call an Anchor that I really dislike. My old aids were Oticon with the streamer unit for volume, microphone, mobile phone, TV and microphone connection to my wife.
I used to be a Saloon Singer as “Old Blue Eyes” put it. He once said to me, “You’ll do well in this business, your eyes are the same color as mine.” When I’m playing some Sinatra, Martin, or Davis CDs in the car I, of course sing along and listen to the orchestra in the background to keep the rhythm etc. but with these hearing aids When I’m singing I can’t hear the CD at all. I don’t remember having that problem with the Oticon hearing aids. As a matter of fact they did increase my volume but the increase was the right level for me to hear the CD and for me to be sure I was in pitch with the Orchestra. That, very possibly was because the microphone was in the streamer hanging on my neck or in my shirt pocket.
In addition, these aids distort female voices even when just talking. I was listing to Fox News today and several of the female commentators that have great sounding voices sound sharp, edgy definitely not pleasant sounding. When I close the lid on a metal box and snap the lock, the closing sounds normal but the snapping of the lock is 2 or 3 times louder than it should be.
Can any of that be adjusted out of the incoming sound to my ears with either model aids? Would it be better to keep the Oticon and just have it sent in for hardware upgrade etc? I started getting Vertigo about a year ago and with the compression going on in my neck I can't do the maneuver to put those crystals back where they belong. Does Vertigo affect hearing in any way?
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I’m a disabled Vet and am going to the VA for my Audiology.
These are my first set of privately brought hearing aids, so far with 4 days use I'm astounded by how much I missed sound wise with my previous free hearing aids. I've had absalutely no feedback except one tiny whistle removing the RIC with mould at bedtime. This is the only time it might make a feeback noise. At the moment I only have 1 issue with the hearing aid itself and it concerns open in the door nightly it is very stiff to open But I think that is a good thing shows a tighter seal. So far I've had no issues but I need to determine my chime warnings as I didn't seem to get one for the low battery on my left ear, prompting some very odd sounds for 3 hours. I've totalled the battery usage for that ear but will change once I get a good solid idea on length they last for both.
I was fitted with A power receiver to give me some room for changes vs the standard it covered my hearing loss fitting as it is but wouldn't be able to cover any potential changes at a later date.
These Audeo B-Direct aids are terrific. I tell everyone about them because of the improvement in my hearing and the ease of using them as a hands free way to talk on my cell phone. In fact people are amazed that I can talk through them without having my phone by my ear. Another great feature is the TV connector. I can enjoy watching TV again without missing a sound or disturbing others with the volume on high. Life is much better and I’m glad I finally realized how much improved my life has become since wearing my aids. Easy to use. Wish they were rechargeable.
The hearing aids are very helpful, but if it hadn't been for Vocational Rehab I would NOT have been able to get them. I don't know what I will do in 3-4 years after I retire.
I did not get this yet because they do not stream to both ears. Currently you can only receive a call in one ear. They are suppose to be working on getting it to stream to both ears like with the compilot. I currently have the compilot and will keep the compilot until the new device streams to both ears. In order to hear well I need both ears to hear since I have equal loss in both ears.
I love the aids but I would like to be able to use my cell phone instead of the compilot 11 for talking on phone. I did find an app that lets me adjust the volume. The compilot is not really pretty to wear around you neck, especially in the summer time when light weight clothing is worn. My friend has a set that has everything on his phone , even a lost and found
The Audeo B Direct should stream phone calls from your cell phone with no interface (ComPilot II)! Other models of the Audeo require use of a ComPilot II. The ComPilot Air II is a clip rather than a neck-loop, which is more aesthetically appealing but has a shorter battery life.
Other hearing aid manufacturers do have direct-to-iPhone streaming capabilities, but only for Apple products; Androids require an interface. The other manufacturers have more advanced apps as well.
June 2018 update: Everything continues to be excellent. No problems with the HAs or associated devices. Very pleased thus far!
Besides the rechargeable aspect that I love, the improvement over my previous Naida RIC aids is significantly noticeable!
I got the battery pack for the charger and it works fine for those times I cannot plug the charger in.
I use the Compilot II and the TVLink as well as Blue tooth connectivity via it for my Smartphone and laptop audio.
I got these from the VA in Viera, Florida. My history with hearing aids is as follows:
VA Service Connected; USAF 24 years, HAs since 1980
Current VA HAs:
Phonak Audeo B90-R RIC, ComPilot II, TVLink II
Previous HAs:
Phonak Naida S IX xP CRT w/ ComPilot & TVLink S
Starkey S Series iQ Directional RIC AP 312
Starkey AXENTII PDI DIGITAL HC
Starkey SA T9 CICs
Starkey SA C8 Full Shell (1st VA aids)
Widex SENSOs (Company Ins)
Zenith BTEs (AF Issued)
Husband JUST received THIS brand after having had Starkeys. He feels these are more comfortable and likes these behind the war aids more than in the ear.
He's with Madison/Baraboo, Wisconsin VA
As a first-time user I am totally stunned by the range of sounds I've been missing for the past few years everything from rattling keys to crickets in the pine trees. These aids are incredibly easy to wear forget they are there but find them a little fiddly to set up in the morning. I would recommend aids generally to anybody who is having a hearing problem it restores a large percentage of your awareness to your environment that you didn't realise you last. Would love to see manufacturers software being made available to those who wish to adjust systems themselves
These are my first hearing aids, and at this moment I have had them for about three months. Before getting them I didn't even realize I needed them, but now I do not want to be without them. These are very inconspicuous. No one ever knows I have hearing aids until I show them. It took me about two weeks before I stopped really feeling them in my ears. Now I only occasionally remember them being there. I find that I do use the different programs, especially the one where I need to focus on one person in a noisy environment. I am impressed with AutoSense, which really does a good job at filtering out unwanted background noises. I do wish that music sounded more natural and full when streamed directly to my hearing aids. But overall this has been a very positive experience for me. Regarding the question about how much the hearing aids help with hearing on the phone, I did not have any problems before, so I couldn't honestly say that they helped me, even though they would probably be a great help to someone else.
The sound quality for the person on the other end of the phone using the Bluetooth function is extremely poor. So much so that I've had to stop using it and move back to a cheap $50 Bluetooth headset. This is rather frustrating as I bought this model for the Bluetooth functionality while I am working or otherwise busy. At a $4000 price tag, I would have expected that the Bluetooth be as clear as my sound quality should be. The overall quality is OK, but I've seen others that have the same quality without the price tag. I've gone through all the FAQ and adjusted them accordingly with no avail, and I am contemplating returning them. Has anyone had any luck resolving this issue?
Love the fact it's rechargeable. I have the com pilot and it works great with my phone connecting direct to my hearing aides. Phone app is handy to have also. I find the biggest difference is hearing in a noisy environment, actually hearing people speak,. Before I was just out of the loop in these conversations as I couldn't hear any specific conversation to join in.
The Comlink bluetooth connection is very good for phone use and other bluetooth connections such as Google Maps.
The speaker has failed 4 or 5 times and had to replaced by provider.
The unit had to be rebuilt recently at a cost of $250 but with a whole new warranty.
I tried the Audeo B90 hearing aids for about 2 months and than tried the Starkey Halo2 for a bit. the Phonaks for me had a much clearer sound, and were smaller which made them more comfortable. They do a great job of changing programs when needed almost unnoticeable. by the way the Audio listed is not my provider After wearing the phonak hearing aids for the last 8 months I find that they are good for hearing speech, but not so good for music. I play guitar and harmonica and even in the music program the guitar is not great, and the harmonica sounds really bad. the hearing aids change the notes just enough so that many of them sound sharp or flat.
I like my hearing aids, sometimes the surrounding noises are too loud. I love the blue tooth Compilot Air , it helps me listen to my Audio books, TV and utilize my cellular phone.
I'm glad I checked into getting these hearing aids. I realize how much I missed out on before. This is truly one of the best choices I've made, they've been great so far.
I've had my Audeo B-Rs for 3 wks now... Even though I've worn hearing aids for the better part of a decade, I am blown away by the things I can now hear. There is a new world of discovery - every day, it's something completely different or completely new. The Audeo B-Rs provide a nuance to sound that just cannot be had in a standard hearing aid.
The hearing aids I had before these were Siemens and ReSound - and both were okay, except I was still missing large chunks of conversation on and off the phone. I still had trouble hearing emergency vehicle sirens - a source of great concern, especially since I'd been pulled over twice for not yielding - and I'd given up on trying to make out lyrics to songs, conversation going on in the same room but out of my line of sight (like, someone talking to me), and, by the time I went to my provider, I could no longer make out things people were saying to me in FRONT of me.
If you got this far in reading my review, you're an interested party and you're looking for a reason to be evaluated for them.
Battery life: I cannot say enough about the lithium ion batteries in this pair. I don't have the aggravation of having to hear that "beep beep beep" sound reminding me to change my batteries... nor do I have to worry about making sure I have a sleeve of batteries with me. These little guys last a LONG time - I mean, I'm never away from the charger for more than a day. I initially had concerns about needing a possible emergency backup, but let's be real here: I didn't pay what I paid for these, only for me to forget to charge these guys. I'll probably forget my name long before I forget to charge my hearing aids.
Feedback: Not even a concern with these... my provider has been a gem with any adjustments that need to be made. I've only needed them adjusted once since I got them, and that last adjustment made a major difference. A suggestion: if you have trouble with high-frequency sounds, have your provider adjust the hearing aids a step above what is programmed from your audio test. Oh sure, you have the option of turning them up - but if it can be adjusted accordingly, why would you?
(A short blow-you-away moment: No more hearing molds! How about THAT. You know how moms and grandmas used to say, "stop rolling your eyes, they're going to stay like that one of these days"? - - - Whenever I had to have the molds done for my standard hearing aids, I did a whole lot of eye-rolling and "ow ow ow". By the way, my mother was right. I still roll my eyes a lot, but more for work, than for anything else.)
Ease of use: I have long hair, but somehow have a lot of stray tendrils near my ears. So yes, it makes getting those aids in a chore. If you have the same issue, save yourself some headaches and cursing time by pinning your hair back near your ears till you get them in without a hair trying to sneak in there. Don't try to get your hearing aid in there with one hand until you're used to them. If you are successful in getting them in there one-handed AND you have inquisitive cats, call me and tell me how you did it so I can keep my hearing aids from being very expensive cat toys...
Overall hearing quality: When I had my old hearing aids, and someone would ask me if they were working ok, I'd be likely to say "meh. They work." Now - - I'm here going "WHAT, you guys could hear this sort of thing all the time? Awesome..." (On the subject of food chewing: If you're not used to it, you can hear yourself eat. I'm half-tempted to ask a hearing person "How on earth did you put up with that kinda sound?!") Two bonuses: I can hear my cats meowing - a sound that was pretty rare for me to hear, and I can hear my mom and other relevant people I'd like to hear. Sometimes, not hearing folks is a good thing, too... :D
I admit it, I have to constantly check back there to make sure my hearing aid is still there. It's so light that I'm half-scared I'm going to lose one and not know it.
If you have the means and the ability, you owe it to yourself to give these guys a shot. If you feel that you absolutely have to have the battery version of this, hey, it's your wallet, they're the same price anyway (or they were, at the time I got these).
Now I just have to get used to hearing with my ears, not with my brain... and if you get hearing aids this good, so should you. :)
Thank, Nikki, for your review. I ordered a set today and really look forward to playing with them. I have profound hearing loss, so these might bring substantial improvement. I didn't order the rechargeable ones, since that model can't be ordered with a T-Coil. I use the T-Coil feature to listen to TV through a Senheisser transmitter. It's awesome and keeps me out of conflict with my wife who doesn't have a hearing loss. I've wearing hearing aids over 15 years and it's such a joy to hear the birds sing. Hope you continue to enjoy your hearing aids. Rich
Only had the aids for a few days, but so far I'm really happy. I haven't been doing any wireless, so I'm not sure how that would affect battery life... but I can say the batteries haven't let me down yet. I go about 12-16 hours a day with my aids. The hearing quality has been great, and I would say a big improvement over my older Phonak aids.
It really depends on the quality of the speaker. When the speaker is good I can hear it well with the aids ... so probably not that different from normal hearing?
Use the form below to leave a quick comment about the Phonak Audéo B. 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.
Day one with my Phonak BR-90. Great natural sound, significantly better than my Resound. BUT, so far the ComPilot Air II works badly, very badly. Aids going back unless fixed.
Does anyone know whether this hearing aid would be recommended for someone with reverse slope hearing loss? I'm a bit concerned about the frequency compression/shifting, since I hear higher frequencies better than lower. My brother just got a pair of these (his first pair) and so far he is loving them. He did comment that the ComPilot II wasn't working. Thanks for any info.
Does anyone know if my model B90-R charger which came with both a U.S. wall plug and a European two prong adaptor also require a voltage convertor for use in Europe?
thomas98765@msn.com
I just received my Phonak Audeo BR yesterday. To say the least, I'm a little scared, as this is a NEW adventure for me. So far they (both ears) have been working pretty good, except if I am in a restaurant where there are a lot of people, I don't think they work too good, but that is me. I do have a question for the ladies, I like to wear my hair up, but don't really know how to HIDE the hearing aid in back of my years? My hair is not short, and I am not a young woman, so I'm trying t figure out some type of hairstyle to cover the back of the ears???
Phonak B90-R: My Wife uses the shortest (0)P receivers, and these aids sit near the very top of her ears, where there's a natural recess for them to fit into. It's difficult for me to even see them, they don't feel like they're in danger of falling off, and the microphones are all exposed and receive very well.
Not sure how well this will be received, given no support for the BT A2DP profile = no music streaming, silent videos... Sonova's promotion as MFA borders is deceiving for failing to clearly admit the above shortcoming, in my opinion.
Audéo B-Direct by Phonak is the newest device in the hearing aid industry and it features some interesting functionalities that I believe my clients, both new to hearing aids and experienced, will deeply enjoy as of mid-September.
I have ranked the top five features that I consider life changing for mild to severe hearing loss consumers. link
You can use the TV Connector for completely wireless streaming. It can connect to most media devices. This provides far superior quality over Bluetooth.
Thanks for the info. Couple of questions though...
1- is it possible to also carry it around with us? I thought its bigger than the compilots, so carrying it around doesn't sound very convincing...
2- when using it at home, does it stream music from our smartphone, through the TV Connector? How does that work?
My phone, iPhone 6 Plus.
I may seem fussy about it but I was using the compilot almost all the time. I don't really wanna downgrade (however I love this brand) and use my headphones again...
1. Technically yes. It needs a power source (USB cable) though because it does not have a battery. It really is a small box (possibly smaller than the ComPilot), but it was probably not designed for this purpose.
2. Yes. You can connect any audio device to the TV Connector with an audio cable, which then streams with Phonak's AirStream tech directly to both hearing aids in high quality.
Phonak didn't intend this hearing aid to be used for mobile media streaming, largely because that wasn't high on the priority list of the intended market.
They key feature here is true hands-free streaming to any cellphone with Bluetooth. However I can see people using their phones with the TV connector at home or at the office for full media streaming.
Also note that more functionality (like direct stereo media streaming) will likely become available in future because their SWORD chip already has this functionality. I would say watch this space for the next couple months to a year... ;)
Take a look over here
link
Hmmm what I can think of is:
Getting a power bank and connecting it to the TV Connector and using the aux cable that comes with the device to connect it to the headphone jack of my phone. Its possible but it looks messy unless i can think of a way to create some kind of a phone case that could fit this all in. With the newer phones of apple which don’t have the headphone jack, we would need an extra cable to do the job. So it does involve few cables and requires some physical space... it could also have the problem of the sound not being synced with the video (delays).
I did tell my audiologist about these and to be honest I don’t think I’ll stick to these HAs after my trial period is over. I think the best ones are just the Audeo B90 10 with the compilot. Unless Phonak releases something newer in the next few months or so that doesn’t require any device to stream sound. That’d be a dream...
visto così sembrerebbe eccezionale però non ho il modo di provarli posseggo audeo q 50 ma non sono soddisfatto questi potrebbero risolvere il mio problema (sentire bene il parlato in auto e all'aperto).Come faccio a provarli se mi dite che a Sanluri 09025 non ci sono? Mi piacerebbe che mi deste una risposta.
Grazie gi.fazzini@tiscali.it
Had mine for 3 months, the left aid failed to charge, instead of a constant blink it double blinked whilst in charger, took it back to spec saver but by then it was charging normally, they contacted phonak who replaced it and the charger, I week later the other had the same problem, phoned spec saver but never got a call back, today the replacement aid had the same problem, after numerous times over a day or two they do seem to go back to charging normally. Is this a common fault if so I need to change back to none rechargeable batteries. Apart from this problem I am very pleased with sound quality I get, I have had hearing aids for 7 years
Had my Phonak new B90 less than two weeks from Boots and seen audiologist twice. Speech initially was impressive indoors. But outdoors - lots of wind noise. Music is aweful (I am a professional violinist). Playing whilst wearing them - impossible. Digital frequency does not even align with real frequency producing beats. For a state of the art hearing aid developer - this is an unbelievably poor standard.
The finale - Yesterday (after just over a week from new), the left hearing aid was hardly possible to wear with frequent high pitched squealing.
Today the same left aid is DEAD.
NOT IMPRESSED AND ANNOYED having shelled out almost £3,000.
Had my B90 (not rechargeable) for one week and the right ear aid failed and was replaced. Now after 10 weeks the left one has similarly totally failed. Am not pleased. I found them OK but not amazing. In a restaurant they were no better than my NHS aids. But I listen to a lot of opera and these are an improvement on my NHS; these do not whistle like my 3 year old NHS do. (More recent NHS models might be better) I could still return the Phonak but what should I take in exchange!
I am evaluating a pair of Phonak Audeo B-Direct hearing aids. I am very satisfied with the hearing aids and intend to buy them IF one major issue can be resolved. They are advertised to work with all Android Smartphones to allow direct, hands free phone interaction. Today I learned that they work with ALL Android devices except the Motorola phones. And as luck would have it I have a Moto G5 Plus smartphone. Incoming calls will ring in my hearing aid. I can answer the phone and talk to the person calling but can not hear them talking. I understand that Phonak is aware of the problem; but don't know if it will be corrected.
I have been trying a demo pair Audéo B Direct B90 and I am loving the direct connection to my phone with no added device. I will say it is the best when I am indoors with no real background noise. But my concern is battery life. Is there any documentation on how long the batteries will last with heavy usage of the BT
Hearing quality is OK, but if you are buying these to have the Bluetooth capabilities, you've got to be in a dead quiet room, not moving, or have any background noise. This is unfortunate as the main draw for purchasing these hearing aids (at a $4000 price tag) was to have the clearness of the Bluetooth while I was working. I would NOT recommend them at this point due to the Bluetooth being a useless function overall.
Just got a set of these V90 today and will provide more feedback soon. My older ones are 3 year Resound Linx, so far I notice these have a more crisper sound. I tried the phone in ear outdoor and was not impressed nor was the distant end able to hear me. You really have to speak loud for the mic to pick up, still testing. Already I'm starting to miss the ability to have a remote MIC that I would normally use on hotels TV or other places where I need to hear what is being said from afar. You can't use these with anything but the TV box remoter. I have a month before I go back to the audiologist but first impression is so so , time will tell if I give them back.
Follow up on the above post: I decided not to keep these hearing aids, called my VA audiologist and requested the Resound 3D.
Although I already knew some of the limitations such as no streaming audio aside from phone calls and streaming audio from the TV Connector and Phone calls are mono only - For both iPhone and Android. I did find some more limitations that convince me that these are not the ones I want to have for the next 4 years or so.
On the plus side I do find these “Phonak Audéo B Direct B90” somewhat better in hearing quality compare to my old Resounds but the negatives outweigh those qualities. Here are some of my findings:
1. The TV connector automatically connects to your hearing aids once you are in range of the transmitter. (annoying) You can push the button on your hearing aid and it will stop but it will automatically turn back on if say you go to the garage and come back in. (annoying). The only way to completely stop it is to disconnect the power from the TV connector until you want to use it. (Not good). By the way the quality of the sound transmitted from the TV connector to the hearing aids is not the best but then again my hearing is not that great either.
2. I notice this past weekend while we were in a hotel I miss having a remote Microphone and unfortunately there is no option for these particular “aids”. With my Resound if I go to a hotel or attend a class I can set the mike close to the speaker and I can hear what is being said without turning up the TV. (wife saver)
3. Using it for calling on the phone is not as good as they advertise. Although they do connect to my Android S7 phone I can hardly understand anything nor can the person on the other end barely hear me.
4. I own an Apple tablet and with my old Resound I was able to stream “anything” directly to my hearing aid, with these Phonak this not possible and I know I will miss that.
Not sure why I selected these ‘aids” in the first place knowing the limitations, maybe looking for that magical hearing aid that will give me my normal hearing back but that’s not going to happen. I’m almost certain I’ll keep the Resound 3D because I know what to expect and hopefully being that it has newer technology they will sound better.
Good Luck
Thanks for sharing your experiences. You are right they do seem a bit limited. The 3D 9's are a great little aid. The remote mic the app & the TV streamer all seem to work really well.
Now 2 months later . Is the built in mic usable? I'm on the phone a lot. Have been using over-the-ear BT headsets for almost 15 years. Have worked perfectly over my 6 y.o. HA. How does the feature affect the HA battery life?
Just got my Phonak Audeo B direct B90 right hearing aid. I have a Motorola g5 plus smartphone but I cannot hear the person calling when I answer my phone using the hearing aid. Is there a fix for this?
Is it possible to purchase a Phonak hearing aid directly without going through a audiologist. Billing directly to medicare?
Walter Walenda
3w.walt@gmail.com
P.O. Box 596
West Stewartstown, NH
03597
I have the b90 . Is there a way to connect to my phone for Bluetooth instead of the compilot 11. I was able to download an app that will let me adjust the volume and check the battery life, but does not recognize as a Bluetooth device. Mine are rechargeable. My friend has hearing aids and his phone does it all, even finds them if they are lost. I don't know what brand he has but are comparable in price, mine being $6200.00 for the pair. For that price they should do anything you want them to do
I think you have the Phonak Audeo B-R 90 rather than the Phonak Audeo B Direct 90. The Phonak Audeo B Directs do not have a rechargeable option and do not require an interface like the ComPilot II or ComPilot Air II. The Phonak Audeo B-R 90 are rechargeable and do require an interface like the ComPilot II or ComPilot Air II.
Other manufacturers have hearing aids with more advanced apps. These hearing aids will stream direct to Apple products only; Android devices require an interface.
As a potential customer, and 2 past sets of hearing aids, comments from reviewers who have only had these aids for merely HOURS or a few days of limited environment usage, is absolutely WORTHLESS!
What you should know: not all phones are compatible with Phonak B- direct, my brand new Motorola is useless with Phonak B- direct because Motorola has closed off the possibility to connect the hearing aids though bluetooth.
I use Phonak hearing aids and while they are fine for everyday use I still have a problem understanding a conversation on the phone. I have been to my supplier a few times for any improvement or alteration but still can't understand what is being said on the phone. Can hear but can't understand the words.
I had use Phonak Audeo B R b50 but since i lost the other side. I then purchase B70 312 and I'm really happy with it. There wind noise from b50 is gone and the sound when listening to music is really great and natural that I sometimes forget I'm wearing a hearing aid. And overall my b70 use 312 battery but a single battery always last more than a week and I'm really surprised with this. Overall I'm a pround Phonak customer after I had a bad experience of In the Canal hearing aid from other company
I wear in left ear ONE cochlear Implant . Am looking for hearing aide that is COMPATIBLE with the Cochlear so that they both share the external equipment manuel adapters to manually adjust when I am hearing in classroom or conferance.. I have PROFOUND Deafness since childhood. I teach clinical Nursing as Master prepared
Registered Nurse --No sign language but proficient Speech reader --
Phonak removed the T Coil that was available in older Ohonak models.
The Phone link works fine as long as you are very close to the phone.
TV connector is a gimmick. Volume control is near impossible...
I’ve worn three sets of Phonaks over 16 years, the most recent being the Audeo B Rechargeables. They have all worked well under most circumstances although I find battery replacement no more difficult than recharging. The key for severe loss is in your provider. My loss keeps progressing and the aids need to be tuned about 1 x per year. Programming skills vary widely. For those of you in the Pacific Northwest, I highly recommend Columbia Hearing Center in Spokane, WA. Yes, expensive but you get what you pay for.
Brand new Bluetooth and they cut off during phone call. I tried re pairing still does not work , took back to Doctor and we tried his demo pair and same thing. We called manufacturer told them of the issue and they said they are shipping a new pair. I don’t think they get it it’s a software issue. I have the new apple xs max.
I have been wearing Phonak hearing Aids for 15 years. My last pair Audeo B90 bought 4 years ago are fine except the right ear has an echo which needs to be adjusted. I can adjust the sound level by the button on the device set up by the audiologist or I can have it set to help hide tinnitus. I am pleased with them and have no complaints. Elizabeth
How much does your hearing aid help you to hear speech in quiet environments
How much does your hearing aid help you to hear speech in noisy situations (restaurants, crowds, etc)
How much does your hearing aid help you to hear speech on the phone
How clear and natural is sound while wearing your hearing aid
How much does your hearing aid improve your hearing for music
How comfortable is the hearing aid
How reliable is the hearing aid
Does the hearing aid do a good job of stopping unwanted feedback (buzzing and whistling)
How much does the hearing aid improve your hearing
How would you rate the value of your hearing aid
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