Unitron Vivante

Vivante is the flagship hearing aid line of Unitron, and it was launched in April 2023 to enhance listener experience through personalized hearing control while improving sound performance, particularly in loud noise. Moxi Vivante has been designed for those who appreciate aesthetics, comfort, and ease of use, and HearingTracker pricing research indicates Vivante Moxi can be purchased for about $4,375 per pair at the highest technology tier (level 9).

The Vivante family currently consists of four receiver-in-canal (RIC) models and one Behind-the-Ear (BTE) model, all featuring Bluetooth connectivity for compatible Apple and Android devices and a range of associated benefits using the Unitron Remote Plus app. Vivante wireless connectivity also includes hands-free phone calling, the capability for remote adjustments and coaching by your hearing provider, and the option of several handy accessories.

Vivante follows Unitron’s previous Unitron Blu hearing aid family that was introduced in May 2021. Like Blu, it utilizes the Sonova PRISM™ (Processing Real-time Intelligent Sound Management) chipset and Integra OS signal processing, and these hearing aids are suitable for any level of hearing loss from mild to profound.

With Vivante, the Integra OS platform has added an eighth listening environment for conversation in loud noise for its highest technology tier product (level 9). Its HyperFocus feature improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for face-to-face conversations in loud environments and automatically adapts to constantly changing listening conditions. Vivante also employs a new 360 conversation in-car program that automatically focuses on speech regardless of where passengers are seated. These listening features can be accessed through Unitron’s Remote Plus app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

All Vivante models are IP 68 rated, representing the highest level of ingress protection (IP) from moisture and debris—currently the “gold standard” for hearing aids.

Who Makes Vivante?

Unitron is the largest global hearing aid company headquartered in Canada and was established in 1964. With headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario, Unitron operates in more than 70 countries, with a significant presence in North America and Europe. Its US headquarters are in Minneapolis. In November 2000, Unitron (with sister brands Argosy and Lori) was purchased by the Phonak Group, later renamed the Sonova Group. Sonova is now the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer and parent company to Phonak, Unitron, Lyric, and Hansaton hearing aid brands, as well as Sennheiser headphones and hearing devices.

Although Unitron belongs to this large group and gains from Sonova’s significant technology and resources, it maintained its brand identity and corporate culture and has its own research and development branch in Ontario.

Unitron Vivante models and technology levels

Currently, Vivante features four RIC models and one BTE model:

• Moxi V-R — The smallest rechargeable RIC on the platform, includes multi-function button, no telecoil
• Moxi V-RT — A small rechargeable RIC, includes a multi-function button and built-in telecoil
• Moxi V-RS — A stylish slim design in a rechargeable RIC with a multi-function button, no telecoil
• Moxi V-312 — A RIC essentially identical in design to the Moxi V-R, except it uses a size 312 disposable battery
• Stride V-PR — A small rechargeable BTE that looks and functions similarly to the Moxi V-R
• Stride V-UP – A slightly larger ultra-power BTE that uses a 675 battery and has a built-in telecoil

Here is a quick summary of the five models:

Which Vivante model you select will depend on your needs and recommendations from your hearing provider. For example, if you prefer a more modern and stylish RIC that doesn't look as much like a traditional hearing aid, you might consider the slimline V-RS. This hearing aid emphasizes comfort, with the left and right ears having specific contours for the head and ears. This “Slim Model” is available in 3 different color options and 4 technology tiers (levels 9, 7, 5, and 3, with 9 being the highest).

The Moxi V-R and V-RT are small RICs but have a more traditional design. The V-R is slightly smaller than the V-RT because the V-RT contains a telecoil for loop system transmissions, like those found in some places of worship, theaters, lecture halls, and auditoriums. Both models are available in 6 different color options and also have a choice of 5 technology tiers (9, 7, 5, 3, and 1).

At this writing, the Vivante family does not include In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), or Completely-in-Canal (ITC) styles. However, all these styles are available in the Unitron Blu Insera family.

The highest tier, Vivante 9, is considered premium technology and incorporates all features shown at the bottom of this page in the "Vivante Technology Levels" section. With the most popular Moxi RIC styles, you can step down in technology (and price) as needed with the available 7 (advanced), 5 (standard) and 3 (essential) levels. Keep in mind that you won't have access to all features, such as AutoFocus/HyperFocus, in the lowest tiers.

Unitron FLEX:TRIAL and FLEX: UPGRADE

Unique to Unitron is their FLEX system which allows you to try different levels of technology—and even upgrade to the next technology tier should your listening wants or needs change. This "try-before-you-buy" experience is something Unitron trailblazed in the industry. FLEX:TRIAL gives you the chance to see how the more advanced technology levels (i.e., advanced features) benefit you in your real-life situations, and then you can make an informed decision about whether they're worth the extra cost or not.

Similarly, FLEX:UPGRADE allows for a tech-level upgrade after you've purchased your hearing aids. These are feature and technology upgrades to the software in the hearing aid (not changes to receiver strengths, firmware, or accessory changes), and they are designed to provide you with selecting just the right level of feature performance—and value—within your hearing aids.

Advanced features of Unitron Vivante

So, now that you know about FLEX and how it expands your tech-tier options, let's dive a little deeper into the advanced features offered by the Unitron Vivante family you might consider.

Soft Speech Lift

Like the Blu product family, Vivante integrates Soft Speech Enhancement into its products. This functionality can be found across the 9, 7, and 5 technology tiers and provides an increase in volume, offering a gain of up to 4 dB for soft speech in low-noise settings (under 55 dB SPL). As a result, individuals with hearing impairments can benefit from improved perception of consonants and other high-frequency sounds that might go unnoticed.

Automatic adjustments to hearing aid parameters

Amplification plays a crucial role in enhancing your auditory experience, detecting subtle cues while balancing the risk of amplifying unwanted sounds. To address this challenge, hearing aids utilize advanced features such as noise reduction, directional microphones, and sophisticated algorithms like Soft Speech Lift, Autofocus, and Hyperfocus. These features are dynamically adjusted based on your specific listening environment and preferences, emphasizing the importance of an accurate environmental classification system. Unitron continues to refine its environmental classification system using machine learning and enhanced chipset capabilities.

Consider a scenario where you find yourself in a tranquil setting and desire complete awareness of your surroundings, especially speech. In such moments, you wouldn't want directional microphones or noise reduction algorithms to be narrowly focused or to cut you off from the ambient sounds. Conversely, when dining in a bustling restaurant, you want these technologies to engage seamlessly without manual intervention.

The idea behind environmental classification is that hearing aids recognize where you are and select the best listening programs to match your needs. The programming adapts independently in each ear as you move, offering a personalized listening experience. Many contemporary hearing aids, including Unitron's offerings, facilitate better hearing across diverse listening environments. With the latest Vivante (level 9), Unitron devices can intelligently classify up to 8 distinct listening environments.

Personalized sound enhancements

Listeners vary greatly in their preferences and needs. For instance, some with hearing impairments may be highly sensitive to noise, while others prefer enhanced background sounds. Unitron's Vivante and Blu hearing aids offer personalized adjustments through the Remote Plus app.

In the automatic program, you can modify not only volume and frequencies but also enhance Comfort or Clarity. By selecting "Comfort" or "Clarity" in the app, adjustments are made discreetly. For example, opting for "Comfort" slightly reduces volume and minimizes speech enhancement.

You can also fine-tune the hearing aids by turning up or down the noise reduction and directional microphone settings. Hearing providers can review and further optimize these preferences during your next visit, ensuring your hearing aids are tailored to your specific requirements.

Log It All and Remote Support

Although no longer unique to Unitron, Log It All is a lifestyle analyzer that allows you and your hearing provider to better understand your listening needs by seeing what types of situations you encounter, when you're changing programs, adjusting volume, etc. A rating system can allow you to submit in-the-moment impressions describing a hearing experience that you may wish to bring up later with your provider. An app-based Coach tool also helps you manage the day-to-day needs and maintenance of your hearing instruments.

Finally, your provider can make adjustments remotely in Unitron’s hearing aid fitting software and send them along with a personalized message where you can accept and apply the changes to your hearing aids.

Audio streaming and hands-free phone calls

The inclusion of connectivity to smartphones and home devices has become an essential feature in hearing aids. However, the approach to achieving this connectivity varies among hearing aid manufacturers, resulting in differing functionalities. Phonak and Unitron were pioneers in offering hands-free calling with Bluetooth-compatible phones.

More recently, several other manufacturers have adopted this convenient feature. Consequently, you are no longer tethered to your phone during calls. Your hearing aids can serve as wireless headsets, capturing your voice when communicating with the person on the other end. Some manufacturers still require you to speak directly into the phone for your voice to be transmitted to the caller. Hands-free calling has become an appealing convenience feature for many users.

The hearing aids also allow you to stream audio from music apps, videos, podcasts, YouTube, and other media. You can even ask a personal assistant like Siri questions and get the answer via audio through your hearing aids.

Tap controls

A useful feature is the ability to commence or halt audio streaming by simply tapping the hearing aids (levels 9, 7, 5, and 3). Unlike most manufacturers that necessitate using the audio device itself for this function, this feature adds a layer of convenience, blurring the lines between advanced hearing aids and wireless headsets. When you get a phone call, you'll hear a ring tone or voice notification, and you can tap the top of your ear twice to accept it (a short press on the upper/lower multifunction button on the aid also accepts the call). The call can be ended by tapping the top of your ear twice or with a long press to the upper/lower multifunction button.

We think operating the tap control can be challenging for many people (it usually takes some practice), leading them to opt for the traditional method of using the button or phone to initiate or cease the call. Nevertheless, some people find tap controls an extremely handy feature.

Vivante chargers and battery life

Vivante has one charger for the Moxi V-R/V-RT and Stride V-PR models, and one charger for the Slim model V-RS. You get a full charge from 3-hours on the charger and about 50% from a 1-hour charge. We were unable to pin-down just how long a charge lasts and will post this information when available. For reference, Unitron's previous flagship product line, Moxi Blu, had a wearing time with the rechargeable battery of 16-24 hours, and 16-hours of use time if you used audio streaming for 8 hours.  Although this should provide you with a full day of us, it is not as good as some other rechargeable hearing aids.

When the hearing aid battery level gets down to about 1 hour of use time, the devices issue two warning beeps so you know it's time to recharge them.

Accessories

Vivante connects to numerous accessories, including a Remote Control, PartnerMic, TV Connector, and Roger Direct for enhancing your listening experience in various settings. These are usually sold separately. See below for more details on the accessories.

The bottom line

Unitron Vivante is a top-of-line rechargeable RIC hearing aid line from an excellent, established, global hearing aid manufacturer. While it offers very similar features to the previous Blu hearing aid, it brings new technologies and advancements for listening in noisier environments—one of the key challenges facing most hearing aid users—in a number of aesthetically desirable form factors.