In August 2022, Phonak Lumity was introduced, with a new operating system and leading advancements in sound processing. Produced by Sonova, Lumity is recognized as the most connected Bluetooth hearing aid available. It boasts advanced listening technology and a motion sensor that adjusts sound focus when seated and provides 360° listening during movement. Phonak Audéo Lumity features include dynamic noise cancellation, improved listening in vehicles, and an automatic feature focusing on speakers' voices.
The current Phonak Lumity hearing aids line, part of the Audéo range, includes in-the-canal models. This category features three distinct models:
A rechargeable built-in battery ensures a hassle-free experience. This device is suitable for those with mild to profound hearing loss and offers detailed tracking of hearing health data. It boasts seamless connectivity with iOS and Android devices, along with the convenience of Tap Control for tactile operation.
This model shares the same features as the Audéo L-R in-the-canal hearing aid but additionally includes an inductive coil for an enhanced auditory experience. Though the telecoil slightly increases its size, this feature is advantageous in public spaces with hearing loops, allowing for direct audio streaming into the hearing aids.
Marking the next evolution, this is the second generation of the world's first rechargeable hearing aid with water resistance. Ideal for those with an active lifestyle, it withstands various challenges, featuring water and sweat resistance, and provides detailed tracking of hearing health data. Among these models, the Phonak Lumity Life 90 are widely recognized as a top-tier product.
In addition to them in 2023, Phonak Lumity Fit and Phonak Lumity CROS were included for unilateral hearing loss. The Phonak Lumity R, RT, and R-Life models are comparable in terms of hearing performance. The Phonak Lumity Life 90 model boasts significant waterproofing, leading to a marginally larger design and a distinct charging case. The waterproofing is particularly beneficial, ensuring the Phonak hearing aids are protected against water damage. Other relevant models which are not included in the Audeo series are the Phonak Sky Lumity, targeting children with hearing loss, and Phonak Slim Lumity, a small invisible hearing aid.
The Audéo Lumity series offers four technology levels: L30, L50, L70, and L90, These Phonak rechargeable hearing aids are provided without disposable battery alternatives.
The Phonak Audéo Lumity L30, being the most budget-friendly, has the least features, with the price ascending through L50 and L70 to the highest-priced L90 model. Features and customisation options reduce as one moves from the higher to lower technology levels.
Buyers can choose from these options from the renowned hearing aid brand based on their financial capacity and personal requirements, with the L90 and L70 offering the most comprehensive functionalities. The entire Phonak Lumity series, including Phonak Lumity R, RT, and R-Life, are available in these four tiers. The most advanced features are primarily found in the Lumity 90 and 70 models, with the lower tiers offering fewer options. It's advisable to opt for the highest technology level affordable to make the most of these devices.
In the United Kingdom, prices for this model range between 1,200 to 3,000 £ per pair, because of their high-tech features and capabilities. The cost may include several accessories, i.e. hearing aid charger, wax filters, cleaning products and remote support. Phonak Lumity 90 price raises to 2000 pounds, as it's the most advanced model. The hearing aid cost is aligned with current UK prices.
The Lumity series is equipped with lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, offering improved reliability compared to batteries previously used in rechargeable hearing aids.
The Lumity R and RT models charge via contacts located at the bottom of the hearing aids, whereas the Lumity R-Life model utilizes inductive charging, eliminating the need to maintain battery contacts.
All three models provide a full day's battery life. Even with 4 hours of daily streaming, you can expect up to 16 hours of use. For those times when you need a quick charge or forget to charge overnight, a 15-minute charge can deliver an additional three hours of battery life. Moreover, these hearing aids can be fully charged from zero to full in just three hours.
Phonak Lumity offers various charging options tailored to the device and personal needs:
The SpeechSensor algorithm in the Audéo Lumity accurately determines the direction of the primary speech signal, leading to a significant 15% enhancement in understanding speech originating from the side or rear. This improvement in the hearing aid technology is also linked to an 11% decrease in the effort required to listen.
Lumity's advanced StereoZoom 2.0 dynamically adjusts its focus based on increasing noise levels. This feature allows users to modify their focus settings in real-time using the Speech Focus slider in the myPhonak app. This improved focus ability results in a substantial 2.5 dB enhancement in the signal-to-noise ratio.
AutoSense 5.0, powered by artificial intelligence, identifies the environmental setting of the user. The AutoSense system smoothly switches between as many as nine tailored listening programs. These programs are designed for various listening environments, including live and streaming situations. The sophisticated 5.0 operating system in the Lumity range provides a comprehensive selection of over 200 distinct setting combinations, further improving performance in diverse listening contexts.
The Phonak Lumity series, compatible with both iPhone and Android devices via Bluetooth, can pair with up to eight devices and maintain two active Bluetooth connections. This feature allows for effortless transition between streaming from a phone to a laptop without needing to disconnect the first device. Other useful accessories include the Phonak Lumity TV connector.
These hearing aids support streaming a variety of audio types, including phone calls, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and YouTube videos. The devices allow for customizing the audio output for speech and music, ensuring a personalised listening experience.
However, users with open domes may notice a loss in low-frequency bass tones during music streaming, potentially affecting sound quality. To address this, Phonak has introduced ActiveVent receivers, which remain open for speech but close in noisy environments or during music streaming, thereby enhancing the audio quality. Additionally, Phonak Lumity aids enable hands-free phone conversations. Calls can be answered or ended with a double tap on the ear or a button press on the aid. The microphones on the aids pick up the user's voice for the call, but if the user's voice is soft, the microphones might not effectively capture it.
While both Phonak Lumity (2022) and Paradise (2020) have features for unilateral hearing loss and direct streaming from Roger microphones, Lumity stands out with its enhanced sound processing, health tracking, and user interface advancements. Both models use the Adaptive Phonak Digital 2.0, offering a refined fitting formula. However, the AutoSense OS in Lumity is more sophisticated than Paradise's version, blending settings for unique sound environments more effectively.
A key difference is the introduction of the upgraded StereoZoom in Lumity, enhancing speech focus, especially from the front in noisy settings. While both models feature Dynamic Noise Cancellation, Lumity exclusively boasts the SpeechSensor, aiding in hearing from sides and back in noise.
Both Lumity and Paradise are equipped with ActiveVent Performance + and Motion Sensor Hearing, but Lumity advances further with health data tracking, including activity, steps, and heart rate monitoring.
Suitable for people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe who are looking for a high-tech hearing aid, this device is noted for:
The Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aids have two main pain points:
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