Phonak Lumity

Phonak Lumity is a state-of-the-art hearing aid launched in August 2022. It is the latest addition to the Phonak family, succeeding the popular Audéo Paradise. Lumity is the first hearing aid to operate on AutoSense OS™ 5.0 and brings new enhancements, including speech enhancement and directional microphone features. These features aim to deliver superior speech clarity, especially in environments with background noise.

Key Features

AutoSense OS 5.0

At the heart of Lumity's advanced technology is AutoSense OS 5.0. This new operating system within the hearing aid leverages machine learning to scan and identify the listener’s environment 700 times per second. AutoSense OS 5.0 adjusts more than 200 settings to match the user's exact sound environment every 0.4 seconds, offering an enhanced hearing experience.

StereoZoom 2.0

StereoZoom 2.0, Phonak's directional microphone technology, is another notable feature of Lumity. It focuses the microphones of the hearing aids forward, allowing the user to hear what they are looking at when in a noisy environment. The beamformer adjusts to the noise around the user, activating gradually for smoother and more effective noise reduction. It is 16% easier to understand speech with this feature compared to previous versions.

SpeechSensor

Lumity also introduces SpeechSensor, a feature that detects speech from all directions. It enables the hearing aid to detect the primary source of speech and adjust the microphone settings accordingly. This allows the user to hear more speech from behind and to the side, improving speech understanding by about 15%.

Who can Benefit?

Lumity is ideal for anyone seeking:

1. Better hearing in noise: Lumity is designed for individuals seeking easier communication in diverse listening environments.
2. Rechargeability: All Lumity models offer rechargeable options.
3. Connectivity: Lumity provides hands-free connectivity for both Apple® iOS and Android™ phones. It supports up to 8 pairings and 2 active connections.
4. Fitness/health tracking: All Audéo models have some fitness tracking features.
5. Accessories: Phonak offers a wide selection of accessories for added convenience.
6. Stylish Slim option: Lumity Slim is designed to look more like a high-tech communication device than a traditional hearing aid.
7. Covers most hearing losses and needs: Lumity is suitable for a wide range of hearing losses.

Design and Technology

Phonak Lumity comes in Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid styles. The 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.

Connectivity

Lumity offers a seamless connectivity experience. It 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.

Health Tracking

The myPhonak app provides health tracking features, such as wearing time, daily steps, activity level, and distance walked. Phonak believes 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 falls, cognitive decline, and dementia, among others.

Accessories

Phonak offers a wide range of accessories for Lumity, including the new RogerOn V2, TV Connector, the RemoteControl, and PartnerMic™.

• Roger On: A versatile microphone for all conversations where background noise is present or when there is a distance to the speaker.
• TV Connector: Connects your hearing aids wirelessly to your TV. It can help improve your overall TV listening experience.
• RemoteControl: For those who may have difficulty utilizing the hearing aid’s on-board push-button control.
• PartnerMic: A remote microphone that improves the signal (speech) to noise ratio (SNR), enhancing speech clarity and understanding.

Final Thoughts

Phonak Lumity represents a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology. Its advanced features and technology make it an exceptional product in the industry. It might be the perfect solution for those who struggle with hearing in challenging environments. However, it's always best to discuss all your options with your hearing care provider to determine the best solution for your specific needs.