“Optimal support in the most challenging listening situations, great sound quality and a discreet, modern design. So small that it virtually disappears behind the ear”
PHONAK AUDEO B90 10 (Premium – RIC style)
Alternative: Phonak Audeo B90 312 / 312T: The slightly larger model shell, with longer battery life – perhaps easier if manual dexterity is poor. The 312T model has a T-coil / loop function.
The best ever premium hearing aid with no.1 spot across Europe. In today’s competitive market, you should be able to negotiate a free trial on all hearing aids. Just ask.
PRICE TO PAY:Around £2800 to £3700 for a pair
APPEARANCE AND FEEL:
(the weight, size, shape, how well it fits ergonomically to the ear; the thickness and flexibility of the wire; the shell construction, quality, finish, IP properties, construction of buttons / switches / battery compartment)
★★★★★4/5
Really well thought-through. A robust shell with IP68 protection. Equipped with the best wire on the market – flexible and very thin.
SOUND PRODUCTION:
(tested for how natural sounds are; how owner’s voice sounds; quality of classical and popular amplified music; naturalness of everyday quiet sounds such as indicator click, and loud sounds such as toilet flush, wind)
★★★★★5/5
Most people that trial this – think that it sounds amazing. I thought the same.
BACKGROUND NOISE PERFORMANCE:
(how well the instrument appears to cope with the suppression of background noises, such as party speech babble, traffic noise, loud wind noise, car engine sound)
★★★★★5/5
The V90 is very effective in noisy places, however it is a little harsh at times.
EASE OF PROGRAMMING:
(from the audiologist perspective – how easy and user-friendly the programming software is: this can affect the quality of the results for the end-user)
★★★★★5/5
There is no real doubt that the Phonak fitting software is the best. It’s fast, obvious, intuitive.
MAINTENANCE & RUNNING COSTS:
(cost of out-of-warranty repairs, cost of shell repairs, spare parts, ease of procuring replacement parts, consumables such as domes, wax guards, receiver wires; shell integrity when put under stress)
★★★★★5/5
Parts are readily available at low cost.
OTHER COMMENT:
This is the best-selling make in Europe. They do spend a lot on research and development. It’s an obvious choice IF you do get offered a free trial.
Overall best in class up to September 2018
★★★★★4.5/5
Review by MR (Sept 2018)
UPDATE: Still valid if you want the best, in the smallest possible RIC shell.