“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.
Alternative: Phonak Audeo B90 R: Rechargeable / B90 D: Connecting.
Our Verdict:
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
Review by MR (Sept 2018)