Phonak Audeo Q Hearing Aids & Reviews

Written by Paul Harrison

In early 2013 Phonak launched their new range of RIC (Receiver In Canal) hearing aids, the Audeo Q. The ‘Q’ stands for Quest and refers to Phonaks new sound processing chip technology which has allowed them to add a range of new Binaural VoiceStream features.  Some retailers are now giving special offers such as 2 for 1 on the Audeo S which is no longer the top level of RIC technology as it has been superseded by the Audeo Q range.

It is available in three different styles which come in a range of both traditional and bold colours.

• Audeo Q-312 – This is a cosmetic, wireless compatible hearing aid with Tinnitus Balance Sound Generator
• Audeo Q-312T – Slightly larger design with wireless capability, Tinnitus Balance Sound Generator and Telecoil
• Audeo Q-10 – Non wireless option with Tinnitus Balance Sound Generator

 

The Audeo Q is available in four different levels of technology

Premium     - Phonak Audeo Q90 Hearing Aids (Replaced Audeo S9) 

Advanced    - Phonak Audeo Q70 Hearing Aids (Replaced Audeo S5)

Standard     - Phonak Audeo Q50 Hearing Aids  (Replaced Audeo S3) 

Essential      - Phonak Audeo Q30 Hearing Aids  (Replaced Audeo S1)

 

New Features

 

The Audeo Q range offers many of the same features as the previous Audeo S range and thanks to Phonak’s new Quest technology it has some innovative new ones with Binaural VoiceStream. This means that your hearing aids will communicate with each other and work together to further enhance your listening experience.

 

• Tinnitus Balance Sound Generator – This helps to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus using a range of sounds. It also offers a Tinnitus Balance App which is compatible with Apple and Android devices to give you access to even more sounds.
• Acclimatisation Manager – This alters amplification levels automatically whenever needed. These levels and settings can also be manually adjusted
• Speech in Wind – This feature can detect the wind noise in your hearing aids. It then identifies which side is receiving a clearer signal and streams it across to the other one.
• Auto SteroZoom – This will automatically focus on the voice that you want to hear and blocks out noises from other directions leaving the speech clear.

 

The Speech in Wind and Auto SteroZoom features are only available on the Audeo Q90

 

Other features include

 

• Up to 20 Channels - Each channel processes a range of frequencies so the more channels you have, the more specifically it can be programmed for your hearing loss.
• Ultrazoom/Stereozoom/Autozoom  -  These are binaural microphone applications which enhance speech capturing and noise cancellation.
  • Whistleblock – To give the wearer freedom from any annoying feedback sounds that can occur.
  • Soundrecover – Improves your ability to hear high frequency sounds while maintaining a natural sound.
  • Noiseblock – This suppresses background noise leaving speech sounds clearer.
  • Soundrelax – This detects any sudden loud noises and reduces the gain automatically to cushion the sound
  • Echoblock  - This helps to ease any distortion in places such as large halls or churches.
  • Windblock – This helps to manage wind noise without having to adjust your microphone settings.
  • Soundflow– This feature detects subtle changes in your listening environment and uses different programmes to adapt automatically to ensure listening comfort.

 

The Audeo Q range features some wireless compatible models so Phonak have developed a range of accessories to work along side it.

 

Accessories include

 

• Phonak Compilot – Streamer worn around the neck
• Phonak TV Link S – Tv transmitter/compilot charger
• Phonak Mypilot – One touch display screen remote control
• Phonak PilotOne – Basic remote control

 

 

In conclusion, the Phonak Audeo Q offers excellent technology that has wireless compatibility. It is available four technology levels and has a choice of styles and colours to suit your individual needs. If you are interested in this technology but would prefer a different style of hearing aid then you may want to try the BTE (Behind the Ear) range known as Bolero Q or the ITE (In The Ear) range known as Virto Q.

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Paul Harrison