Phonak has closed the loop for smart-phone users with the latest addition to its Audeo hearing aid range - the Audeo B-Direct.

While iPhone users have been able connect their “mfi“ (made for iPhone)” hearing aids to their smart phones, Android phone users haven’t been so lucky - until now.

Phonak says its new Audeo B-Direct is “made for all” (mfa) and provides true hands-free calling for both major types of smart cellphone.

Mfi hearing aids captured the spotlight because they let iPhone users stream phone calls and music directly to their hearing aids without any extra Bluetooth accessories - but those same benefits were not available for Android phone users, despite those phones having a huge share of the mobile market.

Phonak says the Audeo B-Direct has changed this because it can stream phone calls from any Bluetooth phone, meaning Android users can now also experience the benefits of phone-call streaming.

Phonak says Audeo B-Direct users can also answer, reject and end calls by pushing the button on the hearing aid, and the hearing aid also picks up the user’s voice using the device’s onboard microphone. Having this feature will let users pick up a call even when the phone is not nearby.

However, there are limitations: it’s not able to stream music yet and it’s not yet stereo.

Summarising its benefits:

Audeo B-Direct is mfa (made for all) – offering universal connectivity, enabling phone-call streaming from any Bluetooth phone
It picks up the user’s voice using the hearing device’s onboard microphone
Users can reject or end a call using a button on the hearing aid.

Contact us

At Focus Hearing, our job is to match you and your hearing to the devices that are best for you. Contact us to arrange an obligation-free trial

Focus Hearing - we focus on your hearing

Big gains from the mighty miniature

Phonak’s tiny new hearing instrument offers big advantages and opens the door to people who haven’t been able to wear in-the-canal devices.

The key to the Phonak Virto B-Titanium - possibly the smallest IIC on the market - is that its shell is made from titanium, renowned for its strength and durability.

This means the device can be made smaller, giving hope to people whose small ear canals have meant this style of aid has not been an option, while the greater strength also allows more venting to reduce the occlusion effect - your voice echoing when you speak.

On top of that the aid has a more powerful receiver meaning these devices will cater to people with a greater hearing loss.

That’s exciting news for hearing-aid users.

Phonak says the shell now can be as thin as 0.2mm, which is 50% thinner than existing acrylic shells and is more crack-resistant.

On top of this the electronic components are 60% smaller than in existing models resulting in a hearing aid that’s 26% smaller, while the fit rate has jumped a massive 64%.

In summary, it’s discreteness meets versatility and power

• 26% size reduction resulting in a 64% increase in fit rate

• Bigger venting for better management of occlusion

• A more powerful receiver to cater for greater hearing loss

If you haven’t been able to wear an in-the-canal hearing aid before, NOW is the time to try again and enjoy listening to the things you always loved.

Focus Hearing - We focus on your hearing

26% reduction in size resulting 64% increased fit rate

More powerful receiver to provide support for greating hearing loss

Smaller electronic component to provide more venting to reduce occlusion effect

Phonak makes a direct call on smart phones

Possibly the smallest IIC in the market - Phonak Virto B-titanium