heardotcom vs phonak

Founded in 2012 in Berlin by Dr. Marco Vietor and Paul Crusius under the name Audibene, hear.com expanded to North America in 2015 and now operates from its dual headquarters in Miami and Berlin. As a part of WS Audiology, the company reaches customers in over ten countries and works with more than 2,000 licensed hearing care providers. Their product lineup includes discreet ITE and BTE hearing aids equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, smart sound technology, and moisture-resistant designs rated IP67 or IP68. All models support iOS and Android through a dedicated app, allowing users to adjust settings, switch hearing programs, stream audio, and check battery life directly from their phones. Customer experience is built around convenience and confidence. hear.com offers a 45-day risk-free trial supported by personal coaching through their Hearing Success Program. Users can choose between in-person fittings with local specialists or remote sessions via tele-audiology. Plans are subscription-based, with Mid-Level, Advanced, and Premium models averaging $139, $169, and $199 per month, respectively. These packages include fittings, adjustments, the app, and ongoing support.

Phonak, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, is a globally recognized hearing aid manufacturer and a member of the Sonova Group. They serve customers in over 100 countries and focus on delivering professionally fitted hearing solutions for individuals with mild to profound hearing loss, including children and those with single-sided deafness. Phonak’s devices are available exclusively through licensed hearing care providers, emphasizing personalized fittings and ongoing clinical support. Their hearing aids feature advanced technology such as AI-powered sound processing, SmartSpeech Technology, AutoSense OS, universal Bluetooth streaming, and app-based adjustments. Rechargeable batteries, discreet designs, pediatric-friendly options, and compatibility with accessories like Roger microphones further set their lineup apart. Notably, the company introduced an FDA-cleared self-replacement option for their Lyric hearing aid in 2024. Customer feedback is mixed—many users praise the clarity, connectivity, and adaptability of the devices, while others cite challenges with app performance or warranty clarity. Despite this, Phonak maintains an A+ BBB rating and continues to be recognized for innovation, winning awards for their noise-reduction technologies. Want to know how Phonak’s features stack up, what they cost, and who they’re best for? Our full review explores all the details.