My voice is kind of funny during the Spheric Program demo because I was recording this while at a vey noisy coffee shop and had to improvise. 😁 But isn't nice to know you definitely can create a manual spheric program and switch to it on demand? 👍
Literally the only person who is explaining the Spheres properly. Fair play for not just repeating marketing info on a video. Keep your great work up. You’ve been super helpful in my decision to buy a pair… take note Phonak!!!
Thank you for your most practical and well presented vlog. I fully agree with you’re findings and experiences. They are really great HA’s and until now the best I ever had also. Your video’s are great because it’s nice to see this all without advertising. Pure functional clarifications. Thanks.
I appreciate your detailed explanations on setting up new programs and setting up your computer. It helped so much to have a visual as well as the verbal description.
Good luck! You should enjoy them and the hearing improvement they support. Let me know how's your experience is and if you have any questions after using them for a couple of weeks.
@@HearingCare-Channel Thanks for the suggestion. My current TV may be too old, but we've been talking about getting a newer one. If we do, I'll definitely do that.
Incredible, you talked about every situations where I have problems to hear with the Audeo Lumity (and that I have had with all the hearing aids before). It really looks like a dream come true. I will wait for the next gerneration. Thank you for the review!
@gagovi, thanks for your feedback! 🙏 These HA are truly amazing. They're changing my daily life and giving me much more confident to engage in conversation in situation I always shied away from in the past.
Hi there Guy. I received my Sphere's about a week ago. The speech clarity is amazing! I only have used the Spheric setting once, while out at breakfast and found it worked really well. As for my tinnitus it's still really bad, though it's only been a week. In my view, these hearing aids are well worth the money!! Thanks for your review!
Thank you @peterray7523! You guys feedback really means a lot to me! I only started to notice improvements in my tinnitus after a few weeks using these aids, so wait for another 2-3 weeks. And, of course, this is not a guarantee because we're all so unique and there are many other factors that may be affecting your tinnitus. If you're looking to identify your tinnitus causes, watch this video because I think there's a good chance it'll help: ruclips.net/video/KZ_VYdUp_mA/видео.html
Thank you so much for this video. I just recently found out I have hearing loss and I have found it a bit overwhelming to understand the available options. I keep hearing really good things about these spheres and I think I am one step closer to making my choice.
@JeffReese79 You're very welcomed! I'm glad it was helpful. I know the HA journey can be overwhelming. Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help. Based on what you wrote, I'm assuming you've done hearing test recently. What's your level of hearing loss?
@@HearingCare-Channel Thank you for asking! My audiogram shows normal hearing at 250-500 Hz, mild loss at 1kHz, and moderate loss from 2-8kHz, with an additional 10dB drop in the 4-8kHz range. This explains why I've been struggling with certain speech sounds and feeling frustrated in noisy social settings. It was eye-opening to learn how losing hearing at specific frequencies affects speech comprehension! I've narrowed my choices to the Phonak Spheres and Oticon Intent. I'm currently using Phonak Lumitys, which have greatly improved my speech understanding. However, I'm having issues with battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. Since I use Apple devices (iPhone and Macs) for work and personal use, with frequent Zoom meetings, I'm particularly interested in the Oticon's Made for iPhone (MFi) capabilities for smoother connectivity. I appreciate your offer to help and am looking forward to finding the right solution that will let me fully enjoy social situations again!
@@HearingCare-Channel Thank you for asking! My audiogram shows normal hearing at 250-500 Hz, mild loss at 1kHz, and moderate loss from 2-8kHz, with an additional 10dB drop in the 4-8kHz range. This explains why I've been struggling with certain speech sounds and feeling frustrated in noisy social settings. It was eye-opening to learn how losing hearing at specific frequencies affects speech comprehension! I've narrowed my choices to the Phonak Spheres and Oticon Intent. I'm currently using Phonak Lumitys, which have greatly improved my speech understanding. However, I'm having issues with battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. Since I use Apple devices (iPhone and Macs) for work and personal use, with frequent Zoom meetings, I'm particularly interested in the Oticon's Made for iPhone (MFi) capabilities for smoother connectivity. I appreciate your offer to help and am looking forward to finding the right solution that will let me fully enjoy social situations again!
Thanks a lot for this video, just the thing I was looking for in my orientation as to what hearing aids to get: a personal, practical, user experience. I have a few questions but I'll post them separately so replying is easier
Absolutely bloody excellent! Thank you! The section on tweaking Windows sound settings was brilliant. The Phonak Sphere only just became available here in France and I picked up a pair for a quick trial yesterday. I really need in-ear moulds for the receivers (as per my current Paradise HAs) but I took the Spheres away with domes as I'm going to a really noisy restaurant with friends tomorrow night and I desperately wanted to test the AI noise reduction of the Sphere, even if the overall sound quality won't be perfect because of the domes. I have another rdv with my HA centre on Monday and, if I'm impressed by the speech in noise AI tomorrow night, then I'll be placing an order for a 30 day trial (with the in-ear moulds) there and then.
Thank you @peterevans6086! Really glad you liked this video. Yeah, if your hearing loss is severe, then earmolds can be beneficial for sure. Good luck with your testing! 👍
Guy, this is another great video! You had very good examples. I have the same problems to order from my car at a takeout. Did you try it at a meeting in person, when they ask for a round table comments, for me it’s a nightmare, I miss 50% of the comments. I odered my Phonak Sphère two weeks ago, I really want to try them soon.
Thank you @dannyturenne181! I was hoping for more participants but it was fun! Yes! Since I'm using there aids I was in multiple face-2-face meetings with multiple people, and my experience was great. In fact, the example I give in the video was a meeting that lasted for around 3 hours around a big meeting table with 7 people. Normally, I'd be totally exhausted after such a meeting and I'd miss so much information. The experience with these aids is just amazing! I was following all the speakers and barely missed any details. Same thing for social gathering in restaurants, etc.
Great job on this tough subject. Speech in noise is tough, speech in speech is even tougher. For good clarity all noise needs to be blocked. ANC and AI both remove a lot of noise and the tech is rapidly improving. Vendors promoting dynamic noise reduction are selling old inadequate tech and need to up their game. I wear the Phonak Sphere and believe it is the best I can do at this point. But covering the ear canals is still vital. I found the Spheres did not perform nearly as well as my Bose ANC headset on a recent flight. Good tips and I know there is still a lot more you will discover about the Spheres.
Thank you for making this video. You come across as a “down to earth” person without annoying background music or commercial graphics. You describe manually switching the spheric on and off. Do you have to use the app on your phone when you do this, or is there a button on the hearing aids that you can use?
Thank you @tristramstout8988! Once you have a program in your hearing aids, then you can switch between program using tap control and without touching the app. 👍 To create the manual spheric program, you do need to follow the steps I'm showing in this video and you do need your cell and app.
Found this video so informative. After 3 weeks I am enjoying my new Spheres but found they weren't so good with speech in noise so maybe Spheric sound is not cutting in automatically. So for my follow up meeting with my aud tomorrow I am armed with lots of questions and will ask to have the Sphere mode added to the others on the app list! Thankyou.
Yes, @lionmangolf, a huge improvement on anything before these Sphere Infinio! Phonak is leading on a few key hearing fronts right now; speech clarify and Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life not even an issue as long as you remember to go back to AutoSense if you use the manual Sphere program.
@ilikestuff7598 The sphere function activates itself even without a manual program. If you're in a noisy environment with speech close to you, then it'll activate. However, battery drain in 4h is not normal! Even if the sphere function is activated 100% of the time, you should have at least around 7h of use. You should work with your audiologist or Phonak support to see what's going on.
I found your channel while researching Phonak Audeo Sphere. I intend to upgrade my current hearing aids soon. Perhaps pair it with ActiVent receivers. Do you have experience with that product also? Where can I get good discount prices on Phonak devices? Thanks.
Hi @lenhumbird, welcome! I can answer all your questions, but I need to know the following: 1) What country you reside in? This greatly affects availability and pricing of HA. 2) What is your level of hearing loss (preferably professionality tested)? 3) What is your age group (30's, 40's, etc.)?
Great video, thanks, Can I just ask, when you say you activate the Sphere function at drive throughs, in wind etc., is this the manual Sphere programme you talk about creating, rather than the default Sphere mode which kicks in at the noise level set by your audiologist?
Thanks @MarkPinkerton-e9z! Yes, I created 2 different manual sphere programs, and I adjusted each one for slightly different situations. You can definitely rely on the HA to kick in the sphere function when needed, but I found that there are different scenarios the HA do not do that automatically and I can really benefit from the sphere function. That's why/when you want manual program/s. The reason I create 2 of them is I adjusted one to be for *really* noise restaurant settings, while the other is using the default settings of the sphere function (noise reduction, speech focus, etc.) I use the 2nd program for windy situations, drive thru, driving, etc. I hope this helps. 😁
@@HearingCare-Channel Thanks Guy, that's really helpful, as are all the videos you produce. I am due to get my Sphere's in the next couple of months, and your real-life user review/advice videos have been, and will continue to be, invaluable to me and so many others. It's so refreshing to have someone delivering sound (no pun intended!), pragmatic information without all the fanfare which so many other RUclips videos that are out there seem to think us HA users want. Thanks very much.
@@MarkPinkerton-e9z Thank you again for all this feedback! I'm glad you find my videos authentic and helpful! The one small favor I can ask is: Please share my videos (or channel) with other people that can benefit from them. 🙏
Thank you Guy for your great review! Cool to see an actual review of someone with severe hearing loss, rather than seeing reviews of people who don’t have hearing loss and trying these out. 😅 I’ve been using this hearing aid (pretty severe hearing loss in 1 ear) for a month now and I’m also very happy with the quality of the sound and a bit of reduction in tinnitus. I am struggling though with the spheric function and it seems like I’m the only one that can’t get it to work to the level I want.. the function works great in noise reduction but I find that the speech I want to hear in these situations is tinny (?)/mechanical - which impacts speech clarity drastically. Example situation: having lunch with my team in a big open space at work. Maybe its the locations with bad echoes idk? Do you have any advice how to adjust my settings to enhance speech during these situations? And how would I change these settings as well when it automatically kicks in (instead of choosing a scenario in the app)?
@k.anonymous - Thanks for your feedback! To adjust how the HA sound to you, as far as I know, you either have to have a manual sphere program that you can adjust yourself to your liking (my recommendation) or have your audiologist make adjustments for you. The problem is that your audiologist adjustments would apply globally or only to the automatic sphere. The reason I think you should have manual programs is you'd be able to quickly test different settings until you're happy, and you'll not be dependent on anyone else. I have 2 separate sphere programs that I adjusted to different situations. If you go the manual program route, then click the Adjust Program button and "play" with the settings there. The equalizer will help you configure how things sound to you, while the other settings will allow you to configure how the program is working (e.g. wide or narrow speech focus, level of noise reduction). Hopefully, you'll find this helpful. 👍
@k.anonymous - If you need more help configuring setting, feel free to contact me directly or schedule a free appointment and we can go from there. calendly.com/hearing-care-channel/free-tinnitus-coaching
Great review form someone who actually has hearing loss and understands the problems, like you I have severe hearing loss. I have had my infinio sphere aids for a month now and they are the best aids I have had in the 20 years that I have been wearing aids. With reference to your custom spheric programme, is it really necessary to do this in a noisy environment? I have made my own custom spheric programme by selecting the 'Spheric speech in loud noise' programme and simply tapping on 'adjust programme' which keeps the spheric function when saved. Love your dedication and great videos, I have subscribed.
Thank you @Ian...! 🙏 I agree, best aids I ever used throughout the years! In your case, it seems your audiologist already created this program for you, and thus you didn't have to do it yourself. Good job on their part. 👍
My Update: First pair of I90 sphere HA, I could NOT get to go into Sphere mode no matter what I tried... sent them back. they sent me another pair..... now the first set had software version of 1.0.12.0. the second set had a software version 1.0.13.0. This version HAS pre-configured settings with the SPHERE function defined... BUT that preset did NOT show up on the app when installed.... My Audiologist had to call Phonak and their tech showed him how to implement the SPHERE settings to show up on the app. SO if your having issues with sphere, check your software version and if necessary have your audiologist update the firmware and then direct the app to show it as a setting for the HA'ds...
@@HearingCare-Channel I've now found that mine are 1.0.13.0 from new 3 weeks ago but wasn't convinced that they were going into Sphere mode when in noise (didn't know you could check if activated as shown in video) so I've had the Sphere mode added to the mode list in app so I can put it into action prior to entering noisy areas. Hope it works!!
Great info about how to create a manual sphere program. Thanks Guy. Just a question if you won't mind. Do you switch the manual sphere program by pushing the HA buttons or do you use the phone App for that? I find that ever time I use the App I needs to reconnect to the HA.
@Klaas_H Thanks for your feedback! It's very easy and convenient to do via the buttons. Just 1 long press up and you're on the first manual program, which for me is the sphere program. Then 1 long press down and I'm back to Automatic. 👍 I don't have any manual programs other than 2 variations of the sphere program, so it's pretty easy to make the switch.
I’ve been trying these for about a month and I’m not getting the results you talk about. My audiologist said that it’s a know Phonak issue that the auto sense is slow to kick in. I’ve not had them switch ever switch into sphere mode even in loudest situations. She set up a program for speech in loud noise. This helps but I’m not sure it’s Sphere mode. I don’t think it ever automatically changes to any program. What gives, do I need a different audiologist or am I expecting too much
Hey @maxalligood4502, first, did you or the audiologist create a manual sphere program? A manual program will allow you to "force" the HA into this mode, and if you activate it in noisy environment with speech around you, you'll most likely notice the difference. Second, if you're in a really noisy restaurant or coffee shop, and you're engaging in conversation (continuous back and forth), then the HA should activate the sphere function. I did hear about some people having issues with this, and they end up replacing the HA for new ones to resolve the issue (free, of course). I don't have an idea of how often this happens, but from what I know, I don't think it's very common. You can see the example environment I used in this and the previous Phonak Sphere video. So, bottom line, you're not expecting too much (!) and get a manual sphere program set up, so you could at least experience it this way. Please let me know if you have any other questions or how you feel after experiencing the sphere function. 👍
@ she did set up a manual program, but Phonak promo literature claims auto switching for loud noise, tv, music. Recently I attended a holiday dinner with over 40 people, it was loud and the auto never kicked in. The opposite happened, it was unbearably loud in auto. Seemed to amplify everything.
@@maxalligood4502 What you're describing seems to be either "lemon" hearing aids or a serious setup issue. This should definitely not be your experience! I'd go back to your audiologist and explain all the challenges. Again, this is not normal.
hi, thank you for sharing this information. I have an old pair of Bernafons and need to replace them. I have some questions - It sounds like you are constantly modifying the settings... don't you find this annoying or frustrating? - I'm in the US... where did you buy them? - How much did they cost? - I guess you are using a phone app to modify your settings. I have an Android. What kind of phone do you have?
Hi @dicey7890, - No, I do not constantly switch between programs. It's important to set a few programs you can switch to quickly as needed, but on a typical day, that may happen 1-2 times. Having programs that are tuned to you and your needs in advance is important to your success with the HA. Some days, you may not even touch any programs, and some days you'll switch 1-3 times. 😁 - I'm in the USA as well (CO). I bought them using remote-service model (i.e. I do adjustments via phone+app meetings). Is this service model OK for you, or you prefer to work with local audiologist? - You can get them for around $3600 - 4600 depending on service model. - I have an Android as well. Phonak is one of those companies that work really well with Android. 👍 Let me know if you have any other questions. best, Guy.
@dicey7890 - I got notification for your reply, but I can't find the comment anywhere. Maybe you deleted it? In any case, you need to select a company with good reviews and that have done this kind of business and service for a while. Write to me directly at my email address and I'll send you some recommendations.
I experienced sudden severe hearing loss in one ear and tinnitus just over a year ago and got my first hearing aid, sphere i90 with molded ear buds, yesterday. My followup is in 2 weeks. In noisier environments today, I can hear well but there is a mechanical noise that happens within people speaking to me, me speaking, or say dishes clattering. This isn't happening at home but at a show and at a restaurant. It never went into a mode that had the name sphere but I could understand speech I would not have understood so easily without. Is there a mechanical sound from the microphone that is normal to occur with some sounds? Also, I am hopeful this will help my distressing tinnitus sound which is accentuated by loud backgrounds because it has noise cancellation. I did not experience that sound today but it only happens in noisier busier situations. Thank you for your videos. It is the first channel I've found with this kind of information.
@vikigossen1578 - Thanks for your feedback! 🙏 Just to make sure I follow/respond correctly, you only have 1 hearing aid, or a pair? It's not completely clear from your description. The mechanical noise can be a few different things, but most likely simple things not set up 100% properly since you just got and started using these HA. Don't worry about this too much. Write a concise and clear log of where/when you had different issues and what were the issues. Your audiologist will take all that information and adjust the program/s and/or HA fitness for you. This should take care of most issues, but you may need to do another adjustment as you're exposing yourself to more situations and environments. So all is normal. 😁 You can and should ask your audiologist to create a manual sphere program for you in case you want to use it. I gave a few examples of why you'd want this in my Phonak videos. You should absolutely stream tinnitus sound therapy through the HA when you're not exposed to noise. Also, just using the HA consistently day after day may reduce your tinnitus. All in all, you're heading to better health and reduced tinnitus. Check out the videos below for related information you asked about: - ruclips.net/video/AgRvp3mxZYs/видео.html - ruclips.net/video/7Szj7aKEsN8/видео.html - ruclips.net/video/Ra3pehZRW4s/видео.html
@vikigossen1578 - Also, may I ask you to take 2 mins and fill this really quick questionnaire about what you'd like me to cover in the future? 🙏 go.yourtinnitusguy.com/suggestions 🙏
@ Correct. One ear hears as well as it always did and the other suddenly lost most hearing a year ago and got tinnitus, and it may lose the rest over the next year. I was supposed to get a CROS device but an audiologist suggested trying this new kind which seems like it's a much better solution even if only for months but maybe for a lot longer. I have 2 more audiologist visits in this trial period. They will help me, I just don't know what is normal and appreciate your info. Thanks for the links.
@@vikigossen1578 No worries! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'll be traveling for some days, but should have access. Will just take longer to respond, maybe. Just follow the trial process. I think you'll be happy with these HA. 👍
Curious how the Spheres do in windy environments. I like to hike and when trying the ric aids i get a lot of wid noise. Right now have fully in yhe ear and it takes pretty strong winds to get the same noise. Thanks!
Hi @pauljeran1226, this is one of the things I test on daily basis while I'm outside with my dog, or while hiking myself. I find the Sphere to be doing great in pretty windy situations, but 2 things to consider: 1) using the right domes for your hearing loss and ears is key, or if necessary for your hearing, using earmolds. 2) If you're trying to have a conversation with people in windy environment, activate the Sphere function. It's a day and night difference!
Hi @aliabdalnaser8297, they cover everything from mild to profound, so pretty much all ranges of normal hearing loss. However, when you get to 100db level, it's best that you work with an audiologist that can assess *all* your hearing challenges together in order to find the best approach for you specifically. This will includes domes, or more likely earmolds as well. You can fit different power level receivers on the Sphere, but when you get to 100db, Phonak typically recommends dedicated aids such as the Naída Paradise. So, yes, it's possible, but the recommendation I'd give you is work closely with an audiologist.
Hi @markhodgkinson151, I do not use a Bluetooth desk phone, so can't comment on that directly, however, since these HA do automatically connect to computers, TVs, and cellphone, my guess is that it's something about the phone you use rather than the HA themselves. Do the HA reconnect automatically for you to other devices or your cellphone? If not, check this video for some settings you may want to change: ruclips.net/video/N48CrfUscBE/видео.html If yes, then it's definitely something with this desk phone settings.
Guy, thank you very much for this and other videos. Extremely helpful. I'm new to hearing aids and would like to know if the process of fine-tuning them to your specific needs was difficult? Or is it more or less getting your audiogram on the HA and your good to go...?
You're very welcomed @george2036, and thank you for your feedback! First, you must work with an audiologist (remote or local model) to program the aids for you based on a (professional) hearing test. Then, you really want to pay attention to domes and make sure they fit your ears well. From there, it's just a matter of using them for some days, making adjustments (if needed), and continue enjoying them. I hope this answers your question. If not, please let me know.
I have a question: If you work in an open office, can you use these hearing aids for Teams calls? My current Phonak Audéo Paradise picks up all the surrounding noise and conversations through the microphone, making it hard for the person on the other end to understand me.
Hi @omidzadeh5778, yes, these HA will work perfectly in open-office environment. There are a couple of tricks to make sure people you communicate with over calls/meetings do not pick up noise around you. However, practically speaking, the best method is to use a dedicated mic instead of the one built into the HA. If you use a computer for video calls/meetings, you can select the mic that's connected to your computer as the input source. People on the other side of the call/meeting will thank you! If you're using your cellphone, then you can do the same by selecting the cell mic as the voice input source. However, if you're on calls a lot and cannot use your computer, I'd strongly recommend a portal mic that can connect to your cell and computer. This portable mic can attach to your shirt and provide high-quality voice input into your calls/meetings. I recently started to use the Hollyland Lark M2 and have nothing but good things to say about it. If you use this portable mic, it'll support your computer, cellphone, and allow you to walk and move away from your input source.
I’ve had mine for 2 months and they are great but ghe lack of s hearing loop gunction will bd improved once venues update their loop systems to enable yhe Infinio hearing aids to connect via their integrsted bluetooth functions.
Yes, agreed @ChrisBrummitt. But this should happen fairly quickly according to some sources I found. Towards or during the holidays, and into the 1st quarter on 2025, you should have good Auracast options around. Of course, it also depends if you live in/around a big city or rural area. Large population centers are likely to see this technology first, of course.
I have 1.12 software also got my set on Thursday. My Audiologist had to manually add in the Spheric program as I couldn’t see it the 1st day. I guess I’ll ask them to update the software in mine to .13
Excellent explanation! I wonder how good it is to listen to music directly through the hearing aid with streaming. For context, I've never used a device with a Bluetooth connection, so this would be my first experience. What would you say it's like listening to music with phonak sphere? Would you say it’s very natural? (I have no idea what the natural sound of music is like, so I'm really curious)
Thank you @FiveKingsman! I'd say it's like listening to music with high quality headphones, so very good! Howeverrrrr, you need to make sure that the aids AND domes fit your hearing profile and ears. 😁 If the hearing aids are not configured properly, or the domes you use don't match your ears and sound preference, then you'll have bad experience. What's the level of your hearing loss?
Good to know! I'm pretty excited to try them out, I'm not gonna lie lol I have the same hearing loss as you, however, I don't use domes. I grew up using ear molds as they are recommended for this type of hearing loss (considering that the right ear is severe to profound, although my left is moderate to severe). I will talk to my audiologist to make sure they fit the best way possible for me. And thanks again for the response and the video, it really brings hope so that in the future anyone with hearing loss will be able to hear like anyone else (and Sphere is just one step closer to that)
In no way the Spheres sound „natural“ for, there’s a lack of lower frequencies, compared them with Airpods Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 10, wich are much better and cost only a tenth of the Spheres.
@@hartmuthillmann If you experienced this yourself, then I'd say your Spheres are not tuned properly to your hearing profile. Also, it could be that the domes you're using with them are not a good fit for your ear canal, or they're too worn down and need to be replaced.
I'm considering buying the Phonak Sphere hearing aids online - you've sold me on them - but am not sure how then the physical fitting and real-ear measurements would go. Do you have any thoughts or insights you could share?
Hi @Quarantain, yes, just tell me the *general* area where you live. If you're in the continent USA, you can try working with ZipHearing (just tell them I mentioned them 😁). This will match you with a local audiologist after buying the HA online.
@@Quarantain You're much closer to Phonak (Stäfa, Switzerland) than I am! 😁 I'm not sure about deals in Europe, but I'd think you guys should have similar options. I know there's a company in Greece that is doing the remote model and they sell the aids for around $3600. This is not verified, but I found the following information: In the Netherlands, companies like Beter Horen offer a similar model to what ZipHearing provides in the USA. Beter Horen has over 200 locations across the Netherlands and works with certified audiologists to provide affordable hearing aids along with professional support. They allow customers to try hearing aids for free, offer personalized fitting, and provide ongoing care and services, such as maintenance and cleaning, similar to ZipHearing's approach of combining lower prices with local audiologist support.
@@HearingCare-Channel Thanks a lot for your thoughtful response Guy. I contacted Beter Horen and was first quoted a price of € 700 for the fitting to be then followed up with an incredulous explanation as to why they can't help me with Phonaks not purchased from them. According to staff I spoke, there is specific software in the Phonaks that are implemented at the place where I purchased the hearing aids which they are unable to access, not being the audiological settings. Now I'm not an audiologist or expert but that sure sounds like a lot of BS to me. I 'm going to take my chances and just with the online HAs and no local support. How bad can the remote fitting and remote subsequent adjustments be, right? Did you have local support?
@@Quarantain Total BS! Any audiologist that's authorized by Phonak is using their Target software to read and modify settings. I apologize. This is the only company I found in Europe. You can look up the company that's based around Greece. They do have good reviews, and their price is close to $3600. Please understand, however, that I do not have personal experience working with them. 🙏 I'm working with remote setting and adjustment, however, you should get a professional hearing test done so they can program the HA accurately for you. The company I'm working with sent me a mobile testing kit and I did a hearing test this way. I then sent them the mobile station back. This is in the USA, though. @dannyturenne181 - Do you mind sharing some info on the company you're working with and how they handle hearing test? This would be community help. 😁❤
I now wear cross devices. But I'm considering buying the sphere instead of the cross, because of the missing second AI chip. Maybe I can use the table mic.
Hi @tinelchris, the Sphere model do not support CROS. 😔 You can go with the "regular" Infinio, but that model does not have the 2nd AI chip in it. Are you working with an audiologist?
I‘m testing Sphere I90 for several weeks now and have Bluetooth interruptions with my Apple TV every two or three minutes, so I can not confirm „strong Bluetooth“, sorry. Tested against two pairs of Apple Airpods which work flawless.
@hartmuthillmann First, you're comparing Apples and oranges.... 😉😂 But seriously now, remember that these HA keep 2 active connections at the same time, so if you don't want any interruptions while watching TV, for example, make sure to turn off Bluetooth on your cell (or whatever the other device is). If you're having a really important video call/meeting on your computer, again, turn off Bluetooth on your cell.
@@hartmuthillmann Yeah, agreed, that's not acceptable. You may need to "refresh" or reset your BT connection and test again. Essentially, this is done by unpairing/deleting all BT connection from all other devices including your cell phone to your HA. Then, restart both your HA and cellphone. Phonak Support has this procedure documented on their website, I believe. After the restart, first pair your cellphone and HA and test BT streaming this way. If all is good, then add 1 more device (e.g. TV) and test streaming as well. This should work in getting you quality and consistent streaming. If does not, then it's time to work with Phonak Support directly.
I'm currently wearing Rextons from Costco. I tried the Spheres for several weeks. Honestly they are very good and the app works well. However, I wear glasses and the Spheres are just too big and make my ears look like Dumbo. Vanity prevailed so they are going back. YMMV.
I'm concerned about the situation when the rechargeable batteries need replacement - let me call it the Tesla-scenario. Have you seen anything about that from Phonak? What will the costs be?
You're concerned about the environment, or about what will you do if the batteries cannot be charged anymore? I'm not sure if I have a good answer for the environment. I'm hoping humanity will invent already a way to deal with all the trash that we're creating. For the HA themselves, you'll have to go these aids for many, many years before the batteries will die on you. By that time, there will be many new technology advancements and you'll switch to newer HA.
Probably the question is the same I have. My Widex Moment have one battery that is good for around 8-10 hours. I was told they must be mailed in and the cost is $168 each.
@@sbukosky How long have you had these, and which specific model (440, 330, etc.)? If it's under 1y, you should have warranty cover issues with rechargeable batteries.
@ it’s been over two years. I think the 440. Sometimes I go back to my Sam’s Club Lucid aids that use #13 batteries that last several days. I’d rather use batteries but being as the Phonak charger itself is rechargeable, I’m getting the 90 and Roger One this Friday. I was supposed to get them this morning but the audiologist saw something in my ear. It was a dome jammed up against the ear drum. I had to go to urgent care to get it out and he had a hard time doing so. I expected to hear an improvement but there was none at all.
@@sbukosky Oh no, glad they noticed that dome! That could have created unnecessary complications. The Phonak HA will last you for a full day on 1 charge, and the charger does hold 3 full charges, so you'll be saying goodbye to batteries. 👍
Guy, a question..... when in default "Automatic - autosence 6.0" and you entered a noisy situation, did you hear the a distinct auto change in what the Sphere Infinio I90 was giving you.... Phonak supplier is sending me a replacment set because I questioned it's functionality.... tried your previous technique to "force sphere" and it didn't work, will try this technique as soon as the replacements arrive. So did the Sphere function ever kick in, in AUTOMATIC mode?
@sablemountain, yes, it does kick in automatically, and that's a requirement to create the manual program as well. Trust me, you're going to walk into a noisy environment **with speech around you**, and when the sphere chip kicks in it will blow your mind. You'll suddenly start to actually understand at least some of the speech around you, and specifically if someone is talking to you. There is no way you wouldn't notice that happening.
@@HearingCare-Channel So if I understand your instructions: Go to an environment (loud background) and have a discussion with someone near, until AUTOSENCE puts you in a SPHERE mode, then SAVE it. You will then have a "sphere mode" as an option to later change to. You can adjust it later as long as you have saved it. Correct?
@@sablemountain Exactly! 👍 Also, once you have 1 manual program, then you can copy it and adjust to different settings. For example, I have 1 sphere program focused right in front of for really noisy environments where I must look at the speaker. And another sphere program where Speech Focus is closer to mid settings to allow me to hear people around me. This is typically good for when you're dining outside with a group of people, or in an activity outside.
@@HearingCare-Channel Hi Guy, found it ok. It's version 1.0.13.0 which I believe to be the latest version. I saw my Aud for the follow up appointment yesterday but forgot to check that with her. She did however add 'Spheric speech in loud noise' to my app mode list so that I can manually switch to that mode as needed. I note that that mode is also tweekable the same as the others. Glad I found your vid and comments, they have added to the info given by my aud and enhanced my use of these amazing aids! Cheers Richard.
Regarding speech clarity personal setting do i need to adjust the speech equalizer or the clarity equalizer only on autosense ? Does it makes benefits ?
Hey @Jack-mu4iv, since these kind of things are so personal and dependent on different situations, I'd recommend trying 1 first. Use it for a while and see how you feel. Then, if needed, trying a different setting, use it for a while..... You get the process, right? Just try and see what works. You can also save different custom programs with different settings so that you can change between them while in the same environment, and see what works best for you.
Im confused in what Autosense is supposed to do . For example if I walk into a coffee shop the aids will switch to sphere mode in seconds or minutes later? I cant edit Autosense sphere only done by audiologist.
@jonlandroid4839 - The Automatic program is the kind of the same thing as Autosense. In the app, you see it as Automatic. When you're in noise environment AND being spoken to or listening to speech around you (close), the automatic program should activate the sphere AI chip that will help you understand speech. This happens within seconds of these conditions being met. You can create this program manually as I show in this video, but if you're having hard time, your audiologist should be able to help you.
I am having trouble getting the Automatic mode to switch on spherical mode. For example, I went in a small room with a surround sound speaker system (5 speakers all around the room) and talked there with my wife with a racket all around us, and all I could get from the Automatic mode was “Speech in noise”. Do you have some suggestions to trigger Spherical mode?
Update: I did manage to get the Spherical mode as described here. I did it by using my 5.1 home surround system to imitate surrounding noise and holding an iPad talking to me close to my ears while in Automatic mode. So now I have a “Spheric speech in lo” option as described here. Also as here, my battery life dropped to 6 hours from 16 hours. However, selecting this mode has no effect. Suggesting my hearing aids are not working properly.
@johnbrews9724 - What do you mean "selecting this mode has no effect"? No effect on what? You got to have speech around you and specifically with you while in a noisy environment. Otherwise, you wouldn't feel a meaningful improvement. Also, what is the level of your hearing loss?
I will follow your suggestion to use a real conversation in background noise instead of my artificial environment using my surround sound 5.1 speaker system - I’ll report back after that.
I went to a noisy restaurant with two other people. I switched on the spheric mode manually back and forth. Speech was definitely clearer with this mode; background noise was reduced. The effect was not nearly as pronounced as shown in the Phonak video, which was probably with the hearing aids tuned accurately to their example. But the result was noticeable.
@@Pro_User_HA I don't see the response either but I wore my Spheres for several weeks and then did the REM refitting. It made quite a bit of difference for me. I know many practitioners are reluctant to take the time and may not have the equipment but considering what we pay, I would demand it.
Why does Phonak not give any instructions on how to use the Sphere model! There information pamphlet that come with the devices not even mention the word “Sphere”. You are the first person to explain that every individual Sphere setting must be done on the spot where you need to adapt the sphere setting. Hardly user friendly. The PR Phonak videos are misleading making it appear that poof it happens automatically. Have you been able to replicate the settings that miraculously appear on the PR video in a restaurant?
@barrysterry5435 - You must be using the Automatic program, which is kind of the same thing as Autosense (in the app, you see it as Automatic). When you're in noisy environment *AND* being spoken to or listening to speech around you (close), the automatic program should activate the sphere AI chip that will help you understand speech. But I already received feedback from quiet a few of you that this is not happening automatically. I'm assuming Phonak will fix issues as quickly as they can and released a new firmware that will address this activation issues. Meanwhile, you can use my method to create a manual program. 👍
My voice is kind of funny during the Spheric Program demo because I was recording this while at a vey noisy coffee shop and had to improvise. 😁 But isn't nice to know you definitely can create a manual spheric program and switch to it on demand? 👍
Thank you for a well edited and explained video.
@flyingpete - Thank you for your feedback and glad it was helpful! 🙏
Literally the only person who is explaining the Spheres properly. Fair play for not just repeating marketing info on a video. Keep your great work up. You’ve been super helpful in my decision to buy a pair… take note Phonak!!!
Thank you @andywilliams9240! I really appreciate your feedback! Yes, take note @phonak. lol
I have similar hearing impairments, typically NOT addressed by many reviewers. Thank you for this very useful information.
Thanks for your feedback @brianerock 👍
Thank you for your most practical and well presented vlog. I fully agree with you’re findings and experiences. They are really great HA’s and until now the best I ever had also. Your video’s are great because it’s nice to see this all without advertising. Pure functional clarifications. Thanks.
Thank you @emileheilbron9707! It means a lot to get this feedback from people in our community! 🙏
I appreciate your detailed explanations on setting up new programs and setting up your computer. It helped so much to have a visual as well as the verbal description.
Thanks for your feedback @melinda6712!
I have ordered these hearing aids and look forward to using them.
Good luck! You should enjoy them and the hearing improvement they support. Let me know how's your experience is and if you have any questions after using them for a couple of weeks.
This is the best explanation of the functions of the hearing aids that I've seen
Hi @dthomas1231, thank you so much for your feedback! I'm glad the video was helpful for you.
I just connected my hearing aids to my computer after watching your video. Thanks for the great information.
Awesome, @DKSnoh! If you have smart TV from the recent years, try that too. Pretty amazing sound quality!
@@HearingCare-Channel Thanks for the suggestion. My current TV may be too old, but we've been talking about getting a newer one. If we do, I'll definitely do that.
Incredible, you talked about every situations where I have problems to hear with the Audeo Lumity (and that I have had with all the hearing aids before). It really looks like a dream come true. I will wait for the next gerneration. Thank you for the review!
@gagovi, thanks for your feedback! 🙏 These HA are truly amazing. They're changing my daily life and giving me much more confident to engage in conversation in situation I always shied away from in the past.
Hi there Guy. I received my Sphere's about a week ago. The speech clarity is amazing! I only have used the Spheric setting once, while out at breakfast and found it worked really well. As for my tinnitus it's still really bad, though it's only been a week. In my view, these hearing aids are well worth the money!! Thanks for your review!
Thank you @peterray7523! You guys feedback really means a lot to me! I only started to notice improvements in my tinnitus after a few weeks using these aids, so wait for another 2-3 weeks. And, of course, this is not a guarantee because we're all so unique and there are many other factors that may be affecting your tinnitus. If you're looking to identify your tinnitus causes, watch this video because I think there's a good chance it'll help: ruclips.net/video/KZ_VYdUp_mA/видео.html
Thank you - I am about to receive my first ever pair of hearing aids (this type). This has been extremely helpful
@KevinWMoor Thank you for your feedback! Once you get them, use this video to fine tune your settings: ruclips.net/video/N48CrfUscBE/видео.html 👍
@HearingCare-Channel Thank you
Thank you so much for this video. I just recently found out I have hearing loss and I have found it a bit overwhelming to understand the available options. I keep hearing really good things about these spheres and I think I am one step closer to making my choice.
@JeffReese79 You're very welcomed! I'm glad it was helpful. I know the HA journey can be overwhelming. Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help. Based on what you wrote, I'm assuming you've done hearing test recently. What's your level of hearing loss?
@@HearingCare-Channel Thank you for asking! My audiogram shows normal hearing at 250-500 Hz, mild loss at 1kHz, and moderate loss from 2-8kHz, with an additional 10dB drop in the 4-8kHz range. This explains why I've been struggling with certain speech sounds and feeling frustrated in noisy social settings. It was eye-opening to learn how losing hearing at specific frequencies affects speech comprehension!
I've narrowed my choices to the Phonak Spheres and Oticon Intent. I'm currently using Phonak Lumitys, which have greatly improved my speech understanding. However, I'm having issues with battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. Since I use Apple devices (iPhone and Macs) for work and personal use, with frequent Zoom meetings, I'm particularly interested in the Oticon's Made for iPhone (MFi) capabilities for smoother connectivity.
I appreciate your offer to help and am looking forward to finding the right solution that will let me fully enjoy social situations again!
@@HearingCare-Channel Thank you for asking! My audiogram shows normal hearing at 250-500 Hz, mild loss at 1kHz, and moderate loss from 2-8kHz, with an additional 10dB drop in the 4-8kHz range. This explains why I've been struggling with certain speech sounds and feeling frustrated in noisy social settings. It was eye-opening to learn how losing hearing at specific frequencies affects speech comprehension!
I've narrowed my choices to the Phonak Spheres and Oticon Intent. I'm currently using Phonak Lumitys, which have greatly improved my speech understanding. However, I'm having issues with battery life and Bluetooth connectivity. Since I use Apple devices (iPhone and Macs) for work and personal use, with frequent Zoom meetings, I'm particularly interested in the Oticon's Made for iPhone (MFi) capabilities for smoother connectivity.
I appreciate your offer to help and am looking forward to finding the right solution that will let me fully enjoy social situations again!
Another great video, Guy. I like that you speak slowly. I have you on speed 1.5 and it works perfectly. 👍
Thank you @jeffj318! Although, ouch.... lol
Thanks a lot for this video, just the thing I was looking for in my orientation as to what hearing aids to get: a personal, practical, user experience. I have a few questions but I'll post them separately so replying is easier
I tried to answer all of them. But let me know if you need any more information!
Absolutely bloody excellent! Thank you! The section on tweaking Windows sound settings was brilliant.
The Phonak Sphere only just became available here in France and I picked up a pair for a quick trial yesterday. I really need in-ear moulds for the receivers (as per my current Paradise HAs) but I took the Spheres away with domes as I'm going to a really noisy restaurant with friends tomorrow night and I desperately wanted to test the AI noise reduction of the Sphere, even if the overall sound quality won't be perfect because of the domes. I have another rdv with my HA centre on Monday and, if I'm impressed by the speech in noise AI tomorrow night, then I'll be placing an order for a 30 day trial (with the in-ear moulds) there and then.
Thank you @peterevans6086! Really glad you liked this video. Yeah, if your hearing loss is severe, then earmolds can be beneficial for sure. Good luck with your testing! 👍
I watched your video last week and I ordered mine. Wii get them a week from today.
That's awesome, @TerryLark-j3z! I'm pretty sure your hearing life will change forever after using these aids.
Thanks for this helpful review, really appreciate it
@MessiFCBisseM Glad it was helpful! 🙏
Guy, this is another great video! You had very good examples. I have the same problems to order from my car at a takeout. Did you try it at a meeting in person, when they ask for a round table comments, for me it’s a nightmare, I miss 50% of the comments. I odered my Phonak Sphère two weeks ago, I really want to try them soon.
Thank you @dannyturenne181! I was hoping for more participants but it was fun!
Yes! Since I'm using there aids I was in multiple face-2-face meetings with multiple people, and my experience was great. In fact, the example I give in the video was a meeting that lasted for around 3 hours around a big meeting table with 7 people. Normally, I'd be totally exhausted after such a meeting and I'd miss so much information. The experience with these aids is just amazing! I was following all the speakers and barely missed any details. Same thing for social gathering in restaurants, etc.
@@HearingCare-Channel yep big meetings consume a large large amount of energy when our hearing is bad.
Great job on this tough subject. Speech in noise is tough, speech in speech is even tougher. For good clarity all noise needs to be blocked. ANC and AI both remove a lot of noise and the tech is rapidly improving. Vendors promoting dynamic noise reduction are selling old inadequate tech and need to up their game. I wear the Phonak Sphere and believe it is the best I can do at this point. But covering the ear canals is still vital. I found the Spheres did not perform nearly as well as my Bose ANC headset on a recent flight. Good tips and I know there is still a lot more you will discover about the Spheres.
Thank you, @kshermy! 🙏
Thank you for making this video. You come across as a “down to earth” person without annoying background music or commercial graphics. You describe manually switching the spheric on and off. Do you have to use the app on your phone when you do this, or is there a button on the hearing aids that you can use?
Thank you @tristramstout8988! Once you have a program in your hearing aids, then you can switch between program using tap control and without touching the app. 👍 To create the manual spheric program, you do need to follow the steps I'm showing in this video and you do need your cell and app.
Found this video so informative. After 3 weeks I am enjoying my new Spheres but found they weren't so good with speech in noise so maybe Spheric sound is not cutting in automatically. So for my follow up meeting with my aud tomorrow I am armed with lots of questions and will ask to have the Sphere mode added to the others on the app list! Thankyou.
Hey @RichardMower, I'm very happy you found this video useful! Good luck with the Sphere! Ask them to make sure you're on the latest firmware as well.
thank you
You're welcome
I agree with you. Not perfect but much better than past aids. Battery life has been a huge surprise as mine are lasting 18-20 hrs.
Yes, @lionmangolf, a huge improvement on anything before these Sphere Infinio! Phonak is leading on a few key hearing fronts right now; speech clarify and Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life not even an issue as long as you remember to go back to AutoSense if you use the manual Sphere program.
@ilikestuff7598 The sphere function activates itself even without a manual program. If you're in a noisy environment with speech close to you, then it'll activate. However, battery drain in 4h is not normal! Even if the sphere function is activated 100% of the time, you should have at least around 7h of use. You should work with your audiologist or Phonak support to see what's going on.
I found your channel while researching Phonak Audeo Sphere. I intend to upgrade my current hearing aids soon. Perhaps pair it with ActiVent receivers. Do you have experience with that product also? Where can I get good discount prices on Phonak devices? Thanks.
Hi @lenhumbird, welcome! I can answer all your questions, but I need to know the following: 1) What country you reside in? This greatly affects availability and pricing of HA. 2) What is your level of hearing loss (preferably professionality tested)? 3) What is your age group (30's, 40's, etc.)?
Great video, thanks, Can I just ask, when you say you activate the Sphere function at drive throughs, in wind etc., is this the manual Sphere programme you talk about creating, rather than the default Sphere mode which kicks in at the noise level set by your audiologist?
Thanks @MarkPinkerton-e9z! Yes, I created 2 different manual sphere programs, and I adjusted each one for slightly different situations. You can definitely rely on the HA to kick in the sphere function when needed, but I found that there are different scenarios the HA do not do that automatically and I can really benefit from the sphere function. That's why/when you want manual program/s. The reason I create 2 of them is I adjusted one to be for *really* noise restaurant settings, while the other is using the default settings of the sphere function (noise reduction, speech focus, etc.) I use the 2nd program for windy situations, drive thru, driving, etc. I hope this helps. 😁
@@HearingCare-Channel Thanks Guy, that's really helpful, as are all the videos you produce. I am due to get my Sphere's in the next couple of months, and your real-life user review/advice videos have been, and will continue to be, invaluable to me and so many others. It's so refreshing to have someone delivering sound (no pun intended!), pragmatic information without all the fanfare which so many other RUclips videos that are out there seem to think us HA users want. Thanks very much.
@@MarkPinkerton-e9z Thank you again for all this feedback! I'm glad you find my videos authentic and helpful! The one small favor I can ask is: Please share my videos (or channel) with other people that can benefit from them. 🙏
Thank you Guy for your great review! Cool to see an actual review of someone with severe hearing loss, rather than seeing reviews of people who don’t have hearing loss and trying these out. 😅
I’ve been using this hearing aid (pretty severe hearing loss in 1 ear) for a month now and I’m also very happy with the quality of the sound and a bit of reduction in tinnitus.
I am struggling though with the spheric function and it seems like I’m the only one that can’t get it to work to the level I want.. the function works great in noise reduction but I find that the speech I want to hear in these situations is tinny (?)/mechanical - which impacts speech clarity drastically. Example situation: having lunch with my team in a big open space at work. Maybe its the locations with bad echoes idk?
Do you have any advice how to adjust my settings to enhance speech during these situations?
And how would I change these settings as well when it automatically kicks in (instead of choosing a scenario in the app)?
@k.anonymous - Thanks for your feedback! To adjust how the HA sound to you, as far as I know, you either have to have a manual sphere program that you can adjust yourself to your liking (my recommendation) or have your audiologist make adjustments for you. The problem is that your audiologist adjustments would apply globally or only to the automatic sphere. The reason I think you should have manual programs is you'd be able to quickly test different settings until you're happy, and you'll not be dependent on anyone else. I have 2 separate sphere programs that I adjusted to different situations.
If you go the manual program route, then click the Adjust Program button and "play" with the settings there. The equalizer will help you configure how things sound to you, while the other settings will allow you to configure how the program is working (e.g. wide or narrow speech focus, level of noise reduction). Hopefully, you'll find this helpful. 👍
@k.anonymous - If you need more help configuring setting, feel free to contact me directly or schedule a free appointment and we can go from there.
calendly.com/hearing-care-channel/free-tinnitus-coaching
Great review form someone who actually has hearing loss and understands the problems, like you I have severe hearing loss. I have had my infinio sphere aids for a month now and they are the best aids I have had in the 20 years that I have been wearing aids. With reference to your custom spheric programme, is it really necessary to do this in a noisy environment? I have made my own custom spheric programme by selecting the 'Spheric speech in loud noise' programme and simply tapping on 'adjust programme' which keeps the spheric function when saved. Love your dedication and great videos, I have subscribed.
Thank you @Ian...! 🙏 I agree, best aids I ever used throughout the years! In your case, it seems your audiologist already created this program for you, and thus you didn't have to do it yourself. Good job on their part. 👍
Great video!!!
Thank you @eddieashley1553! Your feedback means a lot to me!
My Update: First pair of I90 sphere HA, I could NOT get to go into Sphere mode no matter what I tried... sent them back. they sent me another pair..... now the first set had software version of 1.0.12.0. the second set had a software version 1.0.13.0. This version HAS pre-configured settings with the SPHERE function defined... BUT that preset did NOT show up on the app when installed.... My Audiologist had to call Phonak and their tech showed him how to implement the SPHERE settings to show up on the app. SO if your having issues with sphere, check your software version and if necessary have your audiologist update the firmware and then direct the app to show it as a setting for the HA'ds...
Good information, @sablemountain, thanks for sharing!
I just checked and I'm on 1.0.12.0. Maybe this is why I had to create the conditions of sphere speech before I could create a manual program. 🤔
@@HearingCare-Channel I've now found that mine are 1.0.13.0 from new 3 weeks ago but wasn't convinced that they were going into Sphere mode when in noise (didn't know you could check if activated as shown in video) so I've had the Sphere mode added to the mode list in app so I can put it into action prior to entering noisy areas. Hope it works!!
Great info about how to create a manual sphere program. Thanks Guy.
Just a question if you won't mind.
Do you switch the manual sphere program by pushing the HA buttons or do you use
the phone App for that? I find that ever time I use the App I needs to reconnect to the HA.
@Klaas_H Thanks for your feedback! It's very easy and convenient to do via the buttons. Just 1 long press up and you're on the first manual program, which for me is the sphere program. Then 1 long press down and I'm back to Automatic. 👍 I don't have any manual programs other than 2 variations of the sphere program, so it's pretty easy to make the switch.
I’ve been trying these for about a month and I’m not getting the results you talk about. My audiologist said that it’s a know Phonak issue that the auto sense is slow to kick in. I’ve not had them switch ever switch into sphere mode even in loudest situations. She set up a program for speech in loud noise. This helps but I’m not sure it’s Sphere mode. I don’t think it ever automatically changes to any program. What gives, do I need a different audiologist or am I expecting too much
Hey @maxalligood4502, first, did you or the audiologist create a manual sphere program? A manual program will allow you to "force" the HA into this mode, and if you activate it in noisy environment with speech around you, you'll most likely notice the difference. Second, if you're in a really noisy restaurant or coffee shop, and you're engaging in conversation (continuous back and forth), then the HA should activate the sphere function.
I did hear about some people having issues with this, and they end up replacing the HA for new ones to resolve the issue (free, of course). I don't have an idea of how often this happens, but from what I know, I don't think it's very common. You can see the example environment I used in this and the previous Phonak Sphere video.
So, bottom line, you're not expecting too much (!) and get a manual sphere program set up, so you could at least experience it this way. Please let me know if you have any other questions or how you feel after experiencing the sphere function. 👍
@ she did set up a manual program, but Phonak promo literature claims auto switching for loud noise, tv, music. Recently I attended a holiday dinner with over 40 people, it was loud and the auto never kicked in. The opposite happened, it was unbearably loud in auto. Seemed to amplify everything.
@@maxalligood4502 What you're describing seems to be either "lemon" hearing aids or a serious setup issue. This should definitely not be your experience! I'd go back to your audiologist and explain all the challenges. Again, this is not normal.
hi, thank you for sharing this information. I have an old pair of Bernafons and need to replace them. I have some questions
- It sounds like you are constantly modifying the settings... don't you find this annoying or frustrating?
- I'm in the US... where did you buy them?
- How much did they cost?
- I guess you are using a phone app to modify your settings. I have an Android. What kind of phone do you have?
Hi @dicey7890,
- No, I do not constantly switch between programs. It's important to set a few programs you can switch to quickly as needed, but on a typical day, that may happen 1-2 times. Having programs that are tuned to you and your needs in advance is important to your success with the HA. Some days, you may not even touch any programs, and some days you'll switch 1-3 times. 😁
- I'm in the USA as well (CO). I bought them using remote-service model (i.e. I do adjustments via phone+app meetings). Is this service model OK for you, or you prefer to work with local audiologist?
- You can get them for around $3600 - 4600 depending on service model.
- I have an Android as well. Phonak is one of those companies that work really well with Android. 👍
Let me know if you have any other questions.
best,
Guy.
@dicey7890 - I got notification for your reply, but I can't find the comment anywhere. Maybe you deleted it? In any case, you need to select a company with good reviews and that have done this kind of business and service for a while. Write to me directly at my email address and I'll send you some recommendations.
I experienced sudden severe hearing loss in one ear and tinnitus just over a year ago and got my first hearing aid, sphere i90 with molded ear buds, yesterday. My followup is in 2 weeks. In noisier environments today, I can hear well but there is a mechanical noise that happens within people speaking to me, me speaking, or say dishes clattering. This isn't happening at home but at a show and at a restaurant. It never went into a mode that had the name sphere but I could understand speech I would not have understood so easily without. Is there a mechanical sound from the microphone that is normal to occur with some sounds? Also, I am hopeful this will help my distressing tinnitus sound which is accentuated by loud backgrounds because it has noise cancellation. I did not experience that sound today but it only happens in noisier busier situations. Thank you for your videos. It is the first channel I've found with this kind of information.
@vikigossen1578 - Thanks for your feedback! 🙏 Just to make sure I follow/respond correctly, you only have 1 hearing aid, or a pair? It's not completely clear from your description. The mechanical noise can be a few different things, but most likely simple things not set up 100% properly since you just got and started using these HA. Don't worry about this too much. Write a concise and clear log of where/when you had different issues and what were the issues. Your audiologist will take all that information and adjust the program/s and/or HA fitness for you. This should take care of most issues, but you may need to do another adjustment as you're exposing yourself to more situations and environments. So all is normal. 😁 You can and should ask your audiologist to create a manual sphere program for you in case you want to use it. I gave a few examples of why you'd want this in my Phonak videos. You should absolutely stream tinnitus sound therapy through the HA when you're not exposed to noise. Also, just using the HA consistently day after day may reduce your tinnitus. All in all, you're heading to better health and reduced tinnitus. Check out the videos below for related information you asked about:
- ruclips.net/video/AgRvp3mxZYs/видео.html
- ruclips.net/video/7Szj7aKEsN8/видео.html
- ruclips.net/video/Ra3pehZRW4s/видео.html
@vikigossen1578 - Also, may I ask you to take 2 mins and fill this really quick questionnaire about what you'd like me to cover in the future? 🙏
go.yourtinnitusguy.com/suggestions 🙏
@ Correct. One ear hears as well as it always did and the other suddenly lost most hearing a year ago and got tinnitus, and it may lose the rest over the next year. I was supposed to get a CROS device but an audiologist suggested trying this new kind which seems like it's a much better solution even if only for months but maybe for a lot longer. I have 2 more audiologist visits in this trial period. They will help me, I just don't know what is normal and appreciate your info. Thanks for the links.
@@vikigossen1578 No worries! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'll be traveling for some days, but should have access. Will just take longer to respond, maybe. Just follow the trial process. I think you'll be happy with these HA. 👍
Curious how the Spheres do in windy environments. I like to hike and when trying the ric aids i get a lot of wid noise. Right now have fully in yhe ear and it takes pretty strong winds to get the same noise. Thanks!
Hi @pauljeran1226, this is one of the things I test on daily basis while I'm outside with my dog, or while hiking myself. I find the Sphere to be doing great in pretty windy situations, but 2 things to consider: 1) using the right domes for your hearing loss and ears is key, or if necessary for your hearing, using earmolds. 2) If you're trying to have a conversation with people in windy environment, activate the Sphere function. It's a day and night difference!
What's the range of hearing impaired they cover !? Is it suitable up to 100 dB?!
Hi @aliabdalnaser8297, they cover everything from mild to profound, so pretty much all ranges of normal hearing loss. However, when you get to 100db level, it's best that you work with an audiologist that can assess *all* your hearing challenges together in order to find the best approach for you specifically. This will includes domes, or more likely earmolds as well.
You can fit different power level receivers on the Sphere, but when you get to 100db, Phonak typically recommends dedicated aids such as the Naída Paradise. So, yes, it's possible, but the recommendation I'd give you is work closely with an audiologist.
@@HearingCare-Channel thanks a bunch 💛
Have you noticed they don’t automatically pair to a Bluetooth desk phone if you leave a room then return to your desk?
Hi @markhodgkinson151, I do not use a Bluetooth desk phone, so can't comment on that directly, however, since these HA do automatically connect to computers, TVs, and cellphone, my guess is that it's something about the phone you use rather than the HA themselves.
Do the HA reconnect automatically for you to other devices or your cellphone? If not, check this video for some settings you may want to change: ruclips.net/video/N48CrfUscBE/видео.html
If yes, then it's definitely something with this desk phone settings.
Guy, thank you very much for this and other videos. Extremely helpful. I'm new to hearing aids and would like to know if the process of fine-tuning them to your specific needs was difficult? Or is it more or less getting your audiogram on the HA and your good to go...?
You're very welcomed @george2036, and thank you for your feedback! First, you must work with an audiologist (remote or local model) to program the aids for you based on a (professional) hearing test. Then, you really want to pay attention to domes and make sure they fit your ears well. From there, it's just a matter of using them for some days, making adjustments (if needed), and continue enjoying them. I hope this answers your question. If not, please let me know.
I have a question: If you work in an open office, can you use these hearing aids for Teams calls? My current Phonak Audéo Paradise picks up all the surrounding noise and conversations through the microphone, making it hard for the person on the other end to understand me.
Hi @omidzadeh5778, yes, these HA will work perfectly in open-office environment. There are a couple of tricks to make sure people you communicate with over calls/meetings do not pick up noise around you. However, practically speaking, the best method is to use a dedicated mic instead of the one built into the HA. If you use a computer for video calls/meetings, you can select the mic that's connected to your computer as the input source. People on the other side of the call/meeting will thank you! If you're using your cellphone, then you can do the same by selecting the cell mic as the voice input source. However, if you're on calls a lot and cannot use your computer, I'd strongly recommend a portal mic that can connect to your cell and computer. This portable mic can attach to your shirt and provide high-quality voice input into your calls/meetings. I recently started to use the Hollyland Lark M2 and have nothing but good things to say about it. If you use this portable mic, it'll support your computer, cellphone, and allow you to walk and move away from your input source.
Well done
How do you know if the "spheric program" has been activated?
@debriley2880 - Watch at 6:00 😁
I’ve had mine for 2 months and they are great but ghe lack of s hearing loop gunction will bd improved once venues update their loop systems to enable yhe Infinio hearing aids to connect via their integrsted bluetooth functions.
Yes, agreed @ChrisBrummitt. But this should happen fairly quickly according to some sources I found. Towards or during the holidays, and into the 1st quarter on 2025, you should have good Auracast options around. Of course, it also depends if you live in/around a big city or rural area. Large population centers are likely to see this technology first, of course.
I have 1.12 software also got my set on Thursday. My Audiologist had to manually add in the Spheric program as I couldn’t see it the 1st day. I guess I’ll ask them to update the software in mine to .13
@redfox0099 - I'm still on 1.0.12.0. I'm not sure exactly what's changed. It's on my to-do list... 😁
Excellent explanation! I wonder how good it is to listen to music directly through the hearing aid with streaming. For context, I've never used a device with a Bluetooth connection, so this would be my first experience. What would you say it's like listening to music with phonak sphere? Would you say it’s very natural? (I have no idea what the natural sound of music is like, so I'm really curious)
Thank you @FiveKingsman! I'd say it's like listening to music with high quality headphones, so very good! Howeverrrrr, you need to make sure that the aids AND domes fit your hearing profile and ears. 😁 If the hearing aids are not configured properly, or the domes you use don't match your ears and sound preference, then you'll have bad experience. What's the level of your hearing loss?
Good to know! I'm pretty excited to try them out, I'm not gonna lie lol
I have the same hearing loss as you, however, I don't use domes. I grew up using ear molds as they are recommended for this type of hearing loss (considering that the right ear is severe to profound, although my left is moderate to severe). I will talk to my audiologist to make sure they fit the best way possible for me.
And thanks again for the response and the video, it really brings hope so that in the future anyone with hearing loss will be able to hear like anyone else (and Sphere is just one step closer to that)
@@FiveKingsman You're very welcomed! Exactly, I couldn't agree more.
In no way the Spheres sound „natural“ for, there’s a lack of lower frequencies, compared them with Airpods Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 10, wich are much better and cost only a tenth of the Spheres.
@@hartmuthillmann If you experienced this yourself, then I'd say your Spheres are not tuned properly to your hearing profile. Also, it could be that the domes you're using with them are not a good fit for your ear canal, or they're too worn down and need to be replaced.
Thank you. Excellent.
Thank you @grahamlucas1648! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
I'm considering buying the Phonak Sphere hearing aids online - you've sold me on them - but am not sure how then the physical fitting and real-ear measurements would go. Do you have any thoughts or insights you could share?
Hi @Quarantain, yes, just tell me the *general* area where you live. If you're in the continent USA, you can try working with ZipHearing (just tell them I mentioned them 😁). This will match you with a local audiologist after buying the HA online.
@@HearingCare-Channel Hi Guy, I'm situated in the Netherlands.
@@Quarantain You're much closer to Phonak (Stäfa, Switzerland) than I am! 😁 I'm not sure about deals in Europe, but I'd think you guys should have similar options. I know there's a company in Greece that is doing the remote model and they sell the aids for around $3600.
This is not verified, but I found the following information:
In the Netherlands, companies like Beter Horen offer a similar model to what ZipHearing provides in the USA. Beter Horen has over 200 locations across the Netherlands and works with certified audiologists to provide affordable hearing aids along with professional support. They allow customers to try hearing aids for free, offer personalized fitting, and provide ongoing care and services, such as maintenance and cleaning, similar to ZipHearing's approach of combining lower prices with local audiologist support.
@@HearingCare-Channel Thanks a lot for your thoughtful response Guy. I contacted Beter Horen and was first quoted a price of € 700 for the fitting to be then followed up with an incredulous explanation as to why they can't help me with Phonaks not purchased from them. According to staff I spoke, there is specific software in the Phonaks that are implemented at the place where I purchased the hearing aids which they are unable to access, not being the audiological settings. Now I'm not an audiologist or expert but that sure sounds like a lot of BS to me.
I 'm going to take my chances and just with the online HAs and no local support. How bad can the remote fitting and remote subsequent adjustments be, right?
Did you have local support?
@@Quarantain Total BS! Any audiologist that's authorized by Phonak is using their Target software to read and modify settings. I apologize. This is the only company I found in Europe. You can look up the company that's based around Greece. They do have good reviews, and their price is close to $3600. Please understand, however, that I do not have personal experience working with them. 🙏
I'm working with remote setting and adjustment, however, you should get a professional hearing test done so they can program the HA accurately for you. The company I'm working with sent me a mobile testing kit and I did a hearing test this way. I then sent them the mobile station back. This is in the USA, though.
@dannyturenne181 - Do you mind sharing some info on the company you're working with and how they handle hearing test? This would be community help. 😁❤
I now wear cross devices. But I'm considering buying the sphere instead of the cross, because of the missing second AI chip. Maybe I can use the table mic.
Hi @tinelchris, the Sphere model do not support CROS. 😔 You can go with the "regular" Infinio, but that model does not have the 2nd AI chip in it. Are you working with an audiologist?
@@HearingCare-Channel but the sphere is the big difference. I think it’s word to try them, even for me with my one-side deaf
I‘m testing Sphere I90 for several weeks now and have Bluetooth interruptions with my Apple TV every two or three minutes, so I can not confirm „strong Bluetooth“, sorry. Tested against two pairs of Apple Airpods which work flawless.
@hartmuthillmann First, you're comparing Apples and oranges.... 😉😂 But seriously now, remember that these HA keep 2 active connections at the same time, so if you don't want any interruptions while watching TV, for example, make sure to turn off Bluetooth on your cell (or whatever the other device is). If you're having a really important video call/meeting on your computer, again, turn off Bluetooth on your cell.
@ I tried that already, no effect, still interruptions to an amount of losing words and sentences from the movie. Unacceptable.
@@hartmuthillmann Yeah, agreed, that's not acceptable. You may need to "refresh" or reset your BT connection and test again. Essentially, this is done by unpairing/deleting all BT connection from all other devices including your cell phone to your HA. Then, restart both your HA and cellphone. Phonak Support has this procedure documented on their website, I believe. After the restart, first pair your cellphone and HA and test BT streaming this way. If all is good, then add 1 more device (e.g. TV) and test streaming as well. This should work in getting you quality and consistent streaming. If does not, then it's time to work with Phonak Support directly.
I'm currently wearing Rextons from Costco. I tried the Spheres for several weeks. Honestly they are very good and the app works well. However, I wear glasses and the Spheres are just too big and make my ears look like Dumbo. Vanity prevailed so they are going back. YMMV.
@thejmfloragroup haha I like your honesty! I just finished testing the Rexton Reach, actually. Very good HA. I'm working on publishing the video soon.
How do you create a sphere program?
@debriley2880 Watch this video (min 4:30)! 😁
Is there any programming available to extent battery life like with phones and laptops?
@Quarantain - Yes, the Automatic program. You should have no issue finishing a full day on 1 charge.
I'm concerned about the situation when the rechargeable batteries need replacement - let me call it the Tesla-scenario. Have you seen anything about that from Phonak? What will the costs be?
You're concerned about the environment, or about what will you do if the batteries cannot be charged anymore?
I'm not sure if I have a good answer for the environment. I'm hoping humanity will invent already a way to deal with all the trash that we're creating.
For the HA themselves, you'll have to go these aids for many, many years before the batteries will die on you. By that time, there will be many new technology advancements and you'll switch to newer HA.
Probably the question is the same I have. My Widex Moment have one battery that is good for around 8-10 hours. I was told they must be mailed in and the cost is $168 each.
@@sbukosky How long have you had these, and which specific model (440, 330, etc.)? If it's under 1y, you should have warranty cover issues with rechargeable batteries.
@ it’s been over two years. I think the 440. Sometimes I go back to my Sam’s Club Lucid aids that use #13 batteries that last several days. I’d rather use batteries but being as the Phonak charger itself is rechargeable, I’m getting the 90 and Roger One this Friday. I was supposed to get them this morning but the audiologist saw something in my ear. It was a dome jammed up against the ear drum. I had to go to urgent care to get it out and he had a hard time doing so. I expected to hear an improvement but there was none at all.
@@sbukosky Oh no, glad they noticed that dome! That could have created unnecessary complications. The Phonak HA will last you for a full day on 1 charge, and the charger does hold 3 full charges, so you'll be saying goodbye to batteries. 👍
Guy, a question..... when in default "Automatic - autosence 6.0" and you entered a noisy situation, did you hear the a distinct auto change in what the Sphere Infinio I90 was giving you.... Phonak supplier is sending me a replacment set because I questioned it's functionality.... tried your previous technique to "force sphere" and it didn't work, will try this technique as soon as the replacements arrive. So did the Sphere function ever kick in, in AUTOMATIC mode?
@sablemountain, yes, it does kick in automatically, and that's a requirement to create the manual program as well. Trust me, you're going to walk into a noisy environment **with speech around you**, and when the sphere chip kicks in it will blow your mind. You'll suddenly start to actually understand at least some of the speech around you, and specifically if someone is talking to you. There is no way you wouldn't notice that happening.
@@HearingCare-Channel So if I understand your instructions: Go to an environment (loud background) and have a discussion with someone near, until AUTOSENCE puts you in a SPHERE mode, then SAVE it. You will then have a "sphere mode" as an option to later change to. You can adjust it later as long as you have saved it. Correct?
@@sablemountain Exactly! 👍 Also, once you have 1 manual program, then you can copy it and adjust to different settings. For example, I have 1 sphere program focused right in front of for really noisy environments where I must look at the speaker. And another sphere program where Speech Focus is closer to mid settings to allow me to hear people around me. This is typically good for when you're dining outside with a group of people, or in an activity outside.
How do you find out the software version of the Audeo Spheres? Thanks.
You probably mean firmware. In the app, go to Devices tab on the bottom. Then click the Sphere aids under Product Information. 👍
@@HearingCare-Channel Hi Guy, found it ok. It's version 1.0.13.0 which I believe to be the latest version. I saw my Aud for the follow up appointment yesterday but forgot to check that with her. She did however add 'Spheric speech in loud noise' to my app mode list so that I can manually switch to that mode as needed. I note that that mode is also tweekable the same as the others. Glad I found your vid and comments, they have added to the info given by my aud and enhanced my use of these amazing aids! Cheers Richard.
@@RichardMower Glad to read this! Happy I was able to help/support your experience with these aids.
Regarding speech clarity personal setting do i need to adjust the speech equalizer or the clarity equalizer only on autosense ? Does it makes benefits ?
Hey @Jack-mu4iv, since these kind of things are so personal and dependent on different situations, I'd recommend trying 1 first. Use it for a while and see how you feel. Then, if needed, trying a different setting, use it for a while..... You get the process, right? Just try and see what works. You can also save different custom programs with different settings so that you can change between them while in the same environment, and see what works best for you.
Im confused in what Autosense is supposed to do . For example if I walk into a coffee shop the aids will switch to sphere mode in seconds or minutes later? I cant edit Autosense sphere only done by audiologist.
@jonlandroid4839 - The Automatic program is the kind of the same thing as Autosense. In the app, you see it as Automatic. When you're in noise environment AND being spoken to or listening to speech around you (close), the automatic program should activate the sphere AI chip that will help you understand speech. This happens within seconds of these conditions being met. You can create this program manually as I show in this video, but if you're having hard time, your audiologist should be able to help you.
I am having trouble getting the Automatic mode to switch on spherical mode. For example, I went in a small room with a surround sound speaker system (5 speakers all around the room) and talked there with my wife with a racket all around us, and all I could get from the Automatic mode was “Speech in noise”. Do you have some suggestions to trigger Spherical mode?
Update: I did manage to get the Spherical mode as described here. I did it by using my 5.1 home surround system to imitate surrounding noise and holding an iPad talking to me close to my ears while in Automatic mode. So now I have a “Spheric speech in lo” option as described here. Also as here, my battery life dropped to 6 hours from 16 hours. However, selecting this mode has no effect. Suggesting my hearing aids are not working properly.
Yes @johnbrews9724, go to a busy coffeeshop, bar or a restaurant *and have a real conversation* with people in that environment. 😁
@johnbrews9724 - What do you mean "selecting this mode has no effect"? No effect on what? You got to have speech around you and specifically with you while in a noisy environment. Otherwise, you wouldn't feel a meaningful improvement. Also, what is the level of your hearing loss?
I will follow your suggestion to use a real conversation in background noise instead of my artificial environment using my surround sound 5.1 speaker system - I’ll report back after that.
I went to a noisy restaurant with two other people. I switched on the spheric mode manually back and forth. Speech was definitely clearer with this mode; background noise was reduced. The effect was not nearly as pronounced as shown in the Phonak video, which was probably with the hearing aids tuned accurately to their example. But the result was noticeable.
Did you have REM? which acoustic coupling yiu have wirh what diameter?
@Pro_User_HA, did you see my response yesterday? It's on your original question below.
@@HearingCare-Channel, yes, I have just responded :) Been little off RUclips.
@@Pro_User_HA I don't see the response either but I wore my Spheres for several weeks and then did the REM refitting. It made quite a bit of difference for me. I know many practitioners are reluctant to take the time and may not have the equipment but considering what we pay, I would demand it.
@@kshermy, yes, the fitting with REM can provide even 10 dB in higher frequencies compared to the non-REM fitting.
@@Pro_User_HA What is REM?
Why does Phonak not give any instructions on how to use the Sphere model! There information pamphlet that come with the devices not even mention the word “Sphere”. You are the first person to explain that every individual Sphere setting must be done on the spot where you need to adapt the sphere setting. Hardly user friendly. The PR Phonak videos are misleading making it appear that poof it happens automatically. Have you been able to replicate the settings that miraculously appear on the PR video in a restaurant?
@barrysterry5435 - You must be using the Automatic program, which is kind of the same thing as Autosense (in the app, you see it as Automatic). When you're in noisy environment *AND* being spoken to or listening to speech around you (close), the automatic program should activate the sphere AI chip that will help you understand speech. But I already received feedback from quiet a few of you that this is not happening automatically. I'm assuming Phonak will fix issues as quickly as they can and released a new firmware that will address this activation issues. Meanwhile, you can use my method to create a manual program. 👍
Sorry for asking: is your review sponsored by Phonak in any way ?
Nope! These are devices I actually bought for my own use due to my severe hearing loss.
I watched your video last week and I ordered mine. Wii get them a week from today.