I’m coming up on my 3-year “opportunity to upgrade” my HA with my insurance plan. Currently I’m using Phonak Lumity 70, and I am pretty comfortable continuing with Phonak. I’m not having a particularly hard time hearing in noisy environments, but that may be due to my not being in them very often. I notice I’m missing more lately in movie theaters or in some face-to-face conversations. I’ve noticed the Infinio Sphere HA are quite large compared to my Lumity, and my Marvels before them, and that does not appeal to me. Are the NON-Sphere Infinio similar in size to my Lumity HA? I do have to pay an out-of-pocket charge for the 70 or 90 level. What are your thoughts on my options? Are the Spheres that much of an improvement to upgrade?
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I think the sound quality on the Infinio is nicer than the Lumitys in general. Some say not but to me they sound a lot more natural.
BT connectivity is also more stable in my experience and my perception was that mic handling and wind noise was a little better. I think the battery also lasts longer if I recall correctly.
As to whehter you need sphere mode or not, this really depends on your situation. If you do use Sphere mode, it’s best used in noisy situations where you are trying to hone in on a single or group of speakers. Face to face conversations unless a very noisy place I imagine you wouldn’t really turn it on. Not to say you can’t, you absolutely can if set up correctly, just not sure you would. In movie theathers if you turn on spheric you’ll block out most of the movie and just hear bits of the speech.
If you’re having problems in movie theatres, I’d suggest maybe looking into a Roger accessory for your Phonaks and asking the theatre if they have a hearing loop system as you can plug directly into that.
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It’s up to you, if you want to get the most out of your hearing aids then it shouldn’t be a problem to buy them. You said you’re not in too many noisy places, maybe you should hold out for 2 years because then a new version will come out that will correct the shortcomings of the Sphere version and bring improvements in terms of energy saving, etc. Judge for yourself whether you want to wait 2 years or buy the Sphere now.
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One of the nice things about the Sphere’s is the extra battery life. If you don’t use the AI Spheric mode, the batteries will last you two days between charges. Bluetooth is also better along with improvements to AutoSense too. The charger also has a battery which provides a few charges without power.
That being said, the new Spheric noise program is game changing when you go into a noisy restaurant.
Jordan
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Thanks for your thoughtful responses. I’ll have to get my co-pay estimate before deciding since I know I’ll want the 70 or 90 level. Still to be answered: Are the NON-Sphere HA smaller than the Sphere version? Are they similar in size to the Lumity?
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I was just down to my old office. The “New” owner (20 years now) told me he is using more Oticon than Phonak. The size is smaller and patients seem happier with the performance. Just a second hand report, but when you mentioned size was an issue I thought of that recent conversation.
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If memory serves, the regular Infinio are about the same size as Lumity. however I didn’t find the spheres to be as big as is being made out. I don’t wear glasses but I did wear headphones over them a lot of the time and felt no difference. People also said they could only see them when they looked really closely.
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I switched from the Lumity L90’s to the Infinio L90’s and it was money well spent. I’ve had the Lumity since April and I tried the Infinio and kept them. I had to pay it all out of pocket. It was still worth it. Once all of the adjustments were made I like them as well or better at home but in a crowd there is no comparison. I can hear people talking around me that others, with ha’s, miss. It did take a few adjustments but I love them.
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Are your Infinio Sphere or NON-Sphere, and how does the size compare to your previous Lumity HA?
Thanks.
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The spheres. They are larger for sure but it didn’t take long for me to get used to them. Battery life is so much better. I had a lot of reservations but I’m glad I got them. I still could send them back but I’m keeping them even though I have to pay for them out of pocket.
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Thanks for your comment.
When I started reading about lumity hearing aids I wished my Paradise P90Rs were as good. Now the next model is out.
I think the Sphere ha are much better again.
It’s good to see good results with new models of hearing aids.
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For movie theaters, I find the captioning devices you can check out is the most help.
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Last time I used one at the movie theater it ran out of juice 15 minutes in. So annoying! I ended up watching dialogue on my cell phone with the brightness turned way down, using LiveTranscribe.
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I know. Lots of problems with the caption devices. When I ask for one I always ask for fresh batteries. But I still got one one time that was set for the wrong theater in a multiplex!
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Look at the new Resound Nexia. Smallest BTE hearing aid made with the very latest technology. You spoke of movie theaters. The new Nexia has aurocast that eventually all theaters ,concerts, and events will broadcast directly to your hearing aid. I have very bad hearing and went with the Nexia even though audiologist recommended Phonak. I couldn’t be happier my choice. If you never did it check out Dr cliff on utube. An audiologist in Arizona that gives honest reviews on all hearing aids.
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I appreciate your suggestion. I do watch Dr. Cliff and that’s how I got into Phonak, starting with Marvel to my current Lumity. I had to laugh when he was demonstrating the Sphere and commenting on the size when they clearly made his ears stick out. I’ve got big-enough ears as they are! I will look at other HAs, especially since my own provider (mandated by my insurance) is not “expert” at fitting Phonak. I’ll see if she’s familiar with Nexia and Oticon. Meanwhile, she’s having a Phonak training the day before my next appointment, so it should be interesting.
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And this just in from my provider: “I just received an email this morning stating that non-Signia, Rexton or Widex devices now have a price increase effective 01/06/2025. I need to figure out how much Phonak products will now be with your benefits.”
Ugh!
Stay tuned!
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Please look at Dr Cliffs review on the resound Nexia. I think you will be impressed.
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IN fairness the Phonak Infinio range will also support aurocast via LE audio after a firmware update as far as I’m aware.
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And Signia/Rexton as well, lots of choices.