For over 75 years, Phonak has been dedicated to improving the lives of people with hearing loss. They have consistently pushed the boundaries of hearing technology to provide better hearing performance and speech understanding for their users. This year, Phonak has introduced a new platform called Lumity, which aims to improve speech understanding in all environments.
The Importance of Speech Understanding
Speech understanding is essential for communication and overall well-being. It allows individuals to connect with others, participate in social activities, and perform well in their work or studies. Speech understanding is also critical for safety, as it allows individuals to hear important sounds, such as alarms or approaching vehicles.
Phonak recognizes the significance of speech understanding and has made it one of their top priorities. In fact, speech understanding is among the top six areas of patient value, according to a recent survey by Phonak.
The Features of Phonak Lumity
Phonak Lumity is a feature-rich product packed with industry-leading technology. It is the first rechargeable-only product line with upgraded AutoSense OS 5.0, which is the key ingredient to the cake that orchestrates the features that illuminate speech.
One of the most significant additions to Lumity is the SmartSpeech Technology, which uses artificial intelligence to improve speech understanding in noisy environments. It works in conjunction with the myPhonak app, which allows users to customize their hearing experience and adjust the settings to their liking.
Lumity also has an established foundation of sound quality and hearing performance. It uses Phonak’s signature technology, such as the UltraZoom and SoundRecover2, to provide the best possible hearing performance.
AutoSense OS 5.0
AutoSense OS 5.0 is the driving force behind Lumity’s speech understanding capabilities. It is the result of decades of machine learning and uses 700 scans per second to select the best settings for the user’s environment.
AutoSense OS 5.0 smartly blends features and uses a game model to provide a seamless listening experience. It balances comfort features, such as wind noise reduction and feedback cancellation, with SmartSpeech technology to improve speech understanding in noisy environments.
Two New Features for Hearing in Noisy Environments
Phonak recognizes that noisy environments are the most challenging for individuals with hearing loss. That’s why they have introduced two new features to improve hearing in noisy environments: StereoZoom 2.0 and SpeechSensor.
StereoZoom 2.0
StereoZoom 2.0 is a feature that provides smooth activation in diffuse noise. It adapts to increasing noise levels and increases the strength of the beam former with the myPhonak app. It also reduces listening effort with dynamic noise cancellation (DNC) and a speech focus slider.
The benefits of reducing listening effort are numerous. It allows users to concentrate on the conversation instead of struggling to hear. It also reduces mental fatigue and increases the overall quality of life.
SpeechSensor
SpeechSensor is a feature that provides directionality in noisy environments. It uses AutoSense OS to constantly monitor the environment and provides a 360-degree picture of the noise level, speech to noise ratio, and direction of the loudest speech sound.
The benefits of SpeechSensor are significant. It allows users to focus on the conversation they want to hear, even in the most challenging environments. It also reduces listening effort and mental fatigue, making it easier to connect with others and enjoy life.
In conclusion, Phonak has been a leader in hearing technology for over 75 years, and Lumity is a testament to their commitment to innovation. That is why it is high on my recommend hearing aid list for this year.