What’s behind Phonak’s leadership in connectivity?
In a recent benchmarking study, hearing care professionals rated Phonak as the clear leader in connectivity. This article explores the features and design principles that make Phonak’s approach both practical for patients and meaningful in clinical care.
For many people with hearing loss, the ability to connect seamlessly to the world around them (whether through phone calls, TV, group conversations, or virtual meetings) is no longer an ‘extra’, but an expectation.
As listening environments and communication platforms grow more complex, hearing aid connectivity has become a critical part of what makes hearing care successful.
In a recent independent benchmarking study*, hearing care professionals rated Phonak as the clear leader in hearing aid connectivity. This recognition reflects not just technical performance, but the extent to which Phonak’s connectivity features meet the practical needs of both patients and clinicians.
Universal connectivity as a foundation
At the core of Phonak’s approach is universal Bluetooth® connectivity. Phonak hearing aids are designed to connect directly to a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices: smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and more. This gives users the freedom to stay connected in the ways that matter most to them, without added complexity.
The benefit of universal connectivity isn’t just about convenience. For many users, being able to take a call on the go, join a video conference, or stream music from a personal device creates a sense of normalcy and empowerment. It allows people to communicate on their own terms, using familiar technology in familiar settings, without limitations.
For professionals, this means fewer barriers to adoption and fewer support issues over time. Patients can use their existing devices, with minimal extra training or equipment, which leads to smoother integration into daily life.
Multifunctionality that supports real-world use
Phonak hearing aids are not only connectable, but they’re also multifunctional. A single device can function as a hearing aid, hands-free headset, and wireless audio receiver. Features like tap control, simultaneous connection to multiple devices, and direct streaming enhance both independence and communication in everyday situations.
These capabilities are not theoretical. In day-to-day use, they help wearers stay present in conversations while keeping their hands free, switch between work and personal devices without hassle, and access streamed content more easily. Whether it’s a student streaming audio from a laptop during a lecture or an older adult taking a phone call while walking outdoors, multifunctional connectivity meets people where they are.
Clinical relevance and simplicity
While advanced connectivity is a strength, it must also be reliable and easy to manage. Phonak’s systems are designed to integrate smoothly into clinical workflows and user habits. This includes thoughtful features like automatic connection switching, clear pairing instructions, and compatibility across mobile platforms.
From a clinical standpoint, the goal is not to offer the most complex or technical feature set, but the most usable one. When patients can connect with minimal effort and stay connected without ongoing troubleshooting, it leads to higher satisfaction and fewer clinic visits for support.
These elements contribute directly to outcomes. Patients who feel empowered by their hearing technology are more likely to wear their hearing aids consistently, use them in varied settings, and report better quality of life. Connectivity, when done well, enhances not only the hearing experience but also user engagement.
A platform built for the future
As the way people communicate continues to evolve, hearing aid connectivity will only become more important. Whether it’s responding to increased virtual interaction, new streaming platforms, or the integration of health-related features, hearing technology must remain flexible and forward-compatible.
Phonak’s leadership in this space is built not only on its technology, but on the intention behind it: to create solutions that adapt to people’s lives and help them participate fully. That’s what meaningful connectivity looks like, and why it remains central to Phonak’s innovation strategy.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in how Phonak Audéo™ Infinio supports everyday patient outcomes through robust and reliable connectivity, follow the link below.
Learn more about Phonak Infinio.
* Sonova proprietary research. (2025). Project ID# 4759 Please contact marketinsight@phonak.com if you are interested in further information.