Phonak EON or EON Sphere? Here's What Actually Changes

Phonak EON or EON Sphere? The short version: the Sphere adds a second AI chip for speech in noise. The EON gives you the longer battery. Dr. Mandy Rounseville-Norgaard, AuD is a licensed audiologist at Audiology Associates in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Miramar Beach, Florida. She has worn hearing aids herself since age 3. In this update she walks through Phonak's two newest hearing aids, the Audeo EON and the Audeo EON Sphere, and what actually separates them once you get past the marketing. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN What the second chip in the EON Sphere actually does, and when it matters Why the EON Sphere is physically bigger and thicker than the EON How the AI chip classifies music, speech and ambient noise to cut listening effort Which technology levels both models come in, premium down to entry level Real battery numbers: 38 hours on the EON, less on the EON Sphere What Auracast is, and why it is not replacing the telecoil in airports and courthouses Classic Bluetooth vs low energy MFi, and the hands-free trade-off Why these are already running low on stock CHAPTERS 0:00 Phonak just released two new hearing aids 0:24 EON vs EON Sphere: what is actually different 0:56 Why the EON Sphere is bigger and thicker 1:16 What the AI chip does for speech in noise 1:33 Every technology level, 90 down to 30 1:50 Battery life: 38 hours on the EON 2:11 Auracast is here, and it is not replacing the telecoil 2:41 Classic Bluetooth vs the low energy MFi trade-off 3:05 Almost out of stock, and how to hear them yourself WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU If most of your hard listening happens in restaurants, meetings and group conversation, the EON Sphere is the one built for that. If you mostly need all-day wear and streaming, the EON gives you the longer run time. Both come across the full range of technology levels, so the tier you pick is a separate decision from the chip. ABOUT DR. MANDY Dr. Mandy Rounseville-Norgaard, AuD has practiced audiology for over 15 years and has worn hearing aids since she was 3. She reviews every major brand from both sides of the chair. BOOK A HEARING TEST Sioux Falls, SD 4948 E. 57th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-306-3050 siouxfallsaudiologyassociates.com Miramar Beach, FL 42 Business Centre Dr, Unit 306, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-517-6977 miramarbeachaudiologyassociates.com SUBSCRIBE New hearing aid reviews every week. Hit subscribe and the bell so you see the next model as soon as it drops. COMMON QUESTIONS What is the difference between the Phonak EON and the EON Sphere? The EON Sphere carries a second, dedicated AI chip for speech clarity in noise. The EON has the standard chip only. It still analyzes your environment automatically, it just does not run the AI speech processing. That one chip drives every other difference: size, thickness and battery. Is the Phonak EON Sphere smaller than the last Sphere? Yes. The previous round of Sphere hearing aids were noticeably thick. Phonak has shrunk the size on this generation. It is still a little thicker than the EON without the Sphere, because the second chip has to live somewhere. How long does the Phonak EON battery last? You get up to 38 hours on the EON. The EON Sphere runs a bit less than that, because the AI chip draws more power. Streaming time also runs a little better on the EON than on the EON Sphere. Does the Phonak EON have Auracast? Yes. Phonak has come on board with Auracast, the next generation of direct connection in public places. It is not replacing the telecoil in airports and courthouses. It is an updated way to get audio sent straight into your hearing aids in those spaces. Does the Phonak EON still have classic Bluetooth? Yes. Phonak kept classic Bluetooth, so you can connect directly to your phone or computer and be hands-free. Most other manufacturers use low energy MFi instead, which is not truly hands-free but gives you longer battery life. Phonak says it still gets solid battery life on classic Bluetooth. What technology levels do the EON and EON Sphere come in? Both come in the same range: 90, 70, 60, 50 and 30. That takes you from high-end premium down to basic entry level, so the tier you pick is separate from whether you choose the Sphere. #PhonakEON #HearingAids #Auracast #Audiologist #HearingLoss DISCLAIMER This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and it is not a substitute for evaluation, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed hearing care provider. Product specifications come from the manufacturer and are subject to change. Talk with your audiologist about what fits your hearing, your ears and your life.