Hearing care professionals often face challenges when trying to evaluate and compare performance claims across hearing aid brands. Andrew Bellavia speaks with Michael Preuss, Audiology Manager at Sonova, about Phonak’s approach to validating its claims through objective, lab-based methods designed to better reflect real-world listening environments.Preuss explains how Phonak uses a 12-speaker array and ambisonic sound recordings to simulate complex acoustic settings like cafés and dinner parties—scenarios where traditional test setups fall short. He also outlines the development of Sphere mode, powered by a deep neural network (DNN), and how it differs from directional microphone technology. The conversation underscores a broader call for industry-wide standardization to support more informed clinical decision-making.

• Paper: What is behind the numbers? Understanding how quality, robust evidence is achieved through realistic technical assessments. https://www.phonak.com/content/dam/phonak/en/evidence-library/white-paper/technical-paper/PH_Insight_StudySpotlight_210x297_EN_028-2716-02_V1.00.pdf
• Background on how manikins are used in hearing aid performance assessments: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abellavia_hearingaids-hearingloss-audiology-activity-7224045390709321728-ZwGi
• Exploring Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio launch https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/2024/phonak-infinio-hearing-aids-review/

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