The Philips HearLink 9030 may no longer be available. Check out the newer Philips HearLink.
Philips HearLink 9030 Hearing Aids From Costco
Reviews and Prices
Some models of the Philips HearLink 9030 (or HearLink 30 Series) hearing aids may no longer be available. Please check out the newer Philips HearLink 9040 and HearLink 40 Series.
In early 2021, Philips introduced its next generation of hearing aids, the HearLink 30 series. HearLink is sold exclusively through Costco hearing aid centers starting at $1,799 per pair, including charger. The hearing aids are manufactured by Demant, the Danish parent company of other hearing aid brands such as Oticon, Bernafon, and Sonic and one of the largest hearing aid manufacturers in the world.
As with the previous generations of HearLink hearing aids (20 and 10 series), several Behind-The-Ear (BTE) styles are available to accommodate a wide range of hearing losses. There are four models to choose from and include two MiniRITE (Receiver-In-The-Ear) models, one with a telephone coil (T-coil) and one without.
Also available is a MiniRITE T R which is the rechargeable option and is standard with a T-coil. It also has an LED on the casing to indicate battery and charging status. The MiniRITE styles are all appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses. Finally, a power BTE with a standard 13 battery is available and is suitable for severe to profound hearing losses.
With each of these models 3 different technology tiers are available: 9030, 7030, 5030. The higher the number, the higher the level of technology and the higher the price point. All models are standard with directional microphones and onboard controls. Custom hearing aid options are not available, at least at this time.
The new 30 series incorporates technology carried over from the previous generation including binaural program/volume control syncing, multi-channel, automatic and adaptive directional microphones, wind noise reduction, and transient noise reduction among other features. However, the company has improved upon the previous generation of its products introducing technology seen in other products in the hearing aid marketplace including those made by Oticon and Bernafon.
Philips HearLink MiniRITE T R.
What we love about Philips 9030
Limitations
As always, discuss your hearing healthcare options with a professional. You will want to make sure that any technology you choose is appropriate for your hearing loss, your symptoms as well as your lifestyle and listening needs. There are many choices available so be sure to work with a professional who will take the time to discuss your needs and answer your questions.
Philips hearing aids.
New to Philips hearing aids
- New connectivity options with both Apple and new Android™ streaming capabilities
- Improved noise reduction via their SoundMap2
- New redesigned domes
- Improved smart phone app (HearLink app)
- New remote care options
- New portable charger
SoundTie 2
SoundTie 2 is Philips’ name for their connectivity features. New to their lineup is the ability to connect to Android devices via the ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) protocol and utilizes the latest Bluetooth® Low Energy platform. Their previously available Apple connectivity also remains. What this means for you is that you can stream phone calls from your compatible phone directly to your hearing aids (both ears in a binaural fit) and also stream audio from other iOS and Android devices (compatible devices) such as tablets and computers.
The HearLink devices also integrate binaural coordination meaning that a change on one hearing aid will affect both. For example, if you press the program or volume change button on one hearing aid, the same change will occur in the other hearing aid.
SoundMap 2
SoundMap 2 is the name given to HearLink’s sound processing system which contains several key components including a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) based noise reduction feature, multi-channel amplification and feedback cancellation. Philips claims that this SoundMap 2 provides “50% higher frequency resolution” which means that they have increased the number of channels from 16 to 24 in the highest tier of technology. For those not familiar with the term “channel” you can think of it much like an equalizer where frequency shaping can occur but there’s also additional sound processing within the channel.
Increasing the number of channels can provide additional control and allow for discreet changes within those channels. In other words, it allows for a bit more precision for features such as compression, noise reduction and feedback control.
Speech Clarifier is another new feature that is part of SoundMap2. Essentially, Speech Clarifier will boost amplification in the channels where speech is the dominant signal while the noise reduction and directional systems will minimize amplification in channels that are dominantly noise. The intent is to improve upon the clarity of speech in noisy environments by basically ensuring that when the Speech Clarifier is on, the speech signal isn’t reduced as much by directionality or noise reduction in a given channel. So, for those who prefer the most noise reduction possible for improved comfort, your Hearing Care Professional (HCP) may actually turn this feature off. However, for those that have a higher tolerance for background noise, this feature may allow for more of the speech signal to come through the processing.
SoundMap 2 also includes an enhanced noise reduction system utilizing AI. This means that the noise reduction system learns over time as part of an iterative process to adapt the noise reduction dependent on your environments. Put simply, this means it continues to learn and adjust over time improving upon initial changes. In theory, this is better than just a simple fixed noise reduction system and should provide a more comfortable listening experience for you.
The feedback system within SoundMap 2 appears to remain the same but the company notes that they have improved upon their domes introducing a new “OpenBass” dome. These domes are intended to minimize feedback by way of a improved venting design within the domes.
Improved HearLink Connect App
The new smartphone app incorporates the now available remote care feature allowing you to communicate from with your HCP from the comfort of your home. The new app also has a new streaming equalizer allowing you to change the frequency response of streamed audio. This additional control may help improve clarity and the overall preferred sound quality of the streamed signal. Also, common to most hearing aids apps, the HearLink Connect app provides controls for program and volume changes as well as providing battery status and a “find my hearing aids” feature. You also have access to a library of helpful documents or access to videos.
In addition, the HearLink Connect app will allow you to connect to networked devices within your home. Referred to as “If This Then That” (IFTTT), this feature can, for example, be connected to your home security system to provide a notification through your hearing aids if an alarm is set. You can also use it to set reminders to take medication for example. Essentially, you can connect your hearing aids to any internet connected device allowing for notifications within your hearing aid. This is definitely a “cool” feature and you may find it beneficial if you consider yourself tech savvy.
It should be noted that some complaints on forums indicate that the HearLink Connect app has difficulty maintaining a connection to Bluetooth devices and that this is particularly problematic with Android smart phones. You should discuss this potential downside with your HCP to see if the problems have been resolved.
Remote Fitting Service
Remote care is available through the Philips HearLink Connect app but is only available in this latest generation of products (30 series) with Bluetooth connectivity. It allows you to communicate with your HCP by video/audio or chat and your HCP can make real time adjustments to the hearing aids during the session. Please note you must request an invitation from your HCP to take part in a remote fitting session.
Remote fitting options provide the advantage of not having to go into the provider’s office to get hearing aid adjustments. For those who struggle with transportation issues or who live at a significant distance from the provider, or who simply prefer not to go in person to an appointment, the remote fitting service can prove invaluable. However, if this is a feature you believe you would like to take advantage of, you should discuss with your HCP about the actual availability of this service. Keep in mind that Philips hearing aids are only sold at Costco hearing aid centers and it is not known how and to what degree this service has been integrated into their business model.
Portable Charger
In addition to their standard charger, a new portable charger is also available at an additional cost. If you chose the MiniRITE T R it will come standard with the original plug-in charger. The new smaller, portable charger once fully charged itself, allows for 3 hearing aid charging cycles before needing to be plugged in again. The portable charge is helpful when traveling, camping or otherwise when power may be inconsistent.
Accessories
Several accessories are available for the Philips HearLink hearing aids including a TV adaptor, a simple remote control and an Audio Clip. These accessories are available at an additional charge from your HCP. However, many people find accessories improve the overall satisfaction with hearing aids. For example, the TV streamer will help ensure a stable and direct connection with your TV and provide an excellent sound quality experience from the TV audio.
As another example, if you require hands-free calling, you may want to consider the Audio Clip. Remember that after your phone is connected to your hearing aids conversations will stream directly to your hearing aids, greatly improving the overall sound quality of the phone call. However, you will still need to speak into the phone in order for the caller to hear your voice. Therefore, this is not a hands-free scenario and where the Audio Clip can be helpful. The Audio Clip is a microphone that allows you to put the phone down, clip the accessory to your collar or shirt and carry on the conversation. This can be particularly useful when driving.
Philips HearLink accessories.
Purchasing the Philips HearLink
Finding prices for the Philips HearLink online can be challenging. To make things a little easier, we've created a new advertising platform that allows local hearing aid businesses to post special deals, exclusively for Hearing Tracker visitors. Take a look at the deals available, and press the "Unlock Deal" button on any deals that interest you. After filling in the short form, a representative from the local practice will reach out to offer you the special price and service package shown in the advertisement.
Bottom Line
The HearLink 30 series is the latest hearing aid offerings from Philips. Since the hearing aids are manufactured for Philips by Demant, they share much of the same technology seen in Oticon and Bernafon products. However, unlike Oticon and Bernafon products, the Philips brand, at least in the U.S., is only available at Costco Hearing Aid Centers. Let’s sum up some of the things you may want to think about before purchasing the hearing aids.