Updated February, 2026
The Phonak Audéo Lumity 70 and 90 aren’t Phonak’s newest models, but they’re still excellent hearing aids that deliver solid performance at a lower price point. The main difference? The L90 offers premium features like StereoZoom 2.0 and Motion Sensor Hearing, while the L70 provides strong everyday performance with slightly simplified technology. Both include Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and Phonak’s SmartSpeech Technology—just choose based on your lifestyle complexity and budget.
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ToggleThe Lumity Lineup: Still Solid, Just Not the Shiny New Thing
Let’s get this out of the way upfront: the Phonak Audéo Lumity 70 and Lumity 90 aren’t Phonak’s latest flagship models anymore. That honor now belongs to their newer Infinio line. But here’s the thing—just because something isn’t the newest doesn’t mean it’s not great.
Think of it this way: last year’s luxury sedan still has leather seats, a powerful engine, and all the bells and whistles. It just doesn’t have the brand-new model’s experimental cup holder technology that might not even work properly yet.
The Lumity line launched in 2022 and quickly became one of Phonak’s most popular hearing aid families. Now that newer models are on the market, the Lumity series offers an excellent value proposition: proven technology, solid performance, and a lower price tag than the latest releases.
So if you’re choosing between the Phonak Audéo Lumity 70 and the Lumity 90, you’re looking at two hearing aids that have been thoroughly tested in the real world by thousands of users. No “first-generation bugs” here—just reliable, well-established technology that works.
What Both Models Share: The Common Ground
Before we dive into the differences, let’s talk about what the L70 and L90 have in common. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.
AutoSense OS 5.0
Both models use Phonak’s AutoSense OS 5.0, which automatically detects your listening environment and adjusts settings accordingly. Whether you’re in a quiet library or a noisy restaurant, your hearing aids adapt without you touching a button.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Both the L70 and L90 offer full Bluetooth streaming for iOS and Android devices. Take calls hands-free, stream music, listen to podcasts, watch videos—all directly through your hearing aids. They can connect to up to 8 devices and maintain 2 simultaneous connections.
Rechargeable Battery
Say goodbye to fumbling with tiny disposable batteries. Both models feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that deliver up to 24 hours of use per charge (including up to 8 hours of streaming). A 3-hour charge gives you a full day of power.
SmartSpeech Technology
Phonak’s SmartSpeech Technology is the umbrella term for their collection of speech-in-noise features. Both the L70 and L90 include this suite of technologies designed to help you understand conversations in challenging environments.
Form Factor Options
Both are available in the same physical styles: rechargeable RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) designs with multiple receiver power options and color choices. They’re discreet, comfortable, and rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
myPhonak App
Control your hearing aids, adjust settings, check battery life, and access remote programming support through Phonak’s user-friendly smartphone app. Both models offer the same app functionality.
The Key Differences: Where Premium Meets Practical
Now for the good stuff—what actually separates these two models?
StereoZoom 2.0 (L90 Only)
The Lumity 90 includes StereoZoom 2.0, Phonak’s most advanced directional microphone technology. It creates a narrow beam focused on the person directly in front of you, significantly improving speech understanding in very loud environments.
The L70 has adaptive directional microphones that work well, but they’re not as precisely focused as StereoZoom 2.0. Think of it as the difference between a spotlight and a floodlight—both illuminate, but one is more targeted.
Bottom line: If you frequently attend large gatherings, work in loud environments, or spend significant time in noisy restaurants, StereoZoom 2.0 is worth the upgrade.
Motion Sensor Hearing (L90 Only)
The L90 includes a motion sensor that detects when you’re walking or moving. Why does this matter? Because your hearing needs change when you’re in motion.
When you’re walking down a busy street, the motion sensor automatically adjusts your hearing aids to help you focus on conversations while managing wind noise and traffic sounds. The L70 doesn’t have this feature—it adjusts based on sound alone, not movement.
Bottom line: Active lifestyle? Frequent outdoor conversations while walking? The motion sensor is genuinely useful.
Processing Channels
The L90 processes sound across 20 channels, while the L70 uses 16 channels. More channels mean finer frequency adjustments and more precise sound shaping.
In practical terms, this translates to slightly more natural sound quality and better customization potential with the L90. The difference isn’t night-and-day, but experienced hearing aid users often notice the refinement.
AutoSense OS Program Combinations
Here’s where things get technical (but bear with us). AutoSense OS creates custom listening programs by blending different features. The L90 can create more complex program combinations than the L70.
What does this mean for you? The L90 adapts with more nuance. If you transition from a quiet office to a moderately noisy cafeteria to a loud street, the L90 makes more granular adjustments along the way.
The L70 still adapts—it just uses slightly broader categories. You’ll still get excellent automatic adjustments; they’re just less tailored.
Speech in Loud Noise
Both models help with speech understanding in noise, but the L90’s combination of StereoZoom 2.0, additional processing channels, and more complex AutoSense programs gives it an edge in extremely challenging environments.
In a moderately noisy restaurant? Both perform well. At a wedding reception with a band playing and 200 people talking? The L90 pulls ahead.
Dynamic Noise Cancellation Strength
The L90 offers stronger dynamic noise cancellation. It’s more aggressive at reducing steady background noise (like airplane cabin noise, computer hum, or refrigerator buzz) without affecting speech clarity.
The L70 still reduces background noise effectively—just not quite as aggressively.
Detailed Feature Comparison: L70 vs L90
| Feature | Phonak Audéo Lumity 70 | Phonak Audéo Lumity 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Channels | 16 channels | 20 channels |
| AutoSense OS | AutoSense OS 5.0 | AutoSense OS 5.0 (more program combinations) |
| StereoZoom 2.0 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Motion Sensor Hearing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Speech in Loud Noise | Good | Excellent (StereoZoom 2.0) |
| Dynamic Noise Cancellation | Standard strength | Maximum strength |
| Directional Microphones | Adaptive | Adaptive + StereoZoom 2.0 |
| Bluetooth Streaming | ✅ iOS & Android | ✅ iOS & Android |
| Hands-Free Calling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Rechargeable Battery | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| myPhonak App | ✅ Full access | ✅ Full access |
| Roger Microphone Compatible | ✅ Yes (RogerDirect) | ✅ Yes (RogerDirect) |
| TV Connector Compatible | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tinnitus Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Tap Control | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Wind Block | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| EchoBlock | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ideal for | Everyday listening, moderate noise | Complex environments, active lifestyles |
| Price Range | Mid-tier | Premium |
Who Should Choose the Lumity 70?
The Phonak Audéo Lumity 70 is an excellent choice if:
- Your lifestyle is relatively predictable: You spend most time in quiet-to-moderate noise environments like home, small gatherings, or one-on-one conversations.
- You want solid technology without premium pricing: The L70 delivers most of what makes the Lumity line great, just without the most advanced directional features.
- You’re a first-time hearing aid user: The L70 provides plenty of technology without overwhelming you. You can always upgrade later if needed.
- You prioritize value: Get Bluetooth streaming, AutoSense OS, rechargeable batteries, and SmartSpeech Technology at a lower price point.
- Moderate noise is your main challenge: Understand speech in coffee shops, small restaurants, and family gatherings without needing the absolute strongest noise reduction.
Who Should Choose the Lumity 90?
The Lumity 90 makes sense if:
- You’re frequently in very noisy environments: Large gatherings, loud restaurants, concerts, sporting events—places where background noise is intense and constant.
- You’re active and move around a lot: The motion sensor hearing adapts as you walk, run errands, or stay active outdoors.
- You want the finest sound customization: Those extra processing channels and more complex AutoSense programs deliver more refined, natural sound.
- You’re upgrading from basic hearing aids: You’ve experienced hearing aids before and know you want the most advanced features available in this line.
- You need maximum speech clarity in chaos: When understanding conversation in noise is critical (for work, social life, or safety), the StereoZoom 2.0 is worth it.
What About the Lumity 30 and 50?
While we’re focused on the L70 vs L90 comparison, it’s worth mentioning that Phonak also offers the Lumity 30 and Lumity 50 at even lower price points.
The L30 is the entry-level option with fewer processing channels (8) and more basic noise reduction. It’s a solid choice for quiet, predictable environments where you rarely encounter significant background noise.
The L50 sits between the L30 and L70, offering 12 processing channels and mid-range features. It’s a step up from the L30 but doesn’t include all the refinements of the L70.
If you’re comparing the L70 and L90, you likely need something beyond basic amplification. But if budget is tight and your hearing loss is mild, the L30 or L50 might be worth considering. Contact our hearing care experts to discuss which technology level matches your needs and budget.
Real-World Performance: What Users Report
Here’s what matters most: how do these hearing aids actually perform in daily life?
The L70 Experience
L70 users consistently report excellent satisfaction for everyday listening. They appreciate clear phone calls, easy Bluetooth streaming, and comfortable all-day wear. Most find the automatic adjustments seamless and rarely need to manually change programs.
Where L70 users sometimes struggle: extremely loud parties, large family gatherings, or environments with competing conversations from multiple directions. The adaptive directionality works well in moderate noise but can feel overwhelmed in very challenging settings.
The L90 Experience
L90 users rave about performance in difficult listening situations. The StereoZoom 2.0 consistently gets praise for helping users follow conversations at loud restaurants or crowded events. Many report feeling less exhausted after social gatherings because they don’t have to strain as hard to understand speech.
The motion sensor hearing gets mixed reviews—some users love it, others don’t notice a dramatic difference. If you’re active and frequently have conversations while walking, you’re more likely to appreciate this feature.
Pricing: The Financial Reality
Let’s talk money. (Because even though hearing is important, so is your bank account.)
Phonak doesn’t publish standard retail prices—pricing varies by provider. Traditional audiology clinics typically charge $6,000-$8,000 per pair for the L90 and $4,500-$6,500 for the L70.
At Injoy Hearing, we offer the same genuine Phonak hearing aids with significant savings because we eliminate traditional clinic overhead. We’re talking thousands less for identical devices with full manufacturer warranties and unlimited remote programming support.
Here’s what makes our pricing different:
- Authorized dealer status: These are genuine Phonak hearing aids with valid warranties, not gray-market imports.
- Licensed professionals: Our hearing care providers have the same credentials as clinic audiologists—we just work remotely.
- No brick-and-mortar overhead: We don’t pay for waiting rooms, parking lots, or receptionists, so we pass those savings to you.
Want specific pricing? Reach out to our team for a personalized quote based on your hearing needs and preferred model. We can also discuss IMAP pricing options if you’re working with insurance benefits.
Insurance Coverage and Financing
Many insurance plans offer hearing aid benefits, though coverage varies widely. Some plans cover a percentage of the cost, others provide a set allowance every few years, and some offer discounts through specific provider networks.
Medicare doesn’t typically cover hearing aids (frustrating, we know), but Medicare Advantage plans sometimes include hearing benefits. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
Our team can help you navigate insurance benefits and determine what coverage you might have. We work with most major insurance providers and can submit claims on your behalf.
Don’t have insurance coverage? We offer financing options to make hearing aids more accessible. Contact us to discuss payment plans that fit your budget.
How Lumity Compares to Other Phonak Models
Curious how the Lumity line stacks up against other Phonak options? Here’s the quick overview:
Lumity vs Newer Infinio Models
Phonak’s newer Infinio and Sphere Infinio models offer enhanced processing power, longer battery life (especially the Sphere), and next-generation sound processing. They’re excellent hearing aids—and they’re also more expensive.
The Lumity line delivers proven performance at a lower price. If you want the absolute latest technology and have budget flexibility, the newer models are worth considering. But if you want solid, reliable hearing aids with established performance, Lumity is an excellent choice.
Lumity vs Paradise
The Paradise line preceded Lumity. While Paradise was excellent when released, Lumity improved speech understanding in noise, refined sound quality, and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re choosing between Paradise and Lumity, Lumity is the better pick.
For more detailed comparisons, check out our article on the best Phonak hearing aids to see how different models compare across Phonak’s entire lineup.
Lumity vs Other Brands: Worth Considering?
How does Phonak’s Lumity line compare to competitors like Starkey, ReSound, Signia, or Jabra?
Phonak’s strengths include:
- Superior Bluetooth reliability: Phonak’s Bluetooth implementation is consistently praised for stable connections and excellent call quality.
- RogerDirect compatibility: If you use Roger remote microphones for extreme noise situations, Phonak is the obvious choice.
- Automatic adjustments: AutoSense OS is genuinely hands-off—it just works without constant manual tweaking.
Competitor advantages:
- Starkey: Offers more health tracking features (fall detection, activity monitoring) if you want hearing aids that double as basic fitness trackers.
- ReSound: M&RIE receiver option places a microphone in your ear canal for more natural sound directionality.
- Signia: Own Voice Processing technology excels at making your own voice sound natural.
The “best” brand depends on your priorities. If connectivity, ease of use, and speech-in-noise performance top your list, Phonak (and specifically Lumity) is hard to beat. Want a detailed comparison? Our Jabra vs Phonak article digs deeper into brand differences.
Accessories: Extending Your Lumity’s Capabilities
Both the L70 and L90 work with Phonak’s accessory ecosystem:
TV Connector
Stream audio directly from your TV to your hearing aids without disturbing others. No more arguments about volume levels or complaints that you’re blasting the TV too loud.
PartnerMic
Clip this small microphone to a conversation partner’s clothing when you need to hear them clearly across distance or in extreme noise. Great for car rides, large venues, or situations where you’re separated from the person you’re trying to hear.
Roger Microphones
For professional or educational settings where understanding speech in noise is critical, Roger remote microphones transmit directly to your Lumity hearing aids via RogerDirect (no additional receiver needed). These are particularly popular with teachers, healthcare workers, and people who attend frequent meetings.
RemoteControl
Prefer physical buttons to smartphone apps? Phonak offers a small remote control for volume adjustments and program changes.
None of these accessories are required—your hearing aids work perfectly well on their own—but they solve specific challenges some users face.
Lumity Longevity: How Long Will They Last?
A common question: “If these aren’t the newest models, will they become obsolete quickly?”
Short answer: No. Phonak supports their hearing aids with software updates and technical support for many years after release. The Lumity line will remain relevant and well-supported for at least another 3-5 years, likely longer.
The 3-year manufacturer warranty also indicates Phonak’s confidence in longevity. With proper care (regular cleaning, avoiding moisture exposure, replacing wax guards as needed), Lumity hearing aids should deliver 5-7 years of reliable performance.
For more details on hearing aid lifespan, check out our article on how long Phonak hearing aids last.
The Injoy Hearing Difference: Professional Care, Minus the Overhead
Here’s what buying from Injoy Hearing looks like:
- Take our online hearing test: Our online hearing test provides initial insights into your hearing and helps us understand your needs.
- Consultation with a licensed professional: We’ll discuss your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, and technology preferences. No sales pressure—just expert guidance.
- Device selection: We’ll recommend the right technology level (L30, L50, L70, or L90) based on your specific needs and budget.
- Remote fitting: Your hearing aids arrive pre-programmed based on your audiogram. We conduct a video consultation to fine-tune settings and ensure proper fit.
- 45-day trial period: Test your hearing aids in real-world situations. Don’t like them? Full refund, no restocking fees, no questions asked.
- Unlimited adjustments: Need tweaks to volume, programs, or sound quality? We’re here for unlimited adjustments via the app or video consultations—not just during a trial period, but throughout the entire time you own your hearing aids.
- Ongoing support: Questions about features, troubleshooting, accessories, or just need advice? Our team is available by phone or email. Real humans answer within minutes (not hours or days).
We’re authorized by Sonova, Phonak’s parent company, which means your warranty is valid, you get genuine devices, and you have access to official technical support if needed.
Making Your Decision: L70 or L90?
Still torn between the two? Here’s a simplified decision framework:
Choose the L70 if:
- Your budget is tight but you still want quality hearing aids
- You spend most time in quiet-to-moderate noise environments
- You’re a first-time hearing aid user who doesn’t need every premium feature
- You prioritize value and proven technology over cutting-edge innovations
Choose the L90 if:
- You frequently face very loud, challenging listening environments
- Understanding speech in noise is critical for work or social life
- You’re active and have conversations while walking or moving
- You want the finest sound processing and most advanced features in the Lumity line
Still unsure? That’s completely normal. Contact our team and let’s talk through your specific hearing loss, daily activities, and budget. We’ll help you determine which technology level makes sense—and we promise not to upsell you on features you don’t need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from L70 to L90 later if I want more features?
Technically, no—hearing aids can’t be upgraded to a higher technology level after purchase. However, you could trade in your L70s and purchase L90s if you decide you need more advanced features. We recommend testing thoroughly during your 45-day trial to avoid this scenario.
Do both models work with the same smartphone apps?
Yes, both use the myPhonak app with identical functionality. The app doesn’t limit access based on technology level—you get the same interface and controls whether you have L30, L50, L70, or L90 hearing aids.
Is the L90 significantly better for severe hearing loss?
Not necessarily. Both the L70 and L90 can accommodate the same range of hearing loss (mild to severe) with different receiver power options. The L90’s advantages are in sound processing sophistication, not amplification power. Discuss your specific audiogram with our team to determine which model fits your hearing loss profile.
How does battery life compare between the two models?
Both offer the same advertised battery life: up to 24 hours per charge with up to 8 hours of streaming. Real-world performance is nearly identical since they use the same battery and charging case.
Can I use the L70 in one ear and L90 in the other?
Technically possible but strongly not recommended. For binaural features (features that work between both hearing aids) to function properly, you need matched technology levels. Mixing levels compromises sound quality and spatial awareness.
Do I need the motion sensor hearing feature if I’m active?
It’s nice to have but not essential. Many active L70 users report excellent performance without the motion sensor. The feature adds convenience and refinement, but adaptive directionality still works well when you’re moving. If you’re deciding based solely on this feature, the L90 is probably overkill.
Are there any features the L90 has that I absolutely can’t live without?
That depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you regularly struggle to understand conversation in very loud environments, StereoZoom 2.0 is genuinely transformative. If you mostly encounter moderate noise, the L70’s directional microphones handle it fine. Be honest about where you actually spend your time—not where you occasionally go once a month.
How do I know which model is right for me without trying both?
During your consultation, we’ll discuss specific situations where you struggle most. Very loud restaurants? Large parties? Outdoor conversations while walking? Your answers help us recommend the right level. And remember—our 45-day trial means you can test real-world performance before fully committing.
Ready to Hear Better for Less?
The Phonak Audéo Lumity 70 and 90 both offer excellent hearing solutions, just tailored to different needs and budgets. The L70 delivers solid everyday performance with advanced technology at a great value. The L90 adds premium features for challenging environments and active lifestyles.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Our licensed hearing care professionals are here to help you find the perfect match based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.
Get started today:
- Take our free online hearing test to understand your hearing baseline
- Contact our team for a personalized consultation and pricing
- Learn more about Phonak’s quality and longevity
Same premium hearing aids clinics charge much more for. Same licensed professionals. Same manufacturer warranties. Just thousands less and delivered with the convenience of remote care. That’s the Injoy Hearing difference.