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UK Independent audiologists and support from Phonak?

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I have Phonak aids; the independent audi I’ve used for many years in the UK mentioned that the support he now gets from Phonak is poor despite a good working relationship for a very long time. The result is that he now fits far fewer Phonak aids than aids from other manufacturers (Oticon, Widex etc) from whom they get good support.
Presumably Phonak would like to push people to use Boots since they took a majority share; are other UK independents seeing reduced support from Phonak?
The big question: Phonaks suit me well for various reasons and I’d like to try Spheres. Is a lack of experience with the latest Phonak products a big disadvantage for an otherwise good and very experienced audi? I’m loath to use Boots, or any other faceless major player.

@user167 said:

I have Phonak aids; the independent audi I’ve used for many years in the UK mentioned that the support he now gets from Phonak is poor despite a good working relationship for a very long time.

I requested Phonaks when I chose a local Audiologist, as I have a number of Roger accessories. He couldn’t match Wholesale Hearing’s price, so he suggested I buy from them, and he’d charge me labour only. All told, I paid just short of £3k all in for the P90s I wanted (June 2023). This included a pair of Phonak Custom Slimtips.

He did say that he’d stopped using Phonak due to their aggressive approach, and some questionable practices in the marketplace. His work was superb, as Wholesale Hearing’s first fit wasn’t much better than my NHS M70s. Since he did mine, he has closed his account with Phonak. I now self programme.

Your Audiologist certainly isn’t alone.

Peter

Ha ha yeah sounds like it, but seriously this wouldn’t be industry wide, the independent clinics sell more then “boots” it’ll probably just come down to the local Phonak rep’s attitude or character.

My audiologist used to work for Phonak and remains in close contact with the company. He’s independent but always bigs up Phonak.

In reply to @Baltazard

@Baltazard said:

Are you all saying Phonak is a bully?

They will, allegedly, do all sorts to maintain or increase market share. My Audiologist told me a couple of examples. I suspect they may have a controlling influence in Wholesale Hearing in the UK. I can buy cheaper, than he can buy wholesale.

Also, not including Roger licenses as standard from the Marvel range onwards was, and is pure greed. Didn’t the US Navy pay for its development?

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