Exploring the new Phonak Infinio range of hearing aids
Phonak recently launched its new hearing aid range from the Sphere in Las Vegas. This hugely anticipated launch of a new product range had all the glitz and glamour associated with Vegas.
Phonak’s main innovation is the new Infinio Sphere hearing aid, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) in a way not previously used by hearing aid manufacturers (more later). As often happens with all hearing aid manufacturers, there has been a lot of hype around this new product. This blog post will examine the latest range and uncover what benefits the new Phonak range may offer.
The Phonak Audéo Infinio Range
Phonak is recognised as a leader in the hearing aid industry. Their latest range continues this tradition, offering models designed to meet the diverse needs of hearing aid users.
The Infinio series includes several models, each with its own unique features:
Audéo Infinio R: This versatile, rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid is suitable for various levels of hearing loss. The updated device features exceptional speech clarity and sound quality and universal connectivity, and it’s available in a variety of colours.
Audéo Infinio CROS: This model is tailored for individuals with unilateral hearing loss and offers improved battery life and sound clarity. As we learned at the launch event, the battery in the updated CROS device can now last a whole day of use, which has been a long wait for this type of device.
Virto R Infinio: These are Phonak’s first rechargeable in-the-ear devices, and they will be available soon. These custom hearing aids are in different sizes, including rechargeable in-the-canal (ITC), battery-powered completely in-canal (CIC), and titanium invisible-in-canal models.
Audéo Infinio Sphere: This hearing aid stands out as the most advanced option because of its groundbreaking real-time AI technology and dual-chip architecture, which provide exceptional speech clarity in challenging hearing situations (more later).
Design and ergonomics
The receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids look similar to Phonak’s previous model, the Audéo Lumity, with some minor tweaks to their design.
The Virto R Infinio’s brand-new design sits inside the ear and houses a push button, twin microphones for directionality, charging contacts, and an LED in the centre.
It has all of the same features as the receiver-in-canal Infinio, meaning that there is no compromise on rechargeability, hearing in noise, tap control features, accelerometers, etc., as there often is with in-the-ear models of hearing aids.
New features of Phonak Infinio hearing aids
ERA Chip
Phonak has introduced a brand-new ERA chip integrated into each of these hearing aids, which brings with it four key developments.
APD 3.0
Firstly, we’re seeing the introduction of APD 3.0, a brand-new audiological fitting model replacing APD 2.0. It uses up-to-date research on providing the most appropriate amount of sound needed to compensate for your specific hearing loss per frequency without sounding unnatural or overwhelming.
Phonak research claims that 93% of those who have tried this hearing aid already in their research phase prefer it to the sound of other leading competitors.
Autosense 6.0
AutoSense uses sophisticated algorithms that continually analyse the acoustic environment around you and make real-time adjustments to optimise sound clarity and comfort.
Phonak has developed this even further in their Infinio by moving on to AutoSense 6.0, which enhances speech understanding by 16% and reduces listening effort by up to 45%. This technology dynamically reduces background noise and makes it easier for you to understand conversations without straining.
This means that you can rely more on your ears and far less on focusing on visual clues and contextual information, which means that you should ultimately be more relaxed and less tired when you’re listening. This should make the sound more natural, sharper and clearer, especially in noisy environments.
The Audéo Infinio Sphere: A Potential Game-Changer in Hearing Technology
At the heart of the Audéo Infinio Sphere is a revolutionary approach to hearing aid technology. Phonak has introduced a first-of-its-kind dual-chip architecture featuring the ERA and DEEPSONIC chips. This configuration dramatically increases the device’s processing power—by a staggering 53 times compared to previous models.
But what does this mean for someone wearing the devices? In simple terms, it allows the Sphere to adapt dynamically to complex auditory environments in real time, offering a level of sound management that was previously unattainable.
Dual-Chip Architecture: Powering Real-Time AI Processing
The dual-chip architecture is more than just a technical upgrade; the engine drives the Sphere’s real-time AI processing capabilities. Unlike most hearing aids, which rely on pre-programmed sound management models, the Sphere actively processes sound in real time. This means the device can accurately separate speech from background noise, providing clearer and more natural sound quality.
Spheric Speech Clarity: A New Era in Hearing Aid Technology
One of the key advantages of the Infinio Sphere is its ability to enhance speech understanding, even in noisy environments. This new device introduces Spheric Speech Clarity, an innovative feature that enhances speech understanding in noisy environments. This technology uses advanced AI to separate speech from background noise in real time, allowing users to hear conversations more clearly, even in challenging listening situations.
Central to this feature is Phonak’s DEEPSONIC™ chip, which powers the AI processing capabilities. By analysing the sound environment, the system automatically adjusts the hearing aid’s settings, optimising speech clarity on the go. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces the required listening effort, making conversations more accessible and natural.
Phonak’s research, backed by clinical studies, shows that the Sphere’s AI-powered processing can improve speech clarity with a 10dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement. This substantial increase can make a real difference in the lives of those who struggle to hear in noisy situations. Whether you’re at a bustling restaurant or a crowded event, this technology ensures that you can stay connected and engaged with those around you.
Reduced Listening Effort and Fatigue
Another significant benefit of the Sphere is its ability to reduce listening effort and fatigue. The cognitive load required to process sounds throughout the day can be exhausting for many hearing aid users. The Sphere addresses this issue by making it easier for users to hear and understand speech without straining.
Phonak’s studies have shown that the Sphere can reduce listening effort by 45% in quiet environments and decrease fatigue by 21% when the Speech Enhancer feature is activated. These impressive results highlight the device’s potential to improve users’ quality of life.
Comparative Analysis: Infinio Sphere vs. Other Infinio Models
While the Infinio Sphere is undoubtedly the star of the show, it’s important to consider how it compares to other models in the Infinio series.
The Audéo Infinio R, for example, is a solid choice for those who need a versatile, rechargeable RIC hearing aid. It offers many of the same features as the Infinio Sphere, but without the dual-chip architecture and real-time AI processing.
While all the models in the Infinio series have their merits, the Infinio Sphere stands out as the most advanced and feature-rich option. For users seeking the latest in hearing aid technology, the Sphere is the clear choice.
