In the ever-evolving world of audiology, new advancements in hearing aid technology can have a profound impact on the lives of those with hearing loss. As a clinical audiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how the right set of hearing aids can transform a patient’s life.
That’s why I was eager to attend the recent launch of Phonak’s latest innovation—the Audéo Infinio Sphere—at the impressive Sphere in Las Vegas earlier this month. Events like this ensure we stay ahead of the curve, giving our patients early access to groundbreaking technology that can make a significant difference in their lives.
From the moment I entered the event, it was clear Phonak had something exceptional to reveal. The Sphere in Las Vegas, with its state-of-the-art audio-visual setup, set the stage perfectly. The energy in the room was palpable, with fellow audiologists and Phonak reps sharing in the excitement. I haven’t seen this level of anticipation around a hearing aid launch in years.
After witnessing the Infinio Sphere hearing aid in action, I’m convinced this device will have a real impact, especially in those tricky, noisy environments. Here’s a look at what makes these devices stand out.
Phonak is recognized as a leader in the hearing aid industry. The Audéo Infinio continues this tradition, offering a range of models designed to meet the diverse needs of hearing aid users.
The Infinio series includes several models, each with its own unique features:
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 the user? 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.
The dual-chip architecture is more than just a technical upgrade; it’s the engine that drives the Sphere’s real-time AI processing capabilities. Unlike most hearing aids on the market, which rely on pre-programmed sound management models, the Sphere actively processes sound in real-time. This means that the device can separate speech from background noise with incredible accuracy, providing clearer and more natural sound quality.
During the live demonstration at the launch event, I was able to experience this technology firsthand. The Infinio Sphere’s ability to adapt to various auditory scenarios was impressive, especially in the noisy environment of the Las Vegas Sphere. The clarity of speech, even in these challenging conditions, was remarkable and something I believe will significantly enhance the patient experience.
In today’s digital age, connectivity is crucial, and Phonak has taken that into account with Sphere. The device boasts enhanced Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless streaming and hands-free calling. One of the standout features is the increased Bluetooth range—Phonak claims that the Sphere can maintain a streaming connection at twice the distance of its predecessors.
This improvement is particularly beneficial for users who lead active lifestyles. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or out and about, the Sphere ensures that you stay connected without the worry of dropped connections or interference. The device’s ability to connect effortlessly to multiple devices, including both Android and iPhone, further adds to its appeal.
Phonak has also made significant strides in enhancing the durability of the Audéo Infinio Sphere. Drawing from innovations in previous models like the Phonak Life series, the Infinio Sphere features advanced waterproofing and robust construction. While it’s not designed for activities like lap swimming, the device can withstand occasional exposure to water, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
This durability is not just about withstanding the elements; it’s about ensuring that the Infinio Sphere continues to perform at its best, day in and day out. For users who require a hearing aid that can keep up with their active lives, the Infinio Sphere offers peace of mind.
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.
The Audéo Infinio CROS, on the other hand, is specifically for unilateral hearing loss. It offers a 30% improvement in battery life over previous models, making it a practical option for users who require reliable performance throughout the day — a much-needed improvement that will really please all of our CROS-using patients!
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.
As an audiologist, my primary concern is always the well-being of my patients. With the Infinio Sphere, Phonak has delivered a product that offers significant clinical benefits, particularly in terms of speech understanding and listening effort.
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 designed to enhance 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 analyzing the sound environment, the system automatically adjusts the hearing aid’s settings, optimizing speech clarity on the go. This not only improves the signal-to-noise ratio but also reduces the listening effort required, making conversations easier and more 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, a substantial increase that 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.
During the launch event, I had the opportunity to see how this technology works in practice. The Sphere’s ability to separate speech from background noise was evident, and I’m confident that this will lead to better outcomes for our patients.
Another important benefit of the Sphere is its ability to reduce listening effort and fatigue. For many hearing aid users, the cognitive load required to process sounds throughout the day can be exhausting. 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 are impressive results highlighting the device’s potential to improve the quality of life for its users.
The true test of any hearing aid is how it performs in the real world — so I programmed one for myself to test it out in noisy situations! Although I personally don’t experience enough hearing loss to necessitate hearing devices for my everyday life (although my audiologist wife would perhaps disagree), after 20 years of experience fitting thousands of patients with hearing aids, I do know the pros and cons, and the ins and outs, of nearly all makes and hearing devices, and how they perform in the real world.
With the Infinio Sphere ready to go, my wife and practice co-owner, Dr. Jenifer Cushing, and I headed to our favorite restaurant to see how they handled the noise. The difference was apparent from the start. The Spheres managed the usual clatter of a busy restaurant effortlessly, separating speech from background noise with remarkable precision. Compared to other devices I’ve tried, the clarity was unmatched.
Based on this experience, and what I’ve seen so far with patients who have been fit early with these hearing devices, I believe that the Sphere will be a game-changer for many of our patients. Whether they’re navigating a busy city street, attending a family gathering, or simply relaxing at home, the Sphere provides the clarity and comfort they need.
The Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere represents a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology. With its dual-chip architecture, real-time AI processing, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and durable design, it’s a product that stands out in a crowded market. As someone who has had the opportunity to experience this technology firsthand, I can confidently say that the Sphere is set to revolutionize the way people experience hearing aids.
For anyone considering a new hearing aid, especially those who have struggled with background noise and speech clarity, the Sphere is an option worth speaking with your audiologist about.
If you’re in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey, I encourage you to schedule a consultation at Live Better Hearing + Balance to learn more about this groundbreaking device and see how it can improve your hearing health.
Contact us today at (888) 432-7505 or make an appointment online to schedule your personalized fitting and discover how the Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere can transform your hearing experience. We look forward to hearing from you!
