An Audiologist's Review: Phonak Virto Infinio Custom Hearing Aids

As an audiologist who has fitted thousands of hearing aids throughout my career, I'm always excited when manufacturers introduce new custom hearing aid options. Custom devices hold a special place in hearing care because they offer unique advantages that behind-the-ear models simply cannot match. When Phonak announced their new Virto Infinio custom hearing aids, I knew I had to put them through rigorous testing to see how they perform in real-world situations.

The custom hearing aid market has evolved significantly over the past few years. While receiver-in-canal devices dominate the market due to their versatility and advanced features, custom hearing aids continue to serve specific patient populations exceptionally well. The challenge for manufacturers has always been incorporating the latest technology into the smaller form factors that custom devices require.

What Makes the Virto Infinio Stand Out

The Phonak Virto Infinio represents a significant advancement in custom hearing aid technology. Built on Phonak's proven Infinio platform, these devices bring many of the same processing capabilities found in their behind-the-ear counterparts into a custom shell that sits entirely within your ear canal.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Virto Infinio is how Phonak managed to incorporate their AutoSense OS 6.0 technology into such a compact design. This automatic program switching capability has been a hallmark of Phonak's premium devices, and seeing it work seamlessly in a custom form factor demonstrates real engineering prowess.

The speech enhancement features deserve particular attention. In my clinical experience, patients often struggle most with understanding speech in background noise, and custom hearing aids have traditionally been at a disadvantage in these situations due to their single microphone design. The Virto Infinio's processing algorithms work to maximize speech clarity while minimizing the impact of competing background sounds.

Battery Life and Reliability Considerations

Custom hearing aids face unique challenges when it comes to power management. The smaller battery compartments mean less space for energy storage, yet patients expect all-day performance. The Virto Infinio addresses this through intelligent power management that adapts based on your listening environment and feature usage.

During my testing, I found the battery performance to be competitive with other custom devices in its class. Patients who primarily use their hearing aids for conversation and basic amplification can expect full-day wear, while those who frequently use wireless features may need to plan for more frequent battery changes.

The reliability factor is where custom hearing aids often shine, and the Virto Infinio continues this tradition. The sealed custom shell provides excellent protection against moisture and debris, which can be particularly beneficial for active individuals or those working in challenging environments.

Fitting Considerations and Patient Selection

Not every patient is an ideal candidate for custom hearing aids, and proper patient selection remains critical for success. The Virto Infinio works best for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who value discretion and have adequate manual dexterity for insertion and removal.

Ear canal anatomy plays a significant role in custom hearing aid success. Patients with very narrow or extremely curved ear canals may not be suitable candidates, while those with appropriate canal dimensions often achieve excellent outcomes. The impression-taking process becomes crucial here, as precise ear canal molds are necessary for optimal fit and performance.

During my fittings, I've found that patients who have realistic expectations about custom hearing aid capabilities tend to be most satisfied. While these devices excel in many areas, they do have limitations compared to behind-the-ear models, particularly regarding advanced directional microphone systems and wireless connectivity options.

Real-World Performance Testing

My evaluation of the Virto Infinio included extensive real-world testing across various listening environments. In quiet conversational settings, the devices performed excellently, delivering clear and natural sound quality that patients found comfortable and effective.

Restaurant and social gathering environments presented more challenges, as expected with single-microphone custom devices. While the Virto Infinio's processing algorithms worked to improve speech understanding in noise, the performance didn't match what patients might experience with dual-microphone receiver-in-canal alternatives.

One area where the Virto Infinio particularly excelled was in telephone conversations. The custom fit positions the microphone optimally for phone use, and many patients reported improved clarity when speaking on both landline and mobile phones.

Programming and Verification Process

Achieving optimal performance with any hearing aid requires proper programming and verification, and the Virto Infinio is no exception. During my fittings, I always use Real Ear Measurement to verify that the devices are delivering appropriate amplification across all frequency ranges.

The custom shell design of the Virto Infinio creates a more predictable acoustic environment compared to open-fit receiver-in-canal devices. This predictability often allows for more precise programming and can lead to more consistent outcomes across different patients.

Fine-tuning these devices requires patience and attention to detail. The custom fit means that acoustic modifications through shell adjustments are not possible after manufacturing, making accurate initial programming even more critical for patient success.

Comparing Technology Levels

Like other Phonak devices, the Virto Infinio is available in multiple technology levels. The premium I90 level includes the full suite of features and provides maximum customization options for challenging listening environments. The I70 level maintains most premium features while offering a more moderate price point.

In my practice, I've found that patients who invest in higher technology levels generally report better satisfaction, particularly in complex listening situations. The advanced noise reduction and speech enhancement algorithms in the premium levels can make a meaningful difference in real-world performance.

Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes

The most important measure of any hearing aid's success is patient satisfaction and functional improvement. With Virto Infinio, I've observed consistently positive outcomes among appropriately selected candidates.

Patients frequently comment on the discretion these devices provide. The custom fit sits entirely within the ear canal, making them virtually invisible to others. For individuals concerned about the appearance of hearing aids, this can be a significant psychological benefit.

Comfort levels have also been excellent. The custom shell distributes pressure evenly across the ear canal walls, and most patients adapt quickly to the sensation of wearing them. Proper fit is essential here, and any discomfort should be addressed immediately through shell modifications.

Looking Forward: The Future of Custom Hearing Aids

The Virto Infinio represents an important step forward for custom hearing aids, but the technology continues to evolve. Future developments will likely focus on improving wireless connectivity options, extending battery life, and incorporating more advanced signal processing capabilities into these compact designs.

The challenge moving forward will be balancing the desire for smaller, more discrete devices with the need for advanced features that require additional space and power. Phonak has done well with Virto Infinio in finding this balance, but there's always room for improvement.

The Importance of Professional Fitting and Follow-Up Care

Regardless of how advanced hearing aid technology becomes, proper professional fitting remains absolutely critical for success. This is particularly true with custom devices, where the initial fit and programming must be precise from the start.

Throughout my years of practice, I've seen countless patients who received suboptimal outcomes simply because their hearing aids weren't properly fitted or verified. Real Ear Measurement, comprehensive programming, and ongoing follow-up care make the difference between adequate and exceptional hearing aid performance.

Finding the Right Provider for Your Hearing Needs

If you're considering custom hearing aids like the Phonak Virto Infinio, choosing the right hearing care provider is just as important as selecting the right technology. Look for an audiologist who follows comprehensive best practices, including Real Ear Measurement verification and validated outcome measures.

The providers in my HearingUp network have all been personally vetted for their commitment to following these best practices. They understand that achieving optimal hearing aid outcomes requires thorough testing, precise fitting, and ongoing support throughout your hearing aid journey. When you work with a HearingUp provider, you can be confident that you're receiving care that prioritizes your long-term hearing success over quick sales.