I've had a chance to check them out and I'm truly impressed by the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio hearing aids. Their performance in background noise is exceptional, possibly the best I've ever encountered.
Bluetooth
Hearing Aids
Phonak
Prescription
As an audiologist who's reviewed countless hearing aids over the years, I can confidently say that the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio hearing aids are some of the most impressive devices I've ever tested. In this review, I'll share my in-depth experience with these groundbreaking hearing aids and explain why they might just be the best performing hearing aids in background noise that I've ever reviewed.
The Phonak Infinio Line-Up
Before we dive into the specifics of the Sphere Infinio, it's worth noting that Phonak has released multiple models in this lineup simultaneously. These include:
1. Phonak Audeo Infinio R
2. Infinio CROS R
3. Audeo Sphere Infinio R
4. Custom Virto Infinio R
5. Custom Virto Infinio 10 (Non-Wireless)
6. Custom Virto Infinio Titanium
However, in this review, I'm specifically focusing on their flagship model: the Audeo Sphere Infinio R hearing aid (because that is the one I had my hands on).
The DEEPSONIC Chip
The highlight of the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio Hearing Aid is undoubtedly their new DEEPSONIC chip. This chip has one primary job: to separate speech from background noise. And let me tell you, it does this job exceptionally well.
The DEEPSONIC chip was trained with a Large Deep Neural Network (DNN) using 22 million sound samples through 4.5 million neural connections. It performs an astounding 7.7 billion operations per second to effectively separate speech from noise. This chip requires a ton of processing power - in fact, it has 53 times more processing power than other chips on the market.
Spheric Speech in Loud Noise Program
The DEEPSONIC chip is utilized when the "Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program" is activated, either automatically through Autosense OS 6.0 or manually by the user. When this program is active, the performance is, quite literally, unbelievable.
Phonak claims that users can get up to a 10dB SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) improvement using fixed directional microphones and Spheric Speech Clarity set to max. They also state that users are up to 3 times more likely to understand speech in challenging environments, from any direction, compared to two leading competitors. This translates to up to a 36.7% improvement in speech understanding.
Real-World Performance
When I first heard Phonak's audio sample demonstrating the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program, I was skeptical. It seemed too good to be true. I even challenged Phonak's R&D team, and they assured me it was an actual recording, not something created in their lab.
To verify these claims, I needed to hear it for myself in the real world. I wore these hearing aids in some very challenging, noisy situations, setting them up with vented rubber domes to see if the hype was real.
And you know what? It is.
The true test of any program or feature is when you can perform a direct A/B comparison between different program settings. When I switched from a Calm Situation Program or even a Speech in Noise program to the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program, it was the most dramatic difference I have ever experienced with a hearing aid. And remember, I've reviewed hundreds of hearing aids up to this point.
I was fully expecting to call BS on that audio sample, but honestly, I would say that the real-world accuracy of that recording is pretty spot on.
Dr. Cliff's Pros and Cons for Audeo Sphere Infinio
Audeo Sphere Infinio Pros
Dedicated Deep Neural Network Ai chip
Excellent speech understanding in background noise
Future LE Audio & Auracast compatible
Excellent accessory lineup
Rechargeable Options
Loaded with digital features
App Controls
Audeo Sphere Infinio Cons
Large physical size
No CROS compatibility
No disposable battery option
Charger too small for some custom earmolds
Hard to get due to high demand (as of early September 2024)
Design and Comfort
The Sphere Infinio is, admittedly, large and in charge. It's still skinny at the top but fat at the bottom. I was initially shocked by its size, but considering the increased battery size, extra waterproofing, and having to fit two processors inside, the size is justified.
As a glasses wearer, I didn't have any issues with the size other than it pushing out my ears a little bit. However, if you have a really narrow space behind your ears or really stiff ear cartilage, it could be an issue.
Battery Life and Charging
Phonak promises up to 16 hours of battery life per charge, with up to 3 hours of Bluetooth streaming. Based on their internal data from millions of users, the average hearing aid user wears their hearing aids for 13 hours per day, so 16 hours should be enough for most users.
However, it's important to note that you won't get 16 hours of battery life if you use the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise Program extensively. When you switch into Spheric mode, the battery life estimate drops down to only 7 hours from a full charge.
Bluetooth Connectivity
While many were hoping for LE Audio Bluetooth in these devices, Phonak has decided to postpone LE Audio activation in favor of Bluetooth Classic. However, they did upgrade to Bluetooth version 5.3 (up from 4.2), which doubles the transmission distance - addressing a significant issue in their previous devices.
The Sphere Infinio can pair with up to 8 different devices, with 2 active connections at one time. It can pair with virtually any device that uses Bluetooth classic, which is pretty much any phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
Water Resistance and Durability
The Sphere Infinio hearing aids got an upgrade in the reliability department. Despite receiving a maximum published IP Rating of 68, these hearing aids actually exceed this rating, much like the previous generation Lumity Life hearing aids. This makes them one of the most water-resistant hearing aids on the market, giving you peace of mind if you accidentally get in the shower or happen to sweat a lot.
The Verdict on Infinio
Overall, I found the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio hearing aids to be some of the most impressive hearing aids I've reviewed on my channel. Are they perfect? No. I would still love to see the size get smaller, the charger get more space for earmolds, the battery life improve, and the activation of LE Audio Bluetooth.
But if your goal is to hear the best you can in background noise without having to use an assistive listening device like a remote microphone, this hearing aid might be as close as you'll ever get.
Remember, though, that no matter how amazing the capabilities of this hearing aid may be, it won't matter unless you've had them fit and programmed by a hearing care professional who follows Best Practices. So if you're considering these hearing aids, make sure to find a provider who is committed to giving you the best possible outcome with your hearing treatment.
Cliff Olson is an Audiologist and the co-founder of HearingUp and Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, AZ. In addition, he runs and creates content for the popular DrCliffAuD YouTube channel.
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