Dr. Cliff examines Phonak's newest hearing aid platform, breaking down the Audeo Infinio's key improvements in connectivity, processing power, and durability while highlighting practical considerations.
Phonak has recently launched its latest hearing aid lineup, including the Audeo Infinio rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. This review will delve into the features, improvements, and overall performance of this new offering.
The Phonak Audeo Infinio comes in four technology levels: I90, I70, I50, and I30, with I90 being the premium option. These devices are designed to cater to a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound, using various receiver options (standard, moderate, power, or ultra-power).
With its renowned versatility and discreet design, the Audeo Infinio remains faithful to the RIC style. The device offers multiple coupling options, including open domes, vented domes, power domes, and custom earmolds. Phonak has introduced a new receiver system, the SDS 6.0 8-pin snap fit receivers, which are easier to change and include a feature that prevents incorrect receiver placement.
The Audeo Infinio boasts an impressive IP68 rating for moisture and debris resistance. Phonak has further improved the device's durability with a new hydrophobic coating and slight case design changes, making it essentially waterproof and sweatproof.
While retaining its standard lineup of skin and hair tone colors, Phonak has introduced three new options: Copper, Sienna Red, and Atlantic Green. Due to high demand and popularity, not all color options may be immediately available.
At the heart of the Audeo Infinio is the new ERA chip, which replaces the previous Prism chip. This upgrade brings significant improvements in processing speed and capabilities. The device now operates on AutoSense 6.0, an advanced system that scans the environment 700 times per second to optimize hearing settings automatically.
AutoSense 6.0 includes six programs: calm situation, speech in noise, speech in loud noise, speech in car, comfort in noise, and music. Note that not all programs are available across all technology levels - you will want to consult with an audiologist who relies on best practices to determine the best fit.
The Audeo Infinio is currently only available with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It offers about 16 hours of use on a full charge, including three hours of active streaming. While this doesn't represent a significant improvement in battery life, most of my patients can comfortably use the device throughout the day without needing to recharge.
Two charger options are available: the Charger RIC (which needs to be plugged in) and the Charger Go RIC (with an internal battery for on-the-go charging). Note though that users with custom ear molds may struggle with fitting their devices into the charging well. You’ll want to confirm this when making your selections.
One of the standout features of the Audeo Infinio is its improved Bluetooth connectivity. The device now uses Bluetooth Classic 5.3, which nearly doubles the transmission range compared to its predecessor. There is an impressive outdoor transmission range: 108 meters for iPhones and 206 meters for Android devices.
The ERA chip's efficiency is expected to reduce battery drain during streaming, although specific improvements weren't quantified. The increased processing speed (550 million operations per second and 74% more RAM) should result in faster Bluetooth connections and smoother transitions between streaming and normal programs.
Phonak has future-proofed the Audeo Infinio by including compatibility with LE Audio and Auracast Broadcast Technology. While not currently active, these features will be unlocked with a future firmware update, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with their environment through their hearing aids.
The Audeo Infinio remains compatible with Phonak's existing lineup of accessories, including the TV Connector, Partner Mic, and Remote Control. Users can also take advantage of the My Phonak app for adjusting settings, creating custom programs, and conducting virtual sessions with their hearing care provider. Many of us are excited about the "Find my hearing aids" feature that may be added to the app in the coming months.
The Audeo Infinio comes with Roger Direct installed, simplifying the use of Roger devices for challenging listening situations. I am excited about the upcoming Roger 3.0, which will feature unlimited Roger receivers, eliminating issues with lost or transferred virtual receivers.
For users with single-sided deafness, Phonak has simultaneously launched the Audeo Infinio CROS rechargeable. As CROS transmitters are often released later than the main product line, it is a definite plus that there is a rechargeable option available.
While the Audeo Infinio brings numerous improvements, a few potential drawbacks may include:
The Phonak Audeo Infinio is a highly capable and innovative hearing aid. The improvements in Bluetooth connectivity, processing power, and durability are significant steps forward. The future-proofing with LE Audio and Auracast compatibility is particularly exciting.
However, the effectiveness of any hearing aid largely depends on the expertise of the hearing care professional fitting and programming the device. I strongly recommend finding a provider who follows comprehensive best practices to ensure optimal results.
While the Audeo Infinio may not offer groundbreaking improvements in speech understanding in noisy environments, its overall package of features and enhancements makes it a strong contender in the current hearing aid market. For those specifically seeking major improvements in speech-in-noise performance, consider the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio instead.
Ultimately, the Phonak Audeo Infinio represents a solid evolution in Phonak's product line, offering improved connectivity, durability, and processing capabilities that should benefit a wide range of users with varying degrees of hearing loss.
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