Phonak Infinio Ultra (and Ultra Sphere) Review

When Phonak announced the Infinio Ultra line, I'll admit I was confused. After all, they had just released the Audeo Infinio and Audeo Infinio Sphere hearing aids at the end of 2024. What could possibly be different about these "new" devices? After spending time testing the Ultra R and Ultra Sphere in my own ears, I now understand why this launch represents something genuinely significant for the hearing aid industry.

What Actually Changed?

Here's the thing that threw everyone off initially: the Infinio Ultra R and Ultra Sphere aren't technically new hearing aids from a hardware perspective. They're the exact same physical devices as the original Infinio R and Sphere models released in August 2024. Same sizes, same lithium batteries, same chargers, same ERA chip (and the Spheres still have the same DEEPSONIC chip).

The only physical changes? Phonak quietly redesigned their receivers to fix a reliability issue, and these new receivers work with both the original Infinio devices and the Ultra versions. They also introduced a new EasyGuard dome designed to prevent earwax-related problems more effectively, which is compatible with receiver types dating back to their Marvel hearing aids.

So what makes the Ultras different? This entire launch is essentially a firmware update that unlocks new features and improvements on existing hardware.

Getting the Ultra Update

If you purchased your Infinio hearing aids after October 22, 2025, your hearing care professional should have already installed this update. For those who bought their devices before that date, you'll need to schedule an in-office visit to get the firmware upgrade. This cannot be done remotely.

The update process itself is quick: about two minutes for the Infinio R models and roughly seven minutes for the Sphere versions. If you purchased your devices online, you may face challenges getting this update, as many local providers have policies against servicing hearing aids bought through online channels. This is just one more reason why working with an established audiology practice from the start makes more sense.

One critical point: if you weren't performing well with your Infinio hearing aids before this update, this firmware won't magically fix those issues. Your success with any hearing aid depends on how well it's been fit and programmed by your hearing care professional. We verify all our hearing aid fittings using Real Ear Measurement to make sure you're getting the maximum benefit from your devices.

What the Ultra Update Delivers

AutoSense OS 7.0

The firmware upgrades the hearing aids from AutoSense OS 6.0 to version 7.0 (the same operating system already running in the Custom Infinio devices). This new version was trained with 18 times more real-world scenarios, making it 24% more precise at identifying your listening situation and selecting the appropriate program settings.

For example, when you're at home watching TV, you'll be in a calm situation setting. Drive to a restaurant, and it switches to speech in car mode. Once you're seated in that noisy restaurant, it moves you into speech in noise or Spheric Speech in Loud Noise settings. The system also better identifies different types of live music, including hip hop, classical, electronic, and jazz.

I've noticed one quirk with AutoSense OS 7.0: when I'm in a quiet room and the air conditioner kicks on, it sometimes switches to speech in car mode, which is designed to reduce road noise. In a quiet room, that's not ideal. I can work around this by adjusting the noise block setting in my Calm Situation program or switching programs manually, but it's something to be aware of.

Dramatically Improved Battery Life

Battery efficiency was the Achilles heel of the original Infinio Sphere hearing aids, particularly when using the Spheric Speech in Loud Noise program. This AI-powered feature does an exceptional job separating speech from background noise, but it would drain the batteries in about seven hours.

The firmware update improves battery efficiency by 30%. The Ultra Sphere version running Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 now provides up to 10 hours when using the AI program, and up to 56 hours when not using it. Since most people wear their hearing aids for about 13 hours daily, you still can't run the AI program continuously all day, but you can use it far more liberally than before.

After four days of testing, I can confirm the battery improvement is substantial. Most people will comfortably get through a full day without needing to recharge mid-day.

Simplified Bluetooth Connectivity

The original Infinio devices required pairing your phone to both the myPhonak app and the main hearing aid for Bluetooth streaming. This created three connections showing in your Bluetooth settings, which confused many users.

The Ultra update introduces "One Step Pairing." When you pair your hearing aids with the app, it automatically establishes the Bluetooth streaming connection. Your phone's Bluetooth section now only shows two hearing aids, which makes far more sense.

This update also resolved some connectivity bugs I experienced with the original Infinio devices. Before the update, I regularly had to manually reconnect for streaming, and occasionally reboot my phone. Since updating to the Ultra firmware, these issues have disappeared entirely.

One clarification: this update does not activate LE Audio Bluetooth or Auracast capabilities. The Infinio hearing aids still lack a telecoil and Auracast functionality.

Enhanced Feedback Management

The firmware includes an improved feedback manager in the programming software. Running the feedback manager is now substantially faster (about 13 seconds instead of over a minute), and the test sounds are more comfortable to listen to.

This matters because we often run the feedback manager multiple times when finding the right dome size or earmold vent for your hearing loss. Faster testing means we can spend more time fine-tuning your programming using Real Ear Measurement to maximize your hearing aid performance.

Why This Launch Matters

Here's what makes this release significant beyond just Phonak users: historically, hearing aid manufacturers would only add new features to brand new hearing aids. Even if you had just purchased your devices six months earlier, you'd miss out on any new features unless you bought the latest model.

Many manufacturers make minimal improvements and market them as entirely new hearing aids, when the only real difference is the model name laser-engraved on the device.

Phonak has set a new standard by rolling out significant feature improvements through a firmware update rather than forcing people to buy new hardware. This is the approach we should expect from all hearing aid manufacturers when they're not making substantial hardware changes.

Final Thoughts

The Infinio Ultra release demonstrates what's possible when a manufacturer prioritizes improving existing technology rather than simply pushing new product launches. The battery efficiency improvements alone make this update worthwhile for current Infinio Sphere users, and the connectivity enhancements benefit all Infinio wearers.

If you're interested in the Phonak Infinio Ultra or Ultra Sphere hearing aids, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a provider who follows comprehensive best practices. You can find a vetted hearing care professional in your area through the HearingUp network at HearingUp.com. All HearingUp providers are committed to using Real Ear Measurement and other best practice procedures to help you achieve your best possible hearing outcomes with your new hearing aids.