Phonak Infinio Sphere Hearing Aids: Exploring AI Features & More

Phonak recently introduced the Phonak Infinio Sphere hearing aid, a new device featuring the industry’s first dedicated AI chip, DEEPSONIC™. This advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology is designed to separate speech from background noise more effectively than ever before, enhancing clarity and improving the listening experience in even the most challenging environments. Let’s dive in to what the AI in Phonak Sphere hearing aids really means.

What Makes Phonak Infinio Sphere Unique?

Phonak has claimed to have been at the forefront of AI-driven hearing aids for years, but the Infinio Sphere takes a leap forward by incorporating an AI chip solely dedicated to sound processing. Unlike traditional AI-powered hearing aids that rely on software-based enhancements, DEEPSONIC™ delivers 53 times more processing power than previous models, claiming an unprecedented level of speech clarity and noise suppression.

Key Innovations in the Phonak Infinio Sphere:

• Spheric Speech Clarity: Enhances speech understanding by separating speech from noise across all directions, providing up to 10dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement.
• AutoSense OS 6.0: Phonak’s most advanced automatic environment detection system, which adjusts settings for optimal hearing without manual adjustments.
• Expanded Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects to more Bluetooth® devices than any other hearing aid, supporting simultaneous connections and hands-free calls across various devices.
• Real-Time Adaptive Processing: With the ERA and DEEPSONIC chips, the Infinio Sphere adapts to changing listening environments claiming to offer continuous clarity and comfort.

Phonak Infinio vs. Phonak Infinio Sphere: What’s the Difference?

While both models belong to the cutting-edge Phonak Infinio family, there are some key differences:

The primary distinction between Infinio and Infinio Sphere is the integration of DEEPSONIC™, which provides a higher level of AI-driven speech separation and noise reduction.

How Does AI in Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids Compare to Other AI Hearing Aids?

Phonak is not the only company integrating AI into hearing aids, but the dedicated AI chip in the Infinio Sphere sets it apart from competitors. Most AI-powered hearing aids rely on software-based deep learning models, whereas Phonak’s DEEPSONIC™ chip operates at a hardware level, therefore claiming to offer faster real-time processing and better speech clarity in complex environments.

Compared to other AI hearing aids, Phonak claims their Infinio Sphere excels in:

• Processing Speed: Hardware AI processing is faster than software-based AI models.
• Speech Clarity in Noise: Spheric Speech Clarity delivers industry-leading noise suppression.
• Automatic Adaptation: AutoSense OS 6.0 provides more seamless transitions between listening environments than many competing brands.
• Connectivity: Supports more Bluetooth® devices simultaneously than any other hearing aid on the market.

Additional Features to Consider in the Phonak Infinio and Infinio Sphere Hearing Aids:

Robust App Functionality: myPhonak App Features

The myPhonak app provides extensive customization, allowing users to:

• Adjust volume and fine-tune sound quality.
• Save custom listening programs.
• Track health metrics like step count and wearing time.
• Manage tap controls for calls, streaming, and voice assistants.
• Receive remote professional adjustments.

Convenient Controls and Features

• Tap Controls: Easily access calls, music streaming, and voice assistants.
• Expanded Bluetooth Capabilities: Supports Bluetooth 5.3 Dual-Mode, allowing pairing with up to 8 devices and simultaneous connection to 2.
• Wireless Accessories: Compatible with Phonak’s TV Streamer, PartnerMic, and Roger microphones for enhanced listening experiences.

Battery Life: Less than Industry Standards, but Sphere Mode Drains Power

• Standard Battery Life: Approximately 16 hours per charge, including 3 hours of Bluetooth streaming.
• With Sphere Mode Activated: Battery life drops to around 7 hours in noisy environments.
• Charging Time: Fully recharges in about 3.5 hours using Phonak’s ergonomic charging case.
• Portable Charging Case: The ChargeGo Sphere case provides up to 3 additional full charges (note: if you have the just the Infinio hearing aids, there is a different compatible charger!)

Clinic Review: Our First-Hand Experience

We tested the Phonak Infinio Sphere hearing aids in our clinic, which is a quiet environment. Since Sphere Mode only activates in noisy settings (~72 dBA), we couldn’t evaluate its full potential. However, some key observations included:

• Size & Fit: The hearing aids felt bulky, and we noticed some plugging effects.
• Amplification of Soft Sounds: There was little noticeable amplification of soft sounds. While some users may not want to hear every faint noise, hearing aids should provide full environmental awareness.

Our past experiences with Phonak devices have shown that some users struggle to hear, even when their hearing aids are functioning properly. In several cases, switching to a different brand significantly improved their perception of sound. While we don’t yet have long-term data on the Sphere’s performance, this is something we consider when making product recommendations. We look forward to testing the Sphere in varied real-world environments to better understand its capabilities.

Conclusion

The Phonak Infinio Sphere represents a new chapter in AI-powered hearing technology. With its dedicated DEEPSONIC chip and Sphere Mode, it offers a unique approach to noise reduction and speech enhancement. While the larger size may not appeal to everyone and its surplus of features may not be necessary for every user and budget, it is an interesting choice to consider.

As always, we recommend demoing a device before deciding to buy. With all the marketing and buzz around hearing aid releases it is hard to really know what you need and don’t need until you give it a try! Reach out if you have questions or want to try a demo 🙂