Exploring the New Phonak Infinio Platform

The Phonak Infinio represents a significant advancement in hearing aid technology, building upon Phonak's strong reputation for innovation. As audiologists, we've seen how this new platform brings meaningful improvements to speech clarity, connectivity, and user experience.

The introduction of dual-chip architecture, combined with enhanced speech understanding capabilities, sets this platform apart from previous generations of hearing aids. Through our work with patients, we've observed how these technological improvements translate into real-world benefits, particularly in challenging listening environments where understanding speech has traditionally been difficult.

Understanding the Infinio Family

The Infinio platform includes three distinct models, each designed to address specific hearing needs and preferences. Each model incorporates Phonak's latest technology while maintaining a focus on comfort and usability.

The Audéo Infinio R brings together performance and practicality in a discreet receiver-in-canal (RIC) design. Available in four technology levels (I90, I70, I50, and I30), this model measures just 31.9 x 14.0 x 9.5 mm and weighs only 3.0 grams. Its size makes it nearly invisible when worn, yet it delivers robust performance for various degrees of hearing loss.

The Audéo Infinio Sphere represents the pinnacle of Phonak's technological innovation. Available in I90 and I70 performance levels, this premium RIC model features groundbreaking dual-chip technology. At just 28.8 x 12.4 x 8.7 mm and weighing 2.4 grams, it's even more compact than the standard R model. The Sphere's processing power allows it to handle complex listening environments with remarkable clarity, making it particularly effective for active lifestyles and challenging acoustic situations.

For those with single-sided deafness, the CROS Infinio offers a specialized solution. This device works by capturing sounds from the non-hearing ear and transmitting them to an Audéo Infinio R worn on the hearing ear. The CROS Infinio matches the design and charging capabilities of the main Infinio family, ensuring a seamless wearing experience. This system helps users maintain awareness of their complete sound environment, improving their ability to locate sound sources and engage in conversations from any direction.

Dual-Chip Architecture: A New Approach

The Audéo Infinio Sphere introduces a groundbreaking dual-chip design. The ERA chip manages core sound processing and connectivity, while the DEEPSONIC chip focuses on real-time AI processing for speech-in-noise separation. This separation of tasks allows for more efficient and effective sound processing.

SmartSpeech Technology for Better Understanding

The Infinio platform uses sophisticated signal processing to address the most common hearing challenges our patients face. When in quiet environments, the Speech Enhancer feature works to make voices clearer and more natural, while the SpeechSensor technology actively identifies speech and automatically adjusts hearing aid settings for optimal understanding. In noisy situations, StereoZoom 2.0 can focus on a single voice while reducing surrounding noise, making conversations easier to follow in challenging environments like restaurants or social gatherings. The Dynamic Noise Cancellation system continuously monitors and reduces unwanted background sounds, helping maintain comfort without compromising speech clarity.

Connectivity Features

The Infinio platform comes with universal Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3), supporting direct connection to iOS and Android devices. This allows for direct streaming of phone calls, music, and other audio content to your hearing aids.

Battery Life and Charging Options

The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in Infinio hearing aids provide up to 16-18 hours of use on a full charge. Charging options include:

• Standard Phonak Charger RIC I
• Portable ChargerGo RIC I with integrated battery
• Specialized ChargerGo RIC Sphere I for the Infinio Sphere model

Quick charging capabilities allow for 3 hours of use after just 15 minutes of charging, perfect for those moments when you need a quick power boost.

Receiver Options for Different Hearing Needs

The Infinio platform offers multiple receiver options to address various degrees of hearing loss:

• S Receiver: Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss
• M Receiver: Addresses mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
• P Receiver: Manages moderate to severe hearing loss UP Receiver: Helps those with severe to profound hearing loss

Performance Levels to Match Your Needs

The Infinio platform offers four performance levels:

• I90 Premium: Full feature set with 20 fine-tuning channels
• I70 Advanced: Most premium features with 20 fine-tuning channels
• I50 Standard: Core features with 16 fine-tuning channels
• I30 Essential: Basic features with 12 fine-tuning channels

Durability and Protection

The Infinio platform carries an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in 1 meter of water for 60 minutes and exposure to dust for 8 hours. This durability ensures reliable performance in various environments and conditions.

Personalization Through the myPhonak App

The myPhonak app allows users to:

• Make remote adjustments to their hearing aids
• Track their hearing experiences through a hearing diary
• Monitor health-related data including wearing time and step count

Clinical Benefits

Research has shown the Infinio platform can provide up to 36.7% better speech understanding in complex environments. Users report up to 45% reduction in listening effort in quiet situations for those with moderate to severe hearing loss, and 21% less fatigue when using the Speech Enhancer feature.

Making the Right Choice for Your Hearing

The Phonak Infinio platform represents a significant step forward in hearing aid technology. Our experience shows that its combination of advanced sound processing, connectivity features, and customization options can make a real difference in helping people hear better in various situations.

The Importance of Real Ear Measurement

At Hearing Consultants, we use Real Ear Measurement (REM) with every Phonak Infinio fitting to ensure optimal performance of these advanced features. Real Ear Measurement is a verification method that measures the actual sound output of hearing aids while they're in your ear. Using a tiny microphone placed in your ear canal, we can see exactly how your hearing aids are performing and make precise adjustments based on your unique hearing needs and ear canal shape.

This scientific approach to hearing aid fitting helps us maximize speech clarity and sound quality, giving you the full benefit of the Infinio platform's capabilities. As members of Dr. Cliff Aud's HearingUp Network, we are committed to following these best practices in hearing aid fittings to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you're interested in learning more about the Phonak Infinio platform and whether it might be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our audiologists. We'll evaluate your hearing needs and discuss how these advanced features could benefit your specific situation. Contact our office to set up your appointment and take the first step toward better hearing.