Phonak’s Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere represents the company’s most advanced hearing aid to date. Despite its name suggesting a rounded design, the device maintains a traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) form factor. The “Sphere” designation refers to Phonak’s new Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 system, engineered to enhance speech understanding in challenging, noisy environments, regardless of the sound source’s direction.
Powering Clarity with Dual Processors
The Ultra Sphere stands out due to its dual-chip architecture. It combines Phonak’s established Era chip (launched in 2024 for core audio and wireless functions) with a new DeepSonic DNN (deep neural network) chip dedicated to multidirectional speech processing in noise. This configuration aims to deliver superior clarity by leveraging specialized processing power. Testing confirms the device performs well, though the improvements aren’t necessarily transformative.
Design and Comfort
At 3.39 grams per unit, the Ultra Sphere is noticeably larger than many modern BTE aids like the Jabra Enhance Select 700 (2.58g) or Horizon Go 7IX (2.68g). However, this increased size does not significantly impact long-term wearing comfort. The device features a two-way rocker button for volume, power, and media control, with tap control options available but disabled by default in the MyPhonak app. The Ultra Sphere is IP68 weatherproof rated and comes in seven colors. Custom eartips (open, closed, or Phonak’s EasyGuard) are fitted during professional evaluation.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
The Ultra Sphere performs well in various settings. Professional tuning ensures accurate speech enhancement, subtly reducing background noise. Oddly, the device exhibited a slight hiss in quiet environments, though this was only detectable when no other sound was present. Overall, the aids provide gentle, appropriate support, improving speech comprehension without overwhelming the user. High-frequency sounds may register too loudly for some, but this is adjustable through audiologist recalibration.
Bluetooth streaming is reliable, though the open eartips don’t effectively cancel heavy ambient noise. Occasional connectivity dropouts were observed during testing. Battery life is robust, averaging 27 hours with mixed usage, though Phonak claims up to 56 hours depending on settings. The included ChargerGo case provides three full charges.
Accessories and Cost
Phonak offers complementary accessories, including the TV Connector ($320) for direct audio streaming from televisions and the Roger On 3 ($1,800-$2,000), a portable microphone capable of unidirectional or omnidirectional sound capture. The Roger On 3 is exceptionally powerful but requires fine-tuning to avoid amplifying unwanted ambient noises.
The Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere itself is priced around $4,000 and is available only through licensed audiologists. This cost aligns with other high-end hearing aids. For moderate hearing loss, over-the-counter options often suffice. However, individuals with severe loss or complex tuning needs may benefit from a more advanced device like the Ultra Sphere.
Conclusion: The Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere delivers cutting-edge hearing aid technology with its dual-processor design and robust performance. While the price point is significant, it represents a viable solution for those with profound hearing loss or complex needs who require professional-grade tuning.
