Phonak Hearing Aids Scotland

Phonak Infinio

Phonak is joining the world of AI with the launch of its new platform, Infinio. However, in a typical Phonak being different from everyone else's move, only one device in the new platform has something that could be termed AI onboard. I would imagine this is a sales strategy based on AI being the best solution and probably more expensive; I could be wrong.

They say that Infinio is a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology designed to provide unparalleled speech understanding in all listening environments with exceptional sound quality, enhanced connectivity, and new avenues for personalized user experiences. They also say that their AI will deliver a 10 dB SNR boost, something that is unheard of. 

The new Infinio range is expected to be launched at the beginning of September. The Receiver In Canal (RIC) devices will be available from day one, but the Virto, In The Ear (ITE) hearing aids will follow a little later. The Infinio range will be launched on four technology levels: 90, 70, 50, and 30, as usual.

However, the new Sphere, the AI-featured model, will only be available at the 90 and 70 technology levels. The Sphere device will also be more expensive than the standard Infinio 90 or 70. Here is what you need to know.

The Infinio platform consists of two Receiver In Canal devices, a CRoS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) device and three custom hearing aids. For the first time, Phonak has introduced a rechargeable custom hearing aid on a platform. Better late than never. Those devices are the rechargeable Audéo Sphere RIC (AI onboard), Audéo Infinio R, CROS Infinio, a full range of Virto rechargeable in-the-ear (ITE) devices, and battery-powered non-wireless completely-in-canal (CIC) and titanium invisible-in-canal (IIC) aids. The new Audeo Sphere device, with its reported AI-driven 10 dB SNR capabilities—up to 3.7 dB better than competitor devices is probably the stand-out story.

As with the launch of Lumity, the Infinio line does not include battery-powered RICs or Naída power hearing aids, although these may be added in the future. Before we look at the all-singing, all-dancing AI feature, let's examine the basis of the new platform. The Infinio range is powered by two new chipsets, one called ERA and the other DEEPSONIC. Every device in the Infinio range has the ERA chip on board, but only the Audeo Sphere Infinio has the additional DEEPSONIC chip. The ERA is their brand-new management chip that oversees most functions, such as hearing in speech and noise, Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and feedback control. Because it is ubiquitous across the range, we should look at it first. The ERA chip Phonak says the new ERA chipset supports the products' performance's four key pillars: sound quality, connectivity, reliability, and personalization, which I will look at later in the article. 

The second chip, DEEPSONIC, is a unique feature of the Audéo Sphere device. This chip is responsible for real-time AI processing, instantly separating speech from background noise. The Era chip manages all functions, and the DEEPSONIC chip adds an extra layer of speech-background noise separation. Phonak claims that this combination results in the Sphere Infinio having an outstanding 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) benefit. This should significantly enhance speech understanding in complex sound situations. What's particularly interesting about this claim is that the level of SNR benefit is typically unachievable in real-world hearing aids without using an accessory like a remote microphone.

They say that DEEPSONIC offers:

• Spheric Speech Clarity: Clear speech from any direction instantly.
• Speech from Noise Separation: Advanced AI separates speech from unwanted noise.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) Improvement: Achieves an unparalleled SNR improvement of 10dB for better speech understanding in noisy environments, superior to competitor devices by up to 3.7dB.
• Users are two to three times more likely to understand speech from any direction compared to the two leading competitors.

Real-time AI sound processing with DEEPSONIC chip

Phonak says that their proprietary DEEPSONIC chip is the first of its kind, providing real-time AI processing to instantly separate speech from background noise. Unlike existing technologies, DEEPSONIC offers dynamic, real-time adjustments, allowing users to engage in conversations from any direction. The chip’s AI architecture includes: Deep Neural Network (DNN): 4.5 million neural connections trained with over 22 million sound samples. Unprecedented Processing Power: with 21 times more memory and 4 times more power efficiency, this chip is 53 times more powerful than existing chips and is capable of performing 7,700 million operations per second.

Let's take a look at the four pillars that they speak about for the ERA chip:

Exceptional sound quality.

Phonak says that with APD 3.0, they have created a brand-new audiological fitting model designed to give better sound quality from the first fitting moment. They say that they are using new leveraging all kinds of new technology, which includes Harman Curves, a tool typically found in headphones and loudspeakers for finding the ideal frequency response for the most natural and pleasing sound experience, helping consumers "love the sound from the first fit," says Griffiths. "And this tool has been trained by hearing providers. It uses thousands of real-world fittings." Infinio also includes Phonak's new AutoSense OS 6.0 with SmartSpeech technology that reportedly improves speech understanding by 16% and reduces listening effort by 45%.

Enhanced connectivity

Phonak says that Infinio features universal connectivity and instant compatibility with all Bluetooth devices. It is also faster and easier to connect with smartphones. The ERA chip was designed to be ultra-responsive, meaning people can shift between streaming and acoustic input without missing conversations. It also provides six times the transmission power, translating to up to 2 times the distance for transmitting audio from a smartphone to the aids compared to two other competitors. Ultimately, this should give users more stable connectivity and consistent audio quality—even if you're moving around while streaming from a phone or other Bluetooth device. While Infinio RICs don't offer a telecoil, the ERA chip is Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) Audio-enabled and Auracast-ready.

Reliability

Phonak's commitment to reliability and performance is evident in the rigorous testing of the Infinio platform. With over 135 individual tests, including mechanical robustness and resistance to water and dirt, Infinio has earned an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP68, the highest level for hearing aids. This extensive testing, coupled with positive feedback from users, instils confidence in the platform's reliability and durability. The Infinio RIC devices, designed along the same lines as the trusted Phonak Life products, offer enhanced reliability and quick receiver exchange while providing a commendable 16 hours of battery life.

Personalisation

The Infinio platform is not just about cutting-edge technology, but also about personalized user experiences. The new fitting software for hearing care providers includes an AI Dome Proposer that analyzes the patient's acoustic parameters and recommends the best-performing dome for Audéo Infinio RIC hearing aids. Virto ITE devices are biometrically calibrated, using over 1,600 data points from the ear scan to provide a comfortable and acoustically precise fitting. The platform also features a new charger that ensures optimal recharging and an acoustically optimized vent that adapts to the user's listening situation. This user-centric design is a testament to Phonak's understanding of the diverse needs of its users.

93% Preference, 45% Less Fatigue

Phonak's internal studies indicate that 93% of users prefer the first-fit of Infinio over two leading competitors. The new hearing aids also provided a 45% reduction in listening effort in quiet listening situations for adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, and 21% less fatigue when the Speech Enhancer was on versus off for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. With the added benefits of Phonak's new Roger ON remote mic, Infinio is said to improve speech understanding by 61%.

You can read about the Infinio 90 range here

You can read about the Infinio 70 range here

You can read about the Infinio 50 range here

You can read about the Infinio 30 range here

Phonak Lumity

Phonak has launched their new hearing aid platform, which they call Lumity. The Audeo was the first hearing aid style to be introduced on the Lumity platform and the family initially consisted of three Receiver In Canal devices, all rechargeable. They have recently expanded the range adding a new RIC and Behind The Ear devices. 

Lumity Devices

The range offers four separate Receiver In Canal models,  three of which are rechargeable and Made For Any Phone with a new 312 battery-powered addition. There are also three Behind The Ear Naida devices, a rechargeable device and 675 and size 13 battery-powered devices.

New AutoSense 5.0 Management System

The new hearing aids have an upgraded central management system called AutoSense to 5.0. AutoSense manages all of the other features, deciding what needs to change to ensure you hear your best as the sound around you does. Phonak has continually upgraded its management system as advances in chipsets and both Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in audiology increase.

SmartSpeech Technology

Phonak has introduced a new upgraded speech-focused technology that they are labelling SmartSpeech on the Lumity platform. The technology consists of two changes in the aids themselves and the use of the external Roger system. You still get the benefit without a Roger device, they have just included it in the concept of SmartSpeech Technology.

StereoZoom 2.0

The aids themselves have upgraded and changed the parameters in their proprietary directionality strategy StereoZoom 2.0, They have also changed the implementation of that feature with an upgraded sound scene analysis system focused on speech that they call SpeechSensor. Sound scene analysis is the analysis system that monitors and analyzes what is going on in the world. The changes here will allow a better perception of speech.

Phonak says that the new Stereozoom 2.0 enables better speech understanding from the front by 16% in a noisy environment. The SpeechSensor feature combined with StereoZoom 2.0 will also deliver 15% better speech understanding from the back and sides.

SpeechSensor

SpeechSensor is an automatic feature that is designed to provide 360-degree speech detection by monitoring your surroundings for speech. It assesses the main speech source and adjusts the aid's microphone modes to ensure that you have more access to speech from the back and sides.

Two Types of Chargers

The Lumity is introduced with a new shape charger for the L-R and L-RT and the Charger Case Go for the Audeo Life. The Audeo Life is going to be the slightly dearer model, however, the Charger Case Go may be worth that extra money if you are an active, on-the-go type. The Charger Case Go can charge the Life aids three times without plugging in.

myPhonak App

As with the platforms before it, Lumity pairs with the myPhonak app, the app gives you the ability to make adjustments on the go and create customised programs. The app also allows you to track personal health data, including step count, wearing time, activity levels, distance walked and ran, and optional goal setting. In addition, myPhonak app allows you to connect directly with a hearing care professional who can remotely assist in personalising their hearing experience.

You can read about the Audeo Lumity 90 range here

You can read about the Audeo Lumity 70 range here

You can read about the Audeo Lumity 50 range here

You can read about the Audeo Lumity 30 range here

Phonak Paradise

Phonak launched their Paradise hearing aid range during a virtual global launch event on August the 20th 2020. Their new platform, the Paradise hearing aids range, is completely new both outside and inside. The first hearing aid styles to be launched were the Audeo (Receiver In Canal) Paradise range, they have now followed that up with the Naida Paradise range.

They have built upon the outstanding Marvel platform by introducing a brand new computer chip (they call it PRISM), with brand new features, a motion sensor, increased connectivity, and a brand new sound all go to make the Phonak Paradise the best they have ever produced.

Four Technology Levels

Paradise technology is available in four technology levels, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30.

Motion Sensor Hearing

The new Paradise range offers motion sensors onboard the rechargeable hearing aids. The motion sensors are used to help the hearing aids understand if you are in motion. If you are in motion and having a conversation with someone, the aids understand that and change how they work to help you hear them better.

Two Active Bluetooth Connections

The Paradise aids build upon the Marvel features with increased and in-depth Bluetooth connectivity with an active connection to two Bluetooth devices. That means you can easily switch between two connected mobile phones or your mobile phone and your tablet without any fuss. This was a bugbear for some Marvel users who would have to disconnect from one device to connect to another. The Paradise allows for 8 Bluetooth®-enabled devices to be paired, while 2 can be simultaneously connected.

Tap Control

The new Tap Control feature allows users to activate popular voice assistants, answer or reject calls, or even pause or resume audio streaming by simply tapping on their ear. Phonak is using the new motion sensors to power the feature. It means that you can do more with your hearing aids without worrying about the buttons.

A Whole New Sound

The Paradise hearing aid range is the first hearing aid range to benefit from Sonova’s new sound processing chip, PRISM (Processing Real-time Intelligent Sound Management). The new chipset allows a host of newly developed hardware and software features to help you rediscover the wonders of sound from the moment they are fit.

The hearing aids deliver crisp, natural sound in any environment, in quiet situations, soft voices over distance are enhanced by the new speech enhancer feature. The new Motion Sensor Hearing allows the hearing aids to detect when you are moving while having a conversation. It will automatically adjust the directional microphones to focus on the direction of speech.

A New App

The new upgraded myPhonak app will provide Paradise wearers with more control over how they hear thanks to a new personalized noise cancelling feature.

Audeo Range With Four New Aids

The Audeo Paradise range is made up of four Audeo hearing aids, two rechargeable hearing aids and two traditionally powered hearing aids. It is important to note that only the rechargeable devices have the new motion sensor feature and also the tap control. The new PRISM chip also allows the speakers in the Audeo range to be a little bit more powerful meaning they will cover more hearing losses than ever.

You can read about the Audeo Paradise 90 range here

You can read about the Audeo Paradise 70 range here

You can read about the Audeo Paradise 50 range here

You can read about the Audeo Paradise 30 range here

 

Naida Paradise Aids

In February 2021 Phonak updated the Naida range with the latest Paradise technology, bringing all of the features and functionality to the Naida platform.

Smaller, Lighter, Even More Features

The new Naída Paradise devices are 14% smaller, 27% lighter, and packed with Paradise features and technology including next-level, powerful sound, industry-leading connectivity and a new custom program memory feature which will be introduced soon with the new myPhonak 5.0 app.

Two Models, One Rechargeable

The new Naida Paradise platform is made up of two Behind The Ear Models, a Naida Ultra Power which is powered by a 675 battery and a Naida Rechargeable Power hearing device. The Naída Paradise UP model features a powerful double receiver that delivers up to 141 dB of peak gain and up to 130 dB in the rechargeable model.

It's powered by the new PRISM™ sound processing chip and features AutoSense OS™ 4.0 for a host of premium features that work together seamlessly. Like the original Paradise devices, the hearing aids can automatically enhance soft speech in quiet places, reduce noise in loud environments and built-in accelerometers detect movement to automatically steer the microphones to improve listening when on the move.

Full Connectivity

The Naída Paradise offers the full connectivity delivered by Paradise. The Phonak system means that users can wirelessly stream audio directly into both hearing aids from virtually any smartphone, TV, laptop, tablet, eBook and more. They also provide two active Bluetooth® connections at the same time, so users can stay connected to their two most important devices without having to manually switch back and forth.

Like the rest of the Paradise range, Naída Paradise hearing aids also offerRogerDirect™.  It means that users can receive the signal from Roger devices with no additional accessory required. Of course, the devices will also come telecoil equipped for connection to loop systems and t-coil enabled equipment.

Tap Control 

The Naida Paradise range also offers Phonak's new Tap Control2 which allows users to double-tap on their ear or the aids to accept or end a call, pause or resume streaming and activate smartphone voice-assistants like Siri® or Google Assistant™.

You can read about the Naida Paradise 90 range here

You can read about the Naida Paradise 70 range here

You can read about the Naida Paradise 50 range here

You can read about the Naida Paradise 30 range here

Virto Paradise Titanium

In the Ear

The Virto Paradise Titanium invisible hearing aids will be available across the top two levels of technology. The Paradise Titanium will not have any connectivity.

• Custom Product
• Mild to severe hearing loss
• Battery: 10 zinc air
• Truly invisible
• Non Wireless
• Omni-Directional

Virto Paradise Black

In the Ear

The Virto Paradise Black is a new concept from Phonak. A cross over device that looks like a typical hearable device. The device is a Bluetooth enabled hearing aid that shares the same benefits as the wider Paradise range including connection to any mobile phone and access to the outstanding RogerDirect system from Phonak.

• Custom Product
• Mild to severe hearing loss
• Battery: 312 zinc air
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Directional Microphones
• Connection to any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone
• Compatible with RogerDirect

Virto P-10 NW O

In the Ear

The Virto P-10 NW O range is available across four levels of technology. It is a non-wireles device and will have no connectivity

• Custom Product
• Mild to severe hearing loss
• Battery: 10 zinc air
• Non Wireless
• Omni-Directional

Virto P-312 NW O

In the Ear

The Virto P-312 NW O range will be available across four levels of technology. The device offers a very discreet profile but the benefit of a bigger battery. It is a non-wireles device and will have no connectivity

• Custom Product
• Mild to severe hearing loss
• Battery: 312 zinc air
• Non Wireless
• Omni-directional

Virto P-312

In the Ear

The Virto Paradise 312 device is a Bluetooth enabled hearing aid that shares the same benefits as the wider Paradise range including connection to any mobile phone and access to the outstanding RogerDirect system from Phonak.

• Custom Product
• Mild to severe hearing loss
• Battery: 312 zinc air
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Directional Microphones
• Connection to any Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phone
• Compatible with RogerDirect