Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere: A Deep Dive into Premium Hearing Technology
In the competitive world of assistive hearing devices, Phonak consistently pushes boundaries. Their latest offering, the Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere—or simply the Ultra Sphere, as we’ll refer to it—arrives with a hefty $4,000 price tag and a promise of unparalleled auditory clarity. Garnering an 8/10 rating from WIRED, this premium hearing aid aims to redefine the experience, particularly in challenging, noisy environments. But does it truly live up to its ambitious claims, or do its innovations come with notable compromises?
Beyond the Name: Design, Comfort, and Visibility
Despite its evocative “Sphere” moniker, the Ultra Sphere is anything but round. It adheres to the traditional, teardrop-shaped, behind-the-ear (BTE) design familiar to many users. This nomenclature instead refers to Phonak’s groundbreaking Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 system, engineered to enhance conversation intelligibility regardless of the direction voices originate from in a noisy setting.
One of the most immediate observations is the Ultra Sphere’s size. At 3.39 grams per unit, it’s noticeably larger than many contemporary BTE aids, such as the 2.58-gram Jabra Enhance Select 700 or the 2.68-gram Horizon Go 7IX. This increased bulk, likely a consequence of its advanced internal components, makes it more visible to onlookers. However, what’s truly surprising is that this added size doesn’t translate into discomfort. Even during extended wear, the Ultra Sphere proved remarkably comfortable, defying expectations—a significant win for daily usability.
Functionality is intuitive, featuring a two-way rocker button for power, volume, and media control. While tap control for certain Bluetooth functions is available, it’s disabled by default in the MyPhonak app. Durability is assured with an IP68 weatherproof rating, and users can choose from seven colors (our test unit was black). Professional fitting ensures the correct eartip style—open, closed, or Phonak’s new wax-resistant EasyGuard domes—for optimal performance.
The Dual-Chip Advantage: Unpacking Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0
The Ultra Sphere’s core innovation lies in its dual-chip architecture. Unlike its less advanced, more affordable sibling in the Infinio Ultra line (the ‘R’ model), the Sphere integrates not one, but two powerful processing chips. The new DeepSonic DNN (deep neural network) chip is dedicated to multidirectional speech processing in noisy conditions. This cutting-edge component works in tandem with Phonak’s established Era chip, which debuted in 2024 and manages the core audio processing and wireless functionalities. This synergistic approach is designed to deliver superior clarity, particularly when navigating complex soundscapes.
Real-World Performance: Clarity in Chaos, Quirks in Quiet
In practical testing, these prescription hearing aids delivered a generally impressive performance. Professionally tuned, the Ultra Sphere largely fulfilled its promise of improved hearing in noisy environments, subtly—though not dramatically—dulling background sound. While quantifying the exact improvement over other models is challenging, the aids demonstrated a clear advantage in noise, a crucial factor for many users.
Interestingly, their performance in quiet scenarios presented a minor quirk. A gentle, transient hiss would occasionally emerge for a few seconds before subsiding, only to reappear later. This subtle background noise was only detectable in the absence of other sounds, suggesting it’s not a major impediment during active listening but a noticeable characteristic in silent moments.
Overall, the Ultra Sphere provided appropriate and gentle support, never overwhelming the user with unnecessary amplification. It consistently enhanced speech understanding, both in face-to-face conversations and while watching television. One area for potential refinement was the amplification of high-pitched, sharp sounds like keyboard taps and mouse clicks, which registered a bit too loudly for complete comfort. However, this is likely an issue that could be resolved with a follow-up visit to an audiologist for fine-tuning.
Streaming, Connectivity, and Endurance
Bluetooth streaming quality proved to be very good for BTE hearing aids. While they couldn’t entirely cancel heavy ambient noise during media streaming (especially with open eartips), they were more than adequate for casual music listening and phone calls. A minor drawback was the occasional brief connectivity drop-out during listening sessions, a common challenge for many Bluetooth devices that Phonak could aim to refine.
Battery life is another strong suit. Phonak claims an impressive range of up to 56 hours, depending on usage. In real-world testing, a mix of streaming and general hearing aid use yielded a respectable 27 hours on a single charge. The accompanying ChargerGo case, while not exclusive to the Ultra Sphere, provides enough power for three full top-ups, ensuring users can stay powered throughout their day and beyond.
Expanding the Ecosystem: Peripherals for Enhanced Experience
Phonak extends the Ultra Sphere’s utility with a range of optional accessories designed to integrate seamlessly with the Infinio Ultra line. The TV Connector (approximately $320) is a notable addition, plugging directly into your television to stream audio straight to your hearing aids, much like Auracast technology, thereby bypassing ambient sound amplification. Perhaps even more intriguing is the Roger On 3, or simply “Roger,” a device that, despite its hefty $1,800 to $2,000 price tag, offers advanced microphone capabilities to further enhance speech understanding in complex listening environments, making it a powerful companion for those seeking the ultimate clarity.
The Verdict: Is the Ultra Sphere Worth the Investment?
The Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere stands as a testament to advanced hearing aid technology. Its dual-chip system and Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 deliver on the promise of improved speech understanding in noisy conditions, a critical need for many users. The surprising comfort, robust battery life, and quality streaming further bolster its appeal. However, its significant size, occasional hiss in quiet settings, and the premium price point—especially when considering the cost of beneficial peripherals—are factors to weigh.
For individuals prioritizing cutting-edge performance in challenging auditory environments and who are prepared for a substantial investment, the Ultra Sphere offers a compelling, albeit visible, solution. It’s a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of sound, designed for those who demand the very best in hearing support.
For more details, visit our website.
Source: Link
Leave a comment