STÄFA, SWITZERLAND – Phonak today announced the launch of Infinio Ultra, a new generation of hearing aids designed to address two of the most common challenges for users: speech clarity and wax management. The series introduces updates to Phonak’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform, focusing on improved sound performance, energy efficiency, and ease of care.
According to the company, Infinio Ultra integrates next-generation AI technology that delivers clearer speech from multiple directions, greater real-world adaptability, and reduced service needs. Wax buildup—an issue known to affect device performance—has been addressed through Phonak’s new EasyGuard™ system, developed to provide a sealed, wipe-clean solution that minimizes maintenance.
The Infinio Ultra line introduces two new Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) models:
- Infinio Ultra R
- Infinio Ultra Sphere
Both models are designed to adapt automatically to changing environments, provide consistent sound quality, and support universal connectivity.
AI-Driven Sound Processing and Real-World Adaptation
Phonak reports that Infinio Ultra uses its most advanced AI-based processing to date, enabling faster recognition and classification of listening environments. The system has been trained on 18 times more real-world sound scenarios than prior generations and features 24 percent more precise environment detection.
The platform also includes AutoSense OS 7.0, which automatically blends multiple listening programs to maintain balance and speech understanding in complex environments. The adaptive algorithm, APD 3.0 (Adaptive Phonak Digital), is intended to provide a comfortable sound experience while optimizing clarity in background noise.
“In 2024, Phonak introduced the world’s first hearing aid powered by a dedicated real-time large-scale DNN chip delivering clear speech from any direction instantly. Phonak’s AI innovation introduced last year was a true game changer for our industry, but we knew it was only the beginning of a new era. This year, we’re demonstrating our ability to push the technological boundaries even further in our pursuit of the best possible sound.”
—Oliver Frank, Vice President, Phonak Marketing
The Infinio Ultra Sphere features Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0, a real-time system that extracts, enhances, and reintegrates speech from any direction. Phonak states that this approach differs from traditional AI models, which classify environments before post-processing the signal.
The updated system is said to provide up to 30 percent greater power efficiency than previous versions and supports all-day operation on a single charge, depending on individual usage patterns.
Rock guitarist Paul Gilbert, who tested Infinio Ultra Sphere, shared: “I’ve had the opportunity to try Infinio Ultra Sphere, and I would say to my musician friends, you’ve got to get those hearing aids, they make things so much easier.”
Maintenance and Device Care
A key feature of Infinio Ultra is the new EasyGuard™ wax-management system. The design includes a sealed membrane that is acoustically transparent and simple to clean, eliminating the need for regular wax-filter changes.
According to Phonak, this can reduce service visits by up to 38% compared with prior systems.
The simplified design supports faster, easier maintenance and allows users to spend more time wearing their devices rather than managing them.
Connectivity and Everyday Functionality
The Infinio Ultra platform extends Phonak’s universal connectivity capabilities. Devices can pair with up to eight Bluetooth® devices and maintain two active connections simultaneously. A new one-step pairing process simplifies setup with myPhonak, smartphones, and tablets.
The latest myPhonak app version provides clearer interface language and streamlined access to adjustments. Firmware updates and feedback tests have also been optimized to improve fitting efficiency, with binaural firmware updates completed in under 13 seconds.
Technical Efficiency and Battery Performance
The dedicated real-time AI chip used in Infinio Ultra Sphere has been re-engineered for greater efficiency and responsiveness. When active in speech-in-noise environments, Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 can operate for up to 11 hours on a single charge, while total battery performance extends to approximately 56 hours, depending on use and environmental factors.
The ERA and DEEPSONIC dual-chip architecture featured in Infinio Ultra Sphere and the ERA chip in Infinio Ultra R are designed to provide responsive sound quality with lower latency and improved signal precision.
Practical Outcomes
Phonak states that the technology improvements result in adaptive sound that automatically adjusts to dynamic conditions, clearer speech understanding in noisy situations, and increased confidence in social communication.
The simplified maintenance design also aims to reduce follow-up visits for hearing care professionals and patients alike.
Infinio Ultra R and Infinio Ultra Sphere will be available for order through licensed hearing care professionals beginning October 22, 2025.
References
- Raufer, S., Kohlhauer, P., Jehle, F., Kühnel, V., Preuss, M., Hobi, S. (2024). Spheric Speech Clarity proven to outperform three key competitors for clear speech in noise. Phonak Field Study News. Retrieved from https://www.phonak.com/evidence
- Based on Phonak internal data. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
**Battery runtime may vary based on battery condition, hearing loss, sound environment, streaming activity, and enabled features.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Sonova AG is under license.
About Phonak
Since 1947, Phonak has focused on improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss through technology and education. The company offers one of the broadest portfolios of hearing solutions in the industry and is committed to advancing hearing science and accessibility. Phonak is part of the Sonova Group, headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland.
Beyond product development, Phonak also supports efforts to reduce stigma surrounding hearing aids and to increase understanding of the connection between hearing and overall health.
About Sonova
Sonova is a global provider of hearing care solutions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and audiological services. The company operates four business divisions—Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants—and owns brands such as Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, and Advanced Bionics.
In the 2024/25 fiscal year, Sonova reported sales of CHF 3.9 billion and a net profit of CHF 547 million. Approximately 18,000 employees worldwide contribute to its mission of enabling people to experience the delight of hearing. More information is available at www.sonova.com.
About Paul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert is an American guitarist known for his work with Mr. Big and Racer X. After developing hearing loss from long-term exposure to amplified music, he became an advocate for hearing health awareness. Gilbert currently serves as a Phonak Global Brand Ambassador and uses Phonak technology both professionally and personally.
