STÄFA, SWITZERLAND — Phonak announced that its Virto R Infinio hearing aid has been named an Innovative Product Winner in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards, a global program recognizing ideas and innovations that influence how people interact with and experience the world.
Virto R Infinio was recognized for its approach to the custom in-the-ear hearing aid category, addressing long-standing trade-offs related to discretion, sound performance, and connectivity. The device combines Phonak’s Infinio technology, universal connectivity, and a precision custom fit in a rechargeable design.
Custom in-the-ear hearing aids have traditionally required compromises in performance, power, or connectivity. According to the company, Virto R Infinio was designed to address these limitations, offering next-generation sound quality, improved speech understanding, seamless connectivity, and all-day comfort in a compact form.
A key component of the device is Phonak’s proprietary RightFit customization process, which considers both the anatomical and acoustic characteristics of each individual ear. This approach is intended to enhance comfort and performance while maintaining a discreet design.
“This award is proof that Virto R Infinio is creating an entirely new category in custom hearing. By eliminating long-standing compromises, we’ve changed how people experience and perceive custom hearing aids from something to hide to something they’re proud to wear. This recognition validates our ambition to change expectations and to elevate hearing from a medical device to a confident lifestyle choice.”
–Oliver Frank, Vice President of Phonak Marketing
“The 2026 BIG Innovation Awards winners show that true innovation is no longer about chasing the latest buzzwords,” said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at the Business Intelligence Group. “It’s about building intelligent platforms, automating workflows with purpose, and making trust, privacy, and resilience the foundation of every breakthrough. These organizations and leaders are not just keeping pace with change, they are shaping the future of global business.”
Phonak was among 159 winners recognized across sectors including healthcare, financial services, logistics, manufacturing, and enterprise technology.
About Phonak
Since 1947, Phonak has focused on improving quality of life for people with hearing loss. The company develops hearing solutions designed to support physical, social, and emotional well-being. Phonak offers a broad portfolio of hearing solutions and works to address stigma surrounding hearing loss by promoting greater awareness of hearing health.
About Sonova
Sonova is a global provider of innovative hearing care solutions, including personal audio devices, wireless communication systems, audiological care services, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, Sonova operates through four business segments: Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants. The company’s brands include Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license), and Advanced Bionics, along with regional brands. Sonova operates in more than 100 countries.
About Business Intelligence Group
The Business Intelligence Group recognizes excellence in business performance through awards evaluated by industry leaders and practitioners. Its programs focus on identifying products, services, and organizations that demonstrate measurable impact and performance.
Source: Phonak
