New Year, New Infinio

What’s New?

Phonak didn’t add new features with the Ultra update. Rather, they enhanced everything that made Infinio special. All hearing aids contain an automatic program, which analyzes the environment in real time and makes adjustments on its own to maximize audibility. For example, if you are in a quiet environment, the hearing aids will amplify 360 degrees. When you then enter a noisy restaurant, it will detect the difference and only amplify what is in front, thereby filtering out environmental noise. Originally, Infinio’s automatic program was trained on 22 million sound recordings. With the Ultra update, that number is now 18 times higher. The result is that the program can adapt 24% more accurately, providing improved clarity and comfort. For the audiophiles, Phonak also increased the number of music samples.

For those with the Infinio Sphere, the devices are now 30% more efficient. That is, the engineers found a way to provide the same level of noise filtering while reducing power consumption. This means the charge won’t run down as quickly. You can spend all day in those noisy environments and rest assured that your hearing aids will keep working.

The Ultra update also simplifies connectivity to other devices. In the past, if a user wanted to stream audio from the device and use the myPhonak app, they had to pair the hearing aids twice. Now, the hearing aids pair for streaming and myPhonak simultaneously. However, you can still stream audio without downloading myPhonak, and can still use myPhonak while disabling streaming. The labeling in the Bluetooth settings has also been simplified. Before, it would list three devices, which caused plenty of confusion for patients. Now, it will simply list left and right.

In a related note, a feature that was formerly exclusive to in-the-ear styles is now available in behind-the-ear styles as well. This is compatibility with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) regulations. SCIFs are specially designed rooms meant to protect highly sensitive or classified information. Those patients who work in SCIFs can ask their audiologist to activate a special feature allowing them to continue wearing their aids in these rooms. The programing software even provides a certificate confirming compliance with SCIF regulations.

In a non-software development, Phonak has also developed a new dome design. The dome is the tiny silicone earpiece on the end of a receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid. Older designs had tiny slits in them to allow for venting. These slits made it possible for earwax to penetrate, which in turn clogged the wax trap. Patients would put on their hearing aid and feel like it wasn’t working, when really it was just clogged with wax. Many patients have had to take time out of their day to come into our office for a 10-second fix. The new domes, called EasyGuard, are completely sealed, making them much more resistant to debris. As a result, there is less chance of wax traps getting clogged, meaning they need to be changed less often. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a patient could wear hearing aids with EasyGuard domes for four months and still not have any debris in the wax traps. This saves patients time, effort and money. And, most importantly, frustration. It should be noted that EasyGuard is currently only available in the vented style. Users will need to consult with their hearing care professionals to see if it is an option for them.

How Do I Get It?

As mentioned, the Ultra update was released as the end of October. Any Audeo Infinio hearing aids fit after that time came with the update. The Virto Infinio also comes with this update already installed. If you were fit with Audeo Infinio before October, you will need to go into the office to have your aids updated. It only takes about seven minutes. It cannot be done remotely, as firmware updates are not supported by Remote Support.

As always, please reach out to your hearing care professional for guidance. FBN

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.