Real-World Review: “My Experience with the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio Hearing Aids.”
May 27, 2025
By Margaret Furphy | Trial Period: 20th March – 1st April 2025
When I was offered the opportunity to trial the new Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio hearing aids, I gladly accepted. Not only was it a valuable part of a research project, but it also helped me better understand how to manage my hearing loss in daily life. I’m especially grateful to Andrew Mackendrick for offering the trial and taking the time to professionally fit and fine-tune the aids for me.
Here is an honest account of my experiences using the Sphere Infinio hearing aids across different everyday situations:
1. In Noisy Groups: A Game Changer
In environments filled with people talking or laughing, the Sphere Infinio aids made a significant difference. Background noise was noticeably reduced, allowing me to focus on the person directly in front of me. I didn’t lose track of conversations as I usually might—though I still occasionally had to ask for a repeat, the number of missed words was far fewer.
One interesting observation: when a group of four split into two couples, I found it easier to follow the conversation with the person in front of me compared to others. It highlighted how the Sphere Infinio made conversations feel more direct and less overwhelming.
2. One-on-One Conversations in Quiet Settings
When talking to a person sitting alone—especially someone with soft speech—the aids performed well. I did forget at one point to turn off the “speech in loud noise” setting, which made hearing more difficult. Once corrected, the improvement was noticeable.
3. Audio Streaming: A++ Performance
Streaming audio content like podcasts and audiobooks was seamless. I could listen for hours without needing to recharge the aids. Compared to my previous aids (the Audeo P90-RT), which needed recharging mid-afternoon, the Sphere Infinio lasted well into the evening. For audiobook lovers like me, that’s a major win.
4. Group Meetings Around a Table
Following group conversations at a large table has always been a challenge, especially with people who speak softly. With the Sphere Infinio, this remained a bit tricky, but when paired with a Telecoil Phonak MyLink and Roger Pen placed centrally, the listening experience significantly improved.
5. Media Interviews and Head-Worn Microphones
I didn’t sit in the front row during a live interview session, and unfortunately, the microphones were not optimally placed for my hearing aids. This meant I missed some jokes and softer comments. In such settings, head-worn microphones used by speakers can make a big difference in clarity and comprehension.
6. In the Back Seat of a Taxi
Hearing the driver while seated in the back of a taxi was difficult. The “speech in loud noise” setting likely wasn’t optimal for this situation, and I struggled to make out what was said. Adjusting the settings for such scenarios might be an area for improvement.
7. Charging Surprise
One evening, I attempted to use the Restaurant setting at a venue, only to find the left aid had not charged properly. The Phonak App had shown it as fully charged earlier. It turns out the charger lid hadn’t been completely shut, so it hadn’t connected properly. A small but important reminder to always double-check that charging is successful overnight.
Final Thoughts
The Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio hearing aids represent an exciting step forward in hearing technology. With improved streaming, better noise reduction, and solid overall performance, they’ve certainly enhanced my everyday communication. I believe they would be even more effective when used with a Telecoil in the appropriate environments.
This trial has not only helped me experience new hearing technology firsthand but also taught me more about optimising settings to suit various listening conditions. I’m hopeful my experience can help others who are considering upgrading their hearing aids or managing hearing loss more effectively.
Margaret Furphy
15th April 2025
Approved for blog publication.
