Phonak Introduces Virto R Infinio: Compact and Rechargeable In-Ear Hearing Aid

Phonak has introduced the new Virto R Infinio model, its first custom-made in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid with rechargeable capability. Virto R Infinio combines Phonak’s advanced Infinio platform technology with an extremely compact design, promising high sound quality, seamless wireless connectivity, and all-day comfort. This device is especially aimed at end users with an active lifestyle who care about their appearance—designed for those seeking a discreet yet feature-packed solution instead of behind-the-ear devices.

Phonak officials note that users have long demanded a small, discreet in-the-ear hearing aid equipped with all advanced features. It is stated that the Virto R Infinio is probably the world’s smallest rechargeable in-the-ear hearing aid, striking a perfect balance between style and cutting-edge technology. Oliver Frank, Vice President of Marketing at the company, emphasizes that thanks to the RightFit™ personalization innovation, this model offers style and functionality together in an extremely small rechargeable ITE form factor.

The Phonak Virto R Infinio is a hearing aid small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Custom-made to fit the curves of the ear, it is almost unnoticeable from the outside. This allows the user to put on the device and go about daily life comfortably; and despite its small size, it houses all the advanced digital processing power of the Infinio platform.

Custom Design and Comfort

Virto R Infinio is custom-made for the user’s ear using the RightFit personalization process. This process involves taking detailed measurements of each individual’s ear canal, with the device optimized using hundreds of data points. Phonak’s biometric calibration technique uses approximately 1,600 data points from the pinna and ear canal to virtually tune each device for user-specific acoustic performance. As a result, a more secure and comfortable fit is achieved compared to off-the-shelf products, minimizing sound leakage and feedback (whistling) risks. Phonak reports that this new customization ecosystem allows them to reduce the size of custom devices by up to 15% and decrease the need for remakes by 20%. Thus, Virto R Infinio not only offers a more discreet design but also aims for high user satisfaction from the first fitting.

Another benefit of the custom design is the superior comfort and security it provides in daily use. Because the device fits perfectly, the risk of slipping or falling out is minimized. Professional athlete and Phonak ambassador Robin Gillon states that, after weeks of testing, the Virto R Infinio integrated seamlessly into his lifestyle. Whether skiing under a helmet or flying while wearing headphones, Gillon reports being very satisfied with the comfort and personalized fit of the device, allowing him to forget about the hearing aid and focus on his activities. In short, the Virto R Infinio aims to feel like a natural part of the user’s ear.

The design is not only small and comfortable but also supported by durability and personalization options. Virto R Infinio has an IP68 rating, offering the highest level of protection against dust and water, meaning reliable performance even when exposed to sweat, dust, or moisture in everyday life. Additionally, the product will be available in eight different shell colors, including five skin-tone shades, and five separate faceplate color options. Users can choose a natural look to match their skin tone or opt for a bolder style in black, red, or blue. In this way, Virto R Infinio aims to make technology a part of daily life, tailored to each user’s taste and needs.

Superior Sound Performance

Despite its size, the Phonak Virto R Infinio offers flagship-level sound processing. It features Phonak’s latest ERA chip and the advanced AutoSense OS 7.0 operating system. This smart system has been trained with 18 times more real-life sound data than previous generations, enabling it to detect different listening environments 24% more accurately. AutoSense OS 7.0 analyzes the noise level and type in real time, automatically optimizing the hearing aid’s settings to deliver the best hearing experience in any situation.

Another innovation of the Virto R Infinio is the SmartSpeech Technology package, which focuses on improving speech intelligibility. The device’s bidirectional microphones and built-in motion sensor detect when the user is on the move, activating the adaptive directional microphone system. Thanks to the new StereoZoom 2.0 technology, the device can make speech in noisy environments 16% clearer than previous models—bringing performance close to that of premium behind-the-ear RIC models. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments with high background noise, such as restaurants or busy offices, allowing users to participate in conversations more easily.

In addition, the Virto R Infinio supports RogerDirect™ technology. This feature allows wireless direct audio streaming from external Roger microphones to the device, making it much easier to understand conversations in group discussions or meetings. Research shows that Roger microphone integration can improve group speech understanding by up to 61%. All of these advanced processing and microphone system settings are also initially configured for user comfort. Phonak’s Adaptive Phonak Digital (APD) 3.0 automatic adaptation algorithm has led 93% of first-time users to report satisfaction with sound quality and comfort right from the start. This demonstrates that the Virto R Infinio is optimized to offer a comfortable experience straight out of the box.

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Virto R Infinio is not only designed to improve sound but also to meet the modern user’s expectations for wireless connectivity. This hearing aid supports Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.3 protocols, making it compatible with nearly all smartphones and other audio sources. Thanks to its one-step easy pairing feature, the device can connect to multiple devices simultaneously after the initial setup, offering a seamless user experience. For example, the Virto R Infinio can remain connected to both your phone and your computer or tablet at the same time, so you can hear incoming calls or media audio from both devices without manual switching. Moreover, Bluetooth connectivity supports two-way, hands-free phone calls with both Android and iOS (iPhone) devices. This means you can answer and talk on calls directly through your hearing aid, even if your phone is in your pocket.

Phonak has also updated its myPhonak mobile app to make the connectivity experience as user-friendly as possible. The improved myPhonak app allows users to control their device settings with a more intuitive interface and clearer language. Adjusting the volume, switching between programs, or saving personal preferences for specific environments is now much easier. Additionally, the Virto R Infinio comes equipped with touch control (thanks to its built-in accelerometer, allowing light taps to issue commands) and a single push-button control on the device. A small LED light on the faceplate displays information such as charging status, offering both a technological and stylish look. This allows users to carry the device discreetly while knowing they are using advanced technology.

Charging and Battery Life

Battery life and ease of use are crucial for a hearing aid’s success in daily life. The Phonak Virto R Infinio has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes. The device comes with a magnetic connection charging case called Snap and Charge. When the user brings the hearing aids close to the slots in the charging case, the 360° magnetic hold mechanism automatically locks the devices into the correct position and begins charging. This magnetic charging system is especially convenient for older users or those with limited fine motor skills; instead of struggling to place small devices in their slots, they can simply drop them in. The LED indicators on the case lid allow real-time monitoring of each device’s charging status.

The Virto R Infinio battery can fully charge in about three hours and provides up to 30 hours of use on a full charge. The stated 30-hour battery life is based on typical use in quiet environments; performance may vary with heavy phone use or music streaming. According to Phonak, if the user streams audio over Bluetooth (such as listening to music or making phone calls) for 8 hours a day, the device can still deliver at least 16 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. This is more than enough for an active day. For example, a device taken off the charger in the morning can last comfortably until late at night under normal use. Even on days with extended music listening or back-to-back calls, there is still battery left by bedtime. Users can confidently use their hearing aids without worrying about the battery running out during the day.

Although Phonak’s new charging unit does not include an extra portable power bank, it is designed for daily routines. Most users can simply put their devices on charge overnight and take them fully charged in the morning for a “fit and forget” experience. This offers significant convenience for hearing aid users, eliminating the worry of whether the batteries are full in the morning. The Virto R Infinio’s rechargeable feature is also eco-friendly (reducing disposable battery waste) and offers long-term economic advantages by eliminating battery replacement costs.