This mold is then used to create the shell for the Infinios, each of which arrives as a single, bespoke, Cronenbergian piece. That means you don’t just get a snug, perfect fit: The snakelike ear-tip design also places the receiver as close to your eardrum as possible, theoretically maximizing its amplification.
This is a prescription-only product, and you’ll have to visit a licensed audiologist to be fitted for one. In fact, two appointments will be required: One for the initial molding, the other to tune the hearing aids after they’ve been crafted, which takes about a week.
The Infinio is available in two basic designs, one “open” and one “closed.” The decision of which to opt for is similar to making the choice of ear tips on a standard hearing aid. (Note that the Infinio does not require or work with additional ear tips.) The open design has a vented channel running through it, which allows just a touch of ambient sound into the ear canal. The closed design, however, is exactly that. It seals off the ear completely, like an earplug. I tried both but quickly gravitated to the open offering; the closed hearing aids were too isolating—and overkill for someone with my more modest level of hearing loss—though users who frequently use their hearing aids for streaming may find the isolation to be a plus.
In the ear, the units fit incredibly snugly and look more like earplugs than earbuds, with nothing protruding from the ear except for a tiny retrieval wire. After a little practice, they become as easy to pop in and out as my favorite earbuds, locking into place with a little swivel. The units have only a single control button on the exterior face. This is used to power the units on or off and can also be used to accept or hang up on phone calls over Bluetooth. All remaining configurations, including volume adjustments, must be done in the myPhonak mobile app.
Solid Sound
Photograph: Chris Null
The hearing aids are outfitted with Phonak’s latest processor and software, but the proof of quality really comes in the testing. Overall, quality was very good—though it was clearly short of top-tier BTE hearing aids from the likes of GN ReSound and Starkey.
