Unveiled at a recent event, this new hearing aid line integrates cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) to address one of the biggest challenges for hearing aid users: background noise. 

So, what’s so special about the Phonak Infinio Sphere? 

Introducing the Sphere Chip: A Game-Changer in Hearing Aid Technology 

The Sphere chip is a revolutionary component developed by Phonak, specifically designed to harness the power of AI to enhance hearing clarity in noisy environments. While most hearing aids rely on directional microphones to manage background noise, the Sphere chip takes this to a whole new level. 

Traditionally, hearing aids use directional microphones to focus on sounds coming from in front of the wearer, such as a conversation partner in a noisy restaurant. This method is effective, but it only provides a slight improvement over background noise – a boost of a few decibels. 

In contrast, the Sphere chip uses AI to detect and eliminate background noise altogether, not just reduce it. 

How Does the Sphere Chip Work? 

The Sphere chip has been programmed with over 2 million different noise samples. This vast library allows the chip to identify and eliminate unwanted noises, providing a cleaner and clearer sound for the wearer. The chip can literally subtract noise from the sound signal, using advanced noise-cancellation techniques that go beyond what current hearing aids can achieve. 

The AI technology in the Sphere chip is so advanced that it can differentiate between the sounds you want to hear (like someone speaking directly to you) and the sounds you don’t (like the clatter of dishes in a busy café). This capability results in a far more natural listening experience. 

The Power Challenge: How Phonak Solved It 

While AI-driven noise cancellation is an exciting development, it presents a significant challenge: power consumption. Early prototypes required so much power that they had to be run by an external computer, making the idea of a portable hearing aid nearly impossible. 

There was even talk of needing a backpack to carry a computer that could support the power needs of the AI chip! 

However, Phonak engineers overcame these hurdles by developing a dual-chip solution. They combined the existing Infinio chip with the new Sphere chip, creating the first-ever hearing aid with two dedicated chips. Here’s how it works: 

• Infinio Chip: Handles the core hearing aid functions, like sound amplification and basic noise reduction. 

• Sphere Chip: Solely dedicated to AI functions, kicking in when the wearer encounters noisy environments. 

This innovative approach allows the hearing aid to conserve power during regular use, only engaging the AI-driven noise cancellation when it’s needed most. 

What Makes the Infinio Sphere Different? 

The Phonak Infinio Sphere is a major leap forward in hearing aid technology for several reasons: 

Why This Matters for Hearing Aid Users 

For anyone who struggles to hear in noisy environments, the Phonak Infinio Sphere could be a game-changer. Whether it’s trying to hold a conversation in a crowded restaurant, navigating a busy street, or simply enjoying social gatherings without the constant strain of filtering out background noise, this new technology offers a significant improvement in clarity and comfort. 

Moreover, by employing advanced AI technology, Phonak is setting the stage for the future of hearing aids, where devices can learn, adapt, and provide a listening experience tailored to the individual’s needs.