Phonak Virto R Infinio review: Prescription hearing aids with a great fit

This template is then used to create the covers for the Infinios, each arriving as a single custom Cronenberg piece. This means you don’t just get a comfortable, perfect fit: the snake-like ear tip design also places the receiver as close to your eardrum as possible, theoretically increasing its amplification.

This is a prescription-only product, and you will have to visit a licensed audiologist to be able to get it fitted. In fact, two appointments will be needed: one for initial molding, and one to adjust the hearing aids after they are manufactured, which takes about a week.

The Infinio is available in two basic designs, one open and one closed. The decision to choose is similar to choosing ear tips over a standard hearing aid. (Note that the Infinio does not require or work with additional ear tips.) The open design has a ventilation channel running through it, allowing just a touch of ambient sound into the ear canal. But the closed design is exactly that. It completely closes the ear, like an earplug. I tried both but was quickly drawn to the open view; Closed hearing aids were extremely isolating—overkill for someone with a modest level of hearing loss—although users who frequently use their hearing aids for streaming may find the isolation a plus.

In the ear, the units fit and look incredibly comfortable More like earplugs of the earbuds, with nothing protruding from the ear except a small loopback cord. After a little practice, it’s as easy to get in and out as I am Favorite earbudsit locks into place with a little twist. The units have only one control button on the outer face. This is used to turn units on or off and can also be used to accept or place phone calls via Bluetooth. All remaining configurations, including volume adjustments, must be made in My Phonak mobile application.

Solid sound

Photo: Chris Noll

The hearing aids are equipped with the latest Phonak processor and software, but proof of quality really comes through testing. Overall, the quality was very good – although it fell short of the quality of top-tier BTE hearing aids of its ilk GN ReSound and Starkey.