Hearing Aid reviews
The following reviews are based on current research, performance, design, comfort and feedback from users as well as my own experience with the devices.
Phonak Infinio Ultra Sphere Audeo 90
Phonak’s Infinio Sphere platform introduces the company’s first dedicated AI chip, engineered to separate speech from noise in real time. The dual‑chip architecture allows the device to apply advanced noise reduction from any direction, making it particularly effective in group conversations where talkers shift around the listener.
Phonak continues to use its universal Bluetooth system across the entire portfolio, ensuring compatibility with virtually all phones and devices.
Independent testing by HearAdvisor awarded the Infinio Sphere an A grade, highlighting exceptional performance in Speech‑in‑Noise and Sound Quality. Phonak’s own study also found that participants preferred the Sphere’s sound quality in complex, multi‑talker environments compared to both competitors and Phonak’s previous generation.
In my own experience with the Infinio Sphere 90, the sound quality is smooth and natural, and it performed exceptionally well in restaurants and social settings. The app offers extensive personalisation options, though I rarely felt the need to adjust anything—the automatic processing handled most situations effortlessly. The device is a little large on the ear, and I occasionally needed to reposition it around my glasses, but this was a minor and manageable issue.
Phonak continues to use its universal Bluetooth system across the entire portfolio, ensuring compatibility with virtually all phones and devices.
Independent testing by HearAdvisor awarded the Infinio Sphere an A grade, highlighting exceptional performance in Speech‑in‑Noise and Sound Quality. Phonak’s own study also found that participants preferred the Sphere’s sound quality in complex, multi‑talker environments compared to both competitors and Phonak’s previous generation.
In my own experience with the Infinio Sphere 90, the sound quality is smooth and natural, and it performed exceptionally well in restaurants and social settings. The app offers extensive personalisation options, though I rarely felt the need to adjust anything—the automatic processing handled most situations effortlessly. The device is a little large on the ear, and I occasionally needed to reposition it around my glasses, but this was a minor and manageable issue.
Score: 4.8 out of 5 - Impressive Premium Technology
oticon Intent Product Family
Oticon Intent is built on Oticon’s newest platform, powered by the 4D Sensor technology and a next‑generation Deep Neural Network (DNN) trained on 12 million real‑world sound scenes. This neural network is designed to recognise complex acoustic environments and support the brain’s natural ability to separate speech from competing noise. The result is a hearing aid that aims to deliver clearer, more stable sound in dynamic, everyday listening situations.
Intent's 4D Sensors measures head movement, body movement, conversation activity, and acoustic environment to determine the user’s listening intent and adjust directionality and noise reduction accordingly.
Oticon Intent is available in multiple technology tiers, with higher levels offering more advanced neural‑network processing, stronger noise reduction, and greater automation. All tiers share the same underlying platform but differ in the strength and sophistication of the DNN‑driven features. This is a very strong product portfolio. Intent RIC model is noticeable small than Oticon's previous RIC version.
Independent testing by HearAdvisor awarded Oticon Intent an A grade, with particularly strong results in Speech‑in‑Noise and Sound Quality. These findings align with Oticon’s long‑standing focus on open, natural sound supported by advanced neural‑network processing.
Oticon’s internal studies also show that participants preferred Intent’s sound quality in complex environments, especially in situations with multiple talkers and shifting background noise. I have not yet had the chance to use Intent and will update this review with my experience after test driving it.
Intent's 4D Sensors measures head movement, body movement, conversation activity, and acoustic environment to determine the user’s listening intent and adjust directionality and noise reduction accordingly.
Oticon Intent is available in multiple technology tiers, with higher levels offering more advanced neural‑network processing, stronger noise reduction, and greater automation. All tiers share the same underlying platform but differ in the strength and sophistication of the DNN‑driven features. This is a very strong product portfolio. Intent RIC model is noticeable small than Oticon's previous RIC version.
Independent testing by HearAdvisor awarded Oticon Intent an A grade, with particularly strong results in Speech‑in‑Noise and Sound Quality. These findings align with Oticon’s long‑standing focus on open, natural sound supported by advanced neural‑network processing.
Oticon’s internal studies also show that participants preferred Intent’s sound quality in complex environments, especially in situations with multiple talkers and shifting background noise. I have not yet had the chance to use Intent and will update this review with my experience after test driving it.
Score 4.8 out of 5 - Intent represents a family of high quality hearing aids across different technology tiers and prices.