Phonak Virto™ R Infinio introduces an enhanced connectivity experience
AudiologyOnline: What are the current trends with Bluetooth® and custom hearing aids?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: Custom hearing aids have many more space restrictions with fitting in electronic components than a Receiver-in-canal style aid. Even with that, patients really enjoy discreet devices that have options; Bluetooth being one of those options. In 2024, a survey of over 1500 participants with self-reported hearing loss indicated that 96% of those participants said Bluetooth was a “must have” with their purchase of hearing aids.1 Research has shown that Bluetooth increases patient confidence and there is a reduced stigma to hearing aids now that so many people wear wireless headphones/hearables.2
AudiologyOnline: What, if any, are the differences between Bluetooth connectivity with Virto R Infinio and the previous Virto Paradise 312?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: Patients and providers familiar with Virto P are going to love the Bluetooth improvements the ERA chip brings. The introduction of the ERA chip allows for doubled streaming distances for both Android and iOS devices over our Paradise platform. Thanks to the ERA chip and our updated myPhonak app 7.2, we have made it even easier and more convenient for providers and patients to connect Virto R Infinio to their smartphones with a one-step pairing process. We have improved the visualization of the hearing aid connections in their phone’s Bluetooth menu, and we have given providers the ability to disable hands-free calling for those who work in restricted environments.
AudiologyOnline: You mention the new RightFit™ custom modeling process has made the Virto R Infinio quite small. How does this affect connectivity?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: Thanks to our incredible innovations, with Virto R there’s no compromise on Bluetooth functionality. Thanks to the RightFit Rapid Shell Modeling software algorithms, we are able to put all the necessary connectivity components within an as-small-as-possible shell. The ERA chip also allows for our custom rechargeable devices to have universal connectivity, utilizing 8 Bluetooth Classic with 2 active connections and 6 Bluetooth Low Energy pairings.
AudiologyOnline: What more can you tell me about the new Bluetooth pairing process with Virto R Infinio?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: The update to the myPhonak app (now version 7.2) reduces the number of steps needed to connect our Virto R-Infinio devices to a patient’s smartphone. Once the myPhonak app is downloaded and opened, Virto R Infinio aids can be paired to the app by simply selecting “Pair to hearing aids” and following the instructions. Once paired, the app will let patients know they are also set up to stream audio and phone calls. It’s as easy as that!
AudiologyOnline: What is different about the Bluetooth display in a person’s phone when connected to Virto R Infinio?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: In the past, the Bluetooth menu would show three entries—one for phone calls & streaming then 2 for the Bluetooth Low Energery (LE) pairings within the app. With the new one-step pairing process with Virto R Infinio, patients will now see only 2 hearing aids listed in their phone’s Bluetooth menu. This more intuitive display shows one hearing aid for left and one for right. Some phones show a headset icon associated with Bluetooth Classic connection for calls and audio and a different Bluetooth icon for the Bluetooth Low Energy connection to the app.
AudiologyOnline: You said you’ve given providers the ability disable hands-free calling with their Virto R Infinio hearing aids. Why would someone need to do that?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: Some individuals work in facilities with specific wireless requirements. This type of facility could be found in military, security, defense and intelligence areas within a building that processes types of classified information.
With Virto R Infinio and Target 11.0, providers now have a way to configure the hearing aids to comply with the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (or SCIF) requirement.
AudiologyOnline: When we talk about connectivity, what about the accessories?
Chrissy Gabler, Au.D.: Virto R Infinio is not only discreet, it is also compatible with our complete line of wireless accessories. Not only is it compatible with our highly popular TV Connector, but it is also with the PartnerMic, Phonak RemoteControl, and is even built to be RogerDirect to connect with our various Roger microphones. This is especially exciting as it allows users the benefits of Roger performance in hearing in noise and over distance without an intermediary device.
The breadth of connectivity available in the new Virto R Infino1 is exciting for our custom users—even more so with the improved user experience it brings!
References & Footer
- Consumer use of and preferences for assistive communication technology in public places Committee for Communication Access in America (January, 2024). https://www.ccaa.name/Report_Final_1-11-23.pdf. N=1519.
- Maidment DW, Amlani AM. Argumentum ad Ignorantiam: Smartphone-Connected Listening Devices. Semin Hear. 2020 Nov;41(4):254-265. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1718711. Epub 2020 Dec 16. PMID: 33364675; PMCID: PMC7744166.
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Christina Gabler
Christina (aka “Chrissy”) was born in California but has called Arizona home for the last 25 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science at The University of Arizona; with a minor in Deaf Studies. Needing a little break after college, Chrissy spent 4 years as a Speech Pathologist (limited license) at a school for special needs children in Phoenix. Ready to head back to school, she attended A.T. Still University for her doctorate in Audiology. After graduation, she jumped right into a busy ENT office and moved on to a private practice approximately 2 years later. It was at this private practice she really became an avid user of Phonak devices and fell in love with the ease of use and consistency. The decision to transition to clinical trainer for Phonak in December 2021 was an easy one. In her free time, Chrissy likes to craft, antique, snuggle with her 2 dogs, and travel as much as possible; though she has many places still to check off the bucket list. Someday, she will eat and drink her way through Italy….someday!