Signia Insio Charge&Go CIC IX

by Audiology Team | Sep 19, 2025

Signia Insio Charge&Go CIC IX

Don’t Buy an Invisible Hearing Aid Until You Read This

Signia Insio Charge&Go CIC IX hearing aids Review

All the features of the big hearing aids without the stigma? The NEW Signia Insio brings rechargeability to custom hearing aids. What’s so special about this? And what is it missing?
In this review, we’ll break down the key features of the Insio Charge&Go CIC IX and explore the unique benefits and trade-offs of choosing this groundbreaking device. Our goal is to provide a clear, authoritative guide to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

How the Insio Charge&Go IX Helps You Hear Better

This tiny hearing aid is designed to make conversations easier, especially in noisy places. It does all the hard work for you, so you can focus on enjoying life.

RealTime Conversation Enhancement: Imagine you’re at a dinner party and people are talking all around you. This hearing aid knows who is speaking and helps you follow the conversation, even if people move or new people join in.
Binaural OneMic Directionality 2.0: When you’re in a noisy room, like a cafe, the hearing aids work together to focus on the person talking right in front of you. This makes their voice clear and separates it from the loud noise around you.
Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0: The hearing aid is smart and automatically adjusts to your surroundings. When you walk from a quiet room into a noisy one, it instantly changes its settings so you can hear comfortably without having to do anything yourself.
Speech and Noise Management & Speech Stabilizer: These features work together to make sure that people’s voices sound natural and clear, even when there’s a lot of background noise. This means less straining to listen and more enjoying the conversation.

A Full Day of Hearing, No Batteries to Change

The Insio Charge&Go CIC IX is a game-changer for the custom hearing aid category. It is the world’s first rechargeable, custom-made CIC with directional microphone technology.

Rechargeability: The device is powered by a lithium-ion battery, providing up to 35 hours of use on a single, 4-hour charge.
On-the-go Charging: A sleek, pocket-sized charging case holds enough power for up to three additional full charges.

Features and Specifications

Performance Levels: Available in three technology tiers: 7 IX (Premium), 5 IX (Advanced), and 3 IX (Standard).
Colors: The faceplate is available in Mocha, Black, and Deep Brown.
Fitting Range: Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
Tinnitus Management: Includes Signia’s patented Notch Therapy, proven effective against tonal tinnitus, and a Tinnitus Noise Therapy Manager.
Connectivity: While it does not support Bluetooth audio streaming or hands-free calling. Volume and Program Control can be activated through the Signia App and the optional miniPocket remote control.

Pros and Cons

Pros

World’s first rechargeable custom CIC with directional microphone technology.
Advanced IX platform for real-time conversation enhancement in a discreet form factor.
Up to 35 hours of battery life with a convenient, portable charging case.
Volume and Program control on the Signia App
Custom-made for a secure, comfortable, and nearly invisible fit.
Patented tinnitus therapy options available across all technology levels.

Cons

Lacks the speech in noise clarity of larger BTE/RITE Hearing Aids.
No direct Bluetooth streaming for audio or phone calls.
Does not have onboard push buttons for control.
May not be suitable for those with severe to profound hearing loss.

Is This the Right Hearing Aid for You?

The Signia Insio Charge&Go CIC IX is best suited for a user who:

Prioritizes discretion and wants a nearly invisible hearing solution.
Struggles with hearing in background noise and wants advanced, real-time conversation enhancement.
Values the convenience of rechargeability and is tired of managing disposable batteries.
Can live without Bluetooth streaming, which is a trade-off for the device’s small size.

Final Verdict

The Signia Insio Charge&Go CIC IX is not just a new model; it’s a significant leap forward for the invisible hearing aids. By bringing its Integrated Xperience (IX) platform into a discreet and rechargeable model, Signia has given users a compelling reason to choose a custom, in-the-ear solution.
If discretion is your top priority and you want the best possible sound from a nearly invisible device, the Insio Charge&Go CIC IX is an excellent choice.

Ready to improve your hearing? Make an appointment with our team.

Review by Mark Truong, Clinical Audiologist at Ear and Hearing Australia

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How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

The best hearing aid for you is the one that not only meets your unique hearing loss requirements but also suits your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget. Whether you want your hearing aids to be invisible or discreet, are looking for instruments that are easy to use or maintain, or those that have the maximum speech clarity, it all comes down to what’s best for YOU and your individual hearing needs. Therefore, deciding which hearing aid is most appropriate for you will be based on a variety of clinical and personal factors.

Phonak Virto Infinio R

by Audiology Team | Sep 19, 2025

Phonak Virto R Infinio

Can you get Premium Power, Effortless Rechargeability, and Modern Connectivity in a Discreet Hearing Aid.

Phonak Virto R Infinio hearing aids Review

You’ve seen the ads for powerful, high-tech hearing aids, but what if you want that same performance in a device no one can see? The new Phonak Virto R Infinio puts Phonak’s flagship technology, including its ERA chip, into a discreet, rechargeable, custom-made shell. But can a device so small really deliver?

In this review, we’ll break down the key features of the Virto R Infinio and explore the unique benefits and potential trade-offs of choosing this groundbreaking device. Our goal is to provide a clear, authoritative guide to help you make an informed decision.

A Tailored Fit for Uncompromising Comfort and Style

One of the most common concerns we hear is about the dexterity required to handle small, disposable hearing aid batteries or the discomfort of a one-size-fits-all device. The Phonak Virto R Infinio solves these problems with an elegant, custom design.

Effortless to Wear: The Virto R Infinio is custom-molded to the unique contours of your ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit all day long. This precision fit means it stays in place without you ever having to think about it.
Modern Design: All the features and connectivity of a BTE/RITE hearing aid in an in-the-ear form. Get most of the creature comfort of a larger devices without a wire or tube.

Rechargeable Convenience: No More Fiddling with Tiny Batteries

Forget the days of fumbling with tiny batteries. The Virto R Infinio is fully rechargeable, offering a hassle-free experience designed for modern living.

Simply place your hearing aids in their intuitive “Snap and Charge” case at night. Their magnetic ports guide them into position effortlessly, and you’ll wake up to a full day of seamless hearing. A three-hour charge gives you up to 30 hours of use, or at least 16 hours even with a full day of streaming, ensuring you have the power you need even through the night.

Finally, Clarity in a Noisy World

The biggest challenge for most people with hearing loss is hearing in a crowd. Phonak claims the Virto R Infinio’s advanced technology is specifically designed to tackle this problem head-on.

The device is powered by the cutting-edge ERA chip, which includes an AI-driven DEEPSONIC chip and SmartSpeech Technology. According to Phonak, this system works to automatically reduce background noise, such as the clinking of glasses or the murmur of conversations, while intelligently focusing on the voices you want to hear. This sophisticated process, they say, makes conversations clearer and less tiring, allowing you to participate with ease.

Seamless Integration with Your Life

Beyond the powerful sound processing, the Virto R Infinio is built for a connected, modern life. The universal Bluetooth capabilities mean you can connect to virtually any smart device. The

Bluetooth 5.3 Dual-Mode allows you to pair with up to 8 different devices and stay connected to two simultaneously. This means you can effortlessly switch between answering a phone call from your smartphone and listening to a podcast on your tablet without re-pairing.

The device also offers convenient and intuitive controls. You can use

tap controls via a built-in accelerometer for quick access to calls, music streaming, and voice assistants. For a more in-depth experience, the

myPhonak app allows you to make your own adjustments to volume and sound quality, save custom programs, and even get professional support from your audiologist from the comfort of your home. This remote support feature ensures you get the care you need without a trip to the clinic.

Comparing the Virto R Infinio to Other Options

For those considering a custom, in-the-ear hearing aid, the market offers several compelling choices. Understanding the differences helps you find the right fit for your unique needs.

Oticon OWN SI: A primary competitor, Oticon’s OWN SI, is also a custom, invisible hearing aid that uses a sophisticated second-generation deep neural network. While it provides excellent speech-in-noise performance, the key difference is that Oticon’s custom line currently does not offer a rechargeable option and relies on disposable batteries. This is a major trade-off for those who want modern convenience.
Signia Insio Charge&Go IX: This is another discreet, rechargeable, custom-made hearing aid. It is also designed for real-time conversation enhancement, but unlike the Virto R Infinio, its small size comes with a trade-off: it does not have direct Bluetooth streaming for audio or phone calls. For users who value seamless connectivity and streaming, the Virto R Infinio has a distinct advantage.
Phonak Lyric 4: Phonak also offers the Lyric 4, a truly invisible hearing aid that is inserted deep into the ear canal by a professional and stays there for months at a time. The Lyric is a “set-and-forget” solution that you wear 24/7, but it completely lacks Bluetooth streaming. The Virto R Infinio, by contrast, provides a balance of discretion and modern features, requiring daily charging but offering a wide range of connectivity options.

A Deeper Look at the Technology

The real-world benefits of the Virto R Infinio are powered by what Phonak calls its Infinio platform. The heart of this platform is the ERA chip, which includes the AI-driven DEEPSONIC chip. Phonak claims this deep neural network processor is the key to removing background noise and enhancing speech clarity in challenging environments. According to the company’s lab results, the ERA platform provides “best-in-class performance” in these noisy situations.

This technology, Phonak claims, does not just block out noise; it intelligently manages it. The system is designed to identify and enhance speech in real-time, even in a dynamic environment where sounds and speakers are constantly changing.

Choosing Your Technology Level

Phonak offers the Virto R Infinio in four different technology levels: Premium 90, Advanced 70, Standard 50, and Essential 30. These levels allow you and your audiologist to select a device that perfectly matches your lifestyle, hearing loss, and budget.

The Freedom to Live Your Life

Hearing aids are often seen as medical devices, but for one Phonak user, they were a tool for achieving a dream. Gillon, who uses the Virto R Infinio, shared how the devices gave him the confidence to pursue a pilot’s license, following in his grandfather’s footsteps. He also wore them at his wedding, feeling “so much better in my skin having to wear something that looks like a really fine piece of technology”. His story highlights that this device is more than just about hearing—it’s about feeling confident and free to live the life you want, without compromise.

Final Verdict

The Phonak Virto R Infinio provides a custom rechargeable device, with the latest speech in noise performance, world class connectivity and set and forget automatics. Features which make a real difference in daily life. If you’re looking for great sound, ease of use and BTE/RITE’s don’t work for you, the Virto R Infinio may be the right option for you.

Mark Truong - Clinical Audiologist

Review by Mark Truong, Clinical Audiologist at Ear and Hearing Australia

Ready to improve your hearing? Make an appointment with our team.

Make an Appointment

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

Phonak Sphere Infinio

by Dr Moh Dadafarin Audiologist | Aug 22, 2024

Phonak Sphere Infinio

Phonak Sphere Infinio Hearing Aid Review

Hearing clearly in a noisy restaurant, café or group is one of the biggest complaints hearing impaired individuals have. Speech is unclear, voices are muffled and the cacophony of noise just overwhelms conversation. Hearing aids have tried to fix this problem with directional microphones, noise filters and AI filters but all struggle to truly separate speech when it’s extremely noisy.
Phonak’s Sphere Infinio claims to solve this problem with a dedicated AI processor 53 times more powerful than anything else on the market making it able to isolate a speaker in all directions. Never before has a hearing aid had a dedicated chip focused solely on speech in noise separation.

Phonak Infinio comes in 5 models

Phonak Virto Infinio R is Phonak’s first Rechargeable in-the-ear hearing aid following the likes of Signia, Starkey and Resound.

Key Features

Automatic Environment Switcher – Autosense OS

Phonak’s automatic program switcher has always been one of the best. The hearing aid dynamically changes programs by monitoring your sound environment, making adjustments to provide the best speech clarity and comfort in that particular environment.

Universal Bluetooth Streaming

Phonak Infinio comes with all the connectivity you’ll ever need. Whether you’re connecting to a phone, laptop, TV, tablet or even a public venue broadcast system, Infinio has you covered.

Bluetooth Classic – Enabled
Bluetooth LE Audio – Enabled
Bluetooth Auracast – Enabled
Bluetooth Auracast and LE Audio are still in development and

Dedicated DeepSonic AI Deep Neural Network Chip

Phonak have managed to pack in a 2nd AI processor in their larger Sphere Infinio hearing aid, capable of processing sound and speech only possible before in large scale computers. They even claim to process up to 7,700 million calculations per second and to be 53 times more powerful than anything else currently on the market.

Key Figures

Deep Neural Network trained on 22 million sound samples
Speech in noise processor with 64 channels of separation
36.8% better speech in noise understanding
45% reduction in listening effort
21% less hearing fatigue with speech enhancer on

Additional Features

Long term Durability and Waterproofing

With an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, the Infinio hearing aids are set to take a beating. Gone are the days worrying about your devices dying during sweaty workouts or after forgetting them during a shower. IP68 is good for 30 minutes of submersion in 1.5m deep waters, making it now possible to swim with your devices in!

Speaker Dome Options (Eartips)

As seen below, Phonak has a range of Domes and Earmoulds. With an experienced audiologist, they can select the right option to match your ear shape, hearing loss,cosmetic, and dexterity needs.

myPhonak App – Hearing aid controls

The NEW myPhonak app is available for both iPhone and Android allowing you to control settings like volume, programs, directionality, and tap control. The NEW app also has smart features to keep track of your health and cognition.

For instructions on how to pair your Phone with your Phonak hearing aids click here: Android

Battery Life

Phonak Infinio Recharegeable options are set to last 16 to 20 hours (on a 3 to 4 hr full charge) giving you a full day of sound.

Chargers

Phonak Infinio R

ChargerGo RIC Infinio – with Battery
Charger RIC Infinio – without Battery

Phonak Sphere Infinio

ChargerGo RIC Infinio – with Battery

Phonak Virto Infinio

Virto Charger

Drawbacks

Increased Size –

Although Infinio R is a similar size to previous models, Sphere Infinio is quite large in comparison to pack in a secondary AI chip. Not everyone is willing to give-up additional visibility behind the ear for additional speech clarity.
For those who are looking for the best in class for ease of hearing in a noisy place, it’s a fantastic option.

Feedback/Whistling

Phonak hearing aids have always struggled in reducing feedback/whistling. Audiologists must occlude the ear canal with tight domes to reduce this, which may reduce residual hearing and cause an echo in user’s own voice.
Depending on your hearing loss, tolerance of occlusion (echo in your voice when blocking your ear) and other factors like the device size, Phonak may not be the best option.

Verdict

Phonak Infinio is an exciting breach into a new world of hearing. We are finally getting a glimpse of what AI integration can do to tackle decades old problems in the hearing aid industry. Their great range of options will hopefully provide something suitable for you. But it’s always important to rely on your audiologist to select the best option for your hearing loss, lifestyle, aesthetic choices and management needs.

Mark Truong - Clinical Audiologist

Review by Mark Truong, Clinical Audiologist at Ear and Hearing Australia

Ready to improve your hearing? Make an appointment with our team.

Make an Appointment

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

Oticon Intent

by Dr Moh Dadafarin Audiologist | Feb 23, 2024

Oticon Intent

Oticon Intent Hearing Aid Review

Intrigued by the promise of AI-powered hearing? Oticon’s latest offering, the Intent miniRITE R, boasts significant advancements in noise reduction, speech clarity, and environmental awareness. But does it live up to the hype? This review dives into the features, potential benefits, and considerations before you judge for yourself.

Key Features

Regain control of your hearing with 4D Sensor Technology

This innovative system analyzes your head and body movements, conversation activity, and surrounding sounds to dynamically adjust speech volume and clarity while enhancing your awareness of your environment and spatial surroundings.

Bluetooth LE Audio Auracast

Be ahead of the curve with the latest Bluetooth for better stability, 2-way streaming, and wider device compatibility.

Ditch Charger Anxiety

The Oticon Intent boasts a smaller, sleeker design and a speedy 2-hour charge for 24 hours of hearing power. Allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted daily hearing

Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0

Advanced AI technology refines sound processing, resulting in superior noise suppression (10dB Signal to Noise reduction) and speech clarity.

Music lovers, rejoice

With NEW speakers capable of reproducing a wider range of frequencies (80 to 10,000 kHz). Intent delivers a fuller, richer, and more nuanced soundscape for your music enjoyment.

9 Total Colours – Including 2 Exclusives, Sky Blue and Honey Beige

SuddenSound Stabilizer / Wind & Handling Stabilizer

Intent carries over 2 highly rated features from Oticon Intent. The Sudden Sound Stabiliser and Wind and Handling Stabiliser. Providing users with a clear and comfortable listening experience whether you’re at a party, pub/bar or even on the golf course.

Explore the 4D sensors in Oticon Intent

Acoustic environment

Sensors gather details of the 360º sound scene around the listener as it varies within listening environments and between environments.

Head movement

Sensors monitor if and how the user moves their head to understand the type of communication situation.

Body movement

Physical movement sensors help anticipate the need for increased spatial awareness support.

Conversation activity

Monitoring if there is an active conversation or not informs the system to prioritise speech.

Power & Rechargeability: Freedom on the Go (with a caveat)

Oticon Intent boasts a convenient and powerful rechargeable system, promising 24 hours of hearing on a single charge. Here’s a breakdown:

Charging:
● Fast charging: In a pinch, a 1 hour charge gives 8 hours of hearing.
● Full charge: and a full 24 hours charge is completed in just 2-hours.
● USB-C convenience: The detachable USB-C cable allows for easy charging anywhere, using any compatible power source.
Limitations:
● No replaceable batteries: Currently, Oticon Intent only offers rechargeable options. You may want to consider Oticon Intent for a replaceable battery option.
● No Smart Travel Charger yet: While the current charger is convenient, Oticon hasn’t released a dedicated travel charger with integrated battery yet.

The Oticon Companion App

The Oticon Companion app packs even more features. Including volume adjustments, program switching, remote microphone functionality and much more. For more information and ways to download visit the Oticon Companion App.

Auracast Bluetooth LE Audio

Hearing aid Bluetooth has been unstable and choppy for many years. Either compromising on battery life with bluetooth classic or connectivity issues with Bluetooth LE. Oticon have integrated Bluetooth LE Audio Auracast for better stability (long awaited), 2 way streaming on iPhone and Android and tap controls. Most devices do not natively support Auracast yet but there is a potential to directly connect with new TVs, laptops, iPads, PA systems and much much more.

Onboard Controls

Leveraging Bluetooth LE Audio and an accelerometer, Oticon introduces Tap Control for convenient call answering and ending. Additionally, with the size reduction, they have reduced the button from 2 to 1 still enabling onboard program and volume control.

Verdict

Frustrated with muffled conversations and missing out on life’s rich sounds? Oticon Intent might be the answer. This hearing aid boasts AI-powered clarity, personalized noise reduction, and even adapts to your listening habits. Imagine enjoying vibrant music or effortlessly following conversations amidst background noise. Plus, the sleek design and convenient charging make it a discreet and powerful companion.

Considering a hearing aid? Consult our independent experts at Ear and Hearing Australia. Our audiologists can assess your needs and explore all options, including Oticon Intent, to find the perfect fit for you. Reconnect with the world of sound – reach out for a personalised consultation today.

Mark Truong - Clinical Audiologist

Review by Mark Truong, Clinical Audiologist at Ear and Hearing Australia

Ready to improve your hearing? Make an appointment with our team.

Make an Appointment

How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

Oticon Real

by Dr Moh Dadafarin Audiologist | Jul 11, 2023

Oticon Real

Oticon Real Hearing Aid Review

Oticon Real Reviews: Unveiling the Next-Gen Hearing Aid – Surpassing Oticon More. Discover how Oticon Real arrives as a trailblazer in the market, offering substantial improvements in areas like speech clarity in noisy settings, wind suppression, and overall comfort. This hearing aid is expertly engineered to provide a clear, natural sound, facilitating effortless communication even in the most intricate listening environments.

Key Features

Clear Natural Sound

Speech clarity is an area where Oticon Real excels. The hearing aids use a new speech processing algorithm that enhances speech clarity and reduces background noise, making it easier for users to understand conversations in noisy environments.

Sudden Noise Reducer

Have you ever been in the kitchen or a restaurant and someone has dropped a plate or slammed a door? I sure know I have. With most hearing aids that I have tried, these sounds are so intrusive and even painful at times that I am forced to reduce the volume. Oticon Real has pushed one step closer to providing clear and loud amplification whilst keeping sudden sounds at bay. Their Sudden Sound Stabiliser is a game changer and has transformed an already fantastic hearing aid (Oticon More – Predecessor) into a tool I can’t live without.

NEW Wind Noise Canceller.

Oticon’s NEW wind and handling noise reduction is another major improvement in the Oticon Real hearing aids. Research has shown that the new system provides up to 23dB greater speech understanding in windy conditions without introducing discomfort. If you are an active nature lover, golf fanatic or the like, there has never been anything better.

Numerous Colour Options to Suit Your Style

As seen above, the Oticon Real hearing aids come in a range of colours from Hear Pink to Diamond Black built to look great no matter how you like to accessorise!

iPhone and Android Connectivity

The Real hearing aids connect to both iPhone and Android, allowing for app controls and direct call and media streaming from the latest of phones. Experience the freedom and clarity of direct streaming today with an Oticon Real hearing aid.

For Android users and older iPhone users, always remember to keep your phone (iPhone or Android) close, as it uses the microphone in the phone to pick up your voice during phone calls.

For instructions on how to pair your Phone with your compatible Oticon hearing aids click here: iPhone or Android

Reliable App – Oticon ON App – Hearing aid controls

From my experience, the Oticon ON app has been the most reliable and responsive app on the market. They connect immediately on almost any phone and gives you the ability to control numerous settings. From volume controls to program switching, from battery percentages to equaliser settings, each adjustment is snappy and accurate.

To find out if your Phone is compatible with the Oticon ON app, click HERE

For a full tutorial on how to use the Oticon ON app, click HERE

Accessories

For streaming to any other Bluetooth-connected device like your laptop or desktop, the ConnectClip is a great option.

Design and Comfort

Look and Feel

The Oticon Real hearing aid’s small and discrete nature along with their myriad of colour options make them a fantastic accessory whether you’re looking to match it with your hair or outfit. Each hearing aid is equipped with two buttons for volume and/or program controls which are tactile and easy to press. In my experience, the Real’s fit comfortably behind the ear and both their domes (eartips) and earmoulds fit well. The thin and small design also fit nicely behind the ear, even with glasses.

Onboard Controls

Oticon has added onboard controls and 2 way streaming on their latest Real hearing aids allowing iPhone users to have truly handsfree calling at the push of a button.

Speaker Dome Options (Eartips)

Oticon has a wide variety of dome and earmould options ranging from open to occluding. With an experienced audiologist, they can select the right option to match your ear shape, hearing loss and cosmetic and dexterity needs.

Find out how to change domes HERE!

Battery Life and Battery Types

The Oticon Real hearing aids come in rechargeable and battery-operated models. The rechargeable option is set to last around 20-24 hours without streaming and 16-20 hours with streaming set to last you all day. You can choose from either a standard wall charger or a Smart-Charger depending on your lifestyle. The standard wall charger is reliable, easy to insert and great for the nightstand. The Smart-Charger is great for those with more active, travel-ready lifestyles who want an on the go option with a battery inside. It’s set to give you an extra 3-4 full charges.

For those of you who still prefer battery operated hearing aids, you can pick up a Oticon Real miniRITE T (Telecoil) which comes with a standard 312 battery.

For those of you who want this fantastic technology in an In-the-Ear form factor, consider Oticon’s NEW OWN line of custom hearing aids. Read more HERE.

Verdict

Overall, the Oticon Real is a significant improvement over the Oticon More. Its advanced features for better speech clarity, wind and handling noise reduction, and loud sound reduction, make it an excellent choice for those with demanding lives who simply want to have their hearing back. Its comfortable design, long battery life and flexible charging options make it a practical and convenient option for any lifestyle.

Mark Truong, Clinical Audiologist Melbourne Australia

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How to Choose the Best Hearing Aid for You

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