Phonak Virto Titanium

Phonak Virto B90 Titanium IIC Hearing Aids Review

If end users are looking for a super discreet hearing device, then the Phonak Virto B Titanium Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) is the one for them. Released in 2018, it is the smallest in-the-ear device that Phonak has put forward from its predecessors.

Compared to the tradition acrylic in-the-ear devices in the market, the titanium shell is seemingly thinner and stronger. The thinner shell enables a deeper fitting of the device in the ear canal (up to 26% smaller) so that exceptional sound quality can be achieved. It also has an IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water.

The Virto B Titanium comes in 2 performance levels, the premium performance level B90, followed by the advanced B70 performance level. The device is suitable for individuals with mild to severe hearing losses.

Importantly, the stand out feature incorporated in the device is known as Autosense OS. This sophisticated feature senses the client’s surroundings and automatically adjusts accordingly to the program available, to deliver the best speech understanding. In other words, less effort is required by the client. From my clinical experience, Autosense OS is rather beneficial for clients that find it difficult to select the appropriate program for a specific environment.

Although the super small device is appealing for hard of hearing individuals, like most products there are limitations. I have found that frequent maintenance is required as the style of the device makes it more susceptible to cerumen. Users that have dexterity issues have commented that the devices are relatively difficult to manage i.e. replacing filters and the small size 10 batteries.

Nonetheless, in contrast with the other custom devices the design of an enclosed microphone (located underneath the battery compartment) is a brilliant initiative to protect the microphone, increasing the reliability of the device. This design is what separates this device from other in-the-ear products in the market.

Overall, the Phonak Virto B Titanium delivers excellent hearing and comfort outcomes so that clients can establish confidence in their everyday hearing situations.

Review by  Wai Yin Pong, Clinical Audiologist, Clinical Audiologist, Melbourne, Australia.