Infinio Ultra: Innovation through collaboration and data science

The launch of the Infinio platform marked a major step forward in how data science can support real-world hearing performance. Just over a year later, Infinio Ultra built on that foundation, bringing faster classification, smarter sound processing, and new reliability features that help make hearing easier for clients and professionals alike.

To learn how this came together, audiologist Davina Omisore sat down with Daniel Probst, Senior Director and Principal Expert in Usage Performance at Sonova. With more than 30 years of experience at Sonova, Daniel has seen firsthand how teamwork, data, and shared purpose can come together to drive meaningful innovation and real-world benefit.

Here is their interview…

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Daniel, you’ve been part of many product launches at Sonova. What sets Infinio Ultra apart?

What really sets Infinio Ultra apart is the number of advancements we were able to bring forward in a relatively short period of time. We launched Phonak Infinio in the summer of 2024, and just over a year later, Infinio Ultra built on that foundation with significant improvements that have taken us further forward.

The pace of innovation has been high, and I’m proud of how our teams work together. We work in a highly cross-functional way, with engineers, audiologists, and product managers collaborating closely. That’s what makes this possible.

And it’s not just here in Switzerland. We’re a global organization, with colleagues in countries including Canada and Poland who play a big part too. This kind of collaboration across sites is what allowed us to deliver Infinio Ultra within that timeframe.

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Can you explain how you and your teams achieved the improved precision in AutoSense OS 7.0?

It starts with the sound samples. Our colleagues who collect them have all their recording equipment in their backpacks and go out into real-life situations to capture sounds in all kinds of environments, even difficult ones.

We then use machine-learning algorithms to identify patterns in those recordings and classify them. With data logging, we can see if we’re on the right track and retrain the model based on what we learn.

With Infinio Ultra, we collected 18 times more sound samples than before. That makes a huge difference. It’s why we can say the system is now 24 percent more precise. It means we can detect where we are and transition smoothly from one environment to another, for example from quiet conversation to street noise, in a very natural way.

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That pace of testing and retraining sounds impressive. How did you make such fast progress possible?

It’s the way we work now, very integrated. Over time, we’ve built processes that let us adapt faster, like new usability testing and cross-functional review loops.

Every feature must perform in both the lab and the real world. We rely on data logging and feedback from our audiology experts to confirm that what we improve in the algorithm really shows up as benefit in daily use. That combination of engineering precision and user validation defines how we innovate today.

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Collaboration seems central to your approach. How does that influence the result?

It’s essential. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. We collaborate across research, development, audiology, and field testing. Everyone brings something important.

If I look back, the reason we could deliver Infinio Ultra so quickly is because our organization is built for teamwork. It’s not only about technology; it’s also about culture. When communication is open between teams and locations, everything moves faster.

That collaboration ensures every new feature we launch makes a difference in daily listening. That’s what makes me proud. It’s not just a product launch, it’s the work of hundreds of people coming together to improve hearing for millions.

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You’ve mentioned validation and evidence. How important are they in your process?

Very important. A new feature only matters if it creates measurable benefit for wearers and professionals.

When we say AutoSense OS 7.0 is 24 percent more precise, it’s not just a statistic. It shows a real improvement in how the system detects sound environments and adjusts features. It’s about stability, sound quality, and reducing effort for the wearer.

For me, this is where engineering meets audiology, when the data confirms that our design choices truly make life easier for people who depend on hearing aids every day.

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Looking ahead, what do you think people will remember most about Infinio Ultra?

I think Phonak EasyGuard™ will have a big impact. It’s a built-in protective membrane that shields the receiver (the most delicate part of the hearing aid) from wax. Wax buildup has always been a challenge, and this innovation makes a real difference. It improves reliability for clients and reduces service appointments for professionals.

And then there’s the improved classification. We’re now much better at recognizing where we are and adapting accordingly. That means clearer hearing in more situations.

What I find inspiring is how far we’ve come in a relatively short period time. We didn’t just improve a product. We improved the way we innovate. And that mindset will keep shaping how we redefine effortless hearing in the years ahead.

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Thank you, Daniel. It’s clear that Infinio Ultra is more than just a platform. It’s a reflection of how teamwork and data science come together to make hearing easier for people everywhere.

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Learn more about Infinio Ultra and its key features on the Phonak website.