Virto Titanium Infinio: Strong enough to help overcome stigma
Now introducing the discreet design and advanced technology of Virto Titanium on the Phonak Infinio platform─ supporting first-time users in overcoming visibility concerns and confidently wearing hearing aids.
In contemporary society, stigmatization continues to evolve in form yet remains a powerful social barrier—particularly in the realm of hearing loss.
According to a 2024 survey conducted by Forbes Health, 48% of adults diagnosed with some level of hearing loss believe there is still a stigma associated with wearing hearing aids.¹ Even when individuals recognize the potential benefits, this stigma often delays their decision to seek treatment.
A market analysis conducted prior to the 2017 launch of Phonak’s smallest custom hearing aid, Virto™ Titanium, further emphasized this strong demand for discretion with first-time users. 62% of potential first-time users expressed a preference for invisible hearing aids.³ This trend has helped shape Phonak’s design philosophy.
Engineering innovation by utilizing titanium properties
To meet the need for an ‘invisible’ hearing aid, Phonak turned to titanium. This material enabled the creation of deeper-fitting, invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids—particularly attractive to first-time users—and has since transformed the industry standard.
Titanium’s well-known properties—lightweight yet strong, highly machinable, and corrosion-resistant—make it ideal for this purpose. Using titanium, Phonak is able to create shells that are 50% thinner and 15 times stronger than similar acrylic shells.5 This reduction in shell thickness creates 30% more internal space, allowing room for the advanced components that define Phonak’s technology.
Today, Phonak combines this advanced titanium technology with its most advanced platform yet, Infinio.
Personalized precision with Biometric Calibration
Each Virto Titanium Infinio device is custom crafted using Phonak’s proprietary modeling software to match the client’s unique ear canal anatomy.
Biometric Calibration is a Phonak-specific innovation that enhances precision and personalization. Approximately 1,600 data points are captured during a 3D scan of the ear impression.
A proprietary algorithm then calculates how the client’s pinna reflects and directs sound toward the hearing aid microphones. These natural beamforming characteristics are individually calibrated in every Virto Titanium Infinio, optimizing the hearing experience for each user.
Supporting precision: Tools for deeper impressions
To ensure the most comfortable and discreet fit, capturing a high-quality, deep ear impression is essential. Phonak developed two tools to assist hearing care professionals (HCPs) in this process: the EasyView Otoblock (EVOB) and the Titanium FitGuide (TFG).
The EVOB provides visualization and light to the deep ear canal throughout insertion. It features a transparent lens that enables safe placement past the second bend of the ear canal, allowing for impressions that are up to 6 mm deeper.
The TFG indicates how deep the hearing aid can be placed in the ear. It helps clinicians determine the optimal insertion depth of the hearing aid based on each client’s ear canal tolerance. A 2018 field study found that use of these tools resulted in an average of 2.9 mm more insertion depth—enabling significantly more discreet devices.⁴
A legacy of discretion and durability
Virto Titanium Infinio represents the culmination of years of innovation focused on discretion, precision, and durability. It offers a custom hearing solution that not only meets aesthetic expectations but also delivers exceptional sound quality and all-day wearing comfort.
By addressing stigma with smart, user-focused design, Phonak continues to redefine what’s possible in hearing aid technology and user acceptance.
Key Highlights:
Discreet Design: The use of medical-grade titanium allows for a shell that’s 50% thinner and 15 times stronger than traditional acrylic, enabling a deeper, more invisible fit.
Biometric Calibration: Phonak employs a proprietary algorithm that uses approximately 1,600 data points from a 3D ear scan to tailor the hearing aid to the individual’s ear anatomy, optimizing the hearing experience.
Advanced Fitting Tools: Tools like the EasyView Otoblock (EVOB) and Titanium FitGuide (TFG) assist professionals in achieving deeper ear impressions, contributing to a more comfortable and discreet fit.
Explore the features of Virto Titanium Infinio on our product pages at phonak.com.
References
- Forbes Health. (2024, April 16). Forbes Health survey: Nearly half of people with hearing loss believe there is a hearing aid stigma. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/health/hearing-aids/hearing-aids-stigma-survey/ accessed April 2025.
- Boeld, T., & Bishop, R. (2017). Phonak Field Study News: Small custom hearing aids, thanks to titanium. Phonak Field Study News. Retrieved from Phonak Evidence page, accessed April 2025.
- Knor, H. (2016). Sonova B2C consumer segmentation (Report No. 668). Sonova.
- Staab, W. J., Sjursen, W., Preves, D., & Squeglia, T. (2000). A one-size disposable hearing aid is introduced. Hearing Journal, 53(5), 36, 38–40.
- Bishop, R. K., Stewart, E., & Loyola, N. (2018). Titanium FitGuide. Phonak Field Study News. Retrieved from Phonak Evidence page, accessed April 2025.