Introducing Phonak EON Sphere & EON R: The Latest Phonak Hearing Aids
Phonak has launched its latest generation of rechargeable hearing aids: Audéo EON Sphere and Audéo EON R.
Building on Phonak’s previous Infinio technology, the new EON range introduces further developments in artificial intelligence, speech clarity, comfort and connectivity – all designed to make hearing feel easier and more natural across the different listening environments we encounter every day.
At Tripp Hearing, we’re always interested in new technology that can make a meaningful difference to our clients. Here’s a closer look at what’s new with Phonak EON.
Phonak Audéo EON Sphere – designed for challenging conversations
The flagship model in the new range is Phonak Audéo EON Sphere.
One of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss is understanding conversation when there is lots of competing noise – perhaps in a busy restaurant, at a family gathering or when several people are talking at once.
EON Sphere has been developed specifically with these more challenging listening situations in mind.
At its heart is Phonak’s new HYPERSONIC™ AI chip, which powers Spheric Speech Clarity™ 3.0. This technology separates speech from surrounding noise in real time, helping voices stand out even when they are coming from different directions.
Rather than simply reducing background noise, the technology is designed to identify and preserve speech from around the listener. This can be particularly useful in group conversations, where the person you want to hear isn’t always directly in front of you.
A smaller and lighter Sphere
One of the most noticeable changes from the previous generation is the physical design.
The original Phonak Sphere introduced impressive AI-powered speech-in-noise technology, but housing the additional processing required a larger hearing aid.
With EON, Phonak has developed a new, more power-efficient AI chip, allowing Audéo EON Sphere to be 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the previous generation.
Despite its smaller size, Phonak states that EON Sphere can provide up to 38 hours of battery life, depending on how the hearing aids are being used.
For people who were interested in the benefits of Sphere technology but preferred a more discreet design, this is a significant development.
Smarter automatic listening with AutoSense OS AI 8.0
Both Audéo EON Sphere and Audéo EON R feature Phonak’s latest AutoSense OS™ AI 8.0.
Our listening environment can change constantly throughout the day. You might move from a quiet conversation at home to walking outside, travelling in the car and then meeting friends somewhere busy.
AutoSense uses machine learning to identify different listening environments and automatically adjust the hearing aids accordingly, reducing the need to manually change programmes or settings.
On EON Sphere, this also helps determine when the additional Spheric Speech Clarity processing is needed, bringing the extra AI-powered support into action during more challenging listening situations.
The idea is simple: the hearing aids adapt to your surroundings, rather than you having to adapt to your hearing aids.
Better hearing outdoors with WindBlock 2.0
Anyone who wears hearing aids will know how frustrating wind noise can be.
Whether you’re walking the dog, playing golf, gardening or simply having a conversation outside, wind passing across the hearing aid microphones can quickly overpower the sounds you actually want to hear.
The EON platform introduces WindBlock 2.0, Phonak’s latest approach to managing wind noise.
The technology is designed to significantly reduce unwanted wind noise while preserving speech and maintaining a more natural listening experience.
It’s perhaps not the headline feature of EON, but for people who spend plenty of time outdoors, it could be one of the improvements they notice most in everyday life.
What about Phonak Audéo EON R?
Alongside Sphere sits the Phonak Audéo EON R.
EON R shares much of the core technology found across the new generation, including AutoSense OS AI 8.0, WindBlock 2.0, rechargeable technology and Phonak’s latest connectivity.
The key difference is that EON R does not include the dedicated HYPERSONIC AI chip and Spheric Speech Clarity 3.0 processing found in EON Sphere.
This means Sphere may be particularly interesting for people who regularly find themselves struggling to follow conversations in complex and noisy environments.
For someone whose lifestyle doesn’t require that additional level of speech-in-noise processing, EON R provides access to the latest generation of Phonak technology without the dedicated Sphere AI processor.
Ultimately, choosing between the two isn’t simply a case of selecting the highest specification available. Your hearing levels, lifestyle and the situations in which you find hearing most difficult should all be considered.
Connect to almost anything
Connectivity has long been one of Phonak’s strengths, and EON continues that approach.
Both EON models offer universal Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to connect to a wide range of compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
This allows phone calls, music, podcasts and other audio to be streamed directly through the hearing aids.
The EON generation also introduces Auracast™ broadcast audio compatibility.
Auracast is a developing Bluetooth technology designed to allow audio to be broadcast directly to compatible devices in shared and public spaces. As Auracast becomes more widely adopted, this could allow hearing aid wearers to connect directly to audio in places such as theatres, museums, gyms and other public venues.
EON also remains compatible with Roger™ wireless microphones, Phonak wireless accessories and the myPhonak app.
Easier everyday maintenance
Some of the most useful improvements to hearing aids aren’t necessarily the most exciting ones.
Both Audéo EON Sphere and EON R are compatible with Phonak’s EasyGuard™ domes.
These use a sealed design intended to help prevent earwax entering the hearing aid receiver while still allowing sound to pass through. This can make everyday maintenance simpler and help maintain more consistent performance.
Phonak has also introduced charging options for EON, including a portable ChargerGo option capable of providing additional full charges without needing to be plugged into the mains – useful for travelling or time away from home.
CROS EON – for hearing loss in one ear
The new EON family also includes Phonak CROS EON.
CROS technology is designed for people who have an unaidable hearing loss in one ear. A CROS device worn on the poorer-hearing side picks up sound and transmits it wirelessly to a compatible hearing aid worn on the better-hearing ear.
CROS EON is compatible with Audéo EON R and brings the latest Phonak platform and connectivity to people requiring this type of hearing solution.
Is Phonak EON right for you?
New hearing aid technology is always interesting, but the newest hearing aid isn’t automatically the right hearing aid for everyone.
Your individual hearing loss is only one part of the picture. We also consider your lifestyle, the environments you spend time in, the situations you find most challenging, your previous experience with hearing aids and what you personally want to achieve from them.
At Tripp Hearing, we’re independent and aren’t tied to any one hearing aid manufacturer. Our audiologists can consider Phonak EON alongside technology from the other leading hearing aid manufacturers and recommend the solution we feel is most appropriate for you.
For some people, the additional speech-in-noise technology within Audéo EON Sphere could be particularly beneficial. For others, Audéo EON R – or technology from another manufacturer altogether – may be a better fit.
That’s why a thorough hearing assessment and conversation about your individual needs remains more important than choosing a hearing aid based on a specification sheet alone.
Experience Phonak EON at Tripp Hearing
If you’d like to find out more about Phonak Audéo EON Sphere or Audéo EON R, our audiologists would be happy to discuss the new technology with you.
You can arrange an appointment with Tripp Hearing at our Wheatley, Witney or Wallingford clinics to have your hearing assessed, discuss the situations you’d like to improve and explore the hearing technology most appropriate for your individual needs.