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Is the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio i90 suitable for severe hearing loss?

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I recently purchased the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio i90 from eBay. After extensive research and repeated attempts to find a suitable hearing solution, along with numerous positive reviews of this model, I found that it supposedly supports severe hearing loss, which encouraged me to buy it.
My hearing profile was uploaded and the device was programmed, despite my hearing loss ranging between 80–120 . Upon receiving the hearing aid, I noticed the sound was clear and high-quality, but the volume was very low for my needs, which surprised me since this model is supposed to be appropriate for my level of hearing loss.

This led me to visit several local hearing centers, but I felt there was a lack of genuine assistance or even some degree of misleading behavior. Some refused to reprogram the device or explore real solutions and kept trying to convince me that this hearing aid was unsuitable for my condition. Instead, they suggested older models that are no longer available on Phonak’s official website, priced as high as $5,000, claiming they were UP models.
Strangely, they insisted that older models like Lumity would be appropriate, even though the Infinio Sphere is the newer and improved version, and all I really need is the UP Receiver (Ultra Power / 3P) for severe hearing loss.

I then contacted the seller, who assured me that the hearing aid is indeed suitable for my condition, and that the issue is not with the device itself. He explained that I need the UP Receiver with cShell, which, once installed, would allow the hearing aid to function effectively and provide the amplification level appropriate for my hearing loss.

After all these experiences, and having struggled for more than 24 years to find a proper solution, I sincerely wonder:
Is this hearing aid truly suitable for my condition or not?

9 people in this conversation8 min readJump to latest
Edited

Hi Moal.1,

No. It’s not suitable.

You don’t have a severe loss, I’m afraid to say, you have a profound loss.

I don’t know where you are, I assume the U.K, if so, make an appointment with the NHS, and get a superpower hearing aid of which you will need closed moulds, for extra amplification. If you are elsewhere e.g. the states, go to a reputable audiologist. Or other countries - go to your relevant health authority.

Do not take medical advice from eBay. If you were to get those hearing aids - the Infinio Sphere, you would blow the receivers.

Please take the advice from medical practitioners/audiologists in the future. Sorry to sound harsh.

Well that’s some serious loss there, it’s pushing the limits for even UP receiver, it’s not really suitable, models are your go to, Naída Lumity is a much better solution for you, what about have you investigated this?

They probably said Nadia Lumity.

You need a device , not an like the Sphere. BTEs have more power.

Below is the Phonak document that shows you are not within the fitting range of the Sphere. The seller is wrong .

Hopefully you can return them

IMG_0454

It’s a painful feeling… I found this forum by coincidence, and I truly wish I had known about it earlier so I could have asked for your advice.
I searched extensively and consulted several sellers, without realizing that the information I received was misleading.
I returned the item from Saudi Arabia to my address in the United States, and it’s expected to arrive within 10 days. It should then be delivered to eBay by December 5th. I’m not sure if I will be able to meet the delivery and return deadlines.
I’m very worried.
Thank you for your help.

If the seller accepted the return and you are shipping with the label provided by eBay, you should be fine because you shipped within the required time period. I had a similar issue in the past and eBay helped me. Almost all eBay sellers I’ve dealt with are very reasonable.

Unfortunately, I have to ship outside of the label provided by eBay because the shipment is international. The package is expected to arrive at my address in the US between November 30 and December 2, which leaves me only three days to resend it through FedEx using eBay’s return label.
I really hope the return period can be extended.

The package arrived at my US address on the 7th, then it was shipped from the US to Saudi Arabia on the 19th, and today it was returned again to my US address.
Once it arrives, I will use the eBay label to ship it back to the seller.

Yes, I paid through PayPal and tried to open a dispute, but I was informed that it must be done through eBay.
Additionally, the seller has good ratings — around 3,000 reviews — so maybe there was a mistake in the listing. Anything is possible, but I hope he won’t hesitate to help me.

I am currently unsure which Phonak model is most suitable for me. I am considering the following options:

  • Phonak Naída L-UP

  • The listing on eBay titled:
    Phonak Naida L90 UP Ultra Power Digital Hearing Aid – Severe to Profound,
    and I am not sure if it is the same model as the one mentioned above or a different version.

  • Additionally, there is Phonak Naída Paradise.

My hearing level is severe to profound, ranging from 80–125 across all frequencies from 250 Hz to 4000 Hz.
I would appreciate your help in recommending the best, strongest, and most up-to-date model that fits my condition, as I am currently unable to make a proper comparison between these options.

In reply to @OcramSagev

He used to respond promptly and was very engaged with my concerns, but he hasn’t replied recently. I feel worried and anxious. I believe it might be due to a work holiday or time zone differences, as I live in Saudi Arabia. In any case, I hope the seller will cooperate.

I am truly grateful to all of you, friends. For 20 years, I have not found the proper support and guidance; everything I encountered was mostly commercial treatment and profit-focused attention.

I am grateful to this forum — for the first time, I feel a sense of belonging and genuine support.

In reply to @moal.1

@moal.1 said:

best, strongest, and most up-to-date

Best is subjective. You only can be the judge. Strongest, until recently i would have said oticon xceed but I don’t know how the new resound compares. That new resound will be most up to date, esp. compared to xceed. The Naida is certainly a strong aid, but some here have switched to xceed. At least 1 anyway. Check out the new resound . Maybe that would work for you.

WH

@moal.1 said:

I then contacted the seller, who assured me that the hearing aid is indeed suitable for my condition, and that the issue is not with the device itself. He explained that I need the UP Receiver with cShell, which, once installed, would allow the hearing aid to function effectively and provide the amplification level appropriate for my hearing loss.

I agree with this. you need the highest level of receiver. the problem is, when you buy online you only get the base unit with the small receiver.

you need to find a place to make an impression for your ear and send it in to phonak to get a power mold with the UP receiver. you shouldn’t buy a without this impression service, it’s critical for your loss.

the other option would be resound enzo IA, because it is the newest tech .

I would recommend to get that impression and a connection to phonak for the UP.

and always remember to never buy a “cheap” online hearing aid again, without impression and power mold + UP receiver service.

In reply to @moal.1

Of the two Phonak Naida UP models, the Lumity is the most up to date. The difference between that and the Paradise is not huge, mostly in updated software. The Oticon Exceed is older than either of these, but may be slightly more powerful. There is a new ReSound Enzo, but there is very little firsthand information from actual users about it so far.

I use the Phonak Naida Paradise P90 UP, and like it quite well.

In reply to @moal.1

I’m using the spheres with my and my former audiologist also said they would be no good for me. I got the target software from @tenkan and never looked back. I am also using custom c shell moulds with a 3mm vent. You may not need a vent but I couldn’t stand the occlusion without. You will of course have to pay for custome moulds even for a trial but I can say it was worth it for me.

I accept my low frequency is a lot better than yours but that’s not aided. My other frequencies are all as low or lower than yours.

I shipped the package from Saudi Arabia as soon as I posted about the issue on the forum. The shipment is now in Ohio, waiting to be forwarded to my address in Nashville so I can drop it off at FedEx with the return label.

It’s expected to arrive on December 1st, but I’m a bit worried. The tracking shows it arrived at the Cincinnati Hub on the 25th with the status “Arrived at final destination for delivery,” yet it still hasn’t been released, and it’s been two days now.

I contacted eBay and sent them all the details, tracking numbers, everything—there seems to be some response from their side, but I’m still concerned.

The last day for the return delivery is supposed to be December 5th, and I’m worried about delays, especially since the closest FedEx location near my place in Nashville only offers a drop-off service. The nearest staffed FedEx office is about 20 minutes away, so that adds to my concern.

Thanks for the tip! Yes, I do have a prepaid FedEx return label from eBay and I’m ready to print it and drop it off.

However, I prefer to hand it directly to a FedEx employee at the center so the tracking status updates immediately. Using the drop-off service at Walgreens might take up to two days to register in the system, and I’m concerned about potential delays.

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