Phonak Virto Infinio vs. Signia Silk Charge&Go IX
Check out our comparison of the Phonak Virto Infinio vs Signia Silk Charge&Go IX. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Virto Infinio
Silk Charge&Go IX
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of custom-fitted hearing aid is mostly hidden inside the ear. In people with smaller ear canals this type of hearing aid may not be possible. This type of aid is often fitted without directional microphones or telecoils.
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
N/A
Score
3.4
User Rating
—
3.73 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerateSevere
MildModerate
Product Features
Telecoil
Rechargeable
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Virto Infinio
Silk Charge&Go IX
HearingTracker Score
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
3.4AVERAGE
The Signia Silk Charge&Go IX is a groundbreaking, rechargeable completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. It offers up to 28 hours of battery life, instant fit with soft silicone ear tips, and wireless control via the Signia app, but lacks Bluetooth streaming and can be challenging to handle due to its small size.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
3.7AVERAGE
Signia Silk Charge&Go IX achieved a SoundScore of 3.70/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #25 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
Build Quality
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
4.7EXCELLENT
Signia Silk C&G IX have an impressive build quality, featuring a top-of-the-line IP68 ingress rating, which is crucial for nearly invisible hearing aids. They also come with a durable portable charging case.
Battery
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE
Silk IX provide up to 20 hours of use per charge which is exceptional given their extremely small size. Recharging takes up to 4 hours, which is longer than some other models, but this isn't a significant drawback given their all-day battery life.
App Features
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
3.4BELOW AVERAGE
While Silk IX hearing aids are not Bluetooth compatible, they still work with Signia's app using high-frequency coded signals. This is a valuable addition, although the communication is less stable than Bluetooth and the app offers fewer features compared to other Signia models.
Comfort
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
4.5EXCELLENT
I found Silk IX very comfortable for an instant-fit nearly invisible hearing aid. Your hearing care provider should ensure they are fitted for optimal comfort and hearing benefit.
Design
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Silk IX is another unique offering from Signia, featuring an instant fit design with silicone ear tips that is nearly invisible. Its extremely small and discreet design may, however, pose challenges for those with limited dexterity and or vision.
Value
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
2.4BELOW AVERAGE
Signia Silk Charge&Go IX has a value score of 2.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
4.0AVERAGE
I did not run into any issues while using Silk IX hearing aids. They are very easy to use once setup by your hearing care provider. Silk also have large color indicators making it easy to distinguish the left from the right hearing aids.
Pro Support
Virto Infinio
Not yet rated by our experts
Silk Charge&Go IX
4.0ABOVE AVERAGE
You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. The Signia App should further enhance your experience with AI help and remote assistance should your provider offer telehealth services.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Virto Infinio
Silk Charge&Go IX
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Virto Infinio
Lab recordings not yet available
Silk Charge&Go IX
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Virto Infinio
Lab recordings not yet available
Silk Charge&Go IX
HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Virto Infinio
Silk Charge&Go IX
Remote Control
MiniControl
miniPocket
Enables push-button remote control of hearing aid functions.
Signia App+2
The Signia App provides a remote control, directional hearing control, telecare access, and access to connectivity and streaming settings.
Hardware
Virto Infinio
Silk Charge&Go IX
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Auracast™ Ready
No
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
10
No
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
No
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
No
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
- Program control
- Volume Control
No
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
- Voice assistant
- Accept/end calls
- Pause/Resume
No
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
Yes
No
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantCertain devices will allow you to interact with voice assistants using "Hey Siri", "Hey Google", "Hey Alexa", etc commands.
- Siri
No
Software Features
Virto Infinio
Silk Charge&Go IX
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
20
16
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
QuickSyncQuickSyncOne touch on the program selection button or volume control results in instant identical change in the other instrument.
e2e wireless 4.0e2e wireless 4.0Control coupling, synchronization, binaural directionality, Spatial Speech Focus, CROS/ BiCROS.
Audio Stream MixerAudio Stream MixerAllows the user to adjust the volume of the audio stream relative to the microphone input using the push button or volume control on the hearing aid unit.
Environmental BalanceEnvironmental BalanceEnvironmental balance is a volume modification capability in Phonak Audéo B-Direct hearing aids that allows clients to adjust the volume of the streamed signal versus the surrounding environmental sounds by the press of the volume control.
No
Automatic Phone ProgramAutomatic Phone ProgramHearing aids with this feature can detect when a phone is placed near them and automatically switch to a phone program. In this setting, the hearing aids will reduce background noise and increase the volume of the phone.
EasyPhoneEasyPhoneAutomatically selects your telephone program when the telephone handset is held close to your ear
No
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
SpeechSensorSpeechSensorWith SpeechSensor, clients are enabled to hear from back and the sides. This automatic feature detects the main speech source and adjusts its microphone modes to ensure the client has more access to t speech from side and back.StereoZoom 2.0StereoZoom 2.0Improves signal-to-noise ration in background by focusing a narrow microphone beam.UltraZoomUltraZoomDirectional microphone technology is a proven method of effectively improving speech intelligibility in background noise. UltraZoom is the adaptive multi-channel beamforming technology, automatically available in AutoSense OS or in a manual program.
Binaural OneMic directionalityBinaural OneMic directionalityEach CIC receives the sound and information not only from its own microphone but also from the microphone of the other hearing aid. This creates a virtual four-microphone network, allowing the pair of hearing aids to create a directional beam. In addition, the natural pinnae effect of the outer ear supports this directionality and makes the listening experience even more natural.
Echo ReductionEcho ReductionThis feature improves speech audibility by reducing the “blurring” of speech sounds that can occur in the presence of echoes.
No
Auto EchoShieldAuto EchoShieldAutomatically creates a more comfortable hearing experience in high-reverb environments leading to increased speech clarity and natural room perceptions.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
AutoSense OS: 6.0AutoSense OSHearing aids with AutoSense OS recognize and automatically adapt to more of your client’s listening situations than ever before. AutoSense OS accurately captures and analyzes the sound environment, then precisely blends feature elements from multiple programs in real time to provide a seamless listening experience.
No
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
12kHz
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Yes
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
WhistleBlockWhistleBlockWhistleBlock differentiates between naturally occurring feedback-like sounds and true feedback. This means increased audibility and sound quality that is free from annoying feedback.
Feedback cancellationFeedback cancellationHigh-speed monitoring and control of feedback risk in individual processing channels.
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
SoundRecover2SoundRecover2The new SoundRecover2 algorithm aims to restore the audibility of relevant high frequency sounds while leaving intact the low frequency structures important for good sound quality. The new frequency lowering scheme retains the essence of the original SoundRecover, utilizes an adaptive algorithm and an additional cut-off frequency in order to successfully extend these benefits to those with more extreme severe-to-profound hearing loss.
No
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
6
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
auto Acclimatizationauto Acclimatizationauto Acclimatization is used to automatically increase the client's amplification, while the client is using the device.
No
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
NoiseBlockNoiseBlockHigh-resolution noise cancellation - NoiseBlock Processing is particularly effective at reducing uncomfortable environmental noises. It can recognize the subtle differences between speech and non-speech sounds, removing noise while maintaining audibility. more
SoundSmoothing™: 3SoundSmoothing™Reduces the sound of clattering cutlery and rustling newspaper, etc.
Occlusion ReductionOcclusion ReductionWhen ears are plugged, or occluded, by hearing aids the low frequencies from one’s own voice are amplified and may be uncomfortable. This effect is typically reduced in hearing aids through venting or open-fit models. In some cases the perception of occlusion may also be reduced through software by adjusting the acoustic output of the hearing aid.
AOVAOVAcoustically Optimized Venting (AOV) reduces occlusion to the lowest level possible by optimizing the fitting calculation.
No
Phone in StereoPhone in StereoThis feature allows input from a phone presented to one hearing aid to be transmitted to both hearing aids at the same time, improving speech understanding.
DuoPhoneDuoPhoneWith DuoPhone, as soon as the phone is held to the ear the signal is heard in both ears. Background noise is reduced and clarity significantly improved.
No
Preference AdaptationPreference AdaptationIf a hearing aid user frequently adjusts the volume or program settings of their devices, some hearing aids will recognize when and where these changes are made and begin automatically making these changes in those settings.
User Preference TuningUser Preference TuningRemembers adjustments you make with FlexControl and FlexVolume and applies them automatically for a hearing aid more in tune with your preferences.
No
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
32
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
Dynamic Noise CancellationDynamic Noise CancellationAn automated spatial noise cancellation system that works in combination with a directional beam-former microphone system.
No
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
SoundRelaxSoundRelaxSoundRelax cushions otherwise unpleasant impulse sounds without affecting speech clarity or causing unnatural perception of other sounds.
No
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Tinnitus BalanceTinnitus BalanceThe Tinnitus Balance noise generator generates a broadband sound for use in tinnitus management therapies.
Yes
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Motion Sensor HearingMotion Sensor HearingA new ultra-low power accelerometer detects when you move and adjusts the hearing aid microphones and noise cancellation settings.Speech EnhancerSpeech EnhancerAmplifies the peaks of soft speech to provide clearer speech when you’re in a quiet environment.
Advanced Focus StreamsAdvanced Focus StreamsAdds up to 3 additional focus streams providing the correct amount of boost for each conversation partner's speech while allowing the wearer to stay connected to their environment.Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Integrates inputs for precise hearing aid optimzation, including (when available): acoustic sensors, motion sensors, OVP 2.0, noise detection, SNR analysis, and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.Speech & Noise ManagementSpeech & Noise ManagementReduces listening effort using sophisticated sound processing.SpeechStabilizerSpeechStabilizerPreserves the natural envelope of speech in any situation, including very
noisy situations, which preserves acoustic cues that are important for speech
understanding.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
WindBlockWindBlockWindBlock utilizes a wind identification and classification system. The powerful, adaptive algorithm automatically suppresses wind noise. It allows wearers to enjoy the outdoors without compromise.
eWindScreen binauraleWindScreen binauralBinaural processing of the audio signal (using Ultra HD e2e) delivers superb performance in asymmetrical wind environments.