Phonak Audeo R Infinio 90 vs Sontro Soundwave

The Phonak Audeo R Infinio 90 is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $4,996. In our lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, ranking #18 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested. Speech clarity is a standout strength in our testing. Speech in quiet scored 4.4/5, a strong result that sits 1.01 points above the category average. Speech in noise performance is more mixed at 2.5/5—above the category average by 0.37 points, but only moderate in absolute terms. This pattern suggests the Infinio 90 excels in calmer listening environments while offering incremental benefits in challenging noise. Streaming music quality impressed at 4.0/5, a strong score that lands 1.24 points above category average. Feedback handling scored 4.2/5, which is strong in absolute terms though 0.52 points below the category average. Own-voice comfort was mixed at 2.2/5, falling 0.50 points below average—something to discuss with your hearing care provider if natural voice quality is a priority. The Infinio 90 competes in a crowded premium segment. At this price point, alternatives like the Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.98/5) and Oticon Intent (4.83/5) achieved higher overall scores in our testing. Buyers seeking Phonak's ecosystem and strong speech-in-quiet performance may find the Infinio 90 appealing, though those prioritizing noise performance or own-voice comfort should compare options carefully with their provider.

The Sontro Soundwave is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.0/5 in our lab testing. At $849, this behind-the-ear device uses disposable batteries and sits in the lower tier of OTC performance, ranking #61 of 65 devices in its category. The Soundwave's strongest attribute is own-voice comfort, scoring 3.6/5—a solid result that sits 1.09 points above the OTC category average. This makes it relatively comfortable for wearers who are sensitive to hearing their own voice sound unnatural or boomy. However, other performance areas present significant limitations. Speech clarity scores are below average in both quiet and noisy environments. Speech in quiet scores 2.7/5 (0.12 points below average), while speech in noise drops to 1.2/5 (0.28 points below average). Feedback handling is a notable weakness at 2.5/5, falling 2.04 points below the category average of 4.54/5. Perhaps most limiting is the music streaming score of 0.0/5, indicating this device does not support phone audio streaming—a feature many competitors in this price range offer. Consumers prioritizing own-voice comfort on a moderate budget may find the Soundwave acceptable, but those seeking strong speech clarity or streaming capability should consider alternatives. Several higher-performing OTC devices are available at similar or lower price points, including options like the Lexie Lumen or HearingAssist Control that deliver comparable or better overall sound quality.