The next-generation platform, powered by the new Hypersonic chip, is now accessible through the VA and Department of Defense audiology programs.
Phonak has announced that its Eon hearing aid platform is now available to eligible US military service members and veterans through Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) audiology programs. The move extends Phonak’s ongoing presence in the government channel, following previous VA availability of the Audéo Sphere Infinio and the Virto R Infinio.
Eon is powered by the newly developed Hypersonic chip and combines Spheric Speech Clarity 3.0, AutoSense OS AI 8.0, and Made-For-All connectivity — including Auracast — in a single platform. The device is 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the previous Sphere generation, while delivering up to 38 hours of battery life on a single charge.
“Hearing loss impacts the moments that matter most, from conversations with loved ones to the transition into life after military service,” says Nicholai Dessypris, president, North America, Hearing Instruments at Sonova Group, in a release. “With Phonak EON now available through the VA, we’re giving those who have served, and those who continue to serve, the power to hear, connect and fully engage in the lives they’ve worked so hard to protect.”
Two Complementary AI Systems
EON represents Phonak’s third generation of real-time AI, bringing together two complementary AI systems — Spheric Speech Clarity 3.0 and AutoSense OS AI 8.0 — that operate simultaneously.
Spheric Speech Clarity 3.0 uses deep neural network processing to separate speech from background noise in real time, making users twice as likely to understand every word from any direction, according to Phonak-cited research. AutoSense OS AI 8.0, meanwhile, continuously analyzes the surrounding sound environment and automatically activates the optimal combination of features for each situation, supporting a more natural listening experience in speech-in-loud-noise situations compared with previous generations.
Thanks to the Hypersonic chip, Eon uses 37% less power than the previous generation while maintaining advanced real-time AI performance — an efficiency gain that enables the reduced size and weight without sacrificing all-day wearability.
“With the Hypersonic chip, we have engineered a significant step forward in power efficiency without compromising real-time AI performance. This allows Eon to deliver advanced speech processing in a smaller, lighter design while supporting the all-day reliability people expect from Phonak,” says Anders Rosengren, chief R&D officer, Sonova, in a release.
Outdoor Performance and Connectivity
EON also introduces WindBlock 2.0, which automatically reduces wind noise by up to 50 dB and can improve the signal-to-noise ratio by up to 30 dB, compared to WindBlock 2.0 off.
On the connectivity front, Eon integrates Bluetooth Classic, Roger Direct, and Auracast broadcast audio into a single hearing aid, enabling access to calls, streaming, wireless microphones, and compatible public audio broadcasts in venues such as museums, theaters, and airports.
Real-World Arctic Testing
Phonak enlisted Dr Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, a scholar, researcher, and educator living with hearing loss, to field-test Eon during an Arctic expedition. “Hearing aids aren’t limiting, they are empowering. In unforgiving Arctic conditions, I was able to hear a crack in the packed snow beneath us and follow conversations clearly over the sound of crunching snow,” she says in a release. “Despite wearing as many as four layers of hats and cold-weather gear, I could hear so clearly that, at times, other members of the expedition without hearing loss were asking me to repeat what had been said, rather than the other way around.”
“Built by Veterans. Created to Serve.” Campaign
Alongside the VA and DOD rollout, Phonak launched a new marketing campaign — “Built by Veterans. Created to Serve.” — developed in partnership with veteran-owned creative agency VEN-Media. All on-camera talent were veterans, and the production also included a veteran photographer, a veteran video producer, and other veteran-owned businesses involved throughout the creative process.
EON Portfolio
The Eon portfolio available through the VA and DOD includes:
- Phonak Audéo Eon Sphere (mild to profound hearing loss)
- Phonak Audéo Eon R (mild to profound hearing loss)
- Phonak CROS Eon R (unilateral hearing loss)
Two new charging solutions are also available, including the ChargerGo RIC E, a portable charger with an integrated battery. The platform is accompanied by updates to Phonak Target fitting software and the myPhonak and myPhonak Junior apps. Eon is available in nine color options.
For more information, visit veterans.phonak.com.
