Phonak’s Virto R Infinio Earns a Prestigious Red Dot Award
On April 29, 2026, the Swiss city of Stäfa became the backdrop for a milestone announcement from Phonak, a global leader in hearing solutions. The company revealed that its Virto R Infinio hearing aid has been honored with the 2026 Red Dot Award for Product Design. This accolade, one of the world’s most respected design recognitions, highlights the device’s exceptional aesthetic and functional qualities.
What is the Red Dot Award?
The Red Dot Award for Product Design is presented annually by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany. Products that win the award are judged on criteria such as innovation, functionality, ergonomics, and visual appeal. Winning the award signals that a product stands out in its category and meets high standards of design excellence. For a hearing aid, which must blend performance with everyday wearability, the award carries particular weight.
Phonak and the Virto R Infinio Line
Phonak has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hearing technology. The Virto R Infinio, launched in August 2025, is part of the Virto R series that emphasizes discreet form factors, advanced sound processing, and user‑friendly controls. The Infinio model builds on this foundation, offering a lightweight design that fits comfortably in the ear while delivering high‑quality audio performance.
Other Design and Innovation Awards
Since its introduction, the Virto R Infinio has collected a growing list of industry recognitions. In 2026, it received the iF Design Award, another global benchmark for product design. The same year, the device earned two awards from the Business Intelligence Group (BIG): the BIG Innovation Award and the BIG Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award. In 2025, the product was honored with the Hearing Health & Technology Matters (HHTM) Hearing Technology Innovator Award. These accolades collectively underscore the device’s blend of cutting‑edge technology and thoughtful design.
Design Quality, Usability, and Performance
“Earning its fifth product design award within not even a year since its launch, Virto reflects consistent recognition from the industry for its exceptional design quality, usability and performance,” said Josipa Kern, Vice President, Phonak Brand Management.
Kern’s statement points to three core strengths that have attracted award committees. First, design quality refers to the meticulous attention to shape, material, and finish that makes the device comfortable to wear for extended periods. Second, usability covers the ease with which users can operate the hearing aid, adjust settings, and maintain the device. Finally, performance speaks to the acoustic fidelity, noise reduction, and connectivity features that deliver a clear listening experience in a variety of environments.
A Rapid Accumulation of Awards
Winning five product design awards in less than a year is a notable achievement. It signals that the Virto R Infinio has resonated with diverse panels of experts who evaluate products from different angles—design, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The rapid succession of recognitions also reflects Phonak’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to user feedback.
The Role of Design in Hearing Aids
Design in hearing technology is more than a visual appeal. A well‑designed hearing aid must accommodate the anatomy of the ear, minimize discomfort, and blend seamlessly into a user’s daily life. It also needs to support complex electronic components without compromising size. Good design can reduce the learning curve for new users and increase adoption rates. In this context, the Red Dot Award highlights the Virto R Infinio’s success in meeting these multifaceted demands.
Industry Context and Market Implications
The global hearing aid market is expanding as more people seek solutions for hearing loss. Manufacturers compete not only on performance but also on how a device feels and looks. Awards like the Red Dot signal to clinicians, audiologists, and consumers that a product offers a balanced combination of technology and user experience. For Phonak, the recognition strengthens its brand position and may influence purchasing decisions in both retail and professional settings.
Looking Ahead for Phonak and the Virto R Infinio
With a series of awards already in its portfolio, the Virto R Infinio sets a high bar for future releases. Phonak’s focus on integrating artificial intelligence into hearing solutions suggests that upcoming models may offer even smarter hearing experiences. Continued attention to design will likely remain a priority, as the company seeks to meet evolving user expectations and regulatory standards.
Conclusion
The 2026 Red Dot Award for Product Design marks a significant milestone for Phonak’s Virto R Infinio. It confirms that the device excels in design quality, usability, and performance—attributes that resonate across award panels and with everyday users. As the hearing aid market grows, recognitions like this help guide consumers toward products that combine advanced technology with thoughtful design.
