In-Ear Receivers

Phonak produces a wide range of miniaturized in-ear receivers, all offering crystal-clear in-ear output and day-long wearer comfort. Simply browse the categories below to find the in-ear receiver for you.

TRANSDUCTIVE

Transductive technology by Phonak is the only transmission technology capable of guaranteeing covert earpiece users 100% interference-free communication.

INDUCTIVE

Inductive Phonito in-ear receivers are firmly established as the most popular covert earpieces, offering excellent performance, great value and full wiring loop flexibility.

  • Product
  • Profilo Nano – The smallest and 100% interference-free covert earpiece

    The audio crackling and white noise caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) from alarm systems, vehicles and other electronic circuits can easily lead to missed commands and in turn ruined covert operations. The same is true if your earpiece is so large and obvious that it is spotted by the target.

    Profilo Nano by Phonak is the world’s smallest covert earpiece, and thanks to its transductive loop technology it is completely immune to EMI, ensuring you remain covert and never miss an incoming message.

    • World’s smallest covert earpiece
    • Zero electromagnectic interference
    • Crystal clear audio
    • Choice of PTT and loop configurations (see Wiring tab)

    Profilo Nano’s wiring kits are compatible with most professional radios including the latest Motorola, Sepura and Hytera TETRA models. A Bluetooth Module is also available, enabling Profilo Nano to be used alongside Bluetooth-enabled cell- and smartphones.

    Phonak earpieces are the result of several decades’ worth of hearing research and experience. This is why thousands of professionals around the world trust a Phonak in their ear.

  • Technical
  • A closer look at the Profilo Nano covert earpiece’s technical specifications.

    Length / width / weight 16.4 mm / 9.7–10.9 mm / 1.3 g (inc. battery)
    Interference blocker transductive EMI shield
    Type of receiver digital with DSP modulation and processing
    Available colors beige / dark brown
    Max. sound pressure level (automatically limited) 100 dB(A) SPL*
    Frequency response 200 Hz – 5000 Hz
    Background noise filter (when no audio signal) Soft Squelch
    Battery type / average life span Zn-Air, A10 / 80 h
    Battery end-of-life warning 3 x 2 beeps
    Storage temp. range -20°C to +60°C
    Operating temp. range -10° C to +60° C
    Microphone (integrated in neckloop) omni-directional electret
     – Frequency response 101 Hz – 10 kHz
     – Sensitivity @1kHz (dB re 1V / 1PA) -34.0 + / -3 dB

    * Output level fulfils EU directive and regulation EN 50332 Parts 1 & 2.

  • Wiring
  • The Profilo Nano system is available with 3 different wiring kits:

    Profilo WL-kit AC

    • Transductive neckloop with integrated
      microphone
    • In-line PTT on junction box
    • Waterproof wireless PTT (sync, mute, tone board
      or volume control, battery check)

    Profilo WL-kit AC 3.5mm (shown left)

    • Transductive neckloop with integrated
      microphone
    • In-line PTT on junction box
    • 3.5mm stereo audio socket for connecting stereo headphones
    • Waterproof wireless PTT (sync, mute, tone board
      or volume control, battery check)

    Profilo LM-kit AC

    • Transductive neckloop with integrated microphone
    • Wired 2-key PTT

    Configuration

    All Profilo Nano wiring kits are available with a wide choice of radio connectors (incl. latest TETRA models). A special connector is available for Phonak’s Bluetooth (BT) module, enabling Profilo Nano to be used with BT-enabled communication terminals. All transductive neckloops include 2 quick-release safety connectors and are available in several lengths and colors.

    • Product
    • Phonito Nano hidden earpiece

      Phonito Nano by Phonak is the world’s smallest covert radio earpiece for undercover professionals.

      With its tiny form factor, secure in-ear fit and skin-matching color options, Phonito Nano is entirely invisible to the naked eye, ensuring the user’s cover and boosting the chances of operational success.

      Available in beige or dark brown, the Phonito Nano hidden earpiece is built around a new Hybrid audio chip and inductive technology. This approach offers users both excellent sound quality and allows Nano to be used alongside any existing inductive wiring loops a customer might own.

      • Greater comfort
        With its reduced form factor and highly ergonomic shape, Nano offers a comfortable and secure in-ear fit
      • Full focus
        Thanks to its passive coil technology and new Hybrid chip, Nano vastly reduces frustrating interference
      • Crystal-clear sound
        Nano’s next-generation Hybrid chip enhances audio clarity and speech intelligibility, providing the kind of performance no other inductive hidden earpiece can match.

      Phonito Nano’s wiring kits are compatible with most professional radios including the latest Motorola, Sepura and Hytera TETRA models. A special connector is also available for Phonak’s Bluetooth (BT) module, enabling Phonito Nano to be used with BT-enabled communication terminals.

    • Technical
    • A closer look at Phonito Nano’s technical specifications.

      Length / Width          
      16.4 mm (0.64″) / 10.9–9.7 mm (0.42″–0.38″)
      Weight 
      1.3 g (inc. battery)
      Max volume @ 1kHz, automatically limited 100 dB SPL
      Type of receiver digital / inductive
      Frequency response 300 Hz–5000 Hz
      Background noise filter (when no audio signal) soft squelch
      Battery type / average life span Zn-Air, A10 / 80 hours
      Battery end of life warning 3 x 3 beeps
      Article no. 101-2146-01 (beige) 
      101-2146-28 (brown)
    • Wiring
    • Phonito Nano is available with 3 wiring kit options:

      Cobra kit

      Cobra is a high-performance, quick-to-install single-wire covert kit. Designed for total discretion in mission-critical situations, it features:

      • A handheld waterproof wireless PTT
      • Single inductive loop with integrated microphone
      • In-line PTT on junction box
      • Wide choice of radio/walkie-talkie connectors
      • Additional features include tone board functionality and a mute function.

      Spyder LM kit

      This professional two-wire inductive kit provides high speech transmission quality and features:

      • Single inductive loop with integrated microphone
      • Separate durable 2-key PTT and junction box.
      • Wide choice of radio/walkie-talkie connectors

      3-wire kit

      This traditional kit is our most customizable covert wiring system. Perfect for fitting inside a covert vest, it features:

      • Wired loop
      • Wired microphone
      • Wired PTT
      • Wide choice of radio/walkie-talkie connectors.

      In-Ear Receiver FAQ

      This section answers the questions we regularly receive about our in-ear earpieces (Phonito, Profilo Nano and invisity).

      Note: If the information you require is not shown below, please help us improve this page by sending us your question (we will also email you our reply direct).

      Are Phonak in-ear receivers fully compatible with TETRA portable radios?

      Yes, Profilo Nano and all models of Phonito can be used with TETRA-based radio systems.

      However our one-way invisity receiver is not TETRA-compatible, because it uses a lower frequency range than TETRA’s 300-800MHz.

      How do I ensure my radio earpiece always stays in the ear?

      Phonak in-ear radio earpieces are designed to fit securely in the ear and do so in the vast majority of cases.

      However, should you want a little extra assurance during covert communication operations, we recommend some useful accessories called SoftWraps to help (see our Accessories section). Simply wrap one or more of these thin and skin-friendly strips around your earpiece to create the perfect fit inside your ear canal.

       

       

      Is it possible to use Phonak radio earpieces with Bluetooth cellphones?

      Yes in the case of Profilo Nano. This covert earpiece can be used with any Bluetooth-enabled cell- or smartphone, including Apple’s iPhone, simply by adding the Imtradex Bluetooth module.

      Will rain damage my Phonak earpiece?

      An earpiece, by nature, cannot be 100% waterproof. However because Phonak covert radio earpieces are worn fully inside the ear channel they are not usually affected by rain.

      Can I use any kind of battery in my earpiece?

      Yes, any brand will work in theory however some non-Phonak batteries do cause problems. To guarantee proper performance we strongly recommend only using Phonak A10 Zinc-Air batteries (article no. 070-0074).

      Is it okay to cut off my earpiece’s nylon feeler?

      Yes, you can remove this feeler (the earpiece’s short transparent stalk) if required, but be aware that this feeler exists for a reason – to help you safely remove the earpiece from your ear. Therefore cutting off the feeler will make it trickier to take out your earpiece. 

      If you are worried about discretion, simply bend the feeler to fit it inside the middle section of your outer ear (the ‘concha’).

      Does Phonak offer different sizes of radio earpiece?

      No, we supply one standard size which fits the vast majority of ear canals. If an earpiece is a little too small for your ear canal, we recommend using SoftWraps (article no. 098-3004) to better secure it in the ear.

      Do Phonak radio earpieces suffer from electromagnetical interference (EMI)?

      Our covert radio earpieces are optimized for minimal EMI, especially Phonito Nano. Our Profilo Nano system however is really the ultimate non-interference product as it is the world’s only 100% EMI-free earpiece.

      Why do my earpiece batteries die so quickly?

      This is usually due to incorrect storage. Earpiece batteries should be kept separately (away from each other), as when they are stored in the same pouch or compartment they can short-circuit and lose battery life.

      How long does a single Profilo Nano/Phonito earpiece battery last?

      The average lifespan of such a covert earpiece, based on typical usage, is 5 full working days.

      Can Profilo Nano be used with inductive wiring loops such as Phonak’s Cobra and Spyder kits?

      No, the Profilo Nano earpiece is designed specifically for use with Phonak’s proprietary transductive (not inductive) loop. Profilo Nano must be used with this loop and is incompatible with all inductive wirings.

      Can I use Profilo Nano with all professional radios?

      The vast majority of professional radios work seamlessly with the Profilo Nano system (get our Wiring Compatibility Guide in the Download Center). However there are some older radios that do not produce enough power to feed Profilo Nano’s electronics. (If in doubt about your radio system, please contact your Phonak dealer or contact us direct.)

      Can I use an adapter to use different radios with a Profilo Nano loop?

      No, the Profilo Nano system must be programmed for the electronics of each individual radio, meaning one Profilo Nano system for one type of radio.

      What radio frequencies does Profilo Nano support?

      You can connect any professional radio to Profilo Nano, operating on any frequency. Profilo Nano simply transmits the audio signal from your radio’s interface, through its loop, to the earpiece.

      Can I use Profilo Nano with a cell- or smartphone?

      Yes. Profilo Nano can be used with any Bluetooth-enabled cell- or smartphone, including Apple’s iPhone, simply by adding the Imtradex Bluetooth module.

      What does zinc-air mean and how should I handle such batteries?

      After you remove the sticker from the bottom of a zinc-air battery, the battery actually runs on air (this enters the battery through the tiny hole and activates it). Be sure to remove the battery’s sticker at least one full minute before inserting the battery into invisity in order to give the battery enough time to reach full power. View/download our Zinc-Air FAQ (PDF).

      Can I fit my system’s wiring loop in a backpack/bag/harness?

      Yes. Phonak does offer individual solutions such as harnesses and vests, but these must be discussed directly with your Phonak Sales representative (locate your nearest supplier here or contact us direct). This especially applies to Profilo Nano wiring loops.

      Can I use a Phonak loop with built-in microphone effectively under thick winter clothes?

      Yes. The microphone is built with covert use in mind, which means it is designed for use under clothes. However very thick garments or body armor etc. may slightly reduce its sensitivity.

      Are Phonak loops available in different colors?

      Yes, Phonak’s covert wiring loops for Profilo Nano and Phonito are all available in beige/pink and black.

      Are different length wiring loops available?

      Yes. Our standard loop length is 65cm (25 inches) and our long loop measures 74cm (29 inches). Just specify which you require when placing your order.

      How should I properly clean and maintain my covert radio earpiece?

      Regular earpiece cleaning and maintenance are key to ensuring your product’s long-term performance and reliability. Here are our Top 4 Maintenance Tips:

      1. Give it a wipe

      To keep your earpiece free from ear wax and external grime (usually transmitted via the fingers), use a damp cloth or Alco wipe to regularly clean your receiver. (Such regular cleaning also vastly reduces the chances of you picking up an ear infection.)

      2. Change the filter

      All Phonak in-ear receivers include a built-in wax filter. Make sure you have a stock of these on hand and change them regularly to avoid sound problems and reduced in-ear volume.

      We recommend checking your earpiece’s filter before each operation. If it is blocked, change it (see the mini User Guide supplied with the filter pack).

      Note: the more you use your earpiece, the more wax your ear will typically produce and therefore the more regularly the wax filter will need to be replaced.

      3. Remove the batteries

      Batteries can leak and the resulting liquid can destroy your earpiece. Therefore always remove your earpiece’s battery when not in use.

      4. Smart storage

      In addition to removing its batteries, keep your earpiece in a safe place (the pouch it arrived in works great). This way you will keep all its accessories and batteries together, and avoid unnecessary dirt building up in and around the earpiece.