Oticon Intent Revolutionizes Sound with 4D Sensor Technology
Released by Oticon on February 22, 2024, Oticon Intent is Oticon’s flagship line of hearing aids for mild-to-severe hearing losses. Oticon Inten... READ MORE
World’s first in-ear hearing aid with an on-board Deep Neural Network
Released by Oticon on August 25, 2022, Own is Oticon's newest line of custom in-the-ear hearing aids for mild-to-severe hearing losses. Oticon Own ... READ MORE
Stay sharp in the real world
Released February 23, 2023, Oticon Real is now a slightly outdated model, and most ZipHearing customers are ordering the newer Oticon Intent. Otic... READ MORE
The Inside Scoop on Oticon Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
- Oticon hearing aid prices range from $2,400-$8,000 for the pair, and the costs vary based on the model, style, technology level, service package included, and retailer.
- Oticon does not support direct-to-consumer online sellers—Oticon hearing aids must be purchased through an authorized Oticon retailer that includes face-to-face care.
- Oticon’s best hearing aid is the Oticon Intent which was released on February 22, 2024 and is Oticon's first hearing aid on their all new Sirius platform.
Pioneering DNN Technology
One of the defining aspects of Oticon's line of products is the revolutionary Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology. This technology puts Oticon in a league of its own by replicating human brain processes for an intelligent listening experience. Trained on a remarkable 12-million real-life sound scenes database, the DNN technology goes beyond the simplistic amplification of speech.Instead, it offers a comprehensive sound experience, even identifying peripheral sounds such as a waiter approaching from behind. This level of intricate detail in audio rendering makes Oticon’s DNN technology a formidable player in the industry, likely contributing to its consistently high sales and ratings.
A Spectrum of Choices
If variety is the spice of life, then Oticon's product line is a smorgasbord of options. From sleek receiver-in-canal styles to ultra powerful behind-the-ear devices and discreet in-the-ear models, the brand caters to diverse needs and aesthetic preferences.They offer hearing aids with both rechargeable and disposable batteries and integrate features like telecoils and CROS compatibility, further enriching the user experience. Additionally, Oticon's advanced connectivity options allow seamless integration with various digital devices, enhancing accessibility and ease of use for users in their daily lives.
Children-Friendly Options
Oticon sets itself apart in the hearing aid industry with its Play hearing aids, a range specifically designed for children. The Play model stands out as a groundbreaking pediatric hearing aid equipped with a Deep Neural Network (DNN) trained on 12 million real-life sound scenes, ensuring that children with hearing loss don't miss out on important environmental sounds.Tailored for young users, it offers advanced connectivity for seamless integration with various devices, enabling hands-free calls and direct streaming. Alongside these technological features, the Play offers versatile charging options, including a portable SmartCharger, and is available in a range of appealing styles and colors. Its robust, tamper-resistant, and IP68 certified design makes it both safe and suitable for the rigors of childhood.
Room for Improvement
Despite its many advantages, Oticon is not without its challenges. The brand’s latest family of custom in-the-ear models, Oticon Own, hasn’t quite matched the success of its receiver-in-canal Oticon Real hearing aids with our customers. Customer sentiment suggests a preference for the tried and tested over the novel, at least in this case.In addition, Bluetooth connectivity is simpler for iOS users who can directly connect via Bluetooth Low Energy for audio streaming and hands-free calls. Android users might need an extra accessory, the Oticon ConnectClip, for certain features like hands-free calling due to Android's Bluetooth constraints. Oticon hearing aids also only pair with one device at a time, which can be inconvenient for those using multiple devices, as it requires frequent unpairing and repairing.
Conclusion
Oticon remains a powerful contender in the hearing aid market, excelling in technological innovation and variety. However, like any brand, it has room for improvement, specifically in the areas of custom in-the-ear models and Bluetooth connectivity. Nevertheless, for those seeking a hearing aid that brings together the best in technology and diversity of options, Oticon is a brand worthy of consideration.
*Based on pricing data published by HearingTracker.com
2024: Intent
2023: Real
2022: Zircon
2021: More
2020: Ruby
2019: Opn S, Opn Play, Xceed
2018: Siya
Not sure which model you have? Check your user guide, or call the Oticon provider who sold the devices to you.
Pairing Instructions:
1. Make sure that your phone's Bluetooth is on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and make sure the toggle switch is set to On.
2. Open and close the battery doors on your hearing device. Or, if you use rechargeable Oticon hearing aids, switch the hearing aids off and on again, by pressing and holding the toggle down button for 3 seconds to turn them off, and repeating to turn them back on.
3. On your Apple device, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing, and select Hearing Devices.
4. Your Apple device will search for your hearing device.
5. Under MFi Hearing Devices, tap the name of your hearing device.
6. Tap Pair when you see the pairing request on the screen. If you have two hearing devices, you'll get two requests. Pairing could take up to a minute.
7. You can start using your hearing device when you see it under MFi Hearing Devices with a check mark.
2024: Intent
2023: Real
2022: Zircon
2021: More
Please note that not all Android devices can directly stream to Oticon hearing aids. Check compatibility
Pairing Instructions:
1. Go to the Android phone’s home screen and tap on the “Settings” icon.
2. In the settings menu, tap on the Bluetooth icon.
3. Tap on the slider button to turn Bluetooth on.
4. Open and close the hearing aid battery doors. Or, if you use rechargeable Oticon hearing aids, switch the hearing aids off by pressing and holding the push button for 3 seconds, then repeating to turn them back on again.
5. Open the “Settings” app on your phone
6. Tap “Connected devices”, and “Pair new device.”
7. If you have more than one hearing aid: Wait for the first hearing aid to connect, then tap the other hearing aid in the list of available devices.
8. Your Android phone is now connected to your Oticon hearing aids.
Oticon hearing aid models compared
Choosing the right Oticon hearing aid model can seem daunting, especially with about seven different options available. To simplify your decision-making process, let's break it down into more manageable steps.
Firstly, Oticon's lineup includes various styles like in-the-ear models, sleek behind-the-ear models, and the widely favored receiver-in-canal (RIC) models. However, not all models are current. To ensure you're getting the latest technology, it's wise to focus on the most recent offerings. This narrows your options down to four key models: Oticon Intent, Oticon Real, Oticon Own, and Oticon Xceed.
Next, think about your preferred style of hearing aid. If you're leaning towards a custom in-the-ear style, Oticon Own might be your best choice. For those who prefer the receiver-in-canal (RIC) style, which is known for its comfort and discreet design, consider either Oticon Intent or Oticon Real. Oticon Intent is the newest model and has Oticon's best technology, but it's only available with a rechargeable battery. If you prefer disposable batteries, Oticon Real will be more appropriate. Oticon Xceed is the go-to option for those who favor a behind-the-ear (BTE) style, particularly known for its robustness and power. If you’re not sure which style you’d like, this video may be helpful.
Your degree of hearing loss also plays a crucial role in the selection process. If you have mild-to-severe hearing loss, Oticon Intent is often recommended. It's not only Oticon's flagship device but also their best-selling model, indicating its popularity and reliability. On the other hand, for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss, the Oticon Xceed is designed to cater to your specific needs, offering more power and clarity.
While the chart below provides a high-level comparison of Oticon models, your local Oticon provider is also a valuable resource. They can assist in determining the most suitable model for your specific needs and situation.
Reviews | 49 reviews • 12 video reviews | 1 reviews • 0 video reviews |
Sales popularity | 94.6% | 1.9% |
Return rate | 10.4% | 41.8% |
Released date | Feb 22, 2024 | Aug 25, 2022 |
Hearing loss | Mild-Moderate | Mild-Severe |
Styles | miniRITE R, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS minRITE T | IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE HS, ITE FS |
Battery | Rechargeable | Disposable |
Oticon hearing aid reviews
Finding authentic Oticon hearing aid reviews can be a real challenge. The internet abounds with various websites hosting reviews, but digging deeper often exposes their limitations. Many of these reviews are written by people who are not deeply involved in the hearing aid sector, missing essential insights. Additionally, a lot of these reviews are essentially affiliate marketing pieces, which don't provide thorough or objective assessments.
Our goal is to raise the bar for online hearing aid reviews. To this end, we've partnered with experienced Oticon specialists. These experts, who interact with Oticon products on a daily basis, offer informed critiques that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of Oticon hearing aids.
Our website is proud to be a leading source for direct Oticon reviews. We feature a more comprehensive collection of real user experiences than any other online resource. For in-depth understanding of a particular model, check out the linked model page below. There, you'll discover an array of video and written reviews from actual Oticon users. Additionally, we provide a succinct, AI-generated overview at the top of each page, summarizing the main advantages and disadvantages. This quick summary enables you to grasp the essence of the product through the perspectives of genuine Oticon users.
Expert reviews
Read what a few of our favorite ZipHearing providers have to say about Oticon
What I like
My first choice of manufacturers to fit my patients with has been Oticon for the past several years now. While I work with all manufacturers, I’ve been pleased with Oticon because their approach to amplification is different compared to most manufacturers. Oticons ‘Brainhearing’ is essentially- ‘if it’s in the environment you need to hear it’. They use this philosophy for improving speech in noisy situations by enhancing the actual speech signal directly vs the traditional method of utilizing ONLY directional microphones and noise reduction. Time and again I’ve had my patients report back that they heard more but still felt the sound quality was pleasing, not too harsh or bothersome as with previous aids.
What needs improving
Oticons app for smartphones is lacking. Oticons approach to remote controls has always been: ‘its not needed’ because their hearing aid will do the work for the listener. Technically I would agree. Honestly, at a lot of yearly rechecks patients will tell me they are not using the remote control features. They report that the hearing aid setting we worked on does as good of a job, or better, then anything they try to adjust on their own in noisy environments. However, some patients WANT that flexibility. They want to make adjustments especially if they see their friends pulling out their phones and showing how they can make this change and that. For patients that want more control over their hearing aid features…. Oticon falls short compared to other manufacturers
What I like
Oticon has been one of my favorite brands for the past 15 years because of their fantastic sound quality for both music and speech in noise and quiet situations. Consistently patients report great success with their devices! I am also greatly confident in their reliability of devices and prompt customer service provided. Oticon’s newest model called the Real has changed so many lives with their deep neural network digital chip that provides hearing aid users with an ease of speech in more challenging situations. Their newest chip also allows for both comfort and audibility in most listening situations! Oticon’s diversity is shown in other products they have for individuals. The Oticon Zircon is helping many people who are in quieter and more controlled environments. The Oticon Xceed continues to deliver consistent quality of sound and ease of speech to those individuals with a more moderate to profound hearing loss.
What needs improving
While I am super happy as an Audiologist with Oticon, I would like to see rechargeable options for custom in the canal aids. Other than that, I only have happy patients coming in for follow-up because of their fantastic devices!
What I like
I've successfully dispensed Oticon hearing aids to my patients for over 15 years. The newest flagship hearing device called “REAL” offers two features that I really like for my patients. One is a feature called sudden sound stabilizer which reduces the impact of loud noises, and the other is a feature that combats wind and handling noise over the microphones. Overall, I feel that the Oticon REAL is an excellent all-around hearing aid for my patients. It offers more natural sound quality than its predecessors, as well as better comfort in background noise and outdoor settings. It also reduces the common complaint of a “rustling” sound when hands, hair, or glasses come in contact with the hearing aid microphones.
What needs improving
Although the Oticon REAL is a great all-around hearing device, there are a few areas that could be improved to provide a better patient experience: A more robust phone application that allows for users to better customize their sound preferences and settings, a more stable Bluetooth connection, and a longer battery life when it comes to rechargeable models. Adding additional form factors, such as in-the-ear models would be a valuable addition to the REAL product lineup.
User reviews
Watch and read what our hearing aid users have to say about Oticon.
Oticon hearing aid prices
The cost of Oticon hearing aids depends mainly on where you buy them. You have two main options: buying directly from a local Oticon provider or through a third-party discount network like ZipHearing. Prices typically range from $2,000 to over $8,000 per pair.
When you buy from a local Oticon provider, prices can be high. For instance, the national average price for a pair of Oticon Intent 1, Oticon's latest model, is about $7,226 according to HearingTracker.com. But buying directly often includes several years of free follow-up service in the price, which is beneficial if you expect to need regular maintenance or adjustments.
Alternatively, you can buy through discount networks, where Oticon Intent prices are up to 50% off retail prices. This option is great for those who are familiar with hearing aids and looking for a balance between cost and local service. For example, with ZipHearing, you contact them, and they refer you to a local Oticon affiliate who offers services at discounted rates.
To buy directly from a local Oticon provider, use this tool on Oticon’s website to find local providers and set up a consultation. For discount network purchases, contact a company like ZipHearing to be connected with a local affiliate.
Model | National Average Pair Price * | Our Discount | Available Styles | % of sales |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oticon Intent 1 | $7,596 | 35.5% | miniRITE R, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS minRITE T | 78.1% |
Oticon Intent 2 | $6,212 | 37.3% | miniRITE R, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS minRITE T | 15.4% |
Oticon Intent 3 | $5,456 | 39.6% | miniRITE R, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS minRITE T | 5.1% |
Oticon Intent 4 | $3,600 | 19.5% | miniRITE R, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS minRITE T | 1.4% |
Oticon Own 1 | $7,120 | 35.4% | ITC, IIC, CIC, ITE FS, ITE HS | 79.1% |
Oticon Own 2 | $5,784 | 34.3% | ITC, IIC, CIC, ITE FS, ITE HS | 13.4% |
Oticon Own 3 | $4,830 | 33.8% | ITC, IIC, CIC, ITE FS, ITE HS | 7.5% |
Oticon Own 4 | $4,130 | 32.3% | ITC, IIC, CIC, ITE FS, ITE HS | 0% |
Oticon Own 5 | $3,428 | 24.2% | ITC, IIC, CIC, ITE FS, ITE HS | 0% |
Oticon Real 1 | $7,596 | 36.8% | miniRITE R, miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS miniRITE T, miniBTE R, miniBTE T | 78.6% |
Oticon Real 2 | $6,212 | 38.9% | miniRITE R, miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS miniRITE T, miniBTE R, miniBTE T | 15.6% |
Oticon Real 3 | $5,456 | 41.4% | miniRITE R, miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R, CROS miniRITE T, miniBTE R, miniBTE T | 5.8% |
Oticon Zircon 1 | $4,130 | 32.3% | miniRITE R, miniRITE T, miniBTE R, miniBTE T, CROS miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R | 75% |
Oticon Zircon 2 | $3,428 | 24.2% | miniRITE R, miniRITE T, miniBTE R, miniBTE T, CROS miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R | 25% |
Oticon Xceed 1 | $7,058 | 34.9% | UP, SP, CROS miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R | 63.3% |
Oticon Xceed 2 | $5,826 | 34.8% | UP, SP, CROS miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R | 20.4% |
Oticon Xceed 3 | $5,094 | 37.2% | UP, SP, CROS miniRITE T, CROS PX miniRITE R | 14.3% |