Overview of Oticon Hearing Aids
For many people with hearing loss, finding the right solution can make all the difference in their quality of life. As an audiologist with years of experience, I have firsthand experience with this technology’s pros and cons. Among the top six hearing aid manufacturers, Oticon is unique in some ways but also has critical points to consider for anyone looking at Oticon as a solution in their hearing healthcare. I’ll give you my expert insight into this topic. I’m an expert on this topic and am happy to share my experience and opinions on Oticon hearing aids. Let’s get into it!
About Oticon
Oticon is among the top six hearing aid brands and is currently the world’s second largest hearing aid manufacturer. Oticon makes premium hearing aids and falls under the Demant company umbrella. Demant also makes Bernafon, Sonic, and Philips devices. Before the recent launch of their Real hearing aid, the Oticon More was the most recent addition to the Oticon product line. Let’s talk a bit more about these two products.
Types of Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon has a wide variety of hearing aid styles and models of hearing aids to fit different preferences and needs. From powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) models to custom OWN “invisible in canal” (IIC) models, there is a wide range of possibilities for this technology. They also offer features such as rechargeable batteries, sound amplification capabilities, noise reduction technology, and more. Additionally, their products come with various accessories, including remote microphones and Smartphone apps to further customize your experience with your device.
Oticon’s Technology
In addition to offering an array of styles and features, Oticon hearing aids also feature innovative technologies designed for maximum performance and comfort. For example, their Oticon Xceed hearing aids – the BTE hearing aid model – is one of the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss. In their product line, Oticon also has hearing aid options for single-sided deafness, the Oticon CROS, and Oticon hearing aid models for those looking for the best sound quality or options for those with a more limited budget.
More about the Oticon More (pun intended)
The Oticon More is known for its deep neural network technology, boasting hearing support with a more natural sound quality and spatial awareness. These receiver in the ear hearing aids fit from mild to profound hearing loss, work well with iPhone or select Android devices, and have an easy-to-use Smartphone app. This Oticon hearing aid is an improvement from the prior Oticon Opn. Oticon’s hearing aids support how the brain processes sound, according to their recent research.
The New Oticon Real Hearing Aid
The new release of the Oticon Real hearing aid is an improvement on the More hearing aid. It streamlines a few features, such as wind reduction and reduced sound when tapping on the microphones, and adds a rechargeable BTE device to the Oticon hearing aids models. Is this a significant change? It’s more of a refinement of their latest hearing aid, the Oticon More. The recent hands free phone calls capability still works with these hearing aids.
What should the consumer know?
What does that mean for the wearer? According to their marketing, this powerful hearing aid reduces listening effort because the deep neural network has been trained on over 12 million different audio samples to understand better what is speech and what is noise. The result? Oticon offers rechargeable hearing aids that filter and process sound differently than other hearing aids. While marketing terms highlight these fantastic features, what does that mean for you as a patient or consumer?
Pros of Oticon Hearing Aids
Let’s review the “pros” of this hearing technology.
Great for those who like simplicity
In my experience, patients who like to “set it and forget it” love Oticon hearing aids. They don’t require adjustment, as they make decisions about your listening environment seamlessly.
Easy-to-use (and useful) Smartphone App
Their Smartphone app is intuitive and easy to use for those who like some control. It includes a “find my hearing aid” feature, which some patients find very reassuring. Understandably so. Hearing aids are a significant investment, and losing them is very stressful.
Excellent Sound Quality
I describe Oticon hearing aids as having a “mellow” sound quality. In particular, musicians love them, and so do people with sound sensitivity to loud sounds.
Rechargeable Battery Replacement In Office
This is a big one. Some patients wait for weeks when a hearing aid is sent out for repair. However, if it just needs a replacement rechargeable battery, it can be replaced directly in the office without needing to send it out and go without during the repair time.
Dexterity friendly charger
Oticon has a very user-friendly charger, particularly for patients with dexterity concerns. In addition, the hearing aids easily slide in and out without “locking” like some other products (e.g., Phonak Paradise rechargeable hearing aids).
Drawbacks of Oticon Hearing Aids
While there are definite advantages to Oticon hearing aids, let’s review some points before purchasing Oticon.
Android Glitches
Oticon works very well with iPhone for streaming, phone calls, and the paired app. However, patients with Android devices sometimes struggle to keep the connection and report intermittent glitches. While some of this happens with software updates, Android and Oticon hearing aids are hit more frequently than most.
Less Programming Customization
While I really like Oticon’s sound processing and features, I’d love a bit more leeway on the adjustment side of things. With other manufacturers, such as Phonak or GN Resound, I can make specific adjustments if the patient has particular concerns or complaints. However, Oticon software doesn’t allow me to make specific fine-tuning adjustments. For some patients, this is not at all a problem. However, if you are in many challenging listening environments or are more particular, there may be better choices than Oticon.
Should you purchase Oticon hearing aids?
Oticon has recently updated its Real hearing aid line, including rechargeable BTE hearing aids. Again, I think Oticon is an excellent option for those who enjoy music, have single-sided deafness, use an iPhone, or prefer to keep it simple. However, if you have an Android device and like to make many adjustments to the Smartphone app or like more customization in general, there may be better choices than Oticon.
How much do Oticon hearing aids cost?
In my experience, Oticon hearing aids cost between $3500 – $7000 for a pair of hearing aids. However, this will depend on the location of the clinic you go to, the care model (bundled vs. unbundled), and the level of hearing aid technology you choose (premium, advanced, or standard technology).
What should I do next?
If you’re considering Oticon hearing aid technology, you’ll want to see a hearing care professional discuss the right style and device for your hearing loss and needs.
Conclusion:
When evaluating a solution for hearing loss, few brands can match Oticon’s sound quality regarding hearing aids. With their wide variety of styles, models, and features – it’s no wonder Oticon is a top choice for hearing aids. So if you’re looking for a reliable solution for your hearing loss issues, consider what Oticon offers.
