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Oticon Review
4.4 Overall Rating
Ease of Purchase
Warranty
Price
Customer Service
Bottom Line
Oticon is among the top three hearing aid companies worldwide. The company produces a broad range of hearing devices for all ranges of hearing loss, ages, and lifestyles. Oticon is known for innovative hearing solutions like OpenSound Navigator, BrainHearing, and Deep Neural Network (DNN) technologies. The company maintains quality care after the sale by providing hearing aids only through authorized sellers and hearing care professionals.
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About Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon is a well-known and trusted hearing aid company. It sells a variety of prescription hearing aids through dealers across the United States and around the world. The company focuses on professionally fit devices with customized programming, fittings, and follow-up care.
Oticon has a People First motto and conducts research across all facets of hearing loss, including related psychological factors. The company thoroughly tests research findings and new technology and is known for innovative solutions to hearing loss.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study that determined why people don’t use hearing aids. The top two reasons for avoiding the devices were uncomfortable hearing aids and not receiving the expected benefits. Oticon addresses both issues with multiple hearing aid lines and models ranging from mild to profound hearing loss.
Pros
- Broad range of hearing aid styles to meet all needs
- Mobile app for iOS and Android to control devices
- Advanced technology, such as BrainHearing
Cons
- Not available to purchase directly from Oticon
Oticon Develops Hearing Technology
Before we discuss Oticon’s hearing aids, let’s take a look at the technology that goes into these devices. Technological developments include those for managing tinnitus, advanced speech clarity and enhancement, feedback, and wind noise shields, as well as those listed below.
- Oticon OpenSound Navigator analyzes sounds in a 360-degree radius more than 100 times per second. This feature balances the surrounding sounds, providing a clear focus sound while keeping audible background sounds from being distracting. This technology is available in select Oticon hearing aids, including Oticon Intent and Oticon Real models.
- Velox S is Oticon’s groundbreaking platform powered by detectors that monitor the sound environment 56,000 times per second. This technology includes proactive feedback management, updated OpenSound Navigator, and optimal-performance rechargeable batteries. Oticon Opn S hearing aids feature Velox S.
- OpenSound Optimizer provides optimal six-decibel sound gain, open fittings, and eliminates feedback. Users get up to 30% more speech cues, while OpenSound Optimizer maintains clarity and sound quality. This technology is available in select Oticon hearing aid models.
- Oticon’s BrainHearing Technology delivers the most precise, purest signal possible to the brain. This feature preserves essential details in speech, so the brain expends less effort to decipher what the ears hear. BrainHearing Technology separates sound sources from both ears to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments.
Oticon Hearing Aids Explained
Oticon produces multiple hearing aid lines for adults and children. Oticon devices are available as in-the-canal (ITC), behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and numerous other types of hearing aids. The company also manufactures accessories to provide convenient hearing solutions. Bluetooth devices come with compatible chargers, and select models come with portable chargers.
- Oticon Intent hearing aids feature 4D sensor technology that adapts to the wearer’s movements, conversation, and sound environment. Intent hearing aids are available in rechargeable miniRITE styles for mild-to-profound hearing loss.
- Oticon Real hearing aids are designed to provide clearer, more natural sound while reducing background noise, such as wind. Real hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling with both Apple iPhone and Android devices, rechargeable options, and Oticon BrainHearing technology.
- Oticon Own SI and Oticon Own are custom in-ear hearing aid lines available in discreet designs, including IIC, CIC, ITC, and ITE models. They’re ideal for users who want a more personalized hearing solution.
- Oticon Play SI and Oticon Play PX are pediatric hearing aid lines specifically for children with hearing loss.
- Oticon Verit features premium sound quality and wireless connectivity. This line of hearing aids uses non-rechargeable disposable batteries and is designed for long-lasting performance.
- Oticon Xceed features powerful BTE hearing aids for severe-to-profound hearing loss. Xceed SP (super power) and Xceed UP (ultra power) offer powerful amplification, Bluetooth, and water resistance.
- Oticon Zeal is a discreet hearing aid line that focuses on comfort, everyday speech understanding, and easy all-day wear.
| Line | Type | Hearing Loss Treated | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oticon Intent | miniRITE | Mild to profound | 4D Sensor technology, BrainHearing, rechargeable, Bluetooth |
| Oticon Real | miniRITE, BTE | Mild to profound | Wind and handling noise reduction, BrainHearing, rechargeable options |
| Oticon Own SI | IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE | Mild to severe | Custom fit and discreet, rechargeable options |
| Oticon Play SI | BTE | Pediatric mild to severe | Classroom support and wireless connectivity, rechargeable options |
| Oticon Verit | miniRITE | Mild to profound | Premium sound quality, non-rechargeable battery, Bluetooth connectivity |
| Oticon Zeal | miniRITE | Mild to profound | Discreet, all-day comfort, BrainHearing technology, rechargeable options |
Oticon Hearing Aids Costs
Oticon hearing aid costs depend on the model, technology level, hearing care provider, and what services are included. Advanced technologies like BrainHearing, as well as features such as Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and custom fittings, can cost several thousand dollars per pair. Custom models are typically priced on the higher end.
Oticon Warranty and Insurance Coverage
Oticon offers a limited hearing aid warranty covering manufacturing and material defects for 2 years. Loss and damage coverage lasts one year, depending on the provider and model. A 45-day trial or money-back guarantee is also often offered, depending on the provider.
Insurance, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits can help cover some hearing aid costs, depending on the plan and state. Active-duty military members and veterans may also qualify for Oticon hearing aids and accessories through VA hearing care programs.
Where to Buy Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon does not endorse or sell products through unauthorized online or mail-order retailers. You can buy Oticon hearing aids, get a hearing test, and receive help and advice from authorized Oticon hearing care professionals. Doing so ensures you receive all warranty terms and services that come with Oticon devices. The company’s website provides a hearing care provider locator tool.
Oticon Hearing Aid Complaints
Oticon hearing aids are highly recommended by experts, who consider them among the best hearing aid brands. Eileen Clark, Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) and the Practice Owner of Integral Audiology told us that she regularly recommends Oticon hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and for those with conditions such as high-frequency hearing loss. “I find they offer natural sound quality with very little internal noise that a person with mild hearing loss could hear in “noisier” hearing aids,” Clark says. “Brands like Phonak, Oticon, and Widex all have excellent technology for high-frequency loss,” she also notes.
On the other hand, hearing aids receive mixed reviews from users. On Trustpilot, reviewers note issues with the Oticon companion app staying connected and the need for many fittings. At the same time, another says he has had them for four years, and they provide a great listening experience and have helped tremendously with his tinnitus symptoms. It’s a similar story on Consumer Affairs, where they have a 1.2-star rating, while almost all Oticon models on ZipHearing receive nearly 5-star ratings.
Oticon Hearing Aids Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, according to our sources, Oticon is considered a high-quality hearing aid brand known for advanced technology, speech enhancement, rechargeable options, and a wide range of styles.
Oticon is consistently a top brand recommended by experts. It competes with premium brands like Phonak, Signia, ReSound, Jabra, and Starkey. Oticon is especially known for BrainHearing technology and natural sound processing designed to reduce listening effort in noisy environments.
Yes. Many Oticon hearing aids include tinnitus-support features, such as sound therapy and tinnitus-masking options designed to help manage ringing or buzzing in the ears. Users commonly report that this technology truly does make tinnitus symptoms easier to manage.
Oticon’s online support portal explains general use and care for all hearing aids. The company also provides a download center with instructions, technical information, and support materials for hearing aids and all accessories. If you prefer not to go online for help, your authorized Oticon hearing care professional can assist in person or by phone.
Conclusion
Oticon is a leader among hearing aid manufacturers. The company dedicates substantial resources to research and development to produce devices to treat all types of hearing loss. Oticon offers multiple product lines, often with numerous models to choose from. This selection allows most patients to receive hearing aids that are effective, comfortable, and appropriate for their lifestyle.