Founded over 100 years ago, Oticon features life-changing hearing aid technology aimed to empower individuals experiencing hearing loss. Especially impressive is Oticon’s BrainHearing technology, which utilizes the way the brain processes sound in order to provide an exceptional listening experience. All of their hearing aid devices are outfitted with this technology for clear sound quality and speech understanding.
Additionally, Oticon recently announced new additions and improvements to their line of Oticon CROS hearing aids, providing an immersive sound experience using dual-streaming technology for individuals with single-sided deafness.
Currently, they offer Oticon CROS PX, which is a new rechargeable transmitter, and Oticon CROS, which supports the way in which the brain comprehends sound. Let’s take a closer look at Oticon hearing aids and why they might be the right choice for you.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to purchase or try a new pair of hearing aids, be sure to read my guide to this year’s best hearing aids.
Pros and Cons of Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon Pros
- Wide range of styles and models: Oticon has many options for anyone suffering from mild to severe and profound hearing loss, including models that are specifically designed for single-sided deafness.
- Devices for any type of hearing loss: Oticon has a model to suit any level of hearing loss, from mild to severe.
- BrainHearing: Oticon hearing aids come equipped with BrainHearing technology that allows the brain to receive all of the information it needs to process sounds and situations effectively.
- Mobile App: A variety of Oticon models are compatible with the Oticon ON app for iPhone. Features of this app include a wireless connection to television, a range of alerts for everyday activities (such as setting a home security alarm when the hearing aid is turned off), and online monitoring of hearing aid use through HearingFitness.
- Connects to other devices: With Oticon’s new advanced Oticon More hearing aid, you can stream TV, music, and phone calls directly from your device. You can also wirelessly connect to other devices.
Oticon Cons
- Not available for purchase directly: Since Oticon does not sell directly to consumers, so interested individuals are not able to complete orders online, as can be done with some other major hearing aid companies. In order to buy Oticon hearing aids, you must go through a hearing specialist.
- Information on cost is difficult to find: As Oticon does not sell directly to consumers, there is no easily accessible information on their website about specific costs of their models. Prices will vary depending on the hearing specialist you choose to see.
- Limited Android compatibility: Oticon’s newest model, Oticon More, is only compatible with iPhones, so Android users might want to look elsewhere.
Did You Know: Did you know that all of Oticon’s devices have built-in BrainHearing technology that supports how your brain processes and understands sound?
Our Favorite OTC Hearing Aid Brands
While Oticon hearing aids performed well in our tests, they can easily cost upward of $4,000 for a pair, not to mention they require in-person audiologist visits. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, then one of these three hearing aid brands might be right for you. Each of them offers devices for under $1,5000 for a pair.
Oticon Hearing Aid Models
I’ve listed a few of my favorite Oticon hearing aid models below for your perusal. Their latest hearing aid model is the Oticon Intent.
Oticon Intent
Oticon Intent is Oticon’s newest, most technologically advanced model, and it works for hearing impairment of all levels. With Bluetooth connectivity to a wide range of devices, Oticon Intent is a Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid that uses rechargeable batteries and is compatible with Oticon’s mobile app, Oticon ON for an array of programming functions.
This model is the only one from Oticon equipped with Deep Neural Network technology. It also features tinnitus masking. The caveat with this device is that it is a bit larger than the previous model. I noticed that it was uncomfortable to wear with glasses. Additionally, this hearing aid is not compatible with Android phones.
Real
Featuring Oticon’s “BrainHearing” technology, the Real hearing aids aim to reproduce the entire soundscape of a person’s surroundings. This model is available with disposable or rechargeable batteries, and it comes in a variety of styles. No matter which model you choose, all Real hearing aids can stream audio directly from Apple and Android devices.
FYI: Oticon is not the only brand to offer tinnitus solutions. To learn more, read my guide to hearing aids for tinnitus.
Oticon Xceed
Advertised on Oticon’s website as the world’s most powerful hearing aid, Oticon’s Xceed models work for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Like the Opn S series, the Xceed comes with OpenSound Optimizer and is Bluetooth capable.
Did You Know: If you have more advanced hearing loss, you might want to look into a hearing aid for severe hearing loss.
Oticon Zircon
The Oticon Zircon is advertised as made to move, because it improves speech understanding and helps you enjoy every moment with freedom. For those experiencing mild to severe hearing loss, the Zircon boasts rechargeable batteries and easy connectivity with a long-lasting battery life. This model is Bluetooth capable and is compatible with Oticon’s mobile app, as well. Currently, Oticon Zircon comes in your choice of five behind-the-ear styles and colors.
Oticon CROS
Currently, single-sided hearing loss affects between 12-27 individuals out of every 100,000 people, according to recent studies. Oticon CROS is a transmitter and hearing aid combo that helps individuals with single-sided hearing loss. Using technology to balance out sound and make hearing easier, the CROS is Bluetooth-capable. It also includes the OpenSound Optimizer and comes with Oticon’s TwinLink dual-streaming technology. You can choose from either the Oticon CROS PX model or the original Oticon CROS.
Own
If you’re looking for a discreet pair of hearing aids, then the Oticon Own would be an ideal model. This hearing aid fits completely in the user’s ears, making them virtually invisible when worn. Despite this small size, these hearing aids feature advanced sound performance, app connectivity, and streaming from smartphones.
FYI: Studies show that the cost of hearing aids is often a deciding factor for seniors that often leads to individuals who need hearing assistance going without. There are a number of affordable hearing aids to explore.
How to Purchase Oticon Hearing Aids
As Oticon does not offer direct-to-consumer sales, the only way to purchase their hearing aids is to see a health care provider. If you do not have an audiologist, the Oticon website has some helpful features that can point you to a hearing healthcare provider in your area. Once you have met with one of these specialists, they can walk you through the process of purchasing Oticon hearing aids from their office.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to purchase hearing aids without seeing a professional, read my guide to over the counter hearing aids.
Oticon Hearing Aid Accessories
- ConnectClip: This accessory clips to your clothing to turn your hearing aids into a wireless headset. With ConnectClip you can make Bluetooth phone calls, stream music, chat with someone online, and listen to someone speaking from a distance with the special microphone. ConnectClip also allows you to access and program features on your hearing aids such as volume.
- Tinnitus SoundSupport: Some models of Oticon hearing aids are compatible with Tinnitus SoundSupport, a feature that plays a wide range of sounds to relieve the problems associated with tinnitus. For compatible models, this feature is accessible through the Oticon ON app.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for other brands that offer tinnitus relief, you might want to look into Phonak, Widex, and Signia. Read my article, Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus.
- If This Then That Network: Available on select models through the Oticon ON app, the If This Then That network (IFTTT) allows you to control certain aspects of your surroundings in relation to whether your hearing aids are turned on or off. This includes turning on lights when your hearing aids are switched on, or setting a security alarm when the hearing aids are switched off.
- Phone Adapter 2.0: This is Oticon’s latest phone adapter version, which now pairs with the ConnectClip accessory. Using your home landline phone, your hearing aids will essentially become a wireless headset and be able to act as a microphone. This device can support both incoming and outgoing phone calls.
Did You Know: Did you know that you can try Oticon More risk-free? Just fill out a form, make an appointment to begin your risk-free trial, and get a $50 gift card for registering your device and providing feedback.
Oticon App
Oticon’s app for mobile phones is called Oticon ON, and is available from the App Store for iPhone or from Google Play for Android. With Oticon ON, you can adjust the volume and programming of your hearing aids, as well as stream from your phone to your hearing aids. Oticon ON also has an added “find my hearing aids” feature that allows you to locate your hearing aids from your phone if you misplace them.
Do note, however, that Oticon More is not compatible with Android phones.
Pro Tip: Looking to compare hearing aid brands? Check out my article, Lexie hearing aids review.
Oticon vs. Phonak
Oticon and Phonak are two of the most popular prescription hearing aid brands. Both companies offer a wide range of hearing aids that can suit numerous types of hearing loss.
In our experience, however, Phonak performs slightly better in just about every capacity. In terms of Bluetooth connection, Phonak’s is stronger, allowing you to more clearly stream music and phone calls directly to their hearing aids. Additionally, while both companies offer a variety of models, Phonak has an invisible hearing aid, the Lyric model, that is ideal for users who want a discreet hearing aid.
The only area in which Oticon bests Phonak would have to be sound quality. While there is no objective way to evaluate hearing aid sound quality, in our tests, we found the sound to be a bit clearer with their models.To learn more about these providers, read our full comparison of Phonak and Oticon.
Oticon Returns and Warranties
Since Oticon does not deal directly with consumers, they do not deal with individual returns or warranty issues. Requirements and warranty coverage will vary depending on the provider you choose to use when purchasing your Oticon hearing aids.
Closing Thoughts
With their wide range of devices that can suit just about any type of hearing loss, Oticon is definitely a great company to consider when buying hearing aids.
To learn more about other hearing aid brands and the various ways to pay for them, check out some of my hearing aid guides:
Oticon Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Oticon More the best hearing aid?
As far as Bluetooth hearing aids go, Oticon More is one of the highest-quality options. With that said, if you prefer traditional batteries or want Android compatibility, you might want to consider an option from Phonak.
-
Is Oticon a good hearing aid?
Oticon offers high-quality, medical-grade hearing aids; however, this pedigree comes at a higher cost than some other brands.
-
How much does the Oticon OPN cost?
Since Oticon hearing aids are customizable, Oticon OPN costs will vary depending on your type of hearing loss and where you purchase it from.
-
Is Oticon coming out with a new hearing aid?
While Oticon likely has something in the works, Oticon’s newest model as of 2021 is the Oticon More, which is designed to work like your brain.