Hearing Aids
By
Chrissy Holm and Will Carter
Medically Reviewed by
Brad Ingrao, AuD
Updated on September 14, 2023
Everyday Health independently vets all recommended products. If you purchase a featured product, we may be compensated. Learn why you can trust us.
On This Page
Oticon is one of the best-known names in hearing devices because of its advanced technology, including the BrainHearing system. Oticon hearing aids come in a variety of styles and provide solutions for people with mild to profound hearing loss. The innovative BrainHearing system, which comes with the higher-end models, is designed to help users process sounds and speech more effectively. We named the Oticon More hearing aid the Best Forward-Thinking Technology in our review of the best hearing aids.
Our review team’s February 2022 user survey found that 60 percent of customers with Oticon hearing aids were able to hear better and participate more in conversations with multiple people and in meetings with larger groups of people than they could without their hearing aids; 50 percent of users found Oticon’s devices easy to clean; and more than 50 percent said that changing or recharging batteries was easy.
Keep reading to learn more about Oticon hearing devices, the advantages and disadvantages of this well-known brand, and the essential things to look for when buying hearing aids.
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
Underlying research:
- 2,500 hours of research
- 13 experts consulted
- 30 brands considered
- 96 models considered
- 1 survey of over 600 users
Our experts have spent more than 2,500 hours conducting thorough research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:
- Deeply researched the hearing device category
- Consulted with audiologists and hearing device experts
- Mystery shopped 30 brands
- Surveyed more than 600 hearing aid users
- Read and reviewed the latest related studies
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
Learn more about our review methodology.
Why We Chose Oticon
To help you find the best hearing aid for your needs, we researched dozens of hearing aid brands. From traditional hearing aids sold through an audiologist’s office to direct-to-consumer brands, our review team took a close look at what each company had to offer.
We chose Oticon as one of our top picks for hearing aids because they offer so many advanced features. They provide solutions to help users living with all different levels of hearing loss, including pediatric models for children. We especially like that their products are driven by an approach that focuses on how the brain receives and interprets sound and how better hearing can benefit overall brain health.
On This Page
Oticon Hearing Aid Models
Oticon hearing aids are available in several different models, with varying sound quality. They also offer rechargeable devices and pediatric models for kids. Below is a side-by-side comparison of Oticon hearing aid prices, model types, Bluetooth compatibility, and more.
Model
Price
Type of Hearing Aid
Level of Hearing Loss
Battery Type
Bluetooth
$1,600–$3,500
miniRITE R, miniRITE T, miniBTE R, and miniBTE T
Mild to profound
Disposable or rechargeable
Yes
$1,600–$3,500
miniRITE, miniRITE R, miniRITE T, and BTE PP
Mild to severe
Disposable or rechargeable
Yes
$1,299–$1,799
miniRITE, BTE, and BTE PP
Mild to severe
Disposable or rechargeable
Yes
$1,299–$1,799
IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE Half Shell, and ITE Full Shell
Mild to severe
Disposable or rechargeable
Yes
$1,299–$1,799
miniBTE R, miniBTE T, miniRITE R, and miniRITE T
Moderate to severe
Rechargeable
Yes
N/A (Speak to your hearing professional for pricing)
miniBTE R, miniBTE T, miniRITE R, and miniRITE T
Mild to severe
Disposable or rechargeable
Yes
Oticon More
Oticon More
Our Rating4.19
Pros
- Features BrainHearing technology
- Has telecoil options
- Both rechargeable and disposable battery options
Cons
- May require external microphone for hands-free functionality
- Not as advanced as other models
- BrainHearing technology designed to deliver 30 percent more sound
- Two-way hands-free communication with smartphones
- Four versions available: miniRITE T, miniRITE R, miniBTE T, and miniBTE R
- Eight different colors: Steel Gray, Silver, Chroma Beige, Terracotta, Chestnut Brown, Diamond Black, Hear Pink, Silver Gray
- Uses telecoil and two-way hands-free communication
- Streams sound directly from television using Oticon’s TV adapter
- Compatible with EduMic, allowing you to connect directly a teacher’s or speaker’s microphone, tablets, or computers
- Priced from $1,600 to $3,500 per device
The Oticon More hearing aid is the company’s most advanced hearing aid model and is available in both miniRITE and miniBTE styles. The brand says its BrainHearing technology can deliver 30 percent more sound to the brain and improve speech comprehension. The key is the device’s deep neural network (DNN) chip, programmed to identify 12 million authentic sounds. The idea, according to Oticon, is that the system gives your brain more of the sounds and information it needs to process what’s going on around you, orient you in your environment, and focus in on specific sounds, all of which makes it easier to understand what you are actually hearing.
In terms of connectivity, the Oticon More offers two-way, hands-free phone and video calls on select iPhones and iPads, as well as direct streaming from select Android phones. You can also stream sound directly from your TV using an Oticon TV adapter. Remote microphones, like the ConnectClip and EduMic, offer additional hands-free calling and external device connection options. Plus, the Oticon ON app offers easy and discreet hearing aid control.
This model has won many awards, including the 2021 MedTech Breakthrough Award for Best New Technology Solution in Hearing Aids, a 2021 Business Intelligence Group Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award, a 2021 Red Dot Design Award, and recognition as a CES 2021 Innovation Awards honoree. We also named it Best for Comprehension in our best Bluetooth hearing aids review.
Oticon Opn S
Oticon Opn S
Our Rating4.19
Pros
- Compatible with both Oticon apps
- Both recharageble and disposable batteries offered
- Telecoil options
Cons
- Not many color options compared to other models
- Minimal advanced tech features
- 360-degree sound experience
- SuperShield technology prevents noise feedback
- Four styles to choose from: miniRITE R, miniRITE, miniRITE T, and BTE PP
- Available in seven different colors: Silver, Chroma Beige, Terracotta, Chestnut Brown, Diamond Black, Silver Gray, Steel Gray
- Offers 360-degree sound experience
- Connectivity with the Oticon ON app and ConnectClip for hands-free calling
- Prevents noise feedback before it happens with SuperShield technology
- Priced between $1,600 to $3,500 per device
Oticon designed the Opn S hearing aid for people living with mild to severe hearing loss. It’s best suited for iPhone users, as these hearing aids can connect directly to iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices, but require a separate ConnectClip accessory to connect to other types of wireless devices. Additionally, the Oticon Opn S is compatible with accessories, including the Oticon TV Adapter 3.0, Remote Control 3.0, EduMic, and Phone Adapter 2.0. In our survey, Oticon users reported that connectivity was one of the device’s best features.
The Opn S includes rechargeable batteries that can provide up to a full day of use when fully charged. Most importantly, it provides a full 360 degrees of sound so you can hear more of what’s around you. The Opn S is available in three miniRITE designs and a BTE PP design that is meant specifically for profound hearing loss.
The Opn S pairs with two Oticon smartphone apps. The Oticon Companion app offers improved control over your device programs, battery level checks, a device-finding feature if you lose your hearing aids, and support from a hearing care professional when needed. The Oticon ON app is similar but also offers the HearingFitness feature to set and attain listening goals, tinnitus relief options, and smarthome connectivity capabilities.
Oticon Ruby
Oticon Ruby
Our Rating4.19
Pros
- Great streaming and connectivity options
- Compatible with both Oticon apps
- Includes telecoil feature
Cons
- Does not come with SmartCharge option
- No especially advanced technology features
- Connects to smart apps, TV adapters, and devices
- Recharge batteries in three hours for full-day use
- Five different models: miniRITE, miniRITE T, miniRITE R (rechargeable), BTE, and BTE PP
- Available in five colors: Chroma Beige, Silver Gray, Chestnut Brown, Steel Gray, Diamond Black
- Wireless connectivity to smart apps, TV adapters, and devices
- Rechargeable version offers a full day’s charge in just three hours
- Priced between $1,299 and $1,799 per device
The Ruby series of hearing aids from Oticon is a good option for users who want hearing aids they can pair with their screens and other wireless technology. It provides wireless connectivity to certain devices so you can receive phone calls, watch movies, listen to music, and more using your hearing aids. Plus, the Ruby hearing aids are compatible with both Oticon apps: Companion and ON, with the ON offering more advanced hearing and smart home features.
The Ruby line hearing aids are designed for those with mild to severe hearing loss. These devices are available in receiver-in-canal (RTE) or behind-the-ear (BTE) styles, depending on your preference. Ruby also comes in five unique colors, so you can choose the one that fits your needs.
Ruby hearing aids by Oticon are available with disposable or rechargeable options. When you choose a rechargeable Ruby model, you will receive a desktop charger that offers a full day’s charge in just three hours. You can also take advantage of the quick-charge feature, which provides six hours of additional power in just 30 minutes.
Oticon Real
Oticon Real
Our Rating4.19
Pros
- Offers top-of-the-line hearing technology
- Two battery recharaging stations with quick-charge features
- Hands-free and call streaming capabilities
Cons
- Higher-priced device
- Does not offer invisible-in-canal (IIC) style
- RealSound and BrainHearing advanced technology features
- Direct streaming, hands-free calls, and smartphone app capabilities
- Four different models: miniRITE R (rechargeable), miniRITE T, miniBTE R (rechargeable), and miniBTE T
- Available in nine colors: Chroma beige, silver gray, silver, terracotta, chestnut brown, steel grey, diamond black, hear pink, and olive green (miniRITE R only)
- Wireless connectivity to smart apps, TV adapters, and devices
- SmartCharger and desktop charger stations that recharge in 30 minutes
- Pricing varies
The Real series of Oticon hearing aids treat slight to profound hearing loss and are more advanced than other models. They put a strong focus on everyday, real-world sound processing and improvement. State-of-the-art BrainHearing and RealSound technology systems support how your brain naturally processes sounds, offer more access to the full scope of sounds, and increase your everyday interactions.
You can design your Oticon Real hearing aid experience based on your preferences and needs. To start, you can select between two styles: receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE). Next, you can choose between disposable (miniRITE T and miniBTE T) and rechargeable (miniRITE R and miniBTE R) battery options. For rechargeable styles, there’s a SmartCharger that takes three hours to fully charge for seamless, on-the-go charging, and a desktop charger that fully charges in three hours: Both offer 30-minute quick-charges for six additional hours of power. Finally, choose between nine colors to customize the look of the Real hearing aid (note that Olive Green is only available for the miniRITE R model).
Real hearing aids by Oticon also offer various digital technology benefits, allowing you to connect with ease to select iPhone or iPad models with hands-free phone and video call capabilities, select iPhone and Android models for call streaming, TV connection for sound streaming via the Oticon TV adapter, and Oticon ConnectClip and EduMic remote microphone options, allowing you to wireless stream voices to your hearing aids. Plus, the Oticon Companion app offers easy control and personalization, a “find my hearing aids” feature for lost devices, and remote counseling services when needed.
Oticon Siya
- Five discreet ITE and ITC models and colors: Beige, Light Brown, Medium Brown, and Dark Brown
- Direct wireless connectivity for smartphones, TVs, and other devices that support Bluetooth LE (low energy 2.4 GHz), offering in-stereo music and high-quality sound
- Uses the Oticon ON app for preset and customizable sound settings
- Priced between $1,299 and $1,799 per device
The Siya ITE and ITC hearing aids may help you achieve better hearing if you have mild to severe hearing loss. It’s available in five specialized styles and lets you connect wirelessly to Bluetooth devices. Oticon Siya hearing aids pick up and enhance the organic details of sounds to improve your ability to understand speech. These hearing aids let you stream the sound from your TV, phone, tablet, or laptop. You can also use them as wireless headphones when syncing them with your smartphone.
Oticon Xceed
- Two BTE versions in seven colors: Chroma Beige, Silver, Terracotta, Chestnut Brown, Diamond Black, Silver Gray, Steel Gray
- Risk-free trial available for Xceed models
- Water and dust resistant
- OpenSound Optimizer prevents whistles and feedback
- Priced between $1,449 and $3,500 per device
The Oticon Xceed is a powerful BTE hearing aid for people living with severe to profound hearing loss. It includes features like a 360-degree sound experience, OpenSound Optimizer technology to prevent feedback and whistling, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Xceed connects to iPhone and many current Android devices and a wide range of accessories and devices.
Oticon Zircon
- Four versions: miniBTE R, miniBTE T, miniRITE R, and miniRITE T styles
- Five different color options: Silver Gray, Diamond Black, Chroma Beige, Chestnut Brown, and Steel Gray
- Delivers 360-degree speech using OpenSound Navigator (only available in Zircon 1)
- Offers tinnitus-masking sound support
- Uses SuperShield and Feedback Shield for feedback management
- Priced between $1,299 and $1,799 per device
The Oticon Zircon hearing aid uses BrainHearing technology to help you improve your quality of life, including enhanced listening and understanding. This style offers direct streaming from iPhone and select Android devices, allowing you to easily watch your favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. The Zircon is for people with moderate to profound hearing loss. The Zircon 1 also features Oticon’s OpenSound Navigator processor that scans the sound environment around you more than 500 times per second to better separate speech and sound from background noise.
Oticon CROS
- Two versions available: miniRITE R and miniRITE T
- Seven different color options: Steel Gray, Silver, Chroma Beige, Terracotta, Chestnut Brown, Diamond Black, Hear Pink (only in CROS PX), and Silver Gray
- Dual-streaming technology allows you to enjoy wireless streaming and listen to the sounds in your environment
- Disposable for CROS and rechargeable option for Oticon CROS PX
- Offer forward and backward compatibility with Oticon More, Opn S, Play PX, Ruby, Xceed, and Xceed Play
- Priced between $1,099 and $1,599 per device
The Oticon CROS hearing aids are designed for people with single-sided deafness (SSD) — meaning they have much poorer hearing in one ear, making traditional amplification less effective. This can help users stay focused and understand conversations in busy environments and hear sounds from all directions. The CROS also offers TwinLink, an innovative technology that allows you to connect to external audio streaming, such as television, while conversing with someone who’s next to the poorer ear.
Oticon Play PX
- Four versions available: miniBTE R, miniBTE T, miniRITE R, and miniRITE T
- 12 color options: Diamond Black, Chroma Beige, Terracotta, Chestnut Brown, Baby Pink, Emerald Green, Silver, Aquamarine, Cool Blue, Cool Red, Power Pink, and Purple
- Disposable batteries for miniRITE T and miniBTE T, rechargeable batteries for miniRITE R and miniBTE R
- Earpieces include standard domes and custom molds available in acrylic, soft silicone, or VarioTherm material
- Compatible with EduMic, allowing you to connect directly to a teacher’s or speaker’s microphone, tablets, or computers
The Oticon Play PX is a pediatric hearing aid that can connect to mobile devices for direct streaming of music, shows, and more. It is also EduMic compatible so kids can connect to their teacher’s microphones or computers to hear better in the classroom. It is available in miniRITE and miniBTE styles and 12 different colors, giving children more choice over the look of their hearing aid. You will need to speak to your child’s audiologist or hearing center for pricing information on this model.
Other Oticon Models to Consider
Oticon Own
In addition to the nine Oticon models featured above, you can also consider the Oticon Own. This newer line of hearing aids offers five colors and styles, including a completely invisible-in-canal (IIC) option for the most discreet fit. It’s custom made to your individual ear to provide the most comfortable and efficient listening experience.
Oticon Cost and Payment Options
Oticon doesn’t sell its products directly to customers online. You can purchase Oticon hearing aids only at a hearing center or a hearing specialist’s office. The American Academy of Audiology website can help you locate a local audiologist to perform an exam and assist you with buying hearing aids.
“The initial hearing exam and hearing aid fitting (which includes a special real-ear calibration) are done in person,” says Hadassah Kupfer, AuD, a doctor of audiology in Brooklyn, New York. She notes that “Follow-up visits can be done remotely, using a special smartphone app that combines a video chat and real-time computerized adjustments.”
Your Oticon hearing aid costs will depend on the specialist you visit, the type of hearing aid you choose, and any added accessories. Oticon hearing aids cost, on average, between $1,099 and $3,500 per device.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t offer coverage for hearing devices. Medicare Part C may pay for hearing tests that your doctor prescribes if you have hearing loss, but Medicare won’t pay for regular hearing examinations. Some personal Medicare Advantage carriers may pay for hearing aids, but not all do this. It’s best to view the details of your plan to see if you have coverage.
Most private health insurance plans also don’t cover hearing aids, though some do. Make sure you check your insurance plan to see if it covers you for hearing aids and exams.
A flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement account (HRA) may be a good option for buying hearing aids.
US military veterans may also be eligible for free premium hearing aids. This is an “entitlement service” for all veterans who qualify for VA Healthcare. You can visit VA.gov or your local VA clinic or medical center to determine if you are eligible.
Oticon Customer Service and Satisfaction
For the most part, you will work directly with your audiologist or hearing center for any services or repairs to your Oticon hearing aids. Our survey found that nearly 58 percent of Oticon customers required repairs during their warranty period, so make sure that you understand the warranty coverage offered by your provider.
Oticon does offer a number of customer support articles and troubleshooting guides on their website. These cover topics such as how to connect your hearing aids to smart devices, how to clean your hearing aids, and how to control your hearing aids. There are also articles to help you fix common issues, as well as links to instruction manuals and videos.
Customer Reviews of Oticon Hearing Aids
In our survey of hearing aid users, we found that Oticon customers valued ease of use and quick setup when choosing hearing aids. They rated Oticon highly for its rechargeable batteries, smartphone capabilities, and advanced features like feedback suppression and digital noise reduction. Oticon hearing aids also have many positive reviews from customers who are satisfied with their hearing aids and the customer support.
“I have had my Oticon OPNs for almost three years now. It has made talking in social groups MUCH less stressful — I no longer have to watch people’s lips and concentrate to understand.”
— CLARE, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
“I am profoundly hearing impaired and this is the only brand I know of that can help.… [I have been] wearing them and upgrading every few years for about 20 years. I have shopped with several audiologists and came back to the one I found 15 years ago.”
— ELIZABETH, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM)
“Sound is great, hearing things I haven’t heard in years! Fit is good once my provider did some adjustments.”
— RHONA, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM ZIPHEARING.COM)
“For the past month now, I can put them in in the morning and they are working fine but either one will lose the connection to my Bluetooth and only one will let the sound come in from my phone. I can restart the connection but it will not stay connected. Very disappointed right now.”
— MICKEY, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM ZIPHEARING.COM)
Oticon Features to Consider
Oticon hearing aids are some of the more advanced devices available. They include a variety of unique technologies meant to improve hearing and to make the use and maintenance of your hearing aids as simple as possible. Here are some of the available features and options to consider when choosing an Oticon hearing aid:
- BrainHearing innovation This is Oticon’s proprietary technology that allows you to hear sounds more accurately so your brain can better decide what to listen to.
- Bluetooth capability Connect your hearing aids to wireless devices to stream sound from movies and TV shows, enjoy two-way hands-free voice and video calls, and control your hearing aids from your smartphone with the Oticon ON app.
- Different styles and models Oticon offers a full range of hearing aid designs, including completely-in-canal (CIC), BTE, ITE, and RITE.
- Rechargeable models Many Oticon hearing aids use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and Oticon offers a sleek and portable battery-charging accessory called the SmartCharger.
- Tinnitus SoundSupport Programmable ambient sounds like ocean waves to provide tinnitus relief.
- ConnectClip A hearing aid accessory to enable hands-free connectivity to smartphones, in-stereo music streaming, and additional hearing support for large crowds or meetings.
Bottom Line
Oticon hearing aids come in different styles and models, and each is designed to help people with varying levels of hearing loss. Some Oticon hearing aids use a unique BrainHearing system to help people better distinguish sounds by providing a full range of sounds. You can buy Oticon hearing aids only at a hearing center or from an audiologist.
People who use Oticon hearing aids gave them positive marks in our survey for Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone capabilities, and the life of the rechargeable batteries. The main drawback to hearing aids in general, according to survey respondents, is the cost. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover Oticon hearing aids, and they can be expensive compared with some other brands, including MDHearing ($699 or less) and Jabra Enhance, previously known as Lively ($1,995 or less). You may want to check your private insurance policy for any coverage or ask about FSA and HSA options to help with payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Oticon hearing aids good?
While they’re not cheap, Oticon hearing aids are some of the best on the market based on the number of awards they’ve won for design and technology innovation. Surveyed Oticon customers gave the brand positive reviews for its rechargeable batteries, wireless connectivity, and smartphone application. If you can afford its pricing, Oticon is one of the best choices.
Are Oticon hearing aids available at Costco?
No, you won’t find hearing aids from Oticon at Costco stores.
Which is better: Oticon or Phonak?
The price ranges for Oticon and Phonak are about the same, but we found that Oticon hearing aids offer more advanced features, like the unique BrainHearing system and an easy-to-use smartphone app. Phonak is the better choice if you want hearing aids that can easily connect to wireless devices and smartphones. The Phonak Paradise can pair to eight devices, while Oticon can pair directly only to iOS and some Samsung phone models.
How often do Oticon hearing aids need to be replaced?
Oticon suggests its hearing aids can last for three to seven years. Maintenance and everyday wear can affect how long they last, and upgrades may be worth the price if your hearing deteriorates or new hearing tech comes out that better suits your needs.
What is Oticon’s most recent hearing aid?
The latest series of hearing aids from Oticon is the More. It uses the brand’s advanced BrainHearing system and won multiple awards for innovation.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
- Interview with Dr. Hadassah Kupfer. Brooklyn, New York, March 1, 2022.
- 2021 Winners. MedTech Breakthrough Awards.
- 5 People, 24 Companies, and 42 Products Awarded for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence. Business Intelligence Group. March 29, 2021.
- Red Dot Design Award: Oticon More. Red Dot.
- CES 2021 Innovation Award Product Honoree: Oticon More. CES.tech.
- Consumers and Patients. American Academy of Audiology.
- Oticon Hearing Aids. Consumer Affairs. March 17, 2022.
- Oticon Hearing Aid Models, Prices, & Reviews. Zip Hearing.
Show Less
