Oticon Hearing Aids Review: What Experts Say (2024) (2024)

Summary

• Coverage of types and severities of hearing loss: Oticon offers hearing aids for all types of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound, plus options for one-sided deafness. Models range from “essential” to “premium.”
• Technology used in Oticon hearing aids: Oticon pioneered smart hearing aids that use a deep neural network to learn what sounds are important. Oticon claims these hearing aids support how the brain processes sound.
• Selection and features: Oticon sells about 40 hearing aid models. It also offers universal accessories, including a clip-on speaker/microphone and adapters for televisions, phones and classrooms.

What We Liked

• Cutting-edge technology that can be personalized for specific needs
• Innovative solution for people with one-sided deafness
• Wireless accessories with robust functionality

What We Didn’t Like

• Accessories can be expensive
• Battery life can be insufficient for some users
• Sold only through hearing care professionals, so pricing isn’t transparent

Oticon’s roots date back to 1904 when Hans Demant began importing the first hearing aids to Denmark. He wanted to help people like his wife who needed hearing support. The company began manufacturing hearing devices in the 1940s and became a global provider of hearing aids by the 1960s.

Now, Oticon is the flagship brand of Demant A/S of Denmark, the second largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world. Demant A/S also offers hearing aids under brands Bernafon, Sonic and Phillips. In addition, it manufactures hearing implants and audiology diagnostic tools.

The brand also supports humanitarian efforts for underserved populations through the Oticon Hearing Foundation.

Oticon has 11 hearing aid families, each with multiple models. Below, we’ve listed some of Oticon’s most recent hearing aids and latest technologies.

Depending on the model you choose and level of hearing loss you’re experiencing, Oticon hearing aids can be customized with the following technologies and special features:

• Deep neural network. The Oticon More is the first hearing aid with an on-board deep neural network. This BrainHearing technology is trained on 12 million sounds to give the brain more information to decipher relevant sounds.
• Tinnitus SoundSupport. This feature of some Oticon hearing aids plays a range of tinnitus-relieving sounds like white noise or ocean sounds. Users can control the sounds using the Oticon ON app.
• Lithium-ion-based rechargeable batteries. The portable SmartCharger can provide up to three full charges without access to a power outlet. It also has a 30-minute quick charge option that provides six hours of power.
• High-quality streaming. Direct streaming is available from iPhone and select Android devices. Accessories allow streaming from a remote microphone, television, laptop and analog phone as well.
• Style options. The Oticon product line ranges from invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids to full shell and power behind-the-ear (BTE) options.

Oticon offers a small number of wireless accessories, but they do a lot of heavy lifting. Accessories include:

• Oticon ON app. This app on Bluetooth-enabled smartphones allows users to control volume, change listening programs and even find lost hearing aids.
• ConnectClip. This handy clip allows users to place and receive hands-free calls when it’s paired with any modern smartphone. ConnectClip can also be paired with a tablet or laptop. It can act as a microphone when worn by a speaker in a classroom or noisy setting, too.
• TV Adapter 3.0. Transmit sound from a television or other electronic devices directly to Oticon hearing aids with this adapter.
• Phone Adapter 2.0. When paired with ConnectClip and an analog phone line, this adapter turns hearing aids into a wireless headset.
• Remote Control 3.0. This device enables users to operate their hearing aids wirelessly, adjusting volume levels and changing programs while on the go.
• RemoteCare app. Users can have virtual audiology appointments with this app, allowing the hearing care provider to adjust hearing aids remotely.

Insurance policies vary, so check with your provider to see if hearing health coverage is included in your plan. Most private insurers don’t cover hearing aids, but they may cover hearing tests.

Medicare and most Medicare Supplement plans don’t cover exams, fittings or hearing aids. However, if your doctor orders a hearing exam, Medicare Part B may cover some or all of the cost. Meanwhile, Medicare Advantage plans often cover the cost of both exams and hearing aids.

The Oticon product line can be a good fit for many users.

“I really like Oticon because I have found they have a more natural sound quality than other manufacturers I’ve worked with,” says Blaire L. Garber, an audiologist at UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa. “They’re especially good for new hearing aid users, who are prone to being overwhelmed.”

Garber points out that Oticon tends to sound more natural than other manufacturers. Bluetooth technology and rechargeability are popular features as well. And from an audiology standpoint, there are many options for personalizing the hearing aids to meet individual needs.

“I personally don’t fit their hearing devices to people with profound hearing loss—there are other manufacturers who do a better job of that,” says Garber. “But for anyone from the mild to severe hearing loss range, their product line is wonderful.”

Meanwhile, other hearing health care providers often recommend Oticon Xceed hearing aids for severe to profound hearing loss.

One Consumer Affairs reviewer reported owning three brands of hearing aids and finding their Oticon model to do the best job in improving their hearing. “The ambient noise suppression is the best of those I tried,” they wrote. However, the selective volume control needs improvement, based on that person’s experience.

Another Consumer Affairs reviewer shared that they struggled with the Bluetooth connection and that the batteries didn’t last. “I was told batteries should last about a week. I go through, on average, three pairs a week,” they wrote.

Meanwhile, a reviewer on HearingTracker.com shared, “With the Oticon More, I hear well, better than I thought I could.” However, the reviewer goes on to say the rechargeable hearing aids have caused a loss of freedom, as a single charge is only good for one day. “Oticon More would be perfect if a battery option were available.” (Since this review was posted, Oticon released the MiniRITE T style hearing aid—an Oticon More model—with a disposable battery option.)