Dr. Brad Ingrao, Audiologist Jeff Hoyt, Editor in Chief
Updated Oct 16, 2024
Updated Oct 16, 2024
Oticon, a Denmark-based company founded over 100 years ago, manufactures hearing aids for people with mild to profound hearing loss. Oticon hearing aids are built with BrainHearing™ technology, designed to deliver complete sound information to your brain.
My Friend's Father-in-Law wearing Oticon
Oticon offers several families of hearing aids that come in various colors and styles, ranging from behind-the-ear (BTE) to in-the-canal (ITC). There is an Oticon hearing solution for most older adults, including those with one-sided deafness.
Like Widex, another provider we’ve reviewed, Oticon doesn’t publish prices on its website. You’ll need to visit one of their trained audiologists for a consultation and to purchase Oticon hearing aids. The price of your hearing aid may vary depending on the audiologist you purchase through and your hearing needs. You can expect to pay (on average) between $1,000 to $4,000 per hearing aid. We’ve compiled the details of Oticon’s hearing aids to help you decide if their innovative technology suits you.
Testing out Oticon hearing aids
On a Tight Budget? Check Out These Affordable Hearing Aids
Oticon has been around longer than most hearing aid brands, making it a trusted provider of high-quality hearing aids across the globe. While Oticon is great for many older adults, it may be too expensive if you’re on a tight budget. Moreover, if you’re looking for convenience, you might want to find a provider that allows online purchasing, as Oticon does not. Check out some of the other top hearing aid providers we’ve reviewed.
We may receive compensation from the brands listed here. The compensation we receive from our partners impacts the products and services shown here, but it does not impact our ratings in any way. Our ratings are chosen through comprehensive research, clear methodologies, hands-on testing, and input from our team of experts.
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.8 of 5
See Pricing
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.7 of 5
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: (800) 422-9380
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.3 of 5
See Pricing
Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-922-3431
Pros and Cons of Oticon Hearing Aids
Pros About Oticon
- Customizable options: With several hearing aids available, you can find a solution that meets your needs. Oticon offers hearing aids in many different styles, sizes, colors, and levels of technology and features, so they’re customized to you.
- Innovative technology: Oticon is known for its high-tech devices that offer the latest in hearing aid technology, so you’ll get a top-tier hearing aid with this brand.
- Mobile app compatibility: To customize your hearing aid experience even more, Oticon offers hearing aids compatible with their mobile app. You can easily adjust the settings of your devices on the go.
Cons About Oticon
- Can be pricey: Compared to more budget-friendly options on the market, Oticon is pretty pricey. However, you get what you pay for here. The features, customization, and technology behind the brand are well worth the cost in our book.
- Cannot purchase online: Oticon won’t be a good fit for those who want to order hearing aids online, as you’ll need to visit a hearing clinic to get pricing information and order your devices.
Is an Oticon Hearing Aid Right for Me?
When considering if you might benefit from a hearing aid, your doctor or audiologist can perform a series of hearing tests to determine the level of your hearing loss. Since living with untreated hearing loss can lead to depression and social isolation, seniors need to take even the slightest changes in hearing seriously. Even if you feel like your hearing loss is not “that bad,” it can still take away from parts of life you don’t want to miss––like the sound of the rain or your grandchild saying, “I love you!”
Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon offers a broad spectrum of hearing solutions for mild to profound hearing loss. If you don’t mind paying a higher price, Oticon hearing aids are well worth the investment. Since you must purchase Oticon hearing aids through a hearing center, you’ll be connected with a trained professional. They will assess your hearing and fit you for an Oticon hearing aid. After your purchase, you can check in with your hearing professional with any questions. This long-term support from a licensed hearing care professional is invaluable as your hearing changes over time, and you need routine device maintenance. Most of this routine care is included in the upfront cost of the device; your initial purchase isn’t just for hearing aids but also professional hearing support. If you would benefit from this extra support, Oticon hearing aids are a great option.
Oticon Hearing Technology
Before we get into the hearing aid styles and devices that Oticon offers, it’s vital to understand the technology that comes with their various models. Depending on your needs, you may only want some of these technologies, while others may want a model equipped with all of them.
BrainHearing
Every Oticon hearing aid is equipped with this innovative technology. Designed to provide support not only in the ears but also in the brain, users experience less fatigue. Precise sound is delivered through the hearing aid, so your brain spends less energy deciphering noise. This technology works very well for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Those with more severe losses may need additional technologies, such as remote microphones, to hear well in noise.
OpenSound Navigator
Allowing the brain to decide where to focus sound, OpenSound Navigator allows you to hear a full landscape of sound. So, on a busy street, you’ll hear the cars, your footsteps, and the person’s voice you’re walking next to, but their voice will be the most amplified. This upgraded feature is available on the Oticon Opn S, Oticon Xceed, and Oticon Opn.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? Oticon has a research center, Eriksholm Research Center, located in Denmark. It is the world’s leading hearing research center.1
Velox S
Available with the Oticon’s Opn S hearing aids, the Velox S platform includes sensitive detectors that pick up changes in the acoustic environment you’re in at a rate of 56,000 times per second. It also includes feedback management and an option for rechargeable batteries.
OpenSound Optimizer
Hanging its hat on “no feedback” results, the OpenSound Optimizer provides up to six decibels of additional sound gain and 30 percent more speech cues to the brain. Working in sync with OpenSound Navigator, the two systems work together to provide clearer sound in noisy environments on the Oticon Opn S hearing aid.
Oticon Hearing Aids - Styles and Devices
Compared to Widex hearing aids and ReSound products, Oticon has similar prices. Just a reminder: Oticon doesn’t list prices online, so you’ll need to visit a local Oticon partner to learn how much these hearing aids cost. The devices are meant for those with mild to profound hearing loss and who desire top-of-the-line hearing support. Oticon also offers a hearing aid specifically designed for individuals with one-sided hearing loss. If you’re looking for simplified offerings or lower prices on hearing aids, Oticon is probably not the best fit. You may want to check out Eargo's hearing aids for straightforward, budget-friendly options that are available online.
Oticon offers several styles of hearing aids depending on whether you prefer BTE or in-the-ear (ITE) support. ITE aids have several variations, which we have outlined below. They are best for those who want discreet support and have mild to severe hearing loss. ITE aids are not ideal for older adults who have trouble with small devices or with dementia. Because they are so small, it can be difficult to adjust and remove the hearing aids. BTE ear styles are easy to adjust and best for those with mild to severe loss. Your hearing care professional can help you choose the ideal style for your needs and ear anatomy. We’ll cover some of Oticon’s most popular hearing aids.
Hearing aid style | Best for | Real | Intent | Xceed | Zircon | CROS | Own |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Easy adjusting, mild to severe loss | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
In-the-ear (ITE) | Custom-fit, mild to severe | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) | Invisible support, mild to moderately severe loss | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) | Discreet support, mild to severe loss | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) | Small and discreet support, mild to moderately severe loss | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
Half Shell | Wireless connectivity, mild to severe loss | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Full Shell | Simple to handle, wireless connectivity, mild to severe loss | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Below, we’ll cover some of Oticon’s popular hearing aid families. Each family is designed for a certain type of hearing loss and includes unique features. You’ll find that each type comes in various styles, colors, and sizes.
Oticon Real
Oticon’s Real hearing aids represent a technological advancement over Oticon’s discontinued More line. These hearing aids are built with Oticon’s RealSound technology to provide superior speech clarity, fuller access to sound, and less listening effort.
Real hearing aids come equipped with a Wind & Handling Stabilizer that reduces unwanted noise in windy environments. In addition to making speech clearer in windy conditions, the stabilizer reduces the distracting noises caused when glasses, hair, or facemask elastics touch your hearing aids.
Real hearing aids can be used as a wireless headset for hands-free calling with select iOS devices. You can also use them to stream audio directly from iPhones, iPads, and select Android devices. Unlike More, Real hearing aids can be completely managed through one (rather than two) Oticon apps. Real hearing aids are available in miniRITE and miniBTE styles. There are rechargeable and traditional battery options for each.
Oticon Intent
As the name implies, Oticon Intent hearing aids include user-intent sensors that intuit and prioritize important sounds. That improves your ability to have conversations in very challenging listening environments, like stadiums and conference halls. Intent hearing aids respond to head movements. It not only provides heightened speech clarity, but it also enables an easy conversational flow in group situations.
Intent’s advanced features include Oticon’s second-generation Deep Neural Network (DNN). DNN has been trained on millions of sound environments to identify and separate important sounds from background noise.
Intent is Oticon’s smallest miniRITE hearing aid to date. Like Oticon Real, Oticon Intent features hands-free calling, easy streaming from smart devices, and all-around customizations and real-time hearing aid adjustments through the Opticon Companion app.
Oticon Xceed
Available in two styles and seven different colors to match hair color and skin tone, the Oticon Xceed makes BTE hearing aids discreet. This powerful hearing aid is ideal if you experience severe to profound hearing loss. They provide optimal sound differentiation, giving you a full spectrum of your current sound environment and the ability to focus on various speakers while still hearing other sounds.
The Oticon Xceed also connects to your Apple devices through Bluetooth, making streaming sound from your favorite TV shows and music platforms simple. You can also control the hearing aids on your smartphone with the Oticon ON App. The two styles, Xceed SP and Xceed UP, are both water and dust-resistant, great for wearers who spend time outdoors.
Oticon Zircon
Oticon Zircon
Oticon’s Zircon line of hearing aids uses BrainHearing™ technology and OpenSound Navigator processing technology to deliver easy-to-comprehend, crystal-clear speech. These technologies work in unison to reduce unwanted sounds quickly, so the noise level around you won’t escalate, even between words.
These hearing aids come in chargeable and nonchargeable miniRITE and miniBTE options. They’re compatible with Oticon CROS for single-sided deafness.
Oticon CROS
For those with single-sided deafness, the Oticon CROS provides a superb solution. By placing the hearing aid into the ear with poorer hearing, the device picks up sound coming into that ear and transmits it into the ear you can hear from. This TwinLink technology ends the constant struggle of only being able to hear on one side. The hearing device is also equipped with Oticon’s OpenSound Navigator.
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip: Still not sure which hearing aid is right for you? Check out our top picks for hearing aids in 2024.
Oticon Own
The Oticon Own™ line of in-the-ear hearing aids uses Deep Neural Network technology to deliver natural sound in a discreet variety of ITE styles. According to Oticon, these custom-made hearing aids are indiscernible to the eye in nine of 10 people’s ears.
Like the other Oticon hearing aids we’ve discussed, Own hearing aids use BrainHearing technology™ to provide the brain with more access to sound. It provides a highly personalized listening experience to the wearer plus enhances the brain’s ability to process incoming sounds naturally.
Answer a few easy questions to find the hearing aid that’s right for you.
Get Started
Add-On Features
There are a few add-on features for Oticon’s hearing aids if you want to customize your hearing experience even further. Below, we’ll cover some of our favorites.
Oticon Rechargeable Base Station
- ConnectClip: Hands-free phone calls are easy with the ConnectClip. It turns your hearing aids into a wireless headset, providing a seamless sound connection to your favorite technology. The ConnectClip also functions as a very directional remote microphone and basic remote control.
- Oticon Companion App: Oticon’s newest app is an all-in-one solution for iOS and Android device users. It replaced the ON App for iOS devices. This app perfectly pairs your smartphone with your hearing aids, providing discreet and convenient control. You can use it to adjust volume, listen to your television or other smart devices, and find your hearing aids if you ever lose track of them.
- Tinnitus SoundSupport: Ten percent of U.S. adults experience tinnitus each year.4 Oticon’s Tinnitus SoundSupport provides relief through soothing sounds and music.
How to Purchase Oticon Hearing Aids
Since Oticon partners with hearing centers nationwide to provide hearing aids to older adults, the first step you’ll need to take is to visit their website to locate a hearing clinic near you. By reading through this guide and browsing the Oticon website, you may already know which hearing aid you’d like to try. Upon your initial visit to the hearing clinic, a licensed professional will conduct a hearing test and partner with you to determine which Oticon hearing aid will be best for your lifestyle and hearing loss. Next, they will order your hearing aid and, upon arrival, make sure it fits well and provide you with any accessories or cleaning tools you’ll need. You’ll make routine trips to the hearing center to adjust and maintain it as needed.
Money-Saving Tip:
Money-Saving Tip: Oticon products are covered by VHA benefits. If you’re a veteran with hearing loss, ask your VA provider which Oticon products are best for you.
Remember that visits to a hearing clinic may add extra expenses to the cost of your hearing aids. Other providers allow you to purchase hearing aids and consult with professionals online to alleviate some of those costs. If you’re on a tight budget or would rather order hearing aids online and get them sent directly to you, consider MDHearingAid’s products. However, if you want a hearing aid completely customized to your needs and prefer to consult a professional in person to address any underlying issues linked to your hearing loss, Oticon is the better choice.
Final Thoughts on Oticon
Backed by decades of research, Oticon is an international industry leader with many customizable hearing aids. With devices for mild to profound hearing loss and various styles, fits, and designs, you’ll find one that meets your needs. Though the hearing aids are more expensive at upwards of $4,000 per hearing aid for advanced models, your purchase includes invaluable professional support from a licensed hearing expert. Investing in Oticon hearing aids doesn’t just provide you with elite devices but also innovative technology and personalized care. Head over to this year’s Oticon review for our hands-on experience with the provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do Oticon hearing aid batteries last?
Rechargeable batteries last about one year, given daily recharges (20 hours of use time per charge). Oticon also offers hearing aids that use disposable zinc-air batteries that last about seven to 10 days, depending on the severity of your hearing loss and how much wireless streaming you do.
- Which smartphones pair with the Oticon ON App?
The app works with iPhone 5 or later and most phones that run on Android 6.0 or later.
- Which is the most discreet Oticon hearing aid?
Invisible-in-the-ear hearing aids will provide the most discreet hearing support. However, they are not best for seniors who have trouble with small devices or with cognitive impairment.
- Where can I purchase an Oticon hearing aid?
You’ll need to visit a designated Oticon hearing clinic. You can find your local center on the Oticon website.
Take Our Free Online Hearing Test
Wondering if you have hearing loss?
Grab your headphones and get an evaluation in minutes.
Start the Free Test
Citations
National Institute on Aging. (2020). Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults.
Eriksholm Research Centre. (2020). Homepage.
John Hopkins. (2020). The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.
NIDCD. (2020). Quick Statistics About Hearing.
Written By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
Reviewed By:
Dr. Brad Ingrao
Audiologist
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known… Learn More About Dr. Brad Ingrao