Oticon Hearing Aids: Models, Cost, Reviews, and More
If you’re looking to buy hearing aids online, you’ve very likely come across the name “Oticon.” The Oticon brand is a subsidiary of Demant, a Denmark-based healthcare company that manufactures hearing aids and audiology equipment. Founded in 1904, the company now has more than 3,000 employees worldwide.
Oticon is one of the “Big Six” hearing aid manufacturers: six companies that together make up almost all of the global hearing aid industry. As of 2019, the company sold 30 percent of all hearing aids worldwide, just behind Phonak hearing aids, making it the second-largest hearing aid brand globally, providing solutions for customers with mild hearing loss to severe to profound hearing loss.
Oticon’s competitors include Phonak hearing aids, Starkey hearing aids, Widex, Siemens, Resound.
Despite the company’s outsize position in the hearing aid market, is Oticon truly one the best hearing aid companies? In this all-in-one Oticon hearing aids review, we’ll go over everything you need to know—models, cost, user reviews, and more—so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
Oticon Hearing Aid Technology
Recent years have seen Oticon introduce a variety of cutting-edge hearing aid technologies. In 2016, for example, the company released the Oticon Opn, which it claimed was “the first hearing aid to connect to the Internet.” Oticon hearing aid technology includes:
The foundation of the Opn S model, Velox S is a computational platform that can monitor acoustic changes 56,000 times per second. It also uses advanced signal processing algorithms to enable proactive feedback management.
This technology makes it easier to handle multiple speech and background noise sources, analyzing sounds more than 100 times per second. It is available in the Opn, Opn S, and Xceed models.
This technology is available for the Opn S model, and helps reduce feedback and improve sound quality. The company claims that it can help increase speech understanding and offer up to 6 decibels of gain, great for severe-to-profound hearing loss.
For hearing aids with TwinLink wireless connectivity technology (available on the Polaris, Velox, and Velox S platforms), the ON app allows you to control the power on your hearing aids from your smartphone with the touch of a button.
Oticon Hearing Aid Model Comparison
How do Oticon hearing aid models use these cutting-edge technologies? Below, we’ll give a quick overview of some of the company’s most popular types of hearing aid models.
Oticon Opn vs. Opn S
The Opn and Opn S are the company’s flagship hearing aid models. First released in 2016, the Opn model received an upgrade in 2019 with the Opn S, which uses the Velox S computational platform to improve speech understanding and reduce users’ listening efforts.
Within the Opn and Opn S models, there are several distinctions and variations. The labels “1,” “2,” and “3” denote how effective the device’s OpenSource technology is: i.e., Opn 1 is the most effective, and Opn 3 is the least. In addition, the Opn and Opn S come in multiple styles:
- miniRITE is a small, discreet “receiver in ear canal” (RIE) hearing aid style.
- The miniRITE-T model is slightly larger option than the standard miniRITE, allowing for the addition of a telecoil.
- The miniRITE-R model is a rechargeable hearing aid with a full day’s worth of battery life.
- The BTE13 Plus Power is a standard behind the ear hearing aid with a larger fitting range than the miniRITE models.
Depending on the choice of Opn/Opn S ear models, users can enjoy a wide range of features:
- Improved speech understanding that rivals the level of people without hearing loss
- 360-degree experience to help adapt to multiple sources of sound
- Background noise and whistling reduction
- Wireless connectivity to electronic devices
Oticon Ruby
The Ruby model is a standard “behind the ear” (BTE) hearing aid that comes in five different styles and multiple colors but lacks more advanced features. Like the Opn and Opn S, Ruby devices are available in miniRITE, miniRITE-T, miniRITE-R (rechargeable), and BTE PP options. The Ruby model also supports wireless connectivity to many different electronic devices.
Oticon Xceed
Oticon calls the Xceed “the world’s most powerful hearing aid.” The Xceed model is intended for users with severe to profound hearing loss, with two different styles (the less powerful SP and the more powerful UP) and seven different colors. It uses the company’s BrainHearing technology to achieve improved speech clarity and better short-term recall, with less effort on the user’s part.
Oticon More
According to Oticon, the More is “the world’s first hearing aid with an onboard deep neural network.” Trained on 12 million real-world sounds, the More helps users recognize more speech and sound with less effort, even in noisy environments. The More hearing aid also includes features such as:
- Streaming from iPhone and Android mobile devices
- Hands-free phone calls
- Tinnitus relief with Tinnitus SoundSupport wireless technology
- Rechargeable functionality (through the miniRITE-R model)
Oticon Siya
The Siya is Oticon’s “in the ear” (ITE) hearing aid model, more affordable than the Opn and Opn S ear models. The Siya fits snugly into the user’s ear canal or ear bowl as an ITE hearing aid. The Siya comes in five different sizes, from the tiniest “invisible in the canal device” (IIC) model to the larger “half shell” (HS) and “full shell” (FS) designs. Like other models, the Siya includes features such as:
- Improved sound quality and greater ambient noise reduction in the natural sound environment
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Remote control via the ON mobile app
- Increased hours of power, and a multiple rechargeable battery option
Oticon Hearing Aid Reviews
Is Oticon a good hearing aid? What is the best Oticon hearing aid?
If you’re wondering whether Oticon is a good hearing aid, perhaps a better question to ask is: what kind of hearing aid do you need? Some of the factors to consider when buying hearing aids online are:
- Style: Hearing aids now have a wide variety of styles, from the traditional “behind the ear” (BTE) style to “completely in the canal” (CIC) hearing aids that are highly discreet. For example, Opn hearing aids are available in five different sizes, from the smallest “invisible in the canal” (IIC) devices to “full shell” (FS) devices that sit within the external ear.
- Degree of hearing loss: Another consideration is the degree and type of hearing loss you have. Smaller hearing aid models are usually not powerful enough to treat severe hearing loss, for example.
- Features: From advanced noise canceling to rechargeability, battery level and Bluetooth connectivity, each hearing aid user needs to choose the features that are most important and relevant to their lifestyle.
- Price: Oticon offers hearing aids at a variety of price points, typically between $2,000 and $4,000 for each device.
Oticon hearing aids: real user reviews
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it—you can read what actual users have to say in Oticon reviews.
As of writing, Oticon has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on the consumer review website ConsumerAffairs.com, based on 32 reviews. Verified reviewer Thomas C. of Colorado writes:
“I have been using Oticon hearing aids for over 15 years and have found this product to be very durable and trouble-free. The warranty period is three years, and I ask my Audiologist to send them to the manufacturer for a final check-up just before the warranty runs out… The sound is very good, and the Audiologist can make all adjustments via her computer program very quickly.”
Sandra B. of Florida gives Oticon a 5-star review, calling them “amazingly clear and crisp and a joy to wear”:
“No feedback, buzzing, or distortion. Integrate with technology to receive sound directly from the TV. The enhanced setting for listening to music. I would highly recommend Oticon Ruby hearing aids.”
Oticon hearing aid complaints
As of writing, Oticon has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although it is not a BBB-accredited company. Customers have filed 4 Oticon complaints with the BBB in the past three years:
- One user, a hearing aid seller, complained that Oticon closed their account because they were reselling the company’s supplies online.
- Another user complained that the company will not honor its manufacturer’s warranty because the provider from which the devices were purchased has shut down.
- A third user complained that they cannot purchase hearing aid batteries directly from the company.
- Finally, a fourth user complained about having to purchase an additional warranty from their hearing aid provider because the devices needed replacement multiple times.
Oticon Hearing Aid Accessories
In addition to the hearing aid models themselves, Oticon also sells hearing aid accessories with advanced technology that can enhance your use of the company’s products and quality of life. These include:
- ConnectClip: The ConnectClip hearing aid accessory helps users perform a variety of tasks with their hearing aid devices hands-free. ConnectClip functionality includes making phone calls and video calls, streaming music, and using the remote control feature to adjust your hearing aid settings.
- TV Adapter: The TV Adapter accessory uses remote microphones specially designed to transmit sound wirelessly from your television, or other electronic audio devices, straight into your ears. This helps you enjoy better, more crisp sound quality when watching your favorite movies and TV series.
- Phone Adapter: The Phone Adapter accessory works similarly to the TV Adapter, but is intended for use with smartphones. It works for both incoming and outcoming phone calls, turning your hearing devices into a wireless headset. A separate directional microphone enables hands-free calls and communication.
- SafeLine: The SafeLine is a “hearing aid retention cord” intended for use during sports, exercise, and other high-intensity activities. The cord clips to the back of your shirt, securing the devices in place.
How Much Do Oticon Hearing Aids Cost?
Different healthcare providers have different prices for Oticon hearing aids, depending on the products and services they offer. This means that, as with many other manufacturers, the cost of Oticon hearing aids isn’t available on the company’s website. Although one web page acknowledges that “hearing instruments do run the gamut in price,” Oticon doesn’t indicate what the price range could be.
The good news is that we can get an idea of Oticon ear hearing aid prices from third parties, such as the hearing aid provider Ohana Hearing Care in Honolulu, Hawaii. Below are the retail prices of select models, as given on the Ohana Hearing Care website:
- Agil: $2,999
- Agil Pro: $3,399
- Opn 1 miniRITE: $3,250
- Opn 2 miniRITE: $3,499
- Opn 3 miniRITE: $2,800
- Opn 1 miniRITE-T: $3,649
- Opn 2 miniRITE-T: $2,800
- Opn 2 BTE13 PP: $2,800
- Opn 3 miniRITE-T: $2,800
- Opn 3 BTE13 PP: $2,800
- Siya 2:$2,400
Of course, the average price range may vary depending on your location and choice of hearing care provider, including any discounts or additional services they offer. Also, note that these prices are per device, not per pair.
Which Oticon hearing aid is the most budget-friendly?
If budget-friendly hearing aids are a priority for you and you need an affordable device, you’ll want to look at cheap Oticon hearing aids. According to the Ohana Hearing Care website, the company’s most budget-friendly model is the Siya 2, at $2,400 per individual device.
Which Oticon hearing aid is the most expensive?
On the other hand, if your budget allows you to look at the higher end of the spectrum, you might wonder which Oticon model is the most expensive. According to Ohana Hearing Care, the most costly device at retail price is the Opn 1 miniRITE-T, at $3,649 per aid.
Where Can You Buy Oticon Hearing Aids?
Oticon hearing aids are not sold directly to consumers; instead, you’ll have to purchase them through authorized hearing care professional or Audiologist after hearing tests. The company provides a hearing center locator on its website, with hundreds of offices across the Us.
Requiring customers to use a go-between to purchase hearing aids has both pros and cons. Having access to a hearing care professional or Audiologist can be invaluable when you need support and advice. On the other hand, traveling to a hearing center can be inconvenient for many customers, especially in rural areas.
The good news is that the company offers a risk-free trial and a $50 gift card for prospective customers of the Opn S who complete a feedback survey. Each third-party provider sets the terms and conditions of the trial, so talk with your hearing care professional to learn more.
Oticon Hearing Aids Customer Service and Warranty
The Oticon warranty is available under the company’s “Terms and Conditions of Sale.” In short, the company’s limited warranty guarantees that the product will be free from manufacturing and material defects for two years and also protects against loss and damage for one year. Your local hearing center may also offer other plans and warranties to cover the lifetime of the device.
Phone number for Oticon hearing aids
Need to get help with your Oticon hearing aids? The general Oticon customer service phone number is 800-526-3921. If you’re having technical or connectivity issues, in particular, the company also operates a special Oticon support phone number at 855-400-9766.