What is Oticon known for?
Oticon is one of the oldest names in hearing care. It is Danish and is part of the Demant group, which also works in hearing diagnostics and implants. Oticon is fitted widely in the UK by independent clinics.
The idea Oticon talks about most is that we hear with the brain, not just the ears. In practice, this means its hearing aids are designed to give you access to the whole sound scene around you, rather than shutting out everything except the person in front. The aim is to let your brain decide what to focus on, as it would with typical hearing.
Some people love this open, natural feel. Others, especially those who spend a lot of time in very loud places, prefer a more focused sound. Neither is right or wrong. It comes down to your hearing, your habits and what feels comfortable after a few days of wear.
What is Oticon Intent?
Oticon Intent is Oticon’s recent premium range of receiver-in-canal hearing aids. Oticon describes it as using sensors to pick up clues about what you are doing, such as whether you are turning towards someone or moving around, and adjusting how the aid handles sound in response. The idea is that the hearing aid can tell the difference between you trying to follow one conversation and you simply walking through a busy room.
Whether that makes a noticeable difference for you is a question only a trial can answer. People with an active social life, who move between quiet and busy places in a day, are the ones most likely to notice. If your days are mostly at home with the television and the odd phone call, a less advanced level may serve you just as well.
Oticon Intent is made at more than one technology level, so the name alone does not tell you what you are getting. When comparing quotes, check the level as well as the range, and ask what the difference between levels would mean in the places you go.
Other Oticon ranges
Current Oticon ranges also include the following. Your audiologist will show you whatever is newest at the time of your appointment.
- Oticon Real. The premium range before Intent. Still a strong choice and may suit you if you do not need the very latest technology.
- Oticon Own. Custom-made in-the-ear hearing aids, from styles that fill the outer ear to small ones that sit deep in the canal. They suit people who want nothing behind the ear, provided the ear canal has room.
- Oticon More. An earlier receiver-in-canal range that remains in use and may be offered at some technology levels.
- Oticon Xceed. Oticon’s power range for severe to profound hearing loss, in a larger behind-the-ear case.
Who do Oticon hearing aids tend to suit?
There is no rule, but in our experience Oticon is often worth trying if:
- You want sound that feels full and natural rather than heavily filtered.
- You are a first-time wearer who wants to stay aware of the whole room, not just one voice.
- You use an iPhone or a compatible Android phone and want to stream calls and music.
- You would like a custom in-ear style and your ear canals are large enough for it.
It may be less of a fit if you find busy places overwhelming and want a stronger focus on the voice in front of you. In that case we might compare it side by side with another brand, such as Phonak, at the same technology level.
Oticon and tinnitus
Many people with hearing loss also have tinnitus. Like the other major brands, Oticon includes sound options that some people find make tinnitus less noticeable. They are not a cure, and they do not suit everyone. Our page on tinnitus in Sutton Coldfield explains how we approach it. If your tinnitus is in one ear only, pulses in time with your heartbeat, or comes with sudden hearing loss or dizziness, see your GP first. More on the NHS tinnitus page.
Questions to ask about Oticon hearing aids
- Which Oticon range and technology level do you recommend for my results, and why?
- Would a lower level be enough for my lifestyle?
- Will it work with my phone and TV?
- Is it rechargeable, and what happens if I forget to charge it?
- How does it compare with one other brand at the same price?
It also helps to think about practical matters before your appointment. Do you wear glasses, which can crowd the space behind the ear? Do you find small objects hard to pick up? Will you want to stream audio from a tablet as well as a phone? These details often decide between two Oticon models more than any headline feature does.
A good audiologist should be happy to answer all of these. You can read our guide to the best hearing aids in the UK for a wider view of how to compare.
Oticon hearing aids at Sutton Hearing Care
We are an independent clinic in Streetly, fitting Oticon alongside six other leading brands. Your visit starts with a free hearing test of up to 90 minutes, with no GP referral needed. If Oticon suits your hearing, you can try a pair at home for 14 days free of charge. Prices are set by technology level, from £1,595 a pair (see our hearing aid prices), and include real ear measurement, 5 years of aftercare, a 5-year manufacturer warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.