We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Oticon is a hearing aid manufacturer that sells products for differing levels of hearing impairment, including mild, moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss.
This article discusses the brand, its products and services, alternative brands, and hearing health.
Oticon is a hearing aid manufacturer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Hans Demant founded the company in 1904. Today, it has numerous branches in several countries and employs 3,000 people worldwide. The company claims to be the world’s second-largest manufacturer of hearing aids.
The company works with Oticon-authorized hearing specialists across the United States. Customers can visit these specialists to undergo hearing tests and assessments and purchase Oticon hearing aids or accessories.
Brand reputation
The Better Business Bureau has given Oticon an A+ rating. The company also has a listing on Trustpilot, with an average customer rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars. Of the 29 listed reviews, around 28% have awarded Oticon 5 stars, while 59% have rated them 1 star.
However, the user reviews are mostly from European customers, so these may not reflect the company within the U.S.
Oticon sells a range of hearing aids that vary in size, shape, and design. These devices sit either behind or inside a person’s ear, in addition to models that sit inside the ear canal.
Learn more about the different types of hearing aids here.
All of the models that the company sells use its trademarked BrainHearing technology, which combines different software to improve the hearing aid’s function. Some Oticon models are also rechargeable.
Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids here.
Some of the company’s hearing aids work by connecting to the Oticon ON smartphone app. The app allows for the following functions:
- adjusting hearing aid volume
- switching programs
- checking the hearing aid’s battery level
- using the “Find Your Hearing Aid” feature
- accessing counseling advice
- locating user instructions
Oticon also sells hearing aids for children, claiming that its Oticon Xceed Play model is the “world’s most powerful pediatric hearing aid.”
The company stocks a wide range of adult hearing aids, some of which are below.
Oticon Xceed
Oticon claims their Xceed model is the world’s most powerful hearing aid. People with severe-to-profound hearing loss may benefit from this device.
The Xceed features:
- 360-degree access to speech to help hear different people in a room
- no whistling sounds
- wireless connectivity to smartphones and other devices
- better speech clarity with less listening effort
- dust- and water-resistance
This hearing aid is available in two styles, both of which sit behind a person’s ear. They also feature a modern design with buttons for controls.
Oticon Opn S
Oticon states its Opn S range may benefit people with mild-to-severe hearing loss.
The Opn S range offers:
- improved speech understanding
- 360-degree access to speech to help hear different people in a room
- no whistling sounds
- wireless connectivity to smartphones and other devices
- availability as a rechargeable model
This model has a discreet design that sits behind the ear and comes in four different models. Three of these variants — miniRITE, miniRITE T, and miniRITE R — feature a tiny speaker attached to a thin, almost invisible wire.
The Opn S MiniRITE model is also the smallest behind-the-ear hearing aid that Oticon offers. In contrast, the Open S miniRITE R is larger and more robust than the other three and benefits people with more severe hearing loss.
Oticon Opn
The Oticon Opn model fits discreetly inside a person’s ear. This range may benefit individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss, from mild to severe.
This model is customizable and features:
- 360-degree access to speech to help hear different people in a room
- better speech clarity with less listening effort
- tinnitus relief technology
- wireless connection to smartphones and other devices
The Oticon Opn range comes in five varieties, ranging from a very discreet in-the-canal style to a larger full shell design. All of these sit inside a person’s ear.
Customers can order an Oticon hearing aid through one of the company’s authorized hearing professionals. However, Oticon does not state whether a person requires a prescription to purchase a hearing aid.
To receive a hearing assessment, people can arrange appointments with Oticon-authorized hearing professionals located across the U.S. by using the company’s website.
During the appointment, a healthcare professional will measure the person’s hearing ability. They will then assess the results and explain them to the customer before making suggestions about which Oticon hearing aids might be suitable.
In some instances, a person may need to visit a doctor for a further assessment.
Oticon states that customers can opt for a risk-free trial period, meaning they can try a hearing aid for free before purchasing. However, the company’s website does not clearly state how long this period lasts.
Some private health insurance companies cover all or part of the cost of a hearing aid, although many do not. Therefore, a person may wish to check their insurance policy before deciding on purchasing a hearing aid.
It is important to shop around and research when purchasing hearing aids. Many hearing aid manufacturers offer a wide and varied range of products, similar to Oticon.
The following are some hearing aid manufacturers to consider:
- MDHearingAid: Sells affordable noncustom hearing aids. Learn more about MDHearingAid here.
- Eargo: Offers a range of discreet hearing aids that sit inside the ear canal. Learn more about Eargo here.
- Signia: Sells hearing aids as well as a range of other hearing accessories. Learn more about Signia here.
- Lively: Provides an affordable hearing aid that can be rechargeable or battery-operated. Learn more about Lively here.
Hearing loss is the
Hearing aids are an effective solution for many people. While they do not cure hearing loss, evidence suggests they can improve a person’s quality of life.
One 2017 study found that hearing aids were effective at improving hearing-specific, health-related quality of life, general health-related quality of life, and listening ability for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
A
However, despite the effectiveness of hearing aids, it is reported that around
An audiologist can help a person choose the right hearing aid. They can also assess their specific needs and answer any hearing-related questions people may have. It is important that individuals attend follow-up appointments with an audiologist every 2–3 years to monitor any changes in hearing and adjust hearing aids if needed.
People can also consider learning sign language, speech therapy for children or young adults, and aural rehabilitation in addition to using hearing aids. Cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids are also options.
A person can protect their hearing by following these steps:
- taking breaks regularly when involved in noisy activities
- moving a safe distance from sources of loud noises
- wearing earplugs or relevant protective gear correctly when in loud environments
- listening to music at a safe volume
Oticon is a hearing aid manufacturer providing hearing aids for people with mild-to-severe hearing loss.
When deciding on a hearing aid, a person may find it best to consult an audiologist. A hearing professional can assess an individual’s hearing needs and make recommendations on suitable models.
People may also wish to research different hearing aid brands to learn about the benefits of their products and the services they offer.
Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. These apps have not been evaluated for medical accuracy by Medical News Today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.