If you’re in the market for hearing aids, Phonak and Oticon offer numerous popular models to explore. While there are similarities between the companies and their products, there are also noteworthy differences. To help you know which hearing aids are better for you and your unique prescription hearing health needs, we compiled this Phonak vs. Oticon comparison.
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- 360-degree sound & bluetooth enabled
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Phonak Hearing Aids
Founded in 1947, Phonak is one of the largest prescription hearing aid providers worldwide. The brand uses technology from Sonova, a major hearing care specialist based in Switzerland. Phonak offers a variety of hearing aid models to accommodate every degree of hearing loss and come with a variety of features, such as:
- Motion sensor hearing. Motion sensor hearing adjusts the microphones of the hearing aids to focus on the direction of speech based on how the user is moving.
- Tap control. With tap control, the user can tap the hearing aid to answer a phone call, use a voice assistant or listen to media.
- Dynamic noise cancellation. Dynamic noise cancellation helps minimize unwanted noise, such as traffic sounds.
- Speech enhancement. A speech enhancer enables the user to hear soft speech in a quiet environment.
Here’s a brief overview of Phonak’s most common offerings:
| MODEL | TYPE OF HEARING AID | DEGREE OF HEARING LOSS TREATED | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Audéo Paradise P-R and Audéo P-RT | Receiver-in- Canal (RIC) | Mild to profound hearing loss | Rechargeable battery, tap control, motion sensor hearing | $2,000 to $6,500 per pair |
Virto M-Titanium | Completely in Canal (CIC), Invisible in Canal (IIC) | Mild to moderately severe hearing loss | Sits discreetly in the ear canal, adapts to reduce noise in noisy environments | $4,500 to $6,500 per pair |
Lyric | Invisible in-the-Canal (worn 24/7 after inserted by a hearing health professional) | Phonak does not specify the type of hearing loss | 100% invisible, may be worn 24 hours a day, can provide tinnitus relief, size is similar to a pencil eraser, provides clearsound | Approximately $4,000 per year, per pair; requires an annual subscription |
Audéo Lumity | BTE (behind-the-ear) | Mild to profound hearing loss | Waterproof hearing aids, disposal battery, health data tracking, universal connectivity, Speech in 360, dynamic noise cancellation, tinnitus balance | $2,000 to $6,500 per pair |
Naída Lumity | BTE (behind-the-ear) | Mild to moderately severe hearing loss | Environmental balance, QuickSync, Speech in 360, StereoZoom 2.0, dynamic noise cancellation, tinnitus balance, AOV, fine tuning channels | $2,500 to $6,500 per pair |
Pros and Cons of Using Phonak Hearing Aids
There are both benefits and drawbacks to using Phonak hearing aids.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Free online hearing test: Phonak offers a free online hearing test to help consumers get an idea of the type of aids that are right for them. | Lack of price transparency: Since Phonak hearing aids are only available via prescription through healthcare providers and distributors, it’s difficult to determine the price from the company website. |
Bluetooth connectivity: Most Phonak models seamlessly connect to most Bluetooth compatible devices. | Short warranty: While many hearing aid manufacturers offer a 3-year warranty, Phonak’s warranty only lasts one year. |
Smartphone app: With the myPhonak app, users can make adjustments to their hearing aids and receive remote support. | Must purchase from an audiologist: Phonak hearing aids are only available through audiologists or other hearing health professionals. |
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We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Partner Offer placements. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable review of their products or services.
Audicus Hearing Aids
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- Sleek, barely there models designed for optimal performance and comfort
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On Audicus's Website
Oticon Hearing Aids
Founded in 1904, Oticon is a hearing aid company that worked to pioneer the hearing industry. Its patented BrainHearing technology sends clear sound signals to the brain via its hearing aids to help improve users’ hearing, according to the company. Phonak offers a variety of hearing aid models to accommodate every degree of hearing loss. Several noteworthy features that can be found in Oticon hearing aids include:
- Tinnitus SoundSupport. This technology from Oticon offers a range of relaxing sounds, such as ocean waves, to help reduce symptoms of tinnitus.
- Lithium-ion-based rechargeable batteries. With Oticon’s portable SmartCharger, users can get a full day of battery life for their rechargeable hearing aids with just three hours of charging.
- High-quality streaming capabilities. Users can stream their favorite media via iOS and Android devices with Oticon hearing aids.
- Style variety. Oticon hearing aids come in a variety of styles, such as invisible-in-the-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and power behind-the-ear (BTE) options.
Oticon offers several product lines of hearing aids, which group similar hearing aid models together:
| PRODUCT LINE | TYPE OF HEARING AID | HEARING LOSS LEVEL TREATED | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oticon More | Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) | Oticon does not specify the type of hearing loss | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, desktop charger, push-button controls, hands-free calling with ConnectClip, BrainHearing technology | $3,200 to $7,000 per pair |
Oticon Ruby | Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE), behind-the-ear (BTE) | Mild to profound hearing loss | Advanced speech processing, rechargeable and non-rechargeable models, Bluetooth connectivity | $2,500 to $4,000 per pair |
Oticon Xceed | Power Behind-the-Ear (BTE) | Severe to profound hearing loss | Bluetooth compatibility, push-button programming, volume control, OpenSound Optimizer for whistling and static, BrainHearing technology | $3,200 to $7,200 per hearing aid |
Oticon CROS and Oticon CROS PX | Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE), Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) | One-sided deafness | Dual-streaming technology, which allows for external audio and the ability to have conversations simultaneously, rechargeable Oticon CROS PX transmitter | Approximately $1,900 each |
Oticon Real | BTE (behind-the-ear) and RIC (receiver-in-canal) | Mild to severe hearing loss | BrainHearing technology that works with the brain’s natural hearing processes, Bluetooth audio streaming, Tinnitus SoundSupport technology | $3,200 to $7,200 per pair |
Oticon Intent | BTE (behind-the-ear) | Mild to severe hearing loss | 4D user intent sensors, MoreSound Amplifier 3.0, 20 hours of battery life, BrainHearing technology | $3,200 to $8,000 per pair |
Pros and Cons of Using Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon hearing aids come with both advantages and disadvantages.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
BrainHearing technology: Oticon’s patented BrainHearing technology is trained on real-life sounds to help users hear relevant sounds, according to the company. | Pricey accessories: While Oticon offers a variety of useful accessories, like the TV adapter and remote control options, they can be expensive. |
Options for single-sided deafness: The Oticon CROS and Oticon CROS PX devices can support users who are deaf in one ear. | Lack of price transparency: Since Oticon hearing aids are only available through prescriptions via audiologists and hearing health professionals, pricing is unclear on the brand website. |
Wireless connectivity: Through wireless connectivity, users can enjoy seamless audio streaming from their hearing aid devices. | Inconsistent warranties: The warranty on Oticon products varies, as it’s based on where the devices are sold. |
Phonak and Oticon Similarities
“Both Oticon and Phonak offer a range of devices designed to treat different types and degrees of hearing loss,” explains Amy Sarow, Au.D., a lead audiologist at Soundly and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “They make traditional behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids.”
Additionally, these brands come with an app through which users can adjust device volume and program settings. They also feature Bluetooth compatibility giving users the ability to connect their hearing aids to their smartphones and other compatible devices wirelessly.
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Phonak and Oticon Differences
While both Phonak and Oticon offer a wide range of hearing aids, their product lines are a bit different. “Phonak’s portfolio is extensive, spanning from truly invisible devices (Lyric hearing aids) to powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) models,” explains Dr. Sarow. “They even have highly water-resistant hearing aids in a modern, slim receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) design.”
On the other hand, Oticon’s sound processing is unique, as it’s based on what the company calls a deep neural network. “This technology ensures natural sound and environmental awareness, as well as spatial cues, enhancing the user’s overall auditory experience,” says Dr. Sarow.
Additionally, Oticon’s app is more simple and streamlined than the Phonak app, focusing on fundamental controls. In contrast, Phonak’s app provides users with a more comprehensive platform, allowing for program customization and additional features like health tracking.
Choosing Between Phonak and Oticon Hearing Aids
Which hearing aids are better for you? To know for sure you need to consider your individual needs, preferences and lifestyle. “Both companies offer high-quality hearing technology, and both manufacturers have options for mild to profound hearing loss,” explains Dr. Sarow. “In most cases, the decision essentially comes down to personal preferences and needs.”
For individuals seeking a comprehensive, customizable app experience, Dr. Sarow recommends Phonak due to its extensive range of controls and features. However, if simplicity and streamlined control is more appealing, she believes that Oticon’s more basic yet efficient app might be the better fit.
“If you wish to demo one brand versus the other, work with a doctor of audiology (or hearing aid dispenser if a doctor isn’t available to you) to sit down and discuss your hearing issues and hearing goals,” says Dr. Anish Thakkar, Au.D., Director of Audiology at the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (LA CENTA). “The audiologist can then recommend technology based on your needs, and oftentimes demo various technologies in order to find the best solution for your hearing health.”
