Oticon Intent Review

Background

Oticon is the second most popular hearing aid brand (after Phonak). The brand has built a fanbase around its “open” sound philosophy by using advanced methods to support natural sound. Their newest device, the Oticon Intent, goes a step further, offering open sound quality customized to the user’s intent. 

The newly designed devices continuously adapt based on four built-in sensors. Together, the brand calls this MoreSound Intelligence 3.0.

• Conversation sensors: Search your soundscape for speech sounds.
• Head sensors: Track your movement to gather information about where you are focused.
• Body sensors: Track your movement through the room and open the field of sound when you walk
• Acoustic sensors: Analyze background noises, echo and room dimensions

None of these sensors are brand new to the world of hearing aids, but Oticon claims to be the first brand to use all four together in one connected system. Add in Oticon's already impressive Deep Neural Network and you get what might be the smartest hearing aid in the industry. ‍

What makes Oticon Intent special?

There are several new features with the new Oticon Intent. Let’s hit the highlights:

Design

Intent is the smallest RITE that Oticon has designed to date.  This design is both comfortable and discreet, giving users a low-profile hearing aid option. The receiver sits directly in the ear canal, making it easy to hide behind hair or glasses. It also comes in a variety of colors, even a new Sky Blue option, as well as the standard colors to match hair color or skin tone.

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Bluetooth

Oticon Intent now offers Bluetooth LE Audio which future-proofs the devices for new audio experiences like Auracast that will roll out in phones, TVs, and public spaces in the next two years.

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Battery Life

The Oticon Intent uses a powerful lithium-ion battery, packed with even more efficiency. Understanding their users’ dynamic lifestyles, they’ve engineered a battery that not only lasts longer (20 hours per charge), but also charges more rapidly, ensuring you're always ready to engage with the world around you. A full charge takes merely 2 hours, an upgrade in convenience and functionality. Furthermore, for those moments when life gets ahead of us and charging slips your mind, a quick 30-minute charge can provide 8 hours of wear time.

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Sound Quality

With this new release, Oticon describes enhanced clarity and balance of sound for the user. How they did it? Through rigorous training with an expansive library of everyday sounds, Oticon Intent's Deep Neural Network has developed the ability to differentiate and amplify sounds that matter most to the wearer. In comparative studies, users expressed a preference for the nuanced clarity offered by the Oticon Intent's sound processing.

Our Take

Our opinion on the enhancements introduced with Oticon's latest offering, the Oticon Intent, is overwhelmingly positive. We're particularly impressed by the integration of Bluetooth LE Audio technology, which represents a significant leap forward in wireless connectivity, a future-forward addition. The smaller size of the Intent device is another appealing aspect. Its discreet and comfortable design addresses one of the core concerns of hearing aid users. Furthermore, the more efficient charging system introduced with this model is always a welcome improvement.

Lastly, the potential for improved sound quality, driven by the advancements in Oticon's Deep Neural Network, promises a listening experience that's both nuanced and enriched, tailoring sound amplification to the user’s personal preferences. These updates collectively enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of user needs.

There are additional factors worth considering. Previously, Oticon's hearing aids featured batteries that could be changed right in the office, providing a layer of convenience appreciated by many users. Unfortunately, the new lithium-ion batteries in the Oticon Intent model do not offer this same level of ease. Should the battery cease working, it would necessitate sending the device in for repair rather than a quick, in-office replacement.

Additionally, the transition from a rocker switch to a single pushbutton in the new device could pose an adjustment for users who prefer the tactile feedback and flexibility of manual program adjustments. These changes, while advancing in certain areas, may require consideration and adaptation from users accustomed to the previous functionalities.