Oticon vs. Starkey: Which Hearing Aid is Right for You?

Key Features at a Glance

Round 1: Hearing Aid Styles & Design

Oticon

Oticon's flagship Intent hearing aids are a testament to the brand's commitment to aesthetic appeal. Their smooth, rounded design is a breath of fresh air in a world often dominated by utilitarian devices. 



But these hearing aids aren't just about looks. The practical double pushbutton feature adds a layer of user-friendliness, ensuring effortless control.

Oticon's diverse range of styles caters to every preference and need. Whether you seek the utmost discretion with their nearly invisible In-the-Canal (IIC) models or prioritize ease of handling with their Behind-the-Ear (BTE) options, Oticon has you covered. Their battery-powered custom hearing aids offer the perfect blend of amplification and style, ensuring you never have to compromise.

Starkey

And the Winner Is...

Round 2: Connectivity

In today's digital age, seamless connectivity is paramount. Let's see how Oticon and Starkey empower you to stay connected with the world around you.



Oticon

Oticon has a special treat for iPhone users. They use Made for iPhone (MFi) technology, which is like a direct line between your hearing aids and your iPhone.

This means hands-free calls, music streaming right into your ears, and easy access to podcasts or audiobooks. All without needing any extra gadgets!

Android users, rejoice! Oticon's got you covered, too. They use ASHA technology for broad Android compatibility. That means more streaming options for your favorite music, podcasts, and more.

And guess what? Oticon Intent now supports hands-free calling on compatible Android phones. Talk freely without reaching for your phone!

Oticon's Bluetooth LE compatibility is a game-changer. This forward-thinking feature ensures your Oticon hearing aids are future-proof. They're ready for the next big thing in audio streaming: Auracast technology. 

While the price of Oticon hearing aids may vary, Oticon is paving the way for a truly connected hearing experience.

Starkey

Starkey's not about to let Oticon hog the Bluetooth spotlight. They also use MFi technology for easy iPhone connections. That means hands-free calls, music streaming, and podcast binges – right through your hearing aids.

They've spread the love across their RIC, ITE, and ITC models, so you can enjoy hands-free calls no matter your style.



Android users? Don't worry! Starkey works with ASHA technology, too, which means compatibility with many Android devices.

Plus, the Starkey Genesis has a new wireless antenna for an even better Bluetooth connection range. Stay connected, no matter where you roam!

And the Winner Is...

Both Oticon and Starkey demonstrate an impressive dedication to integrating hearing aids into your digital lifestyle. 

However, it's Oticon's Bluetooth LE feature that gives them the edge in this category. This future-proof technology ensures you're ready for the next wave of audio streaming advancements. So, for this round, Oticon takes the win!



Round 3: App Control

Think of Oticon's Companion app as a virtual remote control for your hearing aids. 🎛️ You're in the driver's seat, adjusting volume, switching programs, and fine-tuning audio – all from your phone.

The app is super user-friendly—there are no tech headaches here! You can easily personalize your hearing experience wherever you go.

But wait, there's more! 

The Companion app also has remote programming. Your hearing care pro can fine-tune your aids without you having to go into the office. Fewer appointments, more convenience!   

And if you ever lose your hearing aids? No worries. The 'Find My Hearing Aid' feature will help you track them down. That's peace of mind right there.  It's a feature praised in tons of Oticon hearing aid reviews.



Starkey's app isn't just a remote control—it's a full-fledged hearing health hub. You can adjust volume, tweak settings, and even detect falls—all from your phone.

Like Oticon, Starkey has a 'Find My Hearing Aids' feature. Never lose your hearing aids again!   

But here's where Starkey really shines: fall detection. If you fall, the app can automatically alert your loved ones. That's added safety, especially for those living alone or with mobility challenges.

And for caregivers? The companion check-in feature is a game-changer. You can monitor hearing aid usage and get notifications about falls, even from afar. It's peace of mind for everyone involved.   

This feature adds serious value to Starkey hearing aid models and prices. You're not just getting great hearing; you're getting peace of mind, too. 



Both Oticon and Starkey offer impressive app control features, making it easier than ever to personalize your hearing experience and stay safe. 

However, Starkey's unique companion check-in feature gives them a slight advantage in this category. This innovative feature showcases Starkey's commitment to improving hearing and enhancing overall well-being and peace of mind.



So, for this round, Starkey takes the win!

Oticon understands the importance of staying connected in today's fast-paced world. That's why they offer iPhone users the ability to answer calls hands-free with a simple push of a button on their hearing aids. 

No more fumbling for your phone—just a seamless, intuitive experience that keeps you in the conversation.

But Oticon's innovation doesn't stop there. Their Deep Neural Network (DNN) is a technological marvel, trained on a massive 12 million real-life sounds to process audio more like the human brain. 

Additionally, their BrainHearing™ technology prioritizes how your brain naturally processes sound, creating a more natural and effortless listening experience, even in noisy settings.



Starkey's Edge Mode shows their dedication to personalization. It's like a fine-tuning knob for your hearing aids, accessible right through their app.

You can make precise adjustments to suit your unique preferences in any environment. Noisy restaurant? Quiet library? Edge Mode helps you hear your best, no matter where you are. It's all about tailoring the sound to your world.

Starkey also prioritizes convenience. With the Starkey Genesis, answering phone calls is as simple as double-tapping. This intuitive feature streamlines communication, keeping you connected without missing a beat.

Both Oticon and Starkey offer some awesome special features. But Starkey's Edge Mode gives them a slight advantage in this round. 

This tech is all about personalization. You can fine-tune your hearing aids to perfection, ensuring you hear your best no matter where you are. It's like having a personal sound engineer in your pocket!

So, for this round, Starkey emerges victorious!



Oticon has a reputation for smooth, mellow sound. Musicians especially love it! This top-notch sound quality comes from their innovative Deep Neural Network (DNN) and open sound technologies.

The DNN is like a mini-brain inside your hearing aid. It's been trained on millions of real-life sounds, so it processes audio the way your brain naturally would. That means a more organic, lifelike listening experience.

Oticon's open sound technology adds to the magic. It lets natural sounds blend seamlessly with the amplified sounds from your hearing aids. You get a rich, immersive soundscape where you hear everything.

With Oticon hearing aid models, you'll experience the world in all its vibrant glory.



Starkey's new processing chip is a testament to its pursuit of exceptional sound. Its powerful Deep Neural Network (DNN) makes everything sound smoother and more enjoyable.

But the DNN does more than that. It's like a superhero for your ears, fighting off background noise and focusing on speech. Imagine understanding conversations clearly, even in a crowded restaurant! 

Starkey's all about creating a natural hearing experience. Their hearing aids blend seamlessly with your surroundings, delivering crystal-clear sound that feels like it's always been there.

In this final round, we have a tie! Both Oticon and Starkey have proven their mastery in delivering exceptional sound quality. 

Whether you prefer the smooth, mellow tones of Oticon or the crystal-clear conversations offered by Starkey, both brands will undoubtedly elevate your listening experience.

In the end, the decision will come down to personal needs and preferences regarding hearing solutions. You may consider setting an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional so you can try both brands for yourself and compare their sound quality.