Oticon

The latest model from the Oticon hearing aid company is the Intent. It offers several upgrades from its predecessor, Real, most notably 4D user-intent sensors, a groundbreaking technology that allows the hearing aid to recognize and adapt to the users listening needs. The hearing aids are designed to process sounds the way the brain does using its patented artificial intelligence , Deep Neural Network . This innovative technology mimics brain functions, enabling Intent hearing aids to handle the sounds of the world precisely . 

image of oticon hearing aids sitting in a charging station
image of the brain with highlighted regions of the temporal cortex that processes sound and speech

FEATURES

Speech Rescue

Makes high-frequency sounds audible and using the precise ability of More Sound Intelligence 3.0, suppresses high-frequency noise, giving a clean high-frequency speech signal

MoreSound Intelligence 3.0

The Intent computer chip inside the hearing aids uses multiple features to provide individualized hearing help based on the sound situation and the users body and head movements. MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 includes the following features to create listening comfort and better access to speech:

  • 4D user-intent sensors– Groundbreaking motion sensor technology is “personalized” Oticon hearing machine innovation that detects head & body movement as well as speech conversation activity and environmental sounds to help users engage in conversation in all sound environments where “real life” unfolds.  The company reports an improvement in speech comprehension when using  4D sensory technology than without the technology  (Intent 2024 Product Guide).
  • Wind & Handling Stabilizer– detects and filters wind and noises on the hearing aid due to hair and touch, providing a cleaner sound and more hearing comfort
  • Neural Noise Suppression– an adjustable tool in the fitting prescription of the programming software that creates clearer contrasts in sound where more or less help from the hearing aid is needed
  • Environmental Classifier-an adjustable tool in the fitting prescription of the programming software that based upon a user’s reported listening environment, will automatically adjust the hearing aid to more noise suppression or more brightness of speech in difficult listening conditions
  • Virtual Outer Ear– an adjustable tool in the fitting prescription of the programming software that provides more or less focus of sound coming from the front of the user. Helpful when noise is present, especially from the sides or back of the user
  • Sound Enhancer– an adjustable tool in the fitting prescription of the programming software that, based upon a user’s reported listening environment, will enhance speech sounds in noise
image of the Oticon moresound intelligence 3.0 chip and the features include 4D sensors, wind&handling stabilizer and virtual outer ear
image of the Oticon RIC hearing aid with a summary of DNN technology feature

Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0

  • AI (artificial intelligence) technology to enable better and more accurate representation of sound in the brain, making sounds more distinct
  • An improvement over the first-generation DNN in the Real model, DDN 2.0 makes sound more distinct it is more precise than the first DNN
  • Use of real-life sound scene recordings, the AI technology is “trained” to just the right level and has completed its training when worn by the user

Sudden Sound Stabilizer

An impact noise feature that provides instant and precise balance of disruptive and loud sounds.  Benefit of  reduced user effort needed to remain engaged in listening situation(s)

suddensound stabiliter image
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Clear Dynamics

Improves sound quality in loud environments.  This feature is especially valuable when listening to music or during conversations in busy environments where sound levels are constantly changing and spiking

Spatial Sound

Using several advanced technologies, helps users identify where sound is coming from

Summary of the Intent Features

TECHNOLOGY LEVELS

Likes its predecessor the Real, the Intent  comes in 3 technology levels-premium, advanced and standard.  All three Oticon technology levels offer Bluetooth wireless connection with Smartphones using the Companion app for phone calls, and user ability to change settings and volume of the hearing aids. All three levels also offer a 3-year manufacturer warranty including office visits.

The differences between the 3 different technology levels are not in the outside design or appearance of the hearing aid, but the computer chip on the inside.  Most hearing aid brands look almost the same on the outside.  And, all major hearing aid brands manufacture sleek, discreet looking device that are lightweight, very comfortable, durable and secure, even when removing eyeglasses.

Generally speaking, the more advanced technologies offer more sophisticated features  for managing background noise and adjusting  the hearing aid to the individual’s hearing loss. The explanation of each feature can be found below. If you are interested in Oticon hearing aids but have not had your hearing tested, contact Peninsula Hearing Services to schedule an appointment.

Intent 3

$3,295

Per Pair

Features

• Fitting Bands-18
• More Sound Intelligence-Level 3
• Environmental Classifier-3 settings
• Virtual Outer Ear-1 setting
• Spatial Balancer-60%
• Neural Noise Suppression-8 dB
• Sound Enhancer-1 setting
• Sudden Sound Stabilizer-4 settings

Standard

Intent 2

$3,895

Per Pair

Features

• Fitting Bands-20
• More Sound Intelligence-Level 2
• Environmental Classifier-5 settings
• Virtual Outer Ear-2 settings
• Spatial Balancer-60%
• Neural Noise Suppression-10 dB
• Sound Enhancer-2 settings
• Sudden Sound Stabilizer-5 settings
• Clear Dynamics

Advanced

intent 1

$4,895

Per Pair

Features

• Fitting Bands-24
• More Sound Intelligence-Level 1
• Environmental Classifier-5 settings
• Virtual Outer Ear-3 settings
• Spatial Balancer-100%
• Neural Noise Suppression-12 dB
• Sound Enhancer-3 settings
• Sudden Sound Stabilizer-6 settings
• Clear Dynamics

Premium
Oticon IntentFeatures & Benefits
Clear DynamicsImproves sound quality in loud environments where sound levels are constantly changing and spiking.  Helpful when listening to music or during conversations in busy environments
Environmental ClassifierAutomatically adjust the hearing aid to more noise suppression or more brightness of speech in difficult listening conditions
Fitting BandsFilters that process sound by tone (frequency) and provide discreet adjustments to the hearing aid based on a user’s hearing prescription
MoreSound Intelligence 3.0A breakthrough Oticon innovation, provides individualized hearing help based on the sound situation and 4D sensors that respond to the users body and head movements. . Helps suppress unwanted noise to provide better access to speech
Neural Noise SuppressionCreates clearer contrasts in sound where more or less help from the hearing aid is needed
Sound EnhancerEnhances speech sounds in noise
Spatial BalancerAutomatic adjustment of  the microphone array in the hearing aid to  adjust for better noise suppression
Sudden Sound StabilizerProvides instant and precise balance of disruptive and loud sounds
Virtual Outer EarProvides more or less focus of sound coming from the front of the user