Oticon Intent is one of the latest offerings from Oticon, launched in early 2024, following its predecessor, the Oticon Real. This new line of hearing aids is designed with advanced sensor technology and enhanced sound processing capabilities, targeting users who require exceptional speech understanding in challenging listening environments. Built on the new Sirius processing chip and featuring Oticon’s Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0, the Intent hearing aids are a significant upgrade, offering greater personalisation and adaptability than previous models.
Key Features of Oticon Intent
1. 4D Sensor Technology
Oticon Intent’s standout feature is its 4D sensor technology. This allows the hearing aids to adapt not only to sound but also to body movements, providing personalized soundscapes depending on how the wearer is positioned or interacting with their environment. This is particularly useful for improving speech understanding in noisy conditions.
2. Sirius Processing Chip
The newly introduced Sirius chip enhances sound clarity, especially in noisy settings. It powers more effective noise suppression and a richer overall sound experience, making it easier to detect nuances in speech and sound.
3. Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0
Oticon has integrated an upgraded DNN system that can better mimic how the brain interprets sounds. By learning from thousands of real-life sound environments, this technology helps Intent hearing aids provide a more natural sound experience, improving both speech clarity and overall listening comfort.
4. Enhanced Frequency Response
The frequency response in Oticon Intent has been expanded to range from 80 Hz to 10 kHz, compared to earlier models like the Oticon Real. This broader frequency range means that users will experience more nuanced sound, especially in high-frequency environments, adding richness and clarity to music or complex conversations.
5. MoreSound Intelligence and Amplifier 3.0
Oticon Intent also includes the MoreSound Intelligence technology, which processes sound more efficiently and intelligently. The MoreSound Amplifier 3.0 works to reduce background noise, giving priority to speech. This allows users to better hear conversations, even in crowded or noisy places, without the distraction of ambient noise.
6. Feedback Suppression
Oticon Intent builds on the Real’s already excellent feedback suppression, using a smarter algorithm that eliminates unwanted whistling or squealing noises, common in older hearing aid models. This is done without compromising sound quality or speech understanding.
7. Increased Sound-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
One significant improvement in Oticon Intent is the 1 to 5 dB increase in SNR compared to previous models. This allows for better speech comprehension, especially in difficult listening environments. Oticon claims that this improvement provides:
- 10% better listening comfort
- 15% better speech understanding
- 35% better access to speech cues
8. Battery Life and Bluetooth Connectivity
Oticon Intent uses a larger *size 13 battery*, offering around 33% more battery life compared to previous models like the Oticon Real. It also features *Bluetooth LE Audio* and *Auracast* future-proofing, which ensures better connectivity with modern devices like smartphones and tablets.
Differences Between Oticon Intent 1, 2, and 3
Oticon Intent hearing aids come in different performance levels, with levels 1, 2, and 3 offering varying degrees of features and customisation.
1. Oticon Intent Level 1
- Full 4D Sensor Technology: This level offers the full range of 4D sensor functionality, providing the most personalised and adaptive sound processing.
- Speech Understanding: Level 1 includes the most advanced speech enhancers and noise suppression features, making it ideal for users who need high performance in complex listening environments.
- Spatial Balance: Exclusive to level 1, Spatial Balance technology ensures the best experience in noisy or dynamic environments, adjusting sound processing based on the wearer’s position in space.
- Neural Noise Suppression: This level offers the highest noise suppression (up to 12 dB), perfect for users who need to filter out background noise in busy settings.
- Tap Control: The full functionality of Oticon’s tap control feature is included, allowing for easy control of the hearing aid’s settings with simple touch gestures.
2. Oticon Intent Level 2
- Limited 4D Technology: While level 2 includes 4D sensor technology, it lacks some of the advanced functionality seen in level 1. It still adapts well to environmental changes but may not be as precise in extremely dynamic environments.
- Speech Enhancer: The speech processing in level 2 is slightly less advanced than in level 1 but still performs well in moderately noisy environments.
- Noise Suppression: Noise suppression in level 2 is reduced compared to level 1, with a decrease in performance in highly complex auditory environments.
- Tap Control: This feature is available in level 2 but with limited functionality compared to level 1.
- Overall Performance: Level 2 is a solid option for those who require advanced features but don’t spend as much time in very noisy or rapidly changing environments.
3. Oticon Intent Level 3
- Basic 4D Sensor Technology: While level 3 includes the 4D sensor, its functionality is more limited, providing less personalisation and adaptability to different soundscapes.
- Speech Enhancement: Speech enhancement is still included but at a more basic level. Users may experience more difficulty understanding speech in very noisy environments.
- Noise Suppression: Noise suppression is present but less effective than in levels 1 and 2, making this model best suited for users in quieter or moderately noisy settings.
- No Tap Control: This level does not include the tap control feature, meaning users must manually adjust settings through a remote or smartphone app.
- Performance: Level 3 is ideal for users with milder hearing loss or those who spend most of their time in less challenging listening environments.
