As an audiologist, I am excited to introduce you to the latest flagship hearing aid from Oticon (Released Feb 23, 2023) – the Oticon Real. I have long been a fan of Oticon hearing aids. This innovative hearing aid features the company’s new Polaris R chip platform and RealSound technology, which is designed to give users a full spectrum of sounds in different environments and guard against sudden disruptive signals such as wind noise and jostling.
Design and Features
The Oticon Real hearing aid is designed to provide a more comfortable and sharper perception of sound in the real world and is suitable for people with slight to profound hearing loss ranging from 16-95 dBHL. It is currently offered in miniRITE (receiver-in-the-ear) and miniBTE (behind-the-ear) rechargeable and disposable size 312 battery models, all with telecoils, and available in 3 technology levels.
The rechargeable miniRITE/BTE versions give a full day of battery life with a full charge, while the size 312 disposable battery versions last just under a week before a battery change is required, depending on usage. The hearing aid also features Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) technology, with an extensive range of connectivity options including hands-free calls on select iPhone and iPad devices, as well as seamless connection to most Android devices.
The new Oticon Companion app is the main control interface, but the Real also comes with manual push-button control for turning the aid on/off (miniRITE R), volume control, mute, and changing up to 4 programs that can be established by your Audiologist.
Performance and Functionality
The Oticon Real hearing aid features advanced technology that enhances its performance and functionality, making it a top-of-the-line device for individuals with slight to profound hearing loss. One of its key features is the SuddenSound Stabilizer, which helps the device adapt quickly to sudden and loud sounds. This technology monitors the sound environment and adapts amplification to keep both soft and loud sounds available, balanced, and comfortable. It reduces listening effort by 22% in the presence of sudden sounds and can handle more than 500,000 sudden sounds during a typical day.
RealSound Technology
Another impressive feature of the Oticon Real is its Wind & Handling Stabilizer. This technology is designed to protect against uncomfortable wind and handling noise. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, reducing disruptive sound from entering the system, and detects and cleans up the wind at a rate of 500 times per second. This helps to ensure that the user can hear clearly in windy conditions, without the frustrating noise interference that can be common with other hearing aids.
The Oticon Real hearing aid is available in three different performance levels and nine color options, including a new olive green option for the miniRITE R. This, allows users to choose a device that not only functions optimally but also suits their personal style. Additionally, the Oticon Real family is rated IP68, which is the industry gold standard for hearing aids. This rating means that the device is dust and water-resistant and can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. But as always, I don’t recommend patients test that out.
Tinnitus Support
For individuals with tinnitus, Oticon Real also offers tinnitus SoundSupport, which is targeted to licensed hearing care professionals familiar with the evaluation and treatment of tinnitus and hearing loss. The program is part of a complete tinnitus support program and can help to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus while improving hearing loss.
Overall, the Oticon Real hearing aid boasts exceptional performance and functionality, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality device that can meet their specific hearing needs. Its advanced technologies, customizable options, and tinnitus support program are all features that set it apart from other hearing aids on the market.
Comparison to Oticon More
Oticon Real is not the first hearing aid released by Oticon. Two years ago, they released their Oticon More hearing aids, which were also designed to improve the user’s hearing experience. While the Oticon More hearing aids were a great improvement from their previous products, Oticon Real takes it one step further with its advanced features.
Advancing AI
Oticon More trained in 1 million background noise situations.
Oticon Real trained in 12 Million background noise situations.
Oticon Real is the next generation!
One key improvement in Oticon Real is its use of the new Polaris R chip platform, which powers its RealSound technology. This technology is designed to provide users with a more comfortable and sharper perception of sound in different environments. It also guards against sudden disruptive signals, such as wind noise and jostling while adjusting them or rubbing against the devices.
Another important feature of Oticon Real is the SuddenSound Stabilizer. This technology allows the device to monitor the sound environment and adapt amplification to keep both soft and loud sudden sounds available, balanced, and comfortable. It reduces listening effort by 22% in the presence of sudden sounds and can handle more than 500,000 sudden sounds during a typical day.
Expected Pricing
Pricing varies greatly from one clinic to another. Every clinic has a different amount of overhead and prices differ. If you bought the hearing aid via an online site such as ZipHearing. These are the prices I would expect (including the initial fitting at your local office). Remember these are unbundled prices.
Oticon Real 1: $4598 / pair (Premium level technology)
Oticon Real 2: $3798 / pair (Mid level technology)
Oticon Real 3: $3198 / pair (Basic level technology)
Check out the exact offerings at ZipHearing.
My Feeling Toward Oticon Real
The Oticon Real hearing aid is a great addition to the Oticon family of hearing aids. It is currently my top recommended device. I have long found Oticon to have excellent products and think this is a big advancement over the previous generation.
The SuddenSound Stabilizer and Wind & Handling Stabilizer are great features that make it easier to follow engaging conversations in complicated listening environments.
In comparison to the Oticon More, the Oticon Real offers improvements in processing sudden sounds and wind and includes the ability to connect to most Android devices.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a hearing aid, the Oticon Real is definitely worth considering. Its BrainHearing design philosophy ensures enhanced detail, clarity, and balance in sound, reducing listening fatigue and increasing comfort. The various models and options allow for customization to fit your unique hearing needs. As always, it is recommended to consult with a licensed hearing care professional to determine if the Oticon Real is the best option for you.
