Oticon OWN Custom – In the Ear – Hearing Aid Review

Oticon OWN has been one of the most successful hearing aid launches in years and Oticon’s new OWN line packs that same technology in an In-the-Ear form factor. Enabling users to receive exceptional hearing in all situations especially in background noise.

5 Styles, 5 Colours and 5 Technology Levels.

Oticon have released their new custom model in:

• 5 Styles – IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE (Half Shell) & ITE (Full Shell)
• 5 Technology Levels – OWN 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• 5 Colours – Beige, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown & Black

Whether you’re looking at getting something that matches your skin tone or something which looks like an earbud. There’s a colour for you.

iPhone and Android Connectivity

Streaming capabilities are available in larger ITC and ITE models with enough space for the Bluetooth radio. Like many other modern hearing aids, are Made For iPhone (MFi) meaning they directly connect to and stream from almost any iPhone or iOS device (iPhone 6s and newer). With these hearing aids, you’re able to have completely hands-free calling with two way streaming. For users with iPhone 10 and newer, this means your hearing aids act just like earbuds, streaming phone calls to your ears and delivering the sound of your voice over the phone.

Although Oticon larger OWN hearing aids are able to stream from the latest Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S20/S21), I have found connectivity with older devices hit or miss. Unfortunately, due to the current limitations of Bluetooth Low Energy, More can’t directly connect to all Bluetooth devices. So if connectivity and streaming are a priority for you, consider picking up a ConnectClip or looking into the Phonak Lumity or Paradise Range.

For Android users and older iPhone users, always remember to keep your phone (iPhone or Android) close, as it uses the microphone in the phone to pick up your voice during phone calls.

For instructions on how to pair your Phone with your compatible OWN ITC or ITE hearing aids click here: iPhone or Android

Most Reliable App – Oticon ON App – Hearing aid controls

From my experience, the Oticon ON app has been the most reliable and responsive app on the market. They connect immediately on almost any phone and gives you the ability to control numerous settings. From volume controls to program switching, from battery percentages to equaliser settings, each adjustment is snappy and accurate.

To find out if your Phone is compatible with the Oticon ON app, click HERE

For a full tutorial on how to use the Oticon ON app.

Accessories

For streaming to any other Bluetooth connected device (eg. older iPhone/Android or laptop), you can use the ConnectClip. The ConnectClip allows for truly hands-free calling, using its built-in microphone for phone calls. Making taking phone calls much more convenient and carefree.

Battery Life and Battery Types

One of the limitations of the OWN line of custom hearing aids is they don’t provide a rechargeable option. All models only come in battery-operated models (size: 10 & 312). If you were looking for something invisible, without batteries you may consider a different brand or even Lyric.

Verdict

In summary, if you’re looking for an In-the-Ear style hearing aid with one of the best speech understanding in background noise, you won’t go wrong with an Oticon OWN hearing aid. 

Signia’s Active X and Active Pro – Hearing Aids Review

Hearing Aids or Ear Buds? Signia’s Active X and Active Pro hearing aids bridge the gap between the two worlds, fitting over a hundred years of research and development into a new and revolutionary form factor. With rechargeability, direct iPhone streaming, and all day battery. the Active X may just be the hearing aid you’ve been waiting for.

My Top 3 Features

Form Factor and Design

The Active X hearing aids look like no hearing aids which have come before. Their large body and minimalistic colours are built to be seen. Just like a cool Apple Airpod or Samsung Buds, these can be worn proudly as a fashion accessory with the benefit of better hearing. 

Rechargeability and Charging Case

The Active X’s are the only fully rechargeable in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aids which don’t require a custom mould. Starkey’s Livio Edge Ai ITC hearing aids are the only other hearing aids on the market which offer rechargeability but they do come in a custom form factor. Depending on your hearing loss and design preference, you may choose one over the other.

Accompanying this modern hearing aid is one of the smallest and, in my opinion, best designed cases on the market. Closely resembling the Apple AirPods’ case, the Active X case has a secure lid, magnets to hold your hearing aids in place, internal batteries, and USB-C/wireless charging. From my experience, for someone who frequently travels or needs to take off their hearing aids often (working with power tools, etc.), this is a fantastic option. Other cases currently on the market are much bulkier and often do not include an internal battery, requiring you to be plugged directly into the wall at all times.

Direct iPhone Audio Streaming – Videos, Music, Calls, Podcasts etc.

The Active X offers direct streaming and app controls on most iPhones, allowing you to listen to calls, movies, podcasts and lots more straight to your ears. For streaming from Android phones or other bluetooth devices, a Streamline Mic accessory is necessary.

iPhone Streaming

The Active X devices are compatible with iPhones 5 and later, allowing direct music and call streaming to the hearing aids without an additional accessory. Like most other hearing aids (besides the Phonak Marvel/Paradise lines), phone calls stream directly to your ears but use the iPhone’s microphone to pick up your voice. If you want truly hands-free calling you can pick up the Streamline Mic.

Android Streaming

No direct audio streaming capabilities are currently available for Android through Signia devices. You need a companion device like the Streamline Mic for this purpose. Only Phonak’s Audeo Marvel and Paradise devices currently have direct audio streaming for all Bluetooth devices. 

For the full Streamline Mic Review, CLICK HERE

Comfort and Design

Comfort and Ease of Use

Personally, the Active X’s are quite comfortable. Their Click Sleeve Domes fit well and the large body is well supported on the ear. For individuals with narrow ear canals, behind-the-ear options like the Signia Styletto X or Oticon More hearing aids may be a better fit. Your audiologist will be able to advise if this would be a suitable option for you.

Signia App

The Signia app is available for both iPhone and Android and allows you to control settings like volume, program switching, directionality, and sound balance. Signia has also recently added a new mask mode and Signia Assistant to provide additional help during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For the full Signia App tutorial, CLICK HERE 

Battery Life

The Active X’s are set to last around 16 to 19 hours on a single charge depending on the level of your hearing loss and streaming time. A full charge will take around 3 to 4 hours whilst a 30 minute charge will last you around 5 hours. The case is said to also contain up to 3 to 4 additional charges, making it a great option if you go on short road trips and don’t want to carry a power brick.

Summary

In summary, if you’re looking for a hearing aid which looks like no other, is fully rechargeable, and fits well in the ear, I would highly recommend going to your local audiologist for a trial of the Signia Active X’s!

Review by Mark Truong, Audiologist, Melbourne Australia

ReSound LiNX 9 3D IIC (invisible In The Canal) Hearing aids Review

ReSound’s most advanced and smallest hearing aid is the LiNX 9 3D invisible in the canal (IIC). It targets those with mild to moderate hearing loss and has all the features other LiNX 3D 9 products offer except for direct phone connectivity. Lack of direct phone connectivity is common for IIC aids due to size and if desired a larger style is required. The product provides excellent sound quality and reasonable noise reduction. It utilizes 360 degree processing and automatic programing to allow a more natural hearing experience and limit the management of the aid. The aid will not be able to have push buttons or volume control which some clients may desire.   

ReSound recently brought out the updated LiNX Quattro range (see our other reviews). However, this new technology is not available to fit in this device (yet). Overall, this device may be suitable for you but will depend on your hearing results, shape of ear canal and lifestyle needs. When considering an IIC it is always best to consult with an audiologist first. If appropriate, the LiNX 9 3D IIC may be a good option for you. 

Review by Marcus Zavou, Clinical Audiologist, Melbourne, Australia