Oticon vs Starkey Hearing Aids Review and Comparison

Oticon vs. Starkey Hearing Aids: How Do They Compare?

When shopping for new hearing aids, Oticon and Starkey are two premium brands that often top the list. Both companies have long histories in hearing technology and offer features packed devices to help people with hearing impairment. But how exactly do these two industry leaders compare?

Background on Oticon and Starkey

Oticon was founded in Denmark in 1904, making it one of the oldest hearing aid manufacturers worldwide. Known for its pioneering technology, Oticon hearing aids are available through audiologists and hearing instrument specialists globally.

Starkey Laboratories got its start in the USA in 1967. Headquartered in Minnesota, Starkey prides itself on American-made craftsmanship and constantly evolves its technology to help patients hear better in challenging environments. Starkey offers devices through a network of hearing professionals.

Hearing Loss Solutions

Both Oticon and Starkey provide complete lines of hearing devices to address mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing impairment. Their catalogues include styles ranging from virtually invisible receiver-in-canal models to behind-the-ear power instruments with long-lasting batteries.

In terms of types of solutions, Oticon is renowned for its brain-focused hearing approach that aims to reduce listening effort and let sounds flow more naturally. Starkey features technology that lets users hear speech clearly in noisy environments, plus wireless streaming and rechargeable models.

Key Technologies and Features

Oticon and Starkey invest heavily in developing the latest features for better hearing and ease-of-use. Here is an overview of some of their most cutting-edge capabilities:

Connectivity & Streaming

Both brands offer seamless Bluetooth connectivity to stream audio, music and phone calls directly from iPhones or Android devices into compatible hearing aids.

Rechargeable Batteries

Many Oticon and Starkey models now come with integrated lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged daily instead of changing out small batteries.

Mobile App Control

The Oticon and Starkey accompanying mobile apps let users remotely monitor battery levels, adjust settings, personalize sound and stream audio content.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Oticon's Polaris AI system scans surroundings 500 times per second to precisely distinguish distinct sound sources. Starkey's Thrive AI Learning techcontinually learns patient preferences to refine and personalize hearing enhancement over time.

Tinnitus Solutions

Both offer tinnitus management features that add soothing background sounds to provide relief to those with ringing ears.

Cost Comparisons

Good hearing is invaluable for work, relationships and safety. With premium performance comes premium pricing. Here's an overview of what to expect in terms of costs:

Device Costs

The latest Oticon technology like the Oticon More line costs approximately $2,400 to $4,000 per hearing aid pair when professionally programmed by a specialist.

Comparable Starkey technology such as the Starkey Livio Edge AI range also sits around $2,400 to $4,000 for a pair from a hearing professional.

Batteries and Accessories

Non-rechargeable hearing aid batteries cost a few dollars for packages containing 6 to 8 cells that normally need to be replaced weekly. Both brands sell drying kits, wireless accessories and listening devices for TV, phone and music connectivity that range widely in price from $50 into the hundreds.

Financing Options

Due to the expense involved, Oticon, Starkey and most hearing aid specialists offer payment plans so patients can finance their devices with low interest over 3 to 5 years. Extended warranties are also often available for added peace of mind.

Product Awards and Reviews

With their latest generation hearing aids packed full of leading-edge features, both brands have earned their share of recognition. Here are some of the recent accolades each has received:

Oticon

• Oticon More named CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree
• Oticon Opn S named Top Pick for Hearing Aids by CNET 2020
• Oticon Siya, Oticon Ruby honored at 2019 Hearing Technology Innovator Awards

Starkey

• Starkey Livio Edge AI named CES 2021 Innovation Awards Best of Innovation Winner
• Starkey Evolv AI Wins Gold Stevie Award 2020 for Health Technology Product
• Starkey SoundTM Technology Wins 2020 Silver Edison Best New Product Award

In consumer surveys and reviews, both rate well for improving hearing ability, sound quality, and wireless connectivity. Oticon often gets called out for its comfortable fit, while Starkey earns praise for enhancing speech comprehension in noisy environments.

Is Oticon or Starkey the Right Choice?

When considering between powerhouse brands Oticon vs Starkey, there's really no single best hearing aid company. The right device comes down to each patient's unique hearing loss type, lifestyle needs and preferences around features and budget.

By consulting thoroughly with a hearing instrument specialist, patients can determine whether Oticon, Starkey or another brand offers the optimal match. Often working with the specialist for a short trial period wearing the hearing aids in real life scenarios can further help identify the ideal device fit. This ensures long-lasting patient satisfaction and improved quality of life through better hearing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.