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Oticon Own 1 Review

Prices, Sound Recordings, Models
Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A
Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

Dr. Amy Sarow is a practicing clinical audiologist and serves as Audiology Lead for Soundly. Her expertise and experience span topics including tinnitus, cochlear implants, hearing aid technology, and hearing testing. She holds a doctoral degree in audiology from the University of Iowa. During her residency at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Sarow was inspired by the three-tiered, patient-centered approach, incorporating clinical work, teaching and research.

Blake Cadwell
Blake Cadwell

Blake Cadwell is a hearing aid wearer and co-founder at Soundly. He regularly tests and reviews hearing technology to share his experience with Soundly’s readers. Blake's research and perspectives have been featured in the The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, AARP and FastCompany.

Updated
January 24, 2024
Methodology
i

Soundly is an independently owned hearing health research tool. Our reviews are conducted by hearing aid wearers and audiologists. We physically review the leading hearing aids on the market for sound quality, comfort, durability, and more. Our review process starts with hands-on unboxing and days, weeks, or months of wear. We also record live sound demos using a calibrated binaural microphone (read more here). We experiment with backend fitting software for prescription products and use test box measures to measure prescriptive accuracy and flexibility. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our story here.

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In the Ear
Bluetooth
PROFESSIONAL FITTING

In 2021 Oticon launched an impressive new operating system in their behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Unfortunately for in-the-ear wearers, the new Oticon tech wasn't available in custom-mold styles. Until now. 

Finally, in August 2022, Oticon released the latest operating system across a new line of custom styles called Oticon Own.

The most significant innovation in the new Own hearing aids is the use of deep learning to choose which sounds to amplify. 

Oticon built its new operating system by capturing over 12M sounds from everyday environments and using deep learning technology to create a sophisticated sound algorithm that sorts out background noise. Deep learning is the same technology that Google and other tech giants use to process millions of data points and get smarter over time. 

The result of all this technology is that new Oticon Own hearing aids require 30% less listening effort than previous generations.

Oticon Own 1 is the top-end option with the most extensive sound processing and programming capabilities. Oticon Own 1 offers 64 channels vs. 48 for lower tiers. Oticon Own 1 also comes with 10 kHz of gain vs. 8 for other price levels. If you regularly travel or spend time in groups, this top-end level will probably be worth the additional cost.

Pros 👍
  • Oticon Own hearing aids are designed for mild to severe hearing loss, making them a versatile option for many users.
  • They are available in IIC and CIC sizes, which are discreet and comfortable to wear.
  • They include an optional push button or volume wheel, as well as binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality, giving users more control over their hearing aids.
  • ITC and Full-Shell sizes allow for Bluetooth connection and telehealth programming after an initial appointment.

Cons 👎
  • Oticon Own hearing aids are only available through prescription channels, so you'll need to purchase them locally instead of over-the-counter or through telehealth.
  • They are a premium-priced product, which may not be affordable for all users.
  • Oticon Own does not offer a rechargeable option.

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Soundly Scorecard
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Hearing Loss Level 🔊
Mild - Severe
  • Regardless of size, Oticon Own hearing aids are fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
  • If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Oticon's Xceed hearing aids
Care Type 🏥
Prescription
  • Oticon Own hearing aids are prescription devices fit and programmed by a professional
  • To create your custom hearing aids, a professional will take earmold impressions in a clinic or in your home. They will then send those impressions to the Oticon manufacturing facility where a one-of-one replica will be created for your hearing aids
  • After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Oticon Companion app
Sound Quality 🔊
Strong in Background Noise
  • Own uses Oticon's deep neural network to sort background noise from speech. Many users describe Oticon's sound quality as "relaxed", "natural" and "comfortable."
Comfort 🦻
Somewhat Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • Oticon Own custom-molded devices sit comfortably in the ear. Some users with better hearing in lower frequencies prefer an open-fit behind-the-ear style hearing aid that allows more natural sound to pass into the ear canal.

Learn more about the choice between in-the-ear vs. behind the ear styles here.

Style  💫
In The Ear
  • Sit inside the ear
  • Available sizes include full-shell, half-shell, in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), invisible-in-canal (IIC)
  • Oticon offers 5 colors including black, beige, light brown, medium brown and dark brown
Battery 🔋
Disposable Only

Oticon Own hearing aids all use disposable batteries

  • Full-shell (FS), half-shell (HS), and In-The-Canal (ITC) models use a 312 battery (lasts 7-10 days)
  • Completely-in-canal (CIC), and Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) models use a size 10 battery (lasts 5-7 days)
Connection 📡
Size-Dependent
  • Oticon Own offers Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil in the three largest styles (FS, HS and ITC)
  • Smaller models (CIC and IIC) do not allow Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
  • Oticon Real devices use Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
Dexterity Level 🤏
Difficult
  • All sizes and styles within the Oticon Own family require regular disposable battery changes and good dexterity. The smallest two sizes (CIC and IIC) are especially difficult to manage due to their smaller size 10 battery.
Waterproof Level 💦
IP68
  • Oticon Own hearing aids are water resistant with an IP rating of 68
  • This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
App features 📱
Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids
  • Remote care: included in the new Oticon Companion app
  • Customization: volume, program change, streaming sound quality (treble/bass), SpeechBooster
  • Tinnitus masking: your hearing care provider can create a tinnitus masking program
  • Find my hearing aid: available in the app
  • Health tracking: not available

Note that Oticon Own CIC and IIC sizes do not come with connection to the Oticon Companion app.

Pricing and Process
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Pricing

The national average price for Oticon Own 1 hearing aids is around $8,000 per pair.

Our research indicates that the best pricing and care packages are currently available through ZipHearing. ZipHearing offers a pair of Oticon Own 1 hearing aids with one year of unlimited care for $4,598 per pair.

Process

ZipHearing will match you with a local clinic near your zip code and pre-negotiate a lower price (typically 25% less than the national average).

Fill out the form on this page to get matched with a local clinic.

Our readers are consistently happy with ZipHearing's offering and give the company 97% 5-star ratings on Trustpilot.

How to Choose a Size
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Oticon Own custom hearing aids come in 5 sizes, from invisible to full-shell. The overall sound processing is mostly the same throughout the line, but some technology like Bluetooth and app controls are only available in larger sizes.

Oticon Own Invisible Hearing Aid (IIC)

  • Tiny size makes it truly invisible,
  • Uses a disposable size 10 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Does not allow Telecoil
  • Does not allow telehealth programming
  • Does not offer push-button volume controls or app connection
  • Does not offer a binaural connection between hearing aids meaning that the hearing aids operate independently

Oticon Own Completely In Canal Hearing Aid (CIC)

  • Slightly larger than the entirely invisible style
  • Uses a disposable size 10 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Does not allow Telecoil
  • Does not allow telehealth programming
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Oticon Own In The Canal Hearing Aid (ITC)

  • Slightly larger than IIC and CIC sizes
  • Uses a disposable size 312 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Allows Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • Allows telehealth programming after an initial appointment
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Oticon Own Half-Shell and Full-Shell

  • More visible and easier to handle for those with dexterity challenges
  • Use a disposable size 312 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Allows Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • Allows telehealth programming after an initial appointment
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Your care provider will assist you in making final decisions.

Choosing a Size
+

Oticon Own custom hearing aids come in 5 sizes, from invisible to full-shell. The overall sound processing is mostly the same throughout the line, but some technology like Bluetooth and app controls are only available in larger sizes.

Oticon Own Invisible Hearing Aid (IIC)

  • Tiny size makes it truly invisible, 
  • Uses a disposable size 10 battery
  • Water and dust resistant 
  • Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Does not allow Telecoil 
  • Does not allow telehealth programming 
  • Does not offer push-button volume controls or app connection 
  • Does not offer a binaural connection between hearing aids meaning that the hearing aids operate independently 

Oticon Own Completely In Canal Hearing Aid (CIC)

  • Slightly larger than the entirely invisible style 
  • Uses a disposable size 10 battery
  • Water and dust resistant 
  • Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Does not allow Telecoil 
  • Does not allow telehealth programming 
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel 
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

 

Oticon Own In The Canal Hearing Aid (ITC)

  • Slightly larger than IIC and CIC sizes
  • Uses a disposable size 312 battery
  • Water and dust resistant 
  • Best for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Allows Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • Allows telehealth programming after an initial appointment
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel 
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Oticon Own Half-Shell and Full-Shell 

  • More visible and easier to handle for those with dexterity challenges
  • Use a disposable size 312 battery
  • Water and dust resistant 
  • Best for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Allows Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • Allows telehealth programming after an initial appointment
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel 
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Your care provider will assist you in making final decisions.  

Level Of Hearing Loss
+

Oticon Own hearing aids are designed for mild to severe hearing loss. The product is best for those who want full-featured professional care, prefer in-the-ear style products, and can afford a premium price.

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Name

Full Review

Blake Cadwell
Written by
Blake Cadwell

In early 2021 Oticon released an AI-powered operating system inside their flagship behind-the-ear style hearing aids. The update came with a brand new computer chip and a sound algorithm trained to act like the human brain.

To train their hearing aids, Oticon set up high-end microphones in everyday situations like restaurants, meetings, TV-watching environments, and outdoors. They used these microphones to capture over 12M individual sounds and then fed that data to an AI-powered computer.

Image of the spherical microphone Oticon used to create their deep neural network

The AI computer then analyzed the sounds using deep learning to determine which sounds should be amplified and which should be sorted out as background noise.

All of this tech wizardry went into the Oticon More (and later Oticon Real) hearing aid, which quickly became one of the top-rated products in the world.

There was just one problem. Oticon never rolled out the new tech to their custom-molded devices. Until now.  

Finally, in August 2022, Oticon released the latest operating system across a new line of custom styles called Oticon Own.

In this review, I’ll break down the new Oticon Own product, the tech you should know about, and how to access Oticon Own through a local care provider.

Let’s get into it!

About Oticon

Image of Oticon Headquarters at dusk

Oticon is among the largest and most respected hearing aid makers globally, but its story has a unique and relatable beginning.

In 1903 Hans Demant watched from afar as Crown Princess Alexandra wore an early hearing aid during her coronation as queen of England.

The event got Demant's attention because his wife Camilla had suffered from hearing loss since childhood. Demant traveled to England to buy the same hearing device and brought it home to his wife in Denmark.

Inspired by the results, he began importing hearing devices for more people in Denmark and kicked off a century-long hearing healthcare legacy that remains today.

Image of William Demant and Crown Pricess Alexandra

Today, Demant is the world's second-largest manufacturer of hearing aids, with several popular brands, including their flagship brand, Oticon.

Oticon is still headquartered in Denmark, where the brand designs its latest hearing technology.

Oticon Own Technology

Oticon Own hearing aids come in 5 sizes. None of the hearing aids in the Own family are rechargeable, but the three largest sizes are Bluetooth enabled and allow streaming from iPhone and Android.

Oticon own hearing aid sizes and technology

Oticon Own custom hearing aids come in 5 sizes, from invisible to full-shell. The overall sound processing is mostly the same throughout the line, but some technology like Bluetooth and app controls are only available in larger sizes. Here’s a breakdown of technology by size:

Oticon Own Invisible Hearing Aid (IIC)

  • Tiny size makes it truly invisible,
  • Uses a disposable size 10 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Does not allow Telecoil
  • Does not allow telehealth programming
  • Does not offer push-button volume controls or app connection
  • Does not offer a binaural connection between hearing aids meaning that the hearing aids operate independently

Oticon Own Completely In Canal Hearing Aid (CIC)

  • Slightly larger than the entirely invisible style
  • Uses a disposable size 10 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Does not allow Telecoil
  • Does not allow telehealth programming
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Oticon Own In The Canal Hearing Aid (ITC)

  • Slightly larger than IIC and CIC sizes
  • Uses a disposable size 312 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Allows Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • Allows telehealth programming after an initial appointment
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality

Oticon Own Half-Shell and Full-Shell

  • More visible and easier to handle for those with dexterity challenges
  • Use a disposable size 312 battery
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Best for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Allows Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil
  • Allows telehealth programming after an initial appointment
  • Includes an optional push button or volume wheel
  • Includes binaural connection between hearing aids to improve directionality
Man taking a Bluetooth phone call on his Oticon own hearing aids

Oticon Own hearing aids allow hands-free calling on iPhone and iPad. You can leave your phone in your pocket, and the microphone in the hearing aids will pick up the sound of your voice.

If you use an Android device, you will hear the voice of the person on the end of the line in your hearing aids, but you will need to hold your phone nearby to pick up the sound of your own voice.

Does the AI in Oticon Own make a difference?

Oticon Own hearing aids now use the latest Oticon operating system and chip. Studies conducted by the brand show that the AI-powered updates lead to 30% less listening effort. That’s a big jump.

The AI features also allow Oticon to give their hearing aids a more “open” sound quality that lets a whole landscape of sounds in. Wearers of the popular Oticon More (which now shares an operating system with Own) report that the sound quality feels more natural and less “closed off” than other top brands.

Key features in the Oticon app.

Image of the Oticon app

The Oticon smartphone app is one of the simplest to use among major brands. The app gives you access to volume, programs, and a very convenient “Find My Hearing Aid” feature, which helps locate the precise location of a lost device.

Oticon Own Fitting Process

Image of a woman getting a custom earmold

Appointment #1 - Hearing Test and Ear Impressions

If you are interested in getting Oticon Own hearing aids, you’ll want to start by finding a local audiologist. ZipHearing is an excellent place to start because all of their audiologists agree to pre-negotiated pricing, which usually saves customers 25%-40%.

Once you find a local clinic, you will go in-person to get a hearing test and custom earmold impressions.

Impressions are taken by filling the canal of your ear with a silicon paste that is removed a few minutes later. That imprint is then shipped to Oticon to create devices that match the exact shape of your ear.

Appointment #2 - Programming and Adjustments

A few weeks later, your custom Oticon Own hearing aids will be shipped to your local audiologist, where you will go for a fitting appointment.

The local audiologist will show you how to place the hearing aids in your ear and program the devices to match your specific hearing loss. Your hearing professional can also help you connect to Bluetooth if you have a Bluetooth-enabled device.

Follow-Up Appointments - Fine Tuning The Sound

Nearly all hearing professionals offer free follow-up appointments for 1-3 years. Oticon Own hearing aids allow for remote programming adjustments, so if you need tune-ups you can choose to do them from the comfort of home.

Pricing & Care

Oticon hearing aids sitting on a phone

Oticon hearing aids are only sold by an in-person hearing professional. That hearing professional will test your hearing, take earmold impressions and program your devices.

Your local professional can also provide technical support in connecting your hearing aids to a phone and downloading necessary apps.

You can find a local professional in a few ways.

Option 1: Use a care database like this one to search local clinics. This option gives you the most flexibility but often leads to the highest price.

Option 2: Work with a care network like ZipHearing, which offers pre-negotiated pricing in most zip codes. Prices through ZipHearing are typically 25%-40% lower because of the volume of customers they serve.

Oticon Own Prices

The average "walk-in" price of Oticon Own hearing aids is $5,000-$7,500 per pair. That should include two-three years of service.

ZipHearing offers Oticon Own hearing aids for the following prices:

Oticon Own 1 $4,598 (highest tech)

Oticon Own 2 $3,798 (mid-tech)

Oticon Own 3 $3,198 (budget option)

Final Thoughts

Oticon Own is an excellent option if you don't mind changing batteries and want the latest sound processing technology. People love the "open" sound quality, and the smallest sizes are truly invisible in most ears.

My advice is to spend some time considering which features are most important to you before you visit your local professional. If you want entirely invisible hearing aids, you will need to give up Bluetooth connection and a push button. If you are comfortable with an in-the-canal size, you'll get Bluetooth and an optional push button or volume wheel.

If you want to see some other popular invisible hearing aids check out this guide.

Blake Cadwell
Written by
Blake Cadwell
Soundly Staff
Reviewed by
Soundly Staff

Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

The breakdown

Oticon Own hearing aids are often compared to Starkey Evolv AI and Phonak Virto. All three products have similar prices and care models, so what makes Oticon Own different?

Oticon Own has the most intelligent operating system in the industry. The hearing aid uses deep learning and AI that goes beyond gimmick and has proven to reduce listening effort by 30% compared to past models.

Man holding Oticon Own hearing aid
Oticon Own hearing aid being used for a phone call Oticon Own polaris chip

The tech inside

Oticon Own hearing aids scan and analyze every sound scene 500 times per second, organize these sounds, and then use the onboard deep neural network to balance them properly. It's an impressive feat. 

Oticon Own hearing aids are not rechargeable, and the smallest two sizes do not offer Bluetooth streaming, so you'll need to choose between size and features. It's worth noting that Oticon Own hearing aids come with either Bluetooth or Telecoil but not both. See a full breakdown of features by size in the section above.

Getting up close

Oticon Own hearing aids come in 5 sizes, from entirely invisible to full shell. All Own devices come in 5 colors: beige, black, light brown, and dark brown.

You can choose to install a push button or volume wheel on all sizes other than the IIC.

All Oticon Own sizes and technology levels use disposable batteries.

Close up of Starkey invisible hearing aid

Overall notes:

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