Oticon Intent vs. Oticon Zircon

Check out our comparison of the Oticon Intent vs Oticon Zircon. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
0.0
Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE R
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Intent 1 miniRITE R

$4,898 per pair
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Oticon Zircon 1 miniRITE-R
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Zircon 1 miniRITE-R

$2,798 per pair
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Product Overview

Form Factor
Receiver In The EarForm FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Receiver In The EarForm FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
0.0
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User Rating
3.7
8 reviews
3.7
2 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerateSevereProfound
MildModerateSevereProfound
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Intent
Zircon
Intent
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

Oticon Intent is a top-tier flagship with excellent lab-verified speech performance, strong streaming and connectivity, and smart features like 4D sensors and fast charging, though its slightly bulkier fit, simpler button controls, and the still early LE Audio and Auracast rollout may be drawbacks for some users.

Read full review
Zircon
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Intent
4.7EXCELLENT

Oticon Intent achieved a SoundScore of 4.70/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #1 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Zircon
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Intent
5.0EXCELLENT

Intent offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.

Zircon
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Intent
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

With a battery life of up to 20 hours, longer without streaming, Intent should last you all day. This is an improvement over their previous generation Real which offered up to 16 hours.

Zircon
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Intent
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Intent to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.

Zircon
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Intent
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth apps, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.

Zircon
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Intent
5.0EXCELLENT

Oticon Intent were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Real to improve comfort.

Zircon
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Intent
5.0EXCELLENT

Intent are sleek modern looking prescription hearing aids offering a smaller overall size than their previous generation Real. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.

Zircon
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Intent
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

Oticon Intent has a value score of 3.3/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Zircon
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Intent
5.0EXCELLENT

Intent are easy to use and adjust either with the multi-function button or Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

Zircon
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Intent
5.0EXCELLENT

Prescription hearing aids like Real are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.

Zircon
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Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Battery Charger
Desktop Charger

Desktop Charger

Battery Charger

Direct contact charger with magnets for secure device fitting.

Intent SmartCharger

Intent SmartCharger

Battery Charger+1

A hearing aid charger for Oticon Intent hearing aids. Includes a power bank for charging on the go.

Oticon charger

Oticon charger

Battery Charger

An overnight lithium-ion battery charge provides all-day power, and a 30-minute fast charge provides up to six additional hours of hearing aid use.

SmartCharger

SmartCharger

Battery Charger

The new SmartCharger includes a protective lid and built-in battery for charging when away from a power outlet. The drying function automatically removes moisture from your hearing aids.

Bluetooth Streamer
ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Bluetooth Streamer+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Bluetooth Streamer+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

CROS System
CROS

CROS

CROS System

Oticon CROS sends a wireless signal via Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) from the poorer ear to a receiver on the better ear.

CROS PX

CROS PX

CROS System

The new Oticon CROS PX is rechargeable and offers TwinLink™ dual streaming technology, which provides access to more sounds in challenging listening environments and handles wireless streaming at the same time.

CROS PX

CROS PX

CROS System

The new Oticon CROS PX is rechargeable and offers TwinLink™ dual streaming technology, which provides access to more sounds in challenging listening environments and handles wireless streaming at the same time.

Landline to Streaming
Phone Adapter 2.0

Phone Adapter 2.0

Landline to Streaming

The Oticon Phone Adapter 2.0 enables hearing aid users to connect to their landline phones via the ConnectClip accessory. Wireless, hands-free phone conversations are enabled when the ConnectClip is worn on the body.

Phone Adapter 2.0

Phone Adapter 2.0

Landline to Streaming

The Oticon Phone Adapter 2.0 enables hearing aid users to connect to their landline phones via the ConnectClip accessory. Wireless, hands-free phone conversations are enabled when the ConnectClip is worn on the body.

Power Pack
Intent SmartCharger

Intent SmartCharger

Power Pack+1

A hearing aid charger for Oticon Intent hearing aids. Includes a power bank for charging on the go.

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Remote Adjustments
Companion App

Companion App

Remote Adjustments+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Companion App

Companion App

Remote Adjustments+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Remote Control
Remote Control 3.0

Remote Control 3.0

Remote Control
ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Remote Control+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

Companion App

Companion App

Remote Control+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Remote Control 3.0

Remote Control 3.0

Remote Control
ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Remote Control+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

Companion App

Companion App

Remote Control+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Remote Microphone
ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Remote Microphone+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Remote Microphone+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

Smartphone App
Companion App

Companion App

Smartphone App+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

On App

On App

Smartphone App

Lets you control your hearing aids from your smartphone and interact with other Internet-connected devices and services.

Companion App

Companion App

Smartphone App+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Smartphone Streamer + Hands Free
ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Smartphone Streamer + Hands Free+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

ConnectClip

ConnectClip

Smartphone Streamer + Hands Free+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

TV Streamer
TV Adapter 3.0

TV Adapter 3.0

TV Streamer

Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.

TV Adapter 3.0

TV Adapter 3.0

TV Streamer

Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.

Hardware

AccelerometerAccelerometerThis hearing aid is capable of measuring acceleration through an embedded sensor.
Yes
No
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Bluetooth® Auracast™
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
No
312
GyroscopeGyroscopeThis hearing aid is able to determine orientation using embedded sensors.
Yes
No
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Accessory required (Android)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Mute control
  • Power on/off
  • Call accept/reject
  • Tinnitus volume
  • Airplane Mode
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Mute control
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Accept/end calls
No
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
Yes
Yes
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
No
Yes

Software Features

Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
24
14
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
Neural Noise Suppression: 10 dB / 4 dB
No
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
Yes
No
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Yes
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
Virtual Outer Ear: 2 configurations
No
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
Yes
No
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
Yes
No
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Yes
Yes
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
Yes
Yes
Handling noise reductionHandling noise reductionReduces noises related to hearing aid movement on the ear and noises related to hands or objects touching the hearing aid while worn.
Yes
No
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
No
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
Yes
No
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
No
Yes
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
48
48
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
Yes
No
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
Spatial Sound™: 4 estimators
No
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
Spatial Balancer: 60%
OpenSound Navigator™: On
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
Yes
Yes
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
SuddenSound Stabilizer: 2 Configurations
Transient Noise Management: On/Off
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Yes
Yes
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Yes
Yes
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Yes
Yes