Oticon Intent vs. Starkey Evolv AI
Check out our comparison of the Oticon Intent vs Starkey Evolv AI. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
HearingTracker Score
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 reviewThe Starkey Evolv AI is a sophisticated hearing aid that combines advanced hearing technology with wellness tracking features. Available in various styles and technology levels, it offers automatic adjustments, motion sensors for fall detection, and seamless connectivity with both iOS and Android devices, making it ideal for tech-savvy users looking for comprehensive hearing and health support.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Oticon Intent achieved a SoundScore of 4.8/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Starkey Evolv AI achieved a SoundScore of 3.9/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #30 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Build Quality
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.
Starkey Evolv AI RIC have a good overall build quality, as expected with a prescription device. However, they have a lower ingress rating of IP58 meaning they are not waterproof.
Battery
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.
Evolv AI RIC offer an impressive all-day 24-hour rechargeable battery life, with only a 3.5 hour recharge time. Disposable battery options are also available.
Bluetooth
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.
Evolv AI RIC hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
App Features
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.
The app isn't the most modern looking but it has nice features and is easy to use, though some users reported unreliable connections. You will also find other useful features such as health tracking and fall detection.
Comfort
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.
Evolv AI RIC are capable of excellent comfort which can be personalized by your hearing care provider.
Design
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.
Evolv hearing aids are modern and sleek, with options for different fittings and color choices to suit personal preferences.
Value
Oticon Intent has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Starkey Evolv AI has a value score of 3.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
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.
Evolv AI RIC hearing aids are user-friendly, but first-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.
Pro Support
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.
You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. Starkey also offers technical support and provides a Telehear remote services app, connecting your with your provider for remote care.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
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
Desktop Charger
Direct contact charger with magnets for secure device fitting.
Mini Turbo Charger
Charger
StarLink Remote Microphone ++5
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
CROS
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
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.
Phone Adapter 2.0
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.
Intent SmartCharger+1
A hearing aid charger for Oticon Intent hearing aids. Includes a power bank for charging on the go.
Remote Control 3.0
ConnectClip+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+2
App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.
Remote
Thrive App+3
Smartphone app that works with Livio AI hearing aids lets you make phone calls, control program settings, and view and manage health information collected by the hearing aids.
StarLink Mini Remote Microphone
The Starkey StarLink Mini Remote Microphone enables hearing aid wearers to focus on a single speaker, making it ideal for noisy environments or television listening. The microphone pairs once and then automatically recognizes the hearing aids, and pairing can be done either within or outside the fitting software. It has a range of up to 65 feet and streams audio for up to 10 hours on a full charge. Volume and other settings can be adjusted via the hearing aid mobile app or remote.
StarLink Table Microphone
The Table Microphone is placed on a table to improve hearing for speech in a group setting. It contains 8 built-in microphones and transmits sound via a 2.4Ghz wireless connection.
TV Adapter 3.0
Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.
StarLink TV Streamer+1
Plugs into analog or digital outputs and streams audio to select Starkey hearing aids.
Hardware
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Call accept/reject
- Tinnitus volume
- Airplane Mode
- Accept/end calls
- Play/Pause
- Voice assistant