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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.

Score
4.4
Oticon Intent 1 miniRITE R
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Oticon

Intent 1 miniRITE R

SoundScore 4.7/5
$4,598 per pair
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Score
4.2
Starkey Evolv AI RIC R 2400
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Starkey

Evolv AI RIC R 2400

SoundScore 4.1/5
$2,798 per pair
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Intent
$4,598 per pair
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Evolv AI
$2,798 per pair
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Product Overview

Intent
Evolv AI
Form Factor
Form 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.
Form 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
4.4
Score
4.2
User Rating
3.711 reviews
4.314 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.
MildModerateSevere
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP58

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Intent
Evolv AI

HearingTracker Score

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.

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Evolv AI
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

The 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.

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HearAdvisor SoundScore

Intent
4.7EXCELLENT

Oticon Intent achieved a SoundScore of 4.7/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #1 of 36 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Evolv AI
4.1ABOVE AVERAGE

Starkey Evolv AI achieved a SoundScore of 4.1/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #15 of 36 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Build Quality

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.

Evolv AI
4.6EXCELLENT

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

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.

Evolv AI
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

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

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.

Evolv AI
5.0EXCELLENT

Evolv AI RIC hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.

App Features

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.

Evolv AI
4.5EXCELLENT

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

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.

Evolv AI
4.7EXCELLENT

Evolv AI RIC are capable of excellent comfort which can be personalized by your hearing care provider.

Design

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.

Evolv AI
4.7EXCELLENT

Evolv hearing aids are modern and sleek, with options for different fittings and color choices to suit personal preferences.

Value

Intent
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

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

Evolv AI
3.0BELOW AVERAGE

Starkey Evolv AI has a value score of 3.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

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.

Evolv AI
4.5EXCELLENT

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

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.

Evolv AI
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

Intent
Evolv AI
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Intent
Evolv AI
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Intent
Evolv AI
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Intent
Evolv AI

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

Intent
Evolv AI
Battery Charger

Desktop Charger

Direct contact charger with magnets for secure device fitting.

Mini Turbo Charger

Charger

Bluetooth Streamer
None

StarLink Remote Microphone ++5

Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.

CROS System

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.

None
Landline to Streaming

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.

None
Power Pack

Intent SmartCharger+1

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

None
Remote Control

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.

Remote Microphone
None

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 Streamer

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

Intent
Evolv AI
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)
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)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP58
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
No
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
  • Play/Pause
  • Voice assistant
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

Intent
Evolv AI
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
No
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: 12 dB / 6 dBNeural Noise SuppressionThe Deep Neural Network is part of MoreSound Intelligence™, which gives precise analysis and balancing of the full sound scene.
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.
Better-Ear PriorityBetter-Ear PrioritySome 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.
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
Directional ProcessingDirectional ProcessingDepending 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.24E2E DirectionalityE2E DirectionalityDepending 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.
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: 3 configurationsVirtual Outer EarThree realistic models of the ear pinna to provide better spatial balance.
No
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Environment ManagerEnvironment ManagerThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
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.
Clear DynamicsClear DynamicsClear Dynamics expands the input dynamic range, processing input sounds up to 113 dB SPL, to provide better sound quality without distortion and artifact at loud input levels, while still keeping the sound quality of soft input levels intact. Clear Dynamics has an operating range from 5 to 113 dB SPL. With speech cues preserved at high input levels, users enjoy a better listening experience without distortion even in loud environments. Clear Dynamics is especially valuable for users when listening to music or in conversations in busy, dynamic environments, where peaks can often be louder than the available input dynamic range.
No
Fall DetectionFall DetectionUsing embedded sensors, this hearing aid may detect falls and alert caregivers. Mobile app may be required.
No
Fall AlertFall AlertWhen a fall is detected by the system, an audio prompt asks the user if they have fallen. If the hearing aid user elects to send the Fall Alert message to his/her contacts, they receive confirmation when each contact has been successfully reached.
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.
Feedback ShieldFeedback ShieldEmploys an ultra-fast and effective feedback management system that prevents feedback without compromising sound quality or audibility.MoreSound Optimizer™MoreSound Optimizer™MoreSound Optimizer (MSO) and Feedback shield work together to counteract acoustic feedback from the receiver to the microphone to prevent audible feedback and gain reductions.
Feedback ControlFeedback ControlBest-in-class comprehensive feedback management system.
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.
Speech Rescue™Speech Rescue™Makes high frequency sounds more audible
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.
Wind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling Stabilizer detects and filters wind and handling noises 500 times per second. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, preventing disruptive sound from entering the system. It then attenuates remaining wind and handling noises from the other microphone efficiently and only in the frequencies affected by the noise. This provides a cleaner sound for further processing in MSI 3.0, helping hearing aid users go about their day in comfort.Also covers Wind Noise Reduction
No
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
No
Machine LearningMachine LearningThis hearing aid employs machine learning to bring a higher degree of computer-aided intelligence to decision making.
No
Yes
Machine Noise ReductionMachine Noise ReductionNoise reduction for loud machine noise.
No
E2E Machine Noise Adaptation: 4 optionsE2E Machine Noise AdaptationDescription not easily accessible
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.
Adaptation ManagementAdaptation ManagementAdapts in 3 steps for gradual user acclimatization to a new hearing aid
No
Phone in StereoPhone in StereoThis feature allows input from a phone presented to one hearing aid to be transmitted to both hearing aids at the same time, improving speech understanding.
No
E2E Phone StreamingE2E Phone StreamingThis feature allows input from a phone presented to one hearing aid to be transmitted to both hearing aids at the same time, improving speech understanding.
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.
64
Sound Imaging: 24Sound ImagingThese 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.
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
Soft Speech BoosterSoft Speech BoosterImproves soft speech understanding without turning up the volume.
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 estimatorsSpatial Sound™Improves ability to locate the most interesting sounds.
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: 100%Spatial BalancerSpatial Balancer increases the SNR by suppressing individual noise sources, placing them in the background and thereby creating a balanced sound scene.
Noise Control: 4 levelsNoise Control50% reduction in dynamic noise, compared to previous [Starkey] noise management algorithms, providing better clarity in noise and identifying voices in babble.
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
Power bassPower bassBoosts bass when streaming.
No
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: 6 ConfigurationsSuddenSound StabilizerSuddenSound Stabilizer monitors the sound environment and instantly adapts amplification to keep both soft and loud sudden sounds available, balanced, and comfortable.
No
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.
Tinnitus SoundSupport™Tinnitus SoundSupport™Select from a wide range of customizable tinnitus relief sounds that are dynamic, yet soothing — including broadband sounds (white, pink and red noise) and natural, ocean-like sounds.
Multiflex Tinnitus ProMultiflex Tinnitus ProMultiflex Tinnitus Pro provides the next generation of tinnitus sound therapy for Edge AI hearing aids.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Environment classifierEnvironment classifierAllows clinician to determine where you need hearing help in your daily life.5 configurationsMoreSound Amplifier 3.0MoreSound Amplifier 3.0Sound processing occurs in an adaptive path setup that gives priority to resolution or speed, based on the current sound scene. Including SuddenSound Stabilizer that provides instant and balanced amplification of both soft and loud sudden sounds.MoreSound Intelligence 3.0MoreSound Intelligence 3.0Prevents wind and handling noise from entering the processing in the hearing aid for more comfort and better access to speech. Uses 4D Sensor technology to create a clearer and more distinct contrast between sounds, precisely organizing the spatial sound scene, and intelligently suppressing unwanted noise through the second-generation Deep Neural Network 2.0.Level 1Sound EnhancerSound EnhancerDynamic gain primarily for speech, given in complex environments.3 configurations
Edge ModeEdge ModeEdge Mode is an on-demand adaptation feature that is designed to optimize clarity and comfort when it's engaged. Whenever Edge Mode is engaged, either via a double-tap gesture or a short press of the user control, it will automatically adapt to instantaneously optimize that comfort and clarity for any listening environment.MaximumSpeech OptimizationSpeech OptimizationHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.24Voice AIVoice AIThis is a feature that uses the microphone on the phone to pick up the conversation partners voice, combined with a DNN speech enhancement algorithm to provide patients with more significant hearing loss a better experience in noise.
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.
Wind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling StabilizerWind & Handling Stabilizer detects and filters wind and handling noises 500 times per second. It selects the microphone with the cleanest sound input, preventing disruptive sound from entering the system. It then attenuates remaining wind and handling noises from the other microphone efficiently and only in the frequencies affected by the noise. This provides a cleaner sound for further processing in MSI 3.0, helping hearing aid users go about their day in comfort.Also covers Handling noise reduction
E2E Wind Noise Management: 4 optionsE2E Wind Noise ManagementNoise reduction algorithm designed to provide supreme comfort for wind noise.