Oticon Intent: Audiologist and Lab Testing with Real-World User Comments

Intent is the latest flagship hearing aid from Oticon, the world's second-largest manufacturer of hearing aids. Launched in February 2024, Intent impressed us with its exceptional performance during testing in the HearAdvisor lab with a 4.9 out of 5 tuned score (i.e., after adjustments from an audiologist) and a 4.4 HearingTracker score for overall features that include factors like battery life, comfort, and design.

Intent features a fully redesigned exterior and a new processing chip, which Oticon claims enhances speech clarity in background noise through improved Deep Neural Network ("DNN 2.0") technology. It also includes More Sound Intelligence 3.0 for better noise reduction and introduces 4D sensor technology for adaptive sound settings based on the wearer's movement and environment, aiming for improved speech comprehension.

Below, we'll take a look at the audiological features, review HearAdvisor performance scores, and present some first-hand impressions of Oticon Intent hearing aids from co-author Jon Douglas, AuD, an audiologist who has a hearing loss and has recently spent time wearing these hearing aids.

New design and comfort

Oticon Intent introduces a refreshed design, marking the first major design overhaul of Oticon's receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids in three product generations. This model boasts a compact form, making it Oticon's smallest Bluetooth RIC hearing aid to date. Despite its slightly bulkier profile compared to previous models, the design aims for cosmetic discretion and comfort.

Removing the rocker switch in favor of a single button is a notable change, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use. However, we like rocker switches and are not big fans of this particular change. The availability of 9 matte colors, including a new sky blue, allows for personalization while maintaining a low profile.

Although the new design is a little bulkier, we found it comfortable to wear with glasses. The redesign means Intent doesn't fit into the previous-generation Smart Charger used for Oticon Real or Opn hearing aids; instead, Oticon has introduced a new charger just for Intent (detailed below).

Lab-tested performance: What our testing and ratings indicate

Overall, our lab data and analysis indicate that Oticon Intent is one of the best-performing hearing aids on the market today. As noted above, HearAdvisor lab testing of the Intent miniRITE (in the top-tier technology Level 1) by Dr. Steve Taddei, AuD, resulted in an overall SoundScore of 4.9 out of 5 when tuned by an audiologist using best practices, earning it a 2025 Expert Choice Award.

The HearAdvisor result summary states: "Oticon Intent performed above average on speech in quiet, well above average on speech in noise, above average on feedback handling, below average on occlusion results, and well above average on music streaming quality. The overall fit score in the tuned condition for the Oticon Intent was well above average.”

In the table above, the “Initial Fit” represents the lab score achieved using only the "first-fit” programming software without further adjustments to the hearing aids by the provider. The “Tuned Fit” represents the best fitting possible when an audiologist uses real-ear measurement (REM) and other established best practices to maximize hearing aid benefit. As with most hearing aids, this demonstrates that professional adjustments can substantially improve performance, particularly in quiet and noisy environments.

The overall weighted test SoundScores for the Tuned and Initial Fit were 4.9 and 4.6, respectively, making Intent the second-best prescription hearing aid tested by HearAdvisor to date, just behind Phonak's Audéo Infinio Sphere. (Interested readers can learn more about HearAdvisor's testing and protocols on its Scientific Hearing Aid Evaluation webpage.)

It’s important to note that HearAdvisor testing currently focuses on moderate hearing loss. Testing inside a lab can be different from what you may experience in real life. Also, different configurations of hearing devices—including combinations of rubber domes or custom earmolds—can cause performance to vary widely.

HearingTracker also ranks hearing aids based on other factors besides the SoundScore, including battery life, comfort, design, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Again, Oticon Intent achieved an exceptional score of 4.4 on a 5-point scale. For more details, please see the "HearingTracker Score" section at the bottom of this page.

Significantly improved speech clarity and music streaming

Oticon redeemed themselves with the introduction of Intent in terms of sound quality and audio streaming.

Historically, Oticon hearing aids have done a great job in transitioning between quiet and noisy sound environments using the automatic program in the hearing aid app's general settings (although, again, this is dependent on a skilled provider tailoring the device for your unique needs). Some competing hearing aids, like Phonak Lumity 90, which is priced about the same as Intent, might provide for more fine-tuning, but Intent is very good at automatically adapting to your listening environment.

Here are some of Jon's observations from wearing Intent:

Listening to conversations has definitely improved with Intent compared to the previous-generation Oticon Real. I noticed right away that I was receiving the /s/ sounds clearer with Oticon Intent than with Real. I also noticed that the sound quality was rounded out, which I attribute to the bass boost and the fact that I was wearing custom earmolds (which Matthew and I highly recommend that you discuss with your provider).

However, I also noticed that I couldn’t hear as well from the sides or behind me. For example, it was harder to understand my wife in the car when I was driving. Upon further investigation, there is an easy adjustment that can be made in the office to solve this problem: In the programming software, I changed the Virtual Outer Ear to “Aware” instead of “Balanced”. This setting allows the listener to be more aware of sounds in the environment in quieter (easy) listening situations.

In the clinic, we've noted that patients say Intent offers better speech clarity than Oticon Real or Oticon Own, but the difference isn't always enough for them to justify purchasing the newer set of hearing aids (remember, Oticon Real and Own were introduced in 2023 and 2022, respectively).

Although the older Real hearing aids have decent sound quality when playing music from your phone, if you increase the volume, you'll quickly notice distortion. In fact, I couldn't listen to some of the music I liked when played loudly on Real hearing aids. In contrast, Intent allows you to listen at higher volumes (but conserve your ears, please!). Granted, it's not up to the same standards as top-notch hi-fi headphones (particularly in bass frequencies), but it's good.

Jon tested out Intent listening to "So what" by legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. When listening to Apple Music using Beats headphones, the audio plays in Dolby Atmos, creating a surround sound experience. When switching to hearing aids, it automatically changed to lossless audio, a format focused on preserving sound quality but without the same spatial effects as Dolby Atmos; with the hearing aids, the solo was distinctly positioned in the left ear rather than feeling immersive throughout the entire listening space with Beats. However, when listening to the same song on vinyl and using Intent's MyMusic program, the sound felt much more open and natural, especially when compared to the default or main hearing aid program. In other words, the MyMusic program significantly improves the music listening experience.

Advanced AI technology in new processing chip

Oticon's commitment to innovation is evident in the Intent's internal features, powered by the new Sirius chip. This upgrade enhances the hearing aid's ability to provide clearer speech in noisy environments through advancements in Deep Neural Network technology (DNN 2.0) and Oticon's MoreSound Intelligence 3.0.

A form of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Oticon's original DNN technology was built using enriched learning from over 12 million sound inputs during its training phase. The new DNN 2.0 expands on this number and includes even more diverse listening situations. The overall goal is to allow the hearing aid to work similarly to the brain, enabling more accurate representations of sound and better access to speech in noisy situations.

According to Oticon, MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 offers up to 12 dB noise suppression, improving your ability to engage in conversations in challenging settings. Oticon claims that these features can result in accessing 35% more speech cues, offering a significant boost in clarity and conversation quality.

It might be worth noting that Oticon has integrated its DNN system inside the Sirius chip, similar to how Starkey Edge AI has an integrated DNN system. Starkey maintains that this integration can be advantageous relative to fast processing, battery life, and other factors. In contrast, both Phonak Infinio Sphere and ReSound Vivia have separate dedicated chips that do their DNN processing. Is this really a significant difference? At this time, HearingTracker doesn't really have any data to prove it one way or another.

New 4D Sensor technology

A standout feature of the Oticon Intent is its 4D Sensor technology. Oticon claims this innovation makes Intent the world's first hearing aid to adapt settings based on conversational activity, head and body movement, and environmental noise. This technology promises to enhance speech comprehension by 15% in dynamic environments, such as restaurants, by tailoring the hearing aid's response to the wearer's specific needs in different scenarios.

People's hearing needs are not always the same, even when they're in the same room. Intent is built to recognize the unique and diverse listening needs of individual users, moment by moment. Oticon says the 4D Sensor technology allows Oticon Intent to recognize when a user’s listening needs change and adapt accordingly, providing greater access to the sounds and speech in a full, 360º sound environment.

Enhanced Connectivity

Addressing past challenges with wireless connectivity, Oticon has also overhauled this aspect of its hearing aids in Intent. Users of Intent can enjoy direct Bluetooth streaming and hands-free communication via iOS devices (iPhone 11 or later) and compatible Android™ phones and tablets (Android 10 or later), and Windows PCs. (You can check your phone or tablet's compatibility with Intent on the company's Compatibility page).

Seamless connection between Bluetooth devices has not been Oticon's strong suit. If you're a someone who is constantly switching between a laptop, phone, tablet, etc., for audio streaming, you may still be inconvenienced by having to turn one device off and then the other back on when using Intent.

However, Oticon did position Intent on the vanguard of the Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aid movement, along with several of its competitors. We think the introduction of Auracast-ready technology is a game-changer, promising a future where sound from public announcements or performances can be streamed directly to your hearing aids. Intent will be able to receive these transmissions pending a firmware update from Oticon. Because it may take time for public venues to adopt this technology, Intent also features a built-in telecoil, ensuring you can benefit from improved sound quality in equipped spaces today.

Controls for Oticon Intent

You can control Oticon Intent using the onboard push button, tap controls, and via the app. In Jon's experience using an iPhone, the Oticon Companion App connected to the Intent hearing aids in about 11-15 seconds, and there were no problems reconnecting to the phone if you walked out of range from the phone. When you're not connected to the phone, the app still works fine, but it doesn't record your wearing time in the HearingFitness feature, a useful part of the app that allows you to set goals like the amount of time you wear the hearing aids each day.

Along with using the app and the onboard push-button, you can also answer phone calls by tapping twice on your hearing aids; you end calls the same way. But beware: Jon accidentally hung up on his wife when he scratched his head near the hearing aids and again by putting the phone next to his ear (so other people knew he was on the phone). While they can be very handy, the tap controls of all hearing aids require some practice if you want to master them; in fact, some people prefer to turn tap controls off.

Rechargeability improvements

Oticon Intent also brings improvements in rechargeability. A full charge of only 2 hours can now provide you with 20 hours of hearing aid use, while a 1-hour charge gives you 16 hours. If you're in a pinch or forgot to recharge your aids, a quick supercharge of just 15 or 30 minutes will provide you with 4 and 8 hours of use, respectively.

Jon took some detailed notes regarding wear times over a span of a week and his average wearing time was 16 hours 20 minutes. The lowest battery life remaining was 32% over a 10-day period; that was the day he wore the hearing aids for 17 hours, including 2 hours of streaming. On average, he had 40% battery life remaining when he placed the hearing aids in the charger at the end of the day. This shows Intent can easily provide a full day's use for most people, assuming you remember to put them in the charger every night.

This is also important relative to the practical longevity of the hearing aid. Like cell phones, lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids generally have a shorter practical lifespan of 3-5 years because, like your cell phone, the lithium-ion battery's capacity degrades as the years pass. So, having a decent leeway of 40% more power at the end of the day should provide some "cushion” as the batteries lose their efficiency over the years.

However, a notable negative change for Intent is the inability to replace its rechargeable batteries on-site at a hearing clinic. This was an industry-unique convenience that was afforded in Oticon Real and Opn—and greatly appreciated by hearing providers and consumers alike. This change means you may have to do without your hearing aids for a week or two or use a loaner if they are sent to the manufacturer for battery replacement (note that it's the same for almost all other rechargeable hearing aids, too). The company asserts that the new battery technology should last 4 to 5 years, aiming to mitigate concerns over longevity and refurbishment.

Observations on Intent when used in various listening situations

Jon noted the performance of Oticon Intent in some specific situations that can be very challenging for any hearing aids.

• Windy day at the park with my son: I didn’t notice much wind noise. I also appreciated that I set the hearing aids to Aware. This made me feel like I could hear more sounds of nature: wind in the leaves, birds singing, etc. It made me feel not as closed off to what’s around me.
• Dinner at a noisy restaurant: I was able to follow about 95% of the conversation. I turned on the Speech Booster feature in the app, and this did provide some improvements and helped reduce the background noise substantially.
• Monster jam: This was loud! The hearing aids didn’t distort the sound, and I didn't feel like I needed to turn down the hearing aids. The default (i.e., maximum power output) settings worked well to protect my hearing. Note that I didn’t listen with the hearing aids after I realized my sound level meter app displayed levels of about 100 dB. This prompted me to put on my custom musician earplugs.
• Daughter’s color guard performance in a large, reverberant gymnasium: It was still hard to understand lyrics in the music—but that’s expected based on the acoustics of the gym. I didn’t have trouble understanding the speech of the people sitting next to me. I used the app's MyMusic for the performances and the Speech Booster during the breaks.
• Very loud constant fan: We had some water damage in the bathroom just off our main bedroom. Because of this, we had a loud fan drying out this room, making it difficult to hear the TV. Too much noise reduction in hearing aids can lead to the masking of high frequencies. Without Intent's noise reduction, sounds were muffled; I couldn’t understand the TV. Although turning on Intent's noise reduction didn't result in the dramatic effect I'd hoped for, some sound clarity from the TV returned, which means I had the ability to hear some of those higher frequencies. I turned on the Speech Enhancer in the app and increased the volume by 2, which provided additional benefit for TV listening in this situation.

Suitability and Technology Levels

The Oticon Intent is designed to accommodate a wide range of hearing losses, offering interchangeable receivers to match different levels of hearing impairment. With four technology levels available, from Intent 1 to Intent 4 (with 1 being the most advanced tier), users can select the option that best meets their needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Oticon Intent is an excellent hearing aid. Its innovative design, enhanced speech clarity, groundbreaking sensor technology, improved connectivity, and rechargeability make it a noteworthy contender for those seeking the latest in hearing support.