The Oticon Intent brings meaningful updates to hearing aid technology, particularly for understanding speech in challenging listening situations. The Intent uses new processing technology that builds on research into how our brains recognize and process speech. When you're at a family dinner, attending a meeting, or out with friends, the hearing aids work to separate voices from background noise. The system recognizes and adapts to different sound environments - from quiet one-on-one conversations to busy social gatherings.
A key advancement is how the Intent handles sudden changes in your listening environment. For example, if you move from a quiet office to a busy break room, or from indoors to outdoors, the hearing aids quickly adjust their settings. This means less manual adjustment and more focus on what matters: joining the conversation.
The Intent builds on previous Oticon models but adds more refined sound processing. For many users, this means clearer speech understanding without the need to strain or constantly adjust settings as they move through their day.
Better Speech Understanding
The Intent uses an updated Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0) system alongside enhanced noise reduction technology. These work together to help you follow conversations more easily, especially in places like restaurants or group settings where background noise can make hearing difficult.
A stand-out feature is the new 4D sensor system. Think about times when you're walking and talking with someone, or moving from a quiet space to a noisy one - the Intent adapts its settings automatically based on your movement and environment to maintain clear sound.
Understanding Your Listening Needs
The Intent's Deep Neural Network technology reflects real-world listening situations. In our daily lives, we move through many different sound environments. You might start your morning in a quiet home, head to a busy coffee shop, spend time in meetings, and end your day at a restaurant with family. Each of these settings presents unique hearing challenges.
The Intent's sound processing adapts to these changing environments. For example, in a restaurant, the system works to reduce the clatter of dishes and background music while keeping speech clear. During outdoor activities, it can help reduce wind noise while maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
This adaptive technology means you spend less time thinking about your hearing and more time engaging in what's happening around you.
How It Processes Sound
Three key improvements help with understanding speech:
- Faster sound processing
- Better directional hearing across different sound frequencies
- Improved communication between the two hearing aids
These updates help you stay aware of sounds around you while focusing on conversations.
Design and Comfort
The Intent is more compact than previous Oticon models, though slightly thicker in profile. It uses a single button for control instead of the older rocker switch design. You can choose from nine matte colors, including a new sky blue option.
Practical Battery Life
The rechargeable system gives you:
- 20 hours of use from a 2-hour charge
- 16 hours from a 1-hour charge
- 8 hours from a 30-minute charge
- 4 hours from a quick 15-minute charge
The battery typically lasts 4-5 years before needing replacement. One note: battery replacement requires sending the devices to Oticon rather than having it done at our office.
Staying Connected
The Intent connects directly to newer iPhones (iPhone 11 and up) and Android phones. You can take hands-free calls on compatible devices, and the hearing aids are ready for future Auracast technology, which will allow direct audio streaming in public spaces like airports or theaters.
The Intent's connectivity features open up new possibilities for hearing in various situations. During video calls, audio streams directly to your hearing aids, making it easier to follow online meetings or virtual family gatherings. When watching TV, you can stream the audio directly to your hearing aids while family members listen at their preferred volume.
The Auracast-ready feature, while still emerging, shows promise for future applications. Imagine being at an airport and receiving gate announcements directly in your hearing aids, or attending a museum tour where the guide's commentary streams clearly to your devices. As more venues adopt this technology, the benefits will continue to grow.
For iPhone users, the hands-free calling feature means you can take calls without reaching for your phone - particularly useful when cooking, driving, or carrying items.
Different Models for Different Needs
The Intent comes in various receiver-in-canal (RIC) options with different power levels to match your specific hearing needs. There are four technology levels available, from Intent 1 (base level) to Intent 4 (premium), each offering different features to match varying needs and budgets.
Real-Life Benefits
Many users find they can:
- Follow conversations better in noisy places
- Maintain clear hearing while moving around
- Listen with less effort throughout the day
- Experience more natural sound
- Stay better connected to their surroundings
What to Consider
A few points to think about:
- The thicker design might take adjustment if you wear glasses
- The single-button control has a learning curve
- Some advanced features depend on venues having compatible systems
- Battery replacement means sending devices to the manufacturer
Who Might Benefit Most
The Intent could be particularly helpful if you:
- Struggle to hear in noisy settings
- Need better speech understanding while active
- Want rechargeable hearing aids
- Use smartphones regularly
- Have trouble hearing in public spaces
- Experience mild to severe hearing loss
Our Support
When you work with us, you receive:
- A thorough hearing evaluation
- Custom programming for your specific needs
- Regular check-ups
- Ongoing support and adjustments
- Help understanding and using all features
The Importance of Real Ear Measurement
Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a key part of our hearing aid fitting process for the Oticon Intent. This test measures the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum while wearing your hearing aids. Every ear canal is shaped differently - like a fingerprint - which affects how sound travels to your eardrum.
During REM testing, we place a tiny microphone in your ear canal while you wear your hearing aids. We then play various sounds and measure exactly what reaches your eardrum. This allows us to verify that your hearing aids are providing the right amount of sound across all frequencies based on your specific hearing loss and ear canal shape.
Without REM testing, hearing aid settings are based on averages rather than your specific needs. Research shows that hearing aids fitted without REM often provide too much or too little amplification in certain frequency ranges. By using REM, we can:
- Verify the hearing aids match your prescription
- Adjust for your unique ear canal acoustics
- Ensure consistent sound quality in both ears
- Make precise adjustments based on your feedback
- Document the performance of your hearing aids
We include REM testing as part of our standard fitting process because we believe in providing evidence-based, personalized care.
Investment in Your Hearing
While pricing varies based on technology level and features, we work with you to:
- Find the right technology level for your needs
- Explain insurance coverage
- Discuss payment options
- Make sure you get value from your investment
The Right Choice for You
The best hearing aid is the one that fits your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. We spend time understanding your daily listening situations, technology comfort level, and what matters most to you in a hearing aid.
The transition to wearing hearing aids is a journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way. The first few weeks with new hearing aids are crucial for adaptation. You might notice sounds you haven't heard in years - the rustle of papers, footsteps on carpet, or the hum of your refrigerator. These sounds are part of the rich listening environment that the Intent helps restore.
We work with you during this adjustment period, fine-tuning settings and addressing any concerns. Many users find that keeping a simple diary of their listening experiences helps us make better adjustments during follow-up visits. We can modify settings based on your specific experiences in different environments.
Regular check-ups help ensure your hearing aids continue to perform at their best. We recommend scheduling follow-up appointments to maintain optimal performance and address any changes in your hearing needs over time.
Schedule an appointment with our audiologist to learn if the Oticon Intent could help you hear better. We'll evaluate your hearing, demonstrate the technology, and help you make an informed decision about your hearing care.
