Oticon vs. Starkey
Oticon hearing aids offer a variety of advanced features, while Starkey has unique health and safety features like fall detection and step tracking.
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Not all hearing aids are made the same. That’s why it’s essential first to know what you’re looking for in a hearing aid, then compare what different companies offer. To start you off on your search, we’ll compare two of the industry’s leading providers: Oticon and Starkey. Both providers have been in the hearing aid business for decades and have quality products on the market. Starkey is known for its unique hearing aids with health and wellness features like fall detection and step tracking. On the other hand, Oticon has an extensive lineup of high-tech hearing aids that are a great choice for first-time hearing aid users. Let’s take a look at how they measure up.
An Introduction to Starkey
- U.S.-based industry leader
- Unique health and wellness features
- Industry’s first hearing aids with fall detection
An Introduction to Oticon
- High-tech BrainHearing approach
- Our pick for first-time hearing aid users
- Extensive product lineup with various models and price points
Oticon vs. Starkey: How Do They Stack Up?
Starkey
Starkey, one of the largest hearing aid companies founded in the U.S., has always been an “envelope pusher” in custom hearing aids. They were the first provider to offer advanced health and safety features like fall detection and activity tracking built into their hearing aids.
Testing out Starkey hearing aids
Oticon
Oticon also has an impressive line of hearing aids and accessories. Their Opn S line is Bluetooth-enabled, which allows direct streaming of phone calls and audio signals. They offer the ConnectClip for those with incompatible mobile devices, which combines a Bluetooth Rebroadcaster and remote directional microphone. Their BrainHearing approach aims to make all sounds audible so the brain can filter them out.
Testing out Oticon hearing aids
Starkey and Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon and Starkey both offer a full range of hearing aids with styles ranging from invisible in canal (IIC) to behind the ear (BTE), along with a lineup of add-on equipment and features that include products like remote microphones, TV streamers, and smartphone apps.
Starkey Hearing Aids
Oticon’s Opn S system relies on the premise of BrainHearing technology. In my clinical experience, this works very well for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. It offers minimal difficulty in background noise, which affects the majority of first-time hearing aid users.
Starkey’s Livio hearing aids combine “wearable” consumer technology features like activity tracking and fall detection. These are great for active seniors who want to stay at the top of their game and older adults who are more at risk for falls. Family members and caregivers will be alerted if they experience a fall, ensuring that help will be sent immediately.
One of my friend's Oticon hearing aids
Oticon and Starkey Comparison Table
|
|
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|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth capability | Yes (phone, TV) | Yes (phone, TV) |
| Tinnitus support help | Yes | Yes |
| Customer service | Online FAQ, 1-800 number, email | Online FAQ, 1-800 number, email |
| Accompanying App | Yes | Yes |
| Website |
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Oticon vs. Starkey Pricing
You’ll need to make an appointment with a local hearing specialist who sells Oticon or Starkey hearing aids to purchase your devices. Because prices vary by several factors, including location, features, device style, and your unique needs, it’s best to talk with your hearing specialist for an accurate quote. Oticon and Starkey don’t currently list their prices online. We’d recommend reading through our senior guide to hearing aids for more information on visiting a hearing specialist and purchasing your devices.
FYI: Concerned about the cost of hearing aids? There are plenty of ways for older adults to get free or low-cost hearing aids through certain organizations or programs.
Wrapping Things Up
Starkey has an extensive line of hearing aids that are easy to choose from because it divides them into specific hearing needs. Starkey started and remains in middle America and has grown from a small family business for those who prefer American companies. They are the first to combine a hearing aid with health, safety, and wellness features. If Starkey sounds like the right provider for you, look at our hands-on Starkey review for more information.
Oticon, one of the elder statesmen of hearing aids, continues to innovate with their BrainHearing technology. For those just entering the hearing aid space, these provide a convenient, “hands-off” way to get back into the swing of things while providing enough flexibility for audiologists to make adjustments if your hearing or listening needs change. Are you interested in Oticon hearing aids? Our in-depth review of Oticon hearing aids offers even more details on the provider.
Want to learn more about both of these providers and how they compare to other leading brands? Watch our video below.
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