Otofonix Hearing Aid Reviews

Not technically a hearing aid, but they can still help you hear

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SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.3 of 5
Questions? Speak with a Otofonix Specialist:
(704) 459-5880
$250 Starting Price (Per Ear)
25 Years Industry Experience
$9.99/mo Protection Plan
45-Day Free Trial

SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.

SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.3 of 5
Questions? Speak with a Otofonix Specialist:
(704) 459-5880
Jeff Hoyt Brad Ingrao
Jeff Hoyt, Editor in Chief Dr. Brad Ingrao, Audiologist

In 2009, the FDA created a class of electronic devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs). These devices “are intended to amplify environmental sound for non-hearing impaired consumers.” The original products available in this class were very basic. However, over the years, the technical specs and developments of these products have made them true over-the-counter hearing aids.

I recently had the opportunity to review the Sona, the highest technology hearing aid from Otofonix. This company was founded by a retired Otolaryngologist (ENT) who wanted to provide more affordable options for people with hearing loss. In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about these devices, including costs, features, mobile apps, and how they stack up to the competition

What’s New With Otofonix:

What’s New With Otofonix: Otofonix is currently running a major sale on all of their devices. You can save up to 74 percent with this deal!

How Does Otofonix Compare?

Otofonix may not be the most well-known hearing aid brands, but it still offers competitive prices and products that are on par with most other OTC providers. However, if you are not impressed with what Otofonix has to offer or just want to see what else is out there, you still have plenty of other great options. Check out the best OTC hearing aids we have reviewed below.

We may receive compensation from the brands listed here. The compensation we receive from our partners impacts the products and services shown here, but it does not impact our ratings in any way. Our ratings are chosen through comprehensive research, clear methodologies, hands-on testing, and input from our team of experts.
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.8 of 5
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.7 of 5
Call for best price: Call to Order: (800) 422-9380
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.3 of 5
Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-922-3431

Unboxing the Otofonix Devices

I was quite impressed with the overall build quality and packaging of Otofonix’s devices. The Sona fits into the slim tube behind-the-ear (BTE) category of hearing devices. This means that the electronics sit just behind the ear, and the amplified sound travels down a small, thin tube to a silicone “dome” in the ear canal. It’s important to note that Otofonix currently only offers BTE devices, so if you’re leaning towards an in-the-ear over-the-counter hearing aid, I’d recommend considering Eargo’s three in-the-ear devices. They are all small, discreet, and similar in price to Otofonix.

We’ll take a look at my unboxing experience with Otofonix below.

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip: To learn more about the different styles of hearing aids from behind-the-ear to in-the-canal, visit our 2024 hearing aid buyers guide.

Unboxing the Otofonix Hearing Amplifier
Otofonix Packaging Inside the Otofonix Box
Unboxing the Otofonix Hearing Aids Otofonix Hearing Aids

Pricing and Features for Otofonix Products

The Sona uses a #13 Zinc-Air battery and is comparable in size and build quality to most mid-level devices from leading hearing aid manufacturers. The Sona costs $1,490 per pair. For comparison, Otofonix prices fall right into the mid-tier price range for the market. There are a few cheaper options out there, including MDHearing, which offers BTE and in-ear models for just a few hundred dollars per pair. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, check out our MDHearing pricing guide.

Still, Otofonix is more affordable than most premium hearing aids I’ve reviewed. For example, Phonak’s costs or Resound’s prices for top-tier devices can cost up to $7,000 per pair.

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip: Check out our list of this year’s best hearing aids to compare Otofonix to other top options.

The Sona’s key features include Bluetooth compatibility, “adaptive” technology, and what they call customized hearing. These features will come in handy for seniors who want a device that can be controlled and adjusted from your phone.

After unboxing the devices, I installed the smartphone app and ran through the app-based hearing test, which is delivered through the hearing aids. I like this “in-situ” test because it takes the patient’s ear canal acoustics into account when testing. If you have results from a recent standard audiogram, you can also input them into the app.

The app provides a nice interface to adjust volume and select between the four preset programs (Conversation, Restaurant, Traffic, and Outdoor). These programs are designed to address the needs of the average user as they move throughout their day. Below are screen captures I took while using the app. Overall, I found that the app was straightforward, and my test results were easy to interpret.

Using the Otofonix App
Otofonix App - Input Audiogram Otofonix App - Fitting
Otofonix App - Volume Control Otofonix App - Sound Adjustment

Overall, the Sona is best for those with mild or moderate hearing loss and users who want a BTE device with advanced OTC features.

In addition to the Sona, Otofonix offers the Groove ($1,590 per pair), the Helix ($1,390 per pair), the Encore ($790 per pair), the Elite ($790 per pair), and the Apex ($496 per pair). All models have directional microphones, noise reduction, and digital sound processors. The Encore and Helix models have a telecoil that allows users to access hearing loops and other inductance systems, making them best for those who enjoy events in venues like concerts or movies at the theater.

Otofonix Models

The Elite

Elite

The Apex

Apex

Encore from Otofonix

Encore

The Helix

Helix

Warranty, Returns, and Customer Service

All Otofonix devices have a one-year warranty and a 45-day money-back return option. Hearing aids typically take some getting used to, so it’s nice to have the warranty and return window. This is pretty average for the industry; however, a few OTC providers offer more extensive coverage. For example, Jabra Enhance has a three-year warranty and 100-day free trial. You can check out our Jabra Enhance review to learn more.

The Otofonix website provides a comprehensive FAQ page and a nice collection of captioned videos that address potential customers’ most common problems and questions. Users can purchase replacement domes, tubes, and batteries on their website as well.

Otofonix offers an additional one or two-year protection plan for $119 or $178 up front, respectively, covering damages, but I could not see any coverage for loss on their site. This may not be a deal-breaker, but is something to consider, especially if you’re known for misplacing your devices. No judgment here; we’ve all been there!

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Final Thoughts on Otofonix

At the end of the day, Otofonix is worth a look, assuming you keep your expectations in line with what the product offers. I also see Otofonix as a great “gateway” device to give the right person a positive value experience with simple hearing improvement who will then “upgrade” to a more advanced hearing aid as they get back out into the world.

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Written By:
Dr. Brad Ingrao
Audiologist
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known… Learn More About Dr. Brad Ingrao
Reviewed By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt