Why Oticon Intent Stands Out Among the Latest Hearing Aids

At Audiologic Solutions, we've witnessed remarkable advancements in hearing aid technology over the years. The 2025 premium hearing aid landscape offers unprecedented features to address various hearing needs. While we proudly offer multiple leading brands, each with their unique strengths, we want to help you understand how they compare and why the Oticon Intent has particularly impressed our audiologists.

The Latest Technology Across Premium Brands

Oticon Intent: Understanding Your Listening Intentions

The Oticon Intent represents a significant leap forward with its 4D Sensor technology that adapts to each user's unique listening needs. These sensors monitor conversation activity, head movement, body movement, and the acoustic environment, allowing the hearing aid to recognize when your needs change and adjust accordingly.

This technology can improve speech comprehension by up to 15%, helping you balance your attention toward the sounds you intend to listen to. The Intent is powered by a second-generation Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0), trained using a greater diversity of complex sound scenes, enabling better access to soft speech sounds in noisy environments.

MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 offers up to 12 dB noise suppression, providing 35% more access to speech cues compared to Oticon's preceding premium models. The Intent is also Oticon's smallest, most discreet rechargeable miniRITE style, featuring both a telecoil and a large battery that provides up to 20 hours of use on a full charge.

Phonak Infinio: Dual-Chip Architecture

Phonak Infinio introduces groundbreaking features through its dual-chip architecture in the premium Audéo Infinio Sphere model. This system utilizes two separate computer chips: the ERA Chip for core sound processing and connectivity, and the DEEPSONIC Chip dedicated to real-time AI processing for speech-in-noise separation.

The AutoSense OS 6.0 adaptive operating system automatically adjusts settings based on the listening environment. The Spheric Speech Clarity technology offers up to 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement, utilizing 53 times more processing power than previous models. It's been trained with 22 million sound samples and is capable of 7,700 million operations per second.

Infinio provides up to 16-18 hours of battery life on a full charge and features multiple charging options, including quick charge capabilities that provide 3 hours of use after just 15 minutes of charging.

ReSound Vivia: AI-Driven Performance

ReSound Vivia combines GN's 360-degree natural hearing approach with a Deep Neural Network for improved speech clarity in noisy environments. Its on-board dual-chip AI technology mirrors the brain's natural way of processing sound, while the Intelligent Focus feature prioritizes sounds based on the direction you're looking.

According to GN, Vivia's DNN has been trained on 13.5 million spoken sentences in various languages, with varied vocal effort across 3.9 million tuned sound parameters. Internal research suggests that 64% of users experience better speech comprehension in noise with ReSound Vivia compared to other AI-assisted hearing aids.

Vivia provides up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, or about 20 hours with Intelligent Focus and streaming combined. It's available in several models, including the microRIE (rechargeable) and two disposable-battery options.

Starkey Edge AI: Processing Sound at the Speed of Subconsciousness

Starkey Edge AI features the new G2 Neuro Processor with a fully integrated neural processing unit (NPU) that classifies complex soundscapes, enhances speech, and reduces noise in real-time. Its Neuro Sound Technology 2.0 mimics how a normal brain processes information, incorporating acoustic information, motion, and listening intent.

Edge AI maintains impressive 51-hour battery life while being 30% more accurate at identifying speech and offering 6dB reduction in low-level noise. It integrates the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio streaming protocol, which consumes less power and delivers next-generation connectivity standards, including being Auracast ready.

When combined with the My Starkey app, Edge AI offers control center capabilities for hearing aids (now with Apple Watch compatibility), convenience features including TeleHear sessions, and benefits beyond better hearing such as a self-guided balance assessment exercise.

Key Differentiating Features

Processing Power and AI Integration

All major brands have embraced artificial intelligence, but they implement it differently:

• Oticon Intent: Uses 4D Sensor technology to understand listening intentions, with its DNN 2.0 providing more natural sound representation.
• Phonak Infinio: Employs dual-chip architecture with dedicated AI processing for speech-in-noise separation.
• ReSound Vivia: Utilizes dual-chip AI technology trained on millions of sound samples to prioritize speech based on where you're looking.
• Starkey Edge AI: Features a G2 Neuro Processor that processes sound at what they call "the speed of subconsciousness."

Sound Quality and Speech Understanding

Each manufacturer approaches sound quality with unique technologies:

• Oticon Intent: MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 offers 35% more access to speech cues with up to 12 dB noise suppression.
• Phonak Infinio: Spheric Speech Clarity provides up to 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement.
• ReSound Vivia: Intelligent Focus prioritizes sounds based on the direction you're looking, with 64% of users reporting better speech comprehension in noise.
• Starkey Edge AI: 30% more accurate at identifying speech with 6dB reduction in low-level noise.

Battery Life and Rechargeability

Battery performance varies significantly:

• Oticon Intent: Up to 20 hours of battery life on a full charge.
• Phonak Infinio: 16-18 hours of use on a full charge with quick charge options.
• ReSound Vivia: Up to 30 hours of battery life, or 20 hours with Intelligent Focus and streaming.
• Starkey Edge AI: Impressive 51-hour battery life, even when streaming.

Connectivity Options

All premium models offer advanced connectivity:

• Oticon Intent: Supports Bluetooth LE Audio for direct streaming and hands-free communication to iOS devices and compatible Android devices.
• Phonak Infinio: Universal Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3) with direct audio streaming.
• ReSound Vivia: Uses Bluetooth LE Audio 5.2 and is Auracast-equipped for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls.
• Starkey Edge AI: Integrates Bluetooth LE Audio streaming protocol and is Auracast ready.

Why Oticon Intent Often Stands Out

While all these premium hearing aids offer exceptional technology, there are several reasons why the Oticon Intent frequently stands out in our fittings:

Natural Sound Experience

Oticon's approach to sound processing aims to work more like the brain does naturally. The Intent's 4D Sensor technology and DNN 2.0 provide a more accurate representation of sound in the brain, making the transition to hearing aids more intuitive for many users.

Personalized Listening Experience

The Intent's ability to understand and adapt to your listening intentions creates a highly personalized experience. Rather than simply amplifying all sounds or applying predetermined filters, it learns how you prefer to hear in different environments.

Balance of Features

The Intent offers an excellent balance of advanced features, battery life, and physical design. It's Oticon's smallest rechargeable miniRITE style while still including a telecoil and providing substantial battery life.

User Feedback

Early user feedback on the Intent has been very positive, with users reporting improved sound quality in different environments, more nuance and detail in sound, and higher listening comfort.

The Importance of Professional Fitting and Real Ear Measurements

While the technology in these premium hearing aids is impressive, the most crucial factor in your hearing success is professional fitting and programming. At Audiologic Solutions, we perform Real Ear Measurements with every hearing aid fitting, regardless of brand.

Real Ear Measurements ensure that your hearing aids are delivering the precise amount of amplification you need across different frequencies. This objective verification is essential for getting the most out of any premium hearing aid technology.

Which Brand Is Right for You?

The "best" hearing aid ultimately depends on your specific hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Some considerations:

• If you frequently participate in group conversations in noisy environments, the Oticon Intent's ability to understand listening intentions may be particularly beneficial.
• If you require maximum battery life, the Starkey Edge AI's 51-hour performance is unmatched.
• If you attend many public events and want to take advantage of future audio broadcasting systems, ReSound Vivia's Auracast capabilities and Assistant feature might be appealing.
• If you have substantial hearing loss in noisy environments, Phonak Infinio's dual-chip architecture and speech-in-noise separation could provide advantages.

Schedule a Consultation at Audiologic Solutions

The best way to determine which hearing aid is right for you is through a comprehensive hearing evaluation and consultation with one of our experienced audiologists. At Audiologic Solutions, we offer all of these premium brands and can help you compare them based on your specific hearing needs.

Our team of skilled audiologists—including Dr. Stefan Fosco, Dr. Erin Walborn, Dr. Karen DeJoy, Dr. Angela Lalla, Dr. Lyndsay Cunningham, and Dr. Tammy Monroe—are trained in the latest technology across all major manufacturers.

We invite you to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Rensselaer, Hudson, or Queensbury. Contact us today to experience the difference that properly fitted premium hearing aids can make in your life.