Phonak Vs Oticon: A Complete Hearing Aid Comparison

July 29th, 2025 | by Nina Rieger | Comparisons

phonak vs. oticon comparison. Hearing aids

Choosing the right hearing aid is important for your overall well-being. Your decision should reflect your lifestyle and personal preferences along with your level of hearing loss. Two names often stand out: Phonak and Oticon. Both manufacturers offer powerful solutions for those with mild to profound hearing loss.

In this article, we’ll compare Phonak vs. Oticon and provide a complete breakdown of each manufacturer by models, technology, features, price, and what Canadian customers need to know.

Key Takeaways

Both Phonak and Oticon are among some of the most trusted names in the industry and provide premium technology at different price points.
Phonak hearing aids are known for adaptability and advanced features like AI technology, which is showcased in the Infinio Sphere line.
Oticon hearing aids focus on the brain’s role in hearing with their BrainHearing philosophy, which is showcased in the Oticon Intent.
Widex offers its stylish SmartRIC, the newest Allure RIC, and highly customizable tinnitus relief features in all models.
In Canada, Phonak and Oticon are widely available through hearing clinics and will often qualify for provincial assistance programs.
Prices for Phonak and Oticon normally range from $3400 – $5900 depending on the model and level of technology.

An Overview of Each Brand

Looking at each manufacturer as a whole is a great way to make an informed decision before you purchase. Let’s take a look at each company.

Phonak Group

Phonak is part of the Sonova Group which was founded in Switzerland in 1947. They have become a leader in hearing aid innovation and are known for their precision engineering, especially in connectivity, automatic sound adjustments and AI-powered technology.

Today, Phonak hearing aids are manufactured in Europe and distributed globally with strong support in Canada.

About Oticon

Oticon is owned by Demant A/S, was founded in Denmark in 1904, and is one of the oldest hearing companies in the world. Their approach is centered around BrainHearing, which is the belief that hearing health start with how your brain processes sounds – not just how your ear picks it up.

Phonak vs Oticon: Which Brand is Right for You?

Choosing between Phonak and Oticon comes down to what matters most to you in your daily life. While both brands offer excellent performance, each takes a different approach to hearing technology, and that can make a difference depending on your goals.

Choose Phonak if you:

Want a device that adapts automatically to changing environments using AI technology.
Are looking for enhanced speech clarity in noisy settings, like restaurants, social gatherings, or group meetings.
Prefer maximum connectivity features, including hands-free calling and seamless integration with smartphones, TVs, and accessories.
Need a powerful and discreet option, especially if you’re considering an invisible or custom-fit style like the Virto Infinio.
Like the idea of cutting-edge tech like deep neural networks that learn and improve how sound is delivered to your ears.

Phonak is ideal for tech-savvy users, people with active or social lifestyles, and anyone who wants their hearing aids to do more of the heavy lifting in challenging sound environments.

Choose Oticon if you:

Want a hearing aid that supports the way your brain naturally processes sound, for a more balanced and intuitive listening experience.
Prefer a device that responds to your body and head movements to help determine what to focus on, like Oticon’s newest Intent model.
Spend time in varied listening environments and want a device that can keep up with your lifestyle – whether you’re at home, on the go, or in a busy office.
Are looking for a streamlined lineup that includes options for discreet wear and natural sound processing, like the Oticon Own.
Value hearing aids that help preserve spatial awareness, so you can better locate where sounds are coming from around you.

Oticon is a great match for people who prioritize comfort, cognitive listening support, and natural hearing in dynamic situations.

Hearing Aid Models

Phonak Hearing Aid Models

Phonak is a leader in state-of-the-art technology and provides its user with a powerful listening experience. Some of the models that stand out are:

Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio

This is Phonak’s most advanced Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) model to date. The Infinio uses deep neural network technology to help separate speech from background noise in real time.

It’s ideal for users with mild to profound hearing loss who want effortless communication in noisy or dynamic environments. With Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calling, and rechargeability, this device is a favorite among tech-forward users.

Phonak Virto Infinio

A custom-molded in-the-ear (ITE) option, the Virto Infinio brings AI-driven sound processing to a more discreet form factor. These are excellent for those looking for a nearly invisible hearing aid without compromising on technology. Despite their size, they’re powerful enough to support mild to severe hearing loss, and they’re a great match for users who value both aesthetics and function.

Phonak Naida Lumity

Designed for those with moderate to profound hearing loss, the Naída Lumity is a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) powerhouse. It offers reliable performance in the most demanding environments, combining Phonak’s SmartSpeech technology with robust amplification and connectivity features. It’s also rechargeable and compatible with a range of accessories.

Phonak Slim

A newer addition to the Phonak lineup, the Slim combines cutting-edge technology with a modern, low-profile design. With SmartSpeech technology and improved comfort for glasses wearers, it’s a stylish solution that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Ideal for users who want their hearing aids to reflect their personal style while still benefiting from premium features.

Oticon Hearing Aid Models

Oticon offers a more streamlined lineup of hearing aid models, designed to meet the wearer’s specific needs, for example, affordability, discreet wear etc. Here are a few of their standout devices:

Oticon Intent

Oticon’s most recent innovation, the Intent, is a rechargeable Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid that introduces user-intent sensors, making it a first in the hearing aid industry. These sensors monitor head movements, body motion, conversation activity, and the surrounding acoustic environment to deliver more tailored sound support. This model is ideal for people who are frequently in group conversations, noisy spaces, or changing environments, and want a device that can automatically adjust to help them stay focused and engaged. Designed for mild to profound hearing loss, the Intent strikes a balance between natural sound processing and cutting-edge adaptability.

Oticon Real

Oticon Real is built for users who move between quiet and noisy settings throughout the day. It uses RealSound Technology™ to reduce disruptive or sudden noises like wind or handling noise without compromising the clarity of speech. This makes it a strong choice for individuals who spend time both at home and in social or work-related environments. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable, and compatible with Oticon’s suite of accessories for added convenience.

Oticon Own

For those who prefer discreet, in-the-ear hearing aids, the Oticon Own delivers powerful performance in a custom-molded, nearly invisible design. These devices are tailored to the unique shape of your ear and incorporate BrainHearing™ technology to support natural sound perception and improved spatial awareness. Available in several styles, including Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), they are a popular option for users who want a low-profile solution without sacrificing technology. Best suited for mild to severe hearing loss, the Own blends comfort, aesthetics, and intelligent performance.

Technology and Innovation

Both manufacturers invest heavily in research and development. Phonak has begun to focus on automation features through AI technology, while Oticon prioritizes how the brain naturally processes sound and aims to create a more natural listening experience. Here’s how their latest technologies compare.

Phonak Infinio Sphere

Phonak Infinio Sphere showcases the brand’s most advanced step forward in hearing aid technology and innovation. For those with mild to profound hearing loss, these hearing aids provide exceptional speech clarity in any direction and filters out noise. This allows you to hear and focus on conversations with those around you, even in noisy environments.

They are the worlds first hearing aid with a deep neural network chip, meaning it separates noise from speech using an AI chip, providing you with an expanded listening range from all directions.

Oticon Intent

The newest release from Oticon introduces the worlds first user-intent sensors that use your head and body movements to adjust hearing support and the wearer enters into different environments. Rather than just amplifying speech, they help the user stay focused in noisy environments or group conversations, which is perfect for someone who is looking for a device that adapts with their lifestyle.

Cost and Value

When comparing pricing for both brands, you will notice it is very similar. The final cost of your hearing aids will depend on the model, technology level, and any optional accessories. However, the total value goes beyond just the sticker price – it includes the support you receive from your clinic, funding opportunities, and flexible payment plans.

Phonak Hearing Aid Prices

Phonak prices in Canada typically range from $3400 – $5900. The prices start to vary based on the technology level selected (essential, standard, advanced, premium).

Oticon Hearing Aid Prices

Oticon hearing aid prices in Canada will also range from $40 – $6000, depending on the technology level selected (essential, standard, advanced, premium).

Normally, when more features are added in, the price will increase.

Provincial and Government Funding (Ontario)

Many patients in Ontario may qualify for coverage through:

Assistive Devices Program (ADP): A provincial program that provides a grant of $500 per ear for eligible hearing aids.
Private Insurance: Coverage varies by provider, but many private insurance plans will reimburse part of the cost.
WSIB & VAC Support: For those who qualify through Workplace Safety and Insurance Board or Veterans Affairs Canada, full coverage may be available.

Our team can help you determine eligibility and handle the paperwork, so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Financing Options

In addition, Hearing Solutions offers financing plans that allow you to spread payments over time. This can make it easier to access higher-tier technology without a large upfront payment.

Flexible options include:

Interest-free plans (OAC)
Low monthly payments
Custom payment schedules to suit your budget

Connectivity and App Support

Hearing aids have become more than just an amplifier. They are smart devices that connect with phones, TV’s and other accessories to make life easier. Both brands offer Bluetooth models and companion apps, but features do vary.

Phonak:

Bluetooth compatibility (iOS, Android)
Certain models provide hands-free calling
MyPhonak app for fine-tuning and support
Roger wireless microphone for group listening

Oticon:

Bluetooth compatibility (iOS, Android)
Oticon companion app for streaming music, phone calls and control

Clinic Support and Trial Options

No matter which brand is chosen, the experience will depend heavily on the clinic you work with. Fittings, follow-ups and trial periods can impact your satisfaction and long-term success.

At Hearing Solutions, we are proud to offer both Phonak and Oticon brands at all 20 clinics across Ontario, along with expert care every step of the way. We also offer:

Comprehensive hearing tests to assess your hearing needs and provide personalized recommendations
A 90-day satisfaction guarantee for peace of mind after purchase
Try Before You Buy program, allowing you to demo devices in clinic, or take them home for a 10-day trial
Ongoing support through fittings, adjustments, cleaning and repairs
Assistance with provincial funding programs and optional extended warranties