Oticon President Gary Rosenblum in a press statement. said "More than 7 out of 10 hearing aid users are challenged by disruptive sounds, making it difficult to stay sharp and focused, especially when engaged in conversation. By protecting users from disruptive sounds, Oticon Real significantly reduces listening effort in the presence of sudden sounds so patients can stay comfortable and focused. Oticon Real represents the next step in BrainHearing™ technology, providing access to all relevant sounds with outstanding detail, clarity, and balance.”

Four Device Types, Three Technology Levels

So what do we know at this stage? The new Real platform will be available in four device types, two RICs (Receiver In Canal) and two BTEs (Behind The Ear) across three technology levels. The devices are designed to cover hearing loss from mild, to profound. The aids initially offered will be a miniRITE  (they call them receiver-in-the-ear) and miniBTE rechargeable alongside traditional size 312 battery-powered miniRITE and BTE. All of the models will have telecoils so you can have access to loop technology in any public place equipped with them.

The rechargeable miniRITE/BTE versions should easily give you a full day of battery life with a full charge. While the size 312 disposable battery versions should last around a week before a battery change is required, depending on how much you stream audio. Speaking of streaming audio, they feature Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) technology with an excellent range of connectivity options, including hands-free calls on select iPhone® and iPad®** and seamless connection to most modern Android phones.

The miniRITE R and miniBTE R each come with two different options for chargers: the Desktop Charger or the SmartCharger. The SmartCharger is an interesting device which comes with an onboard battery pack that offers a couple of days' charge on the go without having to connect it to a wall socket. Oticon Real also offers tinnitus SoundSupport. While the new Oticon Companion app is the main control centre for the aids, they also come with manual push-button control for changing volume and programme if your professional has set this up. 

Brain Hearing & Oticon's DNN

Real hearing aids, like More before them, incorporate Oticon’s BrainHearing™ design philosophy to give the brain enhanced detail, clarity, and balance in sound. Real also uses the Oticon’s onboard Deep Neural Network (DNN) system which has been trained to identify 12 million real-life sounds and optimise the hearing aids based on it. The new RealSound™ technology, powered by the new Polaris R chip platform, features additional detectors for fast and precise processing of disruptive sounds and wind, as well as handling noise. Oticon specifically highlights two new innovations made possible with this technology: SuddenSound Stabilizer and the Wind & Handling Stabilizer.

Sudden Sound Stabiliser

Oticon says that their new SuddenSound Stabiliser uses the updated DNN system to monitor the sound environment and adapt the device's amplification to keep both soft and loud sudden sounds available, however be balanced, and comfortable. They say that it reduces listening effort by 22% in the presence of sudden sounds instantly changing amplification as the sounds occur. This keeps it comfortable while not compromising the all-important access to speech.

Wind & Handling Stabiliser

Oticon says that "Wind can often cause disruptions and unpleasant sounds in hearing aids." They aren't wrong, if someone is an active, outdoors type, wind noise can be a huge bugbear.  Other sounds like hands, hair, or glasses touching the hearing aid microphones, can also be very irritating. This became hugely obvious during Covid when people were constantly putting on and removing masks.

Oticon Real hearing aids protect against uncomfortable wind and handling noise with double‑patented technology that they say detects and cleans up wind and handling noise 500 times per second. This will make the Real devices a more comfortable listening experience, with better access to speech in windy environments. They say that the new system significantly outperforms their top competitors.

Companion App

The Oticon Companion app is the new, all-in-one solution that allows users to easily control and personalise their hearing aids. It offers the support users need to easily control and personalize their hearing aids, find their hearing aids if lost, manage their connected devices, and receive remote counselling when needed.

SpeechBooster can be used to reduce background noise and enhance speech when in conversation and the streaming equalizer is applied to create a personalized listening experience. The app can also be used to handle wireless accessories paired with their hearing aids and control multiple TV Adapters or devices, such as Oticon EduMic or ConnectClip which can be used both for streaming and as a remote microphone.

The available wireless accessories for the Real platform are:

•  ConnectClip works as a remote microphone, a remote control, and can even turn the hearing aids into a wireless headset. This enables streaming from any Bluetooth device and allows comfortable hands-free calls  
• TV Adapter streams sound from the TV directly to the hearing aids   
• Remote Control adjusts volume, switches program, or mutes the hearing aids with the touch of a button
• EduMic can be used as a remote microphone or to stream audio from computers, tablets, and more

I have had huge success with Oticon More hearing aids and they are some of the most popular devices with my customers. I expect the new Oticon Real platform to be even better, if you are interested in the new Real range, or if you are looking for hearing aids at the best price in Scotland, with honest advice and care, call me on 01506 420519 to arrange your appointment now.

Trusted, Independent Provider of Hearing Aids In Scotland Since 1997

Expert hearing care since 1997 from Scotland's leading hearing aid audiologist. I will deliver best in class hearing to you in Edinburgh, Glasgow and across Central Scotland.