Is It Worth Buying the More Expensive Oticon Models for Tinnitus Relief?

[luckyJack1805]

Hello everyone,

I’m looking into purchasing a hearing aid to help manage my tinnitus and have been considering the Oticon Intent and Oticon Zircon ranges. However, I’m unsure whether it’s worth spending more on the higher-end models if my primary goal is tinnitus relief. I thought I’d reach out here to get some opinions based on your experiences.

I'm being encouraged to purchase the most advanced Intent 1 by one of the high street audiologists that I'm going with.

Here’s a summary of the key features for each Oticon Intent and Zircon model:

Oticon Intent Models (1, 2, 3, and 4):

Oticon Intent 1:

Noise Suppression: Advanced neural noise suppression (up to 12 dB), which is great for challenging environments with a lot of background noise.

Processing Channels: 64 channels, offering more precise customization of sound.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: Comprehensive tinnitus relief options with soothing sounds like white noise or nature sounds.

Fitting Options: 24 fitting bands for tailored sound customization.

Bandwidth: 10 kHz bandwidth for high-fidelity sound processing.

Oticon Intent 2:

Noise Suppression: Moderate noise suppression (up to 10 dB), good for moderate noise environments.

Processing Channels: 48 channels, still offering decent sound personalization.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: Includes tinnitus relief features, though less extensive than Intent 1.

Fitting Options: 20 fitting bands for sound customization.

Bandwidth: 8 kHz bandwidth.

Oticon Intent 3:

Noise Suppression: Basic noise suppression (up to 8 dB), suitable for quieter environments.

Processing Channels: 48 channels.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: Provides basic tinnitus relief features.

Fitting Options: 18 fitting bands.

Bandwidth: 8 kHz bandwidth.

Oticon Intent 4:

Noise Suppression: Minimal noise suppression (up to 6 dB), designed for quieter environments.

Processing Channels: 48 channels, but lacks the finer sound adjustments of higher models.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: Basic tinnitus relief features, with more limited options for sound masking.

Fitting Options: 14 fitting bands.

Bandwidth: 8 kHz bandwidth.

Oticon Zircon Models (1 & 2):

Oticon Zircon 1:

Noise Suppression: Basic noise suppression, suitable for quieter environments, but not as advanced as the Intent models.

Processing Channels: 48 channels, providing decent sound customization.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: Offers tinnitus relief with a selection of soothing sounds, although fewer options compared to the Intent range.

Fitting Options: Fewer fitting bands (approximately 14 bands), offering basic adjustment capabilities.

Bandwidth: 8 kHz bandwidth.

Oticon Zircon 2:

Noise Suppression: Slightly better than Zircon 1, but still a basic level of noise suppression.

Processing Channels: 48 channels, similar to Zircon 1, but with some additional refinements.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: Includes tinnitus relief features, with a few more options than the Zircon 1, but still not as customizable as the Intent range.

Fitting Options: A bit more customization than Zircon 1, but still fewer options than the Intent models.

Bandwidth: 8 kHz bandwidth.

My main concern is tinnitus relief, particularly in quieter environments, so I’m wondering if the additional features of the higher-end Intent models (such as more advanced noise suppression and sound processing) are really necessary for someone in my situation. I don’t spend much time in noisy or complex environments, so I’m unsure if it justifies the extra cost.

I’m also considering the Oticon Zircon models, which are more affordable. From what I understand, they still offer good tinnitus relief features, but with fewer customization options and less advanced noise suppression than the Intent models. I’m leaning towards something simpler, but I want to make sure I’m not compromising on the effectiveness of the tinnitus support.

Has anyone here used any of these models specifically for tinnitus relief? Do you think a lower model like the Zircon 2 or Intent 3 would provide sufficient support for tinnitus in a quiet environment, or is it worth investing in the Intent 1 for the enhanced features?

Any input or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

[bluedawnstar]

Hi,

I have Oticon Engage in my left ear. I find it helps with my T and I was given this on NHS. I would advise that if you can tolerate the waiting time in your area, save your money and see if there is anything available free of charge first. Use the money you would have spent on a nice holiday or something else that will make you feel well.

[luckyJack1805 in reply to bluedawnstar]

That's what I was thinking. The thing is, my experience with dealing with the NHS for my tinnitus has not been great. I was told I would have to wait 18 months to see a specialist. They then referred me to an audiologist and he didn't seem to know much about tinnitus. I could always try then again but I'm at the point where I'm probably going to go private. The private audiologist I've seen has told me I'm better off going for their expensive package which is over 5 grand, compared to the cheaper offering which is £1900. My tinnitus appears to be linked to hearing loss and when I tried one on with the audiologist it did appear to make an immediate difference. I would say I have a moderate volume of tinnitus. It has got worse in terms of volume and the range of noises I hear and of course the concern is that it will continue to get worse over time as hearing loss naturally declines. My hearing generally really isn’t that bad. I have a moderate to serious hearing loss in the upper hearing range but my hearing loss isn’t at the level now where it impacts on my life in any significant way. The audiologist has said that if the brain has to work extra hard to process sound then over time the tinnitus can end up worse. I suppose the point is that there is a significant difference in price between the lower range hearing aid options they are offering and the lower ones. The top one is £5400 and the lowest one is £1900. The audiologist recommended the top one because she said that it will allow for greater customisation and accuracy in targeting the correct frequency range. Apparently it has to do with the number of fitting bands with the lower end Zircon 1 having 14 and the top Intent 1 having 24. Will the amount of extra benefit the higher end ones will provide for somebody with my level of tinnitus and hearing loss justify spending an extra 2-3 grand on a hearing aid? Of course the package includes warranty and after care which is slightly better on the higher packages.

[bluedawnstar in reply to luckyJack1805]

I had no idea that hearing aids were that expensive! Going private would not be an option for me so I’m stuck with the NHS. I do find that mine definitely help both my hearing and my T. I waited a long time for a referral to ENT for T but did the RNID online hearing test and printed off the results letter and took it to the GP who then did another referral. I was then seen quite quickly. Would it be an option to begin with an NHS hearing aid and if it doesn’t work out for you to explore your options privately? I’ve just looked online and the HA I have is about £1400 so appears to be entry level although it does have Bluetooth. Is it possible to have a free trial?

[luckyJack1805 in reply to bluedawnstar]

The total price includes after care and warranty. You get a free hearing test and hearing aid adjustment every 6 months. I think what they do is start off with the entry level and progressively mark up the price with each package, to a degree that is not proportionate to the actual price of each hearing aid. They also add extras on the after care and warranty. They then tell you that you would be better going for the top package. I was really wanting to know if someone with moderate tinnitus and hearing loss really needs the extra spec on the top end hearing aids or not. If it will really make that much difference I might be happy to spend the extra money. If not then I'll go with the cheaper option. I think I'm done with the NHS as it relates to tinnitus. If someone else has had a more positive experience with the NHS with their tinnitus I could be persuaded to give them another go