Report on the Pros and Cons of Prescription Hearing Aids: Oticon Intent 1, Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere, Resound Vivia, Starkey Edge, and Widex Moment

Introduction: Report by Audiologists in Utah

Hearing loss is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals globally. Prescription hearing aids are critical in the management of hearing loss, offering both functional and medical benefits for users. However, selecting the right hearing aid requires careful consideration of various factors, including individual needs, lifestyle, and specific hearing impairments. The five hearing aids under review—Oticon Intent 1, Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere, Resound Vivia, Starkey Edge, and Widex Moment—are all top-tier options on the market today. These hearing aids offer distinct features, and while they are all advanced devices, they must be prescribed and managed under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. At Hearing and Brain Centers of America, we emphasize that hearing aids are part of an ongoing treatment plan designed to provide long-term medical benefits, which include improving social engagement, reducing tinnitus experience, lowering the risk of falls, improving cognitive performance, and reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 

Learn More by reading Neuroscientist Dr. Keith Darrow’s book, Preventing Decline:  Advances in the Medical Treatment of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus 

Oticon Intent 1: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• BrainHearing Technology: Oticon’s BrainHearing technology is designed to support the brain in processing sound more naturally. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with cognitive concerns as it helps to improve the overall listening experience by providing clearer and more balanced sound. 
• OpenSound Navigator: This technology continuously analyzes the sound environment, making it easier for users to focus on important sounds while reducing background noise, making it highly effective in social settings. 
• Connectivity and Compatibility: The Oticon Intent 1 supports Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones and other devices, allowing users to stream audio directly to their hearing aids. This enhances social engagement, especially during phone calls or listening to music. 
• Comfortable and Discreet: The device is designed to be discreet, comfortable, and durable, which can help improve user compliance and long-term use. 

Cons: 

• Price Point: As with many high-end hearing aids, the Oticon Intent 1 can be costly, which may be a barrier for some users. 
• Complexity of Features: While the BrainHearing technology is a significant advantage, it can also be overwhelming for users who are not tech-savvy. Proper training and guidance from an audiologist are crucial to maximize the device’s benefits. 

Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• AutoSense OS 3.0: The Audeo Infinio Sphere is equipped with AutoSense technology that automatically adapts the hearing aid settings to the user's listening environment. This makes it versatile for a variety of situations, whether in quiet settings or noisy environments like restaurants or crowded events. 
• Rechargeable Battery: This hearing aid offers a rechargeable battery option, which is more environmentally friendly and convenient compared to disposable batteries. 
• Excellent Sound Quality: Phonak’s Real Ear Sound technology provides clear, natural sound quality, even in challenging listening situations. This contributes to improved social engagement as users can more easily participate in conversations. 
• Tinnitus Balance Feature: The Audeo Infinio Sphere includes a tinnitus management feature, which can significantly reduce the experience of tinnitus in users, making it particularly beneficial for those with both hearing loss and tinnitus. 

Cons: 

• Bulkier Design: Some users may find the design of the Audeo Infinio Sphere to be slightly bulkier than other models, potentially making it less comfortable or aesthetically pleasing for certain individuals. 
• Expense: Like the Oticon Intent 1, the Audeo Infinio Sphere comes with a relatively high price tag, which may not be affordable for everyone. 

Resound Vivia: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• ReSound Smart 3D App: The ReSound Vivia integrates with the Smart 3D app, which allows users to adjust settings, volume, and customize their hearing preferences from their smartphone, offering a personalized and hands-on experience. 
• Sound Quality: ReSound is known for producing hearing aids that offer high-fidelity sound with excellent speech clarity. This can help users better understand conversations, even in noisy settings, enhancing social interaction. 
• Comfort and Fit: The Resound Vivia is designed with comfort in mind, providing a customizable fit that ensures both discretion and comfort, encouraging users to wear their hearing aids consistently. 
• Tinnitus Management: Like other high-end hearing aids, the Resound Vivia includes tinnitus management features that help reduce the perception of tinnitus, offering relief for those with this dual condition. 

Cons: 

• Limited Connectivity: While it is compatible with some Bluetooth devices, the ReSound Vivia may not offer as seamless connectivity with all devices as other hearing aids, which could be a limitation for some users. 
• Complexity for New Users: The app’s settings can be overwhelming for users who are not comfortable with technology, requiring professional guidance from audiologists to ensure that the user is getting the most from the device. 

Starkey Edge: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• Rechargeable Option: The Starkey Edge comes with a convenient rechargeable battery option, making it a low-maintenance solution for many users. 
• Sonic Sound Processing: Starkey’s Edge model offers excellent sound processing, making it particularly effective in environments with fluctuating noise levels. It ensures that users can hear clearly and comfortably even in challenging auditory conditions. 
• Healthable Hearing Technology: The Starkey Edge features a system designed to track and improve user’s hearing health, such as monitoring activity levels and providing hearing-related health insights. 
• Social Engagement Focus: This model emphasizes a more natural listening experience that helps users engage better in social settings, which is critical for maintaining relationships and avoiding social isolation. 

Cons: 

• Size and Discreetness: Although small, the Starkey Edge may not be as discreet as other models, which could be a concern for users seeking a more invisible hearing aid option. 
• Learning Curve for Features: Some of the advanced features, particularly related to health tracking, can be difficult to master without proper guidance from an audiologist, which may detract from the user experience initially. 

Widex Moment: Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• PureSound Technology: The Widex Moment hearing aids feature PureSound technology, which minimizes distortion and provides a more natural sound experience. This is especially beneficial for individuals who want a clearer listening experience. 
• Rechargeable and Discreet Design: The Widex Moment features both a rechargeable option and a discreet, compact design, ensuring comfort and ease of use without sacrificing sound quality. 
• Low Latency Streaming: The low-latency streaming function makes it ideal for users who enjoy listening to music or taking phone calls through their hearing aids, enhancing both entertainment and communication. 
• Tinnitus Relief: Widex Moment includes features for tinnitus relief, which is essential for individuals suffering from both hearing loss and tinnitus. 

Cons: 

• Sound Customization May Require Adjustment: Some users may initially experience difficulty in adjusting the sound quality to suit their preferences, requiring ongoing professional tuning from an audiologist. 
• Cost: Like most high-end models, the Widex Moment is on the expensive side, making it less accessible for users on a tight budget. 

The Importance of Ongoing Treatment by a Licensed Specialist in Utah

Regardless of the hearing aid chosen, it is essential to understand that hearing aids are not a one-time fix; they are part of an ongoing treatment plan that requires the expertise of a licensed audiologist or hearing specialist in Utah. At the Hearing and Brain Centers of America, we believe in the long-term care and management of hearing loss. Our goal is not only to help you hear better but also to provide medical benefits that enhance your quality of life. The ongoing care provided by our specialists ensures that hearing aids are properly adjusted and optimized for the user's changing needs. 

The five primary medical benefits of ongoing hearing aid treatment include: 

1. Improve Social Engagement: Hearing aids improve communication and reduce social isolation by helping users engage more effectively in conversations, fostering stronger relationships. 
2. Reduce Tinnitus Experience: Hearing aids that include tinnitus management features help to reduce the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, providing relief to individuals who suffer from tinnitus. 
3. Reduce the Risk of Falling: Untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of falls. By improving auditory feedback, hearing aids help users maintain balance and avoid falls. 
4. Improve Cognitive Performance: Hearing loss can impair cognitive function, but wearing hearing aids can help improve cognitive performance by ensuring that users can hear important auditory cues, leading to better cognitive engagement. 
5. Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: There is strong evidence linking untreated hearing loss with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Using hearing aids, particularly under the guidance of an audiologist, can reduce this risk by keeping the brain active and engaged with sound. 

Conclusion 

Each of the hearing aids discussed—Oticon Intent 1, Phonak Audeo Infinio Sphere, Resound Vivia, Starkey Edge, and Widex Moment—offers a range of benefits that cater to different user needs. However, the key to maximizing the effectiveness of these devices lies in their prescription and ongoing care by a licensed audiologist or hearing specialist. Hearing and Brain Centers of America provides the expertise and long-term support necessary for users to achieve the full medical benefits of hearing aid use. 

Click Here to read the report, “How to Choose an Audiologist Anywhere in America” 

Contact one of our Utah Hearing Clinics today: St. George, Washington, Ivins, Cedar City or Richfield