Oticon Intent Vs Phonak Sphere Ultra – Features Comparison

When it comes to speech clarity, both the Oticon Intent and the Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra are recognised as top-of-the-line options for hearing aids. The Oticon Intent and the Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra are both receiver-in-canal (RIC) type hearing aids, but that is where the similarities end. 
For those researching the features and ease of use of both hearing aid models, we offer an unbiased comparison as independent Perth Audiologists to help you make the best decision for a new hearing aid.

Highlights of the Oticon Intent 

The Oticon Intent comes in four versions. Oticon Intent 1 is the most advanced in terms of technology features. 

The Oticon Intent’s claim to fame is its use of 4D Sensor Technology, which allows the hearing aid to automatically adjust sound clarity and noise reduction based on the user’s head movements. In simple terms, it means that the Oticon Intent will automatically ensure you can clearly hear what you want to without you having to make manual adjustments for different listening scenarios.

Highlights of the Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra

The Phonak Sphere Infinio (Ultra) comes in two variations – I70 and I90, with the latter being the more advanced model. 

The Phonak Sphere Ultra’s standout feature is its dedicated AI chip (DEEPSONIC), which ensures optimal speech clarity across all types of hearing environments. The DEEPSONIC chip claims to reduce the listening effort of wearers by 35% compared to the previous iteration of hearing aid technology (StereoZoom 2.0).

Comparing Oticon Intent vs Phonak Sphere Ultra

Size 

The Phonak Sphere Ultra is slightly larger than the Oticon (1-2mm longer). For most wearers, this size difference will be virtually unnoticeable. However, the Oticon Intent’s smaller size may feel more comfortable on wearers with smaller ears. 

Connectivity

The Phonak Sphere Ultra features seamless Bluetooth connectivity for up to two devices simultaneously – including smartphones, smart TVs, and computers. This feature also supports automatic switching between device inputs. For example, by connecting the Phonak Sphere Ultra to the TV and the phone at the same time, the hearing aid will automatically switch to the phone’s audio when answering a call, and switch audio back to TV at the end of the call.  

The Oticon Intent can only connect to one device at a time via Bluetooth, such as a smartphone. To connect to additional devices, such as a TV or computer, users will need a separate accessory. 

However, the Oticon also features telecoil connectivity, allowing convenient connection to locations with a telecoil-enabled hearing loop system, such as cinemas, airports, and healthcare facilities. 

In place of telecoil connectivity, the Phonak Sphere Ultra has Bluetooth LE Auracast, which is planned to replace telecoil in the next few years.

Sound Quality 

The Phonak Sphere Ultra delivers high sound quality across music streaming, videos, and phone calls, with full-spectrum sound. 

The Oticon Intent also has excellent sound quality across all types of media and has a more ‘open’ delivery that more accurately reflects live sounds. 

The best judge of sound quality will be your ears. Some hearing aid users favour the sharper sound profile of the Phonak Sphere Ultra, while others prefer the more realistic sound delivery of the Oticon Intent. Book an appointment with an audiologist who offers hearing aid trials, like Harmony Hearing, to try them for yourself. 

Mobile App

The Oticon Intent only has four pre-set programs that users can switch on the fly – the audiologist usually configures these during the fitting session. Outside the hearing clinic, wearers can only access a basic sound equaliser in the mobile app for additional adjustments to high- and low-frequency sounds. This makes the Oticon Intent ideal for wearers who want to “set and forget” their hearing aid device for easier everyday use.  

The Phonak Sphere Ultra also has four programs, but offers a broader set of settings for users to fine-tune the listening experience to suit different environments, including control over noise reduction and the angle of speech focus. With a higher level of configuration, the Phonak Sphere Ultra gives users more control over what they can hear.

Battery Life and Charging

The Phonak Sphere Ultra comes with a travel charger that holds up to three full charges. Each full charge can last a full day of use, as long as users limit the use of the Sphere speech clarity listening mode. Prolonged usage of the Sphere mode (>5 hours) can drain the battery much quicker, and the device’s battery life may not last a full day. 

The Oticon Intent does not come with a travel charger like the Phonak Sphere Ultra, but it offers a more reliable 20 hours of battery life per charge. 

Speech Clarity 

The Phonak Sphere Ultra and the Oticon Intent have different features to enhance speech clarity. Depending on how complex the noise environment is and each individual’s extent of hearing loss, either hearing aid could offer a better level of speech clarity.  

Experienced audiologists like the team at Harmony Hearing in Perth use Real Ear Measurements to configure new hearing aid devices, ensuring wearers get the most realistic and comfortable listening experience tailored to their needs. If you would like to try out the Phonak Sphere Ultra or the Oticon Intent for yourself, book an appointment at our hearing clinics – we are an independent hearing clinic in Perth focused on finding the best solution for your hearing needs.