Phonak Audeo Lumity Versus Oticon Intent Hearing Aids: What's the difference between the two?

Phonak Audeo Lumity vs Oticon Intent Hearing Aids

Comparing the two brands and models - What's the difference?

Comparing Lumity with Intent

Both the Phonak Audeo Lumity and Oticon Intent are premium hearing aids, making it tough to choose between them. These models come from two of the biggest hearing aid manufacturers out there, with Phonak Lumity released in 2022 and Oticon Intent in 2024. 

In this comparison article, we hope to help you decide which is better for your needs, loss, and lifestyle.

Styles and moulds

The Phonak Lumity and Oticon Intent differ significantly in features, so your choice will depend on your specific preferences. Regardless of the hearing aid, it’s essential to have them fitted and programmed by a professional audiologist.   

Style-wise, Lumity comes in rechargeable and disposable battery options, including the Lumity 312, R, RT (with Telecoil), R Life (waterproof), Slim (slim fashion device), and power models.  So there is, effectively, a style to suit all hearing loss levels and tastes.  Currently, Oticon Intent only offers a rechargeable Receiver in Canal (RIC) model so if you like the Oticon brand and are seeking a disposable RIC alternative - the Oticon Real miniRITE T hearing aid is worth looking at.

You'd miss out on the listening intention you get with Intent, which gives you truly personalised hearing that deals with your distinct requirements. However, Real does include wind and noise handling technology, designed to solve key pains for hearing aid wearers.

On a side note, you might find that the Phonak charging systems are tight for custom ear moulds, whereas Oticon’s chargers have a touch more space.  It is also worth noting, that Phonak offers an ActiveVent receiver for better audio in different environments.  

That said, wearers still love the power ear moulds from Oticon.  These ear moulds have a removable receiver wire which is extremely beneficial as it allows for easy wire length adjustments or replacements if the wire becomes faulty.

Batteries and charging

In terms of battery and charging, looking at the rechargeable models, both brands use lithium-ion batteries with all-day life on a three-hour charge. However, Oticon's batteries are easy to remove if they need replacing, whereas Phonak’s must be sent to the manufacturer.

This might not matter so much, as generally if a rechargeable battery needs changing it is usually time for an upgrade to better more advanced technology.  The average life of a rechargeable hearing aid battery is  4-5 years, chances are you would have already upgraded before then.

Performance level range

On the technology front, Phonak Lumity has four levels (90, 70, 50, 30), while Oticon Intent has three (1, 2, 3).  As always, we would recommend choosing the highest level of technology you can reasonably afford. If that's not possible, opt for a lower level within your budget.

It will then be your audiologist's responsibility to maximise the performance of those devices to suit your hearing loss needs. If budget is a priority, the Phonak Lumity lineup offers an additional lower-tier option to help you save some money.

Adjustments and environment management

Both brands allow extensive programming adjustments, but Oticon offers more adjustment bands for precise fitting (Phonak 20 and Oticon 24) which should mean your audiologist can mirror your hearing loss prescription better. 

In reality, will those extra four bands make a difference?  It's hard to be sure but it is good news that more precise adjustments can be made if you prioritise accurately matching your hearing loss prescription.

In general, Oticon excels in high-frequency amplification and matching high-frequency prescriptive targets, which affects the clarity of your hearing aids.  Whereas Phonak Lumity is better at customising streamed audio and noise reduction. For example, Phonak’s AutoSense 5.0 automatically adjusts to your environment, while Oticon Real relies on manual programs. 

Some argue that whilst Oticon successfully reduces background noise using their algorithms, it doesn't give your audiologist enough adjustments when compared to Phonak.  A hearing aid that is good at tackling background noise can make it easier for you to engage in conversations, both in person and over the phone.

It can also help to prevent cognitive decline and give you a better overall quality of life.  This type of hearing aid is ideal for those who work in noisy environments, have an active social life, and find they are consistently struggling to hear speech in noise.

If you lead a quiet lifestyle and spend more time in one-on-one conversations, you might not need your hearing aids to filter out background noise as much.  If this is the case, perhaps the adjustment options Oticon offers might be enough to make the grade.  For comparison, if we take a look at wind and handling noise management, such as touching your hair and other sudden disruptive and uncomfortable sounds, Oticon Intent wins hands down with their RealSound technology.  

Bluetooth, accessories, and apps

When we look at streaming, Phonak offers more controls to adjust streamed audio from phone calls, music, and other media. This means that with the Phonak hearing aid, you can tailor the sound of streamed media to your liking.

Bluetooth connectivity is another area where Phonak Lumity shines, supporting multiple active connections and a variety of devices. Oticon Intent, however, is limited to one active connection and primarily works well with Apple devices. 

There are app offerings for both brands, for adjustments and remote care, with Phonak’s MyPhonak app providing arguably more customisation options. Oticon’s Companion app offers a find-my-hearing-aid feature and better compatibility with Apple devices.  If you are an Android user, we recommend you ask your audiologist if your current mobile phone is compatible with the latest Oticon requirements.

Durability-wise, Phonak's Lumity Life model especially, is more robust. Both brands have similar accessories like remote microphones and TV streamers, but loyal Phonak fans love how the integrated Roger receivers provide superior assistive listening options.

Sound quality

Oticon developed its sound algorithm using 12 million everyday sounds collected using microphones worldwide. This extensive data allows Oticon Intent to create an algorithm that effectively handles background noise.

Phonak uses directional microphones to focus on the sound in front of the user, which works well in many situations but can result in a less natural sound and a feeling of isolation. Oticon Intent, on the other hand, aims to allow more sound in a way that mirrors natural hearing and now uses a 4D sensor to provide a more customised sound experience.

Both brands offer great sound quality but I would give Oticon the edge with their open sound and advanced sensor technology.