This is the new top of the range model from Oticon, launched in March 2019.
It is important to note the “S” in the name of this hearing aid as that is what signifies it is from the newer range rather than the 2016 version.
There are three levels of performance in the range, the OpnS1, the OpnS2 and the OpnS3.
At launch there are four models, illustrated below and in order, left to right.
The miniRITE – this is the standard model and the smallest, it takes a 312 battery.
The miniRITE T – this is slightly larger, also takes a 312 battery and has a telecoil.
The miniRITE R – this is the rechargeable model and is a little larger still. It also has a telecoil
The BTE PP – this is the power model designed for severe to profound losses. It takes a size 13 battery and like all power aids, is quite chunky. You need an earmould with this type.
The Oticon Opn1 is often considered to be the best hearing aid available for many hearing losses, and has been ever since its launch in 2016. The Opn S range significantly improves on a proven formula and also adds in some new features to make the Opn range suitable for almost everybody.
The original Opn range had a rechargeable option, using the Z-power removable rechargeable solution. It works, but was harder to use and more prone to problems than using built in lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries. The New Opn S 1 uses the best type, a inductive Li-Ion battery that will last you all day, even with streaming, and will fully charge in just three hours.
The rechargeable version is an additional £150 per aid.
Oticon charge quite a lot for their rechargeable option in my opinion, so be sure that it is something you need.
Occasionally feedback could be an issue with the original Oticon Opn hearing aids. People with very poor high frequency hearing would not always be suitable for the Opn aids as a result. Oticon now have a new feedback management system and have made this bold claim;
“Breakthrough technology in Oticon Opn S stops feedback even before it occurs. Now you can give someone you love a tight hug, without worrying about whistling sounds from your hearing aids”.
The anti-feedback system must be good, as even the most hyperbolic of hearing aid marketing departments would shy away from going so far in a claim. The particular part of my nature would like to point out that it is also likely to work, even if it is someone you don’t love that you are giving a hug to.
The Oticon On App, which is available for both Apple and Android devices, has a plethora of features allowing control over many aspects of the hearing aid and giving useful information about your usage. HearingFitness is a new addition to the app which aims to improve your overall health using insight based on healthcare and lifestyle data.
The Opn S range is a made for iPhone aid and as before can stream seamlessly from Apple devices with no additional accessories needed.
Using the Connectclip, communication with any smartphone, Android included and any other Bluetooth device is possible, and with the Oticon TV Adapter, sound can be streamed directly to the hearing aids from your television.
The performance of the original Opn was better than most hearing aids already, especially in background noise. There have been a number of improvements made to the new Opn S range making them overall 10-15% more effective than before. Improved Speech understanding (the most important aspect in my opinion) is 15% better.
I don’t usually feel the need to point this out, but here at Hearing Aid UK, we are completely independent. I understand that this is a rather glowing review and that you might expect an angle or a catch, but there is none. We have no affiliation with Oticon and therefore don’t promote them over any other hearing aid brand. The Opn S 1 is simply a very good hearing aid.
Do not spend hundreds of pounds without getting a second opinion from us.
When we refer to a product as 'New', we mean that the product is new to the market.
When we refer to a product as 'Superseded', we mean that there is a newer range available which replaces and improves on this product.
When we refer to a product as an 'Older Model', we mean that it is has been superseded by at least two more recent hearing aid ranges.