Why we don’t carry Oticon

I took a phone call yesterday asking why we don't carry Oticon hearing aids. I am very passionate about this topic, so the caller got an earful. After hanging up, I knew I had to make a video. I hope you find it helpful.

We don't carry Oticon because they are overpriced and not one ounce better than Phonak, Unitron, Resound, or Signia. You might ask, "If they aren't any better, why are they more expensive?" Well, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to explain why.

We used to fit Oticon hearing aids, but a few years ago, when OTC hearing aids started being discussed and the winds of change started blowing in the hearing aid world, Oticon made a choice. Instead of embracing transparency and more access to the public, they decided to go a more lucrative route. They started selling almost exclusively to Doctors.

Their strategy was to create a mutually beneficial relationship with doctors. They knew that if a doctor recommended something, even if it were more expensive, many people would trust the recommendation.

They also knew that if the doctor could make an extra $2,000 by recommending an Oticon hearing aid, they would do that most of the time. It's working, by the way. Visit your local ENT office and see what brand they recommend. I bet you it's Oticon. So Oticon sells to doctors, and doctors recommend Oticon, and the public gets the idea that Oticon is the most expensive (which it is) and the best (which it isn't).

Oticon was the last to market with a good rechargeable hearing aid. They are not the leader in directionality, wireless streaming, or FM technologies. They don't have dual processors or a waterproof hearing aid. It is laughable that they are the undisputed leader. Look, the truth is that Oticon hearing aids are great hearing aids. So if you love them, buy them, keep them, and use them. Just be aware that the extra money you spend on them has nothing to do with higher quality. Instead, that extra money you spend goes into your audiologist's and Oticon's pockets.

The next time you hear the phrase 9 out of 10 doctors recommend something, ask the 10th doctor why they don't recommend it. You might find something very interesting indeed!

Thanks for watching, and happy hearing!