The Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO in review
What exactly can the Geno 1 mini HDO from the manufacturer Oticon do? First of all, it is a traditional hearing aid that sits behind the ear. It covers mild, moderate, and also severe hearing losses. This model is a small, barely visible hearing aid from the lower mid-range. What can it achieve in everyday hearing? What comfort features does it bring? We have taken a closer look at this.
Hearing comfort
What is most bothersome for hearing aid users: Exactly, background noise. Therefore, let's first look at what comfort features the test device contains. The Geno 1 mini HDO only has the absolute essentials when it comes to hearing comfort. A normal noise suppression is definitely present. It is supposed to dampen constant noises like street noise or the hum of an air conditioner. In our test device from Oticon, this only works to a limited extent. There is nothing more than a very basic noise suppression included here.
A pulse sound suppressor is unfortunately not included in the Geno 1 mini HDO. The device from Oticon can also detect wind noise, but only a very minimal noise reduction follows. This is sufficient for normal daily outings, but true outdoor enthusiasts will not be satisfied with it. We also find the low number of frequency channels to be not so optimal. The device only has 6 of them, which allows for little flexibility during initial programming as well as long-term adjustments, and one probably has to accept some sound quality losses. The device recognizes whether the microphones should transmit everything or orient themselves forward. This can help in conversation situations but does not replace true spatial hearing.
An exciting topic in hearing acoustics is the use of artificial intelligence, but this Oticon model does not yet implement it.
Rating Hearing comfort: 4,8
Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO:
Operation & connectivity
Every person has their own unique hearing needs. It is advantageous to be able to customize hearing aids beyond the automatic functions. During testing, we discovered the following access options: First, we found a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very practical, as it is the simplest and quickest way to make a change. The volume can be adjusted through it, and different hearing programs can be activated as well. If someone prefers not to make adjustments directly at the ear, they can of course deactivate the button. If desired, a remote control for the hearing aid is available. This allows for effortless volume adjustment. The handling is not only child’s play, but no one will notice that you are currently adjusting your hearing aids.
In the test, we did not find any option for voice control. This function is not necessarily required, but we would have appreciated it nonetheless. Tap Control would also have been an interesting feature. With this, one can change the function with a quick tap on the ear. However, this is not available in the Geno 1 mini HDO yet.
If desired, one can download an app. This provides a convenient and discreet way to adjust the volume or hearing programs on the Geno 1 mini HDO. Everything works quite well. A small, handy add-on tool makes the model streaming-capable and connects it not only with the smartphone but also with the tablet or the hands-free system in the car.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,7
Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO:
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Simplicity & security
Another point on our checklist is handling. Does everything work simply and reliably? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in daily life? We were not particularly impressed with the situational recognition. Quiet and loud environments are identified, and the Geno 1 mini HDO adjusts accordingly. But as soon as the acoustic conditions become more challenging and different noise sources appear simultaneously, you may need to manually adjust the hearing aid a bit. We are very pleased with the integrated acclimatization manager. It gradually raises the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until our target amplification is eventually reached. We can relax and gradually get used to the new hearing impressions.
Many hearing aids today come with a rechargeable battery, but the Geno 1 mini HDO continues to operate with disposable batteries. This makes handling somewhat cumbersome and also has a negative impact on the environment.
Oticon specifies an IP rating of 58 for its hearing aid. This means it is protected against dust ingress, and water cannot harm the device either. To be clear: water! This does not refer to saltwater in the Baltic Sea or bath foam in the tub. But if your hearing aid accidentally falls into a watering can or gets caught in a downpour, it won't be damaged.
Rating Simplicity & security: 3,0
Extras
At the end of our test report, there is still a bit of space for extra features: A tinnitus program would be such an additional bonus. Many people suffering from ear noise could benefit from this. Unfortunately, the Geno 1 mini HDO does not have a tinnitus option and loses a few points in the test. In mobile times like these, a remote maintenance service through an app would be very helpful. This would allow one to conveniently have a new hearing aid programming done from home. Unfortunately, this service is not available for the Geno 1 mini HDO. Therefore, any changes must still be made at the specialist shop. If Oticon had integrated motion sensors into this hearing aid, individual health tracking could even be possible. However, this is not the case here. These points are lost for the Geno 1 mini HDO in the rating. Oticon's device focuses on essential hearing functions and does not offer extras like voice assistants or translation features. While that would have been fun, it is not necessary for a good listening experience.
Rating Extras: 4,0
Conclusion: Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO
In the overall result, this test device ranks in the lower positions and lacks some features. We give it a score of 3.79. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable, but for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.
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Our Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO review was created on May 31, 2021 and lastly updated on September 8, 2022. The overall rating of 3,79 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 2 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
What size is the Geno 1 mini HDO from Oticon?
Big or small relates to how it appears to outsiders. Therefore, we assess how big hearing aids look to those outside. The Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO is in the size class XS. This means it appears quite small.
How well do I hear with the Geno 1 mini HDO from Oticon?
This hearing aid scores a total rating of 4.8 (poor) in the area of "Hearing Comfort." The rating is made up of various components. Important criteria: The noise suppression only achieves 1 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO is 6 (the industry leaders currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, the device receives a 'moderate' rating from us (only 1 out of 5 stars).
Is the Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO suitable for me?
The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by hearing care professionals as "fitting range." Oticon has defined the following fitting range for the Geno 1 mini HDO: hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology practice near you, then you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.
What does the Oticon Geno 1 mini HDO cost?
Is the Geno 1 mini HDO from Oticon expensive or cheap? It is currently priced in Germany in an approximate range of between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount will be significantly lower. Important: You should evaluate the price in relation to the overall score in the test report (3.8 (sufficient)) and especially with the assessment in the area of noise suppression (only 1 out of 5 stars).
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