Test report: Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex

The Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex in review

Could this hearing aid from the Oticon program be the right choice for you? In our review of the Geno 2 mini Ex, we have highlighted the key aspects. Here we get a discreet, slim-shaped hearing aid from the entry-level category that is worn behind the ear. The direct alignment of the speaker in the ear canal lays the foundation for good hearing success, as the sound has only a very short distance to travel to the eardrum. This ensures that all sounds reach their intended destination.

The Geno 2 mini Ex provides sufficient amplification for mild to severe hearing loss.

Hearing comfort

The comfort features determine how pleasant listening is experienced in everyday life. In this hearing aid, we find only the absolute essentials regarding hearing comfort. A classic noise suppression is intended to reduce annoying background noises to a tolerable level. In the Geno 2 mini Ex, it only works very limitedly. When looking at the price, that might be acceptable. This hearing aid can detect wind noise, but the reduction is hardly noticeable.

Unfortunately, a pulse sound suppressor is not included in the Geno 2 mini Ex. The device detects whether the microphones should transmit everything or should be directed forward. This can be helpful in conversation situations but does not replace true spatial hearing. Regarding the number of adjustable equalizer bands, we have 6 in a rather simple device here. Of course, it can be understood, but the sound is not quite what we actually desire.

Oticon is not yet using artificial intelligence in this version.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,8

Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex:

Operation & connectivity

“Can I adjust something on my hearing aid myself?” “Is there perhaps an app?” These and similar questions are becoming increasingly important when selecting a hearing aid, so let’s take a look at the control and connection options. A very quick way to adjust the volume is the small button on the device. It is easy to feel, and one can set it louder or quieter in several steps. Additional programs for special hearing situations can also be activated with it. If someone prefers to do without the button, they can simply have it deactivated. A remote control is available for the Geno 2 mini Ex. It is quite handy, fits in a pocket, and offers a volume option as well as various hearing programs.

The modern form of control via voice command is not yet found in the Geno 2 mini Ex. Tap Control would have been an interesting feature as well. With that, you can change the function with a short tap on the ear. But that is not available in the Geno 2 mini Ex yet.

A very typical control option nowadays is apps for smartphones. The Geno 2 mini Ex also has an app. With it, you can intuitively adjust the volume or switch programs. You can't go wrong with it, as there is not much more to it. A small, convenient 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 2 mini Ex:

Simplicity & security

Another point in our checklist is handling. Does everything work simply and reliably? What does the hearing aid offer to ensure safe use in everyday life? We do not compromise on simplicity when it comes to hearing. We expect the hearing aid to function fully automatically in the background without constantly needing us to press any buttons. With the Geno 2 mini Ex, we are somewhat disappointed. Only the basic situations are recognized automatically. This means we cannot really get by without manual operation options. Very important to us in terms of simplicity is support during the acclimatization process. Especially after having heard poorly for years, it can be difficult to perceive everything at a realistic volume. In our test device, there is an acclimatization manager that helps us with tiny volume adjustments throughout the adjustment phase. After a few weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.

Unfortunately, the Geno 2 mini Ex is not equipped with a rechargeable battery, so regular size 312 batteries are needed for operation.

Oticon specifies an IP class 58 protection for its hearing aid. This means it is protected against dust ingress, and water cannot harm the device either. Note: water! This does not mean saltwater in the Baltic Sea or bath foam in the tub. However, if your hearing aid falls into a watering can or gets caught in a heavy rain shower, it won't be damaged.

Rating Simplicity & security: 3,3

Extras

Finally, we want to know if the hearing aid perhaps offers any specials: Tinnitus is a topic for many people, but unfortunately, this hearing aid does not have a special tinnitus sound program. So we cannot award any extra points here.

What about remote maintenance? Such online services save the trip to the specialist store because you can contact an acoustics professional directly through the app. Unfortunately, we did not find such an option for the Geno 2 mini Ex. It's a pity, that would have been a great additional tool.

A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track a few personal health data, for example. However, the Geno 2 mini Ex does not offer this. The functionality of the Geno 2 mini Ex is limited to normal hearing, which is completely fine. Additional features like fall alerts or Siri connections provide a decent added value, but they are not relevant for good hearing balance.

Rating Extras: 4,0

Conclusion: Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex

This test device ranks in the lower positions overall and misses some features. We award a grade of 3.83. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable, but for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more extensive comfort features.

 

Our Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex review was created on December 17, 2020 and lastly updated on September 8, 2022. The overall rating of 3,83 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 does the Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex cost?

The Geno 2 mini Ex from Oticon is currently offered by providers in a rough price range of approximately between €1.00 and €700.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 3.8 (sufficient). And for example, also depending on the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (only 1 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.

How well does one hear with the Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex?

The Geno 2 mini Ex from Oticon achieves a score of 4.8 (poor) in the hearing comfort test area. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid only receives 1 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it gets the rating 'moderate' (only 1 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid features 6 different equalizer bands in the test, which can be adjusted by the audiologist to the individual's hearing ability (current top models reach 24).

Who is the Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex suitable for?

This hearing aid is aimed at people with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. This so-called "fitting range" is provided by Oticon as a rough framework. A good local audiology company can immediately determine after a professional hearing test whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.

How large is the Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex?

We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (fairly large). The Oticon Geno 2 mini Ex has a size classification of XS, making it quite small compared to other hearing aids.

 

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