The Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R in review
Here we take a look at a hearing aid from the premium segment that is worn behind the ear. It is called Intent 2 mini Ex R and comes from the manufacturer Oticon. It can be used by anyone who has both mild and more severe hearing needs and desires a fine little hearing aid. Due to the receiver (speaker) that is directly inserted into the ear canal, it has very good sound properties.
The newly introduced Oticon Intent also impresses in this device class with great sensor technology. However, the noise cancellation is slightly better in the Intent 1.
Hearing comfort
Right from the start, we focus on the topic of hearing comfort. By this, we mean all the features that ensure a pleasantly rich and disturbance-free sound. In the Intent 2 mini Ex R, we were impressed by the excellent sound management.
The classic noise suppression is, of course, also present here. Its purpose is to detect and slightly mitigate simple sounds from the environment. In this Oticon model, the manufacturer has made an effort and incorporated efficient noise reduction. Additionally, there is a really strong impulse filter that reduces all short, intense bursts as much as the customer desires.
With this hearing aid, we are amazed at how effectively wind noise is suppressed and how stable the device operates even in stronger winds. 3D hearing is very important for a natural impression. The device leaves nothing to be desired and has impressed us in this regard. We found an impressive 20 equalizer bands in the Intent 2 mini Ex R. In each band, the hearing aid activates its sound management, filters out the disturbing elements, and retains important speech components. Acoustic changes can be targeted and precise. We are very satisfied with this. Especially with sharp or steeply declining hearing curves, such a hearing aid can be very useful. Understanding speech in noisy environments is always a challenge. Oticon addresses this issue with the use of artificial intelligence. The result is brilliant and clear speech transmission while the background noises still reach the ear at a realistic volume.
Oticon's core element is the DNN (Deep Neural Network), in which the chip is trained with data from brain research. While the predecessor model Real received information through "only" 24 channels, the Intent is trained over 10x more channels. The result is even more sound fidelity and more targeted support. With the additional support of 4D sensor technology, Oticon promises a significant added value in everyday life. The new motion sensors also enable you to comfortably answer and end phone calls by tapping on the ear cups.
Rating Hearing comfort: 1,5
Operation & connectivity
Most hearing aids automatically adjust to their surroundings. Nevertheless, it is sometimes very practical to be able to change something oneself. After all, the hearing aid does not know how one is currently feeling. We looked at the control options offered by the Intent 2 mini Ex R: Usually, there is a button on the hearing aid, and we found it on the Intent 2 as well. It can be configured as a volume control or program selection button, and can also be disabled if desired. A discreet way to adjust the hearing aid is with the remote control. It fits in any pocket. If the person speaking is too quiet again, just one or two clicks are enough to adjust the volume. Additional hearing programs for listening to music or driving can also be activated with the remote control.
Voice commands are a relatively new way to operate hearing aids. However, this model does not have this feature yet. That's not a big deal - the main thing is that one can hear well. We are really excited about the tap control. A quick tap on the ear with the fingers, and the hearing aid switches to another mode. Here, Oticon is quite ahead of others with its model. In our opinion, the tap control is not only modern but also very convenient.
Our favorite tool for hearing aids is the app, and we really like this one. In addition to the obligatory volume controls, there is also an option for sound adjustment. This significantly expands the potential of the Intent 2 mini Ex R and provides relief when hearing becomes strenuous. One of the best features of the hearing aid is the direct streaming function. This turns the hearing aid into a TrueWireless headphone, receiving phone calls and other sounds directly in the ear. The prerequisite is a suitable smartphone that contains 2.4 GHz technology. The biggest advantage is that you can hear phone calls not just in one ear but in both. Furthermore, the sound can be tailored to personal needs.
The Oticon Intent can now also be controlled via the Apple Watch. Additionally, thanks to the new Bluetooth 5.2, you can also use the hands-free option with compatible Android smartphones. To read about the other advantages the new Bluetooth standard brings, click here: Bluetooth LE Audio (While the Auracast feature is already integrated, an update is required for activation.) Prefer to continue using the classic accessories? That is also still available and comes in the following variations: Oticon Accessories
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,1
Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R: The app does not provide tracking of health data; however, you can still benefit from a modern remote adjustment - now also with the possibility of a simple check of your hearing. This, however, comes with limitations - if your issue is due to a mechanical defect or a blockage in the ear canal, this cannot be recognized or resolved remotely.
The best alternatives to the Intent 2 mini Ex R
Our database contains 54 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., Lautsprecher im Gehörgang positioniert in Size "", rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 3 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Philips HearLink 9050 MNR T R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Oticon Intent 1 mini Ex R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
We continue our test and explore how easy this hearing aid is to handle. Ultimately, it should simplify the everyday lives of hearing aid users and not complicate them further. Ideally, the hearing aid should operate largely independently. The performance of the Intent 2 mini Ex R is exceptionally good in this regard. Many typical hearing situations are stored, which the device independently recognizes and always generates the appropriate setting. The integrated acclimatization manager can be a great help when transitioning to the world of hearing aids. Its task is to gradually increase the volume of the hearing aid in tiny steps until the target volume is reached. This way, you can relax and gradually get used to the new auditory impressions. More information on acclimatization and additional hearing aids with this feature can be found summarized here: Acclimatization to Hearing Aids.
The Intent 2 mini Ex R comes with a charger, as it has built-in batteries. This is modern, user-friendly, and what we expect from a contemporary hearing aid.
The hearing aid has been classified into IP protection class 68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against the ingress of dust. Water also cannot easily harm the hearing aid. Thus, it is well-equipped for outdoor activities where it may get wet and dirty. However, do not necessarily go bathing or swimming with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can alter the composition and ultimately cause damage.
Oticon follows the concept of natural hearing. Like a person with normal hearing, you will have access to all sounds. The technology behind the signal processing has been trained with data from our neural network. A situation-dependent noise suppression and speech enhancement, which will be adjusted by your audiologist according to your needs, allows you to understand speech naturally. Are you curious about how the battery technology of the Oticon Intent performs in the largest manufacturer comparison? Read our contribution on this: Battery Hearing Aids
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,0
Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R: The new charging station from Oticon is a real eye-catcher. And it also has a lot to offer technically: In just 1 hour, the hearing aids recharge energy for about 16 hours of hearing freedom. For the moment, we can still do without an integrated power bank.
Extras
Before we reach the end, let's take a look at the extras: We really liked the optional tinnitus program. There are quite a few people who are occasionally or frequently troubled by a ringing or buzzing in their ears. The tinnitus program in the Intent 2 mini Ex R is essentially just a sound generator. It creates broadband noises or sounds that gently and pleasantly stimulate all areas of hearing. The tinnitus gets masked and is no longer perceived as disturbing.
Oticon keeps up with the times and provides a future-oriented feature with the remote fitting service. Busy people with little time can contact their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a longer journey to the specialist store also benefit from this special service.
Some hearing aids can track certain health data. However, this requires specific sensors in the hearing aid, which we unfortunately do not have in the Intent 2 mini Ex R. In conjunction with a smartphone, the Intent 2 mini Ex R surprises us with a few nice lifestyle features. It is definitely worth getting thoroughly acquainted with the app and utilizing the offered assistance programs.
Instead of using the depicted earplugs, we recommend that you take a look at the topic of custom-made ear molds: Otoplastics - This is how you really get the most out of hearing aid technology.
Rating Extras: 1,2
Conclusion: Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R
Our conclusion for this hearing aid is very positive: Here we have a small technological marvel that has impressed us in every way. Both the listening comfort and the features for everyday use leave nothing to be desired. We are very happy to give it an overall rating of 1.2 and are confident that you will have a great listening experience with this device.
Top alternatives in the same price range
Which devices in a comparable price range currently show the best technical performance? Here are the current top 3:
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Starkey Edge AI 24 mRIC R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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Starkey Edge AI 24 RIC RT | Rating: 5 / 5 |
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ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R review was created on March 20, 2024 and lastly updated on August 19, 2025. The overall rating of 1,27 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
What does the Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R cost?
The Intent 2 mini Ex R from Oticon is currently offered by providers in a rough price range starting from approximately €3,000. You should consider this price in relation to the test score of 1.2 (very good). For example, you should also take into account the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (a good 4 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparative values in the hearing aid comparison.
How well can you hear with the Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R?
The Intent 2 mini Ex R from Oticon achieves a score of 1.3 (very good) in the test area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid scores a good 4 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives the rating 'excellent' (maximum 5 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid displays 20 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 Intent 2 mini Ex R 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 guideline. 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 big is the Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R?
We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (almost invisible) to M (rather large). The Oticon Intent 2 mini Ex R has a size classification of XS, making it quite small compared to other hearing aids.
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