The Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R in review
In this test report, we look at the Intent 3 mini Ex R. It was developed by Oticon and covers mild to severe hearing losses. This variant is worn behind the ear. The Intent 3 mini Ex R is a thin, small hearing aid at a rather premium price. We achieve clear sound transmission through the speaker, which is placed directly in the ear canal.
Hearing comfort
In the first chapter, we assess the quality of noise management. We refer to it as hearing comfort, as these features determine how pleasant the hearing aid user perceives the sound of their hearing devices. However, noises can be of various nature and require different tools for suppression. The Intent 3 mini Ex R provides the customer with comprehensive noise management. First, we look at noise suppression. It is designed to tame everyday sounds like ventilation or refrigerator noise. In this Oticon model, this works quite well. In a normal hearing environment, one can certainly manage with it. Furthermore, we are surprised at how well the impulse sound management works here. Nothing bangs, nothing rattles – very good! The Intent 3 mini Ex R is equipped with an incredibly good wind detection system. Nothing stands in the way of a walk by the sea. For those who want a hearing aid with plenty of flexibility, the Intent 3 mini Ex R is a great choice. It has 18 frequency bands, providing excellent adjustment options. The sound can be modified according to individual preferences, even after several years. Directional hearing often requires a bit of support for hearing aid users. The Intent 3 mini Ex R provides this support confidently and enables good spatial orientation. Interestingly, artificial intelligence also plays a role here in signal processing. The sound is analyzed not only based on typical frequency patterns. Especially in intense, noisy situations, this makes them feel more realistic and enjoyable.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,0
Operation & connectivity
Although hearing aids are now very intelligent, they still cannot read the thoughts of the hearing aid wearer. Thus, the automation sometimes reaches its limits. Individual adjustment options can be really useful, so let’s briefly look at the options available with the Intent 3 mini Ex R: For those who want to quickly and easily increase or decrease the volume, there is a button on the device. One can also select additional programs for special hearing situations through it. Those who don’t like to touch their ear to adjust the volume will appreciate the optional remote control. This way, one can conveniently and unobtrusively make changes to the hearing aid.
Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but this one from Oticon cannot unfortunately. This would be practical if fingers are not as mobile anymore or simply for those who enjoy smart gadgets. Another option to control the hearing aids is a tapping control. Here, one simply taps their fingers on the ear, which triggers a specific function. However, this feature is not available in this Oticon device.
The best way to adjust the Intent 3 mini Ex R is with the associated app. The first apps had barely one screen, but this one offers far more than just the usual volume control. There are clearly points from us here. A streaming option would not be bad for our digital everyday life. The current device meets our request and comes with a 2.4 GHz wireless module. This allows calls and sounds to be sent directly from the smartphone to the hearing aids.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 1,1
Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R:
The best alternatives to the Intent 3 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):
|
ReSound Vivia 9 60S-DRWC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
|
Philips HearLink 9050 MNR T R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
|
Oticon Intent 1 mini Ex R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
No matter how good the hearing aid sounds: nothing is more unpleasant than a product that constantly presents us with hurdles in everyday life. That's why simplicity and safety are very important topics in our hearing aid tests: with a top-class situational recognition, the Intent 3 mini Ex R has completely convinced us. The hearing aid seamlessly adapts to the acoustic environment and requires almost no intervention from us. Hearing feels completely normal. We give it a big plus for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It gradually raises the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This significantly facilitates the adaptation to the new sound.
A great relief in everyday life is the integrated rechargeable battery. This ensures that my Intent 3 mini Ex R always has enough energy for the whole day, and I no longer have to worry that the batteries will suddenly run out in the middle of an event. An all-in-one rechargeable system is also very helpful for those with limited dexterity, as it eliminates the need for inserting small button cells.
The hearing aid has been classified into IP protection class 68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water cannot easily damage the hearing aid either. Therefore, it is well-prepared for outdoor activities where it may get wet and dirty. However, please do not go swimming or bathing with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can alter the composition and ultimately cause damage.
Rating Simplicity & security: 1,5
Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R:
Extras
We have addressed the most important factors in our test report. Before we conclude, we are on the lookout for a few extras: Oticon has integrated a noise generator that plays soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can distract from the tinnitus and provide some relaxation.
A clever tool is the integrated remote service. Almost everyone has a smartphone, and time is a precious commodity. Therefore, such a remote service is absolutely appropriate. Anyone needing a new programming of their hearing aids can easily contact their audiologist through the app and describe their hearing preferences. The professional can then send an individual setting as a data package to the app via a cloud service. From there, it is loaded onto the hearing aid and can be tested immediately. This definitely deserves extra points in our test.
A new trend in the hearing aid industry is integrated sensors that can track, for example, some personal health data. However, the Intent 3 mini Ex R does not offer this. Digital algorithms and suitable apps are increasingly allowing the integration of lifestyle features that support your daily life. We are impressed by what hearing aids like this one from Oticon can do today. You should definitely give it a try!
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R
Our conclusion for this hearing aid is very positive: here we have a small technical marvel that has impressed us in every way. Both the hearing comfort and the features for daily use leave nothing to be desired. We are very pleased to award an overall grade of 1.48 and are confident that this device provides a great listening experience.
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:
|
Signia Active Pro IX ITC | Rating: 5 / 5 |
|
|
Philips HearLink 5050 MNR T R | Rating: 5 / 5 |
|
Audio Service G8 12 Mood R LI T 8 | Rating: 5 / 5 |
Our Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R review was created on April 2, 2024 and lastly updated on August 19, 2025. The overall rating of 1,63 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 4 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How big is the Intent 3 mini Ex R from Oticon?
Since a size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have divided the size perception into classes. Class "XXS" is virtually invisible, class "M" has the largest appearance. The Intent 3 mini Ex R from Oticon is in the size class XS. It can therefore be considered quite small.
What is the price of the Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R?
The Intent 3 mini Ex R from manufacturer Oticon is currently being offered by hearing aid acousticians in Germany in a price range of approximately between €2,500.00 and €3,000.00. To assess the price-performance ratio, you should also consider the overall test score of 1.5 (very good).
How well can you hear with the Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R?
We rate the Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R for hearing comfort with a score of 1.7 (good). The Oticon hearing aid receives the designation 'excellent' for its suppression of wind noise (maximum 5 out of 5 stars). The noise suppression of the device reaches 3 out of 5 stars. 18 frequency bands are individually adjustable in this hearing aid for processing sound pitches (top values of current flagship models: 24).
Who is the Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R suitable for?
If your hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe, the Oticon Intent 3 mini Ex R may be suitable for you. This so-called "fitting range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and relates, among other things, to the amplification of the hearing aid. Whether the device is actually suitable for you can only be meaningfully assessed by a hearing aid acoustician on-site after a detailed hearing test has been conducted.
Compare hearing aids: discover all other current reviews now
Find and sort all currently listed hearing aids now. You have full access to all filters, allowing you to quickly view the top hearing aids at a glance.
