Test report: Oticon Own 3 CIC

The Oticon Own 3 CIC in review

What hearing comfort does the Own 3 CIC offer? How is it operated? Is it worth the investment? Answers to these questions can be found in our review of this hearing aid from Oticon. First, the basics: It is worn in the ear, and due to its precise placement directly in the ear canal, sound can easily travel towards the eardrum. This is important because only in this way can a really good, broadband sound be produced.

The Own 3 CIC is a discreet, slimly shaped hearing aid from a price range slightly above average, designed to cover mild, moderate, and more severe hearing needs. Read more details:

Hearing comfort

The comfort features determine how pleasant listening in everyday life is perceived. This hearing aid allows for solid comfort programming by the audiologist. A classic noise suppression aims to reduce annoying background noises to a tolerable level. In the Own 3 CIC, environmental noise is reliably detected, but only moderately reduced. There is also wind management. We find this very good, as many people enjoy being outdoors. The reduction of wind noise occurs at a moderate level.

There is also a so-called bang filter here. It dampens short and loud noises somewhat. This is a useful function, but we would have liked a bit more control depth. An adaptive directional microphone helps to separate speech from noise, but we miss a true 3D experience. The Own 3 CIC is one of the good hearing aids, at least in terms of the number of frequency bands. With 18 bands, it is well-equipped for precise adjustment to personal sound preferences.

By the way, you might perceive the sound of this Oticon device as clearer and more natural, especially in noisy environments. This is probably due to the implemented artificial intelligence. The hearing aid has already been fed with millions of real sounds, leading to a significantly improved distinction between speech and noise.

Rating Hearing comfort: 2,5

Oticon Own 3 CIC:

Operation & connectivity

Almost everyone of us owns a smartphone, raising the question of whether it can be connected to the new hearing aid. Let's take a look at how connectivity and usability stand with the Own 3 CIC. For those who want to quickly and easily adjust the volume, there is a button on the device. You can also select additional programs for special hearing situations through it. Remote controls for hearing aids are actually common today, but Oticon has not provided one for this device.

The modern form of control via voice command is still not found in the Own 3 CIC. Tap Control would have been an interesting feature. With it, you could change the function with a quick tap on the ear. But this feature is not available in the Own 3 CIC yet.

We searched in the app store in vain for an app for further settings, which we would have preferred differently. The smartphone cannot be connected to the hearing aid, as the necessary equipment with a wireless antenna is unfortunately missing.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,5

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? The Own 3 CIC can independently differentiate between quiet and loud environments, but there is not much more to the program automation than that. Here, one can hardly do without manual adjustment options. Very important in terms of simplicity is the support during the adaptation period. Especially after having heard poorly for years, it can sometimes be difficult to perceive everything at a natural volume. Our test device features an acclimatization manager that helps us with very small volume adjustments throughout the adjustment phase. After a few weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.

The Own 3 CIC is not equipped with a rechargeable battery, so it cannot be charged. It is powered by a hearing aid battery size 10, which needs to be replaced every few days.

The data sheet certifies the Oticon device with an IP protection class rating of 68. This makes it one of the most robust hearing aids on the market. Dust stands no chance, and water does not penetrate the housing as long as it is not submerged deeper than 1.5 m. However, be cautious. Shampoo, for example, alters the surface tension of water. You should also avoid saltwater. In everyday life, however, you can feel completely carefree.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,5

Extras

Lastly, we are interested in whether there are a few additional goodies on top: Here, we noticed the tinnitus option. Those who wish can have a special tinnitus program set up. This gently plays soothing noise in the ears to help distract from the annoying tinnitus. The sounds can be customized according to personal listening preferences.

An online contact with the audiologist via the app would be very useful. This is already quite common today and provides help with minor adjustment issues. Unfortunately, Oticon does not offer this and therefore does not gain any extra points.

Tracking health data is a real added value in modern hearing aids. However, this Oticon model lacks the sensors for this service. With devices like this from Oticon, our test reports are getting longer, as there are now also intelligent additional functions. Various assistants make your life easier and can be personalized in the app. While not absolutely necessary, it is a lot of fun. For this, we give a good rating.

Rating Extras: 2,5

Conclusion: Oticon Own 3 CIC

With a final grade of 2.78, this model holds its ground in the mid-range. It has a pretty decent level of comfort features on board, sufficient for typical everyday moments and creating a satisfying listening experience.

 

Our Oticon Own 3 CIC review was created on December 13, 2022 and lastly updated on June 20, 2024. The overall rating of 2,78 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 2.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

What size is the Oticon Own 3 CIC?

Big or small relates to the outward appearance. We assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Oticon Own 3 CIC is in the size class XS. This means it looks quite small.

How well do I hear with the Oticon Own 3 CIC?

This hearing aid scores a total of 2.5 (satisfactory) in the area of "Hearing Comfort." The score consists of various components. Important criteria: The noise suppression achieves 3 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Oticon Own 3 CIC is 18 (the top models currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we give the device a rating of 'good' (3 out of 5 stars).

Is the Oticon Own 3 CIC suitable for me?

The suitability range for hearing aids is referred to by hearing specialists as the "fitting range." Oticon has defined the fitting range for the Own 3 CIC as: hearing loss slight, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology business near you, and then you'll know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.

How much does the Oticon Own 3 CIC cost?

Is the Oticon Own 3 CIC expensive or affordable? It is currently traded in Germany for an approximate price range of between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. If a health insurance company contributes, the amount is significantly lower. Important: You should evaluate the price in relation to the overall score in the test report (2.8 (satisfactory)) and, above all, with the rating in the area of noise suppression (3 out of 5 stars).

 

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.

Compare Hearing Aids Now