Test report: Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13

The Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13 in review

Diese Technik ist nicht mehr ganz so neu, deshalb haben wir die Gesamtnote mit einem Abschlag versehen. Hier geht es zum Nachfolger: Oticon More

What exactly can the Ruby 2 HDO 13 from the manufacturer Oticon do? First of all, it is a hearing aid in the classical sense, sitting behind the ear. It covers light, moderate, and severe hearing needs. This model is a small hearing aid from the lower mid-range. What can it achieve in everyday hearing? What comfort features does it offer? We have taken a closer look at this.

Hearing comfort

First, we assess the hearing comfort features. What types of sounds does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? Here, in this test device, we find only the absolute essentials regarding hearing comfort. As with all hearing aids, it also includes typical noise reduction. It aims to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds to the point where they are less prominent. With the Ruby 2 HDO 13, we should not expect too much. Speech and sounds are quite close together. However, in acoustically simple situations, this should be sufficient.

For active outdoor fans, we always find wind noise management useful. This device does have one, but it is not very powerful. It cannot be adjusted individually either. Unfortunately, an impulse sound damper is not included in the Ruby 2 HDO 13. An important point in our tests is the number of frequency bands. This plays a role in the precise programming of the hearing aids. It is also important for distinguishing between speech and sounds. Here, we have 8 bands. There could have been a few more because, unfortunately, this means we cannot make very fine adjustments. However, those who do not place much value on a brilliant sound experience might get along well with the Ruby 2 HDO 13. The microphone technology is fairly simple. The hearing aids cannot create a true sense of space as normal hearing individuals experience. If one wants to estimate directions or distances through hearing, one must be cautious; this is only reliably achieved after a certain adjustment period.

An exciting topic in hearing acoustics is the use of artificial intelligence, but this is not yet applied in this Oticon model.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,8

Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13:

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 choosing a hearing aid, so let’s take a look at the operation and connection options. There is a button directly on the hearing aid. This can be used to change the volume or activate additional hearing programs. It can be programmed according to customer preferences. Usage is, of course, optional. We do like the small remote controls, and for this model, we have found one. This allows for discreet small adjustments to the volume or sound.

Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but unfortunately, this one from Oticon cannot yet. It would be practical when fingers are not as agile anymore or when someone simply likes smart gadgets. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap, without needing to press a button. However, this feature has not yet been implemented here.

As is common today, we also find a smartphone app for the Ruby 2 HDO 13. This app includes solid basic functions and adds a few goodies on top. The Ruby 2 comes with a 2.4 GHz antenna and allows us to enjoy binaural phone calls. This even gives us an advantage over normal hearing individuals. We think that’s great and are happy to give points.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0

Simplicity & security

How does one cope with the hearing aid in everyday life? This is the next aspect we need to evaluate. Because only if such a device works simply and straightforwardly can one become accustomed to it. Unfortunately, there is no powerful automatic situation adjustment in the Ruby 2 HDO 13. We have to make do with a few standard settings. Active hearing aid users will certainly encounter limitations here. The adaptation to the new hearing experience is supported by this device with a fully automatic acclimatization manager. It adjusts the amplification in barely noticeable steps until my hearing loss is completely compensated. I just need to do nothing more than wear my hearing aids regularly.

Unfortunately, the Ruby 2 HDO 13 is not equipped with a rechargeable battery, so regular size 13 batteries are needed for operation.

The Ruby 2 is almost dust- and waterproof and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,5

Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13:

Extras

At the end of our test report, there is still a bit of space for the extra features: Here we noticed the tinnitus option. If desired, one can set up a special tinnitus program. This applies a gentle noise to the ears if needed to distract from the annoying tinnitus. The sounds can be tailored to personal hearing preferences.

The ability for remote adjustment is something we find really great. It's very helpful when you just want to change a small detail in the hearing aid settings but don't want to drive to the audiologist. Instead, you make contact via the app, and the hearing professional sends back an adjusted data package through the same means.

If Oticon had integrated motion sensors into this hearing aid, individual health tracking could even take place. However, that is not the case here. These points are lost in the rating for the Ruby 2 HDO 13. With devices like this from Oticon, our test reports are getting longer, as there are now also intelligent additional functions. Various assistants make life easier for you and are personalized in the app. It's not absolutely necessary, but it's a lot of fun. For this, we give a good rating.

Rating Extras: 1,8

Conclusion: Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13

In the overall result, this test device ranks in the lower positions and lacks some features. We give it a score of 4.45. 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 Ruby 2 HDO 13 review was created on November 11, 2020 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 4,45 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

What size is the Ruby 2 HDO 13 from Oticon?

Large or small has to do with the outward appearance. We assess how large hearing aids appear to outsiders. The Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13 is in the size class S. This means it appears medium-sized.

How well do I hear with the Ruby 2 HDO 13 from Oticon?

This hearing aid has an overall rating of 4.8 (poor) in the area of "hearing comfort." The grade consists of various components. Important criteria: The noise suppression achieves 2 out of 5 stars. The number of adjustable frequency bands in the Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13 is 8 (the best in class currently have 24 bands). For wind noise suppression, we give the device a rating of 'moderate' (only 1 out of 5 stars).

Is the Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13 suitable for me?

The suitability range of hearing aids is referred to by audiologists as the "fitting range." Oticon has set the following fitting range for the Ruby 2 HDO 13: hearing loss mild, moderate, or severe. Have a professional hearing test conducted at an audiology business near you, and then you will know if this hearing aid is suitable for you.

How much does the Oticon Ruby 2 HDO 13 cost?

Is the Ruby 2 HDO 13 from Oticon expensive or affordable? It is currently traded in Germany within a price range of approximately €1,300.00 to €2,000.00. If a health insurance fund contributes, the amount is significantly lower. Important: You should assess the price in relation to the overall rating in the test report (4.5 (sufficient)) and especially in relation to the rating in noise suppression (2 out of 5 stars).

 

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