Test report: Oticon Ruby 2 mini R

The Oticon Ruby 2 mini R in review

Inzwischen hat der Hersteller eine bessere Hörtechnik entwickelt: Oticon More Wir haben deshalb die Gesamtnote mit einem Abschlag versehen.

Here we take a look at a hearing aid from a solid mid-range price category that is worn behind the ear. It is called Ruby 2 mini R and comes from the manufacturer Oticon. It can be used by anyone with mild to severe hearing loss who desires a small, barely visible hearing aid. Due to the discreet and simultaneously intelligent outsourcing of the speaker into the ear canal, it has very good sound qualities.

Hearing comfort

In the Hearing Comfort section, we look at how a hearing aid deals with all the background noise. Comfortable noise management significantly contributes to a user liking and regularly wearing their hearing aids. With this Oticon device, we find only the absolute essentials when it comes to hearing comfort. The standard background noise suppression is designed to reduce uniform, hissing background noises. In the Ruby 2 mini R, we find rather below-average background noise suppression. Noise-sensitive individuals will have to make some compromises regarding hearing comfort.

Unfortunately, we did not find a burst filter that reacts to short, loud sounds. Although the Ruby 2 mini R has wind reduction, it doesn’t make much of a difference outdoors. We have to do without spatial hearing on the Ruby 2 mini R, but at least the microphones can be switched to a focus mode. We also look at the number of equalizer bands: the device from Oticon has 8. We are not really happy with that, as the options for sound shaping are quite limited. However, it is sufficient for good speech understanding.

Oticon does not yet use artificial intelligence in this version.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,8

Operation & connectivity

The operation options for hearing aids today are as simple or as complex as anyone would like. The basic functions operate fully automatically, of course. We wanted to know how a user can further access the Ruby 2 mini R. Usually, there is a button on the hearing aid, and we found one on the Ruby 2 as well. It can be configured as a volume control or program selection button and can also be deactivated if desired. Those who prefer not to touch their ear to adjust the volume will appreciate the optional remote control, allowing for convenient and discreet adjustments to the hearing aid.

Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but unfortunately, this one from Oticon cannot yet. It would be practical if fingers are not as nimble anymore or if one simply enjoys smart gadgets. Some hearing aids can also be controlled with a quick tap of a finger without having to press an extra button. However, this feature has not yet been implemented here.

An app on the smartphone is supposed to facilitate operation, and we found one for the Ruby 2 mini R as well. Besides the basic functions like volume and programs, there are a few more buttons for personalization. You don't need headphones here anymore, as it has a wireless option and can stream sounds directly from the smartphone to the ears – provided the smartphone is equipped with 2.4 GHz LE technology.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0

Oticon Ruby 2 mini R:

Simplicity & security

Now let's take a look at how the use of this device is designed in everyday life. Is the handling easy? Do I get a safe device? The Ruby 2 mini R can independently differentiate between quiet and noisy environments, but there's not much more in the program automation. One can hardly do without manual setting options here. We give a big plus point for the automatic acclimatization assistant. It raises the starting volume in very small steps until my hearing goal is reached. This greatly facilitates the adjustment to the new sound.

The Ruby 2 mini R is rechargeable and no longer requires batteries. This is not only environmentally friendly but also very convenient to use and frees me from the burden of constantly thinking about battery supply.

The Ruby 2 is nearly dust and water resistant and, with its IP 68 classification, is certainly well protected against external influences.

Rating Simplicity & security: 1,8

Oticon Ruby 2 mini R:

Extras

Lastly, we are interested in whether there are a few goodies on top: Oticon has integrated a noise generator that plays some soothing sounds for those suffering from tinnitus. This can distract from the tinnitus and provide a bit more relaxation.

A real added value is the remote maintenance service. For a change in hearing aid settings, you no longer need to go to the specialist store; instead, you can directly contact the audiologist through the app. Through a cloud service, you can then load the new data package into the hearing aids. This is exactly what we expect from a modern hearing aid.

Tracking health data is a real benefit in modern hearing aids. However, this Oticon model lacks the sensors for this service. This Oticon device still has a few small highlights. Depending on what your smartphone supports, you can set reminders for appointments, access Siri, or use various other assistance systems. This definitely earns an extra point.

Rating Extras: 1,8

Conclusion: Oticon Ruby 2 mini R

In the overall result, this test device lands in the lower ranks and lacks some features. We give it a rating of 4.27. 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 mini R review was created on November 11, 2020 and lastly updated on June 25, 2024. The overall rating of 4,27 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »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 Ruby 2 mini R from Oticon?

Since a size in millimeters does not explain how large a hearing aid appears, we have divided the perceived sizes into classes. Class "XXS" is practically invisible, class "M" has the largest appearance. The Ruby 2 mini R from Oticon is in the size class XS. Therefore, it could be described as quite small.

What is the price of the Oticon Ruby 2 mini R?

The Ruby 2 mini R from manufacturer Oticon is currently offered by audiologists in Germany in a price range of approximately between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. To assess the value for money, you should consider the overall test score of 4.3 (sufficient).

How well does one hear with the Oticon Ruby 2 mini R?

The Oticon Ruby 2 mini R receives a score of 4.8 (poor) for hearing comfort from us. The Oticon hearing aid is rated 'moderate' (only 1 out of 5 stars) for its suppression of wind noise. The noise suppression of the device achieves 2 out of 5 stars. 8 frequency bands are separately adjustable in this hearing aid for the processing of sound levels (top values of current premium models: 24).

For whom is the Oticon Ruby 2 mini R suitable?

If your hearing deficit is mild, moderate, or severe, the Oticon Ruby 2 mini R could be suitable for you. This so-called "fitting range" of the hearing aid is determined by the manufacturer and has to do with the amplification of the hearing aid, among other things. Whether the device is actually suitable for you can only be sensibly assessed by an audiologist on-site after a thorough hearing test has been conducted.

 

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