Test report: Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13

The Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 in review

We are once again looking at a conventional hearing aid for mild, moderate, and even severe hearing losses: This model is called Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 and comes from the company Oticon. It is worn behind the ear, and it is a small hearing aid. The Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 is a model from a solid mid-price range. Let's see if the price classification is justified.

Hearing comfort

The comfort features determine how pleasant hearing is experienced in everyday life. In this hearing aid, we find only the bare essentials regarding hearing comfort. A classic noise suppression is supposed to reduce annoying background noises to a bearable level. In the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13, it has a very limited effect. When looking at the price, this may well be fitting. This hearing aid can detect wind noise, but the reduction is barely noticeable.

Points are deducted for the lack of impulse sound suppression. Normally, this dampens short, rattling noises. However, those who choose this hearing aid should not be bothered by this. The microphones in the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 can be directed forward in the line of sight. However, this is the only feature that slightly supports spatial hearing. Let’s briefly look at the equalizer: With 8 bands, it is not particularly flexible. With a few more channels, we would certainly have achieved a nicer, more natural sound experience. But at least we can reasonably adjust the sound to our hearing perception.

Other hearing aids already use artificial intelligence in their signal processing, but this strategy is not yet implemented in the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13.

Rating Hearing comfort: 5,0

Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13:

Operation & connectivity

The operation of hearing aids today is as simple or as complex as one would like it to be. The basic functions are, of course, fully automated. We wanted to know how users can further access the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13. For those who want to quickly and easily adjust the volume, there is a button on the device. Additional programs for special listening situations can also be selected through it. The small remote control, which is available as an option, is very practical. For us, this is one of the most comfortable ways to adjust the hearing aid's volume or switch to another hearing program. No one notices this, as reaching for the ear is unnecessary.

We are always pleased when a hearing aid surprises us with a great additional feature. For example, we would have liked to see voice control at this point. However, it is not currently available in the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13. Some hearing aids can also be operated with a quick tap of the finger, without needing to press a button. This feature is not yet implemented here.

As is common today, we also find a smartphone app for the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13. This app contains solid basic functions and adds a few goodies on top. We really enjoyed the direct, wireless streaming. This means that calls from the smartphone are transmitted to the hearing aids without any additional accessories. Thus, the hearing aid becomes the perfect hands-free system or wireless headphones. Listening to music or watching and listening to videos is incredibly comfortable.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0

Simplicity & security

Now let's take a look at how the usage is in daily life. Is the handling easy? Do I get a safe device? We get relatively little support from the program automation in the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13. Without a few individual hearing programs, one might not cope in a lively everyday environment. Very important in terms of simplicity is the support during the acclimatization process. 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 acclimatization phase. After a few weeks or months, we then reach the calculated amplification level.

Unfortunately, the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 is not equipped with a battery, so regular size 13 batteries are needed for operation.

The hearing aid has been classified into protection class IP68. This guarantees comprehensive protection against dust ingress. Water also cannot easily harm the hearing aid. Thus, it is well-equipped for outdoor activities, where it can get wet and dirty. However, do not go swimming or bathing with the hearing aids. Bath additives or the salt content in seawater can change the composition and ultimately cause damage.

Rating Simplicity & security: 2,8

Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13:

Extras

Everyone appreciates a few extra features, so let's see if we can find something here: We noticed the tinnitus option. Those who wish can set up a special tinnitus program. If needed, it provides a gentle noise to distract from the annoying tinnitus. The sounds can be tailored to personal hearing preferences.

Oticon is keeping up with the times and offers a forward-looking feature with the remote adjustment service. Busy people with little time can contact their audiologist online and have their hearing aids reprogrammed. Hearing aid users who have a long journey to the specialist shop also benefit from this special service.

Many hearing aids today still come with a few health functions. However, since the Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 does not have specific sensors for these, we cannot present any special features here. 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. While this is not absolutely necessary, it is a lot of fun. For this, we give a good rating.

Rating Extras: 1,8

Conclusion: Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13

With a final grade of 3.29, this model holds its own in the mid-range. It has a quite decent comfort feature set on board, sufficient for typical everyday moments and creates a satisfying listening experience.

 

Our Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 review was created on December 3, 2020 and lastly updated on September 8, 2022. The overall rating of 3,29 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 1 | »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 is the price of the Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13?

The Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 from Oticon is currently offered by providers at a rough price range of approximately between €1,300.00 and €2,000.00. You should view this price in relation to the test score of 3.3 (satisfactory). And also, for example, in relation to the star rating in the area of noise suppression in our tests (only 1 out of 5 stars). You can find all comparison values in the hearing aid comparison.

How well does one hear with the Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13?

The Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 from Oticon achieves a score of 5.0 (poor) in the testing area of hearing comfort. In the area of noise suppression, the hearing aid only achieves 1 out of 5 stars. For wind noise suppression, it receives a rating of 'fair' (only 1 out of 5 stars). The hearing aid shows 8 different equalizer bands in testing, which can be adjusted by the hearing care professional to the individual's hearing ability (the current top models reach 24).

For whom is the Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 suitable?

This hearing aid is aimed at people whose hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe. This so-called "fitting range" is indicated by Oticon as a rough framework. A good local hearing care company can immediately tell after a professional hearing test whether this behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for you.

How big is the Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13?

We have classified all hearing aids on the market into four size categories, from XXS (virtually invisible) to M (rather large). The Oticon Xceed SP 3 HDO 13 has a size classification of S, making it medium-sized compared to other hearing aids.

 

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