The Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R in review
We are once again looking at a hearing aid in the classic sense for moderate, more severe, and changing hearing losses: This model is called Zircon 1 mini BTE R and comes from the company Oticon. It is worn behind the ear, and it is a small, slim hearing aid. The Zircon 1 mini BTE R is a model from a good, mid-range quality level. Let's see if the pricing classification is justified.
Hearing comfort
First, we assess the hearing comfort features. What types of noise can the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? Here with this test device, solid comfort programming by the audiologist is possible. As with all hearing aids, we also find the typical noise cancellation here. It is supposed to reduce monotonous, noisy background sounds to the extent that they no longer stand out. With the Zircon 1 mini BTE R, we have a relatively simple form of noise suppression that should be sufficient for normal environments.
We are happy that the Zircon 1 mini BTE R includes wind noise reduction. Short, loud sounds can also be detected by this device. However, the attenuation is very low. Those who often encounter such impulsive noises in their environment should choose a different model. While the Zircon 1 mini BTE R does not have many adjustable equalizer bands, the 14 should be sufficient for a good hearing experience. Unfortunately, spatial hearing is not really impressive. The hearing aids can focus forward, but that doesn't help when trying to determine from which direction a car is approaching or where someone is calling from.
An element in the signal processing of the Zircon 1 mini BTE R is artificial intelligence. The impact is positive, as many customers find conversations in noisy situations significantly more relaxed.
Rating Hearing comfort: 2,8
Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R:
Operation & connectivity
The operation of hearing aids today can be as simple or as complex as one might desire. The basic functions operate fully automatically, of course. We wanted to know how users can access the Zircon 1 mini BTE R beyond that. First, we discovered a button directly on the hearing aid. This is very practical because it’s the simplest and quickest way to make adjustments. The volume can be adjusted using this button, and different listening programs can also be activated. If one prefers not to alter anything directly at the ear, the button can obviously be disabled. The small remote control, which is available as an option, is very convenient. For us, this is one of the most comfortable ways to increase or decrease the volume or switch to another listening program. No one notices it, and reaching for the ear is unnecessary.
Some hearing aids can already be controlled by voice, but unfortunately, this one from Oticon cannot yet. This would be practical if fingers are not as nimble anymore or if one simply likes smart gadgets. In addition to buttons or remote controls, some hearing aids also feature tap control. This means you can just tap your ear briefly to switch the device. However, we do not have that feature here at Oticon; it would have required very specific sensors.
A manual control includes an app. This allows access to the hearing aid quite discreetly. Besides volume control, you can also adjust hearing programs and a few other functions. We truly enjoyed the direct, wireless streaming. This means that calls from the smartphone can be transmitted to the hearing aids without additional accessories. Thus, the hearing aid becomes the perfect hands-free system or wireless headphones. Listening to music or watching and hearing videos is incredibly comfortable.
Rating Operation & connectivity: 2,0
Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R:
The best alternatives to the Zircon 1 mini BTE R
Our database contains 2 reviews of hearing aids with similar technical features to this one (i.e., in klassischer Bauform in Size "", rechargable, geeignet für Hörverlust-Grad leicht, mittel & stark). Here are the top 1 (Redaktionsstand 02.10.2025):
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Oticon Zircon 2 mini BTE R | Rating: 3 / 5 |
Simplicity & security
We are of course also interested in how quickly one can adjust to the Zircon 1 mini BTE R and how easy the daily use is. Unfortunately, the performance in terms of simple hearing with the Zircon 1 mini BTE R is not that great. The situation automatic is quite limited, so we receive little support when it gets loud around us. This can be compensated by using the manual adjustment options. However, this does not score points in terms of simplicity. The adjustment 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 have to wear my hearing aids regularly.
The Zircon 1 mini BTE R is rechargeable and no longer requires hearing aid batteries. This is environmentally friendly, as there are no old batteries to dispose of. At the same time, it is also extremely convenient, as no spare batteries need to be carried. The hearing aids simply go into the charging station at night and are ready to use the next morning.
The Zircon 1 is almost dustproof and waterproof, and with its IP 68 rating, it is certainly well protected against external influences.
Rating Simplicity & security: 2,0
Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R:
Extras
In conclusion, we want to know if the hearing aid offers any specials: Worth mentioning is the tinnitus program. Anyone troubled by annoying ear noises will benefit from it. Pleasant, soft sounds are adjusted to gently surround the tinnitus. In the end, the tinnitus fades into the background noise and is no longer bothersome at all.
A clever tool is the integrated remote maintenance service. Almost everyone has a smartphone, and time is a scarce resource. Therefore, such a remote service is absolutely appropriate. Those who need a new programming of their hearing aids can easily contact the audiologist through the app and describe their hearing preferences. Through a cloud service, the professional can then send a customized setting as a data package to the app. From there, it is loaded onto the hearing aid and can be tested immediately. This definitely deserves extra points in our test.
If Oticon had integrated motion sensors into this hearing aid, individual health tracking could even be done. However, this is not the case here. These points are lost for the Zircon 1 mini BTE R in the evaluation. Digital algorithms and suitable apps increasingly allow the integration of lifestyle functions that support your daily life. We are impressed by what hearing aids like this one from Oticon can do today. Be sure to try it out!
Rating Extras: 1,8
Conclusion: Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R
In conclusion, it can be said that this device is a true all-rounder that impresses us with its comfort features and achieves a good overall score of 2.26. Those who want to do without top-notch technology but still wish for a comfortable listening experience are in the right place here.
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:
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Philips HearLink 3050 MNR T R | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Audio Service G8 8 Mood R LI T 8 | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
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Audio Service G8 8 Mood R LI 8 | Rating: 4.5 / 5 |
Our Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R review was created on September 21, 2022 and lastly updated on January 24, 2023. The overall rating of 2,26 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 3.5 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 4 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 4 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 4.5 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..
FAQ
How noticeable is the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R to others?
It falls within the XS size category, so it appears quite small. We primarily focused on the perception by outside observers.
How much does the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R cost?
The price range in which the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R is approximately offered in Germany is between €2,000.00 and €2,500.00. The performance of the device justifies this price. In testing, it achieved an overall rating of 2.3 (good).
Is the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R suitable for my hearing loss?
This behind-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. You can compare other hearing aids within this fitting range with the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R: Hearing Aid Comparison.
How good is hearing with the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R?
This behind-the-ear model received a performance rating of 2.8 (satisfactory) in the review for the area of "hearing comfort." Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise suppression. Here, the Oticon Zircon 1 mini BTE R achieved 2 out of 5 stars. For the reduction of wind noise, it receives our rating of 'adequate' (2 out of 5 stars). The signal processing in this hearing aid occurs in 14 different adjustable channels (the best hearing aids currently have 24 channels).
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