Temporary update: Otofonix has a customer appreciation event that gives you 50% off of each of their hearing amplifiers. To visit their website, click the image below:
Otofonix is a straightforward company. Their catalogue exists of three different models hearing amplifier in three price categories: the Apex, the Elite, and the Encore. Each subsequent model comes with more bells and whistles, so that the Otofonix Encore is their most extensive model. With the positive experiences that the Apex and Elite models bring, expectations for the Encore are very high.
In this review of the Otofonix Encore, I examine those expectations and see how they hold up in practice. We’ll look at the key features of the Encore, see how the hearing amplifier works in real life, and assess if it’s worth your money. My suggested alternatives help you further in your search for the perfect hearing amplifier.
To skip the reading and see a summary of my findings, go to the visual 30-second review at the bottom of this post.
Links in this article pointing to another website might be affiliate links. If you purchase something on those websites, I could receive a small commission. This doesn’t affect your price nor my review.
Key features
The first key feature that separates the Otofonix Encore from the two simpler models (and many other hearing amplifiers at that) is the use of dual direction microphones. Instead of amplifying sound through one microphone, the Encore uses two. This better mimics the natural function of the ear and allows for better background noise control. Sounds aren’t necessarily clearer with two microphones, but they make it easier to focus on what you want to hear.
Another key feature is the power of the device. With a maximum 53 dB peak gain, the Otofonix Encore battles moderate to severe hearing loss. Most hearing amplifiers are made for moderate hearing loss at best, forcing people with more serious hearing problems to buy prescription hearing aids for thousands of dollars. The power of the Encore extends the use of the much cheaper hearing amplifiers to a wider range of people.
The Otofonix Encore is featured in our post of most powerful hearing amplifiers.
Finally, the Encore is equipped with a telecoil function. This setting is hardly ever found in hearing amplifiers. For people frequently visiting places with a telecoil system (a church, for example), this can be of great help.
Who is this for?
Although hearing aids and hearing amplifiers are not the same, most people save a lot of money by picking a hearing amplifier. The Encore comes closer to mimicking the functionalities of a real hearing aid than other hearing amplifiers. Not only the features of this hearing amplifier, but also its power bring you closer to owning a hearing aid than other models. People who lost their hearing aids and are looking for a replacement, as well as people who want most of the hearing aid experience without paying full price, should consider the Otofonix Encore.
Also read: Otofonix Company Profile
Does the Otofonix Encore work?
The sound quality of the Otofonix Encore is simply excellent. Sounds are sharp and have depth. The dual microphone system also allows for a good sense of positioning. Although it’s hard to tell whether the two microphones make a big difference with the noise cancelling feature, background noise isn’t a problem at all.
The advanced inner workings of the Encore allow you to focus on the frequencies of the human voice. Where some simpler hearing amplifiers boost all sounds equally, the Otofonix helps you focus on what you really want to hear.
The Otofonix Encore has three different listening programs: normal, noisy, and very noisy. The telecoil is listed as a fourth setting, but is really its own function. By combining these listening programs with the ten different volume levels, you can easily adjust the hearing amplifier to a specific situation.
What’s not to like?
Although the sound from the Otofonix Encore is simply great, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. While the device is capable of the powerful 53 dB peak gain, the default setting is 42 dB. To reach the hearing amplifier’s full capacity, you need to use the ear hook. This makes the Encore a bit more cumbersome in daily use.
Another small downside is that the device isn’t as small as more advanced models. While these more advanced models will also push you into a higher price category, the relative size of the Otofonix can be a hurdle for some people.
Finally, while the Otofonix Encore has ten volume settings, the highest three settings work significantly better with a closed dome. Changing domes unexpectedly adds a level of inconvenience and most people might end up using only the seven lowest volume settings as a result.
Alternatives for the Otofonix Encore
Otofonix has updated its catalogue and added the Otofonix Helix, a pair of hearing amplifiers that has striking similarities to the Otofonix Encore. You could even argue that the two are essentially the same, but the Helix is slightly cheaper and has a rechargeable battery.
The ZVOX Voicebud VB20 shares very similar characteristics to the Otofonix Encore. It also has dual microphones, a great sound quality, and offers a good all-round experience. The main difference between that model and the Otofonix is the telecoil function. If you plan on using the telecoil function, there is no need for an alternative. Otherwise, the ZVOX will save you a pretty penny.
For more alternatives, please see the page with 30-second reviews where I have listed review summaries for each model discussed on the website.
Should you buy the Otofonix Encore?
The Otofonix Encore promises to be a complete replacement of prescription hearing aids that cost about five times as much. With its telecoil function, dual microphones, different volume and listening settings, and excellent sound quality, the Encore is a true competitor for these personalized devices.
At the same time, while the ifs and buts aren’t deal breakers, they keep the Encore from truly shining. I personally don’t think the size is an issue, but needing different ‘attachments’ to get everything out of your hearing amplifier can be inconvenient. On top of that, the best alternative to the Encore, the ZVOX Voicebud VB20, offers practically the same device but without the telecoil function – for much less. In practice, it means paying big dollars for the telecoil function.
If you foresee using the telecoil function (offered in many places of worship, conference centers, theaters and also available in your own home), don’t negotiate yourself out of this device to save a few dollars. The Otofonix Elite is a fantastic alternative for hearing aids, and drastically improves your hearing.
It’s the people who won’t use the telecoil I’m worried about. They’re better off going for the alternative than spending money on a setting they won’t use. Think of the places you visit regularly and call your church or theater to see how much you’ll be using the telecoil before you make your buying decision.
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