Otofonix Groove Hearing Aids Review

The Otofonix Groove is Otofonix’ latest hearing aid model, combining their two other new models: the Otofonix Helix and the Otofonix Sona. With those combinations, the Otofonix Groove offers a rechargeable pair of hearing aids that you control from your smartphone. This means you can easily change the volume and listening program without trying to find the tiny buttons behind your ear. 

This is great news for fans of the Helix or Sona who were missing the key feature of the other model, but what about the rest of us? Is the Otofonix Groove worth the money? In this review we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features, other features and downsides of the Otofonix Groove. Before giving you a final recommendation, we’ll list some alternative models in case you’re not finding your ‘groove’ with this model. 

As always, I have summarized my findings in a quick visual summary that you can find at the bottom of this post or by clicking here. If you prefer these summaries, feel free to browse all reviews in a similar manner on my 30-second visual review page. 

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 of the Otofonix Groove

As I pointed out in the introduction, Otofonix have combined their two latest models into one with the introduction of the Otofonix Groove. The Otofonix Helix offers a flashy base that quickly recharges your hearing aids, whereas the Otofonix Sona gives you control over listening programs and volume through a smartphone app. Otofonix concluded people shouldn’t have to choose and ‘invented’ the Groove. 

Another key feature is the size; the Otofonix Groove is the same size as the new Helix and significantly smaller than other hearing aids. This makes the smartphone almost a necessity, as smaller hearing aids are harder to control with your fingers. Nevertheless, the Groove still features buttons as a back-up feature, which I personally think is a good option. 

Other than that, this hearing aid gives you two microphones and advanced noise-cancelling features that have slowly started to become commonplace, but are still an indication of a good pair of hearing aids. 

Who is this hearing amplifier for?

I imagine the Otofonix Groove especially appeals to people who were wearing the Helix or the Sona and very envious of the other group. More generally, the Groove works best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The smartphone app helps you control your hearing aids when fine motoric skills become more challenging or when you simply have bigger fingers than most hearing aids have buttons. 

How well does the Otofonix Groove work?

The Otofonix Groove works as you’d expect. Otofonix has been making high-end models for several years now, and the Groove fits in perfectly. When you start up the smartphone app, you can implement an existing audiogram or take a hearing test. While this hearing test doesn’t replace a medical test by an audiologist, it helps you set up the hearing aid just as works best for you. 

After setting it up, the Groove has four programs and ten different volume levels. The devices simply settle into the charging base that has its own charging cable and block. Charging your devices for about 3 hours gives you 15 hours of normal usage. 

The Otofonix Groove has four different programs that can be finetuned with the app. With these four programs, you can change your listening experience based on your environment and your needs. The first program is for quieter environments and general conversation. Other programs are: restaurant, traffic, and outdoor. Each of these programs balances the incoming sound and noise reduction levels and can be further adjusted with the ten volume settings that are always available. 

Like other Otofonix models, the Groove comes with an ear hook that can increase the device’s power by up to 10 dB. The standard dB output is a maximum of 35 dB.  

While it’s not a comment on how well the device works, it’s important to note that you can not use the Bluetooth connection to listen to music. In other words, these hearing aids do not replace your normal headphones. 

What’s not to like about the Otofonix Groove?

Like all Otofonix models, the Groove isn’t all that powerful. It’s a great device for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, but most people completely miss the mild hearing loss stages. Other than that, there’s really nothing wrong with this model. Its price can be tricky. The introduction rate for the summer of 2021 is $955, which still makes this a higher-priced model compared to other models. If you’ve got the budget, that’s absolutely worth it. If you’re looking to step down a price category, check out the next section with alternatives for the Otofonix Groove. 

Hearing amplifiers that are good alternatives

The Otofonix Groove has a number of alternatives. Its predecessors are both great devices. If you prioritize budget over comfort, you can save around $200 by giving up the rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth access. The Otofonix Sona has Bluetooth access, while the Otofonix Helix gives you the rechargeable pair. An even more budget-friendly alternative is the Neosonic MX Smart – two models that mirror the Helix and Sona respectively. For more suggestions or personalized advice, use our quiz or visit the 30-second review page.    

Want to know more about Otofonix hearing aids? Find all Otofonix Reviews here.

Should you buy the Otofonix Groove?

The technology in hearing aids is improving rapidly, and the Otofonix Groove is the latest step in combining all comforts from different models. People who’ve been waiting for a rechargeable hearing aid with Bluetooth support can now seize the opportunity the Groove gives. At the same time, the Groove brings nothing truly extraordinary. It simply gives you a great hearing device that combines everything the market has to offer. That’s a great reason to buy the Otofonix Groove if you’re looking for a great first hearing aid. If you’re set on hearing aids and browsing for an upgrade, this Otofonix hearing aid will definitely bump you up a notch.