When you’re researching hearing amplifiers, the Otofonix brand will inevitably come up. This company sells five different hearing aids in three different price categories: the Otofonix Apex, the Otofonix Elite, the Otofonix Helix, Otofonix Sona, and the Otofonix Encore (see an overview of Otofonix Reviews here). Each of these models are quality hearing amplifiers with a unique set of features. While this website has Otofonix reviews for all their hearing aids, this article will discuss the company itself. I’ll examine the customer support and warranty policies and compare the product catalogue. There are three comparisons: the cheapest Otofonix Apex vs the Otofonix Elite (their mid-range model), the Otofonix Elite vs the Otofonix Encore, and the Otofonix Encore vs the Otofonix Helix.
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Article Overview
Otofonix Company Information
Otofonix Warranty
Otofonix Product Information and Comparisons
Differences between the Otofonix Apex and Otofonix Elite
Differences between the Otofonix Elite and Otofonix Encore
Differences between the Otofonix Encore and Otofonix Helix
Otofonix Company Information
Otofonix was co-founded by a retired ENT (ears, nose, throat) doctor in Michigan. After more than 25 years in practice, he suffered the same problem as many of his patients: age-related hearing loss. After the legalization of over-the-counter hearing amplifiers in 2009, he worked together with other specialists to create an affordable solution that combats the effects of hearing loss. This started the Otofonix brand.
The company is now headquartered in Cornelius, NC. Their hearing amplifiers use components from the USA and Europe, but are assembled in China. This keeps costs down, while maintaining the quality of products with the components.
Otofonix Warranty
You can try out your Otofonix device for 45 days. This trial period starts from the date of purchase, not the day it arrives. If you don’t like your hearing amplifier, you can send it back for a refund. All hearing amplifiers from Otofonix also have a one-year factory warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. In those cases, your device is repaired or replaced free of charge.
If you need help with your product, you can call or email the company. They also offer digital versions of their product manuals online, and have videos that help you set up your hearing amplifier.
Otofonix Product Information and Comparisons
As mentioned above, Otofonix sells four different hearing amplifiers in three price categories. Although prices can change, the Apex will generally cost around $150, the Elite around $300, while the Encore sets you back around $400. Please note that those prices are per hearing aid; double that price for a pair. Because the Helix always comes in a pair, their $649 price tag converts to the price of the Elite.
I personally appreciate the approach that Otofonix takes here. Their brand delivers quality in all models, but allows you to decide what you’re willing to pay for certain features and benefits. To create an overview of those features and the differences between the Otofonix hearing amplifiers, I have created three comparisons below: one that compares the Apex with the Elite, one comparison between the Elite and the Encore, and an overview of differences between the Encore and Helix. As you read these, you will see why I won’t make a comparison between the Apex and the Encore. For a more in-depth review of each model, I invite you to read each model’s individual reviews. Just click the model name in the title or text below.
Differences between the Otofonix Apex and Otofonix Elite
A comparison between the Otofonix Apex and the Otofonix Elite doesn’t require a lot of text. The two models are essentially the same, with one key difference. The Elite allows you to switch back and forth between different listening programs. The Apex on the other hand has only one button that makes you cycle through the programs until you find the right one. This convenience on the higher-priced model makes the Elite almost twice as expensive. I don’t know if those costs reflect the difference in manufacturing costs or that the inconvenience is designed to compel buyers to opt for the pricier model.
Differences between the Otofonix Elite and Otofonix Encore
While the Apex and Elite models have just the one difference, a comparison between the Otofonix Elite and the Otofonix Encore is a lot clearer on many levels. While both models have great sound quality, the Encore is definitely a hearing amplifier with more bells and whistles. Compared to the Elite, it has better feedback cancellation, an extra microphone, a high noise reduction listening program, and a telecoil – a functionality normally found on prescription hearing aids. It also has a peak gain of 53 dB, making it suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss. Where the difference between the Apex and the Elite is a matter of paying for convenience, the Elite and Encore are two completely different models.
Differences between the Otofonix Encore and Otofonix Helix
The most striking feature in both the Otofonix Encore and the Otofonix Helix is the telecoil function. While this functionality is rather common in prescription hearing aids, it is much rarer in hearing amplifiers. Aside from this special feature, the two models have more in common: both offer dual microphones, advanced noise canceling technology, four listening programs and ten volume settings. The only real differences between the Otofonix Encore and the Otofonix Helix is that the Helix is sold as a pair, has a rechargeable battery, and that only the Encore comes in different colors.
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