The integration of Oticon Reveal into the VA contract is particularly noteworthy, as it brings the company’s latest Dual AI sound processing system to a population with a disproportionately high incidence of hearing loss. Alongside Reveal, the expanded VA portfolio now includes Oticon CROS RE for single-sided deafness, Oticon Verit with its second-generation AI processing and diverse battery options, Oticon Play SI pediatric hearing aids, and the highly acclaimed Oticon Zeal in-the-ear hearing aid. This comprehensive expansion equips VA hearing care professionals with a broader selection of styles, processing capabilities, and connectivity features, enabling more precise and personalized fittings for veterans and, where applicable, their dependents.
The Critical Role of the VA in Veteran Hearing Healthcare
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plays an indispensable role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to millions of veterans, with audiology being one of its most frequently utilized and vital specialties. Hearing loss is consistently ranked as the most prevalent service-connected disability among veterans, affecting a substantial percentage of those who have served. Data from the VA indicates that hundreds of thousands of veterans receive audiology services annually, reflecting the profound impact of military service on auditory health. Exposure to hazardous noise environments—ranging from combat zones and firing ranges to aircraft carriers and heavy machinery—is a primary contributor to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus among service members.
Recognizing this pervasive issue, the VA operates one of the largest and most sophisticated audiology programs in the world, employing thousands of audiologists and support staff across its vast network of medical centers and clinics. A core component of this program is the provision of state-of-the-art hearing aids and assistive listening devices, procured through a rigorous contracting process that ensures quality, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. The availability of advanced technology through the VA contract is not merely a matter of convenience; it directly impacts veterans’ ability to communicate effectively, engage in social activities, maintain employment, and ultimately, enhance their overall quality of life and reintegration into civilian society. For many veterans, the VA represents their sole access point to specialized hearing care, making these contractual agreements critically important.
Oticon Reveal: Bringing Dual AI Processing to VA Patients
First introduced to the market in August 2026, Oticon Reveal represents a significant leap forward in hearing aid technology, centered around its proprietary Dual AI sound processing system. This innovative architecture distinguishes itself by employing two dedicated artificial intelligence networks that operate in concert and simultaneously to optimize sound perception.
The first network, Speech AI, is specifically engineered to identify and enhance the clarity of speech. It meticulously analyzes incoming audio signals, discerning human voices from a cacophony of background noise. By isolating and boosting speech cues, Speech AI aims to improve speech understanding, particularly in challenging listening environments where conversations often get muddled. This is crucial for veterans who may struggle with communication in noisy social settings, family gatherings, or public spaces, problems often exacerbated by hearing loss and tinnitus.
Concurrently, the second network, Context AI, manages the surrounding environmental sounds. Unlike older technologies that might aggressively suppress all background noise, Context AI is designed to maintain an awareness of the broader listening environment. This nuanced approach recognizes that not all environmental sounds are distractions; many provide vital contextual information, such as the approach of a vehicle, the rustle of leaves indicating wind, or the general ambiance of a room. By preserving these contextual sounds without letting them overwhelm speech, Oticon aims to provide a more natural and immersive listening experience, supporting speech understanding while ensuring the user remains connected to their surroundings. This balanced approach is intended to prevent the feeling of being isolated from the environment, a common complaint with overly aggressive noise reduction systems.
The underlying principles and architecture of Oticon’s Dual AI technology were explored in greater detail during a comprehensive discussion with Oticon executives Michael Lamberson and Thomas Behrens. This in-depth review delved into the intricacies of the dual-network system, its unique approach to speech and contextual sound processing, practical fitting considerations for audiologists, and the significant advancements in wireless connectivity integrated into the devices. The insights from these experts underscored the meticulous research and development that went into creating a system designed to mimic the brain’s natural ability to process sound, rather than simply filtering it.
Beyond its core Dual AI processing, Oticon Reveal incorporates several other advanced features to enhance user experience. The Reveal Optimizer feedback management system is designed to proactively prevent feedback whistles, a common and often irritating issue with hearing aids, ensuring clear and uninterrupted sound. Furthermore, the innovative 4D Sensor technology gathers a rich array of real-time information to inform and optimize hearing aid processing. This includes data on conversation activity, head movement, body movement, and the acoustic environment. By understanding the user’s current situation—whether they are actively conversing, moving through space, or in a quiet versus noisy setting—the hearing aids can dynamically adjust their processing strategies to best suit the moment, offering a truly personalized and adaptive listening experience.
In terms of connectivity, Oticon Reveal’s rechargeable miniRITE devices are at the forefront of wireless technology. They support Bluetooth LE Audio and the groundbreaking Auracast broadcast audio standard. Bluetooth LE Audio promises lower power consumption while maintaining high-quality audio streaming, extending battery life and improving the overall user experience for streamed content. Auracast, a revolutionary technology, allows a single audio source to broadcast to an unlimited number of nearby compatible devices, opening up possibilities for enhanced audio access in public spaces like airports, theaters, or lecture halls. Additionally, the devices offer direct connectivity to compatible smartphones, enabling seamless streaming of calls, music, and other audio content directly into the hearing aids. Oticon states that its updated wireless platform is engineered to improve both streaming stability and connection range, addressing common frustrations users might have experienced with earlier generations of wireless hearing aids. For veterans, this means clearer phone calls with loved ones, easier access to entertainment, and improved participation in various audio-rich environments.
A Diverse Portfolio: Additional Hearing Aid Options for Veterans
The expansion of Oticon’s VA contract portfolio extends well beyond Reveal, encompassing a suite of specialized hearing aid solutions designed to cater to a wide range of audiological needs and personal preferences among veterans. This diverse offering ensures that VA audiologists have the tools to provide truly individualized care.
Oticon CROS RE is specifically engineered for individuals experiencing single-sided deafness (SSD), a challenging condition where one ear has little to no usable hearing. CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) systems work by wirelessly transmitting sound from the non-hearing side to a hearing aid on the better-hearing ear, effectively allowing the user to perceive sounds originating from their deaf side. The CROS RE system is compatible with Oticon Reveal and other recent Oticon hearing aid platforms, ensuring seamless integration for veterans already using or considering Oticon technology. This rechargeable miniRITE system is available in nine different colors, offering a degree of personalization and discretion. For veterans with SSD, CROS RE can significantly improve spatial awareness and understanding of speech from their non-hearing side, reducing the cognitive strain often associated with this condition.
Oticon Verit offers a more traditional power source option with three distinct zinc-air battery configurations: miniRITE T, miniBTE T 85, and BTE T 105. This choice is crucial for veterans who may prefer the reliability and ease of replaceable batteries over rechargeable options, or whose lifestyle might not always accommodate daily charging. Despite using conventional batteries, Oticon Verit is far from basic, incorporating second-generation AI-based sound processing. This ensures that users benefit from advanced sound analysis and optimization, similar to the core AI principles found in Oticon’s latest rechargeable devices. Furthermore, Verit includes Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity, providing modern streaming capabilities for phone calls and audio without compromising on battery choice.
Oticon Play SI, the company’s dedicated pediatric hearing aid family, is also part of this expanded portfolio. While the primary focus of the VA is veterans, the availability of pediatric solutions through the contract speaks to Oticon’s comprehensive offerings and the potential for these devices to be utilized by VA audiologists in various capacities, including potentially for dependents of active-duty military personnel or veterans. Available in rechargeable miniRITE R and miniBTE R styles, these devices feature AI-based sound processing and sensor technology specifically designed to adapt to children’s dynamic and ever-changing listening environments. Children require hearing aids that can support their language development, learning, and social interactions across diverse settings, from quiet classrooms to noisy playgrounds. Play SI’s technology aims to provide optimal sound access to facilitate these critical developmental stages.
Finally, the Oticon Zeal is a compact, rechargeable in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid that combines discretion with advanced technology. Introduced in 2025, Zeal incorporates AI-based sound processing, wireless connectivity, and flexible fitting options, catering to individuals who prioritize a discreet form factor without sacrificing performance. Its innovative design and underlying technology were the subject of an in-depth discussion with Oticon and Demant executives at the EUHA conference, highlighting its significance in the industry. Zeal quickly gained significant industry recognition in 2026, when it was named Innovator of the Year in the seventh annual Hearing Technology Innovator Awards. The hearing aid received the program’s top overall distinction and also won the coveted Hearing Aids – Design category, underscoring its groundbreaking features and user-centric design. For veterans seeking a virtually invisible hearing solution with powerful processing capabilities, Zeal offers an attractive option.
Together, these diverse products significantly broaden the selection of hearing technologies accessible to VA hearing care professionals. This includes specialized options for complex conditions like single-sided deafness, robust choices for pediatric fittings, the convenience of rechargeable devices, and the familiarity of conventional battery-powered hearing aids. This extensive range allows audiologists to meticulously match each veteran’s unique audiological profile, lifestyle, and preferences with the most appropriate and effective hearing solution.
Supporting Hearing Care Through the VA: A Commitment to Service
Oticon has affirmed its deep commitment to the veteran community not only through product availability but also through robust support and educational initiatives. The company’s dedicated Government Services division will continue to provide comprehensive training and educational resources to VA audiologists and hearing care technicians as the expanded portfolio becomes available. This ongoing professional development is crucial to ensure that clinicians are fully equipped to understand, fit, and troubleshoot the latest technologies, thereby maximizing patient outcomes.
Mike Marcinek, VP and General Manager, Government Services and Pediatrics, articulated the company’s mission: “Our dedicated Oticon Government Services team is committed to providing innovative, quality hearing technology, like the new Oticon Reveal and Oticon CROS RE, that will empower VA audiologists to improve hearing and quality of life for our nation’s veterans and active-duty military personnel.” This statement underscores Oticon’s strategic focus on the government sector and its understanding of the unique needs of military healthcare.
The company further highlighted that its Government Services team conducts educational programs throughout the year, designed to help clinicians become intimately familiar with new technologies and their practical clinical applications. These programs cover everything from advanced fitting techniques to patient counseling strategies, ensuring that VA audiologists can leverage the full potential of Oticon’s devices. This continuous education is vital in a rapidly evolving field like audiology, where new innovations are regularly introduced.
With the strategic addition of Oticon Reveal and the broader range of available products, VA audiologists are now empowered with more options than ever before. This expanded arsenal allows for a highly personalized approach to hearing care, enabling clinicians to precisely match hearing technology to individual patients’ audiological needs, their specific listening environments, their connectivity requirements, and their personal device preferences. This level of customization is paramount for achieving optimal hearing outcomes and significantly enhancing the quality of life for veterans, allowing them to reconnect with their families, communities, and passions.
This partnership between Oticon and the VA represents more than just a commercial agreement; it is a testament to a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of those who have served. By providing access to leading-edge hearing solutions and comprehensive professional support, Oticon is playing a vital role in ensuring that veterans receive the advanced care they deserve. Additional information for professionals and details on the available services can be found through Oticon Government Services.
Source: Oticon Inc.
