Oticon, a global leader in hearing care innovation, has officially launched Oticon Play SI, a groundbreaking new family of pediatric hearing aids designed to revolutionize support for children and teens navigating life with hearing loss. This advanced system integrates second-generation artificial intelligence (AI) sound processing, innovative 4D user-intent sensors, and enhanced connectivity features, all meticulously engineered to foster listening, communication, and comprehensive engagement across diverse, everyday environments. From the dynamic acoustics of a bustling classroom to the playful cacophony of a playground and the intricate soundscapes of social gatherings, Oticon Play SI aims to provide consistent and superior access to speech and essential sounds, thereby laying a robust foundation for critical developmental milestones.
The introduction of Oticon Play SI marks a significant leap forward in pediatric audiology, building on Oticon’s long-standing commitment to improving the lives of individuals with hearing impairments. This new offering is poised to address the unique auditory challenges faced by younger users, ensuring they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally without being unduly limited by their hearing loss. The emphasis on real-world scenarios underscores the company’s understanding that effective hearing support extends far beyond quiet environments, encompassing the complex and often noisy settings where children and adolescents spend the majority of their time.
At the Forefront: Second-Generation AI Sound Processing
Central to the capabilities of Oticon Play SI is its foundation on Oticon’s cutting-edge second-generation AI sound processing platform. This sophisticated system represents the pinnacle of auditory technology, having been meticulously trained on millions of diverse sound scenes. This extensive training allows the platform to intelligently analyze and process sounds in real-time, providing clearer, more natural sound experiences for the wearer. The implications of this are profound for children, whose developing brains rely on consistent, high-fidelity auditory input for language acquisition and cognitive development.
Beyond clarity, the AI platform offers impressive performance metrics, including up to 12 dB of noise suppression. This feature is particularly vital in environments characterized by significant background noise, such as school cafeterias, sports events, or crowded public spaces, where distinguishing speech from ambient sound can be a formidable challenge. By actively suppressing unwanted noise, Oticon Play SI ensures that crucial speech signals remain prominent and accessible. Furthermore, the system boasts an extended frequency bandwidth, ranging from 80 Hz to an impressive 10,000 Hz. This wide bandwidth ensures that a broader spectrum of sounds, from the low rumblings of a truck to the high-pitched nuances of a bird song or musical instrument, are captured and delivered with greater fidelity, enriching the child’s auditory world and aiding in sound localization and differentiation. The ability to perceive a fuller soundscape is critical not just for enjoyment, but also for safety and environmental awareness.
Revolutionizing Real-Time Adaptation with 4D User-Intent Sensors
A defining innovation within the Oticon Play SI family is the integration of 4D user-intent sensors. These advanced sensors are engineered to detect and dynamically respond to subtle changes in a child’s listening needs in real time. Unlike traditional hearing aids that might operate on fixed settings or require manual adjustments, the 4D sensors offer a level of adaptive intelligence that significantly enhances the user experience. This means the hearing aid can intuitively understand whether a child is engaged in a one-on-one conversation, participating in a group discussion, or simply observing their surroundings, and then optimize its settings accordingly.
The efficacy of these sensors is supported by compelling evidence. Oticon cited recent research from Boys Town National Research Hospital, which evaluated the impact of 4D Sensors when activated for children and teens aged 12 to 18 with hearing loss. The findings were remarkably positive: sentence recognition showed improvement for 50% of participants, while a significant 77% reported a reduction in listening difficulty. These statistics highlight the tangible benefits of a system that can intelligently adapt to the ever-changing auditory demands of a child’s day, reducing cognitive load and enhancing comprehension. It underscores a shift from static amplification to dynamic, context-aware sound processing, allowing young users to expend less mental effort on simply hearing, and more on learning, interacting, and engaging with their world. It is important to note, however, that the 4D Sensor technology is off by default for Oticon Play SI and requires manual enablement in Oticon Genie 2, though the underlying MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 platform still operates adaptively without the additional sensor support.
Fostering Development: A Foundation for Language, Learning, and Social Interaction
David Gordey, Director of Pediatric Audiology and Research at Oticon, articulated the profound impact of Oticon Play SI, stating, “Oticon Play SI doesn’t just improve access to sound; it supports critical developmental milestones. For children, hearing is the foundation for language, learning, and social interaction. When they can hear clearly in complex environments, they’re better able to build vocabulary, follow classroom discussions, and engage confidently with peers. For teens and young adults, streaming is equally important. It allows them to stay connected socially, enjoy music, and access educational content without barriers. Oticon Play SI helps ensure children and teens can thrive in every aspect of life.”
Gordey’s statement underscores the holistic approach taken by Oticon. For young children, the ability to clearly perceive speech and environmental sounds is intrinsically linked to the development of language skills. Hearing every nuance of speech helps in building a robust vocabulary, understanding grammar, and forming coherent sentences. In educational settings, clear hearing is paramount for following classroom instructions, participating in discussions, and absorbing new information. Furthermore, social interaction relies heavily on auditory cues, from understanding tone of voice to following multi-speaker conversations. By providing superior sound access, Oticon Play SI empowers children to confidently engage with their peers, fostering healthy social development and reducing feelings of isolation often associated with untreated hearing loss.
For teenagers and young adults, the needs evolve, but the importance of connectivity remains paramount. In an increasingly digital world, streaming audio for music, podcasts, video calls, and educational content is an integral part of daily life. Oticon Play SI ensures that these digital experiences are seamless and high-quality, enabling teens to stay connected socially, enjoy entertainment, and access vital educational resources without barriers. This technological integration helps bridge the gap between their hearing abilities and the demands of modern communication, contributing to a sense of normalcy and inclusion during a critical period of identity formation.
Designed for Every Stage: Form Factors, Personalization, and Durability
Understanding that children’s needs vary significantly with age and physical development, Oticon Play SI is offered in two distinct form factors. The miniRITE R is specifically intended for tweens and teens, offering a discreet yet powerful solution that aligns with their desire for aesthetics and advanced functionality. For younger children and those with smaller ears, the miniBTE R is available, providing robust support in fitting levels 85 and 105. This thoughtful differentiation ensures that the physical device is comfortable, secure, and appropriate for the user’s age and specific audiological requirements.
Beyond functionality, Oticon has prioritized personalization and durability – two critical aspects for pediatric devices. The Oticon Play SI family is offered in an impressive palette of 12 vibrant color options, allowing children to express their individuality. The miniBTE R further extends personalization with seven additional hook colors. To make the devices even more appealing and unique, Oticon also provides decorative stickers, empowering children to take ownership of their hearing aids and view them as an extension of their personal style rather than a medical device. This focus on customization can significantly improve acceptance and consistent use, which is crucial for maximizing the benefits of amplification.
Durability is not just a feature; it’s a necessity for devices used by active children. Oticon Play SI devices are built to withstand the rigors of childhood, boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This certification means the devices can endure immersion in water and are protected against dust ingress, offering peace of mind for parents and children engaging in sports, outdoor play, or simply navigating unpredictable daily routines. Furthermore, the use of allergen-free materials ensures comfort and minimizes the risk of skin irritations, prioritizing the health and well-being of young users.
Seamless Connectivity and Essential Classroom Support
In today’s interconnected world, advanced connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental expectation, especially for younger generations. Oticon has placed a strong emphasis on the connectivity features of Play SI, recognizing streaming as an increasingly important part of how children learn, communicate, and engage socially.
The Oticon Play SI supports Auracast™ broadcasts through the Oticon Companion app. Auracast™ is an innovative new Bluetooth capability that allows an audio transmitter to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of nearby Auracast™ receivers, enabling shared audio experiences in public spaces like airports, gyms, or even private settings. This feature opens up new avenues for shared listening experiences, from watching a movie with friends to listening to public announcements more clearly.
Compatibility is also a key strength. Oticon Play SI is fully compatible with iPhone devices, ensuring seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. For Android users, the devices are designed to support Bluetooth LE Audio, a next-generation Bluetooth standard that offers lower power consumption, higher audio quality, and the ability for multi-stream audio. This includes two-way audio for hands-free calls on select devices and Fast Pair functionality, simplifying the pairing process. The importance of this advanced connectivity is further underscored by a recent company-cited study, which revealed that 83% of tweens and teens expressed a preference for Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity over the older Bluetooth Classic standard, highlighting the demand for modern, efficient wireless capabilities.
Recognizing the pivotal role of education, Oticon Play SI is also fully compatible with EduMic, Oticon’s dedicated remote microphone system designed specifically for preschool and classroom use. EduMic serves as a vital tool for improving access to a teacher’s voice, particularly in situations where distance, reverberation, and background noise can significantly impede listening and comprehension. By wirelessly transmitting the teacher’s voice directly to the child’s hearing aids, EduMic cuts through environmental distractions, ensuring that every word is heard clearly. The system also incorporates wind noise management, making it equally effective for outdoor learning activities or playground supervision. This direct-streamed audio from the teacher is critical for academic success, reducing listening fatigue, and promoting active participation in classroom discussions, thereby fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Empowering Daily Life with Efficient Charging
The practicalities of daily use are paramount for pediatric devices, and battery life and charging efficiency are critical considerations. Oticon Play SI offers impressive charging capabilities designed to keep pace with a child’s active schedule. The devices can provide a full day of use after just one hour of charging, ensuring minimal downtime. For quick top-ups, a mere 15 minutes of charging can yield up to four hours of use, while 30 minutes of charging provides up to eight hours. This rapid charging functionality is invaluable for busy families, ensuring that the hearing aids are always ready when needed, without long waits. It’s important to note that actual use time can vary based on usage patterns, activated features, hearing loss severity, sound environment, battery age, and the use of wireless accessories.
Broader Impact and Oticon’s Vision
The launch of Oticon Play SI is more than just a product release; it represents a significant advancement in the field of pediatric audiology and a testament to Oticon’s ongoing commitment to innovation. Globally, over 700 million people experience hearing loss, with approximately eight percent of those being under the age of 18. For these young individuals, effective hearing solutions are not just about sound amplification, but about unlocking their full potential and mitigating the long-term health, educational, and social consequences of unmanaged hearing loss.
Oticon has historically been at the forefront of developing life-changing technology, particularly for children. Their continuous investment in research and development, exemplified by the second-generation AI and 4D sensor technology in Play SI, underscores a philosophy centered on empowering users. This new family of hearing aids aligns with broader trends in healthcare technology towards personalized, adaptive, and seamlessly integrated solutions that enhance quality of life. By addressing the specific needs of children and teens – from the acoustic challenges of complex environments to the desire for personalization and advanced connectivity – Oticon Play SI contributes significantly to fostering greater inclusion and opportunities for this demographic.
The implications extend to parents and audiologists as well. For parents, Oticon Play SI offers reassurance that their children have access to state-of-the-art technology designed to support their growth and development comprehensively. For audiologists, it provides advanced tools to fine-tune hearing aid performance, leveraging data-driven insights and adaptive features to achieve optimal outcomes for their young patients. This collaboration between innovative technology and expert care creates a powerful synergy that benefits the child directly.
Ultimately, Oticon Play SI embodies Oticon’s vision: to create a world where people are no longer limited by hearing loss. By developing hearing aids that fit seamlessly into life and help people realize their full potential, while actively avoiding the associated health consequences of hearing loss, Oticon continues to cement its position as a global leader in life-changing hearing technology. Headquartered in Denmark, Oticon, as part of Demant, employs over 22,000 individuals worldwide, dedicating its extensive resources to changing technology, changing conventions, and changing lives for individuals of all ages and all degrees of hearing loss.
More information about Oticon Play SI is available on the company’s website at oticon.com/professionals/campaigns-b2b/play-si.
Notes and Disclaimers:
- 4D Sensor technology is off by default for Oticon Play SI and must be manually enabled in Oticon Genie 2. MoreSound Intelligence 3.0 will still operate adaptively without sensor technology, but without the additional support they provide.
- Gordey & Preszcator (2025). Supporting meaningful participation in tweens and teens with Oticon 4D Sensor technology. Oticon Research Brief.
- Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Fast Pair are trademarks of Google LLC. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Any use of such marks by Demant is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. For more information on compatibility, visit oticon.com/support/compatibility-guide.
- Gordey & Preszcator (2025). Growing up with Oticon: Supporting Children and Teens with Oticon Play SI. Oticon Whitepaper.
- Expected use time for rechargeable battery depends on use pattern, active feature set, hearing loss, sound environment, battery age, and use of wireless accessories.
- Oticon and Play SI are trademarks of Oticon A/S, registered in the United States and other jurisdictions. All rights reserved.
Source: Oticon