Oticon advertises their Epoq line as incorporating “spatial sound” and binaural processing. Unfortunately, in the newer (and less expensive) V model, they’ve eliminated both of those features.
The XW model uses the signals from both ears to combat noise, feedback, and localization difficulties, and the hearing aids coordinate their signal processing. For example, if the left ear senses a high pitched sound that the right ear does not, it gets categorized as left-sided feedback, and the hearing aid suppresses it.
The V model synchronizes volume control and program changes between the ears, but one ear doesn’t know what the other is receiving or how it’s processing the sound. So the communication between the ears is mainly a convenience feature and not one that aids hearing ability much.
Having said that though, $1800 is a very good price for the technology, and it’s a good, solid hearing aid. As long as the clinician programs the aids well, and they’re appropriate for your hearing loss, I bet you’ll be happy with them.
