Here is my favorite Justin post.
The Binax platform features binaural processing (Oticon has had this technology for about 10 years but call it binaural synchronization), which means that the directional microphones and noise reduction systems synchronize what they are doing and audio is streamed from one side to the other in order to increase the effectiveness of the directional mic system and allow for sideways and reverse directionality. The Binaxfit rationale is designed to increase first fit acceptance, meaning that it emphasizes comfort over clarity. Which means that without significant modification and fine tuning, most people are not getting the best word recognition they are capable of.
Oticon’s Inium Sense platform, on the other hand, features true binaural processing. Besides just the ability to synchronize directional microphones and noise reduction and stream audio between devices, Oticon’s Alta2 Pro and Nera2 Pro feature the ability to actually compare the signals from both sides and operate them independently, and manage the compression ratios of each side independently in order to achieve not just the lowest SNR, but also the most REALISTIC reproduction of analog speech. The speech signal remains the priority so that word recognition improves measurably regardless of the environment. Also, because the compression systems are activated independently, spatial cues are maintained allowing people to focus their attention on the source of multiple sounds quicker and more fluidly (As we do naturally), rather than relying on what the hearing devices thinks is the most important sound.
There are other smaller differences, but the difference in binaural processing strategies is the BIG one. Siemens and Phonak and Resound’s “binaural processing” are where Oticon was 6-10 years ago, depending on which brand you’re talking about.
You will notice I even said Nera2 Pro. I normally sell Nera2 Pros for about $5500/pair. Thats about what I sell Binax 7s for as well, because my cost on them is close to the same. But Ihave a questionnaire that patient fill out when they walk in that asks them to rate their device’ performance in various situations. You’ve probably seen similar ones before. Nera2 Pro and Alta2 Pro ROUTINELY outscore Binax on this subjective measure. I have a 4 point rating system from Very well, to Good, to Fair, to Poor. Binax scores average out in the Good to Fair range (Closer to Good). Nera2 Pro averages in the Very well to Good range (Closer to Good), and Alta2 Pro averages just below Very Well.