Olive Union Air vs Oticon More

The Olive Union Air is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5 in our lab testing, placing it in the top 31% of OTC hearing aids at #21 of 65 devices tested. At $250, it represents a competitive entry point in the over-the-counter hearing aid market. In our testing, this visible-in-ear style device demonstrated notable strengths in music streaming, scoring 3.6/5—a solid result that sits 1.67 points above the OTC category average. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users should experience minimal whistling or squealing during normal use. Speech understanding in quiet environments also performed well at 3.3/5, measuring 0.46 points above the category average. The Olive Union Air does show limitations in more challenging listening situations. Speech in noise scored 1.0/5, falling 0.48 points below the category average—a common weakness among budget OTC devices that may affect conversations in restaurants or busy environments. Own-voice comfort measured 2.2/5, slightly below average, which some users may notice when speaking. This device is best suited for individuals who prioritize music and media streaming, need reliable feedback control, and primarily listen in quieter environments. Those who frequently encounter noisy social situations may want to consider devices with stronger speech-in-noise performance.

The Oticon More is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.6/5 in our lab testing, placing it in the top 23% of the 39 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated. Currently available at $4,598, this 2021 release has earned our Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. In our testing, the Oticon More demonstrates strong speech clarity performance. Speech in quiet scores 4.0/5, which is 0.65 points above the category average—a meaningful advantage for everyday conversation. Speech in noise measures 2.7/5, which is 0.60 points above the category average, though the absolute score reflects the inherent challenge all hearing aids face in noisy environments. Own-voice comfort is solid at 3.1/5, sitting 0.40 points above average. The device does show one notable weakness: feedback handling scores 3.5/5, which is 1.22 points below the category average of 4.72/5. While this is still a solid score in absolute terms, competing devices in this price range generally perform better in this area. Music streaming is solid at 3.0/5, slightly above the category average. The Oticon More offers flexibility with both rechargeable and disposable battery options, plus streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices including hands-free calling. For those considering alternatives, newer models like the Oticon Intent and Oticon Real score higher in our testing at similar price points. The Oticon More remains a capable choice for listeners who prioritize speech clarity and want a well-established platform with proven performance.