Orka Two Hero
Expert
Choice

Orka Two Expert Review

Premium RxReleased 2023

HearAdvisor's independent lab evaluation of the Orka Two examines how this behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid performs across speech clarity, noise handling, feedback control, and streaming quality using standardized acoustic measurements.

Dr. Steve TaddeiDr. Steve Taddei, Au.D.Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram BaileyDr. Abram Bailey, Au.D.Fact Checker / Editor
How We Test

The Orka Two is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $1,899, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 67% of the 36 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated, ranking #25 in its category.

In our testing, the Orka Two shows a mixed performance profile with clear strengths and weaknesses. Music streaming stands out at 3.3/5, measuring 0.66 points above the category average—a solid result for users who prioritize phone audio quality. Own-voice comfort also performs well at 3.2/5, sitting 0.45 points above average, which may contribute to a more natural listening experience. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, among the best we've measured.

However, speech-in-noise performance is a notable limitation. At 1.4/5, it falls 0.56 points below the category average—a low absolute score that may affect understanding in challenging listening environments like restaurants or group conversations. Speech in quiet fares better at 3.7/5, measuring 0.40 points above average.

The Orka Two may suit users who prioritize streaming quality, own-voice comfort, and stability over speech-in-noise performance. Those frequently in noisy environments should note that competitors in this price range, such as the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco (4.58/5), deliver stronger overall scores. Budget-conscious shoppers might also consider lower-priced alternatives like the Sony CRE-C10, which scored 4.19/5 in our testing.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

Learn more
Steve in HearAdvisor Lab

Lab Assessment

Orka Two Independent Test Verdict

Our verdict synthesizes measured performance across five acoustic dimensions, weighing the Orka Two's strengths in controlled environments against its limitations in challenging listening conditions.

HearAdvisor Verdict
ATop 87% of Prescription Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Orka Two is a premium prescription hearing aid with excellent feedback handling and above-average music streaming, best suited for quiet listening environments.

Strengths
  • Perfect feedback handling5.0/5
  • Music streaming above category average+0.66 points
  • Own voice naturalness better than typical Rx aids
Drawbacks
  • Below-average speech in noise1.4/5
  • Premium price point at $1,899

Fit Conditions

Orka Two Performance Across Initial and Tuned Settings

The summary below presents results from both the Initial manufacturer configuration and the professionally Tuned setting. Toggle between conditions to see how optimization affects measured outcomes.

Lab Test Summary

In its initial fit configuration with closed vented domes, the Orka Two achieved a normalized Initial Score of 4.0/5. Speech in quiet measured 3.2/5, while speech in noise was low at 1.0/5. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, and own-voice comfort scored a solid 3.2/5. Music streaming performed well at 3.3/5. This out-of-box setup delivers stable, comfortable sound with good streaming quality, though speech clarity in noisy environments is limited.

What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?

The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.

Metric Breakdown

Orka Two Scores Across Five Lab Measurements

Each bar represents a distinct acoustic measurement from our test protocol, covering speech understanding in quiet and noise, feedback stability, streaming fidelity, and own-voice naturalness.

Lab Review Scores
A
SoundGrade
Initial Score
4.0
Tuned Score
4.3
Expert
Choice
Speech in quiet
New
best
3.2
5.0
Own voice
best
3.2
5.0
Speech in noise
New
best
1.0
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
3.3
5.0

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Amplification Analysis

Orka Two Insertion Gain Relative to Prescriptive Targets

The graph below plots measured insertion gain against established prescriptive fitting targets. Closer alignment indicates the device delivers amplification matched to the programmed hearing-loss profile.

Graph

Audio Samples

Orka Two Manikin Recordings and Reference Comparison

These recordings capture what reaches the eardrum of our acoustic test manikin while wearing the Orka Two. Compare them against the unaided reference to hear the device's effect on speech and environmental sound.

Lab Recordings
Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
Orka Two Lab

Test Configuration

Orka Two Lab Testing Parameters and Setup

The documentation below records the specific settings, equipment, and conditions used during our evaluation of the Orka Two. This transparency allows verification of our standardized testing methodology.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Closed Vented Dome
Closed Vented Dome
Specs
Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
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