Orka Two: The Sleekest and Most Stylish Hearing Aids on the Market

Orka Labs: Revolutionizing Hearing Aids with Sleek Design and Innovative Features

Orka Labs, a company that has quickly made a name for itself since its inception in 2018, is transforming the hearing aid industry with its cutting-edge devices. While the hearing aids are classified as prescription-class, they are conveniently available for purchase online as over-the-counter products. The company offers professional medical consultations and adjustments, which are included in the price, but they are optional for those who prefer to navigate the process independently.

Stylish and Functional Hardware

Orka Labs’ hearing aids feature a traditional behind-the-ear design with receivers that extend into the ear canal via flexible wires. Although slightly larger and heavier than similar models at 3.8 grams each, these devices stand out with their glossy, AirPod-white color and elegant, teardrop shape. The absence of physical controls on the units further enhances their sleek appearance, making them some of the most attractive behind-the-ear hearing aids available on the market.

As with most over-ear aids, I found the units a little clumsy to fit and in need of significant fidgeting to situate them properly in my ears.

The hearing aids come with a variety of open and closed tips to ensure a comfortable fit for all users. Despite typically finding medium-sized tips to be a perfect match, the reviewer discovered that only the smallest tips provided a comfortable fit.

Versatile Configuration Options

Orka Labs offers two convenient methods for configuring the hearing aids. Users can either take advantage of the app’s built-in hearing test to quickly determine the appropriate settings or upload a professional audiogram by simply snapping a photo through the app. In the latter case, Orka’s in-house audiologists will fine-tune the hearing aids within one business day. Any necessary adjustments can be made by contacting Orka via email or phone, and the company is currently revamping its “remote consultation” feature, which will allow users to schedule appointments directly through the app.

User-Friendly App and Innovative Controls

The Orka Labs app is designed with simplicity in mind, offering two primary operating modes: “Normal” for low-environmental-noise situations and “In Noise” for more challenging listening environments. The “In Noise” mode utilizes an AI algorithm to dynamically adjust settings based on the user’s surroundings. Additionally, a beam-shaping option within this mode allows users to focus their hearing on a single person or on everyone in the room. The app also enables users to adjust the volume universally or individually for each ear.

In a unique twist, Orka Labs has placed the hardware controls on the charging case rather than on the hearing aids themselves. The case, which provides approximately three additional charges, features a program button for cycling through the two operational modes and two buttons for adjusting the volume. Although the volume buttons are counterintuitively arranged, with volume up on the left and volume down on the right, the reviewer found the case-mounted buttons to be more convenient than searching for the correct buttons behind the ears. This innovative design could be particularly beneficial for users with mobility impairments.

With its commitment to delivering high-quality, stylish, and user-friendly hearing aids, Orka Labs is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of those with hearing loss.