When you push open the door of an audiology center for the first time, you almost always encounter Audika or Amplifon. Both brands cover the French territory with several hundred centers each. The choice between the two is not just a matter of geographical proximity: it involves a business model, a range of manufacturers, and follow-up over several years.
Orientation towards Class II: the pricing trap to spot from the first appointment
Before even comparing the two brands, we must discuss the commercial reflex shared by large networks. The 100% Health device guarantees Class I hearing aids with no out-of-pocket costs for well-covered patients. On paper, the promise is clear.
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In practice, it’s another story. UFC-Que Choisir has documented that national brands remain weak prescribers of 100% Health offers. Audika and Amplifon predominantly steer customers towards Class II devices, with out-of-pocket costs, citing arguments about superior sound quality or connected options. These features (Bluetooth, adaptive noise reduction) are real, but they are not essential for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Specifically, when entering a center, you can request a comparative trial between a Class I device and a Class II one. If the audiologist refuses or dodges, it’s a warning sign, regardless of the brand. To delve deeper into reviews on Audika or Amplifon, you must first understand this oriented prescription mechanism that affects both networks.
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Audika and hearing aid brands: the question of manufacturer independence
Audika belongs to the Danish group Demant, which manufactures Oticon devices. In practice, this means that the ranges offered at Audika are predominantly Oticon products, sometimes under the Audika white label. The patient has access to technology from only one main manufacturer.
Amplifon operates differently. The Italian brand does not manufacture devices. It distributes products from several brands (Signia, Phonak, among others) with preferred partnerships. In theory, this offers a broader choice at the time of trial.
The nuance is significant for daily life. At Audika, the Oticon RemoteCare tele-adjustment platform is natively integrated, making remote adjustments easier. However, if you switch brands later, some features related to this platform may become inaccessible. At Amplifon, feedback varies on this point: the compatibility of adjustments depends on the chosen device brand and the software used by the center.
What it changes at the time of the trial
The free trial, offered by both brands, generally lasts several weeks. At Audika, you test an Oticon device. At Amplifon, you may sometimes compare two different brands. Requesting a second trial with a competing model is a right, not a luxury. It’s the best way to verify that the recommended device truly matches your hearing loss.
Follow-up audiologist and customer service: what makes the difference over time
A hearing aid is typically worn for four to six years on average. The choice of center is not only about the purchase but also about the quality of follow-up over time. Here are the concrete points to compare during the first appointment:
- The frequency of adjustment appointments included in the package (some centers charge beyond a certain annual number, while others include unlimited follow-up during the warranty)
- The policy in case of breakdown: loan of a replacement device or waiting time without a solution
- The possibility of consulting another center of the same brand if you move or travel
- Access to tele-adjustment for quick adjustments without having to travel
Audika highlights its dense network and digital continuity via Oticon RemoteCare. Amplifon, with its international presence, can be an asset for people who travel regularly outside of France. But the quality of follow-up mainly depends on the audiologist in front of you, not just the brand displayed on the storefront.
The trap of technical loyalty
Both networks use proprietary software to store hearing profiles and settings. Switching from Audika to Amplifon (or vice versa) during the warranty often means starting the settings from scratch. This is a hidden cost in time and comfort that few patients anticipate. Before signing, you can ask if the adjustment profile is exportable: the answer says a lot about the center’s transparency.
Choosing between Audika and Amplifon: the concrete criteria to ask before the trial
Rather than comparing often opaque pricing grids, you save time by asking the right questions from the first visit. Here are the ones that truly differentiate the two brands:
- What is the exact brand of the proposed device, and why this one rather than another (check if the choice is guided by an exclusive partnership or by the hearing profile)
- What is the actual out-of-pocket cost after reimbursement from social security and mutual insurance, for a Class I and then a Class II device
- Does the center offer a complete free hearing test before any commercial commitment
- In case of dissatisfaction during the trial period, what are the conditions for a free return
The best brand is the one whose local center clearly answers these four questions. A national network does not guarantee homogeneous service: two Audika centers or two Amplifon centers in the same city can offer very different experiences depending on the audiologist working there.
The final choice relies less on the brand above the door than on the transparency of the professional conducting the hearing assessment. An audiologist who spontaneously offers a Class I trial, explains the limitations of their manufacturer network, and details post-purchase follow-up without being asked deserves your trust, whether they wear an Audika or Amplifon lab coat.