Danavox Brisa vs Boreal: Which One Is for You?
Brisa vs Boreal: in our catalogue the two Danavox families look alike at first. Both offer the Select, Advanced and Premium technology levels (12, 14 or 17 channels), both have a small receiver-in-ear style, a RIC on 312 zinc-air batteries and rechargeable Standard and Power BTE models. The real differences are in connectivity, where Brisa lists Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, and in CROS: Brisa includes two CROS transmitters for hearing in one ear, while Boreal does not.
Because the families overlap so much, the choice between these hearing aids rarely comes down to a single feature. This comparison sets out the facts from the published catalogue, quotes what Danavox says about each family and suggests who may lean one way or the other. The final decision is made with the audiologist after a hearing test at our clinic in Muscat.
Brisa vs Boreal at a glance
- Catalogue entries: Brisa 14 (12 hearing aids plus 2 CROS transmitters). Boreal 12 hearing aids.
- Styles: Brisa: MicroRIE, RIC, Standard BTE, Power BTE, and CROS transmitters in RIC and BTE form. Boreal: MiniRIE, RIC, Standard BTE and Power BTE.
- Technology levels: both Select, Advanced and Premium.
- Channels: both 12 (Select), 14 (Advanced) or 17 (Premium).
- Batteries: in both families the RIC models use 312 zinc-air batteries; every other model is rechargeable.
- Connectivity: both list hands-free calls. Boreal lists call and music streaming from iPhone, iPad or Android and Auracast-enabled accessories; Brisa lists Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, and TapControl for call pick-up on the microRIE.
Brisa: models by style
MicroRIE (3 models, rechargeable)
- XF560S-DRWC: Select, 12 channels
- XF760S-DRWC: Advanced, 14 channels
- XF960S-DRWC: Premium, 17 channels
The catalogue notes list TapControl with the microRIE, receiver options MM, LP, MP, HP and UP, a programmable push button or toggle and IP68 certification.
RIC (3 models, 312 zinc-air)
- XF561-DRW: Select, 12 channels
- XF761-DRW: Advanced, 14 channels
- XF961-DRW: Premium, 17 channels
These use disposable 312 zinc-air batteries, with the same receiver options.
Standard and Power BTE (6 models, rechargeable)
- Standard BTE: XF577-DWC (Select), XF777-DWC (Advanced) and XF977-DWC (Premium)
- Power BTE: XF588-DWC (Select), XF788-DWC (Advanced) and XF988-DWC (Premium)
The notes list a programmable push button and/or toggle, an optional metal hook for the 88 models, IP68 certification, a telecoil in the 77 and 88 BTE models and DAI in the 88 models.
CROS transmitters (2 transmitters, not hearing aids)
- XF160S-DRWC: CROS transmitter in RIC form, rechargeable, Premium
- XF177-DWC: CROS transmitter in BTE form, rechargeable, Premium
A CROS transmitter is worn on the ear without usable hearing and sends sound to the hearing ear. It is not a hearing aid in itself, which is why we count Brisa as 12 hearing aids plus 2 transmitters. Our article on hearing loss in one ear and CROS explains who these systems are considered for.
What Danavox says about Brisa
Danavox describes Brisa as offering "industry-best access to surrounding sound", the "smallest rechargeable RIE style" and a "top-rated hearing-in-noise experience". These are the manufacturer's statements. Its listed features are an IP68 rating, wireless CROS RIE and BTE for single-sided deafness management, and Auracast-enabled accessories. For connectivity, the catalogue lists Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, hands-free calls from iPhone, iPad and compatible Android devices, and TapControl for call pick-up (iPhone and iPad only, microRIE). LE Audio requires Bluetooth 5.3. Every model is on the Brisa family page.
Boreal: models by style
MiniRIE (3 models, rechargeable)
- XD560-DRWC: Select, 12 channels
- XD760-DRWC: Advanced, 14 channels
- XD960-DRWC: Premium, 17 channels
The notes list receiver options MM, LP, MP, HP and UP, a programmable push button or toggle and IP68 certification.
RIC (3 models, 312 zinc-air)
- XD561-DRW: Select, 12 channels
- XD761-DRW: Advanced, 14 channels
- XD961-DRW: Premium, 17 channels
As in Brisa, the RIC models use disposable 312 zinc-air batteries.
Standard and Power BTE (6 models, rechargeable)
- Standard BTE: XD577-DWC (Select), XD777-DWC (Advanced) and XD977-DWC (Premium)
- Power BTE: XD588-DWC (Select), XD788-DWC (Advanced) and XD988-DWC (Premium)
The notes match Brisa's BTE models: programmable push button and toggle, optional metal hook for the 88 models, IP68 certification, telecoil in the 77 and 88 models and DAI in the 88 models.
What Danavox says about Boreal
Danavox describes Boreal as offering "greater speech understanding in noise" and "natural own voice perception". Its listed features are all-weatherproof (IP68-rated) designs and "rechargeable all-day power from quick recharge". For connectivity, the catalogue lists hands-free calls with iPhone and iPad, streaming of calls and music from iPhone, iPad or Android, and Auracast-enabled accessories such as the TV-Streamer+ and Multi-Mic+. See every model on the Boreal family page.
Where Brisa and Boreal really differ
Small receiver-in-ear style
Brisa's receiver-in-ear style is listed as MicroRIE and Boreal's as MiniRIE. The catalogue does not give dimensions, so we do not rank them by size; the only size claim is Danavox's own description of Brisa as the "smallest rechargeable RIE style". The Brisa microRIE models also list TapControl for answering calls on iPhone and iPad.
Connectivity
Both families list hands-free calls. Boreal lists call and music streaming from iPhone, iPad or Android, while Brisa's listing names Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, which needs a phone or device with Bluetooth 5.3. If newer broadcast audio matters to you, bring your phone model to the appointment so compatibility can be checked.
Hearing in one ear
Only Brisa includes CROS transmitters, in RIC and BTE form. If your hearing test shows no usable hearing on one side, this is the clearest reason the comparison may tip towards Brisa.
What stays the same
Technology levels, channel counts, receiver options, the battery pattern (RIC on 312 zinc-air, the rest rechargeable) and IP68 certification are the same in both families. For what changes between Select, Advanced and Premium, read our guide to hearing aid technology levels.
Which one may suit whom?
General starting points only, not recommendations:
- You may lean towards Brisa if you need a CROS solution, if LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio are important to you, or if you want TapControl on a rechargeable microRIE.
- You may lean towards Boreal if Danavox's focus on speech in noise and natural own-voice perception matches what bothers you most, and you do not need CROS or LE Audio.
- Either family may work if you want a rechargeable receiver-in-ear or BTE model, or a RIC with zinc-air batteries; then the technology level usually matters more than the family name.
Your hearing test results, ear shape, dexterity and daily routine all shape the decision, and the audiologist confirms the final choice during a Danavox hearing aid fitting consultation. NIDCD notes that a hearing aid will not restore normal hearing; regular wear and follow-up adjustments help you get the most from whichever model you choose.
On cost: we do not publish prices. What changes the price is technology level, style, rechargeable or battery power, one or two hearing aids, and accessories. You can request a quote for a specific model or book an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brisa better than Boreal?
Not for everyone. Both have the same technology levels and channel counts. Brisa adds CROS transmitters, LE Audio, Auracast broadcast audio and TapControl, while Danavox highlights Boreal for speech in noise and natural own voice. The better choice is the one that fits your hearing test and daily life.
Are all Brisa and Boreal hearing aids rechargeable?
No. In both families the three RIC models use 312 zinc-air batteries. The MicroRIE or MiniRIE models, the Standard and Power BTE models and the Brisa CROS transmitters are rechargeable.
Does Boreal have a CROS option?
No. In our catalogue, CROS transmitters are listed in Brisa (XF160S-DRWC and XF177-DWC) and Astro Pro, not in Boreal.
Do Brisa and Boreal work with my phone?
Both list hands-free calls on supported phones. Boreal lists call and music streaming from iPhone, iPad or Android; Brisa lists LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio. Brisa's LE Audio needs Bluetooth 5.3, and TapControl works with iPhone and iPad only. Bring your phone to the appointment so we can check it.
Book an appointment
The comparison starts with your hearing test. Book an appointment or call or WhatsApp +968 9171 8373. Our clinic is in Bousher, Muscat, opposite Oman Mall, and you do not need a referral. The audiologist will go through Brisa, Boreal and other options for your results during a Danavox hearing aid fitting visit.
Related articles
- Hearing Aid Styles Compared: RIC, BTE, ITE and CIC
- Best Rechargeable Danavox Hearing Aids
- Using Hearing Aids With Your Phone, TV and Accessories
- Best Hearing Aids for Understanding Speech in Noise
Sources
- NIDCD (NIH) — Hearing aids
- Danavox Brisa and Boreal portfolio as published in our hearing aids catalogue on this site.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.