Sony CRE-C20 OTC Hearing Aid Feature Review: is it Sony’s Answer to Airpods Pro 2 Hearing Aids?

[@HearingTracker]

What are you wearing? An OTC (if so which make & Model) A receiver in canal hearing aid A custom made hearing aid or A behind the ear hearing aid Matthew

[@MDProwler]

This might be an anomaly but I have serious tinnitus in my left ear which has about 80% loss. As soon as I put on the CRE-C20’s the tinnitus goes away. That alone is a huge benefit. I never wore my Resounds but so far I am liking these Sonys.

[@BeanEW]

I bought a pair and they are much much better than all my other 5 pairs of hearing aids.

[@HearingTracker]

Great feedback Bean! Thank you for sharing. Matthew

[@heyyeshyou]

Im seriouly going to buy otc hearing aids but what are the best top 7 if possible.

[@paulalvarez2373]

Currently using Eargo 6 devices. Looking to replace them as they're not holding as long of a charge after a couple of years of use. When I replace, I am considering the Sony OTC device given the brand and lower cost.

[@donfarrell2359]

Even my Eargo 7 battery charge is down to 8 hrs. :(

[@paulddb1]

Thanks for the useful (as always) video. I tried two OTC models - GoHearing "Go PRIME" model, and also EARGO-7; I returned both of them and am going to make an appointment at Costco with a view to getting Receiver-in-canal hearing aids. I have severe hearing loss in one ear only, and the OTC hearing aids did not amplify sufficiently for that ear.

[@krellman7]

I’m currently using a pair of CRE-C10’s. Not perfect by any means, but certainly do a pretty good job. I’ll be waiting for the full review and verification of what chip set is being used in the CRE-C20 before making the jump.

[@HearingTracker]

Hey Krellman, Im working on it right now! Watch this space. Matthew

[@krellman7]

@@HearingTracker Great! Can’t wait for the review. As a side note something that Sony and any reviews have never spoken about is the domes or sleeves included with the CRE-C10. The ones included are vented. As an experiment I purchased the closed domes that are available for the CRE-E10. Sony makes no mention nor would they confirm that they will fit the CRE-C10. They do fit and I prefer using the closed domes with CRE-C10. I’m a very long time audiophile and find that the closed domes/sleeves are better for music listening. Just thought I would share that with you. I hope you have a great day.

[@europhile2658]

These aren't available in the UK are they? or where can they be bought "OTC" ?

[@ricolamoretti4515]

can you please review the Alpine ear plugs for concerts please?

[@TheRosshenderson]

Oticon one ITE custom HA. Finding it odd that there aren’t more people using them…

[@knottreel]

How long can I expect these to last?

[@MDProwler]

The CRE-C20 does charge on a wireless charging pad. Just checked it out!

[@peter7239]

Hi Matthew. Whilst your video might be very helpful to a newcomer, what an existing Sony OTC owner, looking to upgrade, really wants to know is, is the C20 based on the Signia IX platform or is it still on the X platform as the C10 was? Do you know? Please don't suggest that I ask Sony or WSA as they don't publicly acknowledge any connection between the Sonys and the Signias! No doubt you know that already.

[@HearingTracker]

Hey Peter, good question. I'll know more when I do my full review. Today's video was just the launch vid, so watch this space. Matthew

[@Bum_Hip]

I’m wearing an OTC receiver in canal type by Jombra. They’re ok, but if you get them, make sure to purchase the extended warranty. I’m about 14 months into wearing them, and am on my third pair. They just randomly crap out. At least they send me another (refurbished, or new) pair no questions asked.

[@robertnoblitt518]

I have Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids, which I bought as soon as they became available. By the way, the case does support wireless charging. Yes, considering the price, I like them, especially when I am away from home doing some volunteer work where there was a risk of losing my other, much more expensive Widex hearing aids. No the Sonys are not as great as my Widex for music. But for understanding speech the Sonys are just fine. Also they are more discrete in appearance. When I am wearing the Sonys, which are completely in the ear, I doubt that anyone would notice I am wearing hearing aids. I love the very portable charging case which fits easily in a pocket. The Sony case is way nicer and more portable than my Widex charger.

[@MrEroshan]

I tried the CRE E10's but the pair I got had serious issues connecting with an Android phone. The software was horrible. I returned them and got a pair of prescription H.A.'s.

[@HearingTracker]

Thank you for sharing MrE! Matthew

[@jamesjennings8574]

I recently purchased the CRE-C10's... now I wish I waited. That's okay... they are working fine for me.

[@HearingTracker]

@@jamesjennings8574 there’s a solid return period, or are you out of that already? Matthew

[@jamesjennings8574]

@@HearingTracker I purchased in May… so yeah, outside the return window. Bummer. Any creative ideas around this?

[@jonmarx7882]

Hi, I know these OTC aids cannot legally be sold in the UK at the moment, but do you know if there is any likelihood of this law changing in the near future?

[@HearingTracker]

Hi Jon, I don’t think so no… the NHS offers prescription tech for free remember…!

[@jonmarx7882]

@@HearingTracker I've already got NHS ones; they perform well but are a bit bulky so I really fancy some CIC ones...

[@abaymajr1976]

Would any of these work as a controlled sound attenuator? I ask that because, at 48 years old as an orchestral violinist, I already have a hearing loss caused by occupation and also by natural presbycusis. I tested several hearing earplugs, some better than others, but none has given me so far an attenuation that would protect the remaining hearing capability as well as compensate for the frequencies of greater hearing loss, attenuating them less than the others.

[@richdiorio3650]

I tried the CRE10 a while back but the feedback was terrible, is this model any better?

[@dank4522]

I had terrible feedback with eargo ses and had to return them. I don’t have this issue with these but it probably comes down to ear shape.

[@HearingTracker]

I dont believe there has been an improvement on this. Matthew

[@Ed___1234]

I am wearing NHS issued Bluetooth hearing aids which I’m not a fan of. I’m desperately praying some of these new Sony OTC ones will one day progress for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. It’s depressing seeing all this amazing tech come to fruition but them not being able to help me.

[@krellman7]

I forgot to mention that the CRE-C20 being rechargeable is a huge plus in my opinion.

[@HearingTracker]

Agreed!!!! Thanks for sharing and stopping by, Matthew

[@mattbosley3531]

Considering the Sonys are $1,000 and Airpods are $250 I would say no, they aren't even in the same neighborhood.

[@HearingTracker]

@@mattbosley3531 fair point, however they’re pretty different though… Matthew

[@EdwinReese]

It's pretty obvious, that this is a cooperation between Signia and Sony. It is the hardware of the Signia Silk IX, but without the Bluetooth module. That allows a longer battery life. Even the Charger and the App has a lot of similarities. I think Signia tries to get a share on the OTC market without putting his own name into the ring. But compared to the AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid capability it is something completely different as they use speakers that are made for music listening and have bluetooth connectivity. Therefore their battery life is much shorter and wearing comfort usually also does not allow to wear them the whole day.

[@BigMeanyVids]

I'm looking into hearing aids but I put it off because I don't want the hassle of someone who is more interested in trying to sell me the most expensive pair rather than really get me the right set and I think that is what happens most of the time so I just punted and said, "I'll worry about it later". Considering either just some DIY thing like these or the Jabra's from Costco.

[@geoffmcconnell5406]

Hi are these SONY CRE-20 OTC hearing aids available in UK?

[@HearingTracker]

Hey Geoff, they’re only available in the US under their OTC hearing aid mandate. Matthew

[@geoffmcconnell5406]

@@HearingTracker thank you

[@keithsphone5712]

A copy or partnership of the Signia silk charge and go 3ix

[@HearingTracker]

"Brand Partnership" Matthew

[@mogulserrano9499]

All your videos are just ads. I am a poor retiree. I need hearing aids. I can't hear 60-65 percent. Which in-ear device do you recommend?

[@richarde3237]

Why are the not available in UK, is it a legal thing or just marketing BS?

[@HearingTracker]

Legally a hearing aid has to be fitted by a healthcare professional, which is the same in the US, aside from their new OTC hearing aids' such as this. Matthew

[@smyrnatennese2711]

Thanks you for your sharing. The Airpods Pro 2 hearing aid is the adjustable wireless speaker and it is not real hearing aid. without iphone or company or any smart phone, the Airpods pro 2 can hear nothing.

[@brienmuller]

I have Jabra Enhance Select 200

[@KateDunckley]

You do know that Sony is essentially Signia, right?

[@HearingTracker]

@@KateDunckley of course. Have you seen the video??

[@mmlips]

Eargo 6

[@HearingTracker]

Thanks for sharing mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmlips. Matthew

[@BrianVallotton]

No bluetooth. Bummer.

[@ErikRoseJohnsen]

I just realised that all these OTC hearing aid videos are a waste of my time, as they are not sold in Europe. I can buy a 50-dollar junk hearing aid on Temu or Aliexpress, but I can not buy quality OTC hearing aids. Go figure. This is no critique of your videos and content, Matthew. You are doing a great job. I was just unaware that this type of hearing aid is off-limits for the European market. Perhaps a topic for a different video?

[@carlacorral5992]

Airpods 2 pro vs Sony Cre C20 - thats some hot competition of 2 tech giants!!!

[@HearingTracker]

@@carlacorral5992 I think so too! What an awesome time for the hearing tech world! Thanks for watching, Matthew

[@mogulserrano9499]

40 - 50 - 60 - 70 dB? What are the technical specifications? Airpods 2 pro vs Sony Cre C20

[@anshu_experiencer]

But whoa !!! Apple hearing aids are much cheaper than Sony ones😅

[@HearingTracker]

Hey Anshu, it's true. Apple are going to shake up the OTC market. Matthew

[@georgebausewein3414]

Yes, and I’m a big AirPods fan. However, who wants to walk around everywhere with those little white stems sticking out of your ear. If I went to a restaurant using AirPods as hearing aids, I may hear fine, but everyone would think I’m ignoring them and listening to music.

[@AntonChigurh-q7s]

Until someone is able to provide Real-Ear testing don't even think about buying these. BTW, Sony's app could best be described as a total POS

[@krellman7]

You will only get “real ear measurements” by going to an audiologist!

[@AntonChigurh-q7s]

@@krellman7 yeah, I'm aware.

[@DodoDodo-eo2su]

The video starts at 3:19. Everything before is just super slow empty talk for watch time. EDIT: The whole video is a void of information

[@HearingTracker]

Ahhhh, there's the one dislike in the sea of likes. Thanks for watching. EDIT: Cheer up mate

[@l1uywpap1]

OMG I couldn’t disagree more.