Sony CRE-C20 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids

Sony continues its expansion into the world of hearing technology with the release of its third over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, the Sony CRE-C20. As an audiologist and advocate for accessible hearing solutions, I’m excited to dive into what this latest device offers for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, and how it compares to other OTC options on the market. Let’s explore the features, benefits, and limitations of the CRE-C20, and consider whether this hearing aid could be the right choice for you.

It’s remarkable to see tech giants like Sony, traditionally outside the hearing aid industry, becoming active in the space. Sony’s decision to release a third OTC hearing aid is a clear indication that they are committed to making hearing technology more accessible and affordable. With millions of Americans experiencing hearing loss but not wearing hearing aids, OTC options like Sony's could help lower the barrier to entry.

The CRE-C20, offered at $1,000, follows Sony’s previous releases: the CRE-C10, a discreet, in-the-ear hearing aid for $700, and the CRE-E10, which adds Bluetooth compatibility and rechargeable features for $900.

So, where does the CRE-C20 stand, and how does it differentiate itself?

Compact and Discreet Design

One of the standout features of the CRE-C20 is its size. It’s essentially identical to the CRE-C10, making it one of the smallest OTC hearing aids available. Measuring 18mm in length, 5.4mm wide, and 12mm in height, it is nearly invisible in the ear, offering discretion to users who may feel self-conscious about wearing hearing aids.

Rechargeable Battery

A significant upgrade from the CRE-C10 is the addition of a rechargeable battery. This is a welcome change, as the CRE-C10 required users to replace batteries every 3-5 days — a considerable inconvenience. The CRE-C20 offers up to 28 hours of runtime on a single charge, which brings it in line with most modern wireless devices.

The case provides an additional day’s worth of battery life, making it ideal for travel or situations where charging access may be limited. Sony has not yet confirmed if the case supports Qi wireless charging, but this could be a future feature to watch for.

Sound Processing and Customization

While Sony has yet to provide full details about the sound quality of the CRE-C20, they’ve introduced a new feature called Auto Sound Analyzer. This aims to prioritize speech clarity while maintaining awareness of surrounding sounds, a key function for those navigating noisy environments.

The hearing aids are adjustable through the Sony Hearing Control App, available on both iOS and Android. The app allows for simple customizations such as volume adjustments and bass/treble boosting. However, the flexibility in adjustments is more limited compared to traditional hearing aids fitted by audiologists.

No Bluetooth Streaming

While the CRE-C20 connects to your smartphone for basic adjustments, it lacks Bluetooth streaming capabilities. This is a key difference from Sony’s CRE-E10, which allows for media streaming and phone call connectivity. For users seeking maximum functionality, this is a notable trade-off.

Setup Process

Setting up the CRE-C20 is straightforward and user-friendly. The app walks you through the process of adjusting the hearing aids to your specific hearing loss, and the setup typically takes about 5-10 minutes. The Auto Sound Analyzer then uses an algorithm to fine-tune the settings based on thousands of similar hearing profiles.

As with any OTC hearing aid, it’s crucial to ensure your hearing loss is mild to moderate before purchasing. I recommend visiting an audiologist for a professional hearing test to confirm suitability.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony CRE-C20 is available exclusively in the U.S. with a retail price of $999.99. While not the most affordable OTC option, the combination of size, discretion, and rechargeable technology makes it competitive within the OTC market.

Final Thoughts: Is the Sony CRE-C20 Right for You?

The Sony CRE-C20 is an attractive option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who value discretion and ease of use. Its rechargeable design eliminates the hassle of frequent battery replacements, and the compact form factor will appeal to users seeking an almost invisible hearing solution. However, the lack of Bluetooth streaming could be a dealbreaker for some, and it's worth considering whether you need more advanced features available in other models like the CRE-E10.

If you’re curious about trying OTC hearing aids, the CRE-C20 could be a good starting point — just make sure to get a hearing test first to ensure this option suits your hearing needs.

What other products should you consider?

While the CRE-C20 has yet to be tested rigorously by the HearingTracker lab, we have tested some of Sony's close near-invisible competition, which hasn't fared so well.

Seeing as the Sony's are manufactured by WSA, one of the world's leading hearing aid manufacturers, we do expect the results to be more positive. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay up to date with our findings.