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Oticon Zircon vs. Sony CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC

Check out our comparison of the Oticon Zircon vs Sony CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Oticon Zircon 1 miniRITE-R
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Oticon

Zircon 1 miniRITE-R

$2,798 per pair
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Score
3.4
Sony CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
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Sony

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC

SoundScore 4.1/5
$699 per pair
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Zircon
$2,798 per pair
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CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
$699 per pair
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Product Overview

Zircon
CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
N/A
Score
3.4
User Rating
2.59 reviews
3.05 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerateSevere
MildModerate
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableAndroidTelecoilIP68
—

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Zircon
CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC

HearingTracker Score

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
3.4AVERAGE

The Sony CRE-C10 is a discreet, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. It features a self-fitting app-based system, impressive sound quality, and a compact CIC design, but lacks Bluetooth streaming and rechargeability, offering up to 70 hours of use on a single disposable battery.

Read full review

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
4.1ABOVE AVERAGE

The Sony CRE-C10 achieved a SoundGrade of A and ranked #13 out of 56 devices in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 21% of its category. This positions the CRE-C10 as a strong performer among self-fit hearing solutions tested by HearAdvisor.

Build Quality

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
4.7EXCELLENT

Sony CRE-C10 aid might not have an official IP rating, but it appears to be built well and should handle everyday use just fine.

Battery

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Unlike many OTC devices, CRE-C10 uses disposable size 10 batteries. While arguable antiquated, I find disposable batteries convenient though they may be difficult to manage if you have low vision and or dexterity issues.

App Features

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
2.5BELOW AVERAGE

Sony's Hearing Control app includes good features and allows your to further personalize CRE-C10 with their on-ear hearing assessment. One downside though is that the hearing aids and app communicate with sound cues from your phone. I find this method of wireless communication less reliable that Bluetooth, and it overall makes the pairing process more complicated.

Comfort

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
4.0AVERAGE

CRE-C10 are decently comfortable once you find the best tip for your ears. They are not overly plugging though it can take some time to get used to having a hearing aid so deep in your ear canal.

Design

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
5.0EXCELLENT

CRE-C10 are surprisingly small and sit mostly invisible in your ears. The style works well and was originally designed as an "instant-fit" prescription hearing aid from Signia.

Value

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
3.5AVERAGE

The Sony CRE-C10 offers competitive value in the mid-priced OTC segment, balancing A-grade sound performance with its $798 price point.

Handling

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

CRE-C10's smaller size and method of wireless communication make it more difficult to manage than many other hearing aids. It is a unique offering with many pros but be sure to consider this against your needs and abilities.

Pro Support

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
1.0BELOW AVERAGE

Sony does not offer great support with their hearing aids. You are limited to phone and email based technical assistance which is a downside to many OTC products.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Zircon
CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zircon

Lab recordings not yet available

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Zircon

Lab recordings not yet available

CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Zircon
CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
Battery Charger

Oticon charger

An overnight lithium-ion battery charge provides all-day power, and a 30-minute fast charge provides up to six additional hours of hearing aid use.

SmartCharger

The new SmartCharger includes a protective lid and built-in battery for charging when away from a power outlet. The drying function automatically removes moisture from your hearing aids.

None
CROS System

CROS PX

The new Oticon CROS PX is rechargeable and offers TwinLink™ dual streaming technology, which provides access to more sounds in challenging listening environments and handles wireless streaming at the same time.

None
Landline to Streaming

Phone Adapter 2.0

The Oticon Phone Adapter 2.0 enables hearing aid users to connect to their landline phones via the ConnectClip accessory. Wireless, hands-free phone conversations are enabled when the ConnectClip is worn on the body.

None
Remote Control

Remote Control 3.0

ConnectClip+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

Companion App+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Hearing Control App+1

App for setting up and controlling your Sony hearing aids.

Smartphone App

On App

Lets you control your hearing aids from your smartphone and interact with other Internet-connected devices and services.

None
TV Streamer

TV Adapter 3.0

Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.

None

Hardware

Zircon
CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
No
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
312
10
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Accessory required (Android)
No
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
No
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Mute control
No
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
No
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
Yes
No
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
Yes
No

Software Features

Zircon
CRE-C10 Self-Fitting OTC
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
14
No
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
No
Ear-to-Ear Wireless LinkEar-to-Ear Wireless LinkHearing aids will adjust as a pair to your surroundings.
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Yes
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Situation AnalyzerSituation AnalyzerThe situation analyzer within the hearing aid adjusts sound based on your surroundings to improve listening experiences in environments with background noise.
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
12kHz
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Feedback ShieldFeedback ShieldEmploys an ultra-fast and effective feedback management system that prevents feedback without compromising sound quality or audibility.SuperShieldSuperShieldSuperShield feedback management system prevents feedback before it occurs, so patients can enjoy a better hearing experience without interruptions from unwanted whistling and squealing.
Yes
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
Speech Rescue™Speech Rescue™Makes high frequency sounds more audible
No
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
No
Yes
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
48
48
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
No
  • Tuned based on hearing test through device
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
OpenSound Navigator™: OnOpenSound Navigator™OpenSound Navigator™ cleans excessive background noise in a 360° radius quickly and effectively – even noise coming from the same direction as speech. To ensure background noise does not intrude on the listening experience, it can even remove noise between words. Noise reduction can be adjusted to meet individual needs in simple and complex environments.
Ear-to-Ear Wireless LinkEar-to-Ear Wireless LinkHearing aids will adjust as a pair to your surroundings.
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
Yes
No
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
Transient Noise Management: On/OffTransient Noise ManagementProtects against sudden loud sounds with fast recovery to preserve audibility; offers four different levels for fine tuning, including ‘off’
Yes
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Tinnitus SoundSupport™Tinnitus SoundSupport™Select from a wide range of customizable tinnitus relief sounds that are dynamic, yet soothing — including broadband sounds (white, pink and red noise) and natural, ocean-like sounds.
No
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Speech Guard™Speech Guard™Hearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Wind Noise ManagementWind Noise ManagementProtects against the discomfort of wind noise
Yes