Sennheiser Sonite Rise vs. Sony CRE-C20

Check out our comparison of the Sennheiser Sonite Rise vs Sony CRE-C20. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Sennheiser Sonite Rise
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Sonite Rise

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Score
0.0
Sony CRE-C20
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CRE-C20

$999 per pair
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Product Overview

Form Factor
Receiver In The EarForm 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.
Instant-Fit Completely in CanalForm FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
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Score
0.0
User Rating
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3.7
4 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.
MildModerateSevereProfound
MildModerateSevereProfound
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Sonite Rise
CRE-C20
Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
3.4AVERAGE

The Sony CRE-C20 is a discreet, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring a compact size and rechargeable battery for up to 28 hours of use. While it offers a user-friendly setup and an Auto Sound Analyzer for enhanced speech clarity, it lacks Bluetooth streaming capabilities, which may be a consideration for users seeking more advanced connectivity options.

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Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
3.7AVERAGE

The Sony CRE-C20 achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked #21 out of 56 devices in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 36% of OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor. This positions it as an above-average performer within a competitive category.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
4.8EXCELLENT

Sony CRE-C20 has an excellent IP rating of 68, which aligns with our hands-on experience as we observed an improved build quality compared to CRE-C10.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

CRE-C20 offer an impressive battery life of up to 28 hours. I also liked the portable charging case which offers you Qi wireless charging.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
3.0BELOW AVERAGE

Sony's Hearing Control app includes good features and allows your to further personalize CRE-C20 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.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
4.0AVERAGE

CRE-C20 are good 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.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
5.0EXCELLENT

CRE-C20 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.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

The Sony CRE-C20 offers moderate value relative to its $999 price point, with several higher-scoring alternatives available at similar or lower prices.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
4.0AVERAGE

CRE-C20's smaller size and method of wireless communication make it more difficult to manage than many other hearing aids. However, Sony has improved upon the design as CRE-C20 now uses internal rechargeable batteries, as opposed to disposable ones. It is a unique offering with many pros but be sure to consider this against your needs and abilities.

Sonite Rise
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CRE-C20
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.

Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
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

Bluetooth Streamer
Easy Line TV Connector

Easy Line TV Connector

Bluetooth Streamer+1

The TV Connector is a small accessory that sends audio from a TV or other audio source directly to compatible hearing aids. It connects to the audio source using either an optical TOSLINK cable or a 3.5 mm analog cable, and it is powered through micro-USB. Once set up, it can stream audio wirelessly to paired hearing aids from up to about 15 m / 50 ft away, although walls, furniture, or other obstacles may reduce the range. In everyday use, the device is meant to work mostly in the background: when the TV or audio source is on, it transmits sound to the hearing aids; when no audio is detected, it goes into standby. Users can adjust the streamed audio volume using buttons on the device, and compatible hearing aids may also allow balancing TV sound against surrounding environmental sound. It supports Dolby Audio, stereo, and mono signals, but not DTS, so some TVs may require an audio-setting change or use of the analog cable instead.

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Remote Control
Easy Line Remote Control

Easy Line Remote Control

Remote Control

The Remote Control is a handheld accessory for compatible hearing aids that lets the user adjust volume and switch between hearing aid programs without using the hearing aids themselves or an app. It has separate volume up and down buttons, a program-change button, an on/off slider, an indicator light, and a battery door. It must be paired with the hearing aids before use, but pairing is only needed once; after that, it reconnects automatically. The remote uses a replaceable CR2032 lithium button-cell battery rather than a rechargeable battery. Each press of the program button moves the hearing aids to the next available program, while the plus and minus buttons raise or lower volume. Changes are applied to both hearing aids at the same time, and the hearing aids may play a confirmation beep depending on how they are configured. The guide also notes that its Bluetooth range is about 1 m, so it is meant for close-range control rather than long-distance operation.

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Remote Microphone
Easy Line PartnerMic

Easy Line PartnerMic

Remote Microphone

The PartnerMic is a small clip-on microphone designed to be worn by a conversation partner so their voice can be streamed directly to compatible hearing aids. It is intended for situations where the listener wants clearer access to one person’s speech, especially when distance or background noise makes conversation harder. The microphone can be clipped to clothing or worn on a lanyard, with the guide recommending placement about 20 cm / 8 inches below the speaker’s mouth and no more than 50 cm / 20 inches away. The device has a built-in rechargeable battery, charges by USB-C, and typically takes about 2 hours to charge. It pairs once with the hearing aids and then reconnects after being turned off and on. Its streaming range is up to 25 m / 80 ft, though walls, furniture, and even the human body can reduce stability or cause dropouts. Volume is adjusted through the hearing aids or the companion app rather than directly on the microphone.

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Smartphone App
Easy Line Remote app

Easy Line Remote app

Smartphone App

The Easy Line Remote app is a smartphone app for compatible hearing aids that lets users adjust their hearing settings and view basic hearing-related health data. It can be used to change volume, switch listening programs, adjust features such as noise reduction and microphone directionality, and fine-tune sound using equalizer presets or manual bass, middle, and treble sliders. The app also supports remote appointments with a hearing care professional, allowing hearing aid adjustments to be made during a live video call. Depending on the hearing aid model, it may track health-related information such as step count, wearing time, goals, and activity levels. It can also show battery level and device status, configure touch controls, set cleaning reminders, and provide information about connected hearing aids and accessories.

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TV Streamer
Easy Line TV Connector

Easy Line TV Connector

TV Streamer+1

The TV Connector is a small accessory that sends audio from a TV or other audio source directly to compatible hearing aids. It connects to the audio source using either an optical TOSLINK cable or a 3.5 mm analog cable, and it is powered through micro-USB. Once set up, it can stream audio wirelessly to paired hearing aids from up to about 15 m / 50 ft away, although walls, furniture, or other obstacles may reduce the range. In everyday use, the device is meant to work mostly in the background: when the TV or audio source is on, it transmits sound to the hearing aids; when no audio is detected, it goes into standby. Users can adjust the streamed audio volume using buttons on the device, and compatible hearing aids may also allow balancing TV sound against surrounding environmental sound. It supports Dolby Audio, stereo, and mono signals, but not DTS, so some TVs may require an audio-setting change or use of the analog cable instead.

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Hardware

AccelerometerAccelerometerThis hearing aid is capable of measuring acceleration through an embedded sensor.
Yes
No
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
  • Auracast™ Ready
No
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.
  • Bluetooth® (HFP)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
No
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Audio Stream Mix
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
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Voice assistant
  • Accept/end calls
  • Pause/Resume
  • Tinnitus program
No
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantCertain devices will allow you to interact with voice assistants using "Hey Siri", "Hey Google", "Hey Alexa", etc commands.
  • Siri
  • Google
No
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
Yes
No

Software Features

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.
20
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.
Yes
Yes
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
Spheric Speech Clarity: Full strength
No
Audio Stream MixerAudio Stream MixerAllows the user to adjust the volume of the audio stream relative to the microphone input using the push button or volume control on the hearing aid unit.
Yes
No
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.
Yes
Yes
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
Yes
No
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.
AutoSense OS: 6.0
Yes
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.
Yes
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.
Yes
No
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
No
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
Yes
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.
Yes
Yes
Occlusion ReductionOcclusion ReductionWhen ears are plugged, or occluded, by hearing aids the low frequencies from one’s own voice are amplified and may be uncomfortable. This effect is typically reduced in hearing aids through venting or open-fit models. In some cases the perception of occlusion may also be reduced through software by adjusting the acoustic output of the hearing aid.
Yes
No
Phone in StereoPhone in StereoThis feature allows input from a phone presented to one hearing aid to be transmitted to both hearing aids at the same time, improving speech understanding.
Yes
No
Preference AdaptationPreference AdaptationIf a hearing aid user frequently adjusts the volume or program settings of their devices, some hearing aids will recognize when and where these changes are made and begin automatically making these changes in those settings.
Yes
No
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.
No
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.
Yes
Yes
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.
Yes
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.
Yes
No
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Yes
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.
Yes
Yes