Sony CRE-C20 vs. Widex MOMENT

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

Score
3.4
Sony CRE-C20
Add Product
Featured Products
SoundScore 3.7/5
$999 per pair
Shop Now
Score
4.4
Widex MOMENT SHEER 440
Add Product
Featured Products
SoundScore 4.3/5
$3,398 per pair
Shop Now
CRE-C20
$999 per pair
Shop Now
MOMENT
$3,398 per pair
Shop Now

Product Overview

CRE-C20
MOMENT
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
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.
Expert Rating
Score
3.4
Score
4.4
User Rating
3.74 reviews
3.73 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.
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
RechargeableIP68
RechargeableAndroidIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

CRE-C20
MOMENT

HearingTracker Score

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.

Read full review
MOMENT
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE

The Widex MOMENT is a flagship hearing aid line known for its superior sound quality and advanced AI-driven personalization features, including ZeroDelay™ and PureSound™ technologies that offer natural sound processing. Suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, these hearing aids are available in various styles, including rechargeable options, and are highly rated for music streaming and listening in noisy environments.

Read full review

HearAdvisor SoundScore

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.

MOMENT
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Widex Moment achieved a SoundScore of 4.32/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #10 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

Build Quality

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.

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

Widex Moment hearing aids have an impressive build quality, featuring a top-of-the-line IP68 ingress rating and an robust portable charging case.

Battery

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.

MOMENT
4.5EXCELLENT

Moment Sheer sRic offer an all-day 29 hour rechargeable battery life, with a slightly longer 4 hour recharge time.

Bluetooth

CRE-C20

Not yet rated by our experts

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

Widex Moment Sheer sRIC hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.

App Features

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.

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

The Widex Moment app is all around impressive with its modern, high-contrast appearance and comprehensive features, including sound customization options like a multi-band equalizer. The app also offers dedicated tinnitus features which can be optimized with your hearing care provider.

Comfort

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.

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Sheer sRIC very comfortable due to their smaller size and ergonomic design. Your hearing care provider should help fit them with optimal comfort and hearing benefit.

Design

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.

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

Sheer sRIC have a modern design and are available in a range of colors from discrete to bold. Personally, I appreciate how Widex hearing aids have a smoother shape and a subtly textured feel.

Value

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.

MOMENT
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

Widex Moment has a value score of 3.3/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

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.

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

I did not run into any issues while using Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids. They are very easy to use once setup by your hearing care provider. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.

Pro Support

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.

MOMENT
5.0EXCELLENT

You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. Telehealth, or remote care options, are also available though this requires some extra setup with a separate app and necklace dongle.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

CRE-C20
MOMENT
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
CRE-C20
MOMENT
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
CRE-C20
MOMENT
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
CRE-C20

Lab recordings not yet available

MOMENT

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

CRE-C20
MOMENT
Battery Charger
None

Charger

The Widex charger comes with brushed anodized aluminum casing, drop-in charging wells, and LED-indicators for charging status.

Bluetooth Streamer
None

SoundConnect

Widex SoundConnect streams audio from your computer directly to your hearing aids.

FM System
None

FM+DEX+2

Remote Control
None

RC-DEX

RC-DEX allows you to adjust the volume and switch between programs without directly touching your hearing aids. It features three simple buttons and is small enough to fit on a keychain, making it convenient to carry and use. As you activate its functions, verbal or tone cues in your hearing aids confirm your selections, and an LED indicator on the remote lights up during operation.

COM-DEX App+1

TONELINK App+1

MOMENT App

The WIDEX MOMENT App allows you to personalize your listening experience by adjusting the volume, pitch, and directional focus of your hearing aids. The app allows you to create custom programs and use SoundSense Learn AI technology.

Smartphone Streamer + Hands FreeSmartphone Streamer + Hands FreeStreams audio from calls to hearing aids, but also picks up your voice and sends your voice to the caller.
None

COM-DEX

A neck-worn streamer that delivers high-quality sound from any Android phone or Bluetooth device to Widex hearing aids.

TV Streamer
None

TV-DEX

TV PLAY

TV PLAY streams audio wirelessly from your TV directly to your Widex hearing aids.

Hardware

CRE-C20
MOMENT
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
No
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
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.
No
312
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.
No
  • Accessory required
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
No
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
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
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.
No
Yes

Software Features

CRE-C20
MOMENT
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.
No
15
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.
Ear-to-Ear Wireless LinkEar-to-Ear Wireless LinkHearing aids will adjust as a pair to your surroundings.
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
High Definition Locator: 15High Definition LocatorAutomatic, adaptive, channel specific directionality to improve speech understanding in background noise
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.
No
Digital PinnaDigital PinnaThe central auditory system uses input from both ears to form spatial judgment, such as spatial awareness, localization, distance estimation, etc. The use of independent fast-acting compression in each ear can disrupt the loudness and timing relationship of sounds between ears (IID and ITD cues). This may alter the spatial relationship of sounds and lead to poorer spatial performance. The use of algorithms, such as the digital pinna, are designed to preserve the front/back localization cues. Source: Hearing Review
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.
Situation AnalyzerSituation AnalyzerThe situation analyzer within the hearing aid adjusts sound based on your surroundings to improve listening experiences in environments with background noise.
Fluid Sound Analyzer: 3Fluid Sound AnalyzerIntuitive analysis of the sound environment in order to prioritize and select the most important sound sources.
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
12kHz
No
Extended Input Dynamic RangeExtended Input Dynamic RangeTechnology used to reduce peak clipping resulting from sound passing through analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).
No
True-Input TechnologyTrue-Input TechnologyTrue Input technology solves increases the amount of sound you can hear through your hearing aid before clipping or distortion occurs.
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
No
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.
No
Audibility ExtenderAudibility ExtenderRefined linear frequency transposition to hear high frequencies
High Pitch BoostHigh Pitch BoostHearing aid may increase the volume for high pitch sounds via a specific programmatic feature.
No
High-frequency boostHigh-frequency boostThe input-output (I-O) characteristics for frequencies above 4000 Hz in the new hearing aid are designed to provide extra audibility while ensuring subjective comfort. Hearing Review
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
5
Machine LearningMachine LearningThis hearing aid employs machine learning to bring a higher degree of computer-aided intelligence to decision making.
No
SoundSense AdaptSoundSense AdaptAdaptive learning to gradually remember the wearers preferred settings across multiple parameters for each sound class environment, resulting in better sound.SoundSense LearnSoundSense LearnMachine learning algorithm to effortlessly guide the wearer's to a better, more personalized hearing experience.
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
Soft-level noise reductionSoft-level noise reductionProviding more gain for soft sounds (low compression thresholds) is good for amplifying soft speech but it can also mean soft unwanted sounds - such as the noise from fans, refrigerators, or even hearing aid microphone noises, are audible even when in quiet environments. The Soft Level Noise Reduction Algorithm differentiates unmodulated soft sounds from modulated soft sounds and reduces their amplification. This results in an enhanced sound quality for the user.
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.
No
Phone+Phone+Phone+ utilizes the WidexLink wireless connection to transmit the phone signal from one hearing aid to the other.
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
12
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
  • Tuned based on hearing test through device
No
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.
Ear-to-Ear Wireless LinkEar-to-Ear Wireless LinkHearing aids will adjust as a pair to your surroundings.
  • InterEar
  • Real-time
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
Hammer DetectorHammer DetectorDetects and minimizes undesirable loud transient soundsTruSound SoftenerTruSound SoftenerPreserves comfort for sudden sounds at any input level by taking the edge off impact/impulse sounds.
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.
No
  • InterEar
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Enhanced Dynamic Range Compression (EDRC)Enhanced Dynamic Range Compression (EDRC)Very low compression threshold and speech loudness normalization.PureSound™ with ZeroDelay™PureSound™ with ZeroDelay™ZeroDelay™ Technology eradicates problems with delay-based distortion, which is what makes hearing aids sound artificial.TruAcoustics™TruAcoustics™TruAcoustics™ provides customized, tailor-made fitting possible for patients of all hearing losses.Variable Speed CompressionVariable Speed CompressionAutomatic gearing for smooth sound and stable audibility in each individual sound class.
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
Smartwind ManagerSmartwind ManagerKeeps speech and other important sounds audible while significantly reducing the wind annoyance.