Sony Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Pricing, and Lab Ratings

We've been impressed with the lab test performance of all three Sony over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, and the Sony CRE-E10 and CRE-C10 have been awarded Expert Choice Awards by HearAdvisor. While being relatively expensive for OTC devices, these hearing aids are easy to set up, have excellent sound quality, can substantially improve listening in quiet and noise, and users get good tech service and support.

Sony OTC hearing aids are the result of a partnership between consumer electronics giant Sony and WS Audiology (WSA), one of the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturers. Their flagship hearing aid, the Sony CRE-E10 Earbud, is a rechargeable, Bluetooth audio streaming, self-fitting OTC hearing aid available for $1,100 per pair—and this device continues to top HearAdvisor’s lab test ratings.

Sony’s two other OTC hearing aids, the CRE-C10 and CRE-C20, are tiny, completely in-canal (CIC) devices that cost $800 and $1,000, respectively. They have good technology with app controls but no audio streaming. The key difference between the C10 and C20 is that the C10 uses size 10 disposable batteries, while the C20 is rechargeable.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Sony OTC hearing aids, including their technology, features, who they’re for, and where to purchase them. We'll also provide you with links to more detailed information about each product and its lab test results.

Sony OTC Hearing Aid Products, Technology, and Their Use

Sony markets three different OTC hearing aids with two distinct styles: the tiny CRE-C10 and CRE-C20 completely-in-canal (CIC) non-wireless aids and the more advanced but larger CRE-E10 wireless earbud. All three models are sold in pairs and come in only one color: black.

Like all OTC hearing aids, Sony OTC hearing aids are limited in the amount of amplification they can supply, intended to fit mild to moderate hearing losses. While these hearing aids are not as sophisticated or as feature-rich as prescription hearing aids, they do have some advanced capabilities and excellent sound quality.

For example, these OTC hearing aids have technology that will automatically adjust the sound depending on your environment. That is, the hearing aids can minimize wind noise, as well as speech and other environmental noises, and automatically adjust the volume. Sony hearing aids use Signia technology that wirelessly links and coordinates the device functions for better listening performance and comfort, especially in noise.

The Sony CRE-E10 also incorporates directional microphones to further assist in noisy listening situations—and it continues to top the HearAdvisor Leaderboard. Interested readers can view HearingTracker’s comparison web page for more information and sound samples.

The table below summarizes some of the key features and pricing for Sony hearing aids.

All Sony models are self-fitting via the “Hearing Control App” which is available for both Android™ and Apple^® products. Likewise they all can be controlled by the app (more details on this below). However, only the E10 provides Bluetooth^® audio streaming for iOS devices (not Android) and hands-free calling for iPhones. The C10 and C20 do not offer Bluetooth audio streaming.

The Three Sony OTC Hearing Aid Models Explained

Let's take a slightly deeper dive into the highlights of the three Sony hearing aid models. If you want a more detailed review of each device—including lab test scores on specific characteristics and what consumers think of them—please click on the links below (in bold) to see HearingTracker's individual Sony product reviews and lab findings.

Sony CRE-E10 earbuds

Without question, the flagship of the Sony OTC hearing aid family is the Sony CRE-E10, which looks very similar to many mainstream music earbuds currently on the market. In terms of hearing aid performance and function, it closely resembles the Signia Active X hearing aid. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the E10 is that it has outperformed some prescription hearing aids we've tested in the lab, and you can still find the E10 at the top of HearAdvisor's Speech in Noise rankings, as well as our own selection of the best hearing aids in background noise.

This rating does come with a hitch, however: depending on the ear tip you use, it can make your own voice sound muffled and your ear feel "plugged.”

While Sony E10s don't have quite the same audio quality as, for example, Apple AirPods Pro 2, they are the best OTC hearing aids for streaming audio. However, the audio streaming and hands-free calling are limited only to Apple iOS devices (v13.0 and higher); Android users can use the test setup and app, but won't be able to stream phone calls or listen to music from their phones or other devices. And, as with all the Sony OTC aids, there are no onboard control buttons or tap controls, meaning you'll need the app to raise or lower the volume, change programs, etc.

Sony E10s are rechargeable and come with a charging case that provides 3 extra charges. When fully charged, they should last 23 hours with 2 hours of audio streaming. When in a pinch, a 30-minute quick charge can get you 6 hours of battery life.

See Matthew Allsop's video at the top of this page for a good overview of the CRE-E10.

Sony CRE-C10 battery-powered CIC

The Sony CRE-C10 is a tiny in-ear "instant-fit" hearing aid that is essentially a completely-in-canal (CIC) in terms of its cosmetics—meaning it's almost invisible in the ear. As the Sony's first-ever OTC hearing aid and one of the smallest of its kind on the market, it continues to rank in the top 25% of all OTC devices we've tested. And, given that you can now get the C10 for around $700 (about $300-400 less expensive than the C20 or E10), we think it represents a very good value for those looking for a "no-frills" and discreet solution for their mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

As with the CRE-E10 and C20, this hearing aid is designed to be fully automatic, analyzing your soundscape and automatically adjusting sound for easier listening and comfort. And, like those aids, it also has a wireless link between the hearing aids so they coordinate their functions for improved noise reduction.

The device does not have external buttons; you must make volume and program changes via the app. Unlike the larger E10 earbud, the tiny C10 does not feature Bluetooth audio streaming.

The Sony C10 uses a standard size 10 disposable hearing aid battery that provides up to 70 hours (3 to 5 days) of use. The C20 is rechargeable and offers up to 28 hours of runtime on a single charge. It comes with a handy clamshell-type portable carrying case.

Sony CRE-C20 rechargeable CIC

Essentially, you can think of the Sony CRE-C20—Sony's latest hearing aid—as the same hearing aid as the CRE-C10 CIC, except the C20 is rechargeable. In terms of physical appearance and functionality, we think there is little difference.

Sony did add a new processing feature called the Auto Sound Analyzer to the C20 which is designed to prioritize speech clarity in noisy environments. However, HearAdvisor's lab testing showed only a nominal difference between the C20 and C10 relative to speech-in-noise performance (in fact, the C20 actually performed slightly worse).

But don't let that dissuade you: The CRE-C20 is a very good, rechargeable, discreet hearing aid that comes with good service and support. When fully charged, it offers up to 28 hours of runtime. The portable chargine case provides an additional day’s worth of battery life, making it ideal for travel or situations where charging access may be limited.

Although the C20 connects to the app for set-up and to make adjustments to the hearing aid, its tiny size does not allow for Bluetooth streaming for music, phone calls, or other audio.

Sony Hearing Aid Set-up and Controls

After connecting the hearing aids to the Hearing Control App, it takes approximately 10 minutes to program the hearing aids for your hearing loss and preferences. The Hearing Control App is intended to be user-friendly and is used for the initial setup and later for adjustments. After the initial fitting, you can control a limited number of settings from within the app, but there are no onboard controls for the hearing aids.

As you can see from the screenshots below, the app provides setup instructions, an in-app hearing test, loudness control, limited sound balance control, and some fine-tuning options. The E10 further provides manual directional microphone adjustment control.

It should be noted that the hearing aids will follow preset hearing profiles based upon your hearing test. That is, the C10 and C20 will be fit to one of 4 different hearing profiles, while the E10 has 6 different hearing profiles that can be initially programmed.

It should also be mentioned that the C10/20 provides very little low-frequency (low-pitch) amplification. This means if you have a hearing loss across the pitches, including in the low frequencies, this product may not be ideal for you. For those with a “flatter” hearing loss (i.e., your audiogram resembles a straight line), the E10 would be a better option. However, if you have a sloping, high-frequency hearing loss (i.e., audiogram is relatively flat until it reaches the higher frequencies) with good hearing in the low pitches, then the C10/20 may work very well for you.

To their credit, Sony has included safety features and warnings within the app to ensure that the products are appropriate for your hearing loss. That is, if your hearing loss is too great, the app will warn you that the products are not ideal for your hearing loss. In addition, if an asymmetrical hearing loss (i.e., very different hearing in each ear) is detected, the app will suggest that you seek medical intervention.

It's worth noting that the Hearing Control App, while a useful tool, has received mixed reviews. It currently has a score of 2.8 (out of 5) for Android and only 2.6 for Apple products. In general, a lot of hearing aid apps have lower approval ratings, with the primary complaints revolving around pairing and connection issues; this also appears to be the case with the Sony app. However, once paired and connected, users have praised the app for its ease of setup. Compared to other hearing aid apps, however, it has pretty basic functionality and options.

As to be expected with any OTC product, the physical fit of the hearing aids in your ear is not customized. However, four different sizes of vented, soft sleeves are available. While these choices will likely fit and be comfortable for the majority of users, some people may experience physical discomfort with long hours of use. Even though the sleeves are vented, depending on the fit, some people may experience “occlusion effect.” This means that the sound of your own voice can be loud and annoying, and you may feel as though your ears are “plugged.”

Good customer support

With any product, it is comforting to know that a company will provide support after the purchase. We are happy to report that Sony offers multi-tiered customer support for their OTC hearing aids. In fact, they note that they provide “best in class” support and state a Net Promotor Score (NPS) rating of 85. If you are new to the term “NPS”, it is simply a measure of customer experience and tells a company how likely a customer would recommend a given business (Qualtrics.com). The scores can range from -100 to +100, meaning a score of 85 is an excellent rating. Sony contributes this, at least in part, to their 3-tier customer support.

A consumer’s journey for help with their Sony OTC products begins with online product support where setup instructions, frequently asked questions and instructional videos are available along with downloadable user guides. If help is needed beyond online support, you can contact Sony to speak with a customer support representative or live chat. If your questions go beyond the expertise of that team, a third tier of support is available with WSA support audiologists who are familiar with the products, what changes can be made, and who have the benefit of formal training in audiology.

Lacks accessories

As is typical with many OTC hearing aids, the Sony products are not available with any accessories like those seen with prescription hearing aids. For example, remote microphones, TV streamers, and remote controls are not available for these hearing aids. This is a bit unfortunate as both Sony products do not have any onboard controls and a remote control might be exceptionally useful for some people. Again, the hearing aids will make automatic sound adjustments based on your listening environment, but the only way to control the hearing aids is via the Hearing Control App.

In addition, while streaming audio is available, it is only possible with iOS^® (Apple) products, meaning the Android devices consumers may own will not be compatible for streaming. Having an accessory that could bridge that gap would be ideal, but unfortunately it is not available at this time.

Where can you buy Sony OTC hearing aids and how much do they cost?

Sony’s OTC products are available online from the Sony website, in retail stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and pharmacy chains, and from some hearing care providers. For example, HearUSA clinics carry Sony OTC hearing aids, and you may also find them in some of your local hearing care offices. They come with a standard 45-day trial period and a 1-year repair warranty. Sony notes that within 90 days of the purchase, an extended warranty can also be purchased from Sony.com.

At the time of this writing (January 2024), all three products were sold on the Sony, Best Buy, and Amazon websites, and the C20 was sold on Walmart. As noted above, the price range is generally between $700 and $1,100. However, our research shows that it pays to shop around; we found that comparing prices between websites can save you as much as $200. One drawback of the Sony OTC hearing aids can be their slightly elevated price; however, you can often find a sale price that makes them an exceptional value for a top-quality OTC hearing solution.

Who makes Sony OTC hearing aids?

WS Audiology (WSA), an international hearing aid conglomerate, manufactures and sells Sony hearing aids. Through a brand-licensing deal, WSA offers Sony-branded OTC versions of their Silk and Active products as Sony CRE-C10 and CRE-E10, respectively.

In late 2022, Sony announced the launch of their OTC hearing aids in the United States in partnership with the WSA Group. WSA is one of the “Big 5” worldwide hearing aid manufacturers, and they make prescription brands like Widex, Signia, and Rexton. WSA also owns HearUSA, Hear.com, and TruHearing. The goal of the WSA-Sony partnership is to jointly develop and supply new products and services for new OTC self-fitting hearing aids.

Sony leverages its brand recognition, audio and production technologies, and service infrastructure while relying on WSA’s strengths in hearing aid and technology innovation, as well as their mutual distribution channels. While it's clear that WSA is leveraging Sony's brand and distribution channels, Sony's tech contribution to this endeavor remains less clear.

Whatever the case, the Sony brand licensing places WSA in a more competitive position to compete with other OTC brand names like Bose, Jabra Enhance, Sennheiser, JLab, and JVC.

Final Verdict

Sony OTC hearing aids offer excellent sound quality in lightweight, discreet, cosmetically appealing forms. For those with typical mild-to-moderate hearing loss, these hearing aids are an affordable and easily accessible choice. While there are some limitations, particularly the lack of streaming with Android devices and no controls on the devices themselves, we think these hearing aids represent one of the best options in the OTC category.