Over the Counter hearing aids

[Robert W Wilson]

In October 2022, the FDA established a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids (HA) for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. I've needed hearing help for a couple of years but put it off due to the high entry cost and low level of patient satisfaction.

The OTC HA technology has advanced greatly in the past year (even Sennheiser markets a set). I spent hours researching over the weekend and am ready to order a pair. The best ones are $1000-2200 and allow you to tune them. Prescription HA's are reportedly $2-7K and are tuned by an audiologist. Since musicians are likely the hardest customers to satisfy, does anyone have comments on these?

I plan to purchase the Sony CRE-C20 ($998) which fit completely inside the ear canal. I work in a shop and wear glasses and ear muffs so an exterior HA would get in the way.

[Bill A. Moore]

I'm curious what the concensus is! I'm on my second pair from the VA, but I sure need to get something for my wife! (That we can afford!)

[Steve Lipsey]

I have high-end Starkeys with multiple programs for different situations. The single-program aids are tailored for speech, limiting the response curve dramatically, and may also not be adjusting more subtle things like attack/release times. The Starkeys have a multitude of adjustments that took me many audiologist visits to get just right - string instruments have a very peaky attack and my high end hearing is quite compromised, causing some odd unwanted noises...
I don't know what the ones you are considering do in that area...might be worth asking the question if you want them for music...which I assume is the case.
The other annoying thing is that if they really make a difference for you, you will have to listen to every single piece of music all over again to know what it really sounds like....

[Bill A. Moore]

I too have Starkey's, although they probably aren't the "high end", they are Evolve AI, the music program is a pretty good one. You can also go to a custom program, and EQ as you desire, (save it to custom memory if you want). I was at a meeting last year at the back of the room, and was able to EQ to be able to hear the presentation, yet null most of the room noises!

[Robert W Wilson]

I returned the Sony C20's because .... I can.
Bill, I do recommend trying them as an affordable option for your wife because you can send'm back. These are some incredible devices but the app sucks for picky people like me. The self-tuning feature is lame (for musicians) no EQ, only AI pre-sets. I want a parametric equalizer or at least a half dozen graphic channels to fiddle with. TV and conversation was improved with the device. Playing steel guitar I hated the sound, pure shibit.

Steve, the Starkeys are technologically excellent high end devices if you are willing and able to cough up the $. Guess I am not hurting that bad yet cause I'd rather buy a Milkman amp, a classic Tri-cone, or_______than high $ aids.

Incidently, my hearing impairment is what's called "cookie cutter", low to mid level loss at 4K but better at 8K, and unfortunately accompanied with extreme tinnitus at 12.5K.

Anyway, I will try something else and report back if anyone is interested.

I work with college students and warn them about super loud music. They smile and say "I probably gonna get it too".