Multinational technology firm Sony has announced the launch of its first over-the-counter hearing aids, which provide a simple and app-enabled solution for a better hearing experience.

According to Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), an estimated 1.2 million people in the UK have hearing loss greater than 65 dBHL. Sony’s goal with the new assistive devices is to break down the current barriers faced by those with signs of mild to moderate hearing loss.

There are two hearing aid models in the launch: the CRE-C10 and the CRE-E10 self-fitting model.

Although Sony launched the CRE-C10 and the CRE-E10 hearing aids in the US, it perhaps showcases the next step in hearing aid innovation with designs that look like earphones and with intuitive personalisation options.

Developed in partnership with hearing aids specialist WS Audiology (WSA), Sony aims to enhance the lives of users by combining its unique technology, ease of use, comfort, and wearability to deliver an “unprecedented” hearing experience that bridges the gap between the wearer and their environment.

“As a leader in the audio innovation space, we are thrilled at the opportunity to improve the hearing assistance landscape with cutting-edge yet quite accessible devices that will ensure new over-the-counter solutions for those living with hearing impairment and also help general consumers engage with their surroundings in a deeper, more connected way,” said Tyler Ishida, President of Consumer Business Group at Sony Electronics.

The CRE-C10 has a sleek, discreet design that delivers “exceptional” sound quality. Sony says it is one of the smallest hearing aids available. They have a long battery life with up to 70 hours of continuous use.

Additionally, the CRE-E10 has an earbud-like design for wearer confidence. The hearing aids “excellent” sound quality and comfort. CRE-E10 has a rechargeable battery for wireless charging that delivers up to 26 hours of continuous use. This model is also Bluetooth compatible, letting the user easily connect to streaming audio or music (iOS only).

Each device can be used soon after purchase by following easy set-up with the Sony Hearing Control app. Users are guided through a step-by-step process, answering a few brief questions to quickly set up and start using either device in a few minutes.

Sony Hearing Control allows each device to communicate with the user’s smartphone, letting them quickly personalise settings, including volume control and more, to ensure the wearer hears exactly what they intend across multiple environments.

The app further allows the wearer to “self-fit” each aid. During the self-fitting process, each Sony hearing aid self-adjusts to the most appropriate of the pre-defined hearing profiles, which are based on thousands of real-life audiogram results. Whether the user is in a bustling room or a peaceful nature setting, both models easily adapt to deliver an authentic sound experience.

Utilising the app, the CRE-C10 and CRE-E10 intuitively adapt to each user’s speech and surroundings, blending the latest technology with comfort to meet each individual’s hearing goals, Sony highlights.

AT TODAY UPDATES
Over 7,000 healthcare professionals stay informed about the latest assistive technology with AT Today. Do you?
We respect your privacy