Key Takeaways
- Directional microphones improve hearing by focusing on sound from specific directions and reducing background noise.
- Sony CRE-E10, LINK by Eargo, and Nano Audacity® RIC are popular OTC hearing aids with dual directional microphones and Bluetooth streaming functionality.
- Sony CRE-E10 and LINK by Eargo offer a stylish earbud-style design with good sound quality.
- Our Audacity® RIC model has a discreet receiver-in-canal design and long battery life.
Why Are Directional Microphones Important When Selecting Your OTC Hearing Aid?
Directional microphones are designed to focus on sounds coming from specific directions, typically in front of the user, while minimizing background noise. This technology makes conversations clearer and more enjoyable - especially in noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings.
Most importantly, directional microphones significantly improve speech understanding. Imagine you're at a family dinner, and multiple conversations are happening around you. With traditional microphones, you might struggle to focus on the person speaking directly to you - however, directional microphones isolate that person's voice.
Besides that, many modern OTC hearing aids come with automatic settings that adjust the microphone's focus based on the surrounding noise levels.
In this review, we’ll compare three popular OTC hearing aids, suitable for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, which feature this technology.
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NANO Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. Our OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. With prices starting at just $297, they offer a viable solution for those looking to improve their hearing without breaking the bank. |
3 OTC Hearing Aids with Dual Directional Microphones
Sony CRE-E10
Developed in partnership with WS Audiology, the Sony CRE-E10 has a stylish earbud-like design with soft ear tips (available in 4 sizes) for comfortable all-day use.
The hearing aids are easy to set up and personalize with the Sony | Hearing control app. iOS users can benefit from the device’s Bluetooth streaming function, allowing them to take calls, listen to music, and stream other audio directly to the hearing aids.
The CRE-E10’s advanced digital sound processing technology significantly improves sound clarity and reduces background noise. The hearing aids come with multiple listening modes to adapt to various environments, ensuring optimal hearing in different settings, from quiet rooms to noisy outdoor spaces.
Price: $1,299.99
Battery: Rechargeable, up to 26 hours
Features
- Dual directional microphones for improved speech clarity
- Advanced noise reduction technology
- Bluetooth streaming for audio and hands-free calls
- Automatic sound adjustments based on the environment
- App control
- Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Comfortable and modern earbud-like design
- Long battery life
- High-quality sound
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other OTC hearing aids
- Bluetooth streaming currently only available for iOS devices
Sony CRE-E10 OTC hearing aids
LINK by Eargo
The LINK by Eargo is another OTC hearing aid that features dual directional microphones. With a discreet, earbud-like design, the LINK offers a comfortable fit. The device is engineered to deliver high-quality sound amplification while preserving the natural characteristics of surrounding sounds - and this balance helps you enjoy a more natural hearing experience without feeling overwhelmed by amplified noise.
The hearing aid is rechargeable and comes with a portable charging case, which can be used for 4 recharges on the go.
The LINK was created to switch easily between hearing aid mode, phone calls, and music streaming, thanks to its Bluetooth 5.3 feature. You can control the hearing aid using sensors on the device or via a smartphone app.
Price: $799
Battery: Rechargeable, up to 9 hours
Features
- Dual directional microphones for improved speech clarity
- Automatic sound adjustments based on the environment
- Feedback cancellation to prevent whistling sounds
- Bluetooth streaming
- App control
- Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Stylish design
- High-quality sound streaming
- Splash-resistant
Cons
- Shorter battery life compared to other OTC hearing aids
LINK by Eargo rechargeable hearing aids
Nano Audacity® RIC
Our Audacity® RIC model is a modern receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming and app-controlled features. This hearing aid is suitable for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, offering a user-friendly experience with sophisticated sound processing capabilities.
Nano Audacity® RIC employs adaptive noise reduction and multi-mode directional microphones to enhance speech clarity and reduce background noise - so it’s ideal for everyday use in both quiet and noisy settings.
It’s designed to be nearly invisible when worn, so if you prefer a discreet hearing aid, it’s a great option. It comes with domes in different styles and sizes for a comfortable fit.
Price: $697
Battery: Rechargeable, up to 17 hours in hearing aids mode, 3 hours in Bluetooth mode
Features
- Dual directional microphones for improved speech clarity
- 3 listening programs for different environments
- Powerful feedback cancellation and noise management
- Discreet design for comfortable wear
- App control
- Bluetooth streaming
- Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Long battery life
- Sleek, discreet RIC design
Cons
- Limited advanced features compared to higher-priced models
Nano Audacity® RIC OTC hearing aids
OTC Hearing Aids Feature Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Sony CRE-E10 |
LINK by Eargo |
Nano Audacity® RIC |
|
Price |
$1,299.99 |
$799 |
$697 |
|
Battery |
Rechargeable, up to 26 hours |
Rechargeable, up to 9 hours |
Rechargeable, up to 17 hours |
|
Design |
Earbud-like |
Earbud-like |
Receiver-in-canal |
|
Bluetooth Streaming |
iOS only |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Features |
Noise reduction, automatic sound adjustments |
Bluetooth 5.3, active noise cancellation, noise reduction, feedback cancellation |
Powerful feedback cancellation and noise management, 3 listening programs |
Which Hearing Aid Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Sony CRE-E10, LINK by Eargo, and Nano Audacity® RIC hearing aids depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. The Sony CRE-E10 is a robust option for iOS users, as it only supports Bluetooth streaming for Apple devices. It also has the longest battery life of the three models.
The LINK by Eargo offers superior comfort and a natural fit. The adaptive sound adjustment feature ensures optimal hearing in different environments. However, it’s short battery life makes it inconvenient for users who need extended usage without frequent recharging.
Our Audacity® RIC is the most affordable model of the three, however, it does not compromise on functionality - it has a long battery life and supports Bluetooth streaming. The device’s adaptive noise reduction and multi-mode directional microphones provide excellent speech clarity and noise management. If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective hearing aid, it can be a great option.
Why Nano Hearing Aids Are a Cost-Effective Choice
At Nano Hearing Aids, we offer a range of affordable OTC models for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss in various styles, including completely-in-canal, behind-the-ear, and receiver-in-canal, with prices starting from $297 for our basic CIC model.
If you need help choosing the right hearing aid for your needs, or want to find out more about our products, contact us at (888) 310-6266.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do dual directional microphones work?
Dual directional microphones work by focusing on sounds coming from specific directions, usually in front of the user, while minimizing background noise from other directions - this technology enhances speech clarity.
Can I use these hearing aids with my smartphone?
Some OTC hearing aids, like Nano Audacity® RIC, offer Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling from your smartphone.
Are these hearing aids comfortable for all-day wear?
Comfort is a key consideration in the design of OTC hearing aids. Devices like Sony CRE-E10 and Nano Audacity® RIC come with various sizes and types of domes to ensure a comfortable fit for different ear shapes and sizes.
How do I know if OTC hearing aids are right for me?
OTC hearing aids are suitable for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If you find yourself struggling to hear conversations, especially in noisy environments, an OTC hearing aid with dual directional microphones could significantly improve your hearing experience. However, if you have severe hearing loss, it is advisable to consult a hearing care professional for a prescriptive hearing aid.
How often should I clean my hearing aids?
It is recommended to clean your hearing aids daily by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth and removing any earwax or debris from the domes and microphones. Additionally, you should perform a more thorough cleaning once a week using a soft brush or a specialized cleaning tool.
Can I return the hearing aids if I am not satisfied?
Most OTC hearing aid manufacturers offer a return policy or satisfaction guarantee. It is important to check the specific return policy of the brand you choose before making a purchase. For example, at Nano Hearing Aids we offer a 45-day return policy, allowing you to return the hearing aids for a full refund if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
