Sony CRE-C20 Hearing Aids: A Stylish Upgrade with Rechargeable Convenience
Sony’s CRE-C10 in-ear hearing aids were a hit, offering impressive sound quality and discreet design. However, one major drawback held them back: the need for replaceable batteries. This meant the inconvenience of frequent battery changes, the worry of losing tiny batteries, and the environmental impact of disposable batteries.
Sony has addressed this issue head-on with the release of the CRE-C20 hearing aids, incorporating a rechargeable battery system while retaining the sleek and discreet design of its predecessor.
Looking the Part, Performing Like a Champ
Visually, the CRE-C20 is nearly indistinguishable from the C10. The same small size and light weight (1.34 grams each) make them virtually invisible in the ear canal, ensuring a discreet and comfortable fit.
While the exterior remains unchanged, the interior has undergone a significant upgrade. The battery compartment has been replaced with a charging port, allowing for convenient recharging within the included case. This move eliminates the hassle of disposable batteries, making the C20 a more user-friendly option for daily use.
Beyond the Battery: Sound & Features
While the rechargeable battery is a noteworthy improvement, the C20 doesn’t stray far from the C10 in terms of its sound profile and feature set.
Sound Quality:
The C20 continues to leverage the powerful audio processing technology from Signia parent WS Audiology, resulting in excellent sound quality. Most users will find little difference in sound quality between the two models. The C20 delivers clear and crisp sound, effectively amplifying conversations and environmental sounds while minimizing background noise.
Hearing Settings:
Instead of four pre-configured hearing settings like the C10, the C20 offers six different settings, tailored to address common hearing loss patterns. These settings are determined based on an in-app hearing test, making the process highly personalized. However, users have no manual control over selecting these settings.
Customization & Fine-Tuning:
The app offers a detailed configuration procedure that guides users through a series of sound tests to accurately assess their hearing loss. The app then automatically selects the most appropriate hearing setting. For users requiring further adjustments, a fine-tuning feature allows users to register specific complaints, such as unnatural-sounding voices, and receive customized settings that address these concerns. Additionally, a volume slider and a "sound balance" option offer further fine-tuning capabilities.
No Bluetooth: A Trade-Off for Size & Discreetness
The C20, like its predecessor, lacks Bluetooth connectivity. Connections to smartphones are made through inaudible, high-pitched signals, which, while technically effective, can feel less intuitive and less convenient compared to Bluetooth. This feature limitation means users cannot directly stream music or take phone calls through the hearing aids.
The sacrifice of Bluetooth is a deliberate design choice designed to minimize the size and maintain the discreet nature of the hearing aids. This approach ensures a comfortable fit and prevents the addition of bulky components that could compromise the aesthetics.
Overall Experience: Comfortable and Effective
The C20 provides a comfortable and effective hearing aid experience. The discreet design makes them practically invisible in the ear, and the comfortable fit allows for prolonged wear without discomfort.
The lack of environmental settings limits the C20’s ability to automatically adapt to different listening environments, such as crowded rooms or windy situations. However, the overall sound quality and the ability to adjust the settings through the app provide a largely satisfactory experience for most users.
The Bottom Line:
The Sony CRE-C20 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering the same great sound quality with the added convenience of rechargeable batteries. The discreet design, comfortable fit, and effective sound amplification make it a compelling choice for individuals with hearing loss who prioritize comfort, convenience, and discreet aesthetics.
Key Takeaways:
- Rechargeable battery: The most notable improvement over the CRE-C10, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.
- Inconspicuous design: Maintaining the ultra-small and discreet design of the CRE-C10.
- Sound quality and features: Similar to the CRE-C10, with excellent sound quality and personalized settings.
- No Bluetooth: A conscious design decision to maintain discreetness and size.
Target Audience:
The Sony CRE-C20 is well-suited for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who:
- Value a discreet and comfortable hearing aid.
- Prefer rechargeable batteries over disposable ones.
- Don’t require extensive environmental adjustments.
- Appreciate easy-to-use app controls.
In Conclusion:
The Sony CRE-C20 represents a significant step forward for the company’s hearing aid offering. By addressing the battery issue, Sony has made these hearing aids even more appealing to a wider audience. While the lack of Bluetooth might be a drawback for some, the overall experience offered by the C20 is undeniably positive, making them a compelling contender in the world of discreet, effective hearing aids.
