Category Archives: ear/headphones

Orka Two OTC Hearing Aids Reviewed: Excellent Sound, Poor Battery Life

Man, I so wanted to love the Orka Two RIC (receiver in canal) style hearing aids. Their hearing correction yields natural, clear, and loud results. You get better-than-expected Bluetooth for music streaming and hands-free conversation. Like the in-ear Eargo models and the Zepp Clarity Pixie, the Orka … Continue reading

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Olive Union Max Review: A Mixed Bag in OTC Hearing Aids

You’re forgiven if, after seeing the photo of the Olive Union Max ($398, currently discounted to $199) accompanying this review, you rhetorically ask: “That’s a hearing aid?” When I first received my Olive Max review sample, that was pretty much my reaction. … Continue reading

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Nuance Audio Combines Glasses and Hearing Aids for Dual Assist

Does combining glasses with hearing aids make sense? EssilorLuxottica, the world’s leading maker of eyeglasses, thinks so. Sometime later this year, the company will introduce Nuance Audio-branded prescription eyeglasses that incorporate over-the-counter hearing aids in the glasses’ temples. Read the … Continue reading

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OTC Hearing Aids: A Retailers Guide, Part 2

OTC hearing aids are not exactly sexy products. The customer base is anything other than trendy youth, and the sales incentive is more reluctant need than desire fulfillment. But just how potentially lucrative is the OTC hearing aid market? Read the rest … Continue reading

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OTC Hearing Aids: A Retailers Guide, Part 1

What, exactly, are “over-the-counter” hearing aids? What’s with all the FDA regulations? What are the types of products available? What is the retailer’s opportunity? Read the rest of this report here at TWICE.com.

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Reviewed: Elehear Alpha Pro – Affordable Multi-Function Hearing Aids

The new Elehear Alpha Pro OTC ($999, now heavily discounted to $499) hearing aids capably amplify and clear up otherwise muddy sounds, especially voices, for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. With its Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free calling capabilities, the … Continue reading

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Review: Sennheiser All-Day Clear – High-Quality Sound with a Catch

Sennheiser’s All-Day Clear over-the-counter (OTC) self-fitting hearing aids ($1,399), developed with Swiss hearing aid maker Sonova, present a conundrum. They have the potential to be the best OTC hearing aids that can also serve as Bluetooth headphones, producing excellent sound quality untuned … Continue reading

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Report: Consumers Willing To Pay More For Higher Quality Ear/Headphones

Here’s good news for consumer tech retailers: your customers actually want to spend more money on true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds and headphones. According to a survey conducted by Qualcomm of 7,000 consumers in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, China, India, … Continue reading

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Tested: Can Regular Bluetooth Earbuds Be Used as Hearing Aids?

During this first year that over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became available, four major types of solutions for those with mild to moderate hearing loss have emerged: However, a potential fifth class of “hearing aid” has recently emerged – standard Bluetooth … Continue reading

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SmartTechCheck Podcast: Apple WWDC 23 Recap

A “feisty” SmartTechCheck podcast hosted by Mark Vena with myself and fellow tech journalists Rob Pegoraro, John Quain, and AppleDsgn’s Niels Van Straaten on the major themes coming out of Apple WWDC 23. Watch this podcast here on YouTube.

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