Category Archives: OTC Hearing Aids

AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids Review: Revolutionary, but Flawed

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

Apple has just proven what I’ve asserted for years: there is no reason why hearing aids, OTC or prescription, have to cost $1,000 or more. For just $250, AirPods Pro 2 now perform as self-fitting hearing aids that provide crystal … Continue reading →

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The Right Way to Set up Your AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

With the iOS 18.1 update, Apple has redefined what its AirPods Pro 2 ($250) can do, officially transforming them into FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) self-fitting hearing aids. For iPhone users with mild to moderate hearing loss, this upgrade provides an easy way to … Continue reading →

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Will the AirPods Pro 2 Make Good Hearing Aids?

Posted on 23 September 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

Sometime in the next few weeks – or sooner – Apple will release a software update that will transform its popular AirPods Pro 2 into official FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) self-fitting hearing aids. So, if you think you need hearing aids, … Continue reading →

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Review: Sony’s New CRE-C20 Are the Best OTC Hearing Aids I’ve Tested

Posted on 23 September 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

My biggest complaint about Sony’s first OTC hearing aids, the CRE-C10, was the in-ear buds being powered by annoying and tiny single-use hearing aid batteries. Problem solved for Sony’s second generation CRE-C20 ($999.99). Read the rest of this review here … Continue reading →

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Could Apple Disrupt OTC Hearing Aid Business?

Posted on 13 September 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

Pending software update will turn tens of millions of $250 AirPods Pro 2 into OTC hearing aids, which could force other makers to reconsider pricing and product. Read the rest of this report here at TWICE.com.

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

Posted on 31 January 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

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

Posted on 30 January 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

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

Posted on 7 January 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

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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Soundwave Sontro OTC Hearing Aids: Average Performance, Decent Price

Posted on 3 January 2024 by Stewart Wolpin

After testing a large bulk of the available OTC hearing aids over the last year plus, I believe models powered by single-use batteries are, well, stupid, especially with the wealth of rechargeable alternatives now available. Tiny hearing aid batteries are … Continue reading →

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Zepp Clarity Pixie OTC Hearing Aid Review: Eargo’s Worthy Competitor

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Stewart Wolpin

With the Zepp Clarity Pixie, Eargo now has a worthy competitor. The Pixie delivers nearly the same excellent natural hearing clarity in the same nearly invisible in-ear bud form factor as the Eargo 7, my pick for the best OTC hearing aids, … Continue reading →

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