Building on the success of the CRE-C10, Sony’s latest offering in the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid market, the CRE-C20, brings several significant upgrades while maintaining the discreet design that made its predecessor popular. As with the C10, the C20 is developed in partnership with WS Audiology, ensuring a high-quality product backed by years of expertise in hearing aid technology.
This review delves into the key features, improvements, and overall performance of the CRE-C20 hearing aids, particularly in comparison to its predecessor, the CRE-C10.
Design and Usability
The CRE-C20 retains the completely-in-canal (CIC) design that many users appreciated in the C10, making it nearly invisible when worn. One of the most notable upgrades is the addition of a rechargeable battery, a feature that was absent in the C10. The rechargeable battery offers up to 28 hours of continuous use, making it convenient for users who may have found the size 10 batteries in the C10 challenging to manage.
The charging case is compact and easy to use, providing three additional full charges, which translates to potentially several days of use without needing to recharge the case itself.
“With the CRE-C20, we wanted to make it easier for people to start their hearing healthcare journey sooner, offering a device that’s both accessible and equipped with premium features like automatic sound analysis and a robust support system.”
–Annie Duchen, AuD, Sr. Manager of OTC Customer Success at WS Audiology
To enhance usability, Sony has added tactile markers on the hearing aids—a red marking on the right ear device and a tactile dot on the left—making it easier for users to distinguish between the two. This small but thoughtful addition is aimed at improving the user experience, particularly for those who may struggle with the small size of the devices.
The sleek, compact charging case holds three additional charges and is small enough to easily slip in a purse or pocket
What’s Included in Purchase?
The devices are purchased as a kit and include the following:
- Two (2) hearing aids in a charger
- Closed sleeves in four sizes (XS, S, M, L)
- USB cable
- Care tools
- User guide
- Flier for initial setup
- Warranty card information
Performance and Features
One of the enhanced features of the CRE-C20 is its advanced noise reduction and speech enhancement capabilities. Similar to the C10, the C20 utilizes Ear-to-Ear Wireless Link, enabling the two hearing aids to work in tandem to focus on speech while reducing background noise. However, Sony has refined this feature in the C20, making it even more effective in challenging environments such as busy restaurants or crowded spaces.
Another notable improvement in the CRE-C20 is the Auto Sound Analyzer, which automatically adjusts the microphone settings to prioritize speech clarity while still maintaining awareness of surrounding sounds. This is particularly beneficial for users who are new to hearing aids and might find the sudden amplification of all sounds overwhelming.
The C20 also introduces expanded customization options through the Sony Hearing Control app, which, like the C10, it is compatible with. The app now retains user settings, such as volume and sound balance, even after the hearing aids are turned off and back on—an improvement over the temporary adjustments available in the C10. However, due to size constraints, the C20, like the C10, does not support Bluetooth streaming.
Durability and Reliability
With an IP68 rating, the CRE-C20 is designed to withstand exposure to moisture and dust, making it more durable than the C10.
The elimination of the battery door, due to the switch to a rechargeable design, also reduces the risk of moisture damage, further enhancing the device’s longevity.
Pricing and Availability
The CRE-C20 self-fitting OTC hearing aids are now available for purchase at a suggested retail price of $999.99. You can find it on the Sony website’s CRE-C20 product page and through various third-party retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, CVS.com, HearUSA, and select hearing care professionals.
The CRE-C20 package includes the hearing aids, a charging case, various accessories such as different-sized sleeves and cleaning tools, and lifetime support from Sony’s customer service team—a valuable offering for new hearing aid users who may need ongoing assistance.
Final Thoughts
The CRE-C20 marks a thoughtful evolution in Sony’s OTC hearing aid lineup, addressing some of the limitations of the CRE-C10 while introducing key upgrades such as a rechargeable battery, enhanced noise reduction, and expanded customization options.
Although it lacks Bluetooth streaming due to size constraints, the CRE-C20’s focus on essential hearing functionalities makes it a strong contender in the premium OTC market at a competitive price point.
Interested readers can visit Sony’s website to learn more.
