Review updated Dec 06, 2024

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Best Value: in-Ear OTC

Best for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
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Sony CRE-C20

4.8

$898.00 / pair $1,049 / pair

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Free Shipping
Free Returns
FSA & HSA Eligible

Purchase Over the Phone:

Text or call us at:

(213) 460-1310

Comprehensive Set-up Service: One of our Audiologists will assist you with setup remotely.
At Soundly, every customer receives a complimentary phone or video consultation with a licensed audiologist. Call or text us if you have any questions about this service - 1 (213) 460-1310.
Free Shipping: We offer 3-4 day shipping nationwide.
45-Day Risk-Free Returns: We offer no-hassle returns for any reason.
45-Day Price Drop Protection: We honor any price drops within 45 days of your purchase.
If the Soundly price drops within 45 days of your purchase, contact us by phone or chat while the lower price is available. Within those 45 days, we'll make up the difference.
Warranty: All Soundly customers receive a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Learn More about Soundly's set-up service.

The Sony CRE-C20 is our favorite in-ear hearing aid under $1,000. The newly released product is packed with prescription-grade technology, boasts a 28-hour battery life, and comes with a recharge case that provides an additional 60 hours of charge. If you have mild-moderate hearing loss and are relatively tech-savvy, CRE-C20 is a very compelling option.
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Sony Hearing Aid Background

Sony is a newcomer to the hearing health market. They've teamed up with WS Audiology, the world's second-largest hearing aid manufacturer, to create the CRE-C20 hearing aids and the Sony Hearing Control app, which allows you to program these devices from home.

Sony currently offers three hearing aid models:

CRE-C20 (NEW): The most discreet model, it fits entirely in the ear and has a rechargeable battery but doesn’t stream phone calls.
CRE-E10: An earbud-style, rechargeable model that streams phone calls via iPhone.
CRE-C10: An older, more affordable model that also fits entirely in the ear. It uses a disposable size 10 battery, which needs to be changed every 5-7 days, and doesn’t stream phone calls.
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What We Like About the Sony CRE-C20

Sound quality: Our lab tests reveal that its upgraded sound processing algorithm offers significant improvements over previous generations.
Invisibility: The CRE-C20 is incredibly discreet, virtually disappearing in most ears, and includes comfortable ear tips in various sizes.
Battery: CRE-C20 boasts an industry-leading all-day battery life of 28 hours, with a case that provides two additional charges.
Trusted manufacturer: Another standout feature is that the underlying technology is comes off the same factory line as Signia Silk, which retails for four to five times the price in local clinics. The main difference? With the CRE-C20, you’ll program the device yourself.
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How Programming Works

The Sony CRE-C20 is programmed by you using the Sony Hearing Control app, available for both iPhone and Android. The setup and onboarding hearing test take 20-30 minutes and require comfort with smartphones. If you purchase the Sony CRE-C20 through Soundly, you can access our team for support and schedule a free setup call. Soundly also provides in-depth video tutorials to guide you through the setup process at home.

You may wonder how much customization Sony devices offer compared to prescription devices. The short answer is: a lot.

Sony hearing aids are initially programmed using an onboard test that plays tones through the hearing aids. You can then adjust the sound quality through the main app screens and use the Fine Tuning Feature feature to address specific issues like background noise or sudden sounds. Sony has worked hard to replicate much of what you can do with an audiologist within their app.

Of course, there’s value in the counseling and expertise of a trained professional in a local clinic, but that comes with a significant price increase.

All Soundly purchases include a free consultation with an audiologist. While you’ll program your devices using the app, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions.
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Who Is Sony CRE-C20 Best For?

Mild-moderate loss: Sony CRE-C20 is best suited for folks with mld-moderate hearing loss. Take our hearing test here to measure your hearing loss level. Our team can provide a second opinion on the results upon request.
Self-directed: Sony CRE-C20 is great for self-directed wearers who are comfortable using a smartphone. Soundly supports through the setup process but customers should be comfortable operating apps on iPhone or Android.
Preference for in-ear: CRE-C20 is nearly invisible in most ear canals and is a great option for folks who prefer to keep the area behind their ears clear.

Our Overall Thoughts

We think Sony CRE-C20 should be on just about everyone's OTC hearing aid shortlist. The product comes from a trusted source, offers quality sound, rechargeable batteries and a uniquely small form factor. There are a lot of upsides for less than $1,000.

Pros 👍

CRE-C20 offers audiology grade sound for a fraction of in-clinic prices
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CRE-C20 is nearly invisible in most ears with a comfortable ear-tip
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CRE-C20 has rechargeable batteries with 28 hours of power per charge and 2 additional charges in a portable carry case

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Cons 👎

CRE-C20 does not allow phone call or music streaming
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CRE-C20 requires some tech-savvy as it uses a smartphone app for programming (Android and Apple compatible)
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CRE-C20 is only approprated for mild-moderate hearing loss

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Soundly Scorecard

Hearing Loss Level 🔊

Mild - Moderate

Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids are sold over the counter and are appropriate for those with mild-moderate hearing loss
If you have more significant hearing loss it is recommended that you access professional care through Telehealth or local care

Care Type 🏥

Over-The-Counter

Available for purchase here Soundly.com with a complimentary guide setup service
Does not require a prescription from a doctor
Customize your hearing aids with an onboard hearing test and app-controls

Sound Quality 🔊

Strong in Background Noise

Sony CRE-C20 is made in collaboration with hearing leader WSA audiology
Sony CRE-C20 offers good background noise management algorithms and newly re-designed processing chip

Comfort 🦻

Somewhat Comfortable For All-Day Wear

Sony CRE-C20 sits discreetly in the ear and comes with various ear tip sizes
Sony CRE-C20 is not custom-molded to your ear shape
Our team finds all in-the-ear models slightly less comfortable for all-day wear than RIC hearing aids

Style 💫

In The Ear - Non Molded

Sits inside the ear
Only available in one completely-in-canal size (invisible in many ears)
Only available in black

Battery 🔋

Rechargeable Only

Sony CRE-C20 has rechargeable batteries
Sony CRE-C20 batteries last 28 hours on a single charge
The included CRE-C20 carry-case comes with three additional on-the go charges

Connection 📡

Bluetooth Not Available

Sony CRE-C20 does not come with Bluetooth streaming

Dexterity Level 🤏

Average

Sony CRE-C20 is a small device which can pose dexterity challenges
Sony CRE-C20 uses rechargeable batteries and has a convenient charge case with strong magnets that pull the devices into place

Waterproof Level 💦

IP68

CRE-C20 is water resistant but we recommend you avoid water activities while wearing (i.e. swimming)

App features 📱

Has An App

Sony CRE-C20 uses a smartphone app which includes an onboard hearing test and manual controls for bass, treble and volume
The app is required to make changes (no buttons onboard)

Why Purchase Through Soundly

We recommend that you purchase Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids directly through Soundly and access upgraded care and services.

Soundly is an official Sony retailer.
Your purchase comes with Soundly's comprehensive set-up service.
All orders come with 45-day risk-free returns.
All orders come with free shipping.
Soundly offers MSRP pricing and deals. We will match the price of any other official retailer for the same product and terms.
Your purchase comes with 60-day price-drop protection

Purchase on this page or contact our team to purchase over the phone. Your hearing aids will be shipped to your home along with setup instructions and an optional guided setup call with one of our hearing professionals.

What's In The Box

Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids come with everything you need to begin hearing better. Along with Soundly's care services, you will get the following.

A one year manufacturer warranty
2 CRE-C20 hearing aids
A recharge case and cables
Cleaning brush and wipe
Various ear tip sizes to match your needs

"These hearing aids far surpassed my expectations. They do much better than the expensive ones I’ve had in the past. I don’t have to look at my wife and ask her what was said. I like the idea I can adjust the volume with the app."

— Thomas Stumpfig

"Sony-made. Easily customizable to one’s condition with my iPhone (downloadable app). Rechargeable. Tiny, almost invisible. Magnifies conversations and dampens ambient noise. Not musical earbuds for streaming; ditto for phone calls - I use them only when needed. No squealing noises. Perfect fit out of the box, although Sony provides different sized inserts. Happy with them."

— John A. Fleming

"A device this small that can be recharged and worn all day was a very compelling reason to purchase. Since these were my first hearing aids, I spent quite a bit of time researching prescription vs over the counter units. I found an independent hearing aid resource hearadvisor.com that uses science based testing methods to measure hearing aid performance. I decided on the Sony CRE-C20 based on the previous generation Sony CRE-C10 rating. I have moderate hearing loss and the hearing aids were very easy to set up using the Sony hearing control app. For me, the results were a game changer. I can turn off subtitles, and can hear subtle sounds that weren't there before. It took me a few days to get used to the enhanced sounds that I was experiencing. The sound quality is excellent and the hearing aids are very comfortable for all day use."

— Niobium

"After my Eargo 7s failed to make it through the wash :/, I decided to try these Sony hearing aids as a (significantly) less expensive alternative, particularly if you take into account the cost of accessories. I've been pleasantly surprised that the sound quality is almost on par with the Eargos, and while the fit is not quite as good (I prefer the straight design of the Eargos), now that I am used to the curved design, I am enjoying a much longer battery life than I ever had with the Eargo units. Hopefully, they last (and stay dry)!"

— Allen J.

"I was really surprised with just how well this product works, I mean it's so tiny that it's hard to imagine it being very helpful and yet, it does such an amazing job. If you're looking for Over The Counter hearing ai'ds and don't mind the completely in ear style, these should definitely be high on the list."

— Steve Sawczyn

"So far so good. I have mild loss in one ear and moderate in the other. They are comfortable and effective. They aren't as versatile as my wife's much more expensive ones, but they are fine for what I need. If I could, I would rate them at 4.5. I will update after a month or two of use."

— Jazzed

"The sound quality is excellent, and the app users are friendly. I would recommend these hearing aids to anyone. You will not be disappointed."

— Sam

"I don’t need full on hearing aids but I have partial hearing loss in one ear. It makes certain functions harder to go to and hear. These amplify the sound and has volume control so you can find the perfect level of sound that suits you. Easy to use and the sound family is like wearing EarPods. Great value for the money. They don’t look bad in your ears either."

— Jen A.

"Works well, solid fit, competitively priced in comparison to generic hearing amplifiers and prescription hearing aids alike"

— NachosSenpai

"I was surprised about the very high quality of these Sony hearing aids. I loved the rechargeable case and the size. I think there is a lot of bang for the buck here. I also liked their hearing testing program. I did return these as I just couldn't get the earpieces to work for me."

— ColoradoComments

"Day 1: They are easy to setup and fit well - no odd noises, my voice sounds fine, and they are improving my hearing. They are very comfortable in my ears. Planning to try them and will update this review again. I tried the Audian Atom Pro amplifiers (not the new Pro 2) but never got used to them / never worked for me. These seem great so far."

— ReviewMember378930

"I’m impress great product. Good quality product for the price. Works good."

— Shawn

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