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Bose Hearing Aids
In May 2021, I got a news alert that Bose had finally done it.
The iconic audio company launched a behind-the-ear hearing aid called Bose SoundControl. They had previously dabbled with hearing aids through a popular product called Bose Hearphones but had not yet launched a traditional hearing aid.
Like many hearing aid wearers, I excitedly ordered a pair and was genuinely impressed. The product was simple (no rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth), but it signaled that Bose might be ready to play in hearing health for the long term.
A Short Goodbye
Less than a year later, the company announced significant layoffs and closed its hearing health operation.
Bose x Lexie Hearing
Then came the news in July 2022 that Bose would partner with Lexie (a trusted hearing care incumbent) to put its product back on the market. In October Lexie and Bose released a second model with rechargeable batteries.
In this article, I’ll break down Bose’s storied past with hearing health, starting with Bose Hearphones, new FDA guidelines that impacted the brand, and where things stand today.
If you are looking for an in-depth review of current Bose Hearing Aids click here.
How Bose Got Into Hearing Aids
In 2014 Bose purchased a little-known technology company called Ear Machine. Ear Machine was created as a collaboration between hearing health specialists and technologists who had a hunch that consumers could do a pretty good job programming their hearing aids if they were given the right technology.
It turns out that they were right. In a study with the National Institute of Health, the company found that patients were often just as good as hearing professionals at programming their hearing aids.
Bose saw potential in this project and acquired the Ear Machine technology and the team that had worked to create it.
Two years later, they launched the first iteration of Bose Hearphones.
New Over-The-Counter Laws
The Massachusetts-based Bose and Massachusetts-based Senator Elizabeth Warren have been some of the most visible players in the over-the-counter hearing aid legislation that has been circling congress for 5+ years. You can read more here if you aren’t familiar with the OTC law.
Bose took a lead role in commenting on the legislation during the congressional review period and was once seen as the best positioned to enjoy the relaxed FDA standards.
That position was momentarily called into question when Bose paused production in May 2022, but the new partnership with Lexie means that the Bose brand will be back at center stage when new FDA guidelines are released.
Bose won't be alone. Several other hearing health brands like Jabra, Nuheara, and Eargo will be right there with them.
Bose Hearing Aid Alternatives
Eargo
Offers a tiny and rechargeable product that is tuned at home.
Jabra Enhance Select
Works with a hearing specialist to program your hearing aids but keeps costs low by moving the entire process online.
Jabra Enhance Plus
Might be the closest Hearphone alternative because it is designed to play a double role as hearing aid and Bluetooth headset.
If you are looking for more affordable Bose hearing aid alternatives, you might enjoy my complete guide to affordable hearing aids here.
