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.