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If you’ve ever hesitated to try hearing aids because of cost, inconvenience, or appearance, you’re not alone. Many people with mild to moderate hearing loss delay taking action simply because the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why Sony’s CRE-C20 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids was created.
Sony’s entrance into the over-the-counter hearing aid market offers a fresh alternative: a sleek, self-fitting solution you can set up right from your smartphone—no audiologist required.
We tested the full CRE-C20 bundle, including the often-overlooked vented sleeves, to see how well it lives up to the promise of simplicity, comfort, and discretion. And the results? Surprisingly impressive, with a few trade-offs worth noting.
What’s Included in the Box?
Sony doesn’t skimp on the details. The CRE-C20 bundle is comprehensive, giving users everything needed to get started and maintain their hearing aids over time:
- Two CRE-C20 hearing aids (with rechargeable batteries)
- Compact charging case (82.0 × 48.0 × 29.4 mm)
- USB-C charging cable (no wall adapter included)
- Three pairs of medium vented sleeves (CRES2VM)
- Three pairs of large vented sleeves (CRES2VL)
- Four sizes of standard closed sleeves (XS, S, M, L)
- Cleaning kit with maintenance tools
- Quick start guide and user manual
With an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, this setup is ready for everyday use, whether you’re indoors or on the go.
Design and Comfort: Practically Invisible
These hearing aids are seriously small—just 12.0 × 5.4 × 18 mm and weighing only 1.5g each. The Completely-in-Canal (CIC) form factor keeps them tucked away neatly, so unless you’re looking for them, you probably won’t notice them at all.
Sleeves Make a Difference
One standout feature here is the inclusion of both vented and closed sleeves. Vented sleeves allow some natural sound to enter the ear, making the overall audio feel more authentic and avoiding the “plugged” sensation that’s common with traditional in-ear devices.
Users with mild to moderate hearing loss will likely appreciate the comfort and natural acoustics the vented sleeves provide—especially during longer wear sessions.
Self-Fitting: Easy Setup, Custom Sound
The Sony | Hearing Control app is central to how these hearing aids work. Available for iOS (15+) and Android (11+), the app guides users through a quick hearing assessment and builds a personalized sound profile.
User Experience
- The app is clean and intuitive, though expect a bit of a learning curve in the first week
- It supports custom sound profiles for different settings: quiet rooms, noisy places, and outdoor environments.
- No specialized knowledge is needed—just some basic comfort with smartphones.
While it doesn’t match the nuance of a professional audiologist fitting, the self-fitting feature offers unmatched convenience and puts you in control.
Sound Performance: Quality That Punches Above Its Price
Sony’s collaboration with WS Audiology results in audio processing that genuinely impresses for the price point.
The Auto Sound Analyzer dynamically adjusts the audio based on your environment, and Echo Suppression helps reduce reverberation for clearer conversations.
Real-World Testing
- Speech clarity holds up well in places like restaurants and busy cafes.
- Music and environmental sound come through naturally, especially with vented sleeves.
- In extremely noisy situations, performance is acceptable but not perfect—a trade-off that even high-end hearing aids struggle with.
Overall, for daily use and casual environments, the CRE-C20 performs like a product that costs significantly more.
Battery Life & Charging: Reliable for Long Days
Battery life is another strong point:
- 28 hours of use on a full charge
- Three full recharges from the included case (total ~112 hours)
- Wireless Qi charging supported
- USB-C charging from empty to full in ~3 hours
No need to fiddle with tiny disposable batteries—a welcome improvement, especially for users with dexterity issues.
App Features & Limitations: Mostly Smooth Sailing
The Hearing Control app serves as the control hub for your settings. It’s generally stable, user-friendly, and updated regularly. That said, it’s not without a few quirks:
What Works Well
- Sound profile customization is intuitive.
- Volume and balance adjustments are easily accessible.
- Setup and troubleshooting are straightforward.
Where It Falls Short
- No real-time battery status display—you’ll rely on audio alerts instead.
- No Bluetooth streaming for calls or music; all communication happens via acoustic signals.
If Bluetooth media streaming is a must-have, this may be a dealbreaker. But for pure hearing support? It gets the job done.
Vented Sleeves: Comfort & Clarity Worth Noting
Let’s talk about the vented sleeves—they’re more than just a nice extra. For many users, these will make the difference between something they tolerate and something they actually enjoy wearing.
- Reduces the “head in a barrel” feeling
- Improves sound balance between natural and amplified audio
- Especially beneficial for users who listen to music or engage in conversation often
They do require a bit more cleaning, but that’s manageable with the included care tools.
Who It’s Best For
The Sony CRE-C20 bundle is a solid choice for:
- Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss
- First-time hearing aid users
- People looking for a discreet, user-friendly solution
- Anyone who wants to avoid the cost and logistics of visiting an audiologist
You’ll need basic smartphone skills and some manual dexterity to get started, but nothing beyond the norm for modern tech use.
Not ideal for:
- Users with severe hearing loss
- Those needing Bluetooth streaming
- Individuals requiring medical-grade customization
Modern, Minimal, and Capable
The Sony CRE-C20 bundle is a thoughtfully designed, user-friendly hearing solution that blends modern tech with practical functionality. It’s not perfect—there’s no Bluetooth streaming, and the app has a few missing features—but it nails the core essentials of a hearing aid: sound clarity, ease of use, and comfort.
With vented sleeves included, it offers even more value for users who want a more natural-sounding experience without feeling cut off from their surroundings. For the price and convenience, it’s a standout.