hearing aid
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OrCam Hear hands-on: A surprisingly effective voice isolation platform for people with hearing loss
OrCam's latest product is an app that not only reduces background noise in conversations but helps you focus on the voices of people speaking around you.
Eargo 7: The tiny hearing aids you won't need to take out to shower
We've been fans of Eargo's near invisible hearing aids for a while, and the latest model adds water resistance along with some other audio perks.
Sennheiser's Conversation Clear Plus are hearing aids in disguise
The Conversatiion Clear Plus focuses on dialog but brings with it all the features of a good set of headphones.
JLab's smallest earbuds yet still cover the basics for $39
JLab unveils both its smallest and its most expensive earbuds to date in two new models ahead of CES.
FDA greenlights over-the-counter hearing aids
The FDA has issued a rule clearing the way for over-the-counter hearing aids.
Eargo 6: Tiny hearing aids that don't scrimp on features
If your hearing's not perfect but you don't want a cumbersome over-ear device, the Eargo 6 is about as techy and discreet as it gets.
Jabra's hearing enhancement earbuds will be available this month for $799
Jabra's Enhance Plus will be available at select hearing care clinics starting February 25th.
FDA proposes rule for over-the-counter hearing aids
When it's finalized, the measure should make it easier for people to access affordable hearing aids.
Jabra's latest earbuds are for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss
Jabra's Enhance Plus earbuds blur the line between hearing aids and true wireless earbuds while offering the core functions of both devices.
Eargo's in-app test transforms its next-gen hearing aids
Eargo 5 is the latest smart hearing aid from the California startup of the same name. This time, you can fine-tune the sound to match your hearing loss.
Bose built the first FDA-cleared hearing aids that won't require a doctor's visit
Bose has unveiled its first hearing aids, and they're the first in the US that don't require a doctor's visit or prescription — you can buy SoundControl directly.
Alphabet is reportedly working on a wearable that can pick out voices in a crowd
Alphabet’s moonshot factory is reportedly developing a wearable device that could augment your hearing.
Olive Union launches 2-in-1 hearing aids and earbuds
Olive Union says its forthcoming true wireless hearing aids will last 18 hours on a charge.
High-tech hearing aids for gadget lovers
These days, hearing aids are becoming more like consumer technology. We take a look at two of the latest and greatest to see which one should appeal to gadget lovers the most.
2020 will bring new ways to upgrade your hearing
If your peepers are letting you down, you have an endless choice of ways to frame that physical defect as a style statement. If you have hearing loss, not so much. Even the term "cool hearing aid" feels like an oxymoron. It's not for lack of trying; companies have attempted to deviate from the "pink plastic blob" for years now -- the result is usually something like a silver, or black plastic blob instead. Why does that matter? Because for whatever reason, there's still a stigma attached to wearing a hearing aid. If companies start making products that are as stylish as they are functional we all win. Fortunately, that's starting to happen, and here are four new ways to upgrade your hearing without it feeling like a penance.
Eargo's next hearing aid promises improved sound in the same tiny size
Eargo has made a name for itself by doing things differently when it comes to hearing aids. Instead of the usual range of over-the-ear devices, all the company's products are "invisible" (completely in the canal, or CIC). That in itself isn't unusual, but the branding, packaging and user experience are all much more akin to consumer smart products than medical-grade devices. Last year's Neo buds were good, but this year's Neo HiFi promises to be even better (even if it doesn't stream music, as the name might suggest).
Phonak Virto Black hands-on: A hearing aid that gives you superpowers
Something weird is happening. I'm walking through a Las Vegas casino having a normal conversation with someone on my left. This might not seem too strange to you, but the noisy background of slot machines and desperation combined with my one-sided hearing loss usually renders what listening ability I do have useless. Today, however, I'm wearing the Virto Black hearing aid from Phonak, and it's kinda blowing my mind.
Nuheara's latest hearing assistance earbuds are both cheaper and more powerful
If it wasn't already apparent that assistive hearing tech is thriving, it is now. Nuheara has followed up last year's IQbuds MAX with the IQbuds2 MAX, a new set of true wireless buds that represent an improvement across the board -- including the price. They still use EarID technology to automatically calibrate the sound to fit your hearing, but they now have larger 9.2mm drivers that improve sound quality, particularly bass. The design also fits "more processing power" into a similarly small design (Nuheara hasn't said what that means in practice) and Bluetooth 5 for a faster and longer-ranged wireless link to your phone.
Olive Union Smart Ear hands-on: A stylish hearing device with tradeoffs
As wearable technology becomes the norm, there's still one gadget that carries a stigma: the hearing aid. You can wear wireless earbuds and no one flinches, but for some, a behind-the-ear device can still seem awkward. Invisible hearing aids are an option, but they're often pricey or less effective. Olive Union understands this and hopes its Smart Ear hearing amplifier — which looks just like a wireless earbud — will help squash any anxiety for those who need a little volume boost in the world.
Android 10 transforms hearing aids into Bluetooth headsets
In addition to features like a system-wide dark mode and more granular privacy controls, Android 10 is adding new accessibility features. One of the highlights is designed to help those who wear hearing aids to get the most out of their Android smartphone. Using a new protocol called Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA), hard of hearing individuals will be able to use their Pixel smartphone to stream audio, including both music and calls, directly to their hearing aids -- essentially making them function like any other Bluetooth headset. What's more, the streaming is done over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), so both hearing aids and phone can have enough battery power to get through an entire day.
