A new Bose hearing aid is now available, the Bose SoundControl hearing aid.
It’s a self-fitting device that's adjusted with an app on your smartphone.
In this video, I’ll discuss the features of this new product. Coming up!
Hi, I’m Dr. Derek - audiologist, audio engineer,
and musician with Pro Fit Hearing.com bringing you the best insight into
today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life.
If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
The Bose SoundControl hearing aids are now available and they're for mild to
moderate hearing loss. Bose reports that these are direct-to-consumer hearing aids
and FDA cleared Class II medical devices. They're self-fitting hearing aids that are
adjusted with the Bose Hear app on a smartphone. Bose states that the Bose Hear app is “the first
self-tuning mobile app that’s clinically proven to provide audiologist-quality customization
for individuals 18 or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.”
Bose provides a hearing screener on their website. This hearing screener
has you answer a few questions and adjust your headphone volume before starting the
screening which is comprised of 23 tests. For each test, you'll hear three numbers spoken in
the presence of background noise. You're then asked to enter the numbers that you hear. The
hearing screener rates you as either having no hearing difficulty or mild,
moderate, or severe hearing difficulty. I'll leave a link in the description below.
While a hearing test is not required to use the Bose hearing aid, Bose still recommends that a
person with hearing loss see a physician (or ear specialist) for a medical evaluation.
They also cite the following conditions as reasons to see a hearing healthcare provider:
Make sure to pause the video here so that you can review this list.
The FDA also recommends consultation with a licensed physician for most
of the conditions listed here before dispensing a
hearing aid. I’ll leave a link to the FDA documentation in the description below.
I always recommend that anyone who has concerns about their hearing
be evaluated by their physician or audiologist.
Now, let’s look at what’s included with the Bose SoundControl hearing aids.
There's three different size ear tips in a closed or open style. The closed tips provide
more bass response, and the open tips are commonly used to provide for a more natural sounding voice
quality. You also get a cable sizing tool so that the wire is the correct fit for your ear.
A case, cleaning brush, and pack of 312 zinc-air batteries are also included. Bose reports up to 56
hours of runtime per battery. A quick start guide and instructions are also included.
If these hearing aids sound like something you’d be interested in, please let me know by hitting
the like button. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this device. First for the pros.
The Bose SoundControl hearing aids are more affordable. Currently, they're priced
at $849 for a pair of hearing aids, and they’re eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.
There is also a 90 day risk free trial period,
so you can try them out in different listening situations and make sure they work well for you.
The Bose Hear app allows you to adjust “World Volume” or environmental sounds,
soft sounds, treble & bass, left and right balance, and microphone sensitivity from directly in front
of you to surround sound (or everywhere). There's also different sound environment presets
within the app that you can choose from. You may also adjust your
volume by using the volume switch on the back of the hearing aid.
If you are having difficulty with the Bose hearing aids,
Bose offers “Hear Product Experts” for virtual setup sessions,
user guides in the app, online videos, and support via video chat and phone.
So, what are the cons of the Bose SoundControl hearing aids?
These devices are self-fitting, so you won’t be working with a licensed
audiologist or hearing aid dispenser who can give you personalized care.
The Bose hearing aids do not stream music or phone calls as you commonly see with today’s
Bluetooth hearing aids. This is important so that you can hear more clearly from all
of your devices whether it’s talking on the phone or listening to your favorite media.
There's also no rechargeable battery option. The Bose hearing aids use a disposable, 312 battery.
There are currently no accessories available to use with the Bose hearing aids.
Other hearing aids often have the option to use a separate remote,
a wireless microphone, or a direct to tv connection.
Bose reports that the Bose hearing aid may not be right for someone with a severe or profound
hearing loss. People with more hearing loss may experience excessive feedback or find that the
hearing aid is not loud enough volume even at the highest volume setting. Remember this device
is indicated for people with a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. People with more hearing
loss would likely need a custom fitting ear mold and a hearing aid that can provide more volume.
Check out the link in the description below for more information and to see when the
Bose hearing aids are available in your area.
It will be interesting to see how this new technology impacts traditional hearing aid
fittings. I still believe that seeing a licensed hearing healthcare professional
for an evaluation is essential and that this device will not work for everyone. However,
people with mild to moderate hearing loss may find that the Bose hearing
aids provide them with enough benefit at an affordable price. Let me know in the
comments below what do you think about the Bose SoundControl self fitting hearing aids?
If you enjoyed this video, please hit the like button. Put any questions you have in
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the free eBook in the description below. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video.