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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Mar 1.
Published in final edited form as: Am J Med. 2015 Oct 21;129(3):245–250. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.09.014

Table 1.

Recommended direct-to-consumer hearing devices and key technological and user features.

Bean T-Coil CS-50+ Tweak Focus Soundhawk Songbird
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Frequency
Output
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Too much low frequency gain
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  1. Within prescribed targets

  2. Smartphone programming matches gain to hearing loss

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Within prescribed targets
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  1. Within prescribed targets

  2. Customize gain preferences with Smartphone

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Within prescribed targets
Signal-to-
Noise
Ratio
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T-Coil feature
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  1. Directionality setting

  2. Speech enhancement software

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Directionality
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Remote microphone
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Listening
Comfort
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Noise reduction processing
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Low internal noise
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Low internal noise
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Low internal noise
User
Features
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User manual only
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  1. User videos on Sound Word Solution’s website

  2. Large rechargeable battery

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DVD with
  1. User demonstrations

  2. Expectation guidance

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  1. User videos on Sound Word Solutions’ website

  2. Rechargeable (USB)

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User manual only
Website www.etymotic.com/consumer/personal-sound-amplifiers/beanqsa.html www.soundworldsolutions.com/store/personal-sound-amplifiers-psa/cs50 www.tweakhearing.com/shop/tweak-focus-personal-sound-amplification-product/ www.soundhawk.com/product www.songbirdhearing.com/products/songbird-ultra-20.770091
Price $349/each; $599/pair $349 $224.99 $349.99 $395/each; $745/pair
Legend:
  • Inline graphic Fully available
  • Inline graphic Partially available
  • Inline graphic No special feature

Footnote: The Frequency Output was tested using simulated real-ear measures consistent with best practice hearing aid verification procedures. The Signal-to-Noise Ratio ratings were based on expected improvement in SNR given the processing approach. For Listening Comfort, a true noise reduction algorithm is best; however, ‘Low internal noise’ as measured via electroacoustic analyses indicates no unpleasant ciruit noise and so was included as a comfort feature.