Update August 2020: the Banglijian AL08R has an updated model that has replaced the AL08R. In time, this model will not be sold, but you’d get the same benefits (and then some) from the Banglijian BL16R.
The Banglijian AL08R is one of a few different models from this manufacturer, and probably bears the worst name of all. While all the models from Banglijian have a name, the AL08R is known on Amazon as the “Banglijian Hearing Amplifier Rechargeable with Digital Noise Cancelling and Feedback Cancellation, Hearing Assist for Adults and Seniors, Latest Upgrade”. That’s not a pretty name. To make things even worse, it essentially describes every single Banglijian model out there. The upgrade is a good sign, however, since the upgrade for the BLJ-109 made it our best budget buy.
In this review, I’ll assess what distinguishes the AL08R from other Banglijian models. First, by looking at the key features. Then, by examining how well it works and what the downsides are to the AL08R. To wrap things up, I’ll give an overview of alternative hearing amplifiers and give my buying recommendation around the Banglijian AL08R.
If you’d like to skip the reading and get straight to the verdict, click here for the 30-second review that’s at the bottom of this page.
Links in this article pointing to another website might be affiliate links. If you purchase something on those websites, I could receive a small commission. This doesn’t affect your price nor my review.
Key features
The first key feature is the RIC configuration. This means that the receiver is placed inside your ear channel (RIC stands for receiver-in-ear). Compared to regular behind-the-ear models, you prevent the loss of sound quality since sound doesn’t have to travel through a tube first. RIC models are becoming increasingly popular with both customers and manufacturers.
A second key feature is that the Banglijian is rechargeable. This is true for all Banglijian models. With an overnight 6-hour charge (it’s safe to charge while you sleep) you get 14-20 hours of amplification. Rechargeable batteries save you the cost of batteries in the long run, and are better for the environment. It’s also easier to charge your hearing amplifier with the included charger than it is to get dressed and run to the store at the most inconvenient times.
While the digital processing is the industry standard, processing over six channels is slightly more impressive. The idea of 6-channel processing is that the received sound is digitally chopped up into six frequency ranges. Each frequency range is analyzed and processed individually and then combined for higher sound clarity. This especially helps in more complex listening situations. Six channels are not spectacular, but a good baseline.
Who is the AL08R for?
The Banglijian AL08R is best suited for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. People with mild to moderate hearing loss can find the AL08R a bit overpowering. Because of the focus on complex listening situations, the AL08R works best for age-related hearing loss.
Does the Banglijian work?
This Banglijian really delivers. The sound quality is excellent and helped by the receiver in the ear. It’s easy to use and easy to charge. Because you charge it through a USB cable, you don’t need to switch to a different type of charging when traveling.
When you receive the AL08R, you’ll find an impressive thirteen different ear domes. To find the right one, try each ear dome individually until you find the one that fits your ears best. The two ear wax springs keep the receiver from clogging up and can be cleaned quite easily.
There are three different listening programs available on the Banglijian AL08R: high frequency boost, low frequency boost, and full frequency enhancement. As a rule of thumb, high frequencies are those that are lost with age-related hearing loss first, and make it more difficult to understand conversations. With the high frequency boost program, you can expect to better focus on conversations.
The seven different volume levels have an audible feedback, so you’re aware what level you’re on.
What’s not to like?
Banglijian doesn’t have its own website and sells their products exclusively on Amazon. I’ve mentioned the vague product name before, but the sales page raises other questions as well. The hearing amplifiers are listed under hunting equipment (they’re not, but I’m sure you can use them while you hunt), the model name is nowhere to be found, and other information is missing as well.
The AL08R is not ambidextrous, so you need a different model for your right and left ear. This also means that sometimes, one side can be sold out while the other is available.
While those things are not a reflection on how well the hearing amplifier works, it doesn’t help the overall experience of buying a hearing amplifier. Hearing amplifiers are often a big purchase emotionally and economically, and a smooth buying experience helps overcome those hurdles.
Banglijian is also working on upgrades that increase the robustness of the AL08R. These updates should improve the overall device, and I’m curious to see if they can also extend the battery life.
Alternatives for the Banglijian AL08R
Because the Banglijian AL08R has few really distinctive features, there are a lot of alternatives for this particular model. The first is another Banglijian: the BLJ-109. This budget model is a bit cheaper than the AL08R and a better choice for people who don’t need the full capacity of the AL08R.
Another alternative is the Britzgo Aria. It offers almost the same features for basically the same price, but comes in a blue color and if one of the models offers a promotional discount, the better price would be nice.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, the Neosonic Mini RIC has a lot of the same features, but adds a bit more in a smaller hearing amplifier.
For a completely different model, our 30-second review page has every hearing amplifier we have reviewed in a nice overview. This way, you can see the pros and cons of different models in a few seconds.
Should you buy the Banglijian AL08R?
Yes, but unfortunately this particular model is no longer for sale. To get a slightly better model with all the same benefits, read our review for the Banglijian Bl16R.
This model is perfect for people who like Banglijian and also want a hearing amplifier with the receiver in ear. Like all other Banglijian hearing amplifiers, the price point is one of the attractive features of this model.
Update: in our more recent article selecting the best RIC hearing amplifier, the Banglijian AL08R was named ‘Best Value’.
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