The Britzgo 800 (or Britzgo Roso, as the company sometimes will call it) doesn’t really look like a hearing amplifier. It is designed to look like a sleek MP3 player. Although MP3 players are no longer as popular as they were a few years ago, this design still makes the Britzgo BHA 800 a hearing amplifier that flies under the radar. You simply look like someone listening to music, while combating the effects of your hearing loss.
Britzgo isn’t the only company with a model like this. The list of top selling hearing amplifiers on Amazon has quite a few of these pocket-style amplifiers. The catalogue for this brand is pretty diversified, however, and features most common types of hearing amplifier for an affordable price.
All of Britzgo’s models have their downsides, and the Britzgo BHA 800 will be no exception. But do the pros outweigh the cons? Is this Britzgo worth the money? In the review below, you will find out the key characteristics, the daily usage, and the downsides of the Britzgo 800. In the end, I give you a buying recommendation. The bottom of this post also has a visual summary, which you can find here.
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Key features of the Britzgo 800 Hearing Amplifier
The first key feature for the Britzgo 800 is its design. Where most hearing amplifiers will look like the stereotypical hearing aid, the Britzgo 800 is basically a fancy rectangle. It looks like a modern interpretation of a walkman, with ear buds coming out of the box, which you pop into your ears. It features four buttons on the front: two volume buttons for each ear. On the side, it has an on/off switch.
With this design, it’s easier to wear the Britzgo 800 without people immediately noticing your hearing amplifier. For some, this under-the-rader design is preferable, since there can be a psychological hurdle to wearing a hearing amplifier. It also means that you’ll be sitting in on a conversation with earbuds in your ears.
Another important characteristic for the Britzgo 800 is that it works for both ears at the same time. Most hearing amplifiers work on one ear at a time, meaning that most people will need to buy a pair. With the Britzgo Roso, you always have a pair. You can still opt to amplify just one side, but you’re set with one device.
A great advantage of the Britzgo 800 is that it’s very easy to use. Instead of switching small buttons where you can’t see them, you press big buttons to control the volume. Because this is the only change you can make, there is nothing confusing about the Roso.
The last key feature for this model is that it’s rechargeable. This means you don’t need any replacements at inconvenient times (or even convenient times). An overnight charge gives you around 30 hours of use.
Who is this hearing amplifier for?
The Britzgo 800 is designed for people who want to blend in. It’s almost ironic that Britzgo would make a model to blend in, since their other models all feature a bright blue color. The dB peak gain is around 40 dB. That range of power helps people with mild or moderate hearing loss.
Another group of customers that might be interested in buying the Britzgo 800 is first-time buyers. If you’re hesitant about wearing a hearing amplifier regularly, the Roso is a great starter. Also, people who just need an amplifier for watching TV should consider this Britzgo model.
How well does the Britzgo 800 Hearing Amplifier work?
It amplifies sounds. There is a static noise, which is almost inevitable in this price range (when compared to buying two amplifiers for two ears). But you will definitely hear more when you start wearing this hearing amplifier.
The different lengths of the earbud wires let you clip the hearing amplifier to one side and still reach each ear. To get the most out of your hearing experience, point the microphone towards the source you want to amplify. This also makes it a fine amplifier for hunting, although you don’t get the benefits of added sound suppression that is found in headphones made for hunting.
What’s not to like about the Britzgo 800 Hearing Amplifier?
You’re not buying the Britzgo 800 for its sound quality. It doesn’t have listening programs, any noise filtering qualities worth mentioning, or other features that you find in most other amplifiers. The amplification is fine, but the sound quality is essentially ‘meh’.
This simple amplification also means that the Britzgo Roso is limited in its real-life use. Don’t count on the Britzgo when you’re in a space with multiple sound sources (think a restaurant or a city).
However, the biggest obstacle I see are the earbuds. To hear the amplified sounds, you need to wear earbuds. So now you’ve bought a hearing amplifier to blend in, only to have the following conversation endlessly:
“Oh, are you listening to music?”
“No, these are my hearing amplifiers.”
So much for blending in, Britzgo.
Hearing amplifiers that are good alternatives
When you’re set on the design of the Britzgo 800, there aren’t many real alternatives. You could buy a competitor’s similar model, but you’ll run into the same problems. If you’re interested in the Britzgo for other reasons and not set on this model, there are plenty of alternatives.
The Britzgo BHA 220 has a number of the same features. This model is one of the most popular hearing amplifiers available on the market. It’s honestly nothing fancy, but if you’re going to use your hearing amplifiers just to watch TV, this one works slightly better and doesn’t add much in price. For the purpose of watching TV, the Britzo 800 and Britzgo 220 are basically a toss-up, but the 220 allows you to branch out to other purposes as well.
If you’re looking at the Britzgo 800 for its competitive price, I’d recommend the Banglijian BLJ-109 instead. This is our favorite budget model. It offers advanced audio features, a good dB peak gain, and a sharp price.
For people looking to get a hearing amplifier and get their best buy, the LAIWEN has your back. This isn’t the fanciest hearing amplifier, but it will give you the most bang for your buck. Overall, you will get everything out of the LAIWEN you’d want in a hearing amplifier, while still being frugal.
Should you buy the Britzgo 800 Hearing Amplifier?
Only if you’re set on the design. Buying the Britzgo 800 for any other reason would just be a mistake. It doesn’t offer great sound quality, any advanced sound features, or an amazing price. Still, the design has its advantages, and the fact that you cover both ears in one device is a plus as well. If the design interests you, feel free to check out the Britzgo 800. If you’re just looking for a good hearing amplifier, make sure you look elsewhere.
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