Britzgo is a popular brand of hearing amplifiers and their BHA 1222 is one of their most popular models. As all other models from this manufacturer, it comes in the characteristic blue that is both a fashion statement and a refreshing change from hiding your hearing amplifier where no one can see it (the model is also available in colors that do hide your device). But neither popularity or color are a good indicator of how well the Britzgo BHA 1222 performs.
Britzgo prefers to call this model the Optio and advertises it as a versatile model. In this review, we will find out just how versatile the Optio really is, and how it performs on all other important features. Does the marketing language hold up or are you better off looking for an alternative for the Britzgo BHA 1222?
We’ll discuss this model’s key features, find out how it works in real life, discuss any potential downsides and give you a buying recommendation and alternatives to this particular model. To get straight to the verdict, click here to see the visual 30-second review at the bottom of this post.
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Key features
The first key feature for the Britzgo BHA 1222 is that it’s rechargeable. While the battery life isn’t quite as impressive as that of the Britzgo BHA 1704, you still get 35 hours on a single 8-hour charge. On top of that longevity of the battery life, you save on buying batteries regularly and avoid the inconvenience of running out of batteries. It’s easier to charge your hearing amplifier at night than it is to run to the store.
The first sign of the Optio’s promised versatility is that it’s ambidextrous. This fancy word means that you can wear the device in either ear. Just swivel the hearing tube and you can switch ears when the situation calls for it. It’s still recommended to wear a pair of hearing aids, but having the option to wear one in either ear is always nice.
Another form of versatility can be found in the available listening modes. There are two modes available for the Britzgo 1222: ‘sonority’ (a fancy way of saying ‘loud’) and ‘soft’. This allows you to switch the way you’re hearing with one push of a button.
Who is this model for?
Britzgo is a great brand for first-time buyers of hearing amplifiers. Unlike prescription hearing aids that are tuned to your specific needs, hearing amplifiers target hearing loss as a whole. The price and relative ease to use the Britzgo make this model a great hearing amplifier to start with. With a peak gain of 38 dB, the Britzgo BHA 1222 is suited for mild hearing loss.
Does the Britzgo BHA 1222 work?
The Britzgo BHA 1222 delivers on its promises. The two different hearing modes are indeed different and the device is comfortable and small enough that you soon forget you’re wearing it. The single-finger operating prevents you from covering your ear and the microphone (which would result in a ringing noise) and after some getting used to, the Britzgo is very easy to adjust.
The Optio is made from quality components, including a German-made battery and a Knowles speaker that’s made in America. The device self isn’t assembled in America, but having good components adds to the reliability and durability of the device.
The entry-level noise reduction helps filter out unwanted background noises and helps you focus on the sounds you want to hear. As the name implies, this isn’t the advanced technology you’ll find in higher-end hearing amplifiers or prescription hearing aids, but a base-level noise reduction.
What’s not to like about the Britzgo?
For a versatile model, the Britzgo Optio lacks versatility. While two listening modes are better than one, it’s not enough to make this hearing amplifier a truly versatile model. Other hearing amplifiers offer more listening options. The best example of the BHA 1222’s versatility is that it’s ambidextrous, but that, too, is hardly a revolutionary feature.
Even with the single-finger operating, some people report trouble with using the device. Especially with an unsteady hand or bigger fingers (calling a spade a spade here), it requires more patience to work with the Optio. This might be a personal preference and not a problem for all people, but a good thing to be aware of.
Alternatives for the Britzgo BHA 1222
In the price category of the Britzgo BHA 1222, it can be slim pickings. Most cheaper models are indeed worse than the Britzgo Optio, whereas more expensive models are hard to find. Its main rival, the Banglijian BLJ-109, recently received an upgrade and now seems to be what the Britzgo is trying to be. It offers three listening modes, works in either ear, and has a better battery life than the Britzgo. The more recent TKING Mini Rechargeable J707 offers a decent pair of hearing amplifiers for less than $100.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can also expect more features and better sound quality. To stay close to the price range of the Britzgo BHA 1222, you can see an overview of hearing amplifiers for less than $200 here. Some of the highlights include the LAIWEN LP-01 and the ZVOX VB20.
Should you buy the Britzgo BHA 1222?
Despite the Britzgo’s promises on versatility, this model does not really impress on that front. At the same time, it’s hard to find something truly wrong with it. It works well, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and the battery life is a big plus. In short, there’s no reason to go out of your way and buy it, but just as little reason not to buy it. If you need a starter hearing amplifier to combat the first signs of hearing loss, the Britzgo is a fine option, but doesn’t beat its main rival.
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