Update May 2022: After a make-over of their catalogue, Neosonic has stopped selling the BTE. The replacement for this model is the Neosonic B10 or the Neosonic MX.
To give you the most information, I will leave the review here for now, even though it is no longer available.
When it comes to hearing amplifiers, Neosonic is a small player with a big mission: providing the best hearing amplifiers for a very competitive price. With a very focused range of products, they provide a good hearing amplifier for different people with very specific needs. In this review, we’ll discuss Neosonic’s most powerful hearing amplifier: the Neosonic BTE.
This hearing amplifier stands out because of its power. It’s hard to find another hearing amplifier that gives you more decibel per dollar. It also has advanced technology to bring you the right sounds as clear as possible. This technology was previously found in the FDA-approved hearing aids that cost thousands of dollars. Because of the Neosonic BTE, you can now hear better for a fraction of those costs.
We’ll discuss all the different features in more detail below, while also taking a critical look at the downsides of buying a Neosonic BTE and if it performs as it promises. If you want to skip the required reading and get our 30-second review, just scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Key features of the Neosonic BTE
The Neosonic BTE (which stands for Behind The Ear) is not just the most powerful Neosonic hearing amplifier, it also gives the highest decibel boost in its price range. That means it’s a great option for people with a more severe hearing loss, of people who’ve tried a different hearing amplifier but didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for. Where most other hearing aids in this price bracket peak around 45 dB, the Neosonic BTE has a dB boost of 67.
August 2019 update: the Banglijian Ziv-201P now offers similar dB peak gains for less money. Click here for the current price or here for the review.
These increased decibels also come as crystal-clear sound, due to the 4-channel digital compression. This advanced technology makes sure that background noises are filtered out from speech. This allows you to have a conversation without being distracted by the background noise that older hearing amplifiers would also amplify. This technique also applies to loud noises, giving you the opportunity to hear soft sounds, while making sure loud noises aren’t uncomfortable.
Who is the BTE for?
The Neosonic BTE is made for people with a moderate to severe hearing loss between 25-70 decibels. This type of loss means that it’s getting harder to have a conversation in a crowded setting. Usually, you find yourself asking others to repeat themselves. The powerful functions of the Neosonic BTE make this model perfect for people who’ve tried a less powerful hearing amplifier and weren’t quite satisfied with the results. It is also great for people who experience significant hearing loss in one ear.
How well does the Neosonic BTE work?
While the most distinctive features of the Neosonic BTE are its power and clarity, there are more features to consider. One of the things that you’ll notice when your ordered Neosonic BTE arrives, is that it feels robust and durable. The only exception is the battery compartment, which feels a little flimsy. Part of the robust feel is also its size, which is a bit large for modern hearing amplifiers. You can wear the amplifier in either ear by adjusting the direction of the sound tube. For the best results, consider buying a pair of hearing amplifiers.
When it’s turned on, it is clear that there is no noise from the device itself. The four different listening programs are noticeably different and easy to adjust while wearing the amplifier. The buttons for the listening programs and volume are relatively big, which adds to the ease of adjusting. With normal use, the battery lasts for ten days, which is slightly above average.
What’s not to like about this Neosonic?
The Neosonic isn’t as sleek as other models. It weighs 5 grams (0.18 ounces). While that isn’t much, it is almost twice as much as most of the comparable hearing amplifiers in its price range. It is also quite a bit bigger than most other hearing amplifiers. This doesn’t make it a great choice for someone who wants to wear it discretely. Depending on the specific glasses you wear, the behind-the-ear design might pose a problem. However, most users have mentioned that their glasses and the Neosonic work very well together.
One of the last great features of the Neosonic is the 45-day money back guarantee. This means that you can try the device for over a month and get your money back if your glasses won’t fit with the design, or for any other reason. In case you do decide to go with the Neosonic beyond the 45 days, a one-year manufacturer’s warranty is included with the price.
Hearing amplifiers that are good alternatives for the Neosonic BTE
If your glasses do pose a problem with the Neosonic BTE, one of the main alternatives would be the Banglijian Hearing Amplifier Ziv-201A. This hearing amplifier is a bit smaller, lighter, and is designed to work with any pair of glasses.
For more alternatives, please take a look at this article that compares all hearing amplifiers in this price range.
Should you buy the Neosonic BTE?
The Neosonic BTE is perfect for people with a hearing loss that is leaning towards severe – where conversations take a lot of effort. With all its power and clarity, it works great, even though comparatively it is a bit on the bulky side. The sound quality is excellent, and the battery life will save you some money on batteries in the long run. The device is easy to use and can be used in either ear.
Because the Neosonic BTE works in either ear, it doesn’t automatically come in a pair. If you decide to wear a pair, make sure to order two. Of course, you can buy one to try it out and buy the other later, or return the first within 45 days with the money back guarantee.
I’d also like to take this moment to repeat the update at the top of this blog post. The Neosonic BTE is no longer available from Neosonic. For their updated catalogue, please click here.
Make sure to check the updated price here.
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