Update September 2021: the Neosonic QT is no longer available. For our best alternative, read all about their new base model: the Neosonic B10.
The Neosonic QT doesn’t just have a cute name, it also features an adorable size. As a CIC (completely-in-canal) hearing amplifier, this small device disappears completely into your ear canal. While it’s not unique in this (there are plenty of CIC hearing amplifiers on the market), it is Neosonic’s only CIC model. Furthermore, I am rather skeptical of the flood of CIC hearing amplifiers, but I do put quite some trust in the Neosonic company.
Naturally, that means it’s time for an in-depth review of the Neosonic QT. I’ll take you through all the key features of this hearing amplifier, see how it works in practice and what any of the drawbacks might be. Then, before I give you a final buying recommendation, I’ll list some alternatives.
If you’d like me to get to the point and just get to the conclusion, there’s a visual 30-second summary of my findings at the end of the article. You can go there right now by clicking here.
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Key features of the Neosonic QT
The first key feature of the Neosonic QT is its size. As a CIC hearing amplifier, it doesn’t fold behind your ear as most other types do, but is plugged in your ear instead. It receives sound and amplifies it directly into your ear. Where this type of hearing amplifier used to be reserved for stoic men with a license to kill, now everyone can amplify sounds unnoticed. In all fairness, unnoticed is a bit of an overpromise. The QT is small, but how far and how well it its in your ears also depends on the unique shape of your ears.
I have seen other CIC hearing amplifiers before, so while that wasn’t entirely new to me, the memory foam domes are. I’ve not seen domes made from memory foam, and intuitively they make a lot of sense. It helps shape the dome to your ear canal, it’s soft, and it helps the hearing amplifier’s performance.
Who is this hearing amplifier for?
With a dB peak gain of 35 dB, the Neosonic QT is most useful to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. In these stages of hearing loss, you start having trouble distinguishing between some sounds (especially when spoken by children or women) and you start turning up the television.
A surprising number of people report buying the Neosonic QT for their parents. It makes sense. There is still a stigma against buying a hearing amplifier, and most people will refuse to accept what their environment long knows. Buying a hearing amplifier that is really small, works for the first stages of hearing loss, and comes from a reputable company might convince your parents that it’s not all bad.
How well does the Neosonic QT work?
And then there are the other benefits of the Neosonic QT. Compared to the cheaper CIC hearing amplifiers the QT comes packed with options. It has an easy-to-operate volume wheel, advanced feedback cancellation technology that stops the whistling sound similar amplifiers can suffer from, and focuses on soft sounds – the sounds that are first to go with age-related hearing loss. All these are great features.
There are some other features as well. The Neosonic QT is ambidextrous, which means you can wear it in either ear. It comes with the memory foam domes I mentioned earlier, but you also get the option of Neosonic’s standard ‘magic domes’. The magic here stands for a blend between open domes and closed domes, giving you both comfort and performance. Between the magic domes and the memory foam domes, the latter gives you the better performance, while the magic domes are the more comfortable option.
The Neosonic QT works on a size 10 battery lasts 5 days.
Also read: The Best Hearing Aid Battery Subscription Services
What’s not to like about the Neosonic QT?
For a CIC hearing amplifier, the Neosonic QT has a lot of features. Compared to other types, not so much. I understand the appeal of a minuscule hearing amplifier, but having options such as listening programs helps enhance your listening experience. For new users, features like the Neosonic EZ’s app-controlled calibration can help you settle in to hearing amplifiers much faster and better.
Also, the battery life for the QT is not at all impressive.
Hearing amplifiers that are good alternatives
If you’re looking to buy an introductory hearing amplifier that doesn’t seem like a big step, a CIC model might seem attractive. However, another Neosonic model, the Neosonic B10 could prove a better alternative.
If you do prefer a CIC hearing amplifier, two TKING models make sense: the TKING with tinnitus masker or the rechargeable TKING. I’m sure Neosonic disagrees with me here, they will point out that the TKING has little antennas sticking out of your ear. In truth, the Neosonic will be the better model, but I’m here to give you alternatives.
Should you buy the Neosonic QT?
Unfortunately, you can’t anymore. For an alternative, try the TKING with tinnitus masker or the Neosonic B10, Neosonic’s new base model.
