The Otofonix Apex is no longer available. For similar models, try the Neosonic B10 or the Otofonix Elite. Before it was discontinued, it was one of three models hearing amplifier that this company had on the market. By now it’s more, but the three early models come in three different price ranges, and the Apex is the newest and cheapest model.
It closely resembles the Elite, Otofonix’ mid-priced model, but costs about $100 less per amplifier. In this review, we’ll find out at what cost this price reduction has come. We’ll go into the features of the Otofonix Apex, see who’d benefit most from buying an Apex, what some drawbacks might be, and finally give you a buying recommendation.
As always, we have summarized our findings in a visual 30-second review. This allows you to find the most important findings in one quick look. You can find the visual review at the bottom of this post, or by clicking here.
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Key features of the Otofonix Apex
Because the Otofonix Apex is essentially the scaled-down model of a more expensive and extensive model hearing amplifier, it boasts a great sound quality. With 4 digital sound channels and 12-band processing, the amplified sound has more depth and clarity than its competitors in the price range.
With eight different volume settings and three listening programs, you can adjust the Otofonix Apex to suit any situation. There are two main listening programs: normal and noisy. The noisy listening program helps in settings such as a restaurant, where background noises normally easily drown out conversations. The third listening program is the treble setting, which is specifically made for situations where feedback might be a problem.
You can also find the Otofonix Apex in our list of best hearing aids for less than $300.
Who is the Apex for?
The Otofonix Apex is for people who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can make it increasingly difficult to understand people, especially in a setting where there’s more going on than just the conversation. The peak decibel gain is 35 dB, which is typical for hearing amplifiers.
How well does the Otofonix Apex work?
Aside from the great sound quality, the noise-reduction features work great, too. This adds to the overall listening experience, making it even easier to distinguish different sounds. To diminish the problems that can sometimes come up with feedback (the whistling noise that can sometimes come up), the Otofonix Apex has a feedback-canceling feature as well.
Otofonix also has a renowned customer service. Each model of their hearing amplifiers comes with unlimited phone and email support. On top of that, the Apex has a 45-day money back guarantee and a one-year factory warranty.
What’s not to like about the Apex?
The Otofonix has a lot of pluses, but one considerable drawback, too. The different volume and listening settings are all controlled with just one button. Since there’s no indicator that shows what volume and setting the device is on, you need to flip through all settings to get to a different one. If the volume is at level 6, it takes a lot of pushing one button to get to 5. In that time, you’re also going through all the different volume settings.
How big of a problem this is depends on how much comfort you need, but to some people it is a deal-breaker. Deal-breaker or not, it is the compromise that comes with the price range. If you were looking for the moment where ‘too good to be true’ came out, this is it.
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Hearing amplifiers that are good alternatives for the Otofonix Apex
If the Otofonix isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are some alternatives you should consider. In the same price range, the Neosonic Open Fit is the best choice. While it doesn’t add the hearing power of the Otofonix Apex, it’s a great first model hearing amplifier. To consider all of the models in this price range, take a look at this comparison post that seeks the best hearing amplifier under $ 200.
To fix the one main problem with the Apex (that button), you should consider the Otofonix Elite. It does put you in a different price range but offers all the benefits of the Apex without the downsides.
Also read: Otofonix Company Profile
Should you buy the Otofonix Apex?
This price range comes with compromises. You don’t get an all-round, well-working hearing amplifier for less than $200. What you can get is great sound quality from a discrete device that doesn’t break the bank but does lack the user-friendly options that hearing amplifiers in a higher price range have to offer. That’s what the Apex is all about.
The Otofonix Elite (the Apex’ bigger brother) is one of the best-rated hearing amplifiers reviewed on this website. The Apex is almost the same. Both models offer the same sound quality packed in a subtle device that can be worn as an open-fit model. Sure, the Elite has a power setting, but that seems to be a neat extra instead of a deal-breaker. The deal breaker for some people is the hassle of cycling through volumes and programs every time you want to change either. That makes the Otofonix Apex a device with a compromise.
If you’re thrifty and are willing to compromise a user-friendly experience for a good deal, you won’t find a better deal than the Otofonix Apex. When it comes to sound quality, there is no better value for money. For some people, however, the hassle of having just one button might be frustrating enough to pay the difference and get the Elite – which is still a great deal.
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