The TKING Digital Hearing Amplifier with Tinnitus Masker has the most important feature right in the name. One of the four different listening programs on this small device is actually not a listening program at all, but a tinnitus masker. Tinnitus, the ringing in your ear that comes with hearing loss, can be combated by using a specific white noise. This model of TKING hearing amplifier gives you that white noise, so that turning on the tinnitus masker for a few minutes a day can already alleviate the effects of tinnitus.
But that’s not all. There are still three other listening programs. The TKING is a hearing amplifier first, and if you’re only looking for a tinnitus masker, you can get one of those for half the price of the TKING hearing amplifier. So how well does this hearing amplifier work? In this review for the TKING digital hearing amplifier with tinnitus masker, we’ll take a look at the model’s key features, the good and the bad, and give you a buying recommendation.
As always, I have created a visual 30-second summary of this review. If you prefer to skip the reading, scroll to the bottom of this post or click here.
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Key features of the TKING Hearing Amplifier with Tinnitus Masker
While it may have a good amount of features, the TKING packs everything in a very small size. As a CIC model, the entire hearing amplifier fits in your ear canal.
Read about different types of hearing amplifiers here.
The other main feature is the Tinnitus Masker. As I alluded to in the introduction, this function helps combat the effects of tinnitus. This condition is a continual ringing in your ear, that often accompanies hearing loss. A tinnitus masker helps combat the effects by playing white noise for ten to thirty minutes a day. You can buy these maskers in the form of specialized white noise machines, but the TKING hearing amplifier has one built into the device.
Who is this hearing amplifier for?
With a dB peak gain of 85 dB, this TKING model digital hearing amplifier is suitable for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. Because it also features volume control, you can also use this device when you don’t need its full power.
The TKING is featured in our post listing the most powerful hearing amplifiers.
How well does the TKING Hearing Amplifier with Tinnitus Masker work?
Not only the dB peak gain is an indication of a powerful hearing amplifier. With 8 channels and 16 bands, the sound quality is also up to par. These channels and bands are different ways a hearing amplifier processes sounds; a higher number of channels and bands indicates more depth in the sound you hear.
There are four programs to choose from: the tinnitus masker function and three regular programs. Aside from the normal program, there is an option for low frequency acoustic gain (focusing on low frequency sounds) and one for high frequency acoustic gain. As most age-related hearing loss affects high frequency sounds, this last program is probably the most popular on this amplifier.
The sound is further regulated and improved by comfort threshold control, which filters out loud noises. Another extra is the intelligent noise reduction system, which helps amplify speech and helps you focus on the sounds you want to hear.
The TKING digital hearing amplifier works on A10 batteries.
What’s not to like about the TKING Hearing Amplifier with Tinnitus Masker?
Although you have volume control, a lot of users aren’t happy with the volume button. It seems to be the weak link in this device. If your situation changes regularly and you like to be in charge of your volume, this might not be the model for you.
TKING is by no means an American brand. There are plenty of hearing amplifiers made abroad, but TKING doesn’t balance this with a focus on great customer service and making sure someone double checks their communication. Quite frankly, you sometimes have to decipher what TKING means in their descriptions, and answers to questions aren’t always clear. This may not be a reflection on how well the hearing amplifier works, but it could affect your overall experience.
Hearing amplifiers that are good alternatives
The most obvious alternative for the TKING digital hearing amplifier is the Yorksound LUNA CIC. This hearing amplifier looks like the TKING, features a tinnitus masker as well, and differs in some details. The communication between customer and company has better English, and instead of a normal battery, the Yorksound is rechargeable.
As a general alternative, the Eargo NEO hearing amplifier is the best choice, even if it’s not a fair comparison. The Eargo NEO is the single best hearing amplifier available on the market, and will cost about five times as much as the TKING (when buying a pair). Still, it gives you great sound quality, a CIC hearing amplifier with bells and whistles, and unmatched customer support. If you’re looking for the best alternative, the Eargo NEO is it.
Should you buy the TKING Hearing Amplifier with Tinnitus Masker?
Without the tinnitus masker, the TKING is unremarkable. Although the sound quality is excellent, the customer service, poor handling of the volume buttons, and odd choice of listening programs keep this hearing amplifier from truly shining. Because of the tinnitus masker, the TKING still stands out. If you’re considering buying both a tinnitus masker and a hearing amplifier, the TKING makes a good deal. If you’re looking for a great hearing amplifier, you should keep looking. Our article of best hearing amplifier for 2020 is a great place to start.
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