Ceretone, supported by Indiegogo, is a new player in the hearing aid market, offering affordable and simple solutions for those in need of a hearing boost. Priced at $349 for a pair or $229 for a single ear, these tiny hearing aids are designed to provide a subtle improvement in hearing without breaking the bank.
The Core One hearing aids are impressively small, weighing just 0.96 grams each with a small ear tip. They are discreet when worn, fitting entirely into the ear canal with only a recovery thread visible for easy removal. However, the color-coded ear tips, while functional, may not be to everyone’s taste.
One downside is the limited selection of ear tips provided, all of which are considered “closed” domes, leading to a somewhat distorted sound quality. A broader range of ear tips, including open domes for mild hearing loss, would enhance the audio experience.
Initial use of the Core One may be challenging, as users may experience feedback and difficulty getting the aids properly seated in their ears. These hearing aids are not customizable to individual audiograms, and the lack of onboard controls means users must rely on a mobile app for adjustments.
The app itself offers limited control options, with six volume settings and two program modes available. However, there is no visual indication of the current settings, requiring users to guess based on auditory cues, which may be a drawback for some users.
Overall, Ceretone’s Core One hearing aids offer an affordable option for those seeking a straightforward hearing enhancement solution, though some improvements could enhance the user experience.
