This post provides an in-depth review of the Ceretone Beacon over-the-counter hearing aid. This evaluation approaches the device with insights gained from extensive experience with hearing aids.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Design
The Ceretone Beacon features a receiver-in-canal (RIC) over-the-counter hearing aid design. This particular design immediately impresses with its comfort and discretion. The low profile of the Beacon is notable; it does not interfere with headwear like ball caps, nor does it sit awkwardly, a small but significant detail for everyday wear.
Sound Quality: A Clear Difference
The sound quality of the Ceretone Beacon is quite impressive. For individuals who typically struggle to articulate consonants at the ends of words, often resulting in truncated speech or a muffled sound, the Beacon offers a noticeable improvement. Sounds appear sharper, and there's an increased awareness of vocal volume and word completion. This newfound clarity can significantly boost confidence in communication. Hearing devices, it is believed, should empower individuals, especially in social interactions.
When an individual's speech was observed by a partner, the feedback indicated a slight reduction in volume but confirmed that speech sounded normal. This is a positive outcome for those who are self-conscious about speaking too loudly, a common issue when one cannot adequately monitor their own voice. The Beacon's ability to facilitate self-monitoring earns it significant praise.
Design and Fit: Self-Service Simplicity
The Ceretone Beacon is designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and offers easy self-fitting. No clinic visits or audiologist appointments are necessary. The process involves ordering the devices, receiving them, downloading the app, reviewing the user manual, and then beginning use.
These devices also hold 510k clearance (reference number k221052), confirming the`ir safety and clinical effectiveness.
The Ceretone hearing app, available on both Apple and Google Play stores, enables seamless control. The package includes a set of six dome tips (open flange and double flange in small, medium, and large). These domes are notably easier to install compared to other OTC hearing aids, as Ceretone packages them in a neat plastic tray rather than individual baggies. Installation simply involves pushing the receiver into the dome and pulling it out.
Control and Connectivity: Intuitive and Robust
Multi-Function Button
The Beacon is equipped with a single multi-function button, simplifying controls. After power-on (indicated by a verbal "power on" cue), a quick press cycles through volume modes. Holding the button longer switches between different sound modes (one beep for mode one, two beeps for mode two, and so on). To power off, the button is held until a verbal "powering off" notice is heard. This single-button approach offers a clear advantage over OTC hearing aids with multiple, often confusing, buttons.
The flexibility to adjust volume on the go directly from the hearing aids or discreetly through the app is highly valued. This dual control caters effectively to situations where a phone is accessible and when it is not.
IP Rating and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Ceretone Beacon boasts an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IPX8, indicating durable devices.
The Bluetooth connectivity is particularly impressive. Setup via a phone and the Ceretone hearing app provides an immersive listening experience. The bass quality in the Ceretone Beacon's Bluetooth connection is noted as superior to other hearing devices. When streaming content, such as a car commercial on YouTube, the vibrations of tires could be distinctly heard and felt, creating an engaging experience. This Bluetooth feature facilitates seamless call-making and music streaming directly to the Beacons.
Battery Life and The Innovative Case
The Ceretone Beacon offers a long battery life, up to 18 hours on a single charge. Should the battery deplete during the day, the portable case provides up to three additional charges before it needs recharging itself.
The charging case is a significant highlight.
Smart Light Indicators
The case incorporates various light indicators:
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Left and Right Hearing Aid Charging Lights: Blue when charging, white when charged. The lights are constant, eliminating guesswork from blinking indicators.
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Case Charging/Charged Light: Similar blue for charging, white for charged.
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UV Light Feature (Red Indicator): A standout feature of the Beacon is its integrated UV disinfection. When the case is plugged in, charging, and the hearing aids are inside, a UV disinfecting light activates for 10 minutes upon closing the lid.
For those who rely on separate, often costly, electronic dryers with UV lights for prescription hearing aids to mitigate ear itchiness caused by bacteria, the inclusion of this feature directly within the Ceretone Beacon's case is a pleasant and highly valuable surprise. This integration is a notable innovation among OTC hearing aid cases.
Built-in Dehumidifier
Further enhancing its value, the case design reveals a designated spot for desiccant. This means the Ceretone Beacon case functions as both a dehumidifier and a UV disinfector in one. This integrated solution offers a substantial convenience, eliminating the need for separate moisture-drawing devices often required for prescription hearing aids. While a small pouch of desiccant with the initial purchase would be a welcome addition, desiccant is generally readily available.
The case's shape is practical – easy to locate in a bag, not overly large, portable, and quick to recharge.
Guarantee: Investment with Confidence
A key differentiator for Ceretone is its 60-day money-back guarantee. Most prescription and OTC hearing aids typically offer only 30 days. This extended period is beneficial, as even experienced hearing aid users often require two to six weeks to fully adapt to new devices and sounds. A generous money-back guarantee signifies a brand's confidence in its product, providing peace of mind for consumers making a significant investment.
Conclusion
The Ceretone Beacon over-the-counter hearing aid presents a compelling package. Its discreet design, impressive sound quality (particularly for consonant clarity), intuitive controls, robust Bluetooth capabilities, and the innovative charging case with integrated UV disinfection and dehumidifying features make it a notable contender in the market. The extended money-back guarantee further underscores the brand's confidence in its product.
