Late in 2016 Bose introduced the Hearphones, an innovated technology that amplified sounds from the real world. Although they were not allowed to call these hearing aids, that’s exactly what they were. Sometime in 2017 they were made available for in store only purchase in a handful of locations nationwide. I made a trip to an outlet near Dallas to purchase my first pair.
These were bluetooth enabled with an app that allowed 2 connections. I could be streaming music and if I received a call the music would be paused while I connected trough my smartphone. The app allowed me to shut out essentially all outside noise, it was fantastic. The app came standard with 4 preset modes that would focus sound. There was group or individual conversation, as well as music and television. You could adjust the level of outside world and save them in the presets or create your own. Raise and lower base and treble.
The only issue I had with mine was the on/off switch, located on the neck bace, tended to malfunction after some time. In every case, right up until they were discontinued, I think early 2021, Bose would replace them with a brand new pair at no cost. The last time I called they apologized and offered a 100% refund. I gladly accepted, but would have much preferred to have a replacement.
Apparently some people, my brother included, found the neck brace uncomfortable. That was never the case for me, I loved it. Also, with my level of hearing, I didn’t need to have them on 100% of the time. I could just take them out of me ears and let the ear buds dangle or tuck them under my shirt.
Those were, as I recall, either $499 or $599. A bargain compared to all other hearing aids at the time. They have replacements, which I have not tried. The original replacements have a very low level bluetooth to preserve battery usage. It only connects to the app. A more recent upgraded version called the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose will stream phone calls, no other audio. They cost $999.
I have ordered the Sony E10 Hearing Aids, $1,300. I’ll do a review soon. These stream all bluetooth audio. I am unsure if multiple devices can be connected. Yet to be determined if anything available now is an improvement to my beloved Hearphones.