Sony CRE-C20: These are not in-ear headphones, but discreet hearing aids with multiple settings

Sony also offers many products in the audio sector, which are aimed not least at the wide audience. In-ear headphones are also part of the portfolio. The CRE-C20 are not headphones in the narrower sense, but hearing aids. The C20 are Over-the-counter products. This means that they can simply be ordered by customers without a prescription. With hearing aids, it is otherwise quite common to consult a hearing aid acoustician and purchase customized and usually expensive products there. Sony explicitly states that the CRE-C20 is (only) suitable for people with a mild to moderate hearing impairment; if the hearing impairment is more severe, it is generally better to consult a specialist and receive comprehensive advice - overall, consultation with an ENT specialist is also recommended for hearing problems that are supposedly only age-related.

The CRE-C20 have a discreet appearance and should not be immediately recognizable as a hearing aid - this should reduce restraints about using hearing assistance. The battery life is specified as up to 28 hours, and a suitable charging case is included, as well as various attachments for a good fit and a certain degree of sealing.

According to Sony, ambient noise is analyzed continuously. This allows speech intelligibility to be significantly increased in noisy environments, for example. Extensive configuration options are advertised in the corresponding app, which should also allow users to take their own preferences and restrictions into account - a special support team should also provide specific assistance after purchase.

IP68 certification is advertised, meaning the headphones can also be used in the rain or during sporting activities. Not entirely uncritical: Nickel is also used as a material, and exposure cannot be ruled out according to the manufacturer. In Europe, there are corresponding requirements regarding the release of nickel in the Consumer Goods Ordinance. In the USA, the CRE-C20 are now also available directly from the manufacturer for US$1,000. Simple hearing sound amplifiers are also available at reasonable prices.