A look at two innovative devices for enhanced hearing
A recent article by WebMD provides a good synopsis of the motivating factors behind the pending, FDA-regulated category for over-the-counter hearing aids.
While an estimated 30 million Americans have hearing loss, only about one to three in 10 adults over age 50 who might benefit from hearing aids use them. This matters because hearing loss can lead to social isolation, a decline in memory and thinking skills, and a higher risk for dementia. But hearing aids, the primary treatment for hearing loss in older adults, simply aren’t an option for many Americans.
In the face of such massive need for more affordable and accessible solutions, a growing number of hearable solutions have emerged. Particularly among the large percentage of adults with mild-to-moderate, untreated hearing loss, such devices offer new alternatives for better hearing.
Two hearables with strikingly different form factors, yet many similar features, are the IQbuds² MAX (Nuheara) and BOSE’s Hearphones. Both devices enhance hearing and allow the wearer to augment and control the sound of their physical world in addition to their digital audio. Both offer strong battery life and high quality sound. In the opinion of Dr. Cliff Olson, AuD, expert reviewer for Hearing Tracker, both the BOSE Hearphones and IQbuds BOOST (the 2018 predecessor to IQbuds² MAX) received high marks:
Below is detailed look at how the products compare side-by-side with respect to various features.
Form Factor
Truly wireless earbuds.
IQbuds² MAX
Earbuds connected via wire to around-the-neck yoke.
BOSE Hearphones
Price
$499.00 (US)
IQbuds² MAX
$499.95 (US) – Product Discontinued
BOSE Hearphones
Product Weight
16 grams (0.56 ounces) – Both earbuds
IQbuds² MAX
64 grams (2.25 ounces) – Complete unit
BOSE Hearphones
Directional Hearing
Focus directional hearing technology isolates and enhances sounds directly in front of the user. Controlled via IQbuds App or via custom tap touch on earbud.
IQbuds² MAX
The microphones within the earbuds can be configured via the Bose Hear app or from the buttons on the side of the inline remote on the connecting wires.
BOSE Hearphones
Automatic Personalization / Calibration
Ear ID analyzes your hearing thresholds using a prescription formula (NAL-NL2) & calibrates IQbuds² MAX to your personal hearing profile.
IQbuds² MAX
*Not available.
All sound augmentation must be manually adjusted.
BOSE Hearphones
World Volume Control
Adjust outside world volume up or down using IQbuds App or tap on the earbud to turn World On/Off.
IQbuds² MAX
Turn real-world sound up or down based on where you are using the Bose Hearphone app or headset controls.
BOSE Hearphones
World Noise EQ
Use World Equalization via IQbuds smartphone application to adjust low and/or high-frequency sounds for outside world.
IQbuds² MAX
optimize real-world sound by making everything you hear brighter or deeper.
BOSE Hearphones
Ear Balance
Hearing profile assessed for each ear independently during Ear ID set-up. Earbuds auto-calibrated accordingly on each side.
IQbuds² MAX
Individually adjust each earbud through the Bose Hear smartphone application.
BOSE Hearphones
Balance World Noise vs. Speech
Speech-in-Noise Control (SINC) Wheel adjusts balance between world noise and speech through the IQbuds smartphone application.
IQbuds² MAX
*Not available.
World noise controls limited to volume, bass and treble, and directivity.
BOSE Hearphones
Customizable Location Settings
Enable optimal listening for 7 pre-set locations (home, office, restaurant, driving, plane, workout, street). Locations can be customized + saved through IQbuds smartphone application & accessed via tap touch.
IQbuds² MAX
“Modes” feature enables user to save and store device settings for common uses via Bose Hear smartphone application.
BOSE Hearphones
Accessories Included
3 pairs silicone reusable tips, 3 pairs of Comply memory foam tips, pocket-sized charging case, soft cloth travel pouch and charging cable.
IQbuds² MAX
3 sizes of custom tips, a carrying case for unit, and charging cable.
BOSE Hearphones
Battery Charging Time
1.5 hours.
IQbuds² MAX
3 hours.
BOSE Hearphones
Battery Life
5 hours of Bluetooth streaming / 8 hours of hearing amplification only on a single charge.
IQbuds² MAX
Up to 10 hours per full charge on average.
BOSE Hearphones
aptX Compatibility
aptX & aptX low latency compatible.
IQbuds² MAX
*Not available.
BOSE Hearphones
