Sony CRE-C10 source record

Published sources describe the Sony CRE-C10 as a self-fitting OTC completely-in-canal device with no Bluetooth audio streaming and disposable size-10 batteries. One independent lab reported above-category speech results and below-category feedback handling. Sony discontinued its OTC hearing-aid line, so availability, price, returns and support require a current seller check.

Visit Sony Self-Fitting OTC (CRE series) → Full Sony Self-Fitting OTC (CRE series) brand profile →

Recorded use tags: Mild to moderate hearing loss · Discreet near invisible fit · Speech clarity in quiet and noise · Self fitting at home · Adults 18+

Reported specs at a glance

Channel
OTC (no prescription)
Reported price from
$499
Style
CIC, Completely-in-Canal, Invisible-in-Canal
Power
Disposable batteries
Battery life
up to 70h
Bluetooth audio reported
No
Released
2022
Channel
Over-the-counter (FDA-cleared, self-fitting)
Style
CIC (completely-in-canal)
Power
Disposable size 10 battery (non-rechargeable)
Battery life
Up to 70 hours per battery
Bluetooth
No audio streaming; the app pairs over a wireless acoustic link
App
Sony Hearing Control (iOS 13+, Android 10+)
Processing
48 channels
Best for
Mild to moderate hearing loss, ages 18+
Lab rating
HearAdvisor 'A' SoundGrade (4.0 initial / 4.3 tuned); Expert's Choice Award 2023 and 2024
Return policy
45-day return window
Release year
2022
Status
Discontinued by Sony in April 2026; warranty and service honored, limited third-party stock remains

Reported strengths to verify

  • One of the smallest, most discreet OTC hearing aids - the CIC shell sits deep in the canal and is essentially invisible from the front
  • Strong independent sound testing: HearAdvisor's lab gave it an 'A' SoundGrade with above-average speech intelligibility in both quiet and noise
  • Self-fitting through the Sony Hearing Control app, with each ear personalized via a built-in hearing check, so no clinic visit is required
  • Long runtime on a tiny size-10 cell, rated up to 70 hours per battery
  • FDA-cleared OTC device backed by a 45-day return window

Worth checking

  • No Bluetooth streaming, so you cannot route calls, music, or TV audio to the aids
  • Not rechargeable - it runs on disposable size-10 batteries you swap every few days
  • The very small batteries and tiny shell can be fiddly for anyone with dexterity or vision limitations
  • Lab testing flagged below-average feedback (whistling) handling, and the closed fit some people need can add to a plugged-up occlusion feeling
  • Sony discontinued its OTC line in April 2026, so new stock is now limited to third-party retailers

Common questions

Does the Sony CRE-C10 have Bluetooth streaming?

No. The CRE-C10 does not stream phone calls, music, or other audio. It connects to the Sony Hearing Control app over a wireless acoustic link, and only for setup and adjustments, so it works as an amplification device rather than a hearable.

Is the CRE-C10 rechargeable?

No. It runs on disposable size 10 batteries, which Sony rates at up to 70 hours each - roughly 5 to 7 days of typical wear before you swap in a fresh cell. If you want a rechargeable Sony, look at the later CRE-C20.

Who is the CRE-C10 a good fit for?

It is designed for adults 18+ with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a near-invisible in-canal device and care more about speech clarity than streaming. People with more significant hearing loss should talk to a hearing professional.

Can I still buy the Sony CRE-C10 in 2026?

Sony discontinued its OTC hearing aids in April 2026 and removed them from its site, though WS Audiology says it will honor warranty and service. Limited stock may still turn up through third-party retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, so availability and pricing vary.

This record compiles manufacturer and secondary-source specifications (2026-06-16); it is not hands-on testing or independent specification verification. Confirm current details with the manufacturer and seek a qualified hearing assessment. Information only, not medical advice.

Sources for this record

These links support the reported fields and research summary. Retail terms and availability can change after the cited material was published.

  • OTC self-fitting CIC design, mild-to-moderate hearing loss, up to 70-hour size 10 battery, no Bluetooth/rechargeability, 48 channels, $699 per pair, 45-day return, October 2022 release, discontinued April 2026 with warranty honored Check at hearingtracker.com →
  • Independent lab: 'A' SoundGrade (4.0 initial / 4.3 tuned), speech-in-noise 1.90 above category average, below-average feedback handling, Expert's Choice Award 2023 and 2024, $798 listed price, disposable non-rechargeable, self-fitting Check at hearadvisor.com →
  • Hands-on: $999.99 per pair at launch, size 10 single-use batteries ~70 hours (~5 days), no Bluetooth (wireless acoustic link to app), CIC near-invisible from the front, app-guided self-fit, disposable batteries cited as the main flaw Check at techlicious.com →
  • Sony's first FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids; Sony and WS Audiology did not renew their 2022 partnership, line discontinued April 2026, warranty/service honored, limited third-party stock (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart); ~$700 per pair in 2026; $499 seen as a Sony sale price (reg. $699.99) Check at bestguide.com →
  • Sales of Sony hearing aids discontinued April 2026; all three models (CRE-E10, CRE-C10, CRE-C20) listed as no longer available on Sony's US site; WSA honors warranty and service; limited stock remains for a time Check at hearingtracker.com →