What is an OTC Hearing Aid Preset?
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids allow users to customize their devices in different ways. Some OTC hearing aids use "presets", while other OTC hearing aids are self-fitting.
https://conchalabs.com/blogs/blog/otc-101-self-fitting-vs-non-self-fitting-otc-hearing-aids
Some self-fitting OTCs may not use presets, while all non-self-fitting OTCs do use presets.
So, what is a preset? In OTC hearing aids, a preset refers to sound profiles that are automatically created by the hearing aid software. Presets are created by averaging thousands of hearing tests, known as audiograms. These audiograms are collected from individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. These sound profiles are not individually tailored to the user. This is because they are estimated from other individuals with similar hearing loss severities.
What are Concha Labs’s Sound Profiles?
Unlike other OTCs that might be using presets, Concha Labs uses proprietary Soundscope® software. Soundscope® asks you evolving questions about your hearing to fit your hearing aids uniquely to you and your listening needs. After going through Soundscope®, you will receive your primary sound profile for everyday use. In addition to your primary sound profile, you will also have access to streaming comfort and noise comfort sound profiles. Streaming comfort should be used for situations such as Bluetooth streaming, phone calls, or music. Noise comfort should be used when the user is in noisy environments.
Recap: Presets vs. Sound Profiles
Presets:
- Typically used in non-self-fitting OTC hearing aids, but can be found in some self-fitting OTCs as well.
- Created from averaging thousands of mild-to-moderate hearing loss profiles.
- Presets are not adapted uniquely to the individual using them.
Sound Profiles from Concha Labs:
- Available in Concha Sol™ Hearing Aids.
- Created through Soundscope® technology using various questions about your hearing to tailor your sound profiles to your specific hearing.
- Takes into account your listening needs and preferences when creating sound profiles.
If you’re interested in seeing how Soundscope® by Concha Labs can help you create sound profiles tailored to you, try out Concha Sol™ Hearing Aids!