Almost all hearing aids are generally tiny stereo microphone/amplifier/speaker combinations. But not the NeoSensory Buzz. Conventional hearing aids include an earpiece. But not the NeoSensory Buzz. Instead, the user wears a chunky wristband, which “hears” sounds and communicates to the ears via the user’s skin. Buzz avoids the problem of earwax of conventional hearing aids. It also eliminates the need for an audiologist. At $589, it is considerably cheaper than hearing aids from the “Big Six.”
Many people who are hard-of-hearing do not have hearing aids. Mostly they are concerned that wearing hearing aids make them look old, so they often choose the smallest model they can find that amplifies sufficiently. Big mistake! Older people typically have trouble dealing with small objects because their fingers are no longer nimble. And many small hearing aids, particularly in-the-ear designs, have control buttons that are difficult or impossible to use. (This problem is mostly solved by well-designed smartphone Apps.) In fact, the best thing that the hard-of-hearing could do is swallow his/her pride and buy a large model so that people speaking with them will be aware of their hearing challenges and speak louder. And they can more easily change batteries and insert/remove the hearing aids. Interestingly, a new company named Neosensory completely does away completely with anything in the ear, using a compact case that can be worn like a wristwatch or put into a pocket.