Ceretone Hearing Aids Review
We tested three different styles from this affordable over-the-counter brand. Our Ceretone hearing aids review has the results.
- Ceretone hearing aids offer convenience and basic sound performance at an affordable price. The brand has several discreet styles, including CIC and BTE.
- The Ceretone hearing aids in this review cost between $400–$1,000 per pair before any discounts or promotions.
- Ceretone sound quality was less consistent than other hearing aid brands we've tested. But its straightforward controls and designs may make them a good option for someone looking for their first hearing aid.
- Ceretone offers free shipping, a 60-day trial period, and a one-year limited warranty on all its devices.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best hearing aids, we:
- Consulted with audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and aging care experts
- Put more than 50 hearing aids through a series of 21 different tests
- Mystery shopped more than 20 brands
- Surveyed hundreds of older adults who use hearing aids
- Interviewed experts on hearing loss
- Sent hearing aids to our friends and family with hearing loss to provide long-term testing notes
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new hearing aids to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.
Ceretone is a relatively new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid brand. According to the company, it released its first device in 2020 with a goal of making hearing help more affordable and accessible. Today, Ceretone offers three styles of OTC hearing aids, each with a simple user interface and streamlined features. All of its devices are rechargeable, with on-the-go cases and battery life that is competitive with many of the best rechargeable hearing aids. We found that Ceretone delivers everyday convenience with fast-charging and long-lasting batteries. But it may not offer top-of-the-line sound quality or technology.
In this review, we take a closer look at the three Ceretone hearing aids we tested: the Ceretone Torch, the Ceretone Beacon, and the Ceretone Core One Pro. Each model offers a different design, feature set, and listening experience. By comparing these devices side by side, we can help you understand which option might be the best fit for your hearing needs and daily lifestyle.
If you are considering purchasing any kind of hearing aids, schedule an appointment with an audiologist or hearing care professional to get your hearing tested first. That can tell you whether you need OTC or prescription hearing aids and give you an idea of what other factors to consider before you buy.
Why Ceretone is a top brand for over-the-counter hearing aids
One of the engineers who founded the Audicon Corporation, the company that makes Ceretone hearing aids, said he watched his father struggle with hearing loss for years. At the time, affordable, effective hearing aids were difficult to access. That experience inspired him to make hearing care more available.
In 2020, Ceretone put its first hearing aid on the market. Affordability and convenience still drive the company and its products today. Features like rechargeable batteries and self-fitting options on select models may make the experience straightforward, especially for first-time hearing aid buyers. Ceretone puts strong emphasis on comfort and ease of use. Its lineup includes both in-ear (ITE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles, giving you options based on your preferences.
Some of its models have more advanced features like tinnitus masking and Bluetooth streaming. But most use basic manual controls and features. Sound quality is an area where Ceretone tends to receive mixed feedback. But if you spend most of your time in quieter listening environments, that may matter less. All Ceretone hearing aids come with free shipping, a 60-day trial period, and a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
Comparing Ceretone hearing aids
| Comparison Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hearing aid type* | RIC |
ITE |
CIC |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
Rechargeable |
Rechargeable |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
No |
No |
| Hands-free calling? | Yes |
No |
No |
*RIC=receiver-in-canal; ITE=in-the-ear; CIC=completely-in-canal
Understanding Ceretone hearing aid models
Ceretone makes several styles of hearing aids. This includes invisible-in-canal, in-the-ear (ITE), and behind-the-ear (BTE) designs. Each has unique features, and the brand offers a comparison chart so you can see what each model offers at a glance. We tested three of the brand's hearing aids. Read on for what we thought of their fit, comfort, sound quality, and more.
Ceretone Torch: Discreet in-ear design
The Ceretone Torch is designed to fit comfortably inside the ear canal, with only a small part visible. It combines simple controls, rechargeable batteries, and a tinnitus masking feature in a compact package. This may appeal to people looking for a discreet hearing aid.
Ceretone Torch
- In-ear design fits comfortably and discreetly
- Built-in tinnitus masking function
- Rechargeable battery with 25 hours per charge, plus on-the-go charging
- Controls for adjusting volume and switching listening modes
- Type of hearing aid: ITE
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: No
Pros
- Very small and discreet design
- Long battery life with portable charging case
- Straightforward controls and mode adjustments
Cons
- Sound quality may seem staticky or harsh
- Speech clarity can decrease at longer distances
- Directional hearing performance could be stronger
What our testers thought of the Ceretone Torch
The Ceretone Torch hearing aids stood out for their small size and discreet appearance. Our testers gave them a 4.5/5 for comfort and fit. "They're extremely discreet," one tester said. "They're even smaller than AirPods. You put them in and they barely stick out at all, and there's no wiring or tubing that sticks out or has to be wrapped around the ear."
Most testers found them comfortable for extended wear and appreciated how lightweight they felt. "They did knock loose when I tucked my hair behind my ear, and when I bent down to pick something up," one tester noted. "Otherwise, they stayed in place when jogging around lightly and doing jumping jacks."
When it came to sound quality, the feedback was mixed. Testers felt the hearing aids made sounds louder but not always clearer or more natural. This was especially true when the speaker was not immediately in front of the hearing aids. "When they are far away, I can't hear my partner at all," one tester said. "The sound of the room's AC is amplified, but I can barely make out what my partner is trying to say." Another tester noted that sounds sometimes seemed to come from the wrong direction and that background noises could be surprisingly loud.
Noise management performed better, earning a 4/5 score. Testers found that the advanced noise control helped reduce some background distractions in restaurants and other busy settings. "I put the hearing aids in restaurant mode, and I did feel like it helped quiet some of the background noise from the restaurant and allow me to hear my partner better," one tester said. But very loud settings could still be challenging, according to our testers.
Ceretone Beacon: Strong distance hearing
The Ceretone Beacon is a lightweight, rechargeable, behind-the-ear hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming and other premium features. The sound quality may not feel as natural as some higher-end devices. But the Beacon performed well in distance testing and has simple controls.
Ceretone Beacon
- Self-fitting
- Bluetooth streaming for calls and music
- Rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of use and up to 60 hours with the charging case
- Four preset hearing programs
- Type of hearing aid: RIC
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
Pros
- Straightforward app
- Strong performance for hearing speech at a distance
- Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable charging case
Cons
- Sound can feel tinny or robotic
- Noise control performance is average
- Not as discreet as some options
What our testers thought of the Ceretone Beacon
Our testers liked the advanced features of the Ceretone Beacon hearing aids and thought they were comfortable to wear and simple to use. But, just as with the Torch model, the sound quality earned mixed reviews.
Our testers thought the design was discreet and rated it a 4/5 for fit. "The plastic wire connecting the receiver to the battery pack behind my ear is a little thicker than some other models, but definitely not noticeable from a quick glance," one tester said. "Once I changed the ear domes to a size that fit, they stayed in pretty well, even when I was bending over and jumping around. The only thing that caused them to come loose was when I was putting on and taking off my sunglasses or if my hair got caught behind them, which is typical for BTE hearing aids."
Testers also appreciated how the Beacon can stream calls, music, and other media. It offers a lot of features for an OTC hearing aid that costs under $500, which is why testers rated it a 4/5 for features. But the Beacon received a 3.3/5 for overall sound quality and 2.5/5 for situational sound performance. “These aren’t the worst sounding hearing aids I have tried, but it’s definitely not the most natural sounding either,” said one tester.
One area where the Beacon performed surprisingly well was distance hearing. Testers appreciated that sounds maintained a natural sense of space instead of feeling artificially amplified. "This did actually pretty well with distance," one tester said. "I could hear my partner from across the room, and they still sounded like they were far away. I don't like how some hearing aids distort distance and make things sound closer than they are." This helped the Beacon stand out from other Ceretone hearing aids we tested, which focused more on amplification than sound placement.
Compared with the Ceretone Torch and Ceretone Core One Pro, the Ceretone Beacon offers a solid feature set and comfortable fit. But they may not be the best choice for people seeking the richest, most natural sound.
Ceretone Core One Pro: Invisible, comfortable, simple
The Ceretone Core One Pro is a small, nearly invisible hearing aid that sits inside the ear canal. This model focuses on discretion and simplicity. It offers a long battery life, comfortable fit, and durable protection against sweat, dust, and light rain. But people who want advanced sound processing or app-based controls may find the features limited.
Ceretone Core One Pro
- Comfortable and invisible in-ear design
- Rechargeable battery with up to 20 hours per charge, plus 80 extra hours of on-the-go charging
- Four listening modes, including a tinnitus masking program
- IP68-rated protection against sweat, dust, and moisture
- Type of hearing aid: CIC
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: No
Pros
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Nearly invisible
- Long battery life with charging case
Cons
- No smartphone app controls
- Volume changes require using the charging case
- Sound quality may not satisfy everyone
What our testers thought about the Ceretone Core One Pro
The Ceretone Core One Pro earned one of the lowest overall scores (7.1/10) in this review. Testers consistently praised the fit and comfort but struggled with sound quality and the lack of app control. One tester gave the hearing aid a 4.5/5 for comfort. "The only positive I had was that they fit well in my ears and stayed in throughout the entire test without me needing to adjust them," she said. Another tester appreciated how discreet they looked and noted that they stayed secure during movement testing.
Sound performance was a different story. The hearing aid received a 2/5 for sound quality, with several testers reporting that speech sounded unnatural. "These are actually so bad with my own voice. I sound like a robot," one tester said. "Everything is so tinny and I just hear a static feedback if there is no noise around me."
Background noise handling was also weak. Testers reported that the hearing aids often amplified all sounds rather than focusing on speech. "It made the background noise so much louder to the point I couldn't even hear my partner talking," one tester said. Although directional hearing was reasonably accurate, speech understanding suffered when noise levels increased.
Unlike many OTC devices that offer app controls, the Core One Pro requires placing the hearing aids back into the charging case to adjust volume settings. Testers found this frustrating. "There was no way to adjust the volume without taking them out of my ears and adjusting the volume in the case," one tester said. "There are no ways to adjust settings with them in your ears, and I was having a hard time figuring out what the programs were and how to change them."
How much do Ceretone hearing aids cost?
Ceretone makes OTC hearing aids that you can purchase without a prescription. All the models in this Ceretone hearing aid review are $400-$1,000 before additional promotions or discounts, making them a more affordable option than prescription hearing aids.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part A and Part B, do not cover the full cost of hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover some of your hearing aid costs.1 If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA), you may be able to use those to buy hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered under your plan.
| Model | Price per pair |
| Ceretone Beacon | $1,000 |
| Ceretone Torch | $400 |
| Ceretone Core One Pro | $700 |
Ceretone features
Ceretone hearing aids are designed to focus on simplicity, affordability, and convenience. The company offers several styles, including in-ear and RIC designs, giving you options based on comfort, visibility, and hearing needs. Features vary by model, but several stand out across the Ceretone lineup:
- Over-the-counter purchase: Ceretone hearing aids can be purchased without a hearing test, clinic visit, or prescription.
- Self-fitting design: You can typically set up and begin using the devices without professional assistance.
- Multiple hearing aid styles: The lineup includes models such as the Ceretone Core One Pro OTC hearing aids, Ceretone Beacon OTC hearing aids, and Ceretone Torch OTC hearing aids, each designed for different comfort and visibility preferences.
- Rechargeable batteries: Most models include rechargeable batteries with a relatively quick charging time and long battery life. Included charging cases carry extra power so you don’t need to be near an outlet
- Listening programs: Most Ceretone hearing aids have pre-set listening modes for different environments, including quiet rooms and noisy spaces.
- Tinnitus masking: Some Ceretone hearing aids include a tinnitus masking feature that may help manage ringing in the ears.
- Water and dust resistance: Several models feature IP-rated protection against sweat, dust, and light moisture.
Who should buy Ceretone hearing aids
Ceretone hearing aids may be a good fit for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a lower-cost alternative to prescription devices. They might also work well for people who prefer a simple setup process and do not want to schedule appointments with a hearing clinic.
These devices may appeal to people who are comfortable making basic adjustments on their own. While some models offer more features than others, the overall experience is generally geared toward those who do not need advanced hearing support.
These questions may help you decide whether Ceretone hearing aids would be a good fit:
- Do I have mild to moderate hearing loss?
- Am I looking for a more affordable hearing aid option?
- Do I prefer buying hearing aids without visiting a clinic?
- Am I comfortable setting up and adjusting hearing aids myself?
- Do I want rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones?
- Do I want simple features or advanced features?
Who should not buy Ceretone hearing aids
People with severe or profound hearing loss are likely to need more advanced devices than Ceretone hearing aids, or any OTC hearing aids, can provide. Those who require custom programming, frequent adjustments, or ongoing professional support may be better served by prescription hearing aids.
Some people may also find the experience limiting if they want advanced smartphone controls, automatic sound adjustments, or premium speech enhancement features. Our testing found that experiences can vary depending on the model and your hearing needs.
Ceretone customer experience
Ceretone offers a 60-day risk-free trial on all its hearing aids, giving you time to decide whether the device is the right fit. All models come with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects. Financing is available through Shop Pay.
- Warranty and trial period: 60-day risk-free trial and a one-year warranty
- Financing: Available through Shop Pay
Customer service
- Phone: 866-283-4262 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT
- Chat: Available Monday through Friday, 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT
- Email: support@ceretone.com
Frequently asked questions
How to use Ceretone hearing aids?
Most Ceretone hearing aids are designed for self-fitting at home. You simply charge the devices, insert them into your ears, and adjust settings using the controls provided with each model.
Are Ceretone hearing aids legitimate?
Yes, Ceretone hearing aids are FDA-regulated over-the-counter hearing aids sold directly to consumers without a prescription.
Which Ceretone model is the best?
The best model depends on your needs. The Ceretone Beacon may appeal to people who want Bluetooth streaming and strong distance hearing performance. The Ceretone Core One Pro is a more discreet in-ear option, though our testers found its sound quality to be the most limited of the three models we tested. The Ceretone Torch offers the most affordable entry point and a discreet in-ear design with tinnitus masking.
What type of hearing loss are Ceretone hearing aids best for?
Like most OTC hearing aids, Ceretone hearing aids are best suited for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. People with severe hearing loss may need prescription hearing aids fitted by a hearing care professional.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.