Concha Labs is a relatively new company, but it has already gained attention for its over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, the Sol. This device is unique among many other OTC offerings because of its strong sound quality and the many ways you can customize it. In this Concha hearing aid review, we take a look at what makes the brand stand out in the OTC market and how it compares to the best hearing aids.

This review focuses on the Concha Sol, the only hearing aid currently offered by the company. We tested the device to see how it performs in everyday situations, including conversations at home and in noisy public places. We cover its sound quality, comfort, features, and overall value to help you decide whether Concha hearing aids might be a good fit for your needs.

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 Concha Labs is a top brand for over-the-counter hearing aids

Concha Labs stands out in the OTC hearing aid space because it takes a different approach to hearing technology. Instead of offering several models, the company has focused its efforts on a single device designed to improve speech understanding in noisy places. Its technology draws on years of hearing research, giving you access to advanced features that are not always found in traditional OTC products.

One of the biggest strengths of Concha hearing aids is its sound quality. The Concha Sol is designed to make voices easier to hear while reducing background noise that can get in the way of conversations. During testing, the hearing aid delivered clear and natural sound in everyday settings. This made it easier for our testers to follow conversations in restaurants, family gatherings, and other busy environments. We found the sound performance to be strong both during close conversations and at a distance.

Comfort and ease of use are also important parts of the Concha experience. The lightweight design sits comfortably behind the ear. The setup process is straightforward enough for most people to manage on their own. This includes self-fitting the hearing aids using the guide in the app. Combined with helpful app controls and a focus on accessible technology, Concha has created an OTC hearing aid that may feel more approachable for both first-time and experienced hearing aid wearers. For more OTC hearing aid options, read our Eargo hearing aid review.

Concha Sol: Personalized self-fitting technology

The Concha Sol is a self-fitting receiver-in-the-ear (RIC) style hearing aid that uses disposable batteries. It earned high marks in our testing for sound clarity, fit, and advanced features like Bluetooth streaming. 

Concha Sol

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• Self-fitting with an in-app hearing test
• Replaceable battery with an estimated 5–7 days of use per battery

• Bluetooth streaming for calls and music
• Available in four sizes

Sol features

• Type of hearing aid: RIC
• Battery type: Disposable
• Bluetooth compatible: Yes

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent speech clarity in conversations
• Highly personalized sound settings
• Long battery life without daily charging

Cons

• Initial setup can be time-consuming
• Some users had Bluetooth connectivity issues during pairing
• Currently only works with iPhones
• No rechargeable battery option

How much do Concha hearing aids cost?

The Concha Sol costs $1,299 per pair before any promotions or discounts. OTC hearing aids can range widely in price, from the low hundreds to several thousand dollars per pair. The Concha Sol sits at the middle to higher end of that range. How much you spend on OTC hearing aids depends largely on the features included, the brand's reputation, and the warranty coverage.

Price can be a significant factor when purchasing hearing aids. In our survey of older adults, more than one in four (28%) cited price as their primary concern, just behind sound quality.¹ If price is one of your top concerns, you can read more about our picks for the best affordable hearing aids. While most insurance plans do not cover the full cost of hearing aids, you may be able to use health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds toward your purchase. Keep in mind that FSA funds cannot be used once you are retired. And you cannot contribute to an HSA once you are enrolled in Medicare. Check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.

Concha hearing aid features

The Concha Labs Sol keeps things fairly simple while offering a few advanced features that may help with everyday hearing. Here are some features to note:

• Disposable batteries: The Sol uses replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones. The battery life is often longer between changes. But small batteries can be difficult for people with arthritis, limited hand strength, or vision difficulties.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Stream audio and adjust settings through the app. At this time, Bluetooth features only work with iPhones. Android support is currently limited.
• Four size options and a self-fitting guide: Concha offers several size choices to help improve comfort and fit. You can also follow a guide in the app to personalize your devices yourself, no appointments needed.
• Speech-in-noise technology: One standout feature of the Sol is its focus on improving speech clarity in busy environments. This may help you follow conversations when background noise is present.

Who should buy Concha hearing aids

Concha Labs makes OTC hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The Concha Sol performed well in our testing and may appeal to people who value speech clarity.

The Concha Sol is best for people who feel comfortable using a smartphone app for setup and adjustments. While it is not the least expensive option, some buyers may find the speech-in-noise features worth the higher price.

If you answer yes to the following questions, the Concha Sol may be a good fit for you:

• Do I have mild to moderate hearing loss?
• Am I comfortable using an iPhone app?
• Do I often struggle to hear conversations in noisy places?
• Am I willing to pay more for advanced speech technology?
• Can I manage small disposable batteries?

Who should not buy Concha hearing aids

Concha Labs hearing aids may not be the best choice for everyone. These devices are only designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have a more severe kind, you likely need a prescription hearing aid. Consult your hearing care provider to find out what your specific needs are. If you do require prescription hearing aids, you can check out our review of top brands like Starkey hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids can range a lot in price, and the Sol is above the $1,000 mark. People looking for a lower-cost OTC hearing aid may find more affordable alternatives elsewhere. 

Concha may also not be right for people who prefer a style other than BTE. Completely-in-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) models can be more discreet and more comfortable for some people. Read our review of the best invisible hearing aids to explore more of those options. 

It is also important to note that the Concha Sol currently only works with iOS devices. So if you want to be able to stream audio using Bluetooth but only have an Android smartphone, this hearing aid is probably not the best choice for you. 

Concha customer experience

Concha offers a 60-day risk-free trial and a 2-year warranty on the Sol. This gives you time to decide whether the device is the right fit and protection against manufacturing defects.

• Trial period: 60 days
• Shipping: Free standard shipping in the U.S.
• Warranty: 2 years

Customer service

You can reach Concha customer service by: 

• Phone: 510-544-6778 (for warranty claims only)  
• Email: care@conchalabs.com
• Chat: Live chat available via the website
• Online form: Available on the Concha Labs website

Frequently asked questions

Are Concha Labs hearing aids FDA approved?

Like other OTC hearing aids sold in the United States, Concha Labs OTC hearing aids are regulated by the FDA as medical devices. Consumers should always verify current regulatory information directly with the manufacturer.

Are replaceable batteries hard to use?

Some people find replaceable batteries easy to manage. Others struggle with their small size. People with arthritis, limited hand strength, or vision difficulties may find small batteries challenging and may prefer rechargeable hearing aids.

Do Concha Labs hearing aids have an app?

Yes. The Concha Labs Sol includes app-based controls for fitting and adjustments. The app currently works with iPhones but not Android devices.

Are Concha hearing aids worth the price?

Based on our testing, the value depends on what features matter most to you. People who need strong speech-in-noise performance may find the cost worthwhile. But those looking for a lower price may prefer less expensive alternatives.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.