Best Smartphone App for a Hearing Amplifier

The Sound World Solutions CS50+ Hearing Amplifier offers a customizable solution for the most tech-savvy consumers. The company provides the best smartphone app for a hearing amplifier, allowing users to access presets, environmental settings and a sound equalizer and includes voice prompts in four languages — English, Spanish, French and Hindi. The app also allows the CS50+ to play audio straight from the user’s smartphone, including audiobooks, music, calls and more.

Pros:

  • Stream smartphone audio of every type right through the hearing amplifier.
  • Rechargeable battery with 12-hour battery life.
  • Intuitive, feature-rich smartphone app.
  • Extended warranty available

Cons:

  • On the expensive side for some consumers.
  • Daily charging may be required.

Overview of Sound World Solutions

While Sound World Solutions offers three hearing aid models, it’s only developed one hearing amplifier: the CS50+. The CS50+ is perfect for tech savvy users; it’s compatible smartphone app provides many customizable settings, such as presets, an equalizer, multiple language options and audio streaming.

 

CS50+

Cost

$349 (single - left or right earpiece)

Company Rating

Trustpilot rating not available, Google rating of 4.7

Battery Style

Rechargeable, lasts 12 hours

Environment Modes

3 environment settings

Smartphone Enabled?

Yes – App offers presets, equalizer, voice prompts, and music mode

Physical Controls

Physical buttons for adjusting volume and 3 environment settings

Return Policy

45-day return policy, 90-day warranty ($60 more for 15-month warranty)

How Much Does the Sound World Solutions CS50+ Hearing Amplifier Cost?

Sound World Solutions’ CS50+ Hearing Amplifier typically costs between $270 and $350. Online retailers, such as Amazon and over-the-counter medical device stores, offer the CS50+ for as low as $269.99 before shipping, with additional coupon savings sometimes available, while the Sound World Solutions website offers no discount from the list price of $349. The company site has a standard 90-day warranty, with an extended 15-month warranty costing an additional $60. Many third-party retailers provide longer warranties for lower prices, though claims under these plans must be run through the retailer rather than the manufacturer.

The CS50+ hearing amplifier is usually sold as a single unit, ordered for either the left or right ear, but some retailers also offer a pair at prices as low as $499.95.

Full Review of Sound World Solutions CS50+ Features

The Sound World Solutions CS50+ Hearing Amplifier offers a range of customizable options to fit any user’s needs. The smartphone app is the star of the show, offering easy adjustments to optimize the hearing experience, and Bluetooth capabilities allow users to connect with calls and audio on their smartphones. This hearing amplifier also provides a fully rechargeable battery and comes with multiple options for warranty coverage.

Customizable Fit

Sound World Solutions has created a hearing amplifier to fit most users comfortably. The flexible fit includes an adjustable tube length with 1 inch of travel, as well as three sizes of ear tips — small, medium and large — to accommodate any ear size. The sleek over-the-ear design gives the appearance of a Bluetooth device. An ear tip cleaning tool also comes in the box to help users keep their CS50+ hearing amplifier in top condition.

On-device Customizable Sound

As soon as the user removes the CS50+ hearing amplifier from the box with the battery attached, it is ready for use with a variety of sound options. Volume buttons let users adjust the overall volume level up or down directly on the device itself, while the program button allows the user to select between three preset environment modes: everyday, restaurant or entertainment. This means even users without access to a smartphone can take advantage of customized settings to help them focus on the sounds most important to them at the moment. They can use the physical buttons on the hearing amplifier to answer and end calls when connected to a phone through Bluetooth.

In addition, the CS50+ offers voice prompts in four different languages for ease of use and features a 16-channel compressor, 16-channel noise reduction, feedback cancellation and dual microphone directionality to optimize hearing when in the restaurant environment mode and when on calls connected via Bluetooth.

Free CS Customizer App

The Sound World Solutions Hearing Amplifier’s most impressive feature is the CS Customizer app, which is free to use with the device’s purchase. Users may download the app on Android or Apple devices which lets users fully customize the sound settings on their hearing amplifier. Within the app, users can personalize their baseline preferences or choose between one of the preset options. They can also make adjustments using the sound equalizer, tweaking the treble, mid and bass frequencies to create an ideal sound experience. The preprogrammed environment settings, volume controls and other tools are also available within the app.

Bluetooth Capability

By connecting to Bluetooth, the CS50+ becomes a wireless listening device, allowing the wearer to hear phone calls, music, audiobooks, videos and more. They can use the on-device buttons for some control functions, while even more features are available through the CS Customizer app.

Rechargeable Battery

The Sound World Solution CS50+ comes with two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Each battery provides up to 12 hours of life, letting the user enjoy a full day of use without charging time. It also includes an AC adapter, micro USB cable and magnetic charger base for easy recharging. 

Warranty Options

When purchased directly from the manufacturer, the Sound World Solutions Hearing Amplifier comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day warranty. The company will repair or replace any device with defects during this period. However, for an extra cost, Sound World Solutions offers an extended warranty, adding an additional 12 months for a total of 15 months of coverage. Other retailers may offer their own warranty plans with coverage extending as much as three years.

Who Should Consider Sound World Solutions CS50+? 

Tech-Savvy Seniors With Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

While a hearing amplifier cannot replace all of a prescription hearing aid’s features for those with severe hearing loss, seniors who are experiencing more mild hearing loss symptoms and do not yet qualify for hearing aids can see a substantial difference in their hearing experience. The Sound World Solution CS50+ also has the appearance of a Bluetooth device, along with many helpful Bluetooth audio functions, and performs best when used with the CS Customer app, making it a great choice for active and tech-savvy seniors.

Older Adults Who Struggle With Hearing in Specific Environments

The three preset environment modes on the CS50+ allow users to customize their needs from one moment to the next. For older adults who struggle to hear in situations with significant background noise, such as restaurants, this hearing amplifier can be a great solution. The dual microphone focuses on sounds directly in front of the user, helping to mute other ambient noise that may make conversation difficult.

What Are People Saying About Sound World Solutions?

The majority of users who reviewed the Sound World Solutions CS50+ Hearing Amplifier are pleased with the overall function, the customizable settings through the app and the ease of battery recharging. Some reviewers noted that the functionality did not match that of prescription hearing aids; however, many users remarked on equal or even better experiences with the CS50+ at a much lower price point and without the inconvenience of frequent battery replacement.

Reviews frequently mentioned the CS Customizer app, with users noting the ease of connecting their hearing amplifier to their smartphone via Bluetooth and adjusting sound settings to their liking. Being able to control bass, mid-tones and treble individually was a major bonus to many users who had previous poor experiences with other hearing devices. While some reviewers were concerned about the product’s overall life, they rated the CS50+ as comfortable, dependable and user-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions


What Is the Difference Between a Hearing Amplifier and a Hearing Aid?



A hearing aid is a hearing device that requires a doctor’s prescription, while a hearing amplifier is a product that can raise and clarify the volume of all sounds. Click here for our full answer to this question.


What Does a Hearing Amplifier Do?



Also known as a personal sound device, a hearing amplifier is a small device worn in the ear that raises the volume of surrounding noises and provides greater clarity. Click here for our full answer to this question.


How Much Do Hearing Amplifiers Cost?



Hearing amplifiers are available at a wide range of price points, with quality often varying. Seniors can find many hearing amplifier models from as little as $50 to as much as $1,000 or more. Click here for our full answer to this question.