No Need to Yell Anymore!

July 29, 2019

“My wife says I don’t ‘yell’ anymore when talking to her and she can talk in a normal voice and I can hear her clearly from the next room.”

BeHear NOW headset use case: man in office
Customer and product simulation.

♦ The following are excerpts from a review posted by a customer on Amazon:

I bought these after doing about a years research on assistive hearing products.
I spent too many years saying ‘huh’ to people that were talking to me.

I performed the built in hearing assessment test, saved the info and I was amazed at what I have been missing out on for so many years. I may buy another set just so I won’t have to be without them if the battery is charging.

My wife says I don’t ‘yell’ anymore when talking to her and she can talk in a normal voice and I can hear her clearly from the next room. When at a restaurant the background noise does not interfere with conversations anymore. I can also hear my grandchildren clearly!

They are very comfortable, I don’t even realize that I am wearing them other than being able to hear clearly again.

The quality seems to be very good for sound reproduction and build quality. The phone app makes it easy to set up and control all the functions on the device. I also like being able to answer my phone with a press on the neckband button, with my phone being in my pocket or next room. With the way I have my settings saved there has been no annoying sounds or surprises.

The bottom line:

“So far I am completely pleased with everything about the BeHear headset. I don’t listen to music through my phone, so I cannot address that, but for everyday conversations I am completely pleased.”

Read the full five-star review on Amazon.

New Technology Replaces the Old Monopoly of Hearing Aid Establishment

July 28, 2019

“…a more perfect hearing experience than $8000.00 hearing aids…”

BeHear NOW personalized hearing amplifier
BeHear NOW personalized hearing amplifier

♦ The following is a review posted by a customer on Amazon:

“Now we have a technology that provides hearing assistance with the connections of phone, tablet, desktop computers, laptop computers and TV’s. What more could you want from an electronic assisted hearing device.

With the amplification tailored to the 6 important frequencies and noise cancellation. Control of listening mode along with crowd mode, outdoor mode, music mode and indoor modes you have a more perfect hearing experience than $8000.00 hearing aids at your friendly audiologist downtown.

Of course someone will think of some other mode to add to this system but the only thing BeHear could improve on is the battery life and moving the on/off button down to the other controls on the “pendants” and providing for the use of an external battery pack at the same time as using the device. For now BeHear Now is the best system for the men/women/children on the street and the price makes it possible for families to afford this system and give everyone the quality of life that the gift of hearing provides.

Bless you BeHear and all the little helpers from beginning to end in make this wonderful Product available to the world.”

The bottom line:

“For now BeHear NOW is the best system for the men/women/children on the street and the price makes it possible for families to afford this system and give everyone the quality of life that the gift of hearing provides.”

BeHear NOW User-Oriented Review by HLAA Member

July 12, 2019

User Assessment of BeHear NOW Personalizable Hearing Amplifier

♦ The following is a review submitted by Katie Robertson, active in the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) Kentucky chapters

I have tested out the BeHear Now Personal Hearing Product Wear&Hear for a week or so and have found it both advantageous and frustrating for me, a 70-year-old female who has been hard of hearing with increasing increments since the year 1999. My hearing loss is hereditary, as well as due to life’s noises throughout my lifetime (head knocks, loud concerts, etc).

I have thoroughly enjoyed how clearly this product has given me the ability to hear during the “indoor” mode, while conversing in a calm quiet atmosphere. This product produced clearer quality hearing, more so than my RIC hearing aids have done at any time. During a trial of wearing the Wear & Hear apparatus in a noisy restaurant, I put it on the “crowd” mode and found it actually did dampen the background noise enough for me to hear the person talking to me, and enabled me to ignore all the different noises around (clattering silverware, loud children right next to our table, music piped in, and other conversations). I also tried the “music” mode in the car as I listened to a cd and enjoyed hearing the music because the earphones allowed me to hear some of the different parts of the music I often miss with my hearing aids.

What I didn’t like were the rubber “wires” that were easily yanked from the clips that kept them up near my ears. I found them more frustrating than helpful. Additionally, they got caught in my small dangling earrings I wore, and being a jewelry lover, that hampered my normal lifestyle. I know this is a small thing and could be gotten used to, but it is a feature that, if eliminated by a different product, might sway my purchase of one over the other.

One other thing that I also didn’t know how to handle was this: I am by heredity a person who profoundly perspires, and it happens not only when I labor, but during emotion, when flustered and in too much heat. The Wear&Hear reacted to the perspiration since it sits on the neck, and the earphones crackled some, then it turned off. I’m not sure if I could wear it for long at the times I have a lot of perspiration.

In conclusion of my evaluation of the Wear & Hear, I would probably love to be on the lookout for one of the newer models to see what has been changed in the way of improvement. It would definitely be something that I might use alternatively rather than replacing my hearing aids though. Some things about it I liked more than my hearing aids, I definitely liked it more than my PockeTalker, yet I still like my hearing aids on a day in/day out basis since they enable me to wear the jewelry I like to wear.

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to try this product. I think it was worth it both for my experience, and for your enlightenment by the experiences from a user.

The bottom line:

“This product produced clearer quality hearing, more so than my RIC hearing aids have done at any time.”

BeHear NOW Technical Review by HLAA Member

July 12, 2019

Technical Assessment of BeHear NOW Personal Hearing Product

♦ The following is a review submitted by Dave Robertson, active in the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) Kentucky chapters

Packaging

This device is a Bluetooth enabled stereo headset that provides an audio enhancement that you can customize to all your hearing needs.
This device is a Bluetooth enabled stereo headset that provides an audio enhancement that you can customize to all your hearing needs.

Neat and well-organized, with good quality protective case. The Quick Install Guide was clear.

The Smartphone App

Software is attractive and very intuitive. It works with no bugs! Bluetooth connection was easy to make.

The Headset

BeHear NOW personalized hearing amplifier

The design is awkward. The control buttons are awkward to use while wearing. The solution to use cable clips to take up excess cable is very basic and not entirely satisfactory. For example, suspended ear-rings get easily trapped between the cable and the headset frame.

The Technology Used

Graphic interface for finding the best sound point.

This is definitely no ‘ordinary’ headset device. The ability for the user to make his/her own audiogram profile using the smartphone app gives the user the control that is much needed by hearing device users. Also the ability for the user to be able to program separate listening profiles to suit their needs. The surprising outcome of the assessment was to find that everything relating to what was left to the user to program (audiogram and profiles) actually worked well and to a higher quality than for the expensive RIC hearing aids the user was used to wearing. This demonstrated that good quality technology had been utilized in the design and manufacture, along with a lot of thought and research into the needs of the user. As mentioned earlier, the weakest part is the physical design of the headset.

Conclusion

The fact that the headset is similar in style to those used by portable music player listeners, the user does not feel the same stigma as many people who wear hearing aids do. Also, to experience a better control of setting up the device to suit a user’s specific requirements and to also to experience a higher quality of hearing, make this device very attractive to use over standard RIC hearing aids, especially when the price point is so low comparatively.

For the user to not have to worry about battery changes and for the manufacturer to be able to take advantage of the larger physical size of the equipment to provide good battery storage and more powerful electronic components to improve hearing quality, makes this device ‘stand out in the crowd’ compared to similar devices on the market.

Apart from having a rethink about cable management and control button ergonomics, I think as a future initiative it would be useful to have an automated facility where the device can identify the environment it is being used in and be able to auto switch onto the respective profile without user intervention. This could be an option given to the user in the smart app to choose manual or auto for the selection of profiles. The parameter to decide on switch over could be set by the user using a sliding button with the app. I would also like to see T-coil implemented.

The bottom line:

“The surprising outcome of the assessment was to find that everything relating to what was left to the user to program (audiogram and profiles) actually worked well and to a higher quality than for the expensive RIC hearing aids the user was used to wearing.”

Amazon Customer Compares BeHear NOW to Other Hearables

July 10, 2019

“These are the best out there”

The BeHear NOW headset enhances hearing in three different modes: mobile phone calls, live conversations, and audio via Bluetooth.

♦ The following is a review posted by a customer on Amazon:

“First, some background. I have a hearing problem. I have hearing aids but they don’t work well in multiple situations such as in a restaurant, movie, watching tv (alone or with my wife). I have tried numerous other modalities. For TV Sennheiser headphones were good. But you need Bluetooth as well and the Bose Hearphones are excellent (and $499). I bought the IQboost (again $499 but got on special at $399) and these would be ok IF they didn’t fall out. The IQboost is to me a joke.”

The bottom line:

“I saw these at $279 and felt worth a gamble. Well, these are the best out there. Try them. If you have a hearing problem you should try these.”

Read more about how BeHear NOW compares to BOSE Hearphones in this article.

Dutch Customer Weighs in on BeHear NOW Personal Hearing Device

April 01, 2019

Veteran In-ear Hearing Aid User Reviews Assistive Hearing Solution

Built-in hearing assessment in W&H BeHear app
The free W&H BeHear app, available for iOS and Android devices, includes a self-administered Hearing Assessment to personalize the BeHear headset.

♦ Having struggled for some time with an in-ear hearing aid, I noticed the BeHear NOW headset. The problem with the in-ear system was that earwax (which seemingly I produced more than usual) quickly clogged the small speakers. Also, using many throw away batteries did not appeal to me. Changing to small rechargeable batteries solved that partly but not fully.

I did hesitate to switch to a hearing band [form factor] but this was overcome as I could make use of a trial period.

The BeHear NOW headset is a kind of multi-function device. Apart from acting as a hearing aid, one can also use it a hands-free mobile phone or as one’s private speaker connected via Bluetooth (without -noticeable- transmission delay).

As a hearing aid, one has to match the required amplification over the frequency range which is easily done via the app. The nice thing is that one can “cheat” though that is -of course- not advised.

Once properly set, the app is not needed, so it will work stand-alone.

When losing the Bluetooth transmission, the device will give you a notification. Same when you are back within range. No hassle of pairing again when momentarily going out of range.

I was pleasantly surprised by the good quality when using it as a Bluetooth headphone playing music via a tablet. The volume controls worked nicely.

Just some notes:

On the website you will find a more extensive user manual) which I recommend to read.

The band uses a battery which is charged via micro usb.

There is a microphone in each of the control boxes.

There is  a microphone in each of the earpieces.

Be prepared to play with the settings.

And, enjoy this headset!

Customer Praises BeHear NOW Personal Hearing Device

November 01, 2018

On-line Search Results in Enhanced Hearing

Built-in hearing assessment in W&H BeHear app
The hearing assessment in the W&H BeHear app allows the wearer to test his/her own hearing. The results are applied automatically to the headset for a truly personalized hearing experience — no matter what the situation!

♦ One of our first on-line customers was sufficiently moved by his experience with the BeHear NOW headset to write us about it in detail.

Thanks for your assistance in receiving the Wear & Hear.

It arrived yesterday.

At first I just tried it w/o hearing test or other adjustments except gain.

I was amazed at how much better it enhances sound than what I was using before.

Then I charged it and performed the standard test and later the advanced test.

It was incredibly good after the standard test was applied.

Then even a bit better after the advanced test.

A little additional fine tuning resulted in a bit better performance.

The android app worked well and was generally straight forward to use.

I was able to hear sounds that I don’t remember ever hearing before such as the crinkling sound when I opened the small plastic bags with the ear bud ear hooks, etc.

Dave Blackburn

Second Testimonial for BeHear NOW Assistive Hearing Headset

September 01, 2018

BeHear NOW Indiegogo Backer Shares Experience

BeHear NOW box contents♦ Prior to officially launching the BeHear NOW assistive hearing headset to worldwide markets, we launched an Indiegogo campaign to attract Beta testers. We wanted to gather opinions from “early adopters” regarding the product’s effectiveness, usability, and comfort.

After shipping the Beta version to the registered Indiegogo backers we sent out a survey to gather feedback.

However, in addition to the standard survey responses, one backer was so impressed he sent us an e-mail with the following content:

I can tell you right now, unequivocally, I love this product.  I’m only using it for hearing amplification, though.  Right out of the box, my voice sounded to me as if I were in a barrel or had a bad head cold.  After changing out the earpiece to the rubber ones with slits on the sides…all’s well!  The battery charges quickly and lasts for the day, although the device is not always powered up all day.  The preprogrammed settings work ok (although I can’t tell much of a difference between the four.  I keep it on the indoor #1  setting), and the volume adjustments are easy.  The earbud fitting is  ingenious as they stay in and are not the least bit uncomfortable.

Finally, the appearance of the entire device is pleasing as due to a bit of vanity, I’m glad they don’t look like hearing aids…(I feel as I’m blending in with what the kids wear for their music).

Great product, and I won’t even say “so far”.

Dave Johnson

March 2018 Newsletter

March 27, 2018

First Newsletter Edition Published

♦ Video clip of BeHear NOW beta user testimonial ♦ Planned participation in #AAA2018 event in Nashville ♦ Mention of Wear & Hear activities in audioXpress article ♦ Announcement of our business development activities in Europe ♦

To get these newsletters sent directly to your inbox, register here. ♦

Read the complete March 2018 newsletter here.

User Testimonial for BeHear NOW Assistive Hearing Headset

March 18, 2018

BeHear NOW Beta Tester Shares Experience

Keith Bookman, participant in Beta testing program for BeHear NOW in Israel, provides a testimonial about the product’s effectiveness and comfort.

BeHear NOW is a is a multi-functional, high-performance, low-cost alternative to traditional hearing aids. It is a self-tunable, truly personal Bluetooth® headset featuring advanced signal processing with hearing enhancement and assistive listening capabilities.

Prior to officially launching the product to worldwide markets, we have been running focus groups and organizing beta testing programs to make sure that the units are effective, intuitive, and comfortable.

In this video interview, Keith Bookman of Moshav Ya’ad in the Lower Galilee, Israel, describes his experience with traditional hearing aids, and contrasts that with his impressions of the BeHear NOW headset, on his first day, and then again after two weeks of use:

BeHear NOW is scheduled for launch in the United States in April 2018, at the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Launches in other markets will take place later this year.

For more information about BeHear NOW, including pricing and availability, register for our newsletter.