Are you tired of constantly asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to hear in noisy environments? The Etymotic Bean may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This small, discreet device amplifies sound without sacrificing clarity or quality.
But does it live up to its promises? In this review, we’ll look at the Etymotic Bean and see if it’s worth the investment.
First, we’ll dive into the features of the Etymotic Bean, including its size, design, and battery life. Then, we’ll test it in different environments to see how well it performs. Finally, we’ll weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if the Etymotic Bean (Enlite) suits your hearing needs.
In This Article:
How does Etymotic Bean compare to a PSAP or Hearing aid?
The Etymotic Bean is a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP) designed to enhance the sounds of speech and ambient noises for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. In comparison to other sound amplifiers and hearing aids, it offers several unique features.
Firstly, the Etymotic Bean amplifies low sounds and speech, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with hearing conversation or softer noises. Next, it uses a sophisticated amplification circuit to increase the level of speech frequencies, boosting quieter conversations while avoiding additional amplification of loud background noises.
This results in more precise and louder speech than background noises. It also reduces the volume of excessively loud sounds, such as fireworks or the strike of a drum, making it more comfortable to use in various environments.
Unlike hearing aids, the Etymotic Bean, as a PSAP, is not subject to state or federal regulations and is available without a medical referral or prescription.
Etymotic Bean (Enlite) Sound Amplifier Review
The Etymotic Bean Amplifier is an excellent choice for those who want something that will protect their hearing but will still allow them to be able to hear what’s going on around them very clearly.
They reduce or stabilize loud noises, such as fireworks and percussion, but boost sounds such as speech. You have two levels of enhancement, which you will be able to monitor with the switch of a button.
The Etymotic Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier has a range of features designed to help improve your auditory experience:
Sound Amplification: The device is primarily designed to enhance soft sounds, especially those of speech, so that you can hear conversations more clearly.
Volume Adjustment: The Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier can automatically adjust the volume of your environment. It enhances soft sounds, while loud noises like fireworks or a drum strike are reduced for your comfort.
Mode Selection: The Bean offers two enhancement levels, Normal and High. You can adjust it according to the communication situation you are in.
16kHz Bandwidth: This device has a 16kHz bandwidth, double that of other personal sound amplifiers. This broad bandwidth can help to enhance the quality of sound you hear.
Ease of Use: The Bean is designed to be easy to set up and use. There’s no need for adjustments as the device makes sound adjustments automatically depending on the situation.
Battery Life: The Bean uses #10 Zinc-air batteries, the same type used by many hearing aids. The device can function continuously for about 9-10 days. Turning off the device when not in use and opening the battery door can extend battery life.
Starter Kit: The Bean starter kit includes the amplifier, batteries, a filter tool and extra filters, a leather carrying case, and seven different sizes and types of ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit.
It’s worth noting that while the Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier can improve hearing in various situations, it is not a hearing aid. Instead, it is most beneficial for individuals who need a slight boost in hearing in specific conditions, such as in restaurants, during one-on-one conversations, or in meetings.
What’s included in the box?
The Bean (ready to use), several size ear tips so you can choose the most comfortable, filter removal tool and replacement filters, cleaning brush, 10 zinc-air batteries, leather pouch so you can store and carry the amplifier with you wherever you like.
Pros of Ety Bean
The Bean has a built-in sensor that adjusts to the ambient sound level. This feature can be particularly beneficial for someone who desires some amplification but not on a full-time basis like a traditional hearing aid.
It offers two modes to choose from, Normal or High, and has a 16kHz bandwidth, which is double that of other personal sound amplifiers. This allows for a broader range of sound frequency amplification, which can enhance the overall sound quality.
In terms of power, the Bean uses regular No. 10 hearing aid batteries. Its sophisticated analog processing results in a natural sound and low battery drain, leading to batteries lasting 2-5 times longer than those in digital hearing devices.
You can remove the battery and clean them with The Best Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers, which we have also reviewed.
Discreet Design
They have a small form, which sits within the profile of the outer ear.
In addition to this, you can purchase them in 3 colors: brushed gold, bronze and platinum, so you can choose one that matches your skin tone.
Long Battery Life:
When you first buy the Bean, it will come with 10 zinc-air style batteries. A single battery will last up to 12 days, so you don’t have to worry about changing it for nearly two weeks.
Once the battery starts running low, an audible low battery indicator will let you know that it’s time to change it.
Cons of Etymotic Hearing Amplifiers
However, the Etymotic Bean has its drawbacks. Compared to certain other devices like the Sound World Solutions CS50+, it replicates the quality of a hearing aid but only at 70% of the level.
It does not have Bluetooth capabilities and does not have directional microphones, which can help avoid background noise in specific environments.
The Etymotic Bean Quiet Sound Amplifier is designed for individuals who want to amplify soft sounds in their environment but don’t require the full-time assistance of a hearing aid.
It’s beneficial for those who struggle to hear conversations in less-than-ideal listening environments, as the device boosts soft, high-pitched sounds found in speech. The Bean is also suitable for people who find it challenging to hear quiet sounds and voices.
As a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP), the Bean can be bought without a medical referral or prescription. This makes it accessible to a wider range of users, including seniors, who might find it an affordable alternative to custom-fitted hearing aids.
If necessary, you can even use them with hearing amplified telephones. So whether you’re a musician or want to hear the television and your conversations with people more clearly, these are an excellent choice.
You can also check out Otofonix Hearing Amplifiers, a comparable product.
The main function of hearing amplifiers is to enhance softer noises that you’re exposed to in your environment. There are plenty of people who will find these useful, especially musicians.
Etymotic is a brand that has marketed its products towards musicians and composers. However, anyone who requires hearing protection earplugs and sound amplifiers have the option of using the brand’s products.
These earplugs above are another option meant for musicians who want to be able to hear what’s going on around them without having to take out their earplugs.
It’s mostly meant for musicians, music teachers, directors, performers, security, and others working in loud environments involving music.
Since they are powered electronically, you will enhance soft sounds with the flip of a switch. And louder sounds, such as cymbals, percussion, and more, will be blocked out.
Depending on what you want, the earplugs provide either 9 or 15 decibels of protection, which you will be able to control with a switch on the side. These are very small, so they will be virtually unnoticeable when you’re wearing them.
They claim to allow you to hear softer noises very clearly, and the best part is that they’re comfortable. While you might not be able to get a custom fit, the box they come in does provide you with multiple-sized ear tips so that you can find ones that fit you the best.
They also come with a protective case, neck cord, cleaning tool, batteries, and a user manual.
The following are not technically marketed as being hearing amplifiers, but one of their functions is to enable the user to hear voices and other soft sounds much more clearly.
These are some of the highest-rated earplugs manufactured by Etymotic, even though they are not necessarily considered to be hearing amplifiers.
They are also extremely inexpensive, making them a great form of hearing protection for people looking for more affordable.
Your ears will remain protected from some of the louder noises, including concerts, theaters, and more, but if you are a musician, you will be able to hear your own instrument more clearly and how it blends with the others.
Soft noises such as voices and music will sound clearer, but to a point where The earplugs will protect your hearing.
About Etymotic Research
The company Etymotic Research was founded more than 30 years ago by Ph.D. Mead Killion in Illinois, US.
Its mission is to design products that improve the lives of people with hearing loss and protect the hearing of people exposed to loud noises and sounds in their everyday lives.
The company has 60 employees, including audio engineers, audiologists and musicians, all working together on creating superior sound quality products. Over the years, they have generated over 100 patents (issued and pending).
Will You Try Etymotic Hearing Amplifiers?
The Etymotic Bean (now sometimes called the Etymotic Enlite Quiet PSAP) is a versatile PSAP with unique features like specific speech frequency amplification, ambient sound level adjustment, two operation modes, and extended battery life.
It can be an excellent option for those who need amplification but do not require a full-time hearing aid. It’s essential, though, for potential users to be aware of its limitations and compare it to other available devices to ensure it meets their specific needs.
Getting hearing amplifiers is a good choice for those who want to protect their hearing and maintain the ability to listen to what’s going on around them.
Softer noises such as speech, TV sound and music will be amplified, whereas your ears will be protected from loud noises like fireworks, drums (perfect if you’re a musician), and crowds.
The Etymotic Bean Amplifier provides superior sound clarity; they are small in size and convenient for any situation you’re in. The Etymotic brand is to be marketed towards musicians in general, but anyone who feels the need to use them may do so. You can also find Etymotic earphones & headphones.
