Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus Hero
Expert
Choice

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus Expert Review

Premium Amplifier
Released 
2023

Summary

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is a premium amplification product priced at $850 that achieved an A grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing, ranking #4 among 7 amplification products tested. This visible-in-ear device represents one of the stronger performers in its category, with a SoundScore of 4.07 compared to the category average of 2.79.

The standout strength of the Conversation Clear Plus is its exceptional speech-in-noise performance, measuring nearly 3 points above the category average—a substantial margin that reflects Sennheiser's focus on conversational clarity in challenging listening environments. Music streaming quality also impressed, scoring a perfect 5.0, which aligns with Sennheiser's audio heritage. Feedback handling proved excellent with no stability concerns in our testing.

However, the device shows notable weaknesses. Speech in quiet performance measured below average, and own-voice comfort was the most significant limitation, scoring well below average due to occlusion effects from the closed dome coupling. Users who are sensitive to hearing their own voice may find this bothersome.

The Conversation Clear Plus is best suited for consumers who prioritize understanding speech in noisy environments and value premium music streaming quality. Those seeking maximum speech clarity in quiet settings or who are concerned about own-voice occlusion may want to consider alternatives. The device has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024.

In the initial fit condition using a closed dome, the Conversation Clear Plus delivered above-average overall performance with a fit score of 2.91. Speech in noise was a clear strength at 3.60, well exceeding the category norm. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0, and music streaming matched this with perfect marks. However, speech in quiet measured below average at 2.0, and own-voice comfort was notably poor at 0.60 due to occlusion from the closed coupling. Users should expect strong performance in challenging listening environments out of the box, but may experience some discomfort with their own voice.

The tuned fit condition, also using a closed dome, showed modest improvement with the fit score increasing by 0.20 points to 3.11. Speech in quiet improved slightly to 2.50, and speech in noise edged up to 3.70. Feedback handling and music streaming remained excellent at 5.0. Own-voice comfort remained unchanged at 0.60, indicating the occlusion concern persists regardless of tuning adjustments. The relatively small gains from tuning suggest the initial fit captures most of this device's performance potential.

Lab Review Scores

A
SoundGrade
Initial Score
4.0
Tuned Score
4.2
Expert
Choice
Speech in quiet
best
2.0
5.0
Own voice
best
0.6
5.0
Speech in noise
best
3.6
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
5.0
5.0

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Lab recordings

Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus Lab

Lab notes

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Closed Dome
Tuned Fitting
Closed Dome

Specs

Visible in Ear
Visible in Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free