Sontro Soundwave Expert Review

The Sontro Soundwave is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2022, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.97/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device uses disposable batteries and is priced at $849, placing it in the middle tier of the OTC market.

In our testing, the Soundwave demonstrates mixed performance across key metrics. Its standout strength is own-voice comfort, scoring 3.6/5—a solid result that sits 1.10 points above the OTC category average. Speech understanding in quiet environments also performs well at 3.1/5, which is 0.45 points above average for the category. However, speech in noise remains a challenge at 1.2/5, matching the category average but reflecting the difficulty many OTC devices have in complex listening environments.

The Soundwave's most significant limitations appear in music streaming and feedback handling. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, falling 1.87 points below the category average—making it unsuitable for those who prioritize audio entertainment through their hearing aids. Feedback handling at 2.5/5 is also 2.03 points below average, which may present challenges in certain wearing situations.

At this price point, buyers should consider that several competitors offer notably stronger performance. The Sontro Soundwave may appeal to users who prioritize natural own-voice sound and basic speech clarity in quieter settings, but those seeking versatile audio performance or better value may want to explore alternatives.