Sontro Soundwave Expert Review

The Sontro Soundwave is a mid-priced behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid released in 2022, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.9/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. At $849, it falls in the mid-range of OTC pricing but ranks #37 of 63 devices in its category.

In our testing, the Soundwave shows a mixed performance profile. Its strongest attribute is own-voice comfort, scoring 3.6/5—a solid result that sits 1.11 points above the OTC category average of 2.49/5. Speech clarity in quiet environments also performs respectably at 3.1/5, which is 0.46 points above average. However, speech in noise scores just 1.2/5, which is above the category average of 1.13/5 but remains low in absolute terms for challenging listening situations.

Significant limitations emerge in streaming and feedback handling. Music streaming scores 0.0/5, falling 1.93 points below the category average—users who prioritize phone audio streaming should look elsewhere. Feedback handling at 2.5/5 is 2.03 points below the OTC average of 4.53/5, indicating potential stability concerns during movement or when objects approach the ear.

The Soundwave uses disposable batteries rather than rechargeables. Buyers in this price range may want to consider alternatives: several competitors offer notably higher scores, while products like the Lexie Lumen deliver comparable performance at a lower price point. The Soundwave may suit users who prioritize own-voice comfort and quiet conversation over streaming features or demanding acoustic environments.