Taking a Hearing Test with Embrace

Unlike traditional hearing aid companies that sell their products through in-person hearing clinics, Embrace sells their hearing aids directly to consumers on their website. Rather than going into an office, Embrace uploads your most recent audiogram results from a hearing clinic into their system to get you fitted for your hearing aids. If you haven’t had an audiogram recently, they offer an online test users can take; however, per Mr. Wright, they really prefer to use a more comprehensive test from an audiologist for the highest accuracy. This puts them ahead of most other top hearing aid providers with online offerings in terms of having an audiologist custom program your hearing aids to the results of your test.

Embrace can’t perform Real Ear Measurements (REM), which is the preferred “best practice” for the industry. To be fair, less than 30 percent of traditional face-to-face fittings include this measurement, so I don’t really ding them too hard for that.

The Embrace Hearing Aid Lineup

Embrace’s current product line features technology manufactured by Sonova and Signia, including receiver-in-canal (RIC) and universal-fit CIC (Completely-In-Canal) devices. Embrace’s prices range from $899 to $2,199 per ear. These products are suitable for mild to profound hearing loss, and all products have a 45-day return option. Let’s take a look at Embrace’s two hearing aid families below!

NX-Series

Embrace’s NX-Series hearing aids are based on the Phonak Marvel chip and include integrated Bluetooth streaming for both iOS and Android devices. That means they’re best for those who want to stream sound from their phone, like music, videos, or phone calls, straight to their hearing aids. Prices range from $899 to $2,199 per device, and they are available with disposable or rechargeable batteries, depending on your preference.

X-Series hearing aids

NX-Series hearing aids are compatible with Embrace’s TV Streamer ($299) to improve speech understanding from the television, particularly in large reverberant rooms. Embrace also offers a Partner Mic to improve hearing during one-on-one conversations in noisy settings ($299). In addition to buttons on the hearing aids, a smartphone app is included to provide a remote control for these devices so you can easily adjust settings throughout your day; a remote control accessory that takes the place of the smartphone app is available for $199.

All NX-series devices have a three-year warranty, which is one of the most extended warranties in the industry. For comparison, Jabra Enhance also offers a three-year warranty, plus three years of follow-up care, while Eargo hearing aids come with a one or two-year warranty depending on the mode. Embrace’s warranty makes it an excellent choice for those who want long-term protection and support.

C-Series

C-Series CIC hearing aids

The C-Series is best for those who want a discreet, in-the-ear solution thanks to its completely-in-canal (CIC) design. This is designed to fit most ears with a range of user-selectable silicone sleeves for the best fit. Some customer reviews note that fitting the domes correctly can be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, they fit well and are nearly invisible.

Both C-Series models use disposable batteries and are compatible with a free smartphone app and the Standard Remote for $99. C-Series hearing aids range in price from $899 to $1,399 each and have a three-year warranty.

Using the Embrace mobile app for minor adjustments. Photo credit: Embrace Hearing

How Does Embrace Compare to Other Hearing Aid Brands?

Embrace’s online sales model allows them to offer return policies, warranties, and technology similar to more traditional brick-and-mortar brands at a discount of around 50 percent. Readers of our other reviews will see that from a “hardware” perspective, Embrace sells higher-end models than other “white label” manufacturers I’ve reviewed, like Jabra Enhance.

The thing that sets Embrace apart is their “concierge” approach to hearing care. According to the company, when you send in your audiogram, an Embrace audiologist will not only program your hearing aids, but they’ll also be your point of contact for any future needs. If you have questions or need your hearing aids adjusted, your audiologist will be there to assist you. This personalized approach is similar to the relationship you hopefully develop with a more traditional brick-and-mortar clinic but offers the advantage of 24/7 support.

Online Resources from Embrace

Embrace has a nicely laid out website with several detailed “how-to” videos, covering all the main topics of “hearing aid orientation” usually covered at a face-to-face fitting. These are well-shot videos, but one important thing to note is that I didn’t see any way to enable closed captions. For a visual learner like myself, this was no problem, but I can imagine some folks would really need the closed captions. However, if you’re looking for visual content, these videos address many common questions and concerns you may have.

A few of Embrace's how-to videos

Final Thoughts on Embrace Hearing Aids

Online companies like Embrace are a convenient option for both new and experienced users. Given that they use well-proven technology from reputable manufacturers, I have no qualms about giving them the thumbs up for consideration. Customer reviews for Embrace commend the company for its excellent support and devices that improve hearing for mild to moderate hearing loss. Many reviewers are long-term customers, which speaks to the quality of the company and its offerings.

From a technology standpoint, I was very pleased that all of their RIC devices have telecoils. Overall, Embrace is an excellent option for most folks with mild to profound hearing loss who want personalized attention and seniors who can’t or aren’t comfortable with face-to-face care at this time.