Thanks for this review! Out of all the reviews I've browsed through for these earbuds, this review was the most useful in helping me make a purchasing decision!
Highly appreciated the effort! Subbed your channel for this type of quality work. I am currently using bone conducting earphones, which work nice with my specific impairment, but obviously not as a hearing aid. Another interesting upcoming topic are special ANC buds for sleeping (e.g. with a snoring partner).
I have tested these in a number of challenging situations. I have found them to be extraordinarily useful. Using the software, I can dial in my hearing on the spot. I've been very impressed. ANC remains a bit of a mystery.
I pre ordered a pair of these back in March and they are finally supposed to be delivered this next Monday. Quite the delay due to covid. I was hoping the ANC and focus would help with background noise. I plan on trying a few phone apps for tinnitus. Dr Cliff, thank you for putting them through the paces so I know what to expect!
I'm no audiologist, but I've had a chance to use MAX for over a month now, and uh... parts of this review seem suspect. The ANC is outstanding in my experience. Working at my desk the noise of a nearby fan and the kids watching TV in the other room goes away completely. The directional hearing seems to work well too, though I haven't really been able to test it in an environment with lots of voices due to COVID. Anyhow, I think the product is better than he gives it credit for here, and I'm real happy with set.
I like the IQBuds, however, it calls into question the consistency of each set of devices. With hearing aids, every hearing aid has to be put through quality control when they arrive at the office to verify that they meet the manufacturers specifications. It is plausible that the functionality of my devices were faulty because no quality control measures were performed after shipping. Approximately fifteen percent of hearing aids, that cost thousands of dollars, fail quality control checks in the office. Do you get the Loud Popping artifact when you clap your hands? I can't imagine that this is happening on every set of IQbuds.
@@DrCliffAuD that's nuts that 15% don't pass QC checks. I work in the auto parts industry and we wouldn't have a job if our parts had a 15% failure rate. So do the manufacturers correct the problems and sell them as refurbished?
@@DrCliffAuD Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I have no doubt in the standards of your testing, so based on your comments I suspect that maybe you did just get a faulty set. I usually work on a desktop computer with a relatively noisy internal fan. With ANC on, that noise immediately disappears. That's the main discrepancy between my experience and what you're reporting. I have no way to measure the effectiveness of the Focus function other than my own perception, so I'll defer your machinery on that one. The popping sound with clapping is not something I've noticed. I did however literally just get an email about a Firmware update - among the improvements listed is: "You’ll experience automatic improvement in noise reduction of sudden and sharp sounds"
LOVE the videos Dr. Cliff, I’ve learned so much! I got a set of these just a few days ago for Christmas. Overall pleased that they are comfortable to wear with my reading glasses, but they are definitely not perfect. I have a moderate L and mild R reverse slope hearing loss, with the moderate loss at the edges of the Ear ID ability (based on your video). Before tuning them, the earbuds were horrible and decreased the volume more than increased. After tuning, they provide modest amplification but not as strong as my regular hearing aids. I don’t get the whistling or clicking that you report but find that they give total occlusion with World Off and I can’t hear a finger snap. For my tuning, I find that the World EQ useful but that the SINC setting makes voices sound totally jumbled for me. Agree more channels to customize would be good.
Thank you Doctor Cliff for the review. I am disappointed after reading some comments that it doesn't really help with tinnitus. I was going to specifically buy it for that. I believe that is how it was partly marketed. I have tried many things and was hoping this would provide some relief.
The reason why you hear feedback, even though you have a closed dome, is likely because the internal stability of the device is poor. It looks like the membranes of the mics are parallel with that of the dynamic speaker, which are moving relatively vigorously back and forth, thus mechanically exciting the mics. Normally, in BTEs at least, the membranes of mics and receiver are perpendicular to each other for this exact reason. Usually a balanced armature is also used, since is moving less around. Dynamic drivers are good for ANC though, since they deliver more constant sound pressure which is very helpful to combat the external noise levels and which also makes them more leakage tolerant ... quite a shame that they could not get the ANC working, according to your measurements. Alternatively, it could be that the internal construction is not airtight, hereby leading sound from the speaker directly to the mics via the inside of the shells. To sum up; the feedback you experience is likely not an external leakage problem, but rather internal leakage or mechanical instability or maybe even both.
@@ricklevitt2650 Hi :) I don't think so since Dr. Cliff pointed out that he tried all the eartips to get rid of the feedback. It would be quite a surprise to me if none of the eartpis would provide a good seal, especially since they both supply silicone and foam type eartips (each in 3 different sizes). Also, I would expect Cliff to be an experienced user when it comes to proper insertion. Furthermore, I believe he mentioned a bunch of occlusion, which point to the fact that the eartips are indeed sealing quite well. In addition to that, the REM measurements show a dampening at low frequencies, likely also because of a good seal and no amplification at these frequencies.
@@ricklevitt2650 I guess that makes sense. Turning the volume down is likely stabilizing the feedback loop as there's not as much gain applied. Turning the ANC on will make the noise cancelling algorithm try to combat the feedback as it's noise that the system doesn't think it's generating itself.
What type of device would you recommend to help with APD? My hearing from a hearing test isn't bad enough to really qualify for hearing aids, it's just that my brain has trouble processing sound properly.
Dr Cliff, I had these before I got my real hearing aids and noticed none of the issues you noticed in your review. The ANC and directionality were flawless.
You certainly put them through their paces with this review! I’m not to sure you are fully appreciating nor understanding just how hard this technology is to engineer within this form factor and at a $399 price point. I was focusing heavily on the comparisons you were keen to make with an actual hearing aid fitted by an audiologist. However I failed to gain an overall perspective as I don’t recall any consideration / comparison in relation to price point. Can you please remind me how much one would expect to pay for an audiologist fitted hearing aid to overcome mild to moderate hearing loss? Thanks in advance for your pending reply.
I totally understand the difficulties of engineering a product inside of that price point. I attempt to justify it all the time when people say that modern hearing aids should cost only $20. Since this is not a hearing aid, I decided not to directly compare it to a hearing aid. Just wouldn't be fair. However, if I had to, I would say that it is no where near comparable to even the most basic hearing aid, even for mild to moderate hearing loss. However, it does outperform most hearing aids from a music quality standpoint. The large dynamic driver does a really good job at driving bass, and because you need to occlude your ear canals, you actually perceive it.
I like the way you do your reviews because you go into more detailed of the device functions of the device you are talking about keep up the excellent work
Dr. Cliff, I am considering buying these for my mild hearing impairment. I also have chronic tinnitus that's pretty severe. I was wondering if these would help dull the "noise" that I hear constantly from the tinnitus?
I enjoyed your video. I have some questions. Do you have suggestions for other hearing devices that are like this or like th whose HearBuds (that are now discontinued)?
Thank you Doctor Cliff, your video was very useful to understand what IQ Buds can and cannot do. As you have said many times in your videos, the performance of these Ear Buds is going to vary from person to person. I have a pair on order mainly to provide better quality streaming for Podcasts and Music, as most hearing aids lack in providing higher fidelity music/streaming. I have a mild to moderate hearing loss and hope to improve the quality of listening from my iPhone and also hope to be able to hear a cell phone call with better clarity with ANC.
This review was great. Gave me the I info I need. Have you had a chance to see the new Olive Pro which is being shipped to the public around the end of February 2021?
Thanks for the thorough review! By far the best I've been able to find on this product. One question I still have is about how customizable the focus mode settings are. I would like to be able to "focus" on one side due to single-sided hearing loss, but I haven't been able to find whether that's an option, or if you can only choose to isolate sounds coming from the front. I realize that from your analysis this feature may not work well anyway, but I'm curious if the option exists in the app, or whether there would be any other way to configure the device such that it acted a bit like a CROS hearing aid, but with the added benefit of speech enhancement.
I can't understand why the buds are sticking out so far beyond your ears - I think you must be using the wrong size tips. Wearing my pair of Max the buds are pretty much flush with the side of my head
I don't see how it would be physically possible for these to be flush with the side of your head unless you had an anatomical abnormality. The tips that I ended up selecting were selected due to the acoustic seal they needed to create. Guess everyone's ears and skull are different.
Dr. Cliff, I sat next to my air conditioning intake where I can hear the air sucking in and the blower motor running. I then toggled my IQBudsMax between ANC and OFF (in world off mode). There was a huge difference in what I heard. With ANC on, I could hardly hear the low frequency rumbling noise at all compared to OFF where I could clearly hear the noises even though the mics were off. So, ANC works great for me! I wonder if you could do the same or similar experiment to see if you can perceive the same results as me?
@@DrCliffAuD My experience mirrors yours. ANC does absolutely nothing I can detect in rooms with computer fans and AC blower noise. Bose QC-15 headphones deliver crypt-like silence, by contrast.
Hi Dr Cliff. Were you thinking of evaluating the Jabra Elite 85t or 75t? There MySound+ app does a hearing test but I am unclear if it is as good as the Nuheara one. Thanks
Love your 'detailed reviews', esp. your tests of the Nuheara with professional equipment, and your objectivity. Thank you. I'd love to see your test of the Olive Pro buds.
Great vid. Had mine 3 days and this vid is pretty much spot on to my experience. I don't get the clicking with load noises but agree focus does nothing, and would love the ability to equalise myself not just select a world mode. Expected that to be on these. Also not sure you can change buds to tap and change world mode. Just switch mode on or off. Think charging world by taping is required.
So doesn't the issue of not being able to successfully control acoustic feedback negate the usefulness of the ear buds for speech intelligibility in the case of say a small group of workers in an an office setting ? In other words, say I needed to turn the gain up (for the case of a mild to moderate hearing loss) in order to get a comfortable level of sound delivered to the ear canal - is feedback an issue? I ask form the point of view of not having used or tried the Nuhera Max . You brought in the issue of feedback problems right at the very end -0 and it puts a spanner in the works of your evaluation of the devices.
Dr Cliff this is a super review, so interesting from start to finish. I like what theyre doing around a universally designed product instead of a hearing aid form factor. It will be hard for them to reduce the size though as to me it still looks like their amplification processor is not strong enough. They will never compete in my opinion with other buds so it must be primarily a decent (if not the best) hearing aid that happens to stream music. I can imagine that younger Deaf and HOH people would accept a little less amplification for a little less social stigma.
I would love a 'hearable' that would work for moderate hearing loss. You saved me some time watching the video. When you got to part about phone conversation echo.
James Duffy I bought the IQBUDS 2 Max and love them! Life changing! I’m deaf in my left ear do to the mumps. He didn’t mention the software update that make them better than they were. You really need to read the reviews for people who bought them and use them at the Nuheara website.
Dr cliff.. please help... what would be best for my aging mother with moderate hearing loss.. the IQbuds2 MAX or the BeHear Access by Wear & Hear - Advanced??
I also would like to hear a comparison between these and the Bose headphones. Like what is the difference between these and the Bose in the streaming mode?
I purchased the original iqbuds, but ended up returning them when I found out that they can't be used independently. Most wireless earbuds can be used one at a time in mono mode while the other is charging (for continuous functionality). Did they fix this issue with the MAX? The originals also did not have a way to power them off - or back on- if you didn't bring the case with you. Additionally, they didn't have multi- connection bluetooth functionality for being connected to a phone and computer simultaneously. To me, that was inexcusable at their price- point.
If those are your criteria that must be met, you would be disappointed. Otherwise, I find the IQbuds2 Max to be significantly better than the original IQBuds.
Thanks for the review! I was wondering if you could do a Head-To-Head w/ the IQ Buds vs the Bose Hearphones? Also, is it worth waiting for the new Low Energy LE Audio (LC3) versions of these?
Bose stopped making the Hearphones. My 9 month old unit just crapped out on one side. Full refund, but so much for the Hearphones... :( I liked them in meetings but the neck wrap and dangling buds on strings was pretty unwieldy...
@@billhyde6659 no, I haven’t tried them yet but I’m getting ready to pull the trigger. The MD Hearing Aids that I bought work, but they basically just amplify everything regardless of the settings. I primarily need it for office and boardroom environments, not necessarily noisy restaurants etc. There’s a huge market here for somebody to get it right. Surprised and disappointed that Bose pulled out…
@@ralphhaney3565 - I'm close to buying as well. I have two sets of hearphones and they work great but the neck ring design is a pain. For me it is listening in crowded venues and to help with tinnitus. You are right - definitely a market.
As for the comment that the Nuhera features are hard to engineer at a $399 price point I cry "nonsense." As an EE with 46 years in the business I know what goes into these units. As time goes by the tech gets more understood (through published papers and reverse engineering) and greatly simpler to implement. What makes earbuds/aid units more expensive is size, fit, battery life and reliability in a hostile user environment, as well as extra feature like wireless charging, and a good app for multiple operating environments. 20 years ago the electronics would have been untouchable, and unavailable at any price. Now the electronics Is a chip with a bunch of software, way less electronics and software then in a cheap cellphone. The hearing aid industry, charging you 3-5 thousand dollars for an aid are completely, utterly, and certainly stealing from you. Audiologists that charge you for a service to set them up I say not, at least the good one. They have specialized knowledge and equipment, plus spend considerable time with you. Say their time is worth $250 an hour and they spend three hours with you. Lets say a good bud ought to cost $500 dollars. that's $1750, for a pair, say there is a 30% markup and the best system in the world prescribed by the best audiologist in the world should cost about $2300, not $4000-6000. Perhaps the justification is in the limited customer base. Not too many folks are buying them so they have to charge more. What if they charged less? There are plenty of boomers. Has they industry priced themselves out of their customer base? Especially disappointing was Dr. Cliffs recent (Aug 2022) prediction that the new OTC rules would make little difference in prices. I now expect that OTC aids will be no better than the Nuheara debacle, but will await developments in the next few months.
I have Jlabs headphones which are nice and when I have the ambient sound on I also get the popping noise as well. However it's only when its first activated, then it barely seems to work after that, either loud noises or noises close to my earbud activate it. It's not very good, I hope the Qbuds work better at least in my diminished ear?
I have just ordered this before watching your video. We all know that Japanese are good at making the tiniest gadget ever. I wish they can make one of this to a tiny buds. That would be awesome. Jeez I hate big ear buds and can't believe I purchase this.
They stick out a bit on me too. But I've heard they have more silicon chips in these (including a DSP) to do the hearing augmentation plus play music, and a 9mm audio driver for good bass response. Perhaps the rechargeable battery could be smaller in the future.
May I ask why you haven’t chosen to remove this review after freely admitting you must have received ‘busted devices’? From reading through all the comments you clearly have tested a faulty pair. Do the right thing and request a free replacement set so you can retest and review. Why you may ask? Well I appreciate the difference these have made to my hearing loss and I spent many previous years being priced out of a so called hearing aid and I don’t wish others like me to watch this review and be put off buying a product which may just change their life for a fraction off the cost. For those in a similar position to me, take the plunge and get yourself a set and take confidence in them just being included in Time magazines annual top 100 tech innovations of 2020. The very well respected Time reviewer clearly didn’t review a fault set.
I'm often challenged with my small ears and sealing out the outside noise. The best-fitting earbuds that I've used are UE fits, however, they often don't pair. Can you make custom ear tips for various earbuds?
I have never had a focus feature really work on my hearing aids. A lot of the issues you mentioned seemed like it could be solved with a software update. Hopefully they do over the air updates.
I just received mine in the mail today. I'm returning them. I don't like occlusion. They're uncomfortable in the ear in general. The app "World" tab is bugged (you can't exit that tab). Even after pairing I often have to disconnect them from my phone's bluetooth then reconnect them before the app works. The last straw was when it deleted my hearing test data which took ten minutes to collect the first time. Huge disappointment.
What kind of phone do you have? That really makes a difference in using earbuds like these. Your tech is only as good as what it is connected too. I have a note 10 plus running Android 12. It will have a different effect with an older phone running Android 10. And with Apple software. They should tell you which version these work well with. This is the same for Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth headphones and what they can handle.
These seem very similar to the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro in capability. Can you test the Liberty Air Pro and see how it compares with the IQBuds Max2?
I just saw your question. I can hear sound through the left before I put the right one in. Do all the features work with just the left in? I'm not sure.
I don't know about anti-tinnitus apps, but I notice that my high frequency tinnitus is barely noticeable when using these buds, after doing the inbuilt hearing assessment of course. I assume that the tinnitus masks the higher frequency tones in the hearing test which causes the buds to automatically increase the sound (or music) volume at higher frequencies.
I am curious , do you plan to contact Nuheara about issues to see if in fact you have a faulty set? Im hoping you have a bad set as I was about to purchase them and now am holding off. The issue with popping and no function of the focus feature along with comments from others makes me suspect that you in fact don't have a properly working product.
I have had good open communication with the CEO and engineers at Nuheara for the past 3 years. We have already discussed the review and are looking into getting a different set of devices to checkout.
@@DrCliffAuD I have had my buds for two weeks. My noise canceling feature is also not working. Did you ever get that sorted out? If my buds are faulty, I’ll exchange them. If the anc on these buds is just terrible on all of them, I’ll return them.
@@DrCliffAuD I received a new set and, as far as I can tell, the ANC is not working on this set either. I think that maybe I can tell a small difference between "World Off" and ANC, but it's such a small difference that it might just be my imagination. Not sure what to do from here. Is there some objective test that I can do, without specialized equipment, to determine whether, and how much, the ANC is working?
Personally, I prefer the IQBuds. I really don't like having something around my neck. I would say that the Hearphones are more comfortable inside of my ears, and have the ability to amplify sound a bit better, but otherwise, it's IQBuds all the way!
@Al Jo I agree about the environmental options for the Hearphones are better than the set of IQbuds2 Max that I tested, but I speculate that the ones I tested may have been faulty. I think the IQbuds match a NAL-NL 2 prescription better initially than the Hearphones though.
I've been using the Bose Hearphones for about nine months and the left-side microphone just died. After calling Support I learned they no longer make the Hearphones, so I cannot receive a replacement unit. However, they are providing a full refund of the original amount paid. The Hearphones were very helpful, the software was great, but I think I'll give these IQBuds a shot now. I also have a set of MD Hearing Aid units that are basically amplifiers that blow your ears out when someone drops their spoon! Long-term I may just book an appt. with Dr. Cliff once flying to Phoenix becomes a viable option again...
I actually tried the iqbuds a few weeks ago and although higher tech they were way inferior to the hearphones in my situation. So hearing that bose isnt coming out with something new and compact is dejecting. I guess ill have to take care of mine better.
@@eastons22126 I asked Bose Support if they had a suggestion for a replacement to the Hearphones. They suggested their Quiet Comfort ear buds, but they aren’t really hearing aids they’re just high-tech ear buds. Disappointing!
So summing up the very extensive review and all the comments I’m left with the feeling that these are really good for music but not a lot else. They are are also too large and therefore quite obtrusive. And the after sales is service is very slow or almost non existent. Pity - I was close to ordering a pair to use as another option to my normal hearing aids. I guess you really do get what you pay for. With regular aids costing thousands of dollars we shouldn’t expect a lot from something costing a few hundred.
Thank you so much for the great review. The IQ are a good listening device, but as a hearing enhancement, they do not compare with the Bose Hearing Enhancement Headphones (unfortunately they stop making it)
Would you say the hearing enhancement on these is better than previous generations of IQ Buds? Or would it be better to save some cash and go with an older version?
Hello! I was just diagnosed with Meniers. I have auditory processing hearing loss and advanced tinnitus. I was wondering if you think this is an alternative to the Noise Masker hearing aide that I am thinking of getting but that hearing aide is $1700 while this is much much cheaper. I love your videos btw and i share your meniers video to explain to people what’s wrong with me.
Thanks for the support! It really becomes a question of what you want. Hearing aids seem to blend more seamlessly for daily use. The IQ Buds are great, but not a daily wear option so it depends on if you want to use devices temporarily throughout the day or if you want to use the tech all day long.
Doctor Cliff, AuD I need all day wear so I think you have given me great advice I’ve also watched a few of your other videos and realized that noise maskers maybe what I need. Are there different kinds from different companies?
I have ADHD and it is most effected by my hearing. Sound effects me so much that I often can't complete sentences if there is music or anyone else talking at the same time, even if they aren't talking to me (I don't do well at parties). I'm looking at options to limit what I can hear (reverse hearing aide?). So far what I've read about the Sony WF-1000XM3 would probably suite my needs. I'm wondering if you have looked at these at all?
I don't understand. I tried this newest version of Nuheara IQbuds, followed all the directions as carefully as I knew how, but all I could get was the sound similar to a bunch of birds chirping. People with good hearing assured me there were no birds chirping. So I sent it back. They sent another pair. I again followed all the directions carefully, and again, just heard birds chirping. Sent it back, got my money back minus some shipping and handling costs. Maybe I was doing something wrong. I admit I'm a bit technologically challenged.
Too bad I didn't find this review before I bought mine in Nov 2020. I was disappointed in them. Perhaps as earbuds for normal ears they are as good as you say, but I want ear buds that I can listen to graphic equalized music with. They are no match for my Raycon earbuds for just plain old simple earbuds (they don't have the features I want either, but then I didn't expect them to) . I was also disappointed that the Nuhera's measure your hearing response, then don't use that for music. Really? As for "hearing assistants" I experienced pretty much what Dr. Cliff did. Not being able to make the measurements he can I didn't realize that focus for example actually has little effect. I spent many frustrating test periods trying to figure that out how to make it work. Any way as they don't graphic equalize music, have multiple frustrating side effects as hearing assistants, (uncomfortable, unreliable feedback, mystery settings with little effect - all experienced by me as well as mentioned in the review) I now don't even know where they are in my house. Also going out for walks or wearing them while eating they was extremely frustrating. Typically at lunch time I would go on a half hour walk with a snack or two to tide me over to real lunch. Something about the settings I had plus the chewing noise made the buds constantly switch back and forth. I forget what mode it was in exactly, but I was constantly getting the voice announcement "world off" --- "world on" while chewing. One situation that really wanted some help was in a restaurant with my extended family,. but the chewing issue made them useless. Also while walking by a busy car traffic road they were also very annoying. As an electronics engineer that spent a considerable portion of my career in telephony I understand a thing or two about compression and frequency response. I wish I could just tweak them myself. Reminds me of the difference between DOS and Windows.
Comment about the micro USB connectors mentioned in this video- FYI my 2019 Phonak Audeo CROS B-R 90 rechargeable aids use a micro usb connector for the recharging unit. How quaint! The Com Pilot II charger is a usb mini A connection - the Smithsonian called me the other day asking if they could use these as early examples of mobile device connections/ chargers. In hindsight I wish I had invested in the electronic cable manufacturers! 😜
Impulse noise reduction is horrible. These are pretty good ear buds for music (and I do hear the difference with ANC on). But... as a hearing assist they're worse than useless. The noise of a dish clanking feels like an arrow through my head. Even breathing noise is intolerable. Mine are headed back. I was hoping to use these in my shop to play music with ANC with hearing protectors over them, but they stick out too far to wear with ear muffs.
Just got mine after waiting two months. Buyer beware, these provide little to no amplification. They do filter, but what you hear overall is quieter than without them even in a noise free environment. I'm returning them.
Mine have more than enough volume. There is a volume control in every user mode. You could test the buds by turning up the volume near maximum and you should hear a lot of feedback (whistle sound). If that doesn't happen you might have a bad pair.
Must agree with others. You have acknowledged that the set of buds you used in this review were most likely faulty. Do the right thing, edit and mention that fact in the video, or redo the review with a good working set, or take this review down entirely because it is seriously misleading...... Or is it just that, like so many others, your industry is under threat from cheaper new tech and your blunted trashing of this product in an attempt to preserve your own professional relevance? Ouch! But you asked for it by doing nothing about your problematic review dr dude
I'll ignore your rude tone and respond to your comment anyway despite my better judgment. I sent the devices back to Nuheara a few months ago for them to evaluate the devices. Still no confirmation from the company if were faulty or not. In fact, they actually told me that several of the negatives that I pointed out were "known issues" that they needed to address in future firmware updates. If they acknowledge that they sent me faulty devices for my review and send me actual working ones, I would be happy to complete a new review. But as of right now, I stand behind my review and the feedback from MANY of my viewers who reported that their devices had the same issues. So that being said, thanks for your feedback. It was greatly appreciated. 🙄
@@DrCliffAuD Awesome response there Dr C! Then it appears Nuheara's lack of responce has made them worthy recipients of some blunt critique. I will not apologize for my earlier tone however because that is precisely what it took to bring some clarification to the matter and remove yourself from being guilty of that very same charge. Luv ur work mate....keep it up✌
@@DrCliffAuD I sure hope they address some of the issues. For me they are great for music and that's about it. ANC worked for me with the latest firmware already installed. The first set was totally dead on arrival. Having never tried hearing aids so I don't know what to expect but they have to be better than this. Do real RIC aids sound like you are in a Yellow Submarine or more natural? I had to reduce all the high frequency (probably added by ear id) because it was just too harsh and jarring. I just tried ear id again and will see how that goes. I noticed that with ear id off the sound is much more natural sounding to me. I'll try that off for a bit but but I'm inclined to just go get the premium hearing aid option I have with Medicare advantage. It's from Truhearing which I realize probably won't get me the best tuning and I'm stuck with the Truhearing brands too. Once covid is more under control (in the fall?) I'll probably pay for a real ear tweaking from someone other than the Truhearing provider since they probably won't do that for what they get reimbursed. Oh love all of your videos and they've made me a more informed buyer. Thanks!
@@sdcoffeeroaster At first I also found the sound to be a bit "tinny", maybe due to the high frequency boost. After using them for about 5 minutes that sensation goes away and the only sensation is that you can hear everything around you so clearly. It's hard to explain, but it just becomes natural. Then take them out after an hour or so and it's like chalk and cheese - why is everyone mumbling now?
Had them for a year. but after recent update the hearing test didnt quite worked for me. I get whistle every now and then also when someone calls me they complain voice isnt clear or can't understand me.. The annoying of world off when I'm in a windy area..annoying! im not too crazy anymore.
After a few months now using these units I am underwhelmed. They are not powerful enough for people with significant hearing loss, and the software options are not robust enough to compensate. The boss Hearphones, which are unfortunately now obsolete, are far superior in both regards. It takes a little getting used to having the wraparound neck piece, but it’s well worth it. They blow away these units.
One additional note. The other day one earpiece started crackling like crazy out of the blue. I couldn’t get it to stop until I put them back in the charging case for 30 seconds and tried again. They were fully charged, it was some other issue and very disappointing.
They are a horrible company they take your 359.00 and never ship product out then they say a refund will be issued 2 mo later nothing they don’t respond to emails or Facebook messenger nor does the owner
90% marketing i.e. if you spend most of your budget on marketing instead of the product , you will maximize profitability. I tried them for $500 and sent them back four days later.
When you have absolutely no life at 35 I guess you start revising hearing aids. How about listening to a girl say last night was fun instead of trying to hear a 85 year old on ambient mode
Fun Fact: This very detailed review of the Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX took 35+ hours to review, test, record, and edit. Hope you enjoy!
Beyond dedication! But I think its time well spent as you are well known and have a very good reputation.
Thanks for this review! Out of all the reviews I've browsed through for these earbuds, this review was the most useful in helping me make a purchasing decision!
Highly appreciated the effort! Subbed your channel for this type of quality work.
I am currently using bone conducting earphones, which work nice with my specific impairment, but obviously not as a hearing aid.
Another interesting upcoming topic are special ANC buds for sleeping (e.g. with a snoring partner).
Do you think these our better then the Bose quite comfort earbuds
@@buckdog225 depends on what functionality you are looking for.
I have tested these in a number of challenging situations. I have found them to be extraordinarily useful. Using the software, I can dial in my hearing on the spot. I've been very impressed. ANC remains a bit of a mystery.
This is the best detailed review !! Wow excellent !!!!! Wish all reviews were this detailed !!!! Thank you very much !!!
I pre ordered a pair of these back in March and they are finally supposed to be delivered this next Monday. Quite the delay due to covid. I was hoping the ANC and focus would help with background noise. I plan on trying a few phone apps for tinnitus. Dr Cliff, thank you for putting them through the paces so I know what to expect!
I'm no audiologist, but I've had a chance to use MAX for over a month now, and uh... parts of this review seem suspect. The ANC is outstanding in my experience. Working at my desk the noise of a nearby fan and the kids watching TV in the other room goes away completely. The directional hearing seems to work well too, though I haven't really been able to test it in an environment with lots of voices due to COVID. Anyhow, I think the product is better than he gives it credit for here, and I'm real happy with set.
I like the IQBuds, however, it calls into question the consistency of each set of devices. With hearing aids, every hearing aid has to be put through quality control when they arrive at the office to verify that they meet the manufacturers specifications. It is plausible that the functionality of my devices were faulty because no quality control measures were performed after shipping. Approximately fifteen percent of hearing aids, that cost thousands of dollars, fail quality control checks in the office. Do you get the Loud Popping artifact when you clap your hands? I can't imagine that this is happening on every set of IQbuds.
@@DrCliffAuD that's nuts that 15% don't pass QC checks. I work in the auto parts industry and we wouldn't have a job if our parts had a 15% failure rate. So do the manufacturers correct the problems and sell them as refurbished?
@@DrCliffAuD Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I have no doubt in the standards of your testing, so based on your comments I suspect that maybe you did just get a faulty set. I usually work on a desktop computer with a relatively noisy internal fan. With ANC on, that noise immediately disappears. That's the main discrepancy between my experience and what you're reporting. I have no way to measure the effectiveness of the Focus function other than my own perception, so I'll defer your machinery on that one. The popping sound with clapping is not something I've noticed. I did however literally just get an email about a Firmware update - among the improvements listed is: "You’ll experience automatic improvement in noise reduction of sudden and sharp sounds"
LOVE the videos Dr. Cliff, I’ve learned so much! I got a set of these just a few days ago for Christmas. Overall pleased that they are comfortable to wear with my reading glasses, but they are definitely not perfect. I have a moderate L and mild R reverse slope hearing loss, with the moderate loss at the edges of the Ear ID ability (based on your video). Before tuning them, the earbuds were horrible and decreased the volume more than increased. After tuning, they provide modest amplification but not as strong as my regular hearing aids. I don’t get the whistling or clicking that you report but find that they give total occlusion with World Off and I can’t hear a finger snap. For my tuning, I find that the World EQ useful but that the SINC setting makes voices sound totally jumbled for me. Agree more channels to customize would be good.
Thank you Doctor Cliff for the review. I am disappointed after reading some comments that it doesn't really help with tinnitus. I was going to specifically buy it for that. I believe that is how it was partly marketed. I have tried many things and was hoping this would provide some relief.
The reason why you hear feedback, even though you have a closed dome, is likely because the internal stability of the device is poor.
It looks like the membranes of the mics are parallel with that of the dynamic speaker, which are moving relatively vigorously back and forth, thus mechanically exciting the mics. Normally, in BTEs at least, the membranes of mics and receiver are perpendicular to each other for this exact reason. Usually a balanced armature is also used, since is moving less around. Dynamic drivers are good for ANC though, since they deliver more constant sound pressure which is very helpful to combat the external noise levels and which also makes them more leakage tolerant ... quite a shame that they could not get the ANC working, according to your measurements.
Alternatively, it could be that the internal construction is not airtight, hereby leading sound from the speaker directly to the mics via the inside of the shells.
To sum up; the feedback you experience is likely not an external leakage problem, but rather internal leakage or mechanical instability or maybe even both.
Nikolajchris Hi is it possible because the bud tips don’t make a good enough seal?
@@ricklevitt2650 Hi :) I don't think so since Dr. Cliff pointed out that he tried all the eartips to get rid of the feedback. It would be quite a surprise to me if none of the eartpis would provide a good seal, especially since they both supply silicone and foam type eartips (each in 3 different sizes). Also, I would expect Cliff to be an experienced user when it comes to proper insertion. Furthermore, I believe he mentioned a bunch of occlusion, which point to the fact that the eartips are indeed sealing quite well. In addition to that, the REM measurements show a dampening at low frequencies, likely also because of a good seal and no amplification at these frequencies.
Nikolajchris I do notice when I turn the volume down on the app the noise goes away.
Also when I turn SINC on.
@@ricklevitt2650 I guess that makes sense. Turning the volume down is likely stabilizing the feedback loop as there's not as much gain applied. Turning the ANC on will make the noise cancelling algorithm try to combat the feedback as it's noise that the system doesn't think it's generating itself.
What type of device would you recommend to help with APD? My hearing from a hearing test isn't bad enough to really qualify for hearing aids, it's just that my brain has trouble processing sound properly.
I also would like a recommendation on this for my daughter
Thanks so much
Superb review with so much information to help make an informed choice.
I have a pair of Sony WF-1000XM3s they are very good. For streaming, I could tell instantly that the IQ Buds were superior. What a surprise!
Dr Cliff, I had these before I got my real hearing aids and noticed none of the issues you noticed in your review. The ANC and directionality were flawless.
Could you mail me yours so I can compare?
@@DrCliffAuD I might be able to, sure!
@@GDitto email me. Drcliff@drcliffaud.com
@@DrCliffAuD Did this ever happen? Thanks again for the review
You certainly put them through their paces with this review!
I’m not to sure you are fully appreciating nor understanding just how hard this technology is to engineer within this form factor and at a $399 price point.
I was focusing heavily on the comparisons you were keen to make with an actual hearing aid fitted by an audiologist.
However I failed to gain an overall perspective as I don’t recall any consideration / comparison in relation to price point.
Can you please remind me how much one would expect to pay for an audiologist fitted hearing aid to overcome mild to moderate hearing loss?
Thanks in advance for your pending reply.
I totally understand the difficulties of engineering a product inside of that price point. I attempt to justify it all the time when people say that modern hearing aids should cost only $20. Since this is not a hearing aid, I decided not to directly compare it to a hearing aid. Just wouldn't be fair. However, if I had to, I would say that it is no where near comparable to even the most basic hearing aid, even for mild to moderate hearing loss. However, it does outperform most hearing aids from a music quality standpoint. The large dynamic driver does a really good job at driving bass, and because you need to occlude your ear canals, you actually perceive it.
David Boyd I love my IQbuds 2 Max.
Read the reviews from actual customers on there website.
Not perfect but definitely life changing for me.
@@ricklevitt2650 I love my IQbuds 2 Max too. I don't doubt that others love them as well.
I like the way you do your reviews because you go into more detailed of the device functions of the device you are talking about keep up the excellent work
I have really bad tinnitus can this help?
Thank you! I was waiting your review for these buds
Dr. Cliff, I am considering buying these for my mild hearing impairment. I also have chronic tinnitus that's pretty severe. I was wondering if these would help dull the "noise" that I hear constantly from the tinnitus?
Good luck, they did nothing for my tinnitus. I really found them to be less than satisfactory, not enough power.
@Rogelio Murillo I use 7.5mg of mertazapine/remron to help me sleep. You can try Valerian if you choose to go the natural way.
@Rogelio Murillo White noise. Play some rain sounds and use illumination to sleep. Some light spectrum can cause your eyes to get tired.
I enjoyed your video. I have some questions. Do you have suggestions for other hearing devices that are like this or like th whose HearBuds (that are now discontinued)?
Thank you Doctor Cliff, your video was very useful to understand what IQ Buds can and cannot do. As you have said many times in your videos, the performance of these Ear Buds is going to vary from person to person. I have a pair on order mainly to provide better quality streaming for Podcasts and Music, as most hearing aids lack in providing higher fidelity music/streaming. I have a mild to moderate hearing loss and hope to improve the quality of listening from my iPhone and also hope to be able to hear a cell phone call with better clarity with ANC.
I love them for streaming. They have replaced my Custom Bragi Dash Pros which I NEVER thought would happen!
This review was great. Gave me the I info I need. Have you had a chance to see the new Olive Pro which is being shipped to the public around the end of February 2021?
Thanks for the thorough review! By far the best I've been able to find on this product. One question I still have is about how customizable the focus mode settings are. I would like to be able to "focus" on one side due to single-sided hearing loss, but I haven't been able to find whether that's an option, or if you can only choose to isolate sounds coming from the front. I realize that from your analysis this feature may not work well anyway, but I'm curious if the option exists in the app, or whether there would be any other way to configure the device such that it acted a bit like a CROS hearing aid, but with the added benefit of speech enhancement.
I can't understand why the buds are sticking out so far beyond your ears - I think you must be using the wrong size tips. Wearing my pair of Max the buds are pretty much flush with the side of my head
I don't see how it would be physically possible for these to be flush with the side of your head unless you had an anatomical abnormality. The tips that I ended up selecting were selected due to the acoustic seal they needed to create. Guess everyone's ears and skull are different.
Dr. Cliff, I sat next to my air conditioning intake where I can hear the air sucking in and the blower motor running. I then toggled my IQBudsMax between ANC and OFF (in world off mode). There was a huge difference in what I heard. With ANC on, I could hardly hear the low frequency rumbling noise at all compared to OFF where I could clearly hear the noises even though the mics were off. So, ANC works great for me!
I wonder if you could do the same or similar experiment to see if you can perceive the same results as me?
This has been my experience too. My MAX does an excellent job in blocking out constant noises of ACs and the train that I am taking now.
I ran that test with an industrial fan. No change. I must have busted devices.
@@DrCliffAuD My experience mirrors yours. ANC does absolutely nothing I can detect in rooms with computer fans and AC blower noise. Bose QC-15 headphones deliver crypt-like silence, by contrast.
Hi Dr Cliff. Were you thinking of evaluating the Jabra Elite 85t or 75t? There MySound+ app does a hearing test but I am unclear if it is as good as the Nuheara one.
Thanks
Love your 'detailed reviews', esp. your tests of the Nuheara with professional equipment, and your objectivity.
Thank you.
I'd love to see your test of the Olive Pro buds.
Olive Pro was HORRIBLE! 2nd worst product I've ever tested after Nano Hearing Aids.
Wow! That's a pretty definitive answer! I'll have to look harder for your review, I couldn't find it before. Thanks again! Very helpful.
Great vid. Had mine 3 days and this vid is pretty much spot on to my experience. I don't get the clicking with load noises but agree focus does nothing, and would love the ability to equalise myself not just select a world mode. Expected that to be on these. Also not sure you can change buds to tap and change world mode. Just switch mode on or off. Think charging world by taping is required.
So doesn't the issue of not being able to successfully control acoustic feedback negate the usefulness of the ear buds for speech intelligibility in the case of say a small group of workers in an an office setting ?
In other words, say I needed to turn the gain up (for the case of a mild to moderate hearing loss) in order to get a comfortable level of sound delivered to the ear canal - is feedback an issue?
I ask form the point of view of not having used or tried the Nuhera Max .
You brought in the issue of feedback problems right at the very end -0 and it puts a spanner in the works of your evaluation of the devices.
Dr Cliff this is a super review, so interesting from start to finish. I like what theyre doing around a universally designed product instead of a hearing aid form factor. It will be hard for them to reduce the size though as to me it still looks like their amplification processor is not strong enough. They will never compete in my opinion with other buds so it must be primarily a decent (if not the best) hearing aid that happens to stream music. I can imagine that younger Deaf and HOH people would accept a little less amplification for a little less social stigma.
Matt These buds have plenty of amplification!
@@ricklevitt2650 the review says its capability is dbs in the high frequency. Thats not bad but not ever covering a moderate to severe loss
35 dbs
Hi again.. same question how would you compare these with the Bose Hearing Enhancement headphones?
I also would like that question answered!
I would love a 'hearable' that would work for moderate hearing loss. You saved me some time watching the video. When you got to part about phone conversation echo.
James Duffy I bought the IQBUDS 2 Max and love them!
Life changing!
I’m deaf in my left ear do to the mumps.
He didn’t mention the software update that make them better than they were.
You really need to read the reviews for people who bought them and use them at the Nuheara website.
Dr cliff.. please help... what would be best for my aging mother with moderate hearing loss.. the IQbuds2
MAX or the BeHear Access by Wear & Hear - Advanced??
Thank you for the review. so professional. and clear at the same time.
I also would like to hear a comparison between these and the Bose headphones. Like what is the difference between these and the Bose in the streaming mode?
I meant to say Bose hearphone
Minimal difference in the streaming modes between IQbuds and the Hearphones.
@@RWJ47 - they've been discontinued
After long waiting, I got it this week. Sadly, the voice in the right ear like air sound even I am in a close door. Is there any solution?
I purchased the original iqbuds, but ended up returning them when I found out that they can't be used independently. Most wireless earbuds can be used one at a time in mono mode while the other is charging (for continuous functionality). Did they fix this issue with the MAX?
The originals also did not have a way to power them off - or back on- if you didn't bring the case with you.
Additionally, they didn't have multi- connection bluetooth functionality for being connected to a phone and computer simultaneously. To me, that was inexcusable at their price- point.
If those are your criteria that must be met, you would be disappointed. Otherwise, I find the IQbuds2 Max to be significantly better than the original IQBuds.
Alan Thompson I believe you can only use the left bud independently.
Do these help with tinnitus?
Thanks for the review! I was wondering if you could do a Head-To-Head w/ the IQ Buds vs the Bose Hearphones? Also, is it worth waiting for the new Low Energy LE Audio (LC3) versions of these?
Yes, me too. I would also like to see an authoritative comparison with Bose Hearphones.
Bose stopped making the Hearphones. My 9 month old unit just crapped out on one side. Full refund, but so much for the Hearphones... :( I liked them in meetings but the neck wrap and dangling buds on strings was pretty unwieldy...
@@Glo-Blades - same thoughts here. Have you tried the IQbuds? Any comparison notes?
@@billhyde6659 no, I haven’t tried them yet but I’m getting ready to pull the trigger. The MD Hearing Aids that I bought work, but they basically just amplify everything regardless of the settings. I primarily need it for office and boardroom environments, not necessarily noisy restaurants etc. There’s a huge market here for somebody to get it right. Surprised and disappointed that Bose pulled out…
@@ralphhaney3565 - I'm close to buying as well. I have two sets of hearphones and they work great but the neck ring design is a pain. For me it is listening in crowded venues and to help with tinnitus. You are right - definitely a market.
As for the comment that the Nuhera features are hard to engineer at a $399 price point I cry "nonsense." As an EE with 46 years in the business I know what goes into these units. As time goes by the tech gets more understood (through published papers and reverse engineering) and greatly simpler to implement. What makes earbuds/aid units more expensive is size, fit, battery life and reliability in a hostile user environment, as well as extra feature like wireless charging, and a good app for multiple operating environments. 20 years ago the electronics would have been untouchable, and unavailable at any price. Now the electronics Is a chip with a bunch of software, way less electronics and software then in a cheap cellphone. The hearing aid industry, charging you 3-5 thousand dollars for an aid are completely, utterly, and certainly stealing from you. Audiologists that charge you for a service to set them up I say not, at least the good one. They have specialized knowledge and equipment, plus spend considerable time with you. Say their time is worth $250 an hour and they spend three hours with you. Lets say a good bud ought to cost $500 dollars. that's $1750, for a pair, say there is a 30% markup and the best system in the world prescribed by the best audiologist in the world should cost about $2300, not $4000-6000. Perhaps the justification is in the limited customer base. Not too many folks are buying them so they have to charge more. What if they charged less? There are plenty of boomers. Has they industry priced themselves out of their customer base? Especially disappointing was Dr. Cliffs recent (Aug 2022) prediction that the new OTC rules would make little difference in prices. I now expect that OTC aids will be no better than the Nuheara debacle, but will await developments in the next few months.
I have Jlabs headphones which are nice and when I have the ambient sound on I also get the popping noise as well. However it's only when its first activated, then it barely seems to work after that, either loud noises or noises close to my earbud activate it. It's not very good, I hope the Qbuds work better at least in my diminished ear?
Would you be able to make custom ear molds for these?
I have just ordered this before watching your video. We all know that Japanese are good at making the tiniest gadget ever. I wish they can make one of this to a tiny buds. That would be awesome. Jeez I hate big ear buds and can't believe I purchase this.
Kirk Resty what is your hearing worth?
They stick out a bit on me too. But I've heard they have more silicon chips in these (including a DSP) to do the hearing augmentation plus play music, and a 9mm audio driver for good bass response. Perhaps the rechargeable battery could be smaller in the future.
May I ask why you haven’t chosen to remove this review after freely admitting you must have received ‘busted devices’?
From reading through all the comments you clearly have tested a faulty pair. Do the right thing and request a free replacement set so you can retest and review.
Why you may ask? Well I appreciate the difference these have made to my hearing loss and I spent many previous years being priced out of a so called hearing aid and I don’t wish others like me to watch this review and be put off buying a product which may just change their life for a fraction off the cost.
For those in a similar position to me, take the plunge and get yourself a set and take confidence in them just being included in Time magazines annual top 100 tech innovations of 2020. The very well respected Time reviewer clearly didn’t review a fault set.
Any good for shooting?
Or do you have any recommendations for and off the shelf electronic ear buds for shooting
I'm often challenged with my small ears and sealing out the outside noise. The best-fitting earbuds that I've used are UE fits, however, they often don't pair. Can you make custom ear tips for various earbuds?
I have never had a focus feature really work on my hearing aids. A lot of the issues you mentioned seemed like it could be solved with a software update. Hopefully they do over the air updates.
Hi, great review, can i please confirm does the latest Max2 have the Focus Fuction like the Boost?
I just received mine in the mail today. I'm returning them. I don't like occlusion. They're uncomfortable in the ear in general. The app "World" tab is bugged (you can't exit that tab). Even after pairing I often have to disconnect them from my phone's bluetooth then reconnect them before the app works. The last straw was when it deleted my hearing test data which took ten minutes to collect the first time. Huge disappointment.
What kind of phone do you have? That really makes a difference in using earbuds like these. Your tech is only as good as what it is connected too. I have a note 10 plus running Android 12. It will have a different effect with an older phone running Android 10. And with Apple software. They should tell you which version these work well with.
This is the same for Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth headphones and what they can handle.
Excellent!
Does anyone know if you can use one ear bud at a time?
These seem very similar to the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro in capability. Can you test the Liberty Air Pro and see how it compares with the IQBuds Max2?
Also can the left earbud work independently or do you need to have the right one active in order for the left one to work?
I just saw your question. I can hear sound through the left before I put the right one in. Do all the features work with just the left in? I'm not sure.
Did you update the firmware?
Randy Ford spent 35 hours review but didn’t do the update so he can tear them done.
Could these be enhanced/supplemented with anti-tinnitus apps to help reduce the tinnitus noise we suffer?
I don't know about anti-tinnitus apps, but I notice that my high frequency tinnitus is barely noticeable when using these buds, after doing the inbuilt hearing assessment of course. I assume that the tinnitus masks the higher frequency tones in the hearing test which causes the buds to automatically increase the sound (or music) volume at higher frequencies.
I am curious , do you plan to contact Nuheara about issues to see if in fact you have a faulty set? Im hoping you have a bad set as I was about to purchase them and now am holding off. The issue with popping and no function of the focus feature along with comments from others makes me suspect that you in fact don't have a properly working product.
I have had good open communication with the CEO and engineers at Nuheara for the past 3 years. We have already discussed the review and are looking into getting a different set of devices to checkout.
@@DrCliffAuD I have had my buds for two weeks. My noise canceling feature is also not working. Did you ever get that sorted out? If my buds are faulty, I’ll exchange them. If the anc on these buds is just terrible on all of them, I’ll return them.
@@Rinkadinkadoo1 I haven't received my new set yet. Others have reported that it works, but haven't experienced it myself yet.
@@DrCliffAuD I received a new set and, as far as I can tell, the ANC is not working on this set either. I think that maybe I can tell a small difference between "World Off" and ANC, but it's such a small difference that it might just be my imagination. Not sure what to do from here. Is there some objective test that I can do, without specialized equipment, to determine whether, and how much, the ANC is working?
@@DrCliffAuD Have you received your new set yet? Have you come to any new conclusions?
Can these be used as CROS? eg. Is it possible to route world mode from one ear to the other?
What about Amazon Echo Buds ? I am waiting your review for them.
Thành Đạt Dương why get a Prius when you can have a Tesla?
all i want to know is how these compare to my aging Bose Hearphones that I bought at the now-closed Bose outlet across the street from your office :)
Personally, I prefer the IQBuds. I really don't like having something around my neck. I would say that the Hearphones are more comfortable inside of my ears, and have the ability to amplify sound a bit better, but otherwise, it's IQBuds all the way!
@Al Jo I agree about the environmental options for the Hearphones are better than the set of IQbuds2 Max that I tested, but I speculate that the ones I tested may have been faulty. I think the IQbuds match a NAL-NL 2 prescription better initially than the Hearphones though.
I've been using the Bose Hearphones for about nine months and the left-side microphone just died. After calling Support I learned they no longer make the Hearphones, so I cannot receive a replacement unit. However, they are providing a full refund of the original amount paid. The Hearphones were very helpful, the software was great, but I think I'll give these IQBuds a shot now. I also have a set of MD Hearing Aid units that are basically amplifiers that blow your ears out when someone drops their spoon!
Long-term I may just book an appt. with Dr. Cliff once flying to Phoenix becomes a viable option again...
I actually tried the iqbuds a few weeks ago and although higher tech they were way inferior to the hearphones in my situation. So hearing that bose isnt coming out with something new and compact is dejecting. I guess ill have to take care of mine better.
@@eastons22126 I asked Bose Support if they had a suggestion for a replacement to the Hearphones. They suggested their Quiet Comfort ear buds, but they aren’t really hearing aids they’re just high-tech ear buds. Disappointing!
So summing up the very extensive review and all the comments I’m left with the feeling that these are really good for music but not a lot else. They are are also too large and therefore quite obtrusive. And the after sales is service is very slow or almost non existent. Pity - I was close to ordering a pair to use as another option to my normal hearing aids. I guess you really do get what you pay for. With regular aids costing thousands of dollars we shouldn’t expect a lot from something costing a few hundred.
What and who is it that makes something like this, but its connected like Itune music on the go things....
Thank you so much for the great review.
The IQ are a good listening device, but as a hearing enhancement, they do not compare with the Bose Hearing Enhancement Headphones (unfortunately they stop making it)
Would you say the hearing enhancement on these is better than previous generations of IQ Buds? Or would it be better to save some cash and go with an older version?
D C these are an evolutionary upgrade!
I love mine!
Check the reviews of other people that own them on the Nuheara Website!
@@ricklevitt2650 Thanks for your thoughts. I really hope they do a Black Friday sale this year.
Hello! I was just diagnosed with Meniers. I have auditory processing hearing loss and advanced tinnitus. I was wondering if you think this is an alternative to the Noise Masker hearing aide that I am thinking of getting but that hearing aide is $1700 while this is much much cheaper.
I love your videos btw and i share your meniers video to explain to people what’s wrong with me.
Thanks for the support! It really becomes a question of what you want. Hearing aids seem to blend more seamlessly for daily use. The IQ Buds are great, but not a daily wear option so it depends on if you want to use devices temporarily throughout the day or if you want to use the tech all day long.
Doctor Cliff, AuD I need all day wear so I think you have given me great advice I’ve also watched a few of your other videos and realized that noise maskers maybe what I need. Are there different kinds from different companies?
Doctor Cliff, AuD thank you for your time Dr
I have ADHD and it is most effected by my hearing. Sound effects me so much that I often can't complete sentences if there is music or anyone else talking at the same time, even if they aren't talking to me (I don't do well at parties). I'm looking at options to limit what I can hear (reverse hearing aide?). So far what I've read about the Sony WF-1000XM3 would probably suite my needs. I'm wondering if you have looked at these at all?
Haven't checked those out.
Hi joel, I can't see his response for some reason, what did he suggest as I have a similar issue to you. have you found anything that can help?
I don't understand. I tried this newest version of Nuheara IQbuds, followed all the directions as carefully as I knew how, but all I could get was the sound similar to a bunch of birds chirping. People with good hearing assured me there were no birds chirping. So I sent it back. They sent another pair. I again followed all the directions carefully, and again, just heard birds chirping. Sent it back, got my money back minus some shipping and handling costs. Maybe I was doing something wrong. I admit I'm a bit technologically challenged.
OMG It's Jamie from Progressive!!!!
would be nice if these earbuds were more like the size of Galaxy Buds.
Too bad I didn't find this review before I bought mine in Nov 2020. I was disappointed in them. Perhaps as earbuds for normal ears they are as good as you say, but I want ear buds that I can listen to graphic equalized music with. They are no match for my Raycon earbuds for just plain old simple earbuds (they don't have the features I want either, but then I didn't expect them to) . I was also disappointed that the Nuhera's measure your hearing response, then don't use that for music. Really? As for "hearing assistants" I experienced pretty much what Dr. Cliff did. Not being able to make the measurements he can I didn't realize that focus for example actually has little effect. I spent many frustrating test periods trying to figure that out how to make it work. Any way as they don't graphic equalize music, have multiple frustrating side effects as hearing assistants, (uncomfortable, unreliable feedback, mystery settings with little effect - all experienced by me as well as mentioned in the review) I now don't even know where they are in my house. Also going out for walks or wearing them while eating they was extremely frustrating. Typically at lunch time I would go on a half hour walk with a snack or two to tide me over to real lunch. Something about the settings I had plus the chewing noise made the buds constantly switch back and forth. I forget what mode it was in exactly, but I was constantly getting the voice announcement "world off" --- "world on" while chewing. One situation that really wanted some help was in a restaurant with my extended family,. but the chewing issue made them useless. Also while walking by a busy car traffic road they were also very annoying. As an electronics engineer that spent a considerable portion of my career in telephony I understand a thing or two about compression and frequency response. I wish I could just tweak them myself. Reminds me of the difference between DOS and Windows.
How can you wear these with a hearing aid?
Not really, but perhaps with a deep IIC hearing aid.
Comment about the micro USB connectors mentioned in this video- FYI my 2019 Phonak Audeo CROS B-R 90 rechargeable aids use a micro usb connector for the recharging unit. How quaint! The Com Pilot II charger is a usb mini A connection - the Smithsonian called me the other day asking if they could use these as early examples of mobile device connections/ chargers. In hindsight I wish I had invested in the electronic cable manufacturers! 😜
Impulse noise reduction is horrible. These are pretty good ear buds for music (and I do hear the difference with ANC on). But... as a hearing assist they're worse than useless. The noise of a dish clanking feels like an arrow through my head. Even breathing noise is intolerable. Mine are headed back. I was hoping to use these in my shop to play music with ANC with hearing protectors over them, but they stick out too far to wear with ear muffs.
Do you think they would work better in a quieter environment, like an office or boardroom?
Would these help with RSHL?
It's worth a try. However most RSHL individuals prefer some more substantial venting.
Just got mine after waiting two months. Buyer beware, these provide little to no amplification. They do filter, but what you hear overall is quieter than without them even in a noise free environment. I'm returning them.
Mine have more than enough volume. There is a volume control in every user mode. You could test the buds by turning up the volume near maximum and you should hear a lot of feedback (whistle sound). If that doesn't happen you might have a bad pair.
They look good! 💕
but I don’t need them 😂 I have two AB Naida Q90 Cochlear Implants ❤️
Has Anyone Here Used these Exclusively For Tinnitus? And if Yes, What is your opinion?
Must agree with others. You have acknowledged that the set of buds you used in this review were most likely faulty. Do the right thing, edit and mention that fact in the video, or redo the review with a good working set, or take this review down entirely because it is seriously misleading...... Or is it just that, like so many others, your industry is under threat from cheaper new tech and your blunted trashing of this product in an attempt to preserve your own professional relevance? Ouch! But you asked for it by doing nothing about your problematic review dr dude
I'll ignore your rude tone and respond to your comment anyway despite my better judgment. I sent the devices back to Nuheara a few months ago for them to evaluate the devices. Still no confirmation from the company if were faulty or not. In fact, they actually told me that several of the negatives that I pointed out were "known issues" that they needed to address in future firmware updates. If they acknowledge that they sent me faulty devices for my review and send me actual working ones, I would be happy to complete a new review. But as of right now, I stand behind my review and the feedback from MANY of my viewers who reported that their devices had the same issues. So that being said, thanks for your feedback. It was greatly appreciated. 🙄
@@DrCliffAuD Awesome response there Dr C!
Then it appears Nuheara's lack of responce has made them worthy recipients of some blunt critique. I will not apologize for my earlier tone however because that is precisely what it took to bring some clarification to the matter and remove yourself from being guilty of that very same charge.
Luv ur work mate....keep it up✌
@@DrCliffAuD I sure hope they address some of the issues. For me they are great for music and that's about it. ANC worked for me with the latest firmware already installed. The first set was totally dead on arrival. Having never tried hearing aids so I don't know what to expect but they have to be better than this. Do real RIC aids sound like you are in a Yellow Submarine or more natural? I had to reduce all the high frequency (probably added by ear id) because it was just too harsh and jarring. I just tried ear id again and will see how that goes. I noticed that with ear id off the sound is much more natural sounding to me. I'll try that off for a bit but but I'm inclined to just go get the premium hearing aid option I have with Medicare advantage. It's from Truhearing which I realize probably won't get me the best tuning and I'm stuck with the Truhearing brands too. Once covid is more under control (in the fall?) I'll probably pay for a real ear tweaking from someone other than the Truhearing provider since they probably won't do that for what they get reimbursed. Oh love all of your videos and they've made me a more informed buyer. Thanks!
@@sdcoffeeroaster At first I also found the sound to be a bit "tinny", maybe due to the high frequency boost. After using them for about 5 minutes that sensation goes away and the only sensation is that you can hear everything around you so clearly. It's hard to explain, but it just becomes natural. Then take them out after an hour or so and it's like chalk and cheese - why is everyone mumbling now?
Had them for a year. but after recent update the hearing test didnt quite worked for me. I get whistle every now and then also when someone calls me they complain voice isnt clear or can't understand me..
The annoying of world off when I'm in a windy area..annoying!
im not too crazy anymore.
After a few months now using these units I am underwhelmed. They are not powerful enough for people with significant hearing loss, and the software options are not robust enough to compensate. The boss Hearphones, which are unfortunately now obsolete, are far superior in both regards. It takes a little getting used to having the wraparound neck piece, but it’s well worth it. They blow away these units.
One additional note. The other day one earpiece started crackling like crazy out of the blue. I couldn’t get it to stop until I put them back in the charging case for 30 seconds and tried again. They were fully charged, it was some other issue and very disappointing.
First very good review....second bad deal for nuherara very expensive..too big ...I will wait till they do a better design...sorry nuheara....
Just to make sure viewers know he is NOT a medical doctor.
I have starkey livio
I regret buying the iqbuds max 2. They failed after just over a year and nuheara has washed their hands. The buds are now just expensive ladfill.
More than half way through & leaving. Came for help with tinnitus.
They suck chirping and sound goes low on world after being high . Cannot get them to volume up . Left ear bud supposed to . But not .
Wow for the price they definitely fail
They are a horrible company they take your 359.00 and never ship product out then they say a refund will be issued 2 mo later nothing they don’t respond to emails or Facebook messenger nor does the owner
Got them today ear buds keep chirping birds . Cannot get any help from them
You have too many ads . Got sick of watching
90% marketing i.e. if you spend most of your budget on marketing instead of the product , you will maximize profitability. I tried them for $500 and sent them back four days later.
Dam they sound the biggest ripp off !!!
hideous ...
When you have absolutely no life at 35 I guess you start revising hearing aids. How about listening to a girl say last night was fun instead of trying to hear a 85 year old on ambient mode