Danish startup Lizn has just launched its sub-$300 "hearpieces," a hearing aid-earbud hybrid that promises to blur the lines between these two categories. The product, which has been in development for years, is designed to provide users with clear audio and ambient sound amplification.
Upon first glance, the hearpieces are unmistakably unlike traditional hearing aids - they come in bold colors, including graphite and ruby red, and have a bulbous design that may initially deter some potential users. However, as you delve deeper into their functionality, it becomes apparent that Lizn has successfully achieved its goal of fusing the two concepts.
The hearpieces are equipped with four sets of ear tips, which provide an initial level of comfort for the user. However, getting them to fit comfortably is a different story altogether - twisting and manipulating the device to achieve a snug fit proved to be a frustrating task, especially during extended wear periods. Over time, this led to some rather painful discomfort.
The lack of hardware controls is another significant drawback. The primary means of interacting with the hearpieces are via taps on the outside casing, which can become quite annoying, particularly when trying to adjust settings or manage sound levels. This issue only worsens if you find yourself repeatedly slapping the side of your head to get your bearings.
Despite these issues, Lizn's app proves to be user-friendly and offers two primary modes: "Linz mode," a traditional hearing aid setting with enhanced ambient audio, and "Earphone mode" designed for streaming media. In both settings, sound quality is surprisingly good - although somewhat muddy in some instances.
When listening through the hearpieces as earbuds, you may be pleasantly surprised by their performance. Compared to other on-the-market products, they feel rewarding to use, particularly during music playback or video viewing sessions. However, don't expect true active noise cancellation capabilities here; even at moderate volumes, ambient sounds remain quite pronounced.
Battery life is a mixed bag, with hearpieces lasting anywhere from 5-7 hours per charge in different usage modes - though this can be tricky to gauge due to the units' tendency to shut down after a short time outside of their charging case. For prolonged wear periods, comfort takes precedence over longevity, and these devices might fall short.
Ultimately, Lizn's "hearpieces" may offer a solid audio experience in certain scenarios but could prove challenging for everyday use due to discomfort issues - particularly if you find yourself struggling to get them securely seated within your ear canal.
Upon first glance, the hearpieces are unmistakably unlike traditional hearing aids - they come in bold colors, including graphite and ruby red, and have a bulbous design that may initially deter some potential users. However, as you delve deeper into their functionality, it becomes apparent that Lizn has successfully achieved its goal of fusing the two concepts.
The hearpieces are equipped with four sets of ear tips, which provide an initial level of comfort for the user. However, getting them to fit comfortably is a different story altogether - twisting and manipulating the device to achieve a snug fit proved to be a frustrating task, especially during extended wear periods. Over time, this led to some rather painful discomfort.
The lack of hardware controls is another significant drawback. The primary means of interacting with the hearpieces are via taps on the outside casing, which can become quite annoying, particularly when trying to adjust settings or manage sound levels. This issue only worsens if you find yourself repeatedly slapping the side of your head to get your bearings.
Despite these issues, Lizn's app proves to be user-friendly and offers two primary modes: "Linz mode," a traditional hearing aid setting with enhanced ambient audio, and "Earphone mode" designed for streaming media. In both settings, sound quality is surprisingly good - although somewhat muddy in some instances.
When listening through the hearpieces as earbuds, you may be pleasantly surprised by their performance. Compared to other on-the-market products, they feel rewarding to use, particularly during music playback or video viewing sessions. However, don't expect true active noise cancellation capabilities here; even at moderate volumes, ambient sounds remain quite pronounced.
Battery life is a mixed bag, with hearpieces lasting anywhere from 5-7 hours per charge in different usage modes - though this can be tricky to gauge due to the units' tendency to shut down after a short time outside of their charging case. For prolonged wear periods, comfort takes precedence over longevity, and these devices might fall short.
Ultimately, Lizn's "hearpieces" may offer a solid audio experience in certain scenarios but could prove challenging for everyday use due to discomfort issues - particularly if you find yourself struggling to get them securely seated within your ear canal.