Bose SoundControl Hearing Aid Discontinued - Best Replacements (2026)
Bose SoundControl Hearing Aid Discontinued - Best Replacements (2026)
If you're searching for the Bose SoundControl hearing aid, there's an important update: Bose discontinued the SoundControl in May 2022, exiting the direct-to-consumer hearing aid hardware business entirely. The device was priced at $849 per pair and was notable for being one of the first self-fitting OTC hearing aids approved by the FDA before the formal OTC category was established.
Bose's audio technology lives on in the OTC market through the Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose - a collaboration with Lexie Hearing - but Bose itself no longer manufactures or sells hearing aids. If you're looking for a replacement, this guide covers the best OTC hearing aids available in 2026, including options that match or exceed SoundControl's features at competitive prices.
What Made Bose SoundControl Stand Out
The SoundControl was well-regarded for several reasons:
- Self-fitting technology. Bose developed proprietary algorithms that allowed wearers to tune their own hearing aids through a guided in-app process, without needing an audiologist.
- Real-world testing approach. The fitting process used real sound environments rather than simulated tones, which many users found more intuitive.
- Brand trust. Bose's reputation in audio engineering gave consumers confidence in the product's sound quality.
- Competitive OTC pricing. At $849, it was priced below traditional prescription hearing aids while offering a premium experience.
These qualities attracted buyers who wanted both quality audio performance and independence from the traditional audiology system. The good news: the OTC market has expanded dramatically since 2022, and the replacements available today are more capable than the SoundControl was when it launched.
What Happened to Bose Hearing Aids?
Bose discontinued the SoundControl in May 2022, citing a strategic decision to focus on its core consumer audio business. The timing coincided with the FDA's announcement of the formal OTC hearing aid category, which was set to open the market to more competition.
Bose's self-fitting IP and technology partnership moved to Lexie Hearing, resulting in the Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose - available at $999. That device carries Bose's audio engineering heritage forward, though it's produced and sold by Lexie, not Bose directly.
If you're searching for Bose SoundControl because you owned one and need a replacement, or because you heard positive things about it and want something comparable, the options below are worth considering.
Best OTC Hearing Aid Replacements for Bose SoundControl
HearingAssist STREAM - ~$299/pair
The HearingAssist STREAM is the most cost-accessible option with a feature set that covers what made SoundControl compelling: Bluetooth audio streaming, app-based customization, and rechargeable batteries. At ~$299 - roughly two-thirds less than the discontinued SoundControl - it's an excellent starting point for anyone re-entering the OTC market.
iHEAR Matrix - $499
The iHEAR Matrix sits at a mid-range price point and offers clinical-grade digital processing with multiple listening environments, a companion app for self-fitting, and rechargeable operation. Its performance profile is a strong match for what SoundControl buyers were looking for.
iHEAR Axis - $399
The iHEAR Axis is a compact receiver-in-canal device that emphasizes secure fit and natural sound. It's well-suited for active wearers who valued SoundControl's relatively low-profile design and want something that stays comfortable during a full day of wear.
iHEAR Linx - $499
The iHEAR Linx prioritizes natural sound processing in a discreet RIC design. If your main draw to Bose was audio quality and you're willing to pay the equivalent of SoundControl's original price, the Linx delivers a refined listening experience with modern connectivity.
Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose - $999 (for reference)
For buyers specifically loyal to Bose's audio engineering, the Lexie B2 Plus is the closest direct continuation of that technology. It costs $150 more than the original SoundControl and is sold through Lexie Hearing rather than Bose directly. It's included here for context, but it's not available through OTCHealthMart.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Price (pair) | Bluetooth | App Self-Fitting | Rechargeable | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundControl | $849 | No | Yes | No (battery) | Discontinued |
| Lexie B2 Plus (Bose) | $999 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available (not on OTCHealthMart) |
| HearingAssist STREAM | ~$299 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available |
| iHEAR Matrix | $499 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available |
| iHEAR Axis | $399 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available |
| iHEAR Linx | $499 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available |
Prices reflect approximate retail at time of publication. Bose SoundControl is no longer available for purchase new.
What to Look for in a SoundControl Replacement
If you're replacing a Bose SoundControl - or buying your first hearing aid after researching it - here's what to prioritize in a replacement:
- App-based self-fitting. Bose's self-fitting process was one of its most praised features. Look for devices with guided app setup that adjusts to your hearing profile, not just volume presets.
- Multiple sound environments. SoundControl users frequently cited the ability to switch between environments (quiet, noisy, outdoors) as essential for everyday use. Most mid-range OTC devices now include this.
- Bluetooth streaming. The original SoundControl did not offer Bluetooth audio streaming - it only connected to the app. Most of its replacements, including HearingAssist STREAM and iHEAR Matrix, offer full Bluetooth streaming from smartphones, which is a meaningful upgrade.
- Rechargeable batteries. SoundControl used disposable batteries. All the OTC alternatives listed here are rechargeable, which reduces long-term cost and convenience friction.
OTC Hearing Aids: What's Changed Since 2022
The OTC hearing aid category became official in the U.S. in October 2022, just months after Bose exited the market. Since then, the category has grown significantly. Prices have become more competitive, Bluetooth streaming has become standard in mid-range devices, and companion apps have become more sophisticated.
In practical terms: the OTC hearing aids available in 2026 are better in almost every measurable way than what was available when Bose SoundControl launched. If you've been holding off on replacing your SoundControl, the current landscape is more favorable than it's ever been.
Bottom Line
Bose SoundControl was a pioneer, but its discontinuation in 2022 left a gap that the broader OTC market has more than filled. Whether you're looking for the closest technological successor or simply want reliable, modern hearing assistance at a fair price, the options at OTCHealthMart offer strong value - with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries that the original SoundControl didn't even include.