Matrix vs Bose SoundControl - What Replaced Bose After Discontinuation
iHEAR Matrix: The Best Replacement for Bose SoundControl
Bose discontinued the SoundControl hearing aid in 2022 and exited the hearing aid business. If you were considering Bose SoundControl, here is what you are looking for - and why the iHEAR Matrix at $179 is the right replacement.
iHEAR Matrix
$179
per pair · Founding Backer
Bose SoundControl
$850
per pair · Original MSRP
What Happened to Bose SoundControl?
Bose launched the SoundControl hearing aid in 2021 as a self-fitting OTC hearing aid with CustomTune technology. It was priced at $850 per pair. It was the first major consumer electronics brand to enter the US OTC hearing aid market, and it generated significant excitement among buyers who trusted Bose audio quality.
In mid-2022, Bose discontinued the SoundControl hearing aid and exited the hearing aid business. Bose subsequently licensed their audio technology to Lexie Hearing, which now sells the Lexie B1 and B2 Powered by Bose. But the original Bose SoundControl is no longer available for purchase new.
If you were considering Bose SoundControl - the self-fitting feature, the Bluetooth capability, the consumer-electronics trust - the iHEAR Matrix at $179 Founding Backer pricing delivers that core experience at a fraction of the original Bose price.
⚡ LIVE PRE-SALE
iHEAR Matrix - Bluetooth OTC Hearing Aid
Ships July 2026 · 45-day money-back guarantee · Free shipping
FOUNDING BACKER
Orders 1-100
$179
per pair
97 of 100 remain
EARLY BIRD
Orders 101-750
$225
per pair
PRE-SALE
Orders 751-1,500
$279
per pair
RETAIL
Orders 1,501+
$349
per pair
Tier price locks at checkout · You can't move down once a tier fills
Head-to-Head Specs
| Feature | iHEAR Matrix | Bose SoundControl |
|---|---|---|
| Price (pair) | $179 Founding Backer · $225-$349 tiers | $850 (original MSRP - discontinued) |
| Availability | Pre-order now · Ships July 2026 | Discontinued 2022 - no longer sold new |
| FDA Classification | OTC Hearing Aid (registered) | FDA 510(k) cleared (original) |
| Self-Fitting | ✓ | ✓ CustomTune |
| Bluetooth Streaming | ✓ iOS & Android | Limited (app control - streaming was limited) |
| Smartphone App | ✓ iHEAR app | ✓ Bose Hear app (support limited post-discontinuation) |
| Rechargeable | ✓ USB-C charging case | No - used 312 batteries |
| Style | Discreet earbud profile | Behind-the-ear (BTE) |
| Warranty / Return | 45-day money-back · 1-year limited warranty | N/A - product discontinued |
Why iHEAR Matrix Is the Natural Replacement
Same self-fitting philosophy. Bose SoundControl's big innovation was letting buyers tune the device themselves via an app - eliminating the audiologist fitting step. Matrix uses the same philosophy: self-fit via the iHEAR app, adjust programs based on your environment, take control of your hearing experience.
Better connectivity than the original Bose. Matrix offers full Bluetooth streaming for both iOS and Android, which was one of the limitations users reported with the original Bose SoundControl. The Matrix is rechargeable with a USB-C charging case - the original Bose SoundControl used disposable 312 batteries.
$671 less. The original Bose SoundControl MSRP was $850 per pair. The iHEAR Matrix Founding Backer pricing is $179 per pair. That is $671 in savings, for an arguably more capable feature set (Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable, app control).
Supported product, not orphaned. Bose SoundControl post-discontinuation left buyers without ongoing support, firmware updates, or warranty service. Matrix is backed by OTCHealth Inc. with full email support, warranty service, and ongoing product updates.
The Verdict
If you came looking for Bose SoundControl, you are looking for a self-fitting OTC hearing aid at a reasonable price. Bose is not selling that product anymore. The iHEAR Matrix at $179 Founding Backer pricing delivers what you were looking for: self-fitting, Bluetooth streaming, app-controlled, rechargeable OTC hearing aid - at one-fifth of what Bose was charging. Founding Backer tier is 97 of 100 units remaining.
Reserve iHEAR Matrix - From $179 →Bose SoundControl Replacement FAQ
Why did Bose discontinue the SoundControl hearing aid?
Bose did not publicly detail the full business rationale, but the discontinuation came approximately one year after launch. Bose subsequently licensed their hearing aid audio technology to Lexie Hearing for the Lexie B1 and B2 product line. The original Bose SoundControl is no longer available new.
Can I still buy a Bose SoundControl?
Only refurbished or used units, through third-party resellers. Bose no longer sells the SoundControl new, and the warranty has lapsed on all original units. If you want a similar modern product from Bose's technology lineage, Lexie B1 Powered by Bose is the direct successor at $799 per pair. The iHEAR Matrix delivers comparable self-fitting capability at $179.
Is the Lexie B1 Powered by Bose the same as the original Bose SoundControl?
Lexie B1 uses Bose audio technology under license, but it is manufactured and sold by Lexie Hearing - not Bose. It is a different product designed after Bose exited the hearing aid business. Think of it as "inspired by Bose" rather than "made by Bose." We have a separate comparison: Matrix vs Lexie B1.
What about warranty support for my old Bose SoundControl?
Bose has wound down warranty support for SoundControl units over the years since discontinuation. If you have a failing Bose SoundControl unit, repair options are limited and expensive. A fresh Matrix at $179 with a new 1-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee may be more practical than repair.
Why should I trust iHEAR not to discontinue Matrix like Bose did?
OTCHealth Inc., the company that owns iHEAR, was founded specifically for the OTC hearing aid market by the Moore family - three generations in hearing care, 70+ audiology clinics built and sold. We are not a consumer electronics brand exploring a side category. Hearing aids are our core business. The Matrix product line is part of our multi-year roadmap, not a short-term experiment.
Comparison disclaimer: This page compares publicly-available product specifications, pricing, and policies from manufacturer websites, third-party retailer listings, and published product documentation as of April 2026. Pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice. All product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners. Use of these names does not imply endorsement, affiliation, or partnership with iHEAR or OTCHealth Inc.
FDA Disclaimer: The iHEAR Matrix is an OTC hearing aid intended for adults 18+ with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It is not intended to treat severe or profound hearing loss. Consult a licensed healthcare professional if you suspect severe hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, or have ear pain, drainage, or discomfort.