OTC Hearing Aids
That detail matters because two of the most common complaints about modern hearing aids are app-only controls and not knowing the battery state. This page explains what Certus Max offers, using the company's own release, and what a self-fit device still does not provide. Specifications here are Certus's claims. We have seen no independent testing.
At California Hearing Center we test hearing and fit prescription hearing aids. We do not sell or fit Certus. For related options, see our pages on open-ear OTC aids and listening aids.
At a glance
- Certus Max is a rechargeable receiver-in-canal aid for perceived mild-to-moderate loss, about 4 grams per device, per Certus.
- It is the first Certus device to stream calls and music from a phone into both ears, over Bluetooth to iPhone and Android, per the company.
- The charging case has a color touchscreen that shows each ear's volume, the mode and the battery, and changes volume and mode without an app.
- Certus lists a 90-day money-back home trial and a two-year guarantee. The release gave no price, so check the brand's own page.
- It is still a self-fit device. No audiogram and no real-ear measurement come with it.
What Certus launched
Certus Hearing says Certus Max sits behind the ear and weighs about 4 grams per device. A thin clear wire carries sound to a small receiver with a soft silicone dome in the ear canal. The company says this design also suits people whose ear canals are too small for in-canal devices. The devices pair with iPhone and Android over Bluetooth, as wireless earbuds do. Inside, a 32-channel digital chip with noise reduction offers four listening modes: Smart, Meeting, Outdoor and Universal. Certus lists up to 15 hours of hearing per charge, with about 5 hours of calls or 6 hours of music. The USB-C case recharges the devices four to five times. The free app includes a five-minute guided hearing check for each ear.
Why the case matters
Many patients tell us that phone-only controls are the hardest part of hearing aids. Dexterity, eyesight and comfort with apps all affect who can use them. A case that shows both volumes and the battery in plain view, and that lets you change them with a touch, answers a real usability gap. Prescription devices have their own answers, including remotes and button controls, and the best design depends on the person. Read more about how phones and hearing aids connect in our guides to pairing hearing aids with an iPhone and hearing aids and smartphones.
What it still is
Certus Max is an over-the-counter style device for perceived mild-to-moderate loss. You set it up yourself. The app's hearing check is a self-check, not a diagnostic hearing test, and nothing in the release describes a measurement of the sound in your ear. A fitted device is programmed from a measured audiogram and verified with real-ear measurement. Our page on real-ear measurement explains why that step matters. The release also says Certus Max is not for children or for severe or profound loss, and that sudden loss, ear pain, discharge or marked dizziness call for a doctor.
| Feature | What Certus says | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Receiver-in-canal, about 4 g per device, soft dome | How well the dome fits your canal |
| Controls | Touchscreen case shows volume, mode and battery, no app needed | How easy it is for you to use |
| Streaming | Calls and music into both ears over Bluetooth | Sound quality on your calls |
| Battery | Up to 15 hours per charge, case recharges 4 to 5 times | Your real-world battery life |
| Trial and guarantee | 90-day money-back trial, two-year guarantee | Current terms. Check the brand's page |
| Set-up | Free app with a five-minute guided hearing check | Your measured hearing or real-ear results |
Streaming in both ears
Certus says Max is its first device to stream phone calls and music into both ears. For many adults, the phone is where trouble shows first. Two-ear streaming can make calls clearer because both ears get the same signal. See our page on hearing aids and phone calls for what to check in any device.
Four questions before you try any self-fit aid
These apply to Certus Max and to any device like it.
- Is my hearing loss the same in both ears?
- Do I have ear pain, drainage, dizziness or a sudden change?
- Can I see and handle the controls and the dome comfortably?
- Who helps me if the first fit is wrong?
A note for patients
If an app is the thing that has kept you from hearing aids, a touchscreen case is a fair sign that design is moving your way. A hearing evaluation still comes first. It tells you whether your loss is in the mild-to-moderate range these devices target, and whether anything medical sits behind it.
What to do next
Book a comprehensive hearing evaluation at our San Mateo office or our San Carlos office, or call 650-342-9449. Our page on California hearing aid return rights explains what to ask about any trial. Compare with the Elehear Beyond 2 Pro and with our guide to OTC and prescription costs.
Last updated and sources
Last updated October 28, 2026. What changed: this is the first version. We will add independent reviews if credible ones appear. Sources: Certus Hearing launch release, ACCESS Newswire, October 24, 2026, Certus Hearing, FDA: OTC hearing aids.
Medical information notice
This page offers general information. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose or recommend treatment. Sudden hearing loss, ear pain, drainage or dizziness need prompt medical care. Call 650-342-9449 to book at our San Mateo office, 88 N. San Mateo Drive, or our San Carlos office, 1008 Laurel Street.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask us
Do Certus Max hearing aids work without an app?
Per Certus, the touchscreen case shows volume, mode and battery and lets you change volume and mode with no phone. The app adds a guided hearing check and phone controls.
Is Certus Max a prescription hearing aid?
The release describes it for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate loss, which is the OTC category. It does not describe an audiogram or professional fitting. Ask the audiologist who reviews any device for exact regulatory wording.
Can Certus Max stream phone calls?
Yes, per Certus. It says this is the first Certus device to stream calls and music into both ears over Bluetooth, on iPhone and Android.
How much does Certus Max cost?
The launch release gave no price. Check Certus's own product page for the current price and trial terms.
Who should see an audiologist before buying?
Anyone with sudden loss, loss in one ear, ear pain, drainage or dizziness, and anyone unsure how much hearing they have lost. A test also gives you a baseline.