About HearMetrics
Independent, data-driven hearing aid performance analysis. No manufacturer sponsorships. No affiliate links. Just the numbers that matter for hearing in noise.
What HearMetrics Does
HearMetrics is an independent platform that helps people understand how hearing aids perform in the one situation where performance matters most: background noise.
Most hearing aid reviews focus on features, comfort, and general impressions. HearMetrics focuses on something more specific and measurable: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) — the quantitative measure of how well a hearing aid separates speech from noise. This is the single strongest predictor of whether you'll understand conversation in a noisy restaurant, a family gathering, or a busy workplace.
The platform provides:
- Interactive speech-in-noise simulations — Hear what hearing aids sound like with your own audiogram using the Speech-in-Noise Simulator
- Brand-by-brand SNR comparisons — Quantitative performance data across all major hearing aid brands
- Evidence-based analysis — Content grounded in peer-reviewed research, not marketing claims
- Technology explanations — Clear explanations of directional microphones, beamforming, and remote microphones
If You Watch Dr. Cliff Olson on YouTube
Dr. Cliff Olson's YouTube channel has introduced millions of people to real-ear measurements, evidence-based fitting, and the importance of choosing the right hearing aid. His clinical demonstrations and patient fittings provide perspective that no lab test can replicate.
But his videos focus on fittings, features, and patient experience — not standardized speech-in-noise comparisons between brands. If you've watched his reviews and want to see quantitative SNR data comparing how brands actually perform in noise, that's exactly what HearMetrics provides.
We've written a detailed analysis of how Dr. Cliff's reviews work, where they excel, and where data-driven tools like HearMetrics fill in the gaps.
Read: How Dr. Cliff's Reviews Work →Why Speech in Noise?
The number one complaint among hearing aid wearers is difficulty understanding speech in background noise. Studies consistently show that even premium hearing aids recover only a fraction of normal hearing ability in noisy environments.
Yet most hearing aid marketing emphasizes features like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and app connectivity. These features matter — but they don't address the core problem. The difference between understanding your dinner companion and missing every third word comes down to SNR.
HearMetrics exists because this information should be accessible to everyone — not buried in audiology journals or obscured by manufacturer marketing.
Our Data Sources
HearMetrics does not conduct its own lab testing. Instead, the platform synthesizes data from multiple established sources:
- Peer-reviewed research — Published studies on hearing aid directional microphone performance, speech perception in noise, and SNR thresholds from journals including Ear and Hearing, International Journal of Audiology, and Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
- Independent lab testing — Standardized SNR measurements from sources like HearAdvisor and HearingTracker
- Manufacturer-published specifications — Technical white papers and clinical data released by Phonak, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, and Widex
- Established speech perception models — The SNR simulation model is based on well-documented relationships between hearing loss, amplification, and speech intelligibility
All sources are documented on the Research Sources page. The simulation methodology, assumptions, and limitations are explained on the About the Model page.
Independence and Transparency
HearMetrics is independently operated and does not accept manufacturer sponsorships, affiliate commissions, or advertising revenue from hearing aid brands. There is no financial relationship with any manufacturer, clinic, or retailer.
This independence is essential because the hearing aid industry has a transparency problem. Consumers often cannot compare brands on objective performance data — the kind of data that would be standard in almost any other technology category. HearMetrics aims to change that by making speech-in-noise performance data accessible, understandable, and comparable.
Where the model has limitations, they are stated clearly. Where data is uncertain, the uncertainty is acknowledged. The goal is not to declare winners, but to give people the information they need to make informed decisions with their audiologist.
How HearMetrics Complements Other Sources
No single source tells the whole story. HearMetrics is designed to work alongside other trusted resources:
- Dr. Cliff Olson (YouTube) — Clinical fitting demonstrations, real-ear measurement advocacy, and patient experience. His videos show what hearing aids look and feel like in a professional setting — but don't typically include standardized SNR comparisons between brands
- HearAdvisor — Independent lab testing with standardized SNR measurements. Provides the most rigorous objective data, but results are not personalized to your hearing loss
- HearingTracker — Consumer reviews and professional ratings with broad coverage of hearing aid models and features
- HearMetrics — Interactive simulations personalized to your audiogram, quantitative brand comparisons, and evidence-based analysis that synthesizes data from all these sources
The best approach is to use multiple sources. Watch Dr. Cliff for clinical perspective. Check HearAdvisor for lab data. Use HearMetrics to model how brands would perform for your specific hearing loss. Then work with your audiologist to make the final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HearMetrics?
HearMetrics is an independent platform that analyzes hearing aid performance in noise using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data, speech-in-noise simulations, and published clinical research. It helps consumers and professionals compare hearing aids based on quantitative performance data.
How is HearMetrics different from Dr. Cliff's YouTube reviews?
Dr. Cliff provides valuable clinical perspective through patient fittings, feature demonstrations, and real-ear measurement advocacy. HearMetrics complements his work by providing quantitative speech-in-noise comparison data across brands — something his videos do not typically include. Both sources together give a more complete picture. Read our full analysis of Dr. Cliff's approach.
Where does HearMetrics get its data?
From peer-reviewed audiology research, manufacturer-published specifications, independent lab testing sources like HearAdvisor, and established speech perception models. All sources are cited on the Research Sources page.
Is HearMetrics sponsored by hearing aid manufacturers?
No. HearMetrics is independently operated and does not accept manufacturer sponsorships, affiliate commissions, or advertising from hearing aid brands.
Can HearMetrics replace a hearing test?
No. HearMetrics provides educational simulations and comparisons based on the audiogram you enter. It cannot diagnose hearing loss or replace a professional evaluation. Always work with a licensed audiologist for clinical decisions. See the model limitations for details.
Who created HearMetrics?
HearMetrics was created by Scott Johnson, a hearing technology analyst who focuses on signal-to-noise ratio, directional microphones, and real-world hearing aid performance evaluation.
Explore HearMetrics
Scott Johnson
Hearing Technology Analyst
Scott Johnson analyzes hearing aid signal processing and speech-in-noise performance. His work focuses on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), directional microphones, and real-world hearing aid technology evaluation.
Related Articles
Watch: Hearing Aid Brand Performance Comparison
A visual walkthrough of SNR data across major hearing aid brands — showing which devices perform best in multi-talker noise and by how much.
SNR data comparison across Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Signia, Widex, and Fortell.