Go Hearing Go Ultra vs. JVC EH-Z1500

The Go Ultra is an affordable, rechargeable OTC hearing aid that offers Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling, making it a convenient option for users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. While it is easy to use and comfortable, its sound performance, particularly in speech clarity, is underwhelming compared to other devices in the same price range.

The JVC EH-Z1500 OTC Hearing Aid is a high-quality, over-the-counter device designed to enhance hearing clarity and comfort for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. It features advanced sound processing technology, a discreet design, and easy-to-use controls, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable hearing solution.

GoHearing Ultra achieved a SoundScore of 2.16/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #49 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

JVC EH-Z1500 achieved a SoundScore of 3.92/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #15 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

The build quality of GoUltra is definitely below that of prescription hearing aids, though it seems better than some lower cost OTC products I have tested. It also comes with a charging case that seems very robust and should keep it safe when not in use.

JVC hearing aids boast an impressive IP67 ingress rating, with a build that's better than other OTC products but not as robust as newer prescription models. The buttons are reliable, though the slimtube design feels a bit outdated.

I was impressed that GoUltra offers up to 20 hours of battery life per charge (less with streaming). It also charges in around 2 hours making its overall rechargeable offering respectable given its lower cost.

You may be disappointed that these hearing aids are not rechargeable and require a disposable 312 battery. However, the batteries should last you several days, and can offer greater convenience at times, though this makes them more susceptible to water damage.

GoUltra lets you stream Bluetooth and take hands-free calls on both iOS and Android. While the audio quality isn't top-notch, it's a nice feature to have, especially for such a budget-friendly hearing aid.

Not yet rated by our experts

Not yet rated by our experts

The Tuned app provides good features without being too complicated. Personalizing these hearing aids with the in-app hearing test is also a nice touch. For a more accurate fit, input hearing thresholds from an audiologic evaluation.

I found GoUltra moderately comfortable as the slimtubes are less flexible than receiver wires and the body is larger than most modern behind-the-ear models. This will depend largely on your head and ears, but they are not the most comfortable devices on the market.

I found JVC hearing aids comfortable though the slimtubes are more noticeable than the newer earwire receivers. The body is also larger than many new hearing aids though this did not drastically effect comfort.

GoUltra are not as sleek or modern as many of the products available today. However, this was likely a necessary tradeoff to keep costs down while offering features like audio streaming.

The design is slightly older, featuring slimtubes and disposable batteries. Despite this, the hearing aids, multi-function buttons, and app function well together.

GoHearing Ultra has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

JVC EH-Z1500 has a value score of 3.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

I found GoHearing Ultra easy to use with its larger buttons, but you have to adjust each device independently, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids like these can be tricky to handle at first, but most people can use them without issue with practice. Some users might find changing disposable batteries inconvenient compared to rechargeable options.

I was disappointed that GoHearing doesn't offer better remote audiologic care, you are limited to phone and email support from their product experts. GoUltra are relatively easy to setup but guidance from licensed professionals is always good, especially for those new to hearing aids.

Like most OTC products, JVC does not include in-person care. However, the app offers both remote programming services from JVC providers as well as various educational guides to help with better hearing.