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JLab Hear OTC vs. Oticon Reveal

Check out our comparison of the JLab Hear OTC vs Oticon Reveal. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
3.9
JLab Hear OTC
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JLab

Hear OTC

SoundScore 3.6/5
$99.99 per pair
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Oticon Reveal 1 miniRITE R
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Oticon

Reveal 1 miniRITE R

$4,598 per pair
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Hear OTC
$99.99 per pair
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Reveal
$4,598 per pair
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Product Overview

Hear OTC
Reveal
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom earbud style device.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
3.9
N/A
User Rating
3.01 reviews
—
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroid
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneTelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Hear OTC
Reveal

HearingTracker Score

Hear OTC
3.9AVERAGE

The JLab HEAR OTC Hearing Aid offers an affordable and user-friendly solution for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring customizable sound settings and a sleek design. Extensive testing reveals its effective performance in various environments, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.

Read full review
Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Hear OTC
3.6AVERAGE

JLab Hear OTC achieved a SoundScore of 3.6/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #36 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.71/5.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Build Quality

Hear OTC
3.8BELOW AVERAGE

The portable charger is flimsy and HEAR have a lower egress rating of IPX4. However, with some extra care and cleaning they should hold up to regular daily use.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Battery

Hear OTC
3.0BELOW AVERAGE

HEAR do not offer enough power for all-day use with a battery life of 10 hours (less with streaming). The battery life is however respectable for a wireless earbud.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Bluetooth

Hear OTC
5.0EXCELLENT

HEAR offer wireless connectivity for both iOS and Android users. I personally experienced stable streaming and phone calls with my iPhone 12.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

App Features

Hear OTC
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

The JLab Hearing Health app offers a nice feature set for personalization. Some elements could be more user friendly, but it makes sense after a little troubleshooting.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Comfort

Hear OTC
4.5EXCELLENT

HEAR are comfortable and had good retention in my ears. They completely seal your ear when worn properly but feel less “plugging” as they are lightweight.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Design

Hear OTC
4.0BELOW AVERAGE

This is highly personalized, but HEAR look like modern earbuds and distance themselves from the negative stigma some attribute to hearing aids.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Value

Hear OTC
5.0EXCELLENT

JLab Hear OTC has a value score of 5.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Handling

Hear OTC
4.0AVERAGE

I ran into a few issues with my initial Bluetooth pairing but HEAR and the touch controls work well otherwise.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Pro Support

Hear OTC
1.0BELOW AVERAGE

JLab falls short on actual hearing care as help is limited to their online Help Center and or standard Customer Support.

Reveal

Not yet rated by our experts

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Hear OTC
Reveal
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Hear OTC
Reveal

Lab recordings not yet available

Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Hear OTC
Reveal

Lab recordings not yet available

Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Hear OTC
Reveal

Lab recordings not yet available

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Hear OTC
Reveal
Battery Charger
None

Oticon Charger miniRITE

Contact charger for Oticon Reveal miniRITE R and Oticon CROS RE miniRITE R.

CROS System
None

CROS RE

Rechargeable CROS RE miniRITE R transmitter with Reveal AI Clarifier, contact charging, a lithium-ion battery, and a stated 24-hour operating time.

Remote Control
None

Remote Control 3.0

ConnectClip+3

Transmits audio to your hearing aids from a distance, lets you make hands-free phone calls, and adjusts your hearing aid volume and program settings.

Companion App+2

App that lets you adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, and change listening programs. Includes streaming EQ and remote care.

Remote Microphone
None

EduMic+3

Wireless remote microphone and streaming accessory for compatible Oticon hearing aids.

TV Streamer
None

TV Adapter 3.0

Streams TV audio directly to your hearing aids at the volume you choose with an effective range of up to 45 feet.

Hardware

Hear OTC
Reveal
Battery LifeBattery LifeThe maximum operating time the manufacturer states for one charge.
No
24 hours
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • SBC
  • AAC
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Bluetooth® LE Audio
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy
  • Auracast™
Charging MethodCharging MethodThe physical method used to transfer power from the charger to the hearing aid.
No
Contact charging: Contact chargingContact chargingCharges through physical electrical contacts rather than inductive charging.
CROS/BiCROS CompatibilityCROS/BiCROS CompatibilityWorks with a compatible contralateral routing of signal device for CROS or BiCROS fittings.
No
CROS compatibleCROS compatibleCompatible with Oticon CROS or BiCROS fittings.
Fast PairFast PairSupports Google Fast Pair for compatible devices.
No
Yes
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Bluetooth® (HFP)
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Bluetooth® LE Audio
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IPx4
IP68
Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI)Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI)Uses near-field magnetic induction for compatible short-range wireless communication.
No
NFMINFMINear-Field Magnetic Induction wireless communication.
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
Yes
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Change program
  • Accept/end calls
Yes
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
No
Yes

Software Features

Hear OTC
Reveal
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)ANC is different than typical hearing aid noise reduction in that it reduces both steady state and dynamic background noise using sound wave inversion.
Yes
No
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
Fitting Bands: 24Fitting BandsNumber of bands available for fitting adjustments.
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
No
AI Noise Suppression: 12 dB / 6 dBAI Noise SuppressionAI noise suppression with separate difficult- and easy-environment strengths.
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
No
Better-Ear PriorityBetter-Ear PrioritySome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
Yes
AI Voice ClarifierAI Voice ClarifierAI Voice Clarifier operating-area configurations.3 configurationsAlso covers Spatial Noise CancellationMultiple Directionality OptionsMultiple Directionality OptionsEnables conventional directionality settings in addition to OpenSound Navigator™ transition settings
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
Virtual Outer Ear: 3 configurationsVirtual Outer EarThree realistic models of the ear pinna to provide better spatial balance.
Environment ClassificationEnvironment ClassificationAutomatically detects or classifies the current listening environment.
No
Environment classifier: 5 configurationsEnvironment classifierAutomatically classifies the listening environment.
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Clear DynamicsClear DynamicsClear Dynamics expands the input dynamic range, processing input sounds up to 113 dB SPL, to provide better sound quality without distortion and artifact at loud input levels, while still keeping the sound quality of soft input levels intact. Clear Dynamics has an operating range from 5 to 113 dB SPL. With speech cues preserved at high input levels, users enjoy a better listening experience without distortion even in loud environments. Clear Dynamics is especially valuable for users when listening to music or in conversations in busy, dynamic environments, where peaks can often be louder than the available input dynamic range.
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Yes
Reveal Optimizer™Reveal Optimizer™Listed on all four Reveal tiers. The Reveal technical data sheet does not itself define this feature as feedback suppression.
Fitting BandwidthFitting BandwidthThe bandwidth accessible for gain adjustments during fitting.
No
10 kHz
Fitting FormulasFitting FormulasThe prescriptive fitting formulas supported by the hearing aid.
No
  • VAC+
  • NAL-NL1
  • NAL-NL2
  • NAL-NL3
  • DSL v5
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Speech Rescue™Speech Rescue™Makes high frequency sounds more audible
Handling noise reductionHandling noise reductionReduces noises related to hearing aid movement on the ear and noises related to hands or objects touching the hearing aid while worn.
No
Wind & Handling Stabilizer 2.0Wind & Handling Stabilizer 2.0Reveal 1 and Reveal 2 wind and handling noise stabilization.Also covers Wind Noise Reduction
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
4
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
No
Adaptation ManagementAdaptation ManagementAdapts in 3 steps for gradual user acclimatization to a new hearing aid
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
64
Sensor TechnologySensor TechnologyManufacturer-defined processing that uses sensor inputs without asserting particular sensor components.
No
4D Sensor technology4D Sensor technologyReveal sensor technology available on Reveal 1 and Reveal 2.
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
No
Soft Speech BoosterSoft Speech BoosterImproves soft speech understanding without turning up the volume.
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
No
Spatial Sound™: 4 estimatorsSpatial Sound™Improves ability to locate the most interesting sounds.
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
No
AI Voice ClarifierAI Voice ClarifierAI Voice Clarifier strength.100%Also covers Directionality
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
No
Power bassPower bassBoosts bass when streaming.
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
No
SuddenSound Stabilizer: 6 ConfigurationsSuddenSound StabilizerSuddenSound Stabilizer monitors the sound environment and instantly adapts amplification to keep both soft and loud sudden sounds available, balanced, and comfortable.
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Tinnitus SoundSupport™Tinnitus SoundSupport™Select from a wide range of customizable tinnitus relief sounds that are dynamic, yet soothing — including broadband sounds (white, pink and red noise) and natural, ocean-like sounds.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Reveal AI Clarifier™Reveal AI Clarifier™Reveal AI Clarifier technology level.Level 1Reveal Amplifier™Reveal Amplifier™Reveal-generation amplification processing included across all four tiers.Sound EnhancerSound EnhancerDynamic gain primarily for speech, given in complex environments.3 configurations
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
No
Wind & Handling Stabilizer 2.0Wind & Handling Stabilizer 2.0Reveal 1 and Reveal 2 wind and handling noise stabilization.Also covers Handling noise reduction