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JLab Hear OTC vs. Oticon Zircon

Check out our comparison of the JLab Hear OTC vs Oticon Zircon. 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 Zircon 1 miniRITE-R
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Oticon

Zircon 1 miniRITE-R

$2,798 per pair
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Hear OTC
$99.99 per pair
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Zircon
$2,798 per pair
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Product Overview

Hear OTC
Zircon
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
2.59 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-freeRechargeableAndroidTelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Hear OTC
Zircon

HearingTracker Score

Hear OTC
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE

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
Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

HearAdvisor SoundScore

Hear OTC
3.6AVERAGE

JLab Hear OTC achieved a SoundScore of 3.65/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #26 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

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.

Zircon

Not yet rated by our experts

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

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

Lab recordings not yet available

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

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
Zircon

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
Zircon
Battery Charger
None

Oticon charger

An overnight lithium-ion battery charge provides all-day power, and a 30-minute fast charge provides up to six additional hours of hearing aid use.

SmartCharger

The new SmartCharger includes a protective lid and built-in battery for charging when away from a power outlet. The drying function automatically removes moisture from your hearing aids.

CROS System
None

CROS PX

The new Oticon CROS PX is rechargeable and offers TwinLink™ dual streaming technology, which provides access to more sounds in challenging listening environments and handles wireless streaming at the same time.

Landline to Streaming
None

Phone Adapter 2.0

The Oticon Phone Adapter 2.0 enables hearing aid users to connect to their landline phones via the ConnectClip accessory. Wireless, hands-free phone conversations are enabled when the ConnectClip is worn on the body.

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.

Smartphone App
None

On App

Lets you control your hearing aids from your smartphone and interact with other Internet-connected devices and services.

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
Zircon
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
  • SBC
  • AAC
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • Android (ASHA)
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
No
312
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)
  • Accessory required (Android)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IPx4
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Mute control
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
No
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
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
No
Yes

Software Features

Hear OTC
Zircon
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
14
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
No
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
Feedback ShieldFeedback ShieldEmploys an ultra-fast and effective feedback management system that prevents feedback without compromising sound quality or audibility.SuperShieldSuperShieldSuperShield feedback management system prevents feedback before it occurs, so patients can enjoy a better hearing experience without interruptions from unwanted whistling and squealing.
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
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
48
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
OpenSound Navigator™: OnOpenSound Navigator™OpenSound Navigator™ cleans excessive background noise in a 360° radius quickly and effectively – even noise coming from the same direction as speech. To ensure background noise does not intrude on the listening experience, it can even remove noise between words. Noise reduction can be adjusted to meet individual needs in simple and complex environments.
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
No
Yes
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
Transient Noise Management: On/OffTransient Noise ManagementProtects against sudden loud sounds with fast recovery to preserve audibility; offers four different levels for fine tuning, including ‘off’
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
Speech Guard™Speech Guard™Hearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
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 Noise ManagementWind Noise ManagementProtects against the discomfort of wind noise