JLab Hear OTC vs. Philips HearLink 9050
Check out our comparison of the JLab Hear OTC vs Philips HearLink 9050. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
HearingTracker Score
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.
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HearAdvisor SoundScore
JLab Hear OTC achieved a SoundScore of 3.5/5 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 3.68/5.
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Build Quality
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.
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Battery
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.
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Bluetooth
HEAR offer wireless connectivity for both iOS and Android users. I personally experienced stable streaming and phone calls with my iPhone 12.
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App Features
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.
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Comfort
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.
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Design
This is highly personalized, but HEAR look like modern earbuds and distance themselves from the negative stigma some attribute to hearing aids.
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Value
JLab Hear OTC has a value score of 5.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
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Handling
I ran into a few issues with my initial Bluetooth pairing but HEAR and the touch controls work well otherwise.
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Pro Support
JLab falls short on actual hearing care as help is limited to their online Help Center and or standard Customer Support.
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Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
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Lab recordings not yet available
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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
Charger Plus miniRITE+1
A fast, portable charger for traveling light and charging on the go. Charge for a full day's power in 1 hour or get 4 hours of use from a quick 15-minute charge.
HearLink desk charger
A faster contact charger for a full day’s power in one hour, or up to four hours of hearing in only 15 minutes.
AudioClip+3
The Philips AudioClip is a hearing aid accessory that serves as a remote microphone to help you better hear one-to-one conversations in noisy environments or when listening to someone speak from a distance.
Remote Control
To turn the volume up and down on your hearing aids you can use the Philips HearLink app. In case you prefer using the Philips Remote Control we have this option as well.
HearLink 2 app+2
App allows you to change programs, adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, activate streaming options and personalize your sound. You can also use the app to connect with your hearing care specialist if you need to have your hearing aid settings adjusted remotely.
TV Adapter
Connect the Philips TV Adapter to your TV so you hear the sound from the TV directly in your hearing aids. This allows you to watch TV at your preferred volume.
Hardware
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- SBC
- AAC
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Call accept/reject
- Tinnitus volume
- Airplane Mode
- Change program
- Accept/end calls
- Accept/end calls