JLab Hear OTC vs. Rexton Reach R Plus
Check out our comparison of the JLab Hear OTC vs Rexton Reach R Plus. 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
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
Charging Station
A plug-in charger for everyday use at home, with magnetic slots that hold your Reach R Plus hearing aids in place. It provides a full charge in around four hours and supports 30-minute top-ups. The hearing aids switch off when inserted and on when removed; the charging cable is fixed.
Travel Charger+1
A portable charging case with a built-in battery that provides up to three hearing aid charges away from a power outlet. It charges Reach R Plus in around four hours, supports 30-minute top-ups, and automatically switches the hearing aids off and on as you insert and remove them. The case recharges via USB-C.
Charging+ Station
A charger with built-in drying and UV cleaning to help care for your Reach R Plus hearing aids between uses. It supports 30-minute top-ups and automatically switches the hearing aids off when you insert them and back on when you remove them.
Universal Cable Charger
A compact, lightweight charger that connects directly to the charging contacts on your hearing aids. Removable sleeves make it easier to clean the contacts, and an optional stand helps keep the charger steady. Compatible with Reach R Plus and several other rechargeable Rexton models.
Reach CROS R-Li T BC
A rechargeable CROS transmitter designed to pair with Reach R Plus for people whose hearing in one ear cannot benefit from a conventional hearing aid. Worn on that side, it picks up sound and sends it wirelessly to the hearing aid on the better-hearing ear. In a BiCROS fitting, that hearing aid also amplifies sound to address hearing loss in the better ear.
Smart Key
Smart Key is a pocket-sized remote with dedicated buttons for changing volume and listening programs without using a smartphone. A keyring keeps it handy, and a lock switch prevents accidental button presses in a pocket or bag. Rexton advises against pairing Smart Key and the Rexton App to the same hearing aids, because the app can erase the remote pairing.
Rexton App+1
The free Rexton App for iPhone and Android lets you adjust volume, switch listening programs, fine-tune sound balance, and check hearing aid battery levels from your phone. Rexton Assist offers personalized sound adjustments based on your feedback, while TeleCare enables remote support and adjustments from participating hearing care providers. Available controls depend on your hearing aid settings; Rexton Assist does not support CROS fittings.
TV Sound
TV Sound sends stereo audio from a television or sound system directly to your Reach R Plus hearing aids. It connects to the audio source through an optical or analog output and supports several hearing aid users listening at once. LED indicators show pairing and streaming status, and the Rexton App lets you adjust streaming volume.
Hardware
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- SBC
- AAC
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Change program
- Accept/end calls