JVC EH-Z1500 vs. Lexie Powered by Bose

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.

This rechargeable device offers iPhone and Android call streaming, a new recharging case, and an in-app hearing test for personalized sound customization.

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.

Lexie B2 Plus achieved a SoundScore of 4.60/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

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 The buttons are reliable, though the slimtube design feels a bit outdated.

Lexie claims all of their products have an IP rating of 67 which is near the maximal egress protection for hearing aids. Beyond this, I found B2 well built with a good button click feel and robust portable charging case.

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.

Lexie B2 has a reported battery life of 18 hours so it should last all-day for most people. It takes only 3 hours to recharge in its case which also doubles as a portable charger thanks to the internal power-bank.

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B2 does offer audio streaming though it is unfortunately limited to iOS devices. I found B2’s streamed audio quality mediocre but it is a useful feature to have for those of use using Apple products.

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.

The phone app is one of my favorite features of B2. It is simple and visually pleasing while offering excellent personalization. Lexie has recently added an in-app hearing test making it even better.

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.

B2 is a rather sleek receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid. I found its comfort similar to that of prescription hearing aids and experienced no issues wearing it long-term (even with glasses).

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

Lexie B2 offers a sleek design similar to modern prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers. One potential downside is that it is only available in Gray, with no other color options.

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

Lexie B2 Plus has a value score of 4.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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 had no issues adjusting B2 with the app or rocker switch. I found the physical buttons sufficiently large and tactile offering a good click feel when depressed.

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.

One downside to Lexie B2 is that you are limited to phone or email based technical support. Fortunately, B2 and their phone app are fairly user-friendly and you will likely not need regular assistance.