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Lexie Powered by Bose vs. Oticon Zircon

Check out our comparison of the Lexie Powered by Bose 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
4.2
Lexie Powered by Bose B2
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Lexie

Powered by Bose B2

SoundScore 4.6/5
$898 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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Powered by Bose
$898 per pair
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$2,798 per pair
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Product Overview

Powered by Bose
Zircon
Form Factor
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.
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
4.2
N/A
User Rating
2.65 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
Rechargeable
Hands-freeRechargeableAndroidTelecoilIP68

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Powered by Bose
Zircon

HearingTracker Score

Powered by Bose
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

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

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HearAdvisor SoundScore

Powered by Bose
4.6EXCELLENT

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.

Zircon

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Build Quality

Powered by Bose
4.6EXCELLENT

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.

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Battery

Powered by Bose
4.0AVERAGE

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.

Zircon

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Bluetooth

Powered by Bose
3.0BELOW AVERAGE

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.

Zircon

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App Features

Powered by Bose
4.0AVERAGE

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.

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Comfort

Powered by Bose
5.0EXCELLENT

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).

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Design

Powered by Bose
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

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Value

Powered by Bose
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

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

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Handling

Powered by Bose
5.0EXCELLENT

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.

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Not yet rated by our experts

Pro Support

Powered by Bose
2.0BELOW AVERAGE

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.

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Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

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Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
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Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
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Lab recordings not yet available

Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
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Powered by Bose
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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

Powered by Bose
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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

Powered by Bose
Zircon
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Made for iPhone (MFi)
  • 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.
312
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.
No
  • 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.
No
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
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.
Yes
Yes

Software Features

Powered by Bose
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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
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Yes
No
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.
12
48
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
Tuned based on hearing test through device
No
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