Lexie Hearing provides high-quality over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids online—including Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose and Lexie Lumen hearing aids—for prices ranging from $699 to $999 per pair. You can find these devices on the Lexie website, Amazon, and at major retailers, including Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, and pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS.

Lexie hearing aids were among the first OTC hearing aids to hit the market when the category was first created by the FDA in October 2022. In particular, Lexie's flagship hearing aid, the Lexie B2, is on HearingTracker's list of Best OTC Hearing Aids, and the B2 Plus scored highly in testing at the independent HearAdvisor lab, earning it an Expert Choice Award. The company was also recently included in the “TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023” list for its leadership in the OTC hearing aid market.

In this article we'll tell you everything you need to know about Lexie Hearing, its history, products, technology, and pricing, and include links to more in-depth pages on its three products.

Audiologist and HearAdvisor cofounder Steve Taddei, AuD, reviews the lab performance results of the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose premium OTC hearing aid. (Note: this video was released prior to the B2 Plus's in-app hearing test.) Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

What we love about Lexie OTC hearing aids

  • Quality hearing aids that have ranked high in HearAdvisor lab testing
  • Available online
  • Attractive pricing ($699 to $999)
  • Self-fitting with good customization options
  • Clinically validated screening and testing
  • Exceptional remote support
  • Rewards program for guided learning and gaining proficiency with the hearing aids
  • Bose premium technology in B2 Plus, including rechargeability and in-app fitting system
  • Audio call streaming available for iPhones and more recently (May 2024) for Android phones in the B2 Plus; B2 streams iPhone calls
  • Lexie Lumen has a telecoil

Limitations

  • No in-person sales or services
  • Some report Lexie's online support can be hit or miss
  • No audio streaming for Lumen or B1, although all Lexie hearing aids use the Lexie app
  • B2 and B2 Plus hearing aids stream calls but don't support hands-free calling
  • Remote programming only available for Lexie Lumen
  • When reordering accessories like domes or tubes for the Lumen, you can't choose your size, but have to pay for a set that includes all sizes.
  • Untracked shipping through USPS only (expect delays)
  • RIC wires not covered under warranty ($50 replacement cost)
  • Protection Plan is vague and likely not worth it
The Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose is an updated version of the Lexie B2, now offering iPhone and (starting May 7, 2024) Android voice streaming, a new recharging case, and an in-app fitting test for customizing the aid for your unique hearing loss.
The Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose is an updated version of the Lexie B2, now offering iPhone and (starting May 7, 2024) Android voice streaming, a new recharging case, and an in-app fitting test for customizing the aid for your unique hearing loss.

Who makes Lexie hearing aids?

Lexie Hearing is owned by an American subsidiary of the hearX Group (based in South Africa). Lexie Lumen is manufactured by Intricon Corporation, a well-known hearing aid components manufacturer based in the US. Lexie Powered by Bose is manufactured by Novidan, in partnership with the Bose Corporation. According to TIME Magazine, Lexie had distribution in 12,000 stores across the United States in 2023 and expects to earn $60 million in revenue.

Partnership with Bose

Bose Ventures, a financial arm of consumer giant Bose, invested $3 million in the hearX Group in 2021, setting the stage for future product collaborations between the two companies.

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As noted above, Bose was an early entrant in the OTC hearing aid market with innovative new self-fitting hearing aid technology and an advanced online telecare and servicing model. In May 2022, it decided to stop selling its hearing aids and, by July of that year, had partnered with hearX to incorporate its technology into Lexie Hearing's Powered by Bose hearing aids.

Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose and Lexie Lumen hearing aids are backed by extensive telehealth services from hearing professionals trained by hearX.

Who should use Lexie hearing aids?

If you think you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and if you are comfortable with remote support and a do-it-yourself approach, Lexie has products for you.

Lexie hearing aids sit discretely behind the ear.
Lexie hearing aids sit discretely behind the ear.

Fitting and operating Lexie hearing aids requires using a mobile app, so you should be comfortable navigating smartphone app menus. You'll also need good dexterity to clean your hearing aids, replace the "domes" that are inserted into the ear, and switch out disposable batteries or manage the daily recharging.

Note that all of Lexie's hearing aids sit behind the ear. While they use a Bluetooth connection to operate the Lexie app, only the Lexie B2 and B2 Plus support Bluetooth audio or call streaming (no hands-free yet) from iPhones and both iPhones and Android devices, respectively.

How to order hearing aids from Lexie

You can order your Lexie OTC hearing aids online. Here is an overview of the process:

  1. Take a hearing test - While a hearing test is not required to fit OTC hearing aids, it can give you a good picture of your hearing loss and help you know whether you may need a professional fitting with more powerful prescription hearing aids. We always recommend getting a test from a professional who will test your hearing in a soundproof booth, but you can also take Lexie's online hearing test. Lexie's clinically validated speech-in-noise screener requires that you wear headphones, and it tests both ears at once. Lexie will ask you for your name, email address, and phone number before displaying the results. HearingTracker has also reviewed some good online hearing tests as options for obtaining an audiogram, and you may decide to try more than one screening app for gaining results.
  2. Pick an OTC hearing aid - If you're not sure which of Lexie's OTC hearing aids is right for you, you can call Lexie's free support hotline or send them a message to receive guidance. Generally, all of Lexie's OTC hearing aids are suitable for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, but they differ in price, design, and features. For example, if you want rechargeable hearing aids, you can check out the Lexie B2 or B2 Plus Powered by Bose model.
  3. Place your order - When you order your hearing aids, you make a one-time payment. Not long ago, Lexie offered a subscription option, but they have since eliminated it. However, at checkout, you can get extended-pay financing through Klarna, and the hearing aids are also FSA and HSA eligible.
  4. Set up your OTC hearing aids - Lexie will ship your hearing aids. Once you receive them, follow the included instructions. You will need to download the Lexie app and run through a self-fitting routine.
  5. Speak with an expert - You can further personalize your hearing aids with the help of an expert. You can communicate with Lexie's expert through chat, video, or voice call, and for Lexie Lumen, they can remotely adjust your hearing aids.
Lexie's clinically validated online hearing test is a speech-in-noise screener that you can take at home wear headphones.
Lexie's clinically validated online hearing test is a speech-in-noise screener that you can take at home wear headphones.

The most crucial step is #1: Make sure that OTC hearing aids are the right solution for your type of hearing loss. If your hearing loss is unusual, for example, if you've noticed differences between your left and right ear, if you suffer from tinnitus, or if you've noticed other issues with your ears, consult a physician and get a professional medical evaluation before committing to a product.

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You can also visit the Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment (CEDRA) website developed by Mayo Clinic and Northwestern University and answer their simple online Q&A assessment to learn more about your risk for ear and hearing problems.

Lexie Powered by Bose B2
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Lexie Powered by Bose B2

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The Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose is an over-the-counter, self-fitting hearing aid priced at $999 per pair, designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. This rechargeable device offers iPhone and Android call streaming, a new recharging case, and an in-app hearing test for personalized sound customization.

  • Listen to this device

Ideal for
  • Value
Product Features
  • Hands-free calling
    No
  • Rechargeable
    Yes
  • iPhone Streaming
    Yes
  • Android Streaming
    No
  • IP Rating
    N/A
Expert Review

Which hearing aids can you get and how much do they cost?

Lexie offers four different OTC hearing aids, all with form factors with small processors that sit discretely behind the ear.

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Three receiver-in-canal (RIC) models—the Lexie Powered by Bose B1, B2, and B2 Plus models—have a thin wire extending to a receiver (audio speaker) that sits within the ear canal. The B1 and B2 use Lexie's implementation of the Bose self-fitting software, while the B2 Plus has an in-app hearing testing and fitting system.

Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose hearing aids.
Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose hearing aids.

Lexie's B2 and B2 Plus Powered by Bose hearing aids

Offered at $719 per pair, the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose is one of the best-performing OTC hearing aids on the market, receiving the HearAdvisor Expert Choice Award. The B2 is a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) style rechargeable hearing aid that offers Bluetooth streaming for compatible Android and iOS devices. It offers 4 preset programs and 10 customizable listening environments.

In January 2024, Lexie updated the B2, creating the B2 Plus which is now sold for $999. The update included a new charging case, giving users an extra 18 hours of runtime on the go, and, importantly, an in-app hearing test, so customizing the hearing aid for your hearing loss is now much easier.

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In the video below, Audiologist Matthew Allsop discusses the initial launch of the rechargeable version of the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose self-fitting hearing aid. Also, since this video was made, the B2 and B2 Plus incorporated audio streaming for compatible Apple iOS and Android phones. However, while they do allow streaming of any audio content on an iPhone or Android phone (new since May 7, 2024), the audio was designed for phone calls and was not optimized for music or video content streaming.

Audiologist Matthew Allsop provides a review of the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Lexie B1 Powered by Bose

The Lexie B1 Powered by Bose processes sound exactly the same as the B2 Plus, except the B1 is not rechargeable, doesn't stream phone calls or audio, and most importantly doesn't include the in-app hearing test that tailors sound for your unique hearing loss. The B1 is offered at $749—or about $150 and $250 cheaper than the B2 and B2 Plus, respectively.

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The B1 uses a size 312 battery and can last up to 56 hours of runtime—or up to 4 days of use with an average usage of 14 hours per day. Battery life will vary depending on the frequency of use and your listening environment.

Lexie B1 Powered by Bose hearing aids.
Lexie B1 Powered by Bose hearing aids.

Lexie Lumen: The original Lexie product

The Lexie Lumen is a behind-the-ear (BTE) model that sends the sound from the processor through a thin air tube into the ear canal. The Lexie Lumen uses in-app auto-tuning software developed before the Powered by Bose hearing aids were launched. Introduced in 2020, these might be older hearing aids, but they do provide good value for $699, and they're the only Lexie hearing aid with a telecoil. Perhaps their best feature is they can be programmed online for your hearing loss by a Lexie professional—something the Lexie Powered by Bose hearing aids do not offer.

Lexie Lumen
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Lexie Lumen

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  • Listen to this device

Product Features
  • Hands-free calling
    No
  • Rechargeable
    No
  • iPhone Streaming
    No
  • Android Streaming
    No
  • IP Rating
    IP67
Expert Review

Lexie OTC hearing aid purchase options

At one time, Lexie offered a subscription plan, but this has now been discontinued. When purchasing the aids, you can also purchase Lexie's Protection Plan and Care Kit:

Protection Plan. The Lexie Protection Plan is meant to help cover your losses if you lose, break, or damage your hearing aids, although they reserve the right to determine the terms. The hearing aids are covered with a replacement fee of $120, $300, and $360 per aid for the Lumen, and B1 and B2/Plus hearing aids, respectively. You can find more details about its terms in the FAQ section of Lexie’s website. At this writing, the Protection Plan comes at an additional cost of $72, $96, and $180 for the Lumen, B1, and B2/Plus hearing aids, respectively. Frankly, the Protection Plan seems vague and may not be worth the added cost.

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Care Kit. The Care Kit is designed to give you everything needed for the maintenance of your hearing aids for up to 6 months. Selecting this option gives you 4 care kits in one package, and the kit includes disposable size 312 batteries (if applicable), domes, tubes, and drying capsules. At this time, the Care Kit costs $80, $110, and $70 for the Lumen, B1, and B2/Plus hearing aids, respectively (i.e., the batteries are the variable cost component in the kit). Again, this isn't a bad deal, but we don't think it's a great one either; you may be better off buying domes from the company, as needed, and cleaning materials, batteries, and desiccant kits separately via Amazon or a specialty distributor like Oaktree Products.

Here is a summary of the three Lexie OTC hearing aids and their purchasing options:

Lexie LumenLexie B1Lexie B2 Lexie B2 Plus
Price per pair$699 $749 $719 $799
Care Kit$80 $383 $240 $240
Protection Plan$72 $96 $180 $180
StyleThin Tube Behind the EarReceiver in CanalReceiver in CanalReceiver in Canal
BatteriesReplaceable, size 312Replaceable, size 312Rechargeable, USB-CRechargeable, USB-C
ColorsGray, beige, bronze, silver, blackGrayGrayGray
BluetoothApp ControlApp ControlApp Control & phone streamingApp Control & phone streaming
CaseCarry caseCarry caseCharging case and cableCharging case w/ extra 18 hrs of power and cable
Other AccessoriesEar measuring and cleaning tools, domes, slim tubes, drying capsulesWire sizing and cleaning tools, domesWire sizing and cleaning tools, domesWire sizing and cleaning tools, domes

Comparison of Lexie Hearing Models

While all of the hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled, only B2 and B2 Plus can stream audio wirelessly from an iPhone (the B2 Plus also streams from Android phones). The Bluetooth connection also lets you wirelessly control your hearing aids through the Lexie app.

The Lexie B2 Powered by Bose was recognized as one of the top hearing aids in 2023 by the independent hearing aid testing lab, HearAdvisor.
The Lexie B2 Powered by Bose was recognized as one of the top hearing aids in 2023 by the independent hearing aid testing lab, HearAdvisor.

The Lexie App

The Lexie App is an easy-to-use smartphone app that lets you control your hearing aids and contact Lexie Hearing's professional support staff. If you've used other hearing-aid apps the setup will be somewhat familiar.

Once you download the app from either Apple's App Store or the Google Play store, you can set up a Bluetooth connection from your phone to your hearing aids, which activates the app's control features. (However, Bluetooth currently does not enable audio streaming to the Lexie hearing aids).

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With the Lexie app, you can:

  • Adjust volume and program settings to personalize amplification to your hearing profile
  • Conduct video calls with Lexie Hearing support professionals
  • Monitor your battery levels
  • Access Lexie Hearing's online support center with videos and other content for self-guided troubleshooting
Lexie App and Lexie Rewards Program
The Lexie app enables telehealth video appointments and includes access to the Lexie Rewards program offering subscription discounts when new users meet their wearing goals.

Lexie Rewards

Lexie Hearing has come up with an innovation it promotes as "the only OTC hearing aid that rewards you for wearing it." Its Lexie Rewards customer loyalty program, which awards points toward discounts on monthly subscription costs, features a unique gamified incentive to help new new customers move up the learning/usage/comfort curve.

Designed to guide and support you through the first 45 days of wearing a new pair Lexie hearing aids, it awards points when you reach your goals. Rack up enough points and you can receive a 5% discount on your monthly subscription or redeem your points when you make other purchases through the Lexie app.

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By tracking usage and rewarding you as you wear your hearing aids and perform everyday tasks, the program helps you get over the initial hurdle of acclimating to new hearing aids. And by enabling you to register your personal feedback, Lexie gains valuable information for its ongoing customer service and product development.

What's included with your Lexie hearing aid purchase?

When you purchase or subscribe to Lexie hearing aids, you receive a pair of hearing aids with a starter set of batteries (Lumen and B1) and accessories, and you'll have access to real-time video and voice support for the lifetime of your hearing aids. Each product includes a 1-year warranty and a 45-day risk-free trial, i.e. you can return the hearing aids for a full refund.

Note that if you order Lexie hearing aids through a third-party retailer, you might not receive the same 45-day free trial. Amazon's return period, for example, is only 30 days.

Lexie CareKit.
Lexie CareKit.

One note about the Lexie Powered by Bose RIC receiver wires: The B1, B2, and B2 Plus models come with a standard (size 2) wire that extends from the hearing aid to the receiver at the entrance of your ear canal. If this is too long or too short, you can talk with a Lexie Expert and request another size. If you do this within the 45-day trial period, you'll only pay for the shipping cost; however, outside of this period you'll be charged $50 per wire. (The other model, Lexie Lumen, is a BTE device that comes with a variety of slim tube sizes and doesn't use a receiver wire.)

What are people saying about Lexie hearing aids?

Lexie hearing aids generally have high SoundScores and Value ratings from HearAdvisor, an independent hearing aid testing lab based in Rockford, Ill. For example, relative to overall value, a recent review of Walmart OTC hearing aids found that Lexie B2 and Lexie Lumen ranked #1 and #10, respectively, out of the 24 hearing aids tested. Likewise, the Lexie B2 and B2 Plus have earned the lab's Expert Choice Award for their high SoundScore (4.3 out of 5).

At the HearingTracker Hearing Aid Forum, an online community for new and experienced users of hearing aids, there are numerous posts on Lexie hearing aids. For example, in November 2022 a community member posted a thoughtful report on his experience with Philips, Oticon, and Lexie Lumen and Lexie B1 hearing aids. And our community members were among the first to report and discuss the availability of Lexie hearing aids at Costco.

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Regardless of the hearing aids you're considering, investing time in the Hearing Aid Forum is a wise decision. You'll gain valuable insights from a diverse range of experiences shared by hundreds of other hearing aid users, both positive and negative. Moreover, if you have your own perspectives to contribute, signing up and sharing your comments with the community is a straightforward process, encouraging a dynamic and interactive exchange of ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Lexie offers payment plan financing through Klarna. However, it no longer offers subscription hearing aid plans.

Insurance policies generally don't cover OTC or direct-to-consumer hearing aids. However, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health saving account (HSA) through your employer, you may use your FSA/HSA card to buy hearing aids or the Lexie Hearing subscription. Before you make a purchase, confirm with your insurance company whether your FSA or HSA plan covers hearing aids.

At this time, Lexie only sells hearing aids by the pair.

All of Lexie's hearing aids are self-fitting through the Lexie mobile app. For the Lexie B1, the app allows you to adjust high (Treble) and low (Bass) frequencies with a single slider for each. If needed, you can also adjust the balance setting to boost amplification in your weak ear.

Lexie B2 Plus and Lexie Lumen offers an in-app hearing test, and once the test is completed, the hearing aids are automatically adjusted according to the results of the test.

Should you buy Lexie hearing aids?

You should consider buying OTC hearing aids from Lexie if you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss and are a tech-savvy do-it-yourselfer comfortable using a smartphone app to control your hearing aids.

Alternatives to Lexie Hearing

If Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling is important to you, look into alternative OTC hearing aids that support this feature, like the Jabra Enhance Plus (iPhone only), the Sony CRE-E10, or the HP Hearing PRO.