Lexie Powered by Bose

The latest flagship product of Lexie Hearing is the Lexie B2 Plus Powered by Bose, an over-the-counter (OTC) self-fitting hearing aid available for $999 per pair. Introduced in January 2024, Lexie B2 Plus is the third "Powered by Bose" device, and the second to offer rechargeability. The B2 Plus is essentially an update of the B2, offering both iPhone and (starting May 7, 2024) Android voice streaming, a new recharging case, and a new in-app fitting test for customizing the aid for your unique hearing loss.

Lexie still offers its B2 Powered by Bose hearing aid ($899/pair), the previous version of the B2 Plus, which is rechargeable, offers call streaming for iPhones only, and comes with the older recharging case. The less-expensive ($799/pair) Lexie B1 Powered by Bose shares many of the core amplification features as the B2, but it does not stream audio, runs on size 312 disposable batteries, and like the B2 has a simpler method for customizing sound. The company also offers a slightly older but quality Behind-the-Ear (BTE) OTC model called Lexie Lumen ($799) that was introduced in 2020.

The Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose are all receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids that offer good sound quality, on-device volume control, directional microphones, noise reduction, smartphone app control to customize to individual users, and free, remote expert support from Lexie. They all use Bluetooth wireless technology to connect with the Lexie app, but only the B2 Plus offers the in-app test and customization tuned for your unique hearing loss, as well as streaming for phone calls from both Apple iOS and Android compatible devices (the B2 can stream from iPhones only). None offer hands-free calling.

In lab testing at HearAdvisor, the Lexie B2 gained the distinction of being one of the highest-scoring hearing aids last year, earning it a HearAdvisor 2023 Expert Choice Award. You can listen to sound samples of the B2 in the sidebar labeled "HearAdvisor Sound Performance Lab Results.”

But Lexie's success isn't just due to its hearing aid technology. Instead, the company's "secret sauce" is its online onboarding and orientation process, telecare, and after-purchase support. We'll cover all of these below and tell you everything you need to know about Lexie and its products, services, and pricing.

Who should use Lexie B1 / B2 Plus Powered by Bose?

The Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose hearing aids can help adults (18+ years) with mild to moderate hearing loss. You might be interested in them if you are:

• Seeking an OTC hearing solution that can be easily customized by you for your unique hearing loss.
• Looking for convenience and time savings but would like some remote support when needed.
• Seeking similar technology found in a modern hearing aid, including directional microphones, feedback and noise reduction, app-based controls, etc.
• Not needing to stream high-fidelity audio for music, podcasts, or video to a smartphone, tablet, or computer to your hearing aids.
• At least minimally proficient with smartphone technology, apps, and the idea of self-directed care and remote support.
• You are free of any health contraindications or red flags that indicate you should first seek the care of a physician, such as hearing loss in only one ear, a sudden decrease in hearing, ear drainage or pain, and more (please take the free Mayo/Northwestern CEDRA screening).

Who makes the Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose Hearing Aids?

Lexie Hearing is part of the HearX Group, a hearing healthcare company based in Pretoria, South Africa, co-founded in 2015 by a respected audiologist and academic, De Wet Swanepoel, PhD and entrepreneur Nic Klopper. HearX provides affordable hearing testing and amplification products “using smart digital health solutions that anyone can use, anywhere.” Along with its Lexie hearing aid line, HearX makes a clinically-validated online hearing test (hearScreen), which is used by Lexie and companies like CVS, Best Buy, and Costco. Other HearX products include the hearTest clinical smartphone audiometer and hearXSTK (self test kit) remote audiology solution, as well as the economy instant-fit Go OTC hearing aids.

Although Lexie distributes and doubtlessly plays a key role in developing their hearing aids, they do not actually manufacture them. Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose are manufactured by Novidan, which is based in Minneapolis. Lexie's other OTC hearing aid, Lexie Lumen, is manufactured by Intricon, a longtime, experienced “white label” hearing aid developer and manufacturer also based in Minneapolis.

So, where does Bose come into the picture?

As its name suggests, the Lexie Powered by Bose hearing aids borrow their technology from Bose and the company’s now-discontinued SoundControl hearing aid which was launched in May 2021. SoundControl was literally the first FDA-cleared self-fitting hearing aids for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss—what we now know as “over-the-counter hearing aids.”

SoundControl's CustomTune self-fitting system, which remains the foundation for Lexie B1 and B2’s fitting system, was based on the innovative EarMachine app purchased by Bose in 2014. It allowed users to fit, program, and control the devices for “clinically proven, audiologist-quality results.” While I think this may be a bit of a hyperbole, there indeed is excellent engineering and solid science behind it.

SoundControl was initially priced at $850 a pair but did not achieve the popularity Bose had hoped, even after some impressive clinical results. This was probably due to two missing elements: it didn’t feature rechargeability or Bose’s hallmark Bluetooth streaming and sound quality. Both were compromised for the sake of conserving battery life. Ultimately, the hearing aid became a victim of Bose's strategy pivot in May 2022 when news broke that it was ceasing hearing aid manufacturing and refocusing on its core audio products.

Enter Lexie. As early as 2019, Bose Ventures had invested in Lexie’s parent company, HearX, and then piled an additional $3 million into the company in 2021. In late-July 2022, Lexie announced a partnership with Bose to employ its SoundControl technology, renaming it Lexie B1 Powered by Bose, and quickly followed up that product with the B2 rechargeable model in October 2022 and the B2 Plus with an in-app fitting system in January 2024.

Key technology in the Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose

The Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose are Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids—meaning a wire extends from the main processing unit situated behind the ear to a receiver (or speaker) and eartip (flexible dome) in your ear canal. This is different from the Lexie Lumen Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid which uses a slim tube and air conduction to transfer sound from the processing unit to the dome in your ear canal. The two aids share the same Bose core processing features, but do have distinctive features.

Key features of Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus:

• Adaptive Noise Reduction designed to improve comfort and listening in noise.
• Dual microphones for directionality that focuses on hearing the person or sound source in front of you.
• Feedback suppression (reducing self-generated squelching/whistling) and wind-noise management.
• Rocker switch for on/off and manual volume control button on the hearing aids: press the button up/down for louder/softer volume simultaneously in both hearing aids.
• Lexie B2 and B2 Plus are rechargeable and have up to 18 hours of battery life, while the B1 uses a size 312 battery that should last 5-7 days, depending on your hearing aid settings and use.
• The B2 Plus streams both iPhone and Android phone calls directly to the hearing aids, while the B2 streams call for only iPhones, and the B1 does not stream audio.
• On B1 and B2, the optional Lexie App controls volume (called “World Volume”), program settings, and directional response simultaneously in both hearing aids.
• Although you can customize settings in all models, the new in-app hearing test in the B2 Plus provides enhanced customization for your unique hearing loss.
• Programs designed to match your environment, including Everyday, Indoor Noisy, Outdoor, Music, and Companion Mic (which requires a separately purchased accessory). You can modify these programs to your personal preferences, as well.
• 7-day-a-week remote care and support for lifetime of device.

All Lexie Hearing aids come with a 45-day risk-free trial and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Although Lexie says the aids are “water resistant,” they also warn against exposing them to anything more than regular perspiration and light moisture. For example, the B2 Plus hearing aid has an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP57, which means they're protected from immersion between 15 centimeters and 1 meter in depth and have limited protection from dirt/debris. However, the "gold standard" for prescription hearing aids is IP68—or one additional level of protection from both moisture and dirt. So you should do what you can to avoid water and gritty environments when using these hearing aids.

Comparing features of Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus hearing aids

A deeper dive into the Lexie B2 Plus hearing aid

Lexie continues to make incremental but important improvements to its B2 hearing aid. In May 2023, it announced firmware updates to the B2, enabling voice call streaming capabilities for iPhone users, meaning B2 wearers with iPhones (iOS v 13 Plus or newer) can conduct voice calls via Bluetooth using their aids for added convenience and an elevated user experience. However, hands-free calling is not available yet; in other words, you will be able to hear the person you're talking with through your hearing aids, but you'll still need to speak into the phone to be heard by them. While you can technically stream any audio from your smartphone, Lexie warns its hearing aid is not designed or optimized for music or other audio content streaming except a phone call; in other words, don't expect a Bose-type experience when streaming audio.

In January 2024, Lexie released a second update that upgraded its "B2" to the "B2 Plus,” adding a new in-app hearing test for better customization and a new recharging case that provides up to 18 hours more of runtime on the go. Then, starting in late-April 2024, Lexie announced that Android phones, in addition to iPhones, can now stream audio for phone calls.

Lexie Hearing Aid Controls and App

The Lexie app allows you to adjust the volume as well as the directionality of your hearing aids. You can adjust the volume of the hearing aids by either manually pressing the World Volume control on the back of the hearing aids or manipulating the volume control setting in the Lexie app. To make your surroundings louder, press the top part of the World Volume button; to make things quieter, press the bottom part of the World Volume button. You only need to press one button to raise/lower the volume in both hearing aids simultaneously.

The Lexie app also allows you to select the Front feature (a “directional setting”) on the app to focus on sounds in front of you, which is ideal for conversations in noisier environments. The Everywhere feature (an “omnidirectional setting”) lets you listen to sounds both in front and around you, which is best for general listening, walking outdoors, etc, and is the mode you’ll probably use most.

The hearing aids also allow you store your preferred settings as environment programs for frequently encountered places and situations.

Also 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

Customer support for Lexie hearing aids

Lexie Care is a service provided where you get real-time help from Lexie Experts by video or voice call, 7 days a week (9am - 9pm ET). The service gives you access to advice and support from Lexie Experts who can assist you in optimizing your hearing aids.

Using the Lexie B2 Plus in-app fitting test

Although the B2 Plus in-app hearing test is optional, it can be used by the hearing aid to calculate the starting points for the World Volume, Bass/Treble, and Balance settings. Lexie offers you an orientation how-to video and in-app instructions for taking the test and using its results, and its User Manual is also an exceptional resource. Once you apply the recommended settings from the test, you can further adjust the aids. It’s important to note that, when taking the hearing test, you’ll need to use the closed domes and not the open/vented domes that are originally attached to the aids when you get the kit (the vented domes have holes in the silicon rubber to allow external sound to enter the ear).

There are 4 pre-set Environmental settings on the app—Noisy Indoors, Outdoors, Music, and Everyday—as well as your Recommended Settings which are based on the results of your hearing test and should (assuming the test is accurate) give you the best results. However, note that the 4 environmental settings are not initially adjusted for your individual hearing needs; instead, each can be customized to suit how you like the device to sound, and there are also up to 10 other settings/programs you can create and save in the app.

Lexie Rewards

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

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

Battery Life of Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus

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

The Lexie B2 and B2 Plus use a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and a full charge reportedly powers the hearing aids for up to 18 hours. It takes the hearing aids about 3 hours to fully charge. The new recharging case introduced for the B2 Plus also holds one full extra charge for up to 18 hours more battery life while on the go.

Should you select the B1 disposable battery or the B2 or B2 Plus rechargeable models?

While the Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose have many of the same sound processing features, the Lexie B2 and B2 Plus are rechargeable, stream audio from a phone (iPhone only for B2, and iPhone and Android for B2 Plus), and the B2 Plus has a new in-app hearing test that customizes the sound for your unique hearing profile.

Rechargeability is arguably the biggest differentiator. It might seem like a no-brainer to opt for the rechargeable Lexie B2 or B2 Plus model, even if they're $100-$200 more expensive than the B1. But there are some trade-offs beyond the higher price tag for any rechargeable hearing aid.

On one hand, not having to buy or replace a tiny size 312 button-cell battery once or twice a week is the obvious BIG benefit of the rechargeable hearing aid; you'll probably save more money in the long-run by not having to purchase batteries and it's better for the environment. Additionally, the small batteries can pose a real challenge for anyone with vision or dexterity problems. A less apparent benefit: rechargeable hearing aids are generally more waterproof and durable because they don't have a swing-out battery door that can allow moisture and dirt to enter.

On the other hand, if you forget to place a rechargeable hearing aid in its recharging case or it runs out of power during a long day, you might need to cool your heels (about 3 hours in this case) before it's fully recharged. In contrast, when a disposable battery is drained, you can just pop in a new one. Also, with a rechargeable model, you're tied to the charger; this may be a problem if you like remote camping or find yourself away from the power grid for any extended time (e.g., a long journey or during a natural disaster like a hurricane). Finally, most modern prescription hearing aids purchased from an audiologist last 3-7 years; however, similar to cell phones, rechargeable hearing aids generally have a shorter practical lifespan of 3-5 years because, just like your cell phone, the lithium-ion battery's capacity degrades as the years pass.

While the need for streaming phone calls boils down to your own lifestyle needs and preferences, a significant "plus" for the Lexie B2 Plus is the in-app fitting test. The closer you can tune a hearing aid to compensate for your individual hearing loss, the more likely you'll find success and satisfaction with the device. We'll caution that the HearAdvisor lab has not yet tested the new fitting app for the B2 Plus, but if it does what it's supposed to do, then it's probably worth the extra $200.

What do users say about the Lexie Hearing Aids?

So, what's the word on the street when it comes to Bose hearing aids from Lexie?

Geoffrey Cooling, a seasoned UK-based audiologist who writes the HearingAidKnow blog, has praised Lexie as “the best direct to consumer hearing aid business we have come across.” Objective performance testing at HearAdvisor's lab in Illinois showed that the B2 was in the top performing group of devices test.

In June 2023, TIME Magazine included Lexie Hearing in its "TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023" list.

I checked the Facebook Hearing Aid and Hearing Loss Support Group and found the following review on the Lexie B2 which was purchased for $1,000:

Where can you buy Lexie hearing aids?

The Lexie B1, B2, and B2 Plus Powered by Bose hearing aids complement the Lexie Lumen slim-tube behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which sells for $799. All are sold online at lexiehearing.com and at retail stores and pharmacies like Best Buy, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS. You can also find them at Abt Electronics, QVC, HSN and the FSA/HSA web stores.

And here's a little tip: If you're already a member at Costco, at this writing you can purchase the B2 there for $20 less than anywhere else.

As with all OTC hearing aids, these devices are reserved for adults ages 18+ only (children with hearing loss should always see an audiologist) and are limited in how loud they can amplify sound—so they're only useful for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. So, either go to a hearing care professional for a hearing test or test your hearing online before buying them so you know if your hearing is mild to moderate in severity.

Optional purchases when buying Lexie Hearing aids

When you get to the final checkout on LexieHearing.com, they’ll ask you if you want Lexie’s Protection Plan and Care Kit. Here’s what these packages are and our opinion about them.

Protection Plan. The Lexie Protection Plan is designed to 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 $300 and $360 per aid for the B1 and B2 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 $96 and $180 for the B1 and B2/Plus hearing aids, respectively. Hearing aids are pretty easy to lose or damage, so this plan could be a good idea—particularly if you’re a person who is active; however, we worry that the terms of the Protection Plan are vague, making us question its value.

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 $383 and $240 for the B1 and B2/Plus hearing aids, respectively (i.e., the batteries are the variable cost component in the kit). Like the Protection Plan, this probably isn’t a bad deal, but we don't think it's a great one either; you might be better off buying domes from the company, and then buying cleaning materials, batteries, and desiccant kits separately, as needed, via Amazon or a specialty distributor like Oaktree Products.

Competing OTC products and potential alternatives to Lexie B1 / B2 Plus Powered by Bose

You will find several good-quality competing OTC hearing aids for $1100 or less on the market, as well as hearables, including:

• Jabra Enhance Plus is a $799 rechargeable OTC hearing aid made by the GN Group (maker of ReSound and Beltone hearing aids) that looks like modern wireless earbuds but deliver speech amplification, directional microphones, noise reduction, and feedback suppression and also stream audio and provide hands-free calling via Bluetooth® (iOS only).
• The Sony CRE-C10 self-fitting OTC is a $1000 hearing aid developed by hearing aid manufacturer WS Audiology (Widex and Signia brands). It uses size 10 disposable hearing aid batteries, has a 12kHz extended bandwidth with 48 processing channels, and has a reported battery life of 70 hours.
• Sennheiser All-Day Clear and All Day Clear Slim hearing aids are rechargeable, automatic, customizable OTC hearing aids with Sonova's algorithms that include "Intelligent Scene Detection." They are currently available online for $1100.
• Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds can be configured to perform much like an OTC hearing aid for situational use, but they have some notable limitations, including a limited battery life. Apple is expected to introduce a new "hearing aid mode" with iOS 18 in September 2024.

You may also want to check out HearingTracker's review of the best OTC hearing aids, hearables technology guide, and consult HearAdvisor's Leaderboard. Additionally, you might consider the following that may involve professional individualized hearing care:

• Check to see if your insurance plan covers the cost of prescriptive hearing aids or if you might gain coverage from the VA, TRICARE, Medicaid, etc. Some insurance programs may start covering OTC hearing aids, as well. Also see our Guide to Paying for Hearing Aids.
• Most hearing care clinics and retail offices, including Costco and Sam's Club, carry sub-$1500 prescription hearing aids that include a professional fitting; they just don't spend money advertising these hearing aids—so call them and explain you're interested in their lowest cost prescriptive hearing aid and you're considering buying an OTC aid.