Go Ultra OTC Hearing Aids Debut on QVC Shopping Network
The new device is the first behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid launched by Go Hearing, a part of the hearX group which also includes Lexie. And it's also one of the least expensive OTC hearing aids with Bluetooth for streamed audio and phone calls.Go Hearing debuted its Go Ultra over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid on the QVC shopping network on Sunday, May 21 for $500. Go Ultra is the first behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid sold by Go Hearing and is designed to provide “ultra-rich hearing functionality at an affordable price point.” Notably, it is one of the least expensive rechargeable OTC hearing aids available with Bluetooth® streaming for audio and phone calls.
Go Hearing is part of the South Africa-headquartered hearX group, which is also the parent company of Lexie, maker of Lexie Powered by Bose and Lexie Lumen hearing aids.
Key highlights of Go Ultra
According to hearX, the new Go Ultra features:
- Convenient hands-free streaming capabilities for calls and music
- Rechargeability, digital sound processing, and advanced audio features, including adjustable volume directly on the devices with four preset programs
- Included with the purchase is a variety of slim tubes and domes to choose from to facilitate easy, all-day wearing
Go Ultra: An economical Bluetooth streaming OTC hearing aid
As part of the hearX group, Go Hearing is an established hearing aid provider, offering consumers with hearing loss the option to purchase reliable hearing aids at a price they can afford online and at retail outlets like Best Buy. HearingTracker included Go Hearing's Go Prime in-ear hearing aids as one of its top-10 best OTC hearing aids of 2023. As with other Go Hearing products, it has a 45-day free return policy and a 1-year warranty.
According to hearx, the new Go Ultra hearing aids fit comfortably behind your ears and are ready to wear immediately. Every purchase includes a variety of slim tubes and domes to choose from to ensure easy, all-day wearing.
The recharging case provides three additional charges for on-the-go use, and the hearing aids can be charged in about 3 hours.
Go Ultra hearing aids are designed for simple operation, with an adjustable volume control directly on the devices and four preset programs so you can select the program best suited to your hearing profile. It does not feature a smartphone app, but it does offer Bluetooth streaming for both iPhone and Android devices.
Bluetooth audio streaming details for Go Ultra
Being offered on QVC for $500 makes Go Ultra one of the least expensive Bluetooth audio streaming OTC hearing aids available. Because of this, HearingTracker asked hearx for more details about Go Ultra's pairing and audio streaming functionality.
The Go Ultra hearing aids are compatible with phones that support Android 7 and above and Apple iOS 13 and above. The Bluetooth version of the phone should be 4.0 and above.
How to pair the Go Ultra Hearing Aids with a Phone
You may see prompts given by your phone regarding the Bluetooth connection, and hearx says you should accept these as you're pairing your phone with the hearing aids.
- Ensure your hearing aids are fully charged and switched on before pairing with your phone/tablet
- Select the Bluetooth setting on your phone to “Pair New Device”
- Select the “Go Ultra” to pair/connect to the Bluetooth of your phone.
- Once connected, you will hear a voice prompt “CONNECTED”
- Once disconnected, you will a voice prompt “DISCONNECTED:
- Once pairing is complete, the hearing aids will reconnect to your phone automatically as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
How to Listen to Phone Calls via Streaming
- To answer incoming calls quickly press and release the Switch B on the back of your hearing aid
- To reject incoming calls, press and hold the Switch B
- To end a call, press and hold the Switch B during the phone call
How to Listen to Music or Media via Streaming
- Play, pause, or stop the music/media via your smartphone or tablet as you normally would
- Adjusting the volume using the controls on your hearing aids or phone/tablet, will simultaneously change the volume of both devices together, as well as your phone/tablet
- Switching your hearing aids off while streaming will pause the music/media you are listening to.
Note that your hearing aids will continue to amplify your environment as normal while streaming within any listening programs.
QVC to repeat Go Ultra OTC segment again
QVC will air the Go Ultra OTC hearing aids segment again on Thursday, May 25 at 4 PM ET during “Accessible Living,” the network’s monthly segment focusing on essential home products that promote independent living. The Go Ultra hearing aid is now available on QVC and will be available on gohearing.com beginning on Tuesday, May 23.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with QVC to introduce Go Ultra hearing aids, the newest product from Go Hearing,” said Nic Klopper, CEO of hearX Group, in a press statement. “With advanced features like digital sound processing and call and media streaming, Go Hearing is changing the way people hear and interact with the world by providing affordable, easy to use hearing solutions.”
QVC has recently launched a dedicated Accessible & Adaptive category, featuring hundreds of products spanning mobility aids, apparel, home goods, electronics, and personal care items. This move positions QVC as one of the pioneering retailers in the United States to curate a comprehensive range of accessible products under a single multicategory offering, according to the company. Within each category, QVC prominently highlights accessible products and has unveiled a convenient digital storefront that allows users to search and shop based on adaptive and accessible features, as well as caregiving requirements.
“We are proud to be the first retailer to offer our customers the Go Ultra hearing aids as part of our growing assortment of assistive devices,” said QVC GMM of Merchandising Kristen Stevens. “It is important to us to create an inclusive shopping experience so every customer can find products to meet their needs no matter where they are in the arc of life. Through our live, engaging video shopping experience we can uniquely demonstrate the features and functionality to bring this product to life and help our customers shop more confidently.”
Source: hearX
Karl Strom
Editor in ChiefKarl Strom is the editor-in-chief of HearingTracker. He was a founding editor of The Hearing Review and has covered the hearing aid industry for over 30 years.