Have you ever wondered why hearing aids can’t double up as standard wireless earbuds? JLab has the answer with its innovative
Hear OTC Hearing Aid & Earbuds. Yes, it’s possible!
JLab’s Hear resembles traditional earbuds because the company is renowned for its diverse range of earbud models. The Hear OTC is a unique two-in-one device that seamlessly transitions between hearing aid and earbud modes. However, it cannot serve both functions simultaneously.
While technically classified as a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) and not a formal FDA-approved OTC hearing aid, the JLab Hear performs exceptionally well. It competes with, or even surpasses, many official hearing aids, although outcomes may vary individually.
Available in black, white, or beige, these slightly bulky devices weigh about 4.94 grams each. Although not uncomfortable, they are conspicuous and may feel heavy over extended use. There’s no hiding these aids once you have them on.
Photograph: Christopher Null
The OTC hearing aids offer four volume levels and four operating modes to suit different environments. While distinctions between modes may not be apparent in close quarters, the device struggles with noise reduction in loud environments and wind noise. Hiss can be a concern at higher volumes,
but adjusting background noise removal and lowering the volume can help alleviate these issues.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, JLab Hear lacks a hearing test or audiogram tuning, relying solely on volume and mode settings for sound amplification. When transitioning to Bluetooth mode for media playback or calls, the device disables its controls, including volume settings, which
are controlled by the paired device. While Bluetooth mode lacks noise cancellation features, an equalizer in the JLab app allows users to customize the sound with a 10-band frequency slider.