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Customer Ratings & Reviews

Customer reviews

Rating 3.7 out of 5 stars with 42 reviews

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  • Value

    Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars

  • Quality

    Rating 3.9 out of 5 stars

  • Ease of Use

    Rating 3.2 out of 5 stars

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62%would recommend to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers enjoy the crisp and clear sound quality of the 2-in-1 Hear OTC Hearing Aid and Earbuds. They operate well as standard wireless headphones.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 42 reviews
  • Cons mentioned:
    Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Hear ye, JLab

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    ***Introduction:*** I was excited when these came in the mail. Did my excitement last? ***Build Quality:*** The JLab Hear earbuds look well-made, with a grey plastic body that has a matte finish. On the ear tip side, there’s a bit of see-through plastic, but the whole design blends together seamlessly. The build quality feels solid, and the grey color, combined with the sturdy weight, gives the impression of durability. It’s a nice change from the usual JLab black, and it makes these earbuds feel a little more special. The case is slimmer than previous models, with the same look and texture as the earbuds. Unfortunately, the appearance and feel are where the excitement ends. ***Fit:*** The design of these earbuds made them harder to fit in my ears than other JLab products I’ve used, even when trying out different tips, and even for a friend with a vastly different ear canal size and shape. The sound-isolation was disappointing, especially for the price. They did stay in very well - lasting through a set of burpees. Most buds don’t. They can be worn in the “wrong” ears and feel very comfortable. So there’s that (included in the photos). ***Sound:*** If I’m being generous, the sound quality is tuned for vocals. If I’m simply giving unfiltered feedback, it’s tinny. No matter which ear tips I tried, the sound didn’t improve much, and even with the best fit, listening to music wasn’t a great experience. My excitement of received the Hear buds quickly faded, and I found myself thinking, “Well, I guess they’ll be my backup set.” The hearing-aid functionality works fairly well, but it’s not quite good enough. The sound quality and poor fit make it less of the spy device we all imagined as kids, and more of a device that makes you want to just take them out after a while. ***CONTROLS:*** You tap either earbud to pause, which is convenient, but adjusting the volume is another story. Holding the earbuds to control the volume is a hassle, making it hard to find the perfect level. I found myself relying on my phone’s volume rocker instead, which was far easier to use. ***FEATURES:*** Unlike other JLab products, the JLab Hear buds don’t allow you to turn off passthrough mode, which would be useful. Sometimes I Just want a quiet environment without wearing earplugs. The Hearing Health app - compared to the app for other JLab products - is considerably stripped down. Perhaps JLab were trying to simplify it for older users, but the app ends up holding back a set that could have more potential. Adding a simple toggle or advanced settings option could easily fix this issue and give the Hears another star. ***NOISE CONTROL:*** Having worn shooting muffs, I expected the Hear buds to handle sharp sounds better (like clapping, setting a hard object down, cutting food). I was hopeful for a muffling. Instead, the buds amplified everything, making those sharp sounds even more noticeable. There really should be an toggle in the app to reduce this. ***DRAWBACKS:*** There’s no option to customize taps or holds to match the user experience JLab fans are familiar with. The buds don’t have the flexibility you’d expect from a JLab product, and they miss out on key features that would make them feel more advanced. ***CONCLUSION:*** In the end, I’m disappointed. I’ve bought many JLab products in the past. Including these, I have even been given two review sets. Hands down, no question, these are by far my least favorite. They look good and feel durable, but don’t deliver where it counts: sound, fit, and functionality. The hearing-aid feature works to a point, but the issues with sound quality and comfort drag it down. I’m giving them 3 stars.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Cons mentioned:
    Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 2 out of 5 stars

    Good for phone calls!

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I wish I had better things to say about the JLab - 2-in-1 hear OTC Hearing Aid and earbuds - Graphite but unfortunately, that's not the case. To start these Hearing Aid / Bluetooth earbuds are a little tricky to get paired to your device compared to all of my other Bluetooth earbuds and headphones. I first tried to pair them like other earbuds I have that are similar in nature but that did not work. Then I read the instructions and followed them and still probably took me 20 minutes before I was successful. Then once they were paired I was not overly impressed with the earbud performance. They do not get loud enough and the in-app EQ only has one JLab signature setting and one custom setting. They have decent sound sometimes with music and are okay for talk shows. The one area they are pretty good in is phone calls. The calls are very clear and the other people can hear me clearly. As I type this right now every time I hit my keyboard I get an annoying feedback sound. Which leads me into the hearing aid section of this review. The settings in the app do not really help anything or change anything. It has four different modes and I can not tell the difference between any of them.Whether I turn one on two or all of them they go in and out of hearing aid mode whether the auto/ play and pause sensors switch is on or not. It drives me nuts You should be able to turn hearing aid mode on or off in the app settings. I have also tried carrying on a conversation with my wife and they just don’t work right. I get a high-pitched noise in my ear. The software on these things is crazy with the mic fading in and out and while I can hear my footsteps louder I do really hear voices louder like I should. At this point I am taking them out because I just can not stand it any longer. JLab is going to have to do a lot of refining and updating to get these things as usable for hearing aids of any sort. I have another pair of JLabs I bought and I never use those because they also only work good for phone calls for sound quality. I had high hopes that these would be better but nope same old sound signature. I never write such negative reviews and I hate to have to do it but these are just to bad. If you want a good pair of earbuds and are on a Budget buy some Anker earbuds. They are not fancy with lots of features but they work well for their intended purpose. Sorry JLab but you all need to do better.I can not recommend this product.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from JLab Audio Team
      Posted .

      We're sorry to hear the troubles you're experiencing. You have a two-year warranty with our Bluetooth devices. Please contact us at [email protected], and we'd be happy to resolve this for you. jlabaudio-conv

  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    JLabs OTC Hearing Amplifier & Earbuds

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The Hear OTC Hearing Amplifier & Earbuds are a remarkable innovation that neatly bridges the gap between traditional hearing aids and modern earbuds. The seamless Bluetooth connectivity allows users to easily pair the device with their smartphones, making it a versatile choice for those looking to enhance their hearing while also enjoying music or taking calls, just like with standard earbuds. One of the standout features of this device is its dual-mode functionality, which offers users the flexibility to switch between the Hearing Amplifier mode for enhanced sound and a combined mode that includes Bluetooth connectivity. This effortless transition enhances the user experience, whether you’re in a loud environment or simply relaxing at home. In terms of design, the Hear OTC Hearing Amplifier & Earbuds excel. They mimic the traditional earbud fit, providing comfort for extended wear. With six different sets of earbud tips—including specialized vented tips designed for natural hearing—users can customize their fit according to personal preference. This attention to comfort is essential, particularly for those who may wear them throughout the day. The addition of four preset hearing modes—Loud Environment, Restaurant, Conversation, and Quiet Environment—further elevates the device’s functionality. The ability to adjust based on your surroundings without the hassle of app access makes it intuitive and user-friendly. Whether navigating a vibrant street or having a quiet dinner, the Hear OTC ensures that users can tailor their auditory experience to suit their needs. Furthermore, independent volume and touch controls add another layer of personalization. Being able to control the volume separately for each earbud, along with the ability to switch modes and manage calls or media without an app, enhances ease of use. It’s a thoughtful design that allows for quick adjustments on the go. A particularly noteworthy feature is the in-ear detection, which automatically manages the Hearing Amplifier mode based on whether the device is being worn. This functionality not only streamlines the user experience but also contributes to battery efficiency. Additionally, the built-in feedback suppression technology helps eliminate unwanted loud noises, making listening clearer and more comfortable. In summary, the Hear OTC Hearing Amplifier & Earbuds offer a compelling blend of modern technology and user-friendly design. They effectively cater to those with hearing challenges while also functioning as high-quality earbuds for music and calls. With their comfort, versatility, and intuitive controls, they are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to enhance their auditory experience in various environments. Whether you need assistance in conversations or simply want to enjoy your favorite tunes, this device stands out as a reliable, all-in-one solution.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Cons mentioned:
    Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Good for Hearing Aid, Not Great for Audio

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Overview: Nice fit, good battery life and a good price. If you are looking for some simple hearing enhancement, then these JLAB 2 in 1 Earbuds may be right for you. However, if you also want dynamic sounds quality, then keep looking. Set Up: • Set up was easy once I found the correct app. The QR code in the instructions pointed to the standard JLAB sound app instead of the JLAB Hearing App. • Ear tips – you do get a number of ear tips options to choose from along with a larger outside rubber housing as well. Good set up here. Operation: Once set up, The App provides the following options: -Hearing modes -Loud Environment -Restaurant -Conversation -Quiet Environment I don’t feel any of them isolated the ambient sound enough and enhanced what I really wanted to hear. Have a hard time choosing what works best for me, maybe over time I will dial this in. -Hearing Levels -Level 1 though 4 for each ear may be chosen -Remove Background Noise -There is a slider you can move from Normal to Less Noise -Auto Play/Pause Sensors -ON/Off -Update Firmware Earbud controls: - The touch sensors works well. Your options are as follows: Hearing aid mode; o Volume - Press Hold o Sound Mode change - 2x press for - Media mode; o Play/Pause – 1 x Press o Volume - Press Hold o Skip Track – 2x Press o Answer/Hang up – 2x Press You also have the ability to put the earbuds in Hearing Aid Mode Only, or Bluetooth Mode Only. Good feature if you want to stop any interruption from phone notifications. This can be irritating when in a conversation and you get a phone notification, the hearing mode will go off and you lose the ability to hear well in that moment. You do have to make this adjustment with the earbuds in the case. I do wish this was a simple option within the APP. Operation: Overall, I find that these are fine for baseline hearing, but not great for audio. There is no bass, very tiny when listening to music/audio. The fit is good and the built-in USB connector in the case is nice as well. I do wish that the app would evaluate your hearing and adjust to my personal hearing loss, perhaps something they can add to the app in the future? Conclusion: So overall, as mentioned above, if you need some sound amplification for hearing, you will get that at a fair price. I do think they could do more to process out the ambient noise to help with picking up the person speaking a bit more. If you also want great audio sound for music etc., then I would look at other options.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Decent Earbuds, the Hearing Aid Technology So-So

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I was able to test the JLab OTC Hearing Aid and Earbuds for several days. My review is mixed. First, they are packaged well. The charging case itself is well made and durable. I am not a fan of the built-in attached USB-C Cable. The cable is super short and limits your charging options. I would prefer a USB-C port with a separate cable. For the earbuds themselves, fit is good with many options in terms of the tip sizes so they will fit any ear size and ear canal opening. Clearly these are not designed to be "hidden" like traditional hearing aids. That is not a deal breaker for me. You can choose hearing aid mode with bluetooth or turn the bluetooth off. I found them better with the bluetooth off for the purpose of hearing aids. With bluetooth turned on, I found it annoying to get all the notifications and sounds through the earbuds. When first powering on, I wish the notifications were delayed more. Hearing aids take about 5-10 seconds to properly seal in your ear canal. These start to make notifications about battery life, etc. almost immediately after taking them out of the case and it is not enough time. I found myself missing the notifications each time because I was still putting them in when it was speaking to me about battery life, etc. That was frustrating. The software is okay at best. It takes almost 10 seconds to load and connect to the hearing aids. So quick adjustments via the App are out. I found the different modes to not have that much difference in terms of hearing. Whether you choose "Loud Environment", "Restaurant", "Conversation", or Quiet Environment", I could not tell a huge difference, subtle at best. I did like the hearing level adjustment to boost the sound. The EQ is decent at best, but again I could not tell a huge difference. Listening to music via bluetooth was mediocre at best. No real noticeable bass at all. Sound was okay. My biggest complaint is that using them as hearing aids, provided little help. Yes, the sounds are all louder, but I cannot say clearer or more concise. I just found the sound to be amplified, and nothing more. No matter the setting, I found a slight echo sound which to me was annoying. It is almost like a delay or echo sound that I found distracting. I tried on several occasions to use these outdoors. They pick up every single sound and it became annoying to wear them. The echo of background noise was a major distraction. To me, these are perfect for people who need short term hearing help. Maybe ordering in a restaurant, having a conversation with someone, or watching TV. I cannot see myself using these for hours or all day long. To me, they are to be used for when someone needs help hearing for a certain need, then putting them back in the case for later use. I think these have a lot of potential with future models as the technology is developed. I cannot recommend these in place of hearing aids that need to be worn all day, butI do not think they are designed to. For short term use, these are fine. But for long term use, these are not a replacement for true hearings aids. Your use may be much different than mine, so give them a shot and see if they work for you. Overall they did not work for me. I will keep them with me if I forget my hearings aids(mild hearing loss), or need something to listen to music, but not a replacement for true hearings aids. Overall these fall short of my expectations and performance.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Good Low Cost Hearing Aid - Music Ear Bud Option

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The JLab 2 in 1 Hear OTC Hearing Aid and Earbud combo is a decent piece of technology. Right out of the box, I was able to pair them to my phone and listen to music. From that perspective, they are about average. You can use the JLab application to change the EQ settings a bit and to your liking. What sets these apart is the fact that you can use them as hearing aids. For those with hearing that might be degrading but it’s not yet time for the very expensive prescription hearing aids, these are a very affordable option. From a hardware perspective, you can set them so they are just hearing aids or use them as ear buds, hearing aid combo. They will act as aids when you aren’t using them to listen to something like music or a phone call. There are several tip options that are included. Of course there are multiple sizes for the ear canal but, there are some that have holes which allow more sound in. I did find that using these made them sound a bit less tiny. I suggest trying both types to find your listening preference. The JLab hearing application will help with configuration and it is very helpful. There are four modes, Loud, Restaurant, Conversation, and Quiet Environment that you can switch to. Each one changes the amount of sound that you will pick up while in hearing aid mode. In the app, you can change the modes versus trying to tap the ear buds themselves to change it. I found this to be much easier but both ways work. There isn’t true ANC or active noise cancelling but, you can reduce some of the miscellaneous sounds that come in. Keep in mind that this set is purposely trying to amplify your hearing ability so you don’t want to eliminate everything. You can find your own comfort level by messing around with these sliders in the app. Combining these with the application is key to finding your preferred listening level when in hearing aid mode. Overall, a good buy that will be helpful for some hearing degradation but not a full replacement for the ones a doctor may recommend or prescribe.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 2 out of 5 stars

    Do not get for the hearing aid function.

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    So if you are in need of a pair of hearing aids absolutely do not get these. I have used several hearing aids in my life time and i have owned a pair that did both hearing aids and you can use them as ear buds for music and movies also, but these are not the ones for multi use at all what so ever. So a few things rite off. Firs there is a little nub of a cable on the bottom of the case used for charging i can imagine that will last a few months before it breaks off and you can not charge the ear buds. Why the did not do like most companies and just place a type c inlet in the case you could plug into to charge i don't know. No joke if you look at the pictures i included i took one of that little charging cable to show what a bad design that is. Two months to three and it will be broken. The case itself is kind of hard to open because there is not a big enough lip to grab on the case to pull it open. Half the time I'm fumbling around dropping it trying to just get it open. On the initial setup i had a hard time getting them to hook up to my phones Bluetooth. It was like it just did not recognize them on my iPhone. The direction say leave them in the case and hold one for over 3 seconds to get it to start looking for the phones Bluetooth. I tried for about 20 minutes gave up and just plugged them in to charge and came back and tried again and it finally hooked up. The software you can download for the hearing aid functions is pretty easy to use and nice but does not matter if the hearing aids suck. I did try them for listening to a movie and some music and they sound good but as hearing aids they fall way short. No matter the setting i used like restaurant or loud area or conversation they would sound like they would randomly be muted in one ear or the other for a split second to several seconds as i moved my head around and that was in every setting i tried. The other option to use them just for music is great but then why spend the extra for the hearing aid option if they don't work for that use. I was really hoping they were going to work good because my almost fifteen hundred dollar ones the left one stopped working after several years but these fell well short of being able to be used for hearing aid function,

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Hearing aid and earbuds perfect combination

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I like that these earbuds look very similar to regular audio earbuds and not old like hearing aids. For a younger person to have hearing aids is super awkward but again these look natural. To connect the device it is a simple Bluetooth connection, but make sure you remove the stickers before you start the process. Also a full charge is very helpful so that when you were testing it out, you don’t get the low battery issue. You know that is easy to plug up even on the go with the battery pack. I downloaded the app just to see what was offered, but I don’t use it very often. It’s fairly easy to adjust the volume by pressing and holding the outside of the earbud, I find that volume for is a little too loud volume one and two aren’t loud enough so my comfort level is volume three. Make sure you use sound mode when you’re out and about it will make hearing a lot easier. It’s even cooler that you can use these earbuds with Bluetooth media so the two in one feature is perfect. The charging case comes with the cord attached, but it’s super short, which is a little annoying but overall, I am happy with these hearing aid

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Good hearing aids, earbuds, not so much

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    These hybrid earbuds aim to enhance hearing while also doubling as traditional earbuds. However, your experience will likely depend on whether you need hearing aids or earbuds more. As hearing aids, they are quite impressive. The surrounding sounds have an amplified presence but still feel natural. Some sounds, like brushing fingers across a table or tapping on a desk, can be surprisingly loud. They also make an odd, somewhat unpleasant digital sound when I pull them out. I'm not sure if it's user error, but it happens almost every time I remove them. The hearing aids can be switched to several different modes depending on the environment, which is a great feature that can be toggled manually on the earbuds or through the app. However, the app has issues—it constantly tells me my firmware is updating, then it restarts, making it unusable for me. I would like to explore more app features, but I've spent more time loading and reopening the app than actually using it. As earbuds, they are disappointing. They sound like something a kid would use or like earbuds you find on an airplane—very tinny and lacking bass. This is odd because there's a decent amount of bass in hearing aid mode. I won't be using them as earbuds, but the hearing aid feature is very useful. I struggle with my hearing at times and can see many situations where these will be extremely helpful. For example, I often go into the woods behind my house to find my cat and struggle to hear or localize her meows. These hearing aids will be very useful in these situations. Overall, as hearing aids, they are functional and versatile. As earbuds, they are unpleasant to listen to. One of the bigger perks is how small these are. The case is tiny, and can easily fit in your pocket without any bulk.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Versatile Earbuds Assist with Hearing Challenges

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    JLab is an innovative manufacturer of personal audio gear and office accessories. They are known for designing their products "straight from the Lab" in-house, ahead of competitors. The product referenced in this review is no exception; JLab is the first manufacturer to release a 2-in-1 Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid / Earbud. The earbuds store & recharge in a clamshell case. Neatly attached to the case is a non-removable USB-C short charging cable. The cable snaps onto the bottom of the case, so it is completely unobtrusive & is always with you. Integrated LED's on the case indicate the charge level of the case battery & both the right & the left earbud charge status. Bluetooth 5.3 connects the earbuds to your phone effortlessly. A wide variety of silicon ear tips are included; try each tip to achieve the perfect seal. JLab offers a Hearing Health App to customize performance. Place each earbud in your ear & it turns on; remove them & they turn off. Four hearing modes are preset: Loud, Restaurant, Conversation & Quiet. Sound quality for music is crisp & clear. CONCLUSION: These are excellent earbuds, regardless of whether you need the hearing aid feature, or just want earbuds that ROCK! They earn my highest recommendation.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from JLab Audio Team
      Posted .

      Thanks for providing us with your feedback. We always take it into consideration. You can contact us at [email protected] if you ever need assistance. jlabaudio-conv

  • Pros mentioned:
    Hearing assistance, Price

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Best price

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Do both hearing help ans stream for the price the best option

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    JLab

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The hearing aid function works pretty good but even my tech savvy daughter had a REALLY hard time getting it connected to her phone.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Cons mentioned:
    Registration

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    How to?

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Having problem registering. Instructions are vague and confusing.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    No Bluetooth required.

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    Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    You DO NOT have to use a Bluetooth device to use these hearing amplifiers. I have bone growth, that requires surgery to fix. Regular hearing aids cost to much and will not fix my problem. These ear buds are working well for me and are cost effective considering my budget.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Low expectations

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    They do assist in hearing. No observable difference in the various settings. Expectations were low, so by default they were met.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Good

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Good for seniors , easy to connect and handle , charging

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great Value

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great price for a bluetooth hearing aid. Streaming cuts off hearing aid function.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Hearing Amplifier

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I can't use regular hearing aids. So these are perfect for me and you don't have to use your phone, for them to work.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Customization, Hearing assistance
    Cons mentioned:
    Sound quality
    Tech Insider Network Member

    Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    Mild failure at being either hearing aids/earbuds

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    Tech Insider Network Member
    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    These JLab Hear model hearing aids and earbuds are a bit of a mixed bag. There are some positives and some negatives here, but the overall impression is not great. The experience IS improved by using the app to take more control over the EQ and background noise blocking, but even with that, the overall result is just ok. People who really need some targeted help with hearing in difficult environments can likely find a combination of settings that will produce decent results, but nobody will mistake these earbuds for high-quality professional hearing aids. Pros: • They come with multiple ear cups and cushions to allow you to customize your fit and feel • They can operate without connecting to a phone, which makes their battery last much longer • They can provide some assistance with hearing voices in a noisy environment and amplifying quiet sounds while blocking out some background noise Cons: • Very hard to dial in usable sound profiles in hearing aid mode, but the JLab Hearing Health app helps • They don't really help with hearing things like TV shows because they amplify background frequencies too much • Performance as bluetooth earbuds lacks bass and clarity I really wanted to like these over-the-counter hearing aids, because I needed help with hearing in a few settings. First, I was looking for something to help amplify voices in crowded, noisy environments. Second, I was hoping for something to make watching TV more pleasurable, as I often have to turn up the volume so loud that it is not pleasant for others. The JLab Hear hearing aids help some with my first need, but only very little with my second. I was able to pick out my partner's voice better at low volumes in casual conversation in our house and in public. The JLab buds add some clarity as long as the background noise isn't at the specific frequencies they accentuate. Unfortunately, when it comes to watching TV at home, the frequencies they accentuate are all around. While the JLab buds *do* make it easier to hear the TV, they also make every other sound in the house easier to hear. A fan in the other room becomes a medium-loud thrum. A YouTube video playing on my kid's phone (even through a closed bedroom door) rises to audibility, and the TV just becomes part of the cacophony. Of course I tried the numerous settings of the earbuds to try to find the best one for each situation. The settings are Loud, Restaurant, Conversation, and Quiet, and they aren't that much different overall. I do appreciate that the earbuds offer individual volume controls so I can set the right level for each ear based on its specific needs, but other than that, the basic customization doesn't do enough. There is, however, another way to improve the outcome. By downloading the JLab Hearing Health app, you gain some more control over EQ and background noise. By tweaking the settings for your specific needs, it becomes possible to find an acceptable setting that actually does accentuate the intended sounds. The resulting performance still sounds microphonic and digitally manipulated/delayed, but it works! "Acceptable, not amazing" could be the tagline for this product. Or perhaps "better than nothing." Another thing I appreciated about the buds is the bevvy or ear cups that come in the box. I was able to find a fit that worked for me (and even discover what I didn't like about other options), and that is a very valuable and somewhat rare thing in this style of earbuds. Finally, using these as standard Bluetooth earbuds is possible, but not pleasurable. The sound is generally thin and reedy, with very little bass. That said, the earbuds do seal well, so outside sounds are fairly well blocked-out while you're listening. Just don't expect a lot of dynamics and instrument separation. Overall, I'm not very satisfied, but not wholly disappointed. I will use these in certain situations like noisy gatherings and when watching TV with others, but when I'm by myself, I'd rather crank up the TV and get the full dynamic range of sounds rather than having to listen to the JLab buds.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Jlabearbuds.

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Loved this combo hearingsid/earbuds. Nice smooth transition. Recommend 100%.

    I would recommend this to a friend
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