Lexie Hearing Aids Review 2023: Budget Hearing Aids Backed by Bose

This content is researched and written on the basis of extensive testing by an external reviews team and does not reflect the views or opinions of Everyday Health’s editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of products featured in this article.

If you’ve struggled to find an affordable hearing aid option, you’re not alone. Respondents to our reviews team’s survey of 600 hearing aid users chose “cost” as the biggest challenge they face when buying hearing aids. With the introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC), companies like Lexie offer high-quality hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss at lower price points, helping make hearing aids more accessible.

Lexie Hearing was founded in 2015 by HearX, a company based in Pretoria, South Africa, and currently offers three OTC hearing aid models, with two of the models (B1 and B2) made in partnership with Bose, a leading manufacturer of audio equipment.

This article, based on our reviews team's hands-on testing of Lexie hearing aids, analyzes the different models, their costs, and their features. We discuss the reviews team's experience with customer service, setting up the devices, using the Lexie app, and trying the brand’s free online hearing test. Keep reading to learn more about this top OTC hearing aid brand.

• 2,500 hours of research
• 13 experts consulted
• 30 brands considered
• 96 models considered
• 1 600+ user survey

Our experts have spent more than 2,500 hours conducting thorough research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Deeply researched the hearing device category
• Consulted with audiologists and hearing device experts
• Mystery shopped 30 brands
• Surveyed more than 600 hearing aid users
• Read and reviewed the current studies published in this space

During our reviews team’s hands-on testing, we identified Lexie as one of the top OTC brands available. Lexie offers low cost hearing aids (less than $1,000 per pair) that come with quality features, such as directional microphones, background noise reduction, and feedback management. The brand also offers an app through which users can make adjustments, purchase accessories, and connect with an audiologist for assistance.

Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming, Lexie hearing aids do not have this capability. If this is important, you might consider other Bluetooth hearing aid models that can stream calls or music, such as the Audicus Wave or Jabra Enhance Select.

Since our reviews team gave Lexie the “Best Sound Processing” designation in our best OTC review and “Best OTC Hearing Aid” in our best hearing aids review, we decided to break down this brand further and review each of the models, prices, and features.

Pros

• 45-day trial period and one-year warranty
• Less than $1,000 per pair
• Offers directional microphones, background noise reduction, and feedback management
• Self-fitting adjustments available on Lexie Hearing app
• Audiologist support for lifetime of device

Cons

• No Bluetooth streaming capabilities
• No discrete in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid model options
• No waterproof models

• Price per pair $799
• Type of hearing aid Behind-the-ear (BTE)
• Degree of hearing loss Mild to moderate
• Bluetooth streaming No
• Battery type Disposable

The Lexie Lumen is the most inexpensive option from Lexie, but it comes with helpful tech features, like a telecoil and mobile app connection. It’s the only Lexie model with a telecoil, which acts like an antenna to direct sound straight to your hearing aids. Telecoils connect to induction loop systems, which you can find in public facilities, such as theaters and museums, to help you hear better.

While the Lumen doesn't offer Bluetooth streaming for listening to music or TV, it uses Bluetooth to connect to the app, where you can change the balance between the left and right hearing aids, contact customer support, check battery life, shop for accessories, and adjust the volume. You can also adjust the sound directly on the hearing aid using the volume buttons. When hand testing the Lexie Lumen, our reviews team noted it was somewhat difficult to adjust volume using the buttons on the hearing aids themselves. Those with dexterity or vision issues may find it difficult to push the small buttons.

Through the app you can switch between six listening profiles: everyday, noisy indoor, outdoor, music, telecoil, and Companion Mic. The Companion Mic costs an additional $129 and is a small external microphone that can help you hear better in noisy environments. Unfortunately, unlike the more advanced Lexie models, there’s no fine-tuning adjustment on your Lumens, such as treble and bass, balance, or microphone directionality.

One potential drawback is that the Lumen only comes with disposable batteries. When our reviews team tested the Lexie Lumen, they noted that the battery door was easy to open and snap shut. Respondents to our reviews team’s survey chose disposable batteries as one of their least-important hearing aid features — on the other hand, rechargeable batteries were the second-highest ranked feature, behind only digital noise reduction.

You can also choose from a variety of colors when you purchase the Lexie Lumen: gray, beige, bronze, silver, or metallic black. When you get your hearing aids, you’ll also receive extra hearing aid tips (to help you find the right fit) and four packages of size 312 disposable batteries.

If you don’t mind changing small batteries every four to five days (it took our reviews team less than one minute to change the batteries), the Lexie Lumen might be a good fit. For a rechargeable option, you might prefer the Lexie B2.

• Price per pair $849
• Type of hearing aid Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
• Degree of hearing loss Mild to moderate
• Bluetooth streaming No
• Battery type Disposable

The Lexie B1 model is slightly more expensive than the Lumen, but it has more features dedicated to fine-tuning adjustments, similar to the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose. That’s because the B1 and B2, unlike the Lumen, are self-fitting hearing aids, meaning you have more control over settings, such as treble and bass, balance, or microphone directionality.

The B1 still comes with four preset listening environments — everyday, noisy indoor, outdoor, and music — in addition to the extra fine-tuning options. For example, if you want to hear the person sitting in front of you better, you can change the level of sound that’s picked up by using the microphone directionality feature. You cannot make this type of adjustment in the Lumen.

Similar to the Lexie Lumen, the B1 comes with four packs of size 312 disposable batteries. Although the results from our reviews team’s survey found that rechargeability was the second-most valuable feature, many of the hearing aids our reviews team tested that use disposable batteries were relatively easy to change and took less than five minutes to replace.

Brian Murray, a hearing instrument specialist with Alpaca Audiology in Raleigh, North Carolina, says there’s a way to help your batteries last longer. “Typically, when you have disposable batteries you will open the battery door at night when not in use to reduce the drain on the battery and have it last longer.”

If you’re comfortable changing the battery and are looking for a hearing aid where you can make adjustments, the Lexie B1 could be a good selection. While our reviews team did not have trouble changing the batteries out, if you have reduced dexterity or arthritis, a rechargeable option like the B2 might be a better choice.

• Price per pair $999
• Type of hearing aid Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
• Degree of hearing loss Mild to moderate
• Bluetooth streaming No
• Battery type Rechargeable

The Lexie B2 is the only model from Lexie that has rechargeable batteries. With a battery life of approximately 18 hours, you should be able to get an entire day’s worth of wear until you need to recharge them. If you forget to charge them at night or need to charge them during the day, it takes about three hours to fully charge.

Similar to the B1, the B2 comes with customizable features, like directional microphones, background noise reduction, feedback management, fine-tuning adjustments, and four listening environments. You can make small adjustments on your hearing aid (bass, treble, balance, and directionality) to suit your preferences and location. If you’re a first time hearing aid user or aren’t comfortable with technology, there might be a bit of a learning curve. You can speak with an audiologist through the Lexie app, and they can help walk you through the process.

The B2 comes with a user manual, rechargeable case, ear measuring tool, domes, and cleaning brush (see below).

If you’re seeking a rechargeable hearing aid model with the ability to make self-adjustments, the B2 might be a good option.

Lexie hearing aids cost $799 to $999, depending on the model you purchase. The company doesn’t have a traditional financing plan like many other hearing aid companies, but it does offer a subscription plan for 24 months, which varies from $42 to $49 per month, depending on the model you purchase. Within that plan, you get your hearing aids, a care kit with batteries and supplies to last the duration of the subscription plan, and a protection plan (one-time payment of $72 to $180 in addition to the monthly cost) to cover breakage or loss of the hearing aids.

Lexie also offers Lexie Rewards, which are available for the Lumen and B1. You can earn points toward Lexie products or 5 percent off your monthly subscription fee. Once you connect your devices to the app, you can earn points based on your daily hearing aid usage.

If you don’t think Lexie hearing aids are for you and decide to cancel before the 24 month subscription plan has ended, Lexie charges an early termination fee. This fee varies based on which model you have but is equivalent to one monthly payment. See below.

Compare Payment Plans

Typically, private health insurance and Medicare do not cover hearing aids, but check with your insurance provider, because coverage varies by state. Travis Price, an independent licensed insurance agent in Michigan, says that Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aids. “Those benefits are at the sole discretion of the Medicare Advantage company,” he says. Check with your health insurance provider for more information.

You can also use funds from your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to purchase Lexie hearing aids.

You can purchase Lexie hearing aids from the company website and through retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, and Amazon.

How to Buy Lexie Hearing Aids

If you choose to buy Lexie hearing aids from a retailer, you can find select models in-store at Walgreens, CVS (in select stores), Walmart, and Best Buy. You can also purchase them through each retailer’s website. Retailers don’t have audiologists available, so customer support will likely have less expertise and training than hearing care specialists.

To purchase Lexie hearing aids from the Lexie website, go to the homepage and click “OTC Hearing Aids” and select the model you want to buy. Then, choose a one-time or monthly payment option.

If you select a one-time payment, you can choose to add the care kit plan or protection plan for an additional cost. Pricing varies depending on the model.

The care kit and protection plan are included with the monthly subscription plan.

Finally, add to cart and proceed to checkout with your payment and shipping details.

You can contact Lexie customer service by phone at 779-212-7334 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Saturday, by email at support@lexiehearing.com, or the company online contact form.

Every time our reviews team has reached out to Lexie customer support, they were helpful and answered all our questions.

Lexie Warranty

Lexie has a standard one-year warranty, which covers manufacturer defects. If you decide to purchase the protection plan, you are also covered for loss and damage.

Lexie Ratings

Lexie has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, with a customer rating of 3.66 out of 5 stars, based on 29 reviews. The company is also on Trustpilot with 2.5 out of 5 stars, based on only eight reviews.

Negative reviews included complaints related to the devices not working properly and frustrations around the protection plan costing too much. Positive reviews revolved around a good customer support experience and the devices working well to improve hearing.

The process to set up all three models is similar, with a few small variations.

How to Set Up the Lumen

When our reviews team first set up the Lumen, we found it a bit confusing since the box came with two guides: a setup guide through the app and a quick-start user manual. Based on their experience, our reviews team recommends starting with the user manual and following these steps.

1. Take the disposable batteries out of the package and insert them into the hearing aids via the battery door at the bottom of your hearing aid.
2. Use the ear measuring tool to select and attach the slim tube from the hearing aid body to the correct dome size (if it falls out, it’s too small, and if it squeezes in your ear canal, it’s too large).
3. Identify your left and right hearing aids and press the dome into your ear, then wrap the slim tube comfortably behind your ear.
4. Download the Lexie Hearing app.
5. Pair your hearing aids to the app via Bluetooth.
6. Take the in-app hearing screening. After the test, the app will adjust the hearing aids according to your results.

For more details, check out the Lexie Lumen user manual.

How to Set Up the B1

Our reviews team found the B1 setup process to be simple. To set up the Lexie B1, you will need to download the Lexie Hearing app, insert the disposable batteries (similarly to the Lumen), and then follow the app instructions and video tutorials on how to wear and use them. Review the Lexie B1 user manual for a breakdown of each of the details of this process.

How to Set Up the B2

Similar to the B1, when our reviews team set up the Lexie B2, they noted that it was thorough and easy to understand. The manual walks you through the Lexie Hearing app, self-fitting parameters, and when to use each of the different environments. You’ll start by downloading the app, powering on the hearing aids (the company’s only rechargeable model), and following the app instructions and video tutorials, similar to the B1. For more details, check out the Lexie B2 user manual.

You can find the Lexie Hearing app in the App Store, where it has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 544 ratings, or through the Google Play store, where it has 3.7 out of 5 stars from 493 ratings. When our reviews team tested the app, they found it intuitive. After downloading the app, the first step is to register with your first and last name, email, phone number, birth year, and gender. Then you’ll create a password and connect your hearing aids via Bluetooth. When we tested this on the Lexie Lumen and Lexie B2, it took less than 15 seconds to connect.

Our reviews team found the many features impressive — you can adjust the volume and settings of your hearing aids, shop for accessories, check the battery life of the hearing aids, earn and use Lexie Rewards points, and contact the audiology team for assistance.

The Lexie B1 and B2 have four preset listening environments, and the Lexie Lumen has six settings that you can adjust depending on the surrounding noise level in your current location. The B1 and B2 also have fine-tuning adjustments, like treble and base, balance, and directionality available through the app. These features allow you to make sound brighter or deeper, adjust the volume of each individual hearing aid, and change the level of sound you hear from different directions, respectively.

An online hearing test is a tool to help you determine if you have hearing loss and if you need hearing aids. It’s important to keep in mind that an online hearing test can only detect your degree of hearing loss, while an in-person hearing test conducted by an audiologist or hearing professional can gauge both your degree of hearing loss and diagnose the possible causes.

Sarah Lundstrom, AuD, a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, says online tests can be a good introduction to hearing loss, but users should be careful to follow the test’s directions. “The type of device you are using [phone versus computer], the volume you have it set at, and the earpieces (or not) you use, can all impact the precision [of the test].”

You can take a free online hearing test from the Lexie website. When you take the test, you’ll be prompted to plug in or pair headphones or earbuds for best results. Before taking the assessment, you’ll be asked to input your birth year and then answer questions about your hearing. Then, after setting the volume to a level where you can clearly hear the speech, the test quizzes you by playing audio reciting three numbers partially obscured by background noise. You enter the numbers you think you hear and then click okay.

This portion of the online hearing test takes approximately three to five minutes. Once you complete the assessment, it requires you to enter your first and last name, email, and phone number to receive your results. Then, you can review your results immediately on the screen.

After you view your results, you’ll be directed to the sales page, which compares the three Lexie hearing aid options. It’s important to note that Lexie hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you’ll want to consider other types of prescription hearing aids, like Oticon or ReSound. A hearing care provider can perform a hearing test and provide an official audiogram.

When you purchase a Lexie hearing aid, you’ll receive the following accessories:

• Lexie Lumen and Lexie B1 (disposable models)
  • Hearing aid case
  • Ear measuring tool
  • Four packages of size 312 batteries for disposable models
  • Domes and tubes
  • Drying capsules
  • Cleaning brush
• Lexie B2 (rechargeable model)
  • Rechargeable case
  • Ear measuring tool
  • Domes
  • Cleaning brush

If you need additional accessories, like batteries and tubes, you can purchase them directly on the Lexie app or on the Lexie website. Prices for these accessories vary from $4.99 to $129. Lexie also sells a Companion Mic that pairs with the Lexie Lumen and is a compact microphone to help you hear better in noisy environments.

To fully understand this category, our reviews team immersed themselves in the current published research on hearing loss and hearing aid devices, interviewed experts and hearing loss professionals, read thousands of reviews on trusted third-party sites, and deployed a survey of more than 600 hearing aid users to understand their customer experience.

We narrowed down which brands to review within this category by speaking with audiologists and looking at brand market share. We then considered cost, the degree of hearing loss each model could address, and special features offered — from directional microphones to digital noise reduction to rechargeable batteries.

Once our research team makes their selections, an audiologist medically reviews our picks to vet each brand and model.

We determined our top picks for the best hearing aids according to the following criteria:

• Special features
• User experience
• Cost
• Customer service
• Reputation and credibility
• Degree of hearing loss treated
• Warranty
• Trial period
• Financing options
• Level of technology
• Water resistance
• Durability

Approximately 15 percent, or 37.5 million, American adults report some trouble hearing, according to the National lnstitute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Among those who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than 30 percent of adults age 70 and older have ever used them. And among adults 20 to 69 years old, only 16 percent have ever used them.

With OTC hearing aids like those from Lexie Hearing, older adults now have greater access to affordable hearing aids to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. Lexie offers three quality OTC hearing aids that range in price from $799 to $999, depending on the model you choose. If you’re comfortable with technology and making adjustments on an app, these hearing aids could potentially be a good option for you.

If you have severe or profound hearing loss, consider looking into a prescription hearing aid, like hearing aids from Phonak. Since Lexie hearing aids are behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal models, if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and prefer a more discrete option, you might consider an in-the-canal from another over-the-counter brand, such as Eargo.