Audicus Omni 2 vs HSKLock Hearing Aid

The Audicus Omni 2 is a premium-priced behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid available for $1,898. With a SoundScore of 4.6/5 and an A grade, it ranks #5 among 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 6% of its category. In our lab testing, the Omni 2 demonstrates strong speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 4.2/5—well above the category average by 1.38 points. Speech in noise performance is more modest at 2.3/5, which is above the category average by 0.79 points but mixed in absolute terms. This pattern suggests the device handles everyday conversations well while challenging listening situations may still present difficulty. Music streaming is a particular strength, scoring 3.6/5 and exceeding the category average by a substantial 1.68 points. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.5/5, virtually matching the category average. Own-voice comfort scores a solid 3.0/5, which is 0.49 points above average for OTC devices. The Omni 2 offers both rechargeable and disposable battery options, along with streaming compatibility for iPhone and Android devices with hands-free capability. It has earned Expert's Choice Awards for both 2023 and 2024. Consumers seeking alternatives in this price range may also consider the similarly-priced Lucid Tala, while the lower-priced Lexie B3 offers competitive performance for those with tighter budgets.

The HSKLock Hearing Aid is a budget-priced amplification product available for $69, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.0/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device uses disposable batteries and ranks #5 of 8 amplification products tested. In our testing, the HSKLock delivered excellent feedback handling at 5.0/5, scoring 0.72 points above the category average. This means users can expect stable performance without whistling during typical wear. Own-voice comfort scored 2.8/5, slightly above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. However, speech clarity presents significant limitations. Speech in quiet scored 1.5/5, falling 0.63 points below the category average, while speech in noise measured 1.0/5, which is 0.37 points below average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, well below the already-low category average of 1.16/5, making this device unsuitable for audio entertainment purposes. The HSKLock may appeal to budget-conscious consumers seeking basic amplification with reliable feedback control. Those prioritizing speech understanding or music quality should consider alternatives. At this price point, competitors like the Autiphon U0 Series offer similar overall performance, though each device has distinct trade-offs in specific metrics.