Go Hearing Go Prime vs HearingAssist Control

The Go Hearing Go Prime is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid available for $299, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. This visible-in-ear style device with rechargeable batteries ranks #50 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 75% of its category. In our testing, the Go Prime delivered mixed results across performance metrics. Its standout strength is excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5—0.46 points above the category average. This means users can expect stable amplification without whistling during typical daily activities. However, speech clarity showed more modest performance, with speech in quiet scoring 2.7/5 and speech in noise at 1.1/5, both falling slightly below category averages. The device's most significant limitation is music streaming, which scored 0.0/5 in our testing—nearly 2 points below the category average. Users who prioritize phone audio streaming for calls or media should consider alternatives. Own-voice comfort also scored low at 1.8/5, which may result in a "boomy" quality when speaking. At its $299 price point, the Go Prime faces stiff competition. Higher-scoring alternatives in the same price range include the Elehear Beyond (4.34/5) and Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.04/5). Budget-conscious shoppers might also consider the Olive Union Max or Lucid Enrich Pro, which offer comparable or better sound scores at lower prices. The Go Prime may suit those who prioritize feedback-free amplification and don't need streaming functionality, but most buyers would benefit from exploring these alternatives.

The HearingAssist Control is a mid-priced OTC behind-the-ear hearing aid available at $549. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5, placing it in the top 77% of OTC hearing aids tested. This device demonstrates solid speech performance, scoring above the category average in both quiet and noisy environments. Speech in quiet earned a solid 3.4/5, while speech in noise scored 2.0/5—above average for the category but only mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning wearers should experience minimal whistling during normal use. The HearingAssist Control has notable limitations. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, indicating this device does not support audio streaming functionality—a significant gap compared to many competitors in this price range. Own-voice comfort scored 2.1/5, which is below the category average and may result in a hollow or boomy perception of your own voice. For shoppers considering this price tier, alternatives like the Yeasound RIC800 (4.73/5) and Sony CRE-E10 (4.66/5) offer substantially higher overall sound performance. The HearingAssist Control may suit buyers prioritizing speech clarity and feedback stability who don't need streaming capabilities, but most users would benefit from exploring higher-scoring options at similar price points.