HearingAssist Micro vs Lexie B2 Plus

The HearingAssist Micro is a premium amplifier in the invisible-in-ear style, priced at $698. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.5/5, ranking #3 among 8 tested amplification products and placing in the top 25% of its category. This device demonstrates a clear strength in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 3.5/5—a solid result that sits 1.35 points above the category average of 2.11/5. Feedback handling is also strong at 4.0/5, providing stable performance during typical use. Own-voice comfort lands at 2.8/5, which is above the category average by 0.16 points, though still mixed in absolute terms. However, the Micro shows notable limitations in more challenging listening situations. Speech in noise scored just 1.1/5, falling 0.31 points below the category average—a meaningful weakness for users who frequently encounter background noise. Music streaming is where this device struggles most significantly, scoring 0.0/5, which is 1.16 points below the already-low category average. The HearingAssist Micro is best suited for listeners who primarily need amplification for face-to-face conversations in quiet settings and prioritize a discreet, nearly invisible form factor. Those who rely on phone streaming for music or podcasts, or who need robust performance in noisy environments, should consider alternatives. Within its price range, the Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus offers notably higher overall performance at a similar investment.

The Lexie B2 Plus is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing, ranking #7 among 65 OTC devices. Priced at $899, this behind-the-ear rechargeable device has earned back-to-back Expert's Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024. In our testing, the B2 Plus demonstrates strong speech-in-quiet performance at 4.3/5, which is 1.49 points above the OTC category average. Own-voice comfort is excellent at 4.8/5, measuring 2.29 points above average—a notable strength that may appeal to users who find their own voice bothersome with other devices. Speech-in-noise scores 2.1/5, which is above the category average by 0.58 points but remains mixed in absolute terms, reflecting the broader challenge OTC devices face in noisy environments. The device does show a weakness in feedback handling, scoring 2.8/5—which is 1.74 points below the category average of 4.54/5. Users may encounter occasional whistling during activities that bring objects close to the ear. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.6/5, though still 0.68 points above the OTC average. The Lexie B2 Plus offers both iPhone and Android streaming compatibility. It's well-suited for users prioritizing clear speech in quieter settings and natural own-voice perception, though those frequently in noisy environments or concerned about feedback stability may want to consider alternatives like the Sony CRE-E10 in this price range.