Lexie B2 Plus vs Otofonix Elite

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.

The Otofonix Elite is a behind-the-ear amplification product priced at $249, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.6/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. Released in 2016, this budget amplifier ranks #8 of 8 devices in the Amplification Product category. In our testing, the Elite demonstrates one clear strength: excellent feedback handling at 5.0/5, which is 0.72 points above the category average. This means users are unlikely to experience whistling or squealing during normal use. However, other performance metrics tell a different story. Speech clarity is a significant weakness. Speech in quiet scores just 1.0/5, which is 1.11 points below the category average, while speech in noise also scores 1.0/5, falling 0.37 points below average. Own-voice comfort is particularly low at 0.1/5 in the tuned configuration—2.54 points below the category average—meaning users may find their own voice sounds boomy or unnatural. Music streaming is not supported, scoring 0.0/5. At this price point, consumers should note that alternatives like the Audien Hearing Atom offer better sound performance at a lower price. The Otofonix Elite may appeal to those prioritizing feedback-free operation above all else, but its limited speech benefit and comfort challenges make it difficult to recommend for most users seeking improved hearing clarity.