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GoHearing Ultra Expert Review

Budget OTCReleased 2022

Our independent lab tested the GoHearing Ultra to measure real-world amplification performance. This review presents objective data from standardized audiometric testing, including speech clarity measurements, streaming quality, and feedback control scores.

Dr. Steve TaddeiDr. Steve Taddei, Au.D.Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram BaileyDr. Abram Bailey, Au.D.Fact Checker / Editor
How We Test

The GoHearing Ultra is a budget-priced behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid released in 2022, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.2/5 in our lab testing. At $499, it ranks #49 of 63 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the bottom quarter of the category.

In our standardized testing, the GoHearing Ultra showed a mixed performance profile with notable strengths and significant weaknesses. Speech clarity scores were well below the category average, with speech in quiet measuring 2.54 points below average and speech in noise 1.93 points below average. These low absolute scores (0.1/5 and -0.8/5 respectively) suggest limited benefit for understanding conversation, which is typically the primary goal for hearing aid users.

Where the GoHearing Ultra performs better is in secondary features. Music streaming scored a solid 3.6/5, measuring 1.67 points above the category average—making it a relative standout for audio entertainment. Feedback handling earned an excellent 5.0/5, sitting 0.47 points above average, meaning users shouldn't experience whistling or squealing issues.

Given its speech performance limitations, the GoHearing Ultra may appeal to users who prioritize streaming audio and have minimal speech clarity needs. However, consumers seeking meaningful speech improvement should consider higher-performing alternatives in this price range, such as the Elehear Beyond or JLab Hear OTC, which scored significantly higher in our testing.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

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Steve in HearAdvisor Lab

Bottom Line

GoHearing Ultra Verdict

Below you will find our overall assessment of the GoHearing Ultra based on standardized lab testing. The verdict card summarizes how this behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid performed across all measured categories and where it ranks among tested devices.

HearAdvisor Verdict
CTop 100% of OTC Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The GoHearing Ultra is a budget BTE with excellent feedback handling and solid music streaming, but struggles significantly with speech clarity.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Above-average music streaming3.6/5
  • Budget-friendly at $499 with streaming
Drawbacks
  • Very low speech in quiet0.1/5
  • Poor speech in noise performance-0.8/5
  • Below-average own voice quality1.9/5

Fit Performance

GoHearing Ultra Test Configurations

We evaluated the GoHearing Ultra in both Initial and Tuned fit conditions to document performance at different stages. The summary below shows how each configuration measured against prescriptive amplification targets.

Lab Test Summary

In initial fit testing with open dome coupling, the GoHearing Ultra achieved a normalized score of 2.2/5. Speech metrics were low in absolute terms, with speech in quiet at 0.1/5 and speech in noise at -0.8/5—both substantially below category averages. Own voice comfort measured 1.9/5, also below average by 0.59 points. The device performed well in feedback handling at 5.0/5 and music streaming at 3.6/5, both above category averages. The out-of-box experience reflects limited amplification benefit for speech understanding.

What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?

The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.

Measured Results

GoHearing Ultra Score Breakdown

The card below displays five discrete performance metrics measured in our lab. Each bar represents the GoHearing Ultra's score on a 0-5 scale for speech in quiet, speech in noise, music quality, feedback management, and overall sound quality.

Lab Review Scores
C
SoundGrade
Initial Score
2.2
Tuned Score
2.2
Speech in quiet
best
0.1
5.0
Own voice
best
1.9
5.0
Speech in noise
best
-0.8
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
3.6
5.0

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Amplification Data

GoHearing Ultra Insertion Gain

The graph below plots measured insertion gain across frequencies against prescriptive targets for a standardized hearing profile. This visualization shows how closely the GoHearing Ultra's amplification matches evidence-based fitting guidelines.

Graph

Audio Samples

GoHearing Ultra Manikin Recordings

We captured audio through a standardized manikin wearing the GoHearing Ultra to document what amplified sound resembles. Compare these recordings against the unaided reference to hear the difference in processed audio.

Lab Recordings
Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
GoHearing Ultra Lab

Test Details

GoHearing Ultra Lab Configuration

The notes below document the specific settings and conditions used during our GoHearing Ultra evaluation. This information provides transparency into how we configured the device for standardized measurement.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Open Dome
Open Dome
Specs
Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
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