HearingAssist Control Hero

HearingAssist Control Expert Review

Mid-Priced OTCReleased 2022

Our independent lab evaluated the HearingAssist Control across five performance metrics using standardized acoustic measurements. This review presents objective test results for both initial and professionally tuned fit conditions.

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

The HearingAssist Control is a mid-priced behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid available for $549. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.0/5, placing it in the top 56% of OTC hearing aids tested.

This device demonstrates solid speech clarity performance, scoring 0.56 points above the OTC category average in quiet environments and 0.77 points above average in noisy settings. While the absolute speech-in-noise score of 1.9/5 remains low, it still outperforms many competitors in this challenging listening condition. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling during everyday wear.

The HearingAssist Control has notable limitations. It lacks Bluetooth streaming capability entirely, scoring 0.0/5 for music streaming—1.93 points below the category average. Own-voice comfort is also mixed at 2.1/5, falling 0.39 points below average, which may affect how natural your own voice sounds while wearing the devices.

This hearing aid is best suited for users who prioritize speech understanding over streaming features. Those who want to connect to phones for calls or music should consider alternatives. In this price range, several competitors offer stronger overall performance, including devices with significantly higher SoundScores. However, for buyers focused specifically on conversation clarity without streaming needs, the HearingAssist Control delivers above-average speech performance in a rechargeable, behind-the-ear package.

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

Lab Assessment

Where the HearingAssist Control Performs and Where It Falls Short

Our verdict synthesizes acoustic measurements, feature testing, and fit-condition comparisons into an overall assessment. Below you will find the grade, SoundScore, and ranking that summarize how this behind-the-ear OTC device performed in our lab.

HearAdvisor Verdict
BTop 100% of OTC Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The HearingAssist Control offers excellent feedback handling and above-average speech clarity, best for budget-conscious users prioritizing conversation over music.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Above-average speech in quiet+0.56 vs category
  • Speech in noise above category average+0.77
Drawbacks
  • No music streaming capability0.0/5
  • Below-average own voice quality-0.39 vs category
  • Speech in noise still low in absolute terms1.9/5

Fit Conditions

HearingAssist Control Performance Across Initial and Tuned Settings

We measured this device in both its out-of-box configuration and after professional tuning adjustments. The summaries below detail how each fit condition affected acoustic output and target matching.

Lab Test Summary

In initial fit testing with power domes with slits, the HearingAssist Control achieved a normalized score of 2.9/5. Speech performance was limited out of the box, with speech-in-quiet at 1.5/5 and speech-in-noise at 1.0/5. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, providing stable operation. Own-voice comfort measured 2.1/5, and music streaming was unavailable at 0.0/5. The initial fit reflects basic setup behavior before any tuning adjustments.

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.

Metric Breakdown

Five Lab Metrics for the HearingAssist Control

Our testing protocol measures speech clarity in quiet, speech understanding in noise, feedback management, own-voice naturalness, and streaming audio quality. The score card below displays how this rechargeable behind-the-ear device performed on each dimension.

Lab Review Scores
B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
2.9
Tuned Score
3.7
Speech in quiet
best
1.5
5.0
Own voice
best
2.1
5.0
Speech in noise
best
1.0
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

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Amplification Analysis

HearingAssist Control Insertion Gain Measurements

Insertion gain curves show how much amplification the device provides at each frequency compared to prescriptive targets. The graph below illustrates the measured output against the fitting formula for this OTC hearing aid.

Graph

Audio Samples

Manikin Recordings of the HearingAssist Control

We captured processed audio through an acoustic test manikin to demonstrate real-world sound quality. Compare the recordings below against the unaided reference to hear how this device renders speech and environmental sounds.

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!
HearingAssist Control Lab

Test Configuration

HearingAssist Control Measurement Documentation

Our lab notes record the specific settings, equipment, and procedures used during testing. Below you will find the documented configuration for this behind-the-ear rechargeable device evaluation.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Power Dome with Slits
Power Dome with Slits
Specs
Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
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