HSKLock Hearing Aid Hero

HSKLock Hearing Aid Expert Review

Budget Amplifier
Released 
2022

Summary

The HSKLock Hearing Aid is a budget-priced amplification product available for $69, earning a C grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing. As a behind-the-ear device powered by disposable batteries, it represents one of the most affordable options in the hearing amplifier market.

In our lab testing, the HSKLock demonstrated mixed performance characteristics. Its standout strength is feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.00/5—well above the category average. This means users are unlikely to experience the whistling or squealing that can plague lower-cost devices. Own-voice comfort also measured above average, which may appeal to those sensitive to the sound of their own speech.

However, the device showed significant limitations in speech understanding, particularly in noisy environments. The speech-in-noise score of 0.10/5 fell well below the category average, indicating that users may struggle to follow conversations in restaurants, social gatherings, or other challenging listening situations. Speech in quiet performance was also below average at 2.00/5.

Notably, the HSKLock lacks Bluetooth streaming capability, so music streaming quality could not be evaluated. The device also showed no improvement between initial and tuned fit conditions, as both configurations yielded identical scores—suggesting limited adjustability. For budget-conscious consumers who primarily need amplification in quiet settings and value feedback-free operation, the HSKLock may suffice. Those who frequently encounter background noise should consider alternatives, even within this price tier.

In the initial fit condition using a closed dome coupling, the HSKLock Hearing Aid delivered below-average speech intelligibility performance in our lab testing. Speech in quiet scored 2.00/5, while speech in noise measured just 0.10/5—well below the amplifier category average. The device excelled in feedback handling with a perfect 5.00/5 score, and own-voice comfort measured above average at 2.80/5, suggesting reasonable occlusion management. The overall initial fit score of 1.73/5 reflects the device's limitations in core speech understanding tasks despite its stability advantages.

The tuned fit condition for the HSKLock Hearing Aid produced identical results to the initial fit, with the same closed dome coupling and unchanged scores across all metrics. Speech in quiet remained at 2.00/5, speech in noise at 0.10/5, feedback handling at 5.00/5, and own-voice at 2.80/5. This lack of improvement between conditions indicates the device offers limited adjustment capability, which is common among basic amplification products at this price point. The fit score remained at 1.73/5.

Lab Review Scores

C
SoundGrade
Initial Score
2.8
Tuned Score
2.8
Speech in quiet
best
2.0
5.0
Own voice
best
2.8
5.0
Speech in noise
best
0.1
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

State-of-the-art Acoustic Laboratory

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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!
HSKLock Hearing Aid Lab

Lab notes

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Closed Dome
Tuned Fitting
Closed Dome

Specs

Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Disposable Batteries
Disposable Batteries