iHear MatriX Expert Review

The iHear MatriX is a budget-priced behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid that earned a B grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing, placing it in the top 54% of OTC devices tested. At $499, it represents an affordable entry point into the OTC hearing aid market, though its performance profile shows both notable strengths and significant limitations.

In our lab testing, the MatriX demonstrated above-average performance in speech understanding, particularly in noisy environments where it scored 1.10 points above the category average. This suggests the device may be well-suited for users who frequently encounter challenging listening situations like restaurants or social gatherings. Feedback handling was excellent, achieving a perfect 5.0/5 score in both initial and tuned conditions—meaning users are unlikely to experience whistling or squealing during normal use.

A significant limitation is the absence of music streaming capability, which sets it apart from many competitors in this price range, including the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and JLab Hear OTC. Users who prioritize streaming audio from their smartphones should consider alternatives. The device does support both iPhone and Android streaming for phone calls and accessibility features.

The iHear MatriX is best suited for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize speech clarity over multimedia features and want reliable feedback control. However, shoppers in this price range should also consider the Cearvol Diamond X1 at $309.99, which offers similar sound performance at a lower cost, or the higher-performing Elehear Beyond at the same $499 price point.