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Linner Nova Deluxe Expert Review

Budget OTCReleased 2023

Our independent lab tested the Linner Nova Deluxe using standardized measurements on an acoustic manikin. This review presents the complete electroacoustic data and audio recordings from our evaluation of this budget OTC hearing aid.

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

The Linner Nova Deluxe is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid with a visible in-ear design, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.4/5 in our lab testing. At $299, it ranks #30 of 63 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 46% of the category.

In our testing, this device demonstrates solid speech clarity performance. Speech in quiet scores 3.1/5, which is 0.46 points above the OTC category average. Speech in noise comes in at 1.8/5—above the category average by 0.67 points, but low in absolute terms. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning you're unlikely to experience whistling issues during normal wear.

The significant weaknesses appear in own-voice comfort and music streaming. Own voice scores just 0.5/5, falling 1.99 points below the category average, which may result in your voice sounding boomy or unnatural. Music streaming scores 0.0/5, sitting 1.93 points below the category average—if streaming audio quality matters to you, this isn't the right choice despite the device supporting both iPhone and Android streaming.

The Linner Nova Deluxe suits budget-conscious consumers who prioritize conversational clarity over media consumption. Competing devices at this price point include the higher-scoring Elehear Beyond (4.35/5) and JLab Hear OTC (3.68/5). This device is best for those seeking reliable speech performance and feedback control at an entry-level price, provided they can accept the streaming and own-voice limitations.

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.

Learn more
Steve in HearAdvisor Lab

Lab Assessment

Linner Nova Deluxe Verdict

Our verdict synthesizes the measured performance across all five lab metrics into an overall grade and ranking. The assessment reflects how this visible in-ear device performed against our standardized test protocols for OTC hearing aids.

HearAdvisor Verdict
BTop 94% of OTC Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The Linner Nova Deluxe is a budget-friendly OTC option with excellent feedback handling, best suited for price-conscious buyers prioritizing speech clarity.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Above-average speech in quiet3.1/5
  • Strong value at $299 price point
Drawbacks
  • No music streaming capability0.0/5
  • Poor own voice quality0.5/5
  • Speech in noise limited1.8/5

Fit Analysis

Initial and Tuned Fit Performance

We measured the Linner Nova Deluxe in both Initial and Tuned configurations to evaluate out-of-box performance and the effect of app-based adjustments. Toggle between fit conditions below to compare the detailed test summaries for each setting.

Lab Test Summary

In the initial fit configuration with closed domes, the Linner Nova Deluxe achieves a normalized score of 3.4/5. Speech performance is a relative strength, with speech in quiet at 3.1/5 and speech in noise at 1.8/5—both above category averages. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5. However, own-voice comfort is notably low at 0.5/5, nearly 2 points below average, and music streaming registers at 0.0/5. The device provides functional speech clarity out of the box but with pronounced limitations in comfort and media quality.

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

Linner Nova Deluxe Score Details

Our lab evaluates five distinct performance areas: speech clarity in quiet environments, speech understanding in background noise, own-voice naturalness, feedback control, and music streaming quality. Each metric below reflects standardized acoustic measurements on a 0-5 scale.

Lab Review Scores
B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.4
Tuned Score
3.4
Speech in quiet
best
3.1
5.0
Own voice
best
0.5
5.0
Speech in noise
best
1.8
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

Amplification Data

Insertion Gain Measurements

The graph below displays the measured insertion gain of the Linner Nova Deluxe compared to prescriptive targets across the frequency range. Closer alignment between measured output and target curves indicates more appropriate amplification for the simulated hearing profile.

Graph

Audio Samples

Manikin Recordings for the Linner Nova Deluxe

These recordings capture what our acoustic manikin registered while wearing the Linner Nova Deluxe during controlled playback scenarios. Compare the processed output against the unaided reference to hear how this device modifies incoming sound.

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!
Linner Nova Deluxe Lab

Test Configuration

Linner Nova Deluxe Lab Documentation

Our lab notes document the specific settings, app configurations, and test conditions used during evaluation of this device. The information below provides transparency into how we conducted each measurement session.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Closed Dome
Closed Dome
Specs
Visible in Ear
Visible in Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
iPhone Streaming
iPhone Streaming
Android Streaming
Android Streaming
Hands-Free
Hands-Free
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