Linner Saturn Hero

Linner Saturn Expert Review

Budget OTC
Released 
2023

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Summary

The Linner Saturn is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earned a B grade in HearAdvisor's independent lab testing, ranking in the top 50% of the OTC hearing aid category. At $129, it represents one of the more affordable options in the market, though its sound performance shows both notable strengths and meaningful limitations.

In our lab testing, the Saturn demonstrated above-average speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 0.78 points higher than the category average. This makes it a reasonable choice for users who primarily need help with one-on-one conversations or watching television. However, the device struggled in more challenging listening situations—speech in noise performance matched only the category average, and own-voice comfort scored significantly below average due to occlusion effects from the closed dome design.

The Saturn does not support music streaming, which limits its versatility compared to competitors in the same price range. Devices like the Elehear Beyond ($129, 4.35 SoundScore) and JLab Hear OTC ($129, 3.65 SoundScore) offer stronger overall performance at similar price points. Feedback handling was slightly below average but generally acceptable for daily use.

This device may suit budget-conscious users seeking basic amplification for quiet settings who don't require streaming capabilities or strong performance in noisy environments. Those frequently navigating restaurants, group conversations, or background noise should consider higher-performing alternatives.

In its initial fit configuration with closed domes, the Linner Saturn delivered above-average speech intelligibility in quiet environments but fell short in more demanding situations. Speech in noise performance was below average, and the closed dome coupling contributed to noticeable occlusion effects, resulting in below-average own-voice comfort. Feedback handling was slightly below the category average. The device does not support music streaming. The overall initial fit score of 2.26 fell below the category average, indicating limited out-of-box performance for users seeking minimal setup effort.

The tuned fit condition maintained the same closed dome configuration, resulting in identical performance metrics to the initial fit. Speech in quiet remained a relative strength, while speech in noise and own-voice comfort continued to underperform. Feedback handling in the tuned condition was rated above average. The lack of improvement between fits suggests the Saturn offers limited adjustment flexibility, and users requiring better noise handling or reduced occlusion may need to explore alternative products with more customizable fitting options.

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Lab Review Scores

B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.4
Tuned Score
3.4
Speech in quiet
best
3.4
5.0
Own voice
best
1.5
5.0
Speech in noise
best
1.2
5.0
Feedback handling
best
4.4
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

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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!
Linner Saturn Lab

Lab notes

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

Specs

Visible in Ear
Visible in Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries