A guide to Go Hearing OTC hearing aids
If affordability is your top priority, Go Hearing OTC hearing aids are a decent option, so long as you have mild to moderate flat hearing loss.
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3 key takeaways
- Go Hearing offers incredibly affordable over-the-counter hearing aids — While Jabra Enhance and Lexie hearing aids might be better quality, Go Hearing is the most affordable line we’ve reviewed, with one model selling at $199.
- Go Hearing aids lack Bluetooth features — Go Prime and Go Lite hearing aids do not connect to an app, stream music, or take phone calls.
- Financing options are available through Klarna — The buy-now, pay-later firm Klarna allows you to pay in weekly or monthly installments.
Not too long ago, patients struggling with mild or moderate hearing loss had few treatment options. They could spring for a potentially-damaging amplifier, pay for prescription hearing aids that cost upwards of $3,500 per device, or merely struggle without hearing aids.
Now, thanks to the Food and Drug Administration’s 2022 ruling, patients can purchase over-the-counter hearing aids at more reasonable prices without a clinic visit or prescription.
Plenty of companies have developed their own OTC hearing aids. Jabra, Lexie Hearing, and others created devices to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. Some offer additional features, like Bluetooth capabilities, music streaming, and more. Go Hearing’s two models, Go Prime and Go Lite, are bare bones: no Bluetooth features or fancy mobile app.
If all you want is an affordable hearing aid to combat flat mild to moderate hearing loss, these devices may be exactly what you’re looking for. Flat hearing loss means you experience muffled hearing across all pitches or frequencies.
Most over-the-counter hearing aids are not designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss. Those with more detrimental hearing loss may want to explore other types of hearing aids, such as prescription hearing aids.
Let’s look at the pros, cons, and features of Go Hearing’s Go Prime and Go Lite hearing aids, so you can make the best buying decision for you or your loved one.
Some quick facts about Go Hearing OTC hearing aids
When it comes to over-the-counter hearing aid options, Go Hearing’s Go Prime and Go Lite hearing aids are some of the most affordable out there.
- They’re made by hearX Group. The company is a trailblazer in the field of audiometry and the group behind Lexie hearing aids.
- Go Hearing is one of the most affordable brands that offer rechargeable options. Other brands with discount models typically offer only hearing aids with disposable batteries that need to be replaced.
- Fully-charged Go Hearing hearing aids can last up to 30 hours. The charging case offers up to 6 charges at full power.
- The Go Prime hearing aid offers noise reduction and feedback cancellation. This makes them particularly useful for one-on-one conversations and watching TV.
Are Go Hearing OTC hearing aids for me?
If you have mild to moderate flat hearing loss, Go Hearing hearing aids are worth a look. Plenty of people are looking for a simple hearing loss solution without all the bells and whistles that come with a smartphone app.
If you’re aiming for affordability and simplicity, take a closer look at the Go Prime and Go Lite devices.
The pros of Go Hearing hearing aids
- Go Hearing aids are affordable and rechargeable. While most rechargeable OTC options run upwards of $500, the Go Prime and the Go Lite models are rechargeable and less than $300.
- They’re discreet and easy to use. Both the Go Prime and the Go Lite models are in-the-ear and use simple, wireless technology that’s smooth to navigate.
- Go Hearing has comprehensive customer service. Most users say it’s easy to reach customer service, available Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, by phone and email.
The cons of Go Hearing hearing aids
- There are no customization options available. Go Hearing’s devices only come with 3 preset programs and cannot be customized to diagnostic hearing tests. Competitors like Jabra Enhance and Lexie Hearing offer a wider range of preset programs.
- Not ideal for customers with sloping hearing losses. Our audiologists say that Go Hearing hearing aids would create an uncomfortable, hollow echo for patients with high-frequency hearing loss. Only those with mild to moderate flat hearing loss may benefit from these devices.
- There are no Bluetooth capabilities or custom adjustments. Since Go Hearing does not have a mobile app and the hearing aids are not Bluetooth-enabled, you can’t adjust them via technology. There are switches on the device that allow you to adjust certain settings.
- These devices will not fit all patients. People with small or curved ear canals or those who have trouble with traditional earbuds or AirPods will have a hard time keeping these aids in place.
Customer service
Go Hearing’s website is intuitive and easy to use, so customers looking for basic information will find what they need. It also offers a customer support line, with live product experts available Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. For those who can’t speak on the phone because of their hearing loss, Go Hearing also features a customer service email where you can request additional support.
The biggest downside of choosing Go Hearing is the lack of access to licensed audiologists or hearing loss specialists. This, coupled with the fact that the hearing aids cannot be self-adjusted via a smartphone app, means it’s difficult to ensure that Go Prime and Go Lite address your hearing deficits.
Those looking for a local specialist can visit our Audiologist Explorer and schedule an appointment with a professional before purchasing a hearing aid or assistive listening device.
Models available
Go Prime
Go Prime hearing aids are Go Hearing’s most advanced OTC device. With 3 preset programs, 6 channels, and 12 bands that allow for better volume adjustment, the Go Prime works in multiple listening environments.
Whether you’re heading out to a restaurant or simply having a conversation at the dinner table, the Go Prime model can adapt using Noise Reduction and Feedback cancellation.
The Go Prime
Go Prime hearing aids are Go Hearing’s most advanced OTC device. With 3 preset programs, 6 channels, and 12 bands that allow for better volume adjustment, the Go Prime works in multiple listening environments.
Shop Now| Criteria | The Go Prime |
|---|---|
| Cost | $299 |
| Warranty | 1 year and a 45-day money-back guarantee |
| Rechargeable batteries? | Yes, Go Prime hearing aids come equipped with a rechargeable case. |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | No, Go Prime hearing aids are not equipped with any Bluetooth features. |
| Customization options | Anyone looking for customization of any kind will want to shop elsewhere – the Go Prime and Go Lite are simple, no-frills options. |
Who are Go Prime hearing aids ideal for?
So long as you have mild to moderate flat hearing loss, Go Prime hearing aids should fit your needs, especially if your primary concern is affordability. Dr. Ruth Reisman, a member of our audiology review board, calls the Go Prime a basic hearing aid without many features or self-adjustment, but if you’re looking to amplify speech and make it easier to participate in conversations, the Go Prime should fit your needs.
Go Lite
Beyond affordability, our audiologists did not have much else to recommend about the Go Lite model. However, for individuals who only occasionally struggle with their hearing or find it difficult to hear the TV at home, they could be a good option, especially at their price point.
The Go Lite
Beyond affordability, our audiologists did not have much else to recommend about the Go Lite model. However, for individuals who only occasionally struggle with their hearing or find it difficult to hear the TV at home, they could be a good option, especially at their price point.
Shop now| Criteria | The Go Lite |
|---|---|
| Cost | $199 |
| Warranty | 1 year and a 45-day money-back guarantee |
| Rechargeable batteries? | Yes, Go Lite hearing aids come equipped with a rechargeable case. |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | No, Go Prime hearing aids are not equipped with any Bluetooth features. |
| Customization options | There are no real customization options. The Go Lite is a more basic form of the Go Prime hearing aid, which also does not have customization options. |
Who are Go Lite OTC hearing aids ideal for?
The Go Lite model is an attractive option for people with low-frequency, flat hearing loss looking to improve their hearing in quiet listening situations. You can adjust the volume, but the Go Lite model does not come with the same presets, channels, or bands as the Go Prime, making it more difficult to match your specific needs.
That said, if you are simply looking for a bare-bones hearing aid to help you at home or in more intimate settings, this could be a good fit for you.
What our audiologists say about Go Hearing hearing aids
Dr. Jessica Hinson
“Go Hearing devices are a good fit for those with low-frequency (low pitch) hearing loss who are looking to improve their hearing in quiet listening situations. They are rechargeable and come in the color black.
The Go Prime devices have a push button on the faceplate for the user to toggle between three pre-set programs. This allows the user to have some control over device function without the need for a smartphone.
The in-the-ear style is not suited for those with small ear canals, or those with good low-pitch hearing.”
Dr. Ruth Reisman
“This can be an easy-to-use, cosmetically appealing device that can work well for those with mild to moderate flat hearing loss. However, if you have more significant hearing loss, a sloping loss, or want more advanced options, you may want to consider alternate options.”
What customers say about Go Hearing hearing aids
Customers say their favorite feature is…
Customers really enjoy Go Hearing’s reasonable pricing, and many of the users say that for the affordability, the hearing aids fit incredibly well. Many of the customers compliment the Go Prime devices in particular for being easy to use and convenient.
They also like that these are a cheap, rechargeable option.
Customers say their least favorite feature is…
Common customer complaints include difficulty adjusting the volume and an odd volume set up in general. Some have reported occlusion, saying that they can hear their own voice when talking with other people, and that it can often be distracting.
Frequently asked questions
Are Go Hearing hearing aids custom fit?
No, the Go Hearing hearing aids are not a custom fit, so there is a chance they will not fit as deeply into your ear canal as you would like. However, Go OTC hearing aids come with 3 different dome sizes and are preassembled using a medium-sized dome, so you can adjust during your 45-day trial to see if you can find an option that works for you.
Are Go Prime or Go Lite hearing aids covered by insurance?
No. However, they are so affordable that you’ll likely be paying less for these devices than you would prescription hearing aids covered by insurance.
How long should I wear my hearing aids?
You should wear your hearing aids all day. This will help stimulate the hearing portion of the brain and help you adjust to new sounds. However, our audiologists say that you can ease your way in by wearing them for 3 to 5 hours at a time when first starting out.
You will want to increase the length of time as you become more comfortable, since even simple sounds, like the AC turning on, the ice maker, road traffic, and more can help you adjust to new hearing aids and keep the brain stimulated.
Are Go Hearing hearing aids Bluetooth-enabled?
Neither Go Prime nor Go Lite hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled. You will not be able to hook them up to your smartphone, but the Go Prime model does come with 3 preset programs along with 6 channels and 12 bands to help in more complex listening environments.
What if I have severe or profound hearing loss?
If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you should visit an audiologist for prescription hearing aids. Most over-the-counter hearing aids are not made for anything more severe than moderate hearing loss. If you struggle with high-frequency hearing loss, you may want to find another over-the-counter hearing aid, such as Jabra Enhance or Lexie Hearing.
