The Linner Nova Lite (or simply Linner Lite) is, as the name already suggests, the little brother of the Linner Nova. In fact, they’re nearly the same hearing aid. In all fairness, I was impressed by very little about the Linner Nova, so a ‘Lite’ version probably isn’t going to be much better. Either way, it deserves its own review.
As you’re used to, we’ll first look at the most important features for the Linner Nova Lite. After that, I’ll discuss the general performance and possible downsides. Next, we’ll look at the alternatives and then I’ll give you a buying recommendation. So let’s get started.
If you just want the gist of it, I’ve put a 30-second visual review at the bottom of this post.
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Key features
The first key features of the Linner Lite are all wrapped up in the type of hearing aid we’re discussing. These earbud-type hearing aids are pretty popular, and share the same characteristics. First of all, they look like earbuds. Second, they’re rechargeable and come in a rechargeable travel case.
The Linner Lite also has some smart hearing aid features. You control the devices with a smartphone app, so you can adjust the sound settings immediately. It also lets you stream audio straight from your phone to your hearing aids.
Who is this hearing amplifier for?
The Linner Lite is first of all the budget version of the Linner NOVA. This other model comes with extras that help you watch TV, more depth in the sound, and a germ-fighting charging case. That means the Linner Lite is meant as a cheap hearing aid. It lacks features and, quite honestly, a real hearing aid quality. If you’re dipping your toes in the water of OTC hearing aids, the Linner Lite might be a way to do that at a price point of just over $200.
How well does the Linner Lite work?
I don’t mean to be all negativity. The Lite also has a number of impressive features. It has four sound settings, so you can adapt the sound to your environment. It also offers a streaming option, which makes it one of the cheapest models to do so.
And while the sound isn’t that of a prescription hearing aid, the sixteen channels add enough depth to get by with. You can pay for the Linner Lite with an installment or a HSA or FSA account (contact the company so they can help you with that), and the device is available in white and blue.
What’s not to like about the Linner Nova Lite?
The Linner Lite sounds great, but really falls short of good hearing aids. It has less depth in the sound than the NOVA, which didn’t start off from an impressive place. Not that there’s anything truly wrong with it, but when it comes to improving your hearing, the Lite is the bottom step on a ladder of hearing aids. They’re also not very comfortable after a while, underlining their status as back up hearing aids.
Alternatives for this hearing aid
The clearest alternative for the Linner Lite is the Linner NOVA, which is hardly more expensive. At the time of writing (June 2023), you pay less than $30 extra, but this gets you a cleaning case, a special device to enhance listening to your TV, and better sound quality. That seems like the Linner Lite is only worth buying if you insist on having your hearing aids in the color blue.
The BT-Omni 2 is another alternative. This smart hearing aid shares many of the same features, but has a few advanced options that make it a better hearing aid. For the best hearing aid experience, the MDHearing NEO offers a good alternative, or perhaps the Neosonic B10 is another good option in the same price range (as the MDHearing NEO).
Should you buy the Linner Nova Lite?
Only if you’re not willing to pay a penny more for the streaming capacity. The Linner may be the cheapest option, but for a fistful of dollars more, you will always get better quality. Whether it’s the Linner Nova, the BT-Omni 2 or an entirely different hearing aid, adding a few bucks to your budget gets you a whole new category of hearing aids.
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