Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in August 2022, consumers have never had more choices for the devices they use to treat hearing loss.

Access to OTC hearing aids is a major breakthrough for the 28.8 million Americans who could benefit from using hearing aids. A number of scientific studies have found that hearing aids may lower the risk of depression, reduce cognitive decline, and increase quality of life.

Major retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Target have all started offering OTC hearing aids that can be purchased in minutes without a prescription. A number of providers also let customers buy hearing aids online, such as Jabra, Lexie, and Eargo.

These online hearing aid providers help make hearing aids more accessible to millions of Americans. By cutting out the middlemen and selling directly to consumers, these affordable hearing aid brands can offer their products at a fraction of the traditional cost.

One of these online hearing aid companies is Elehear, which was founded in 2017 and says it offers “AI-powered hearing solutions”. So what exactly do Elehear hearing aids offer and how much do they cost? And what do Elehear hearing aid reviews have to say? We’ll answer all of these questions and more below.

What Are Elehear Hearing Aids?

Elehear is a relatively new OTC hearing aid provider, founded in 2017 by Eric Miao. The company’s stated mission is to “push the boundaries of hearing enhancement by creating technologies that empower people through excellent hearing.”

According to the Elehear website, the company has two headquarters: Shenzhen, China and Minneapolis, Minnesota. While some Elehear team members are based in China—where the devices are manufactured—the company’s support team is located in the United States and the Philippines.

As of writing, Elehear hearing aids are sold exclusively online. However, the company website says that they are “currently in the process of preparing offline stores in the United States.”

Elehear heavily emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence in its hearing aid products. According to the Elehear website, the company’s VocClear technology “analyzes environmental sounds 500 times per second” to provide a better listening experience, and improves speech clarity by 17 percent in noisy environments.

Elehear Hearing Aid Products

Elehear got its start as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) hearing aid company. In other words, Elehear produced hearing aid parts or products that were then sold to other companies.

In 2023, Elehear switched to a direct-sales model by launching its first hearing aid, the Alpha Pro, intended for users with mild hearing loss. The Alpha Pro is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) device: the body of the hearing aid sits behind the user’s ear, while the device’s receiver sits inside the ear canal and is connected to the body via wired tubing.

As of writing, the Alpha Pro is no longer available for sale on the Elehear website. Instead, Elehear currently offers two options in its Beyond hearing aid product series: the Beyond and the Beyond Pro.

ELEHEAR Beyond

The ELEHEAR Beyond is the company’s basic hearing aid offering, an RIC hearing aid that has been FDA-cleared for mild to moderate levels of hearing loss. In comparison with the Alpha Pro, the Beyond model covers a wider range of sound frequencies and offers stronger noise cancellation and a tinnitus mode.

The features of the ELEHEAR Beyond include:

• AI noise reduction and feedback cancellation

• Directional microphones

• Sound frequency range of 125 Hz to 7000 Hz

• Bluetooth streaming with compatible devices (TVs, iOS, Android, etc.)

• Customizable hearing settings with the Elehear smartphone app

• Rechargeable battery with up to 20 hours per charge

• Light water-resistance

• Two colors (silver and champagne)

Although Elehear claims that the Beyond can provide tinnitus relief with over 20 sound options, the device has not been cleared for such a purpose. Elehear’s FDA registration lacks mention of any tinnitus masking capabilities.

For comparison, below is the FDA registration for hearing aid manufacturer Widex, which does mention tinnitus masking:

ELEHEAR Beyond Pro

The ELEHEAR Beyond Pro is the company’s advanced hearing aid model. Like the Beyond, the Beyond Pro is an RIC hearing aid intended for mild to moderate hearing loss levels. 

The features of the ELEHEAR Beyond Pro include:

• AI noise reduction and feedback cancellation

• Real-time AI language translation with support for 11 languages

• VOCCLEAR® 2.0 technology for clearer speech

• Music Mode for listening to music

• Directional microphones

• Sound frequency range of 125 Hz to 8500 Hz

• Bluetooth streaming with compatible devices (TVs, iOS, Android, etc.)

• Customizable hearing settings with the Elehear smartphone app

• Rechargeable battery with up to 20 hours per charge

• Light water-resistance

• Two colors (silver and champagne)

Like the Beyond, Elehear claims that the Beyond Pro can provide tinnitus relief with over 20 sound options; as discussed above, however, the device has not been FDA-registered for this purpose.

In comparison with the Beyond hearing aid, the Beyond Pro supports a higher maximum frequency (8500 Hz vs. 7000 Hz), VOCCLEAR technology for better speech clarity, and stronger AI noise reduction. According to the Elehear website, the Beyond Pro is designed for users who want “premium sound, music, and a next-level listening experience.”

Elehear Hearing Aid Prices

The cost of Elehear hearing aids will depend on which model you go with, as well as which accessories (if any) you buy. As of writing, the prices of Elehear hearing aids on the company’s website are:

• Beyond: $399

• Beyond Pro: $599

You might want to buy multiple pairs of hearing aids (for example, to have as a backup or to share with a partner or friend). In this case, Elehear offers a discount when buying two pairs of the Beyond model: $748 instead of the full price of $798.

Elehear also sells various accessories to improve your quality of life while using hearing aids. For example, a “dry box” or dehumidifier helps protect your hearing aids from moisture and bacteria when not in use. On the Elehear website, a dry box currently sells for $49.90. Customers who purchase the ELEHEAR Beyond model can also get a package deal, buying both the hearing aids and the dry box for $431.

Other hearing aid accessories available from the Elehear website include:

• Nine pairs of ear domes ($30) to adjust your device’s fit, or to replace wear and tear

• Wax guards ($40) that protect your hearing aids from earwax and debris

• Receiver replacement kits for one ($70) or both ($130) hearing aids

Elehear customers enjoy free shipping on all orders. New customers can return the devices at no cost within the 45-day trial period. Elehear hearing aids have a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects (not user damage).

Elehear does not offer a protection plan that covers loss or accidental damage beyond product defects. With its receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices being more susceptible to earwax-related issues, customers would need to pay out of pocket for those repairs.

If you have questions or problems concerning your Elehear device, you can contact the company’s customer support via phone, email, or web form.

Elehear Hearing Aid Reviews

Since Elehear is a newer entry to the OTC hearing aid market, it’s not always easy to find Elehear hearing aid reviews. While some customers have left feedback on their purchase at the company’s website, it’s better to look for independent reviews of Elehear that offer unbiased insights into the product’s performance and value.

Tech journalist Christopher Null discussed the ELEHEAR Beyond model in an October 2024 review for WIRED magazine. He gave the product an overall rating of 5 out of 10 stars, highlighting its affordable price but criticizing the “hit or miss” audio performance. He said that the device had “a noticeable level of background noise,” which he compared to the rattle of “an old desk fan”.

The review also focused on the device’s large size, saying that it was “uncomfortable to wear even for a relatively short period”. Null said that he had to take multiple breaks when testing the Beyond, and he was unable to fully get used to wearing them.

In another Elehear review posted on the Treble Health YouTube channel, Dr. Ben Thompson, AuD mentioned the pros and cons of Elehear hearing aids. He praised the device’s affordability, Bluetooth support, and AI features for sound and speech enhancement. However, he noted that the device’s moisture resistance was subpar, and it lacked certain advanced and customizable features compared to alternatives.

Finally, in its review of the best hearing aids, the National Council on Aging declared Elehear to be the winner in the “Best for Tinnitus” category. NCOA’s review mentioned the various tinnitus masking options available in the Elehear smartphone app, such as the sounds of wind, rainfall, cicadas, and even purring cats. (As discussed above, however, Elehear devices are not FDA-registered for tinnitus masking.)

Pros and Cons of Elehear Hearing Aids

Are Elehear hearing aids the right choice for you? The answer will depend on what you’re looking for. The advantages of Elehear hearing aids include: 

• Cost: Starting at a price point of $399, Elehear products are on the affordable end when it comes to OTC hearing aids. This will appeal to those who are interested in making their first hearing aid purchase without breaking the bank.

• Features: Elehear offers a solid array of features to improve users’ listening experience. These include AI-enhanced feedback reduction and noise cancellation, real-time language translation, and Bluetooth support.

• Rechargeability: Both the ELEHEAR Beyond and Beyond Pro are rechargeable hearing aids, which is convenient for people with active lifestyles. Elehear claims that the devices have up to 20 hours of battery life, higher than some alternatives.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of Elehear hearing aids include:

• Sound performance: As mentioned in Christopher Null’s WIRED review, the Beyond may suffer from poor sound quality and a rattling background noise. Null found that the device did little to help with his mid-level hearing loss.

• Bulky shape: The Beyond and Beyond Pro are both larger and heavier than OTC hearing aid alternatives. As the WIRED review noted, this can make them uncomfortable and even painful to wear for extended periods.

• One style available: Elehear only offers a RIC style of hearing aid that rests behind the ear. Customers looking for an in-the-ear solution will have to look elsewhere.

• AI hype: Elehear uses “AI” as a buzzword in its marketing materials, but its noise cancellation and feedback reduction features ultimately aren’t groundbreaking technologies. Bells and whistles such as language translation are a nice bonus, but probably not useful to the majority of customers.

• FDA registration issues: As mentioned above, Elehear advertises its devices’ tinnitus masking abilities, but they have not been FDA-registered for this purpose. In addition, multiple pages on Elehear’s website claim that the company’s hearing aids have “self-fitting capabilities,” in which your smartphone automatically adjusts your device’s settings based on a personalized hearing test. However, Elehear’s FDA registration does not mention self-fitting capabilities either. The processes for earning these classifications are extensive, and Elehear should not be marketing their products this way without completing the FDA’s requirements. Below is an image of MDHearing’s FDA registration that clearly indicates when a hearing aid is self-fitting:
  
  
  

MDHearing: The Best Elehear Hearing Aid Alternative

Elehear isn’t the worst option to buy hearing aids online, but other companies may be a better fit for your needs—companies such as MDHearing. Like Elehear, MDHearing offers free shipping, a 45-day risk-free trial with a money-back guarantee, and a one-year warranty.

Founded more than a decade ago by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor in Chicago, MDHearing has provided more than 1 million customers with affordable hearing aids. Our high-quality, FDA-registered OTC hearing aids are highly competitive with other brands when it comes to price and features.

The advantages of MDHearing over Elehear include:

• Pricing: Elehear’s cheapest hearing aid, the Beyond model, starts at $399. Meanwhile, MDHearing’s entry-level hearing aid models currently sell for $297 per pair. This makes MDHearing a better choice for budget-conscious customers.

• Customer support: According to the Elehear website, the company only has a single doctor of audiology on staff for customers who need help with their hearing aids. MDHearing has more than 20 licensed hearing aid professionals based in the United States who are available via phone, email, web chat, and video chat.

• Diverse product range: Elehear only offers receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, which are harder to keep clean and more susceptible to damage from earwax. In addition, reviews note that Elehear devices are bulkier and heavier than other options. MDHearing offers both behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid styles, letting customers choose the model that best fits their needs.

• Self-fitting option: Unlike Elehear, MDHearing has obtained FDA approval for a self-fitting hearing aid, the VOLT MAX. This model offers a personalization process that automatically programs your hearing aids according to your unique hearing loss, eliminating the need to visit a clinic for customized hearing aids. 

• Extra protection: MDHearing offers protection plan options, giving customers added peace of mind with coverage for accidental damage and loss—so if the unexpected happens, you’re protected. Elehear does not offer any comparable plan or coverage, leaving customers to pay out of pocket for replacements or repairs in the event of loss or damage.

Want to see if MDHearing is right for you? Take our quick and easy online hearing test and get your results instantly.
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