Yes, based on lab data: Beyond scored 4.3/5 for speech in quiet and 1.7/5 in noise, versus Atom X's 1.5/5 and 0.3/5. For about $60 more per pair, Beyond delivers meaningfully clearer speech, which is the core job of a hearing aid.
Audien Hearing Atom X vs. Elehear Beyond
Check out our comparison of the Audien Hearing Atom X vs Elehear Beyond. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Published Updated
Quick Verdict
AI summarizedSummarized with AI assistance from our human-researched product information, in-lab testing, objective sound measurements, and expert ratings.
The real choice is speech clarity versus simplicity: Beyond's lab scores beat Atom X badly in both quiet and noise, while Atom X's touchscreen case offers a simpler, phone-free way to adjust volume and programs.
Atom X
Choose the Audien Hearing Atom X if you want the touchscreen charging case for phone-free, low-dexterity control and can accept weak speech-in-noise performance (0.3/5 lab score) as a tradeoff.
Beyond
Choose the Elehear Beyond if speech clarity matters most: it scored 4.3/5 in quiet and 1.7/5 in noise in lab testing, both well above the Atom X, for roughly $60 more per pair.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedSpeech-in-noise performance
Lab measuredBeyond scored 1.7/5 in noise versus Atom X's 0.3/5, and 4.3/5 versus 1.5/5 in quiet — a wide, consistent gap across both lab metrics, not a marginal one.
Overall lab sound quality ranking
Hands-on reviewBeyond ranked #6 of 61 OTC devices tested with a SoundGrade of A, while Atom X ranked #9 with a lower SoundGrade of B and a SoundScore nearer the OTC field's lower-middle.
Remote professional support
Expert ratingBeyond offers free access to licensed audiologists through its ElePro app feature for setting recommendations, while Atom X limits support to email and phone customer service (proSupport score 1.0 vs 3.0).
Control method and price
PriceAtom X costs roughly $60 less and is controlled through its touchscreen case rather than an app, which suits buyers who want simple physical controls over deeper software adjustment.
Product Overview
Atom X
Beyond
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits inside the ear canal. The device will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
N/A
Score
4.4
User Rating
1.33 reviews
4.52 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerate
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroid
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroid
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Atom X
Beyond
HearingTracker Score
Atom X
Not yet rated by our experts
Beyond
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE
Offering good background noise handling, competitive wireless audio, and a solid app, Elehear Beyond is the best value hearing aid I've ever tested.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Atom X
3.0BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom X achieved a SoundScore of 3.0/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #9 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.
Beyond
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE
Elehear Beyond achieved a SoundScore of 4.3/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #6 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.
Build Quality
Atom X
4.1BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom X hearing aids lack an IP rating, so they might not be the best against moisture or dust. While using them they feel decently built and they do come with an excellent portable charging case.
Beyond
4.3BELOW AVERAGE
Elehear Beyond hearing aids have an IPx5 rating, meaning you will need to protect them from moisture and dust. However, they appear to be build from quality materials and come with a robust portable charging case.
Battery
Atom X
3.1BELOW AVERAGE
Atom X offer up to 12 hours of battery life, which is less than many of Audien's hearing aids. Recharging will take roughly 3-4 hours, with the case offering several additional full charges.
Beyond
4.0AVERAGE
Beyond have a reported battery life of up to 18 hours per charge, which is enough to get most people through the day. The case also offers on-the-go power and can recharge Elehear in around 1.5 hours, longer if the portable-charger needs to be simultaneously recharged.
Bluetooth
Atom X
4.5EXCELLENT
Atom X offer wireless control and streaming for both iOS and Android. This is the key new addition for Atom X and I found it to work very well.
Beyond
5.0EXCELLENT
Beyond are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
App Features
Atom X
Not yet rated by our experts
Beyond
4.5EXCELLENT
The Elehear app has a user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like volume control and a tone balance from Brighter to Deeper. At this time, Beyond are "preset-based", though you can get a more customized fit using their ElePro feature.
Comfort
Atom X
3.5BELOW AVERAGE
I found Atom X more comfortable than Atom Pro 2, though other hearing aids will likely offer you a better fit and overall comfort.
Beyond
4.0BELOW AVERAGE
I found Beyond fairly comfortable in spite of their larger body size. Be sure to test various ear tips to find optimal comfort and hearing benefit.
Design
Atom X
3.5BELOW AVERAGE
The design of Atom X falls between a custom hearing aid and wireless earbud. They are only available in a medical beige color, which is meant to match skin color, but will not suit everyone.
Beyond
3.8BELOW AVERAGE
Beyond have a more modern receiver-in-canal design, although the body size is larger than many other hearing aids. While this should not effect comfort much, it may make them more noticeable based on your ear size and hairstyle.
Value
Atom X
Not yet rated by our experts
Beyond
4.9EXCELLENT
Elehear Beyond has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
Atom X
4.5EXCELLENT
Atom X is the most user friendly hearing aid I have tried from Audien Hearing to date. The physical buttons are large and the bright touchscreen feature is a great addition.
Beyond
4.5EXCELLENT
I did not run into any issues while using Beyond or the Elehear mobile app. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.
Pro Support
Atom X
1.0BELOW AVERAGE
Like many OTC products, Audien does not offer remote assistance from hearing experts, support is limited to email and phone customer support.
Beyond
3.0BELOW AVERAGE
Unlike many OTC devices, remote support from licensed audiologists is available through the ElePro app feature. This offers several benefits, but one we particularly liked was the ability for Elehear providers to recommend program settings based on their app or web based hearing assessment.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Atom X
Beyond
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Beyond
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Beyond
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Beyond
HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Atom X
Beyond
Remote Control
None
App+1
The ELEHEAR app lets users set up and personalize the Delight hearing aids from a smartphone. It supports volume, tone, noise-control, and preset-mode adjustments, along with battery monitoring and firmware updates. The app also includes mode switching between hearing-aid use and headset/streaming use, plus extra features such as AI translation and Serene natural white-noise sounds for tinnitus masking. It is available for iOS and Android, with Bluetooth support for calls, music, and other media streaming.
Hardware
Atom X
Beyond
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
IP Rating
No
IPx5
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
- Volume Control
- Power on/off
- Streaming start/stop
- Call accept/reject
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Software Features
Atom X
Beyond
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
No
16
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
No
AI Noise CancellationAI Noise CancellationUp to 24dB noise reduction. Normally 12dB noise reduction.
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Dual micDual micDual microphone beamforming/directional enhancement
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
No
Deep Neural Network Hybrid Feedback CancellationDeep Neural Network Hybrid Feedback CancellationDNN based adaptive feedback cancelation to prevent the howling/whistling,
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
No
5
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Yes
No
Power On DelayPower On DelayWhen you close the battery door to turn on your hearing aid, the hearing aid won't start producing sound for a certain amount of time. This can alleviate whistling (feedback) sound that sometimes occurs while inserting your hearing aid.
No
Yes
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
No
64
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
No
Yes
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
No
Yes
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
No
Yes
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
Elehear Beyond is the stronger hearing aid on the numbers that matter most for actually hearing speech — 4.3/5 in quiet and 1.7/5 in noise, versus Atom X's 1.5/5 and 0.3/5 — and it backs that up with free remote audiologist support through ElePro.
At roughly $60 more per pair, that's a small premium for a device that ranked #6 of 61 OTC aids tested versus Atom X's #9.
Which is right for you?
Atom X still has a place: its touchscreen charging case is a genuinely novel, phone-free way to control volume, programs, and Bluetooth, which suits anyone who finds app-based adjustment frustrating or has dexterity or vision limitations. Just go in knowing you're trading speech performance for that simplicity — Atom X's own review flags speech-in-noise as one of its weakest areas.
Before you buy
AI summarizedTest speech clarity in your typical noisy settings
Atom X's 0.3/5 speech-in-noise lab score means you should specifically try it in a café or group setting during any trial window before committing, since the lab data shows Beyond performs measurably better there.
Explore the Elehear app and ElePro support before buying
Beyond's tone, noise control, and directionality adjustments live in the app, and the free ElePro audiologist access can help you dial in settings — check both work smoothly with your phone during setup.
Decide how much you value phone-free control
Atom X has no app at all and relies entirely on its touchscreen case and physical buttons, so if you want app-based fine-tuning like tone balance, Beyond is the only one of the two that offers it.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedElehear Beyond is clearly better in noise, scoring 1.7/5 in lab testing compared to Atom X's 0.3/5. Neither score is high in absolute terms, but Beyond's is well above the site-wide average while Atom X's sits below it.
No, Atom X has no mobile app — all control happens through its touchscreen charging case or the physical button on the device. Elehear Beyond, by contrast, uses an app for tone, volume, and noise-control adjustments.
Elehear Beyond offers free remote support from licensed audiologists through its ElePro app feature. Audien Atom X does not offer this — its support is limited to email and phone customer service.
Atom X uses an instant-fit canal design while Beyond uses a larger receiver-in-the-ear design that our review notes is more noticeable depending on ear size and hairstyle. Comfort scored slightly higher for Beyond (4.0/5) than Atom X (3.5/5) in expert testing.