ELEHEAR Beyond 2 Pro OTC Hearing Aids Debut at $799

ELEHEAR has launched Beyond 2 Pro, a new $799 pair of over-the-counter hearing aids designed to improve speech understanding in noisy environments while giving users more control over sound, fit, and remote professional support.

Available starting today, Beyond 2 Pro joins ELEHEAR’s Beyond ($399/pair) and Beyond Pro ($599) as its new flagship model and introduces VOCCLEAR^® 3.0, the latest version of the company’s proprietary speech-enhancement technology. The rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without a prescription. These products complement ELEHEAR’s Delight in-ear hearing solution which was introduced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (currently discounted to $299/pair with a regular price of $369).

The central upgrade for Beyond 2 Pro is a two-stage approach to managing different kinds of competing sound. ELEHEAR says the system combines an updated deep neural network (DNN) noise-reduction algorithm with a new speech-focused technology called FocusClarity.

Not all noise presents the same processing challenges. Relatively steady sounds, like traffic, air conditioners, and restaurant noise can be easier for hearing aids to identify and suppress than multiple people talking during a dynamic conversation. In a busy gathering, however, both the conversation a listener wants to hear and the competing “noise” may consist of human voices.

VOCCLEAR 3.0 is designed to address both situations.

Two-stage processing for difficult environments

VOCCLEAR 3.0 and its updated DNN-based processing analyzes incoming sound across dozens of frequency channels, says ELEHEAR. Its primary job is to separate speech from comparatively steady background noise in real time.

FocusClarity then addresses more complicated environments containing competing talkers. ELEHEAR says the algorithm continually analyzes the acoustic scene, identifies the conversation the wearer is participating in, and emphasizes that speech while reducing the prominence of background voices. The adjustments occur automatically, without requiring the user to select a special program or manually activate the feature.

Auracast and wireless connectivity

Beyond 2 Pro can stream phone calls, music, podcasts, and other audio from compatible iPhones and Android phones. It also adds support for Auracast broadcast audio, an emerging Bluetooth technology that allows a single source to transmit sound to multiple compatible receiving devices.

In an Auracast-equipped theater, airport, transit station, auditorium, or other public venue, a wearer could receive the venue’s audio directly through the hearing aids without using an intermediary accessory. Actual usefulness will depend on the availability of Auracast broadcasts, which remains limited but is expected to expand as more public facilities install compatible systems.

The hearing aids also provide conventional Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls, music, podcasts, and other audio from a paired smartphone.

ELEHEAR has retained the real-time translation feature offered with its earlier Beyond products. Used through the companion app, the system supports face-to-face translation across 20 languages. As with other app-based translation systems, performance is likely to depend on factors such as the language pairing, internet connection, pronunciation, and level of surrounding noise.

User control over sound and fit

The ELEHEAR app provides separate bass, midrange, and treble adjustments through a feature called Balanced Sound Control. This represents a step beyond a single overall tone control, allowing users to modify different portions of the frequency range independently.

This can be helpful because hearing loss is often distributed unevenly across frequencies. For example, a user who needs more high-frequency clarity might prefer a different balance than someone who finds the devices wants a more full, low-frequency sound experience. It should be recognized that these adjustments are not the same as a comprehensive hearing testing and fitting performed by a licensed hearing care provider; however, they can give wearers more control over everyday comfort and sound quality.

Better design and comfort

ELEHEAR has made several physical changes. Each Beyond 2 Pro hearing aid weighs about 10% less (≈4.3 grams) than the previous generation and has a flatter housing intended to sit more closely behind the ear for better comfort. The devices are offered in a new brown color in addition to the company’s existing finish options.

Receivers can now be replaced by the user and are available in multiple lengths. Because the receiver and its connecting wire determine how the earpiece sits in the ear canal, having different lengths can help accommodate variations in ear size and shape. User replacement can also simplify service if a receiver becomes damaged or clogged—one of the most frequent service/repair issues for RIC-style hearing aids.