ELEHEAR Alpha Pro Hearing Aids – Taking a Closer Look

The Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid market officially launched in late 2022 after the FDA issued its final rule on this new category of devices. This change in legislation and FDA approval has opened access to OTC hearing aids. Since then, the market has seen a surge of new companies introducing innovative technologies and features.

These exciting developments are rapidly transforming the hearing aid industry and making hearing aids more accessible to users worldwide.

ELEHEAR – Background

ELEHEAR was founded in 2017. The company has garnered recognition for its pioneering work in developing the VocPlus deep learning AI algorithm technology, which is grounded in Computational Auditory Scene Analysis (CASA) and Deep Learning (DL). This groundbreaking technology has been integrated into over 200 million consumer devices worldwide.

Driven by a belief that hearing is not merely a sense but a cornerstone of a fulfilling life, ELEHEAR embarked on a mission to revolutionize the hearing solutions landscape. Dissatisfied with the prevailing paradigm, the company’s team spearheaded innovative approaches, harnessing AI technology and neural networks to craft a powerful audio processor.  Following their success in enterprise solutions, ELEHEAR subsequently extended its transformative technologies to end consumers.

ELEHEAR is a hearing solutions company operating at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and transformative experiences. They do not hearing aids, but their product range includes hearing technology. The VocClear technology, an AI deep learning neural network, makes it a powerful audio processor available in the OTC market, which is the biggest selling point of the Elehear technology.

With headquarters in Shenzhen, China, and Minneapolis, United States, ELEHEAR’s operations span North America, with the Chinese branch focused on production, research and development, and the American outlet dedicated to sales and support.

• ELEHEAR Alpha Pro Unboxing Experience
• Hearing Aid Design
• Device Set Up
• ELEHEAR App
• Key Features
• Use and Clarity
• Pros vs. Cons
• Final Thoughts

ELEHEAR Hearing Aids Review

In 2023, leveraging years of success and rigorous development, ELEHEAR unveiled its flagship products — the ELEHEAR Alpha and ELEHEAR Alpha Pro. These cutting-edge hearing aids harness insights accumulated from past algorithms and sound technologies.

The ELEHEAR technical team has developed a groundbreaking application that use AI for noise reduction and speech extraction, learning from users’ daily interactions to anticipate and mitigate noise in common audio environments such as homes, offices, public transit, bustling streets, and restaurants.

Unboxing Experience:

The external packaging of the device exudes a sleek, modern aesthetic befitting cutting-edge technology. Upon opening the box, users are greeted with neatly arranged contents, thoughtfully organized for convenience. Charging cables, ear tips, and wax guards are housed in separate compartments at the base, concealed by a protective board. Nestled within the charger are the ELEHEAR Alpha Pro hearing aids, accompanied by a quick start guide.

A notice inside the packaging offers guidance on maximizing the benefits of the hearing aids, recommending regular wear over a period of three weeks. While helpful, this timeframe may not fully align with the suggested a minimum of hours of daily wear for optimal adaptation, a duration that may vary based on individual factors such as age and cognitive condition.

The contents packed in the box include:

• 2 x ELEHEAR Alpha Pro Hearing Aids
• Charging Case
• Ear Caps in Small, Medium, and Large sizes
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• Multi-function Tool Pen
• Wax Cap Tool

Hardware Specifications:

• Frequency Range: 300Hz to 6000Hz
• Max-OSPL90: ≤ 112dB + 3dB
• THD: ≤ 2%+3% at 500/800/1600Hz
• HFA-OSPL90: 106 ± 4dB
• EQ Input Noise: ~ 32dB±3dB
• HFA-FOG50: 32 ± 5dB
• Battery Current: 2.8mA

Hearing Aid Design:

The ELEHEAR Alpha Pro hearing aids boast a compact design aimed at discreetness behind the ear. There physical volume controls featured on each unit and interchangeable ear caps to accommodate various ear sizes. The charging case houses a rechargeable battery, ensuring that the hearing aids undergo continuous charging when placed back into the case.

The Alpha Pros adopt a traditional behind-the-ear design with a teardrop-shaped battery/control button that rests behind the ear, while the receiver in canal (RIC) thin speaker sits on the outer edge of the ear canal, rendering them nearly invisible from most angles. All-day comfort is assured due to the lightweight design, though wearers may find the slightly wider size of the hearing aids challenging when donning spectacles. Available only in black, the color option may not suit individuals with lighter hair and skin tones.

Included with the Alpha Pros are two sets of small, medium, and large silicone ear caps – one standard and one double-flanged, along with six pairs of extra wax caps and a cleaning tool for added convenience and maintenance.

Device Set up

1. Charging: Begin by charging the ELEHEAR Alpha Pro hearing aids for a minimum of 2 hours. Use the provided USB-C cable to charge both the aids and the charging case.
2. Quick Start Guide: Refer to the quick start guide included in the packaging to assist you in setting up the hearing aids.
3. Pairing with ELEHEAR App: To customize settings based on your individual hearing profiles, pair the hearing aids with the ELEHEAR App. Download the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your device’s operating system.
4. Activating Bluetooth: Activate Bluetooth on your device and open the ELEHEAR App. Follow the app’s instructions to pair the hearing aids with your device.
5. Selecting Hearing Level: During setup, you will be prompted to select the level of your hearing loss. Choose from options such as Mild, Mild-to-Moderate, Moderate I, and Moderate II. Ensure you understand the descriptions provided for each level to make an informed selection. The terminology used may be unclear to some users, potentially resulting in suboptimal performance or feedback issues. It would be beneficial to use terms that are more understandable and provide descriptions of each level of hearing loss along with corresponding symptoms. Additionally, the app should include a feature that notifies users to readjust settings if they are not suitable, as over-amplification can potentially cause hearing damage.

6. Online Hearing Test: While not directly mentioned in the app or quick start guide, you may choose to take an online hearing test available on the ELEHEAR website for additional guidance. However, the results of the online test, which provide decibel numbers and hearing level ratings, do not seem to correspond with any features in the app.
7. Choosing Ear Tips: Selecting the right-sized ear tips is crucial for optimal comfort and sound quality. Smaller-sized, single-flanged tips offer a more natural, open-hearing experience, while double-flanged tips provide a better seal for music listening and hands-free calling, albeit with a more enclosed auditory experience. Users can experiment to find the best fit for their needs.
8. App Settings: Once the level of hearing and ear tips are selected, navigate the ELEHEAR App to adjust various settings. Control the volume of each bud and customize sound options such as Speech Focus and Noise Reduction.
9. Ambient Presets: Choose from four ambient presets available in the app: General, Restaurant, Outdoor, and TV. These presets optimize sound settings for different environments.
10. Additional Adjustments: Explore additional settings in the app’s menu, including situational effects and music equalizer settings, to further personalize your hearing experience.
11. Manual Adjustment: If desired, you can manually adjust hearing aid settings using the multi-function toggle on each bud. This feature provides flexibility and convenience, especially if the app is unavailable or your device’s battery is depleted.
12. Bluetooth Connection: Upon insertion of the Alpha Pros into your ears, you’ll hear a short activation tone followed by a Bluetooth notification confirming the connection. If the connection is lost, reinsert the buds into the charging case momentarily to reconnect successfully.

ELEHEAR App:

The ELEHEAR App boasts a user-friendly interface, featuring a personalized user profile area and two primary tabs: Control and Adjust. Within the Control Tab, users can fine-tune individual settings for each ear, including noise reduction and speech focus.

The Adjust Tab offers the flexibility to set one’s level of hearing loss and make adjustments to Bass, Treble, and World Sounds. Additional functionalities encompass environmental noise settings and remote sound capture capabilities.

Key functions of the app include:

• Fine-tuning Control
• Environmental Noise Control
• Four Mode Switching
• Battery Level Monitoring
• Independent Volume Adjustment
• Remote Sound Capture

The app is straightforward to install and navigate, catering to users familiar with mobile applications. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of hearing customization. Integrating a comprehensive hearing test aligned with distinct categories of hearing loss would enhance user experience and ensure tailored adjustments. Additionally, providing support resources for users less familiar with technology, particularly in connecting to Bluetooth and utilizing app functions optimally, would further improve accessibility and usability.

Features:

• User-Friendly Design and Comfort:

The Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) design ensures discreetness, minimizing the stigma associated with traditional aids.

Lightweight construction enhances comfort during extended wear, though slim tubes may require periodic replacement.

• AI Noise Reduction:

ELEHEAR’s AI technology excels in preserving natural clarity by distinguishing human voices from background noise.

Utilizing VoClear technology, the Alpha Pro isolates human voices, minimizing distortion and enhancing speech quality.

• Sound Clarity and Feedback Management:

32kHz Ultra HD Speech Signal Processing delivers natural sound quality with minimal customization.

Seamless transition between Hearing Aid and Bluetooth Headset Modes ensures continuous connection.

VoClear AI anticipates and neutralizes feedback sources, ensuring a clear auditory experience.

• 20-hour Battery Life:

Rechargeable lithium battery supports wireless charging, providing 20 hours of uninterrupted listening.

Portable charger enhances convenience.

• Bluetooth Streaming:

Seamless transition between hearing aid and Bluetooth headset modes facilitates calls and music streaming.

Bluetooth connectivity offers easy control via smartphones, though occasional app bugs may occur.

• In-App Remote Adjustment:

User-friendly companion app allows personalized audio tailoring for an immersive experience.

• AI Feedback Control:

VoClear AI predicts and neutralizes feedback within milliseconds, ensuring comfort.

Advanced multi-microphone technology maximizes signal-to-noise ratio.

• FDA-Approved with Free Remote Lifetime Support:

Qualified hearing care professionals offer remote support for enhanced user experience.

• Affordable Excellence:

The Alpha Pro offers premium features at an accessible price point, retailing for $999.

One-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee offer peace of mind.

• Directionality Enhancer:

Harnesses noise reduction for enhanced directional focus.

Users can adjust speech prominence based on personal tolerance.

• Speech Enhancer:

Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC) and Automatic Gain Control Output (AGCo) maintain comfortable listening levels.

Speech enhancer function is easily accessible via the app for instant activation.

• Remote Support:

Multiple channels for pre-sale assistance, after-sales support, and guidance from audiologists.

Dedicated support team available via email, app, social media, and website for prompt resolutions.

• Manual adjustment:

One notable feature of the app is the ability to adjust hearing aid settings both manually and through the app itself, providing flexibility for users.

Use and Clarity

The performance of this hearing aid hinges on the accurate selection of the hearing level that aligns with your individual hearing capabilities. If you have undergone a diagnostic hearing test, it can aid in selecting the appropriate level, provided these preset levels are standardized to norms.

Additionally, the physical fit of the hearing aids depends on factors such as the parameters of your ear canals and the size of ear tips chosen. It’s advisable to experiment with different tips to find the optimal fit for your comfort and sound quality preferences. Using different tips for various sound environments may also be beneficial.

A poor fit increases the risk of feedback, characterized by a high-pitched squeal, caused by sound leakage from the ear canal. Adjusting the World Sound control gradually can enhance the experience while watching TV or listening to audio. Similarly, fine-tuning the Noise Reduction feature significantly reduces unwanted ambient sounds, such as floor creaks or air conditioning noise, improving speech focus in noisy environments.

ELEHEAR Alpha Pro Hearing Aids: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comfortable and lightweight design
• Modern aesthetic
• Good sound clarity
• Long battery life
• Attractive price point
• Ample, natural sound amplification
• Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and music streaming
• Rechargeable feature for convenience
• Free setup assistance from audiologist
• Lifetime remote support for follow-ups and adjustments

Cons:

• Relatively large carrying case
• Limited variety in ear cap types
• Occasional malfunction of the app
• Lack of self-fitting capability, limiting audio personalization
• Subpar sound quality for music and calls
• Limited range of hearing aid colours
• Flimsy slim tubes
• Less user-friendly for individuals not familiar with technology

Final thoughts

The Alpha Pro presents itself as a promising product, particularly given its competitive price point and modern design. However, there are notable limitations to consider. The restricted colour range may not cater well to individuals with lighter skin or hair tones. Moreover, the lack of personalization limits its effectiveness for more complex hearing losses, making it more suitable for mild cases.

Despite not aligning perfectly with audiologic standards, the Alpha Pro offers users a greater sense of control over their settings, potentially leading to increased satisfaction. While audio customization may be trickier without professional guidance, the complimentary post-purchase support from an audiologist helps alleviate this challenge.

Overall, the Alpha Pro excels in sound clarity and rechargeability, making it an attractive option for those seeking amplification with user control. However, its non-self-fitting nature and occasional app malfunctions may pose challenges for less tech-savvy users.

With future refinements, such as the inclusion of hearing customization testing, the Alpha Pro has the potential to evolve into a more comprehensive solution. Its advanced features hint at a promising trajectory, offering hope for further growth and development in the future.

 

References:

• Brooks, D. N. (1996). The time course of adaptation to hearing aid use. British journal of audiology, 30(1), 55-62.
• Chang, Y. S., Choi, J., Moon, I. J., Hong, S. H., Chung, W. H., & Cho, Y. S. (2016). Factors associated with self-reported outcome in adaptation of hearing aid. Acta oto-laryngologica, 136(9), 905-911.
• Elehear. (2024). Elehear professional support options: Ways to contact Elecare. Retrieved from https://elehear.com/blogs/all/elehear-professional-support-options-ways-to-contact-elecare
• Elehear. (2024). https://elehear.com/blogs/all
• Williger, B., & Lang, F. R. (2015). Hearing aid use in everyday life: managing contextual variability. Gerontology, 61(2), 158-165.

 

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