UnitedHealthcare Hearing has introduced the latest iteration of its private-labeled Relate hearing aids. The new Relate 5.0 RIC R hearing instruments build on the platform introduced in 4.0, offering notable improvements in device design, connectivity, personalization, and sound performance.
Designed for individuals with mild-to-severe hearing loss, Relate 5.0 incorporates Unitron’s audiological platform and is available through UHC Hearing providers nationwide.
New Hardware: Sleeker Design, SDS 6 Receiver, and On-the-Go Charging
The Relate 5.0 RIC R debuts a redesigned housing with four microphone ports and a more water-resistant build. It uses the newly developed SDS 6 (Sound Delivery System 6) receiver with eight gold-coded contact points and an updated snap-lock mechanism.
While this updated mechanism makes maintenance easier, replacement of SDS 6 receivers should still be performed by a hearing care professional to ensure proper handling and avoid damage to components.
For patients with smaller ears, the addition of a “00” receiver length offers a more comfortable fit—although custom earmolds are not supported at this length.
Two rechargeable charger options are available: a standard desktop charger and the Charger Go RIC S, which features an integrated battery providing up to three full charges without needing to be plugged in. These options aim to give users greater flexibility and peace of mind throughout the day.
Relate 5.0 is offered in three lacquered finish colors to suit various skin and hair tones, making it easier for users to choose a look that complements their personal style.
ERA Chip Powers Performance and Connectivity Upgrades
At the heart of Relate 5.0 is Sonova’s next-generation ERA chip, delivering 74% more memory and over 550 million operations per second—more than double that of the previous Prism chip in Relate 4.0 hearing aids.
This chip enables support for Bluetooth 5.3, allowing:
- Faster, more stable connections
- Compatibility with virtually all Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Streaming over twice the previous distance
- Simultaneous pairing with two active devices and up to eight stored connections
Outgoing call clarity and own voice pickup are also improved thanks to enhanced wireless transmission strength and an adaptive antenna system. The device seamlessly shifts between acoustic input and streaming, automatically resuming environmental awareness once media playback ends.
SoundSuite OS and Active Focus Provide Personalized Sound Processing
Relate 5.0 continues to use SoundSuite OS for automatic optimization in different listening environments. A highlight is the upgraded Active Focus with Dynamic Noise Reduction, which leverages binaural beamforming and directional microphone technology to reduce background noise while preserving speech clarity.
This feature is designed to enhance intelligibility in noisy settings and is activated automatically at higher technology levels.
The device also improves performance in quieter situations. The enhanced Speech Intensifier with Soft Speech provides added gain where speech is dominant, especially useful in one-on-one conversations and other low-noise environments.
Updates to the AuraFit 5.8 fitting software now allow hearing care providers to see these effects in real-ear measurements without disconnecting the devices—a change aimed at improving fitting precision and transparency.
Improved App Experience and New Features
Relate 5.0 is compatible with Hearing Remote App 5.3, which now includes several noteworthy features:
Find My Devices, showing the last known location and Bluetooth strength to help locate lost hearing aids (retroactive for Relate 4.0 users)- New manual tinnitus program, labeled clearly in the app for users
- A dedicated Bluetooth phone call program for better call management
- Stay Connected mode, keeping the app linked for faster reconnections
- Tutor, a built-in education feature that sends personalized, easy-to-understand tips directly to the user’s smartphone, covering topics like charging, cleaning, and general hearing aid use. Notifications are more frequent at first and taper off as the user becomes more experienced, supporting both patients and professionals in the adaptation process.
Find My Devices, showing the last known location and Bluetooth strength to help locate lost hearing aids (retroactive for Relate 4.0 users)These updates are designed to simplify use, reduce troubleshooting, and promote long-term success with the devices.
Updated AuraFit 5.8 Enhances Fitting Experience
Professionals using AuraFit 5.8 will notice several workflow improvements:
- AI Dome Proposer, providing automated earpiece suggestions based on individual audiograms
- Refined Capture All visualization, simplifying comparisons between tech levels
- Easier access to program controls for speech enhancement features
- A new Trial Device Cleaning Guide built into the software
AuraFit 5.8 also now supports automatic REM (Real Ear Measurement) with MedRx Studio systems. These improvements are intended to streamline fittings and enhance clinical efficiency while delivering a more personalized experience for the patient.
Conclusion
Relate 5.0 RIC R introduces a series of platform and software enhancements over the previous generation, with changes to sound processing, connectivity, and digital tools for both hearing care professionals and individuals with hearing loss.
Whether addressing challenging noisy environments or everyday communication needs, Relate 5.0 is positioned to offer performance improvements across all technology levels, reinforcing UHC Hearing’s goal of delivering accessible, quality hearing care.
Source: UHC
