Overview
The Yeasound RIC800 hearing aids represent a traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) design from a new brand that is a subsidiary of Yealink, a Chinese telecom producer with 25 years of experience in headsets and phone hardware. The RIC800 is the higher-end model among two versions, offering AI-powered noise reduction, automatic speech focusing, and support for both Android and iOS. (The RIC700 is Apple-compatible only.) WIRED tested the RIC800 and awarded it a rating of 6/10.
Design and Features
The units weigh just 2.76 grams each, slightly heavier than some favorite BTE models. Physical controls are limited to two buttons on the back side of each unit, used for volume (independently per ear) and phone call interaction via streaming. The hearing aids come with open, closed, and hybrid ear tips in various sizes for experimentation.
Performance
Audio Quality
The audio assistance is effective but imperfect. Mid-level frequencies often feel muddy and muffled, with lower-frequency tones affected to a lesser degree. Noise cancellation is surprisingly good, and the units can be pushed to very loud levels without significant distortion. Bluetooth streaming performs admirably, with solid bass response that overcomes typical tinny sound often found in BTE hearing aids. Auracast is also supported for compatible Bluetooth broadcasting sources. The integrated audio exam is quick, completing in about five minutes, but the resulting audiogram cannot be imported or manually edited.
App Experience and Battery
The iYeasound mobile app offers a simplified home screen with five environmental modes: Adaptive, General, Noisy, Music, and Outdoors. Adaptive mode uses AI but disables fine-tuning; the reviewer preferred General mode with manual adjustments. However, the app is prone to frequent disconnections from the hearing aids, often requiring Bluetooth reset and app force-quit multiple times daily.
Battery and Charging
Yeasound claims 31 hours of battery life, but actual testing maxed out at 18 hours with a mix of hearing enhancement and Bluetooth streaming. The charging case uses a USB-C connection and holds enough charge for three top-ups. Notably, the RIC800 lacks metal charging contacts, instead using a design similar to an electric toothbrush, which Yeasound says improves durability by preventing rust and reducing skin allergies.
Verdict
The Yeasound RIC800 hearing aids are a mixed bag: above-average audio quality and easy setup are undermined by persistent app frustrations and overstated battery life. Older users unaccustomed to troubleshooting may find the app disconnections particularly problematic.