Yeasound launches AI-powered behind-the-ear hearing aids to challenge in-ear market dominance

At a glance:

• Yeasound, a subsidiary of 25-year telecom veteran Yealink, launched two behind-the-ear hearing aids: the AI-enhanced RIC800 and Apple-only RIC700
• The RIC800 features AI noise reduction, automatic speech focusing, and Android/iOS compatibility with a 5-minute hearing test via the iYeasound app
• Units weigh 2.76g, include five environmental modes, and come with open/closed/hybrid ear tips, though mid-range frequencies can sound muddy

A new player in traditional hearing aid design

Yeasound enters the over-the-counter hearing aid market with an unconventional approach: betting on behind-the-ear (BTE) designs while competitors focus on in-ear models. As a subsidiary of Yealink, the Chinese telecom hardware producer with 25 years of headset and phone manufacturing experience, Yeasound brings enterprise-grade hardware expertise to personal audio devices.

The company offers two distinct models targeting different ecosystems. The higher-end RIC800 supports both Android and iOS platforms, integrating AI-powered noise reduction and an automatic speech-focusing system. The RIC700, positioned as the more affordable option, is Apple-compatible only. Both units share identical physical specifications, weighing 2.76 grams each—a competitive figure when compared to devices like the Jabra Enhance Select 700.

Physical interaction remains deliberately simple, with just two buttons on each unit's back side. These controls handle independent volume adjustment per ear and basic call management through the streaming connection. This minimalist approach contrasts with the complexity of settings available through the companion app, suggesting Yeasound prioritizes user-friendly hardware with software-based customization.

Streamlined testing and environmental adaptation

The iYeasound mobile app serves as the primary interface for setup and ongoing use. Its simplified home screen centralizes essential functions, while the integrated hearing test provides a notably efficient alternative to industry standards. Where typical hearing assessments require 10 minutes or more with extended pauses between frequency checks, Yeasound completes the process in approximately five minutes by eliminating unnecessary delays.

The test delivers frequency and volume pings to each ear, generating a traditional audiogram for reference. While the results align reasonably well with professional audiograms for an over-the-counter device, the system lacks flexibility—existing audiograms cannot be imported, and results cannot be manually adjusted beyond retaking the test.

Once calibrated, users access five environmental modes: Adaptive, General, Noisy, Music, and Outdoors. These self-explanatory settings form the core of the user experience, with volume controls for each ear displayed prominently beneath the mode selector.

Sound customization and AI trade-offs

Deeper sound settings reveal more granular control options. Users can adjust low, mid, and high frequencies across non-Adaptive modes, select from three noise reduction levels, and choose between microphone configurations: all-around, forward-facing, or focused directional modes.

The Adaptive mode leverages Yeasound's AI capabilities, automatically adjusting settings based on the environment. However, this automation comes at a cost—users sacrifice manual controls and may encounter increased hiss at higher volumes. The reviewer found greater satisfaction with the General mode, noting superior noise cancellation performance and reduced boominess compared to the AI-driven approach.

Sound quality presents mixed results. Mid-range frequencies occasionally sound muddy and muffled, with lower frequencies affected to a lesser degree. Conversely, noise cancellation performs impressively well, and the devices can reach high volume levels without significant distortion. The included ear tips—available in open, closed, and hybrid configurations across multiple sizes—allow users to experiment with fit and sound profile.

Market positioning and limitations

Yeasound's entry reflects broader trends in the hearing aid industry, where over-the-counter solutions are democratizing access to amplification devices. By maintaining the BTE form factor while incorporating modern AI features, the company attempts to bridge traditional hearing aid reliability with contemporary smart device integration.

However, several limitations temper the innovation. The inability to import existing audiograms restricts compatibility with established hearing healthcare workflows. The app's sound adjustment granularity remains relatively coarse compared to dedicated hearing aid programming software.

Despite these constraints, the RIC800 demonstrates that AI-enhanced hearing assistance can coexist with traditional BTE designs. For users seeking smart features without the in-ear form factor's intimacy, Yeasound offers a compelling middle ground between medical-grade devices and consumer audio products.

What to watch

As the OTC hearing aid market matures, expect continued competition between BTE and in-ear approaches. Yeasound's success may hinge on software refinement—particularly AI algorithm improvements and expanded audiogram import capabilities. Future iterations could also benefit from more sophisticated frequency adjustment tools and integration with professional hearing healthcare providers.

The company's relationship with Yealink provides manufacturing scale and telecom expertise, potentially enabling competitive pricing as production volumes increase. Meanwhile, the Android/iOS divide between RIC800 and RIC700 models suggests room for product line consolidation in future releases.