The Yeasound RIC800 is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earned an A grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing, achieving a SoundScore of 4.46 out of 5. This behind-the-ear device ranks #1 among the 56 OTC hearing aids tested, making it a standout performer in its category.
In our testing, the RIC800 demonstrated particular strength in speech intelligibility, scoring 1.48 points above the OTC category average for speech in quiet conditions. Speech in noise performance was also above average by 0.90 points, suggesting solid audibility across typical listening environments. Music streaming quality proved to be a highlight, measuring 0.86 points above average—a notable advantage for users who prioritize phone-streamed audio.
The device does have limitations. Own-voice comfort scored 0.41 points below the category average, indicating that some users may notice occlusion effects when speaking. Feedback handling, however, was excellent at 5.00 out of 5, meaning the device maintained stability without whistling during our challenge tests.
At $699, the RIC800 faces competition from other mid-priced OTC options. The Sony CRE-E10 outperforms it with a perfect 5.00 score, and the Elehear Beyond Pro scores higher at 4.78. Budget-conscious shoppers might consider the Lucid Engage ($549) or Yeasound's own RIC700 ($599), which offer comparable performance at lower price points. The RIC800 is best suited for those seeking strong speech clarity and quality music streaming in an OTC device, provided own-voice comfort is not a primary concern.
