“Delight” is a bold choice of name for any type of tech product, but it’s especially ambitious in the world of hearing aids, where “begrudgingly tolerate” is the highest praise typically offered. Undaunted, Elehear’s latest over-the-counter release aims to raise the bar on user satisfaction, featuring a major design change and leveraging a new AI algorithm (naturally) to improve noise reduction and reduce feedback.
Designed as in-the-ear devices with discretion in mind, the Delight cuts a much different profile than the more traditional, behind-the-ear Beyond Pro and Beyond hearing aids. The big question: Can they perform as well as BTE offerings?
A Sleek Design
Photograph: Chris Null
Let’s start with the highlights: The Elehear Delight hearing aids look great, a lot like compact Bluetooth earbuds in a neutral shade of beige. When inserted, the Delight aids don’t protrude from the ear at all, though they are quite visible when the ear is viewed directly from the side.
Interestingly, they are partially held in place by a silicone “wing” that slips into and rests closely against the concha. This rubbery fin is actually part of a thin case that wraps around the entire hearing aid and which, like the ear tips, can be removed for cleaning and replaced when it wears down. Three sizes of ear tips—including both closed and lightly vented options—and three sizes of ear wings are included in the box for you to experiment with.
At 3.38 grams each, the Delights aren’t exactly lightweight (Elehear has never been known for small devices), but they don’t feel heavy at all because of the way they fit so snugly in the concha. I was able to wear them for hours without discomfort or itchiness, and while they never disappeared to the point where I didn’t notice them anymore, they never made my ears sore.