EarCentric EX2 vs Elehear Delight

The EarCentric EX2 is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $218, positioning it as a budget-friendly option in the prescription category. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.7/5, ranking #35 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested. This 2021 release demonstrates mixed performance across key metrics. Its standout strength is feedback handling, scoring an excellent 4.7/5—essentially matching the category average and indicating reliable stability during movement. However, speech performance is a significant weakness: speech in quiet scores just 1.0/5 (2.40 points below the category average of 3.40), and speech in noise scores 1.0/5 (1.11 points below average). These low absolute scores suggest limited audibility enhancement in our standardized test conditions. Own-voice comfort scores 2.3/5, which is mixed in absolute terms and 0.40 points below the category average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, indicating this device is not suited for audio entertainment purposes. The EarCentric EX2 may appeal to budget-conscious consumers who prioritize cost over performance, but alternatives exist at similar or lower price points with stronger test results. The RxEars Rxi, available in the same price range, scored 4.07/5 in our testing. Consumers seeking entry-level amplification should weigh the significant speech clarity limitations against the low purchase price.

The Elehear Delight is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that delivers impressive performance in HearAdvisor's lab testing, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.3/5. At $315, this visible-in-ear style device ranks #9 among 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 12% of the category. In our testing, the Delight demonstrates strong speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 4.0/5—a full 1.21 points above the OTC category average of 2.79/5. Music streaming quality is similarly impressive at 3.1/5, which is 1.18 points above the category average and represents solid performance for this price tier. Speech understanding in noisy environments scores 1.8/5, which is above the category average of 1.48/5, though still low in absolute terms—a common challenge across OTC devices. Own-voice comfort scores 2.9/5, above the category average by 0.39 points, though only mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is strong at 4.2/5, though slightly below the category average of 4.54/5. The device uses a closed vented dome coupling with an integrated receiver design. The Elehear Delight is well-suited for budget-conscious consumers seeking a capable OTC hearing aid with particular strengths in quiet conversation and audio streaming. Those who frequently encounter challenging noise environments may want to consider whether the modest speech-in-noise performance meets their needs.