iBstone AuraLink vs Yeasound RIC800

The iBstone AuraLink is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2024, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.6/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. This behind-the-ear device ranks #33 among 65 tested OTC hearing aids, placing it in the top 49% of its category. In our testing, the AuraLink shows a distinctive performance profile with notable strengths in audio entertainment. Music streaming scored a solid 3.6/5, measuring 1.68 points above the category average—a standout result for an OTC device. Feedback handling earned an excellent 5.0/5, sitting 0.46 points above average, meaning users should experience minimal whistling during daily wear. However, speech clarity presents a different picture. Speech in quiet scored a mixed 2.3/5, falling 0.47 points below the category average of 2.79. Speech in noise performance was low at 1.0/5, trailing the already modest category average by 0.48 points. Own-voice comfort scored 2.7/5, slightly above average but only mixed in absolute terms. At $649, the AuraLink faces competition from alternatives offering similar or better sound performance at lower prices, including the iHear MatriX and Olive Union Max. The AuraLink may appeal to users who prioritize music and media streaming over speech enhancement, but those seeking stronger speech clarity should explore other options in this price range.

The Yeasound RIC800 is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.8/5 in our lab testing, placing it #2 among 65 OTC devices tested. At $659, this behind-the-ear rechargeable device delivers performance that significantly outpaces the category average of 3.71/5. Speech clarity is a standout strength. The RIC800 scores 4.4/5 for speech in quiet—a strong result that sits 1.63 points above the OTC category average. Speech in noise performance is more mixed at 2.4/5, though this still lands 0.93 points above the typical OTC device. Music streaming is where this device truly excels, scoring 4.3/5 and outperforming the category average by a substantial 2.38 points—making it one of the better choices for consumers who frequently stream audio from their phone. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users shouldn't encounter whistling issues during normal wear. The tradeoff comes with own-voice comfort, which scores 2.1/5—a mixed result that falls 0.41 points below the category average. Some users may notice their own voice sounds more hollow or boomy than expected. The RIC800 earned a 2025 Expert's Choice Award and supports both iPhone and Android streaming. For consumers seeking strong speech performance and exceptional streaming quality in the OTC space, this device represents a compelling option. Those particularly sensitive to own-voice quality may want to compare alternatives, but overall performance places the RIC800 among the top tier of OTC hearing aids we've tested.