RxEars Rxi Hero

RxEars Rxi Expert Review

Budget Rx
Released 
2022

Summary

The RxEars Rxi is a budget-priced prescription hearing aid in an invisible-in-ear style, earning a B SoundGrade in HearAdvisor's lab testing. At $499, it represents one of the most affordable prescription options available, making professional-fitted amplification accessible to cost-conscious consumers.

In our testing, the Rxi demonstrated above-average speech intelligibility performance, scoring notably well in quiet listening environments (+0.49 points above the prescription category average) and holding its own in noisy situations (+0.18 above average). For users primarily concerned with conversational clarity, these results suggest solid core functionality despite the budget positioning.

However, the device shows meaningful limitations. Own-voice comfort scored well below the category average (-1.16 points), indicating that users may experience noticeable occlusion effects—that "plugged up" sensation when speaking. Additionally, the Rxi lacks music streaming capability entirely, which is increasingly standard even in lower-priced devices. Feedback handling performed slightly below average but remained acceptable at 4.70/5.

The RxEars Rxi is best suited for budget-minded individuals who prioritize speech clarity over connectivity features and can tolerate some own-voice occlusion. Those seeking streaming functionality or more natural own-voice perception should consider alternatives like the Elehear Beyond, which at $399 actually costs less while delivering a higher overall SoundScore of 4.35.

In the initial fit condition with closed domes, the RxEars Rxi delivered above-average speech intelligibility in both quiet (3.90/5) and noisy (1.70/5) environments. Feedback handling was solid at 4.70/5. However, the closed coupling contributed to below-average own-voice comfort (1.60/5), reflecting noticeable occlusion that may affect how users perceive their own speech. Music streaming was not available on this device. The overall initial fit score of 2.62/5 was above the category average, driven primarily by speech performance strengths.

The tuned fit condition maintained identical performance to the initial fit, with the same closed dome coupling retained. Scores remained unchanged across all metrics: speech in quiet (3.90/5), speech in noise (1.70/5), feedback handling (4.70/5), and own-voice comfort (1.60/5). This consistency suggests the device offers limited adjustment flexibility—what you experience out of the box is essentially what professional fitting delivers. The fit score held steady at 2.62/5.

Lab Review Scores

B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.7
Tuned Score
3.7
Speech in quiet
best
3.9
5.0
Own voice
best
1.6
5.0
Speech in noise
best
1.7
5.0
Feedback handling
best
4.7
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

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Lab recordings

Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
RxEars Rxi Lab

Lab notes

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Closed Dome
Tuned Fitting
Closed Dome

Specs

Invisible in Ear
Invisible in Ear
Disposable Batteries
Disposable Batteries