Danavox Astro Core Models: All 6 Hearing Aids and Who They May Suit

AudiologyOctober 13, 20267 min read

The Danavox Astro Core models are six hearing aids in two styles: four RIC models and two Super Power BTE models. All six have 12 channels and come in two technology levels, Essential and Essential Plus. Four are rechargeable (two RIC and both Super Power BTE models) and two RIC models use size 312 zinc-air batteries. Which one may suit you depends mainly on how much amplification your hearing test shows, and on whether you prefer charging or changing batteries.

Below, every Astro Core model is listed as published in our hearing aids catalogue, with what the catalogue says about each group. Use it to prepare for your appointment; the audiologist confirms the right model after assessing your hearing.

Danavox Astro Core models at a glance

Astro Core is one of the eight Danavox families offered at Jordan Hearing & Speech, an authorised Danavox dealer in Oman. Danavox describes it this way: "Hear clearly throughout the day. Perfect for all-day wear. First time a smaller miniRIE is offered in the Essentials category." In our catalogue, the four receiver-in-ear models are listed under the RIC style.

The published catalogue shows:

6 models, all hearing aids (no CROS transmitters in this family).
2 styles: RIC (four models) and Super Power BTE (two models).
Power: rechargeable for XH360-DRWC, XH460-DRWC, XH398-DWHC and XH498-DWHC; 312 zinc-air batteries for XH361-DRW and XH461-DRW.
2 technology levels: Essential and Essential Plus.
12 channels on every model.

The full list is on the Danavox Astro Core family page.

Astro Core RIC models

Four Astro Core models keep a small case behind the ear and place the receiver in the ear canal. They form two pairs, one rechargeable and one battery, each with an Essential and an Essential Plus version.

Rechargeable RIC

XH360-DRWC: Essential, 12 channels, rechargeable.
XH460-DRWC: Essential Plus, 12 channels, rechargeable.

Battery RIC

XH361-DRW: Essential, 12 channels, 312 zinc-air battery.
XH461-DRW: Essential Plus, 12 channels, 312 zinc-air battery.

The catalogue's portfolio notes for the RIC group list an all-day battery on one charge, receiver options LP, MP, HP and UP, a programmable push button or toggle, IP68 certification, "Telecoil in 62" and exchangeable mic filters. The receiver is chosen at the fitting to match the amplification your audiogram calls for, which is why the same model can be set up differently for two people. You can see one of these models on the XH360-DRWC page.

Exchangeable microphone filters are a practical point for daily care, because the catalogue lists them as replaceable parts. Ask at the fitting how and when they are changed for your hearing aids.

Astro Core Super Power BTE models

Two Astro Core models sit entirely behind the ear and are built for greater amplification. Both are rechargeable.

XH398-DWHC: Super Power BTE, Essential, 12 channels, rechargeable.
XH498-DWHC: Super Power BTE, Essential Plus, 12 channels, rechargeable.

The catalogue does not list portfolio notes for these two models, so ask the audiologist about details such as buttons or telecoil. On our hearing aids page, Astro Core is one of the families that include a Super Power BTE, the option considered when a hearing test shows more severe hearing loss. Danavox also states that its rechargeable Super Power hearing aids are available in the Astro Pro and Astro Core families, and describes them as the world's smallest rechargeable Super Power hearing aids. That is the manufacturer's claim.

The NIDCD notes that behind-the-ear hearing aids are used for mild to profound hearing loss. Whether a Super Power model is needed is decided from your test results, not from the label. Our article on hearing aids for severe to profound hearing loss covers that decision in more depth. You can also view the XH398-DWHC page.

Essential and Essential Plus

Astro Core uses two technology levels, and in the catalogue both have 12 channels. Danavox lists several family features with tech-level numbers:

Binaural Directionality III (Tech Level 4).
Sound Shaper (Tech Levels 2-4).
Autoscope (Tech Levels 3 & 4).
IP68-rated all-weatherproof nanocoating.
Exchangeable mic filters.
Programmable/multi-function buttons.

The catalogue does not map those tech-level numbers to the names Essential and Essential Plus. So if a particular feature matters to you, ask the audiologist whether it is included in the model being recommended rather than assuming it.

In general, higher technology levels adapt more automatically to noisy and changing places. Technology level is one of the factors that changes the price of a hearing aid, together with style, rechargeable or battery power, one or two hearing aids, and accessories. We do not publish prices; request a quote for a specific model or book an assessment.

Astro Core connectivity

Danavox lists the following connectivity for the Astro Core family:

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast broadcast audio.
Tap to connect to Auracast streams.
Hands-free calls require iPhone 11 or newer with iOS 15.3 or newer, or a compatible iPad.

If phone calls are important to you, bring your phone to the fitting so compatibility can be checked with your own device.

Which Astro Core model may suit whom

Starting points only; the hearing test decides.

You want a receiver-in-ear hearing aid without batteries to change: XH360-DRWC or XH460-DRWC.
You prefer replaceable batteries: XH361-DRW or XH461-DRW.
Your test shows more severe hearing loss: the audiologist may consider XH398-DWHC or XH498-DWHC.
You are deciding between Essential and Essential Plus: discuss your daily listening situations and which listed features matter to you.
Your hearing is very different between the ears, or one ear has little usable hearing: Astro Core has no CROS transmitter, so other families may be discussed.

Fitting an Astro Core hearing aid in Muscat

At our clinic in Bousher, opposite Oman Mall:

A hearing test (no referral needed), which may include pure-tone audiometry, speech testing when needed and a middle-ear check.
Choice of style, power option and technology level from your results.
Fitting and programming, with ear impressions for custom moulds when needed.
Follow-up and fine-tuning while you adapt.

Our Danavox fitting and follow-up service also includes maintenance, cleaning and periodic check-ups. Every Danavox hearing aid from us comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase; the full terms, exclusions and condition are listed on the hearing aids page.

Frequently asked questions

How many Danavox Astro Core models are there?

Six: four RIC models (XH360-DRWC, XH460-DRWC, XH361-DRW, XH461-DRW) and two Super Power BTE models (XH398-DWHC, XH498-DWHC).

Are Astro Core hearing aids rechargeable?

Four of the six are: XH360-DRWC, XH460-DRWC, XH398-DWHC and XH498-DWHC. XH361-DRW and XH461-DRW use 312 zinc-air batteries.

What is the difference between Essential and Essential Plus?

They are the two technology levels in Astro Core, and both have 12 channels in the catalogue. Danavox ties some features to tech-level numbers, so ask the audiologist which features the recommended model includes.

Is Astro Core suitable for severe hearing loss?

The family includes two Super Power BTE models, which are considered when a hearing test shows more severe hearing loss. Only the assessment can show whether they suit you.

Does Astro Core work with my iPhone?

Danavox states that hands-free calls require iPhone 11 or newer with iOS 15.3 or newer, or a compatible iPad. The family also supports LE Audio and Auracast.

Book an appointment

To find out whether an Astro Core model suits your hearing, book an appointment or call or WhatsApp +968 9171 8373. Your visit starts with a hearing test, and the fitting is handled through our Danavox fitting service.

Sources

Danavox — Danavox Astro Core
NIDCD (NIH) — Hearing aids
Danavox Astro Core portfolio as published in our hearing aids catalogue on this site.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Hearing Aid Selection, Fitting, Programming & Follow-up