Danavox Astro Pro Models: Which One Is Which, and Who Each May Suit

AudiologyOctober 13, 20268 min read

The Danavox Astro Pro models in our catalogue are seven devices: three rechargeable MicroRIE hearing aids, three RIC hearing aids that use size 312 zinc-air batteries, and one rechargeable CROS transmitter. The six hearing aids come in three technology levels (Select, Advanced and Premium), and the CROS unit is a transmitter for people with no usable hearing in one ear, not a hearing aid in its own right.

This guide answers a practical question: within the Astro Pro family, which model is which, and who might each one suit? It sticks to what our published catalogue lists for each model. The final choice is always made with your audiologist after a hearing test, because the right model depends on your results, your ears and your daily routine rather than on a spec sheet.

Danavox Astro Pro models at a glance

According to Danavox, Astro Pro is the "smallest AI hearing aid in the world", "preferred for hearing in noise" and "made for Auracast". These are the manufacturer's own statements. Our Astro Pro family page lists the full family; here is how its seven models are grouped.

Rechargeable MicroRIE (3 hearing aids)

XG560S-DRWC: Select technology level, 12 channels, rechargeable.
XG760S-DRWC: Advanced technology level, 14 channels, rechargeable.
[XG960S-DRWC](/en/hearing-aids/astro-pro/xg960s-drwc): Premium technology level, 17 channels, rechargeable.

MicroRIE is a receiver-in-ear design: a small case sits behind the ear and a thin wire leads to a receiver in the ear canal. The catalogue notes for these models list TapControl, an all-day battery on one charge, a programmable push button or toggle, IP68 certification and exchangeable microphone filters.

RIC with size 312 batteries (3 hearing aids)

[XG561-DRW](/en/hearing-aids/astro-pro/xg561-drw): Select technology level, 12 channels, 312 zinc-air battery.
XG761-DRW: Advanced technology level, 14 channels, 312 zinc-air battery.
XG961-DRW: Premium technology level, 17 channels, 312 zinc-air battery.

These are also receiver-in-canal hearing aids, but they run on disposable 312 zinc-air batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery. That suits people who prefer to carry spare batteries rather than plan around a charger. The catalogue lists IP68 certification, a programmable push button or toggle and exchangeable microphone filters for the family.

CROS transmitter (1 transmitter, not a hearing aid)

XG160S-DRWC: CROS transmitter in a RIC style, rechargeable, listed at the Premium level, with no channel count because it is not a hearing aid.

A CROS transmitter is worn on the ear that has no usable hearing and sends sound to the hearing ear. If you have hearing loss in one ear only, our article on hearing loss in one ear and CROS explains how this works and who is assessed for it.

Receivers, controls and other catalogue notes

The receiver is the small speaker that sits in your ear canal, and it is chosen to match your hearing. The catalogue lists five receiver options for Astro Pro: MM, LP, MP, HP and UP. The catalogue does not explain each letter pair on this page, so ask your audiologist which receiver your results call for.

Other points from the published portfolio notes and manufacturer features:

TapControl: listed with the microRIE models.
Programmable push button or toggle: the audiologist can set what the control does, for example volume or programme changes.
IP68: Danavox describes the family as IP68-rated with a protective nanocoating. IP68 means resistance to dust and water, not that the hearing aids are meant for swimming.
Exchangeable microphone filters: the filters can be replaced during cleaning and maintenance.
Processing: Danavox lists a DualChip, Triple Processor design (360 Chip plus a Deep Neural Network Chip) and Intelligent Focus for the microRIE at technology level 9.

Connectivity: Auracast and LE Audio

The catalogue describes Astro Pro as made for Auracast, with Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio and Auracast, and the BeMore app with Auracast Assistant. It requires an iPhone 11 or newer, or devices with Bluetooth 5.3 or newer. Auracast is a broadcast audio standard: where a venue or device broadcasts an Auracast stream, compatible hearing aids can join it.

Before you choose a model for streaming, check which phone you use. If your phone is older, ask at your appointment what will and will not work with it.

Technology levels: Select, Advanced or Premium

All six Astro Pro hearing aids come in three technology levels, and the channel count rises with the level: 12 channels for Select, 14 for Advanced and 17 for Premium. In this family the first digit after "XG" follows the level: 5 for Select, 7 for Advanced and 9 for Premium.

Higher technology levels generally adapt more automatically to noisy and changing places. Whether that matters for you depends on how much of your day is spent in meetings, family gatherings, restaurants or busy offices. Technology level is one of the things that changes the price, alongside style, rechargeable or battery power, one or two hearing aids and accessories. We do not publish prices; you can request a quote for a specific model or book an assessment.

Who might each Astro Pro model suit?

These are starting points only. A hearing test decides whether Astro Pro, or any hearing aid, is appropriate.

You want to avoid changing small batteries: the MicroRIE models (XG560S-DRWC, XG760S-DRWC, XG960S-DRWC) are rechargeable.
You prefer disposable batteries, for example when travelling without a charger: the RIC models (XG561-DRW, XG761-DRW, XG961-DRW) use 312 zinc-air batteries.
You spend a lot of time in noisy places: Danavox describes the family as preferred for hearing in noise; ask whether a higher technology level makes sense for your situation.
You have no usable hearing in one ear: the XG160S-DRWC CROS transmitter may be discussed, after a full assessment.
You need more power than a receiver-in-ear design can give: the catalogue has a separate Astro Pro SP family of Super Power BTE models; your audiologist can explain whether you need that.

Practical factors matter too: finger dexterity, eyesight, glasses, and how comfortable you are with a charger routine. Mention them at your appointment so they guide the recommendation.

How the choice is made

Hearing test: shows the type and degree of hearing loss in each ear, and whether anything needs medical attention first.
Discussion of your needs: work, social life, phone use and handling.
Model and receiver selection: style, battery type, technology level and receiver.
Fitting and programming: the hearing aids are programmed to your results during a Danavox hearing aid fitting appointment.
Follow-up: fine-tuning as you get used to the new sound.

Every Danavox hearing aid from us comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects and maintenance, with a periodic visit every three months during the warranty. Breakage, misuse, cut wires and hearing aids dropped into liquids are not covered, and the warranty requires that the hearing aids are not programmed at another hearing centre or repaired by a technician outside our centre.

Frequently asked questions

How many hearing aids are in the Astro Pro family?

The catalogue lists seven Astro Pro models. Six are hearing aids (three rechargeable MicroRIE and three RIC with 312 batteries), and the seventh, XG160S-DRWC, is a CROS transmitter rather than a hearing aid.

Are all Danavox Astro Pro models rechargeable?

No. The three MicroRIE models and the CROS transmitter are rechargeable, while the three RIC models (XG561-DRW, XG761-DRW and XG961-DRW) use disposable 312 zinc-air batteries.

What is the difference between Select, Advanced and Premium?

They are technology levels. In Astro Pro, Select has 12 channels, Advanced 14 and Premium 17. Higher levels generally adapt more automatically to changing listening situations. Your audiologist can explain which level matches your daily life.

Does Astro Pro work with my phone?

The catalogue states that Astro Pro requires an iPhone 11 or newer, or devices with Bluetooth 5.3 or newer, and supports LE Audio and Auracast. Bring your phone to your appointment so compatibility can be checked.

Book an appointment

To find out whether one of the Danavox Astro Pro models fits your hearing, start with a hearing test and a fitting consultation. You can book an appointment online, or call or WhatsApp us on +968 9171 8373. Our clinic is in Bousher, Muscat, opposite Oman Mall, and no referral is needed for a hearing test. The Danavox fitting service covers selection, programming and follow-up.

Sources

Danavox — Danavox Astro Pro
NIDCD (NIH) — Hearing aids
Model specifications: Danavox 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