Test report: Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC

The Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC in review

What hearing comfort does the flow+ 312 Dir ITC offer? How is it operated? Is it worth the investment? You can find answers to these questions in our review of this hearing aid from Hansaton. First, the basics: It is worn in the ear, and due to its direct placement in the ear canal, sound can easily travel towards the eardrum. This is important, as only in this way can a really good, broad-band sound be produced.

The flow+ 312 Dir ITC is a small mini hearing aid from the basic class that can cover both mild and more severe hearing needs. Read more details:

Hearing comfort

First, we evaluate the hearing comfort features. What types of noises does the hearing aid recognize? How does it handle them? Is the hearing aid suitable for a varied daily life? In this test device, we found only limited possibilities for influencing comfort. As in all hearing aids, we also find the typical background noise suppression here. It is supposed to reduce monotonous, noisy ambient sounds to the point that they are no longer in the foreground. The manufacturer has made an effort with the flow+ 312 Dir ITC and included efficient noise reduction.

When the wind sweeps over the microphones outside in nature, we wish for wind noise reduction. However, that is missing here, and in some outdoor situations, this can significantly impact hearing comfort. Our test discovered impulse sound damping. It slightly mitigates sharp, sudden noises. While a few more frequency channels would be desirable, the existing 12 channels are already quite functional. The hearing aid can align itself independently with the speaker across from it, but we do not receive much more support for spatial hearing from the flow+ 312 Dir ITC.

Hansaton does not yet use artificial intelligence in this version.

Rating Hearing comfort: 4,0

Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC:

Operation & connectivity

The operating options for hearing aids today are as simple or as complex as anyone would like. The basic functions, of course, operate fully automatically. We wanted to know how, as a user, one can additionally access the flow+ 312 Dir ITC. The simplest operating option is always a button directly on the hearing aid. This one has it too. It can be programmed according to your wishes. Do you want manual volume control? No problem, the button allows for a step-by-step adjustment of the volume. Or do you need different special programs for your work life or hobbies? These can also be activated via the button. Anyone who wants to keep everything in automatic mode can simply ignore the button or even have it disabled. We would have liked a remote control, but Hansaton does not offer one for this model. So, no points for this aspect.

In the test, we did not find any option for voice control. This function is not necessarily required, but we would have appreciated it. There is no control of the hearing aids with a simple fingertip in this Hansaton model, as specific sensors in the casing would have been needed for that.

Although smartphone apps are now available for many hearing aids, unfortunately, Hansaton does not yet provide one for its flow+ 312 Dir ITC. We unfortunately have to do without a streaming function here and continue to hold the smartphone to the ear as normal.

Rating Operation & connectivity: 3,5

Simplicity & security

How does one cope with hearing aids in everyday life? This is the next aspect we will evaluate. Because only if such a device works simply and uncomplicatedly can one become accustomed to it. We would have wished for a program automation in the flow+ 312 Dir ITC that adapts itself to the environment. However, this is not available, so unfortunately, points are deducted at this point. The adjustment to the new hearing sensation is supported by this device with a fully automatic acclimatization manager. It adjusts the amplification in barely noticeable steps until my hearing loss is fully compensated. I don't have to do anything other than wear my hearing aids regularly.

Many hearing aids today have a rechargeable battery, but the flow+ 312 Dir ITC is still operated with disposable batteries. This is somewhat cumbersome in terms of handling and also puts additional strain on the environment.

We had a carefree everyday life in our test due to the IP-68 certification. This indicates that the hearing aid is particularly well protected against dust and water. We marched through the rain and then took out the hearing aids with wet hands - all no problem. However, the water resistance really only applies to fresh, natural water, not to foamy bathwater or seawater.

Rating Simplicity & security: 3,0

Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC:

Extras

In conclusion, we want to know if the hearing aid perhaps offers any specials: A special tinnitus program can be programmed into the flow+ 312 Dir ITC upon request. This allows for the generation of stimulating, pleasant sounds that distract from the tinnitus when it is particularly strong. We find this very useful and gladly award extra points.

Unfortunately, there is no option for remote adjustment. So, anyone who needs optimization and wants to change their hearing aid settings will have to visit an audio professional.

Tracking health data is a real benefit in modern hearing aids. However, this Hansaton model lacks the sensors for this service. The device from Hansaton focuses on essential hearing functions and does not offer extras like voice assistants or translation features. While that would have been fun, it is not necessary for a good listening experience.

Rating Extras: 3,3

Conclusion: Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC

This test device ranks in the lower tiers of the overall results and lacks some features. We give it a score of 3.58. For less demanding listeners, this is acceptable, but for a very active lifestyle, we recommend a hearing aid with more comprehensive comfort features.

 

Our Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC review was created on November 29, 2020 and lastly updated on September 8, 2022. The overall rating of 3,58 is composed of: »Hearing Comfort (40% weighting): Rating 2 | »Operation & Connectivity (28% weighting): Rating 2.5 | »Simplicity & Security (17% weighting): Rating 3 | »Extras (15% weighting): Rating 3 | Learn more about our evaluation criteria and testing standards in How We Test..

 

 

 

FAQ

How noticeable is the Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC to others?

It is in the XS size category, so it appears quite small. We primarily focused on how it is perceived by outsiders.

What does the Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC cost?

The price range in which the Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC is generally offered in Germany is between €1.00 and €700.00. The price reflects the performance of the device. In the test, it achieved an overall rating of 3.6 (sufficient).

Is the Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC suitable for my hearing loss?

This in-the-ear hearing aid is suitable for mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. You can compare other hearing aids in this fitting range with the flow+ 312 Dir ITC from Hansaton: Hearing Aids Comparison.

How well does the hearing with the Hansaton flow+ 312 Dir ITC work?

This in-ear device received a performance rating of 4.0 (sufficient) for the area of "Hearing Comfort" in the test report. Important for hearing comfort is, among other things, noise suppression. Here, the flow+ 312 Dir ITC from Hansaton achieves a good 4 out of 5 stars. For the reduction of wind noise, we give it the label 'complete failure', as it does not have this feature. The signal processing in this hearing aid takes place in 12 different adjustable channels (the best hearing aids currently have 24 channels).

 

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