Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions impacting older people in the United States, with an estimated 15% of adults aged 18 and up reporting some trouble hearing. (1) Treating hearing loss could prevent cognitive decline, balance issues, and frequent falls. (1) However, many people are reluctant to treat their hearing impairment due to the cost of hearing aids, which aren’t covered by Medicare.
Fortunately, companies like Audien Hearing make over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss that are affordable and easy to use. In our Audien review, we explore the different models the brand offers, compare them to other products on the market, and break down what you need to know about these hearing aids to determine if they’re right for you.
Our favorite Audien hearing aids
Audien hearing aids, specifically the Audien Atom 2, are among the most affordable over-the-counter hearing aids on the market. They make hearing improvement accessible for countless people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The Atom 2 are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, with a 24-hour battery life. Keep reading to learn more about why we like these entry-level hearing aids.
Our picks for the best Audien hearing aids
Compare Audien hearing aids
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| Audien Atom 2 | Audien Atom Pro 2 | Audien Ion | |
| Rating | |||
| Price | $189 | $289 | $489 |
| Type (OTC or prescription) | OTC | OTC | OTC |
| Style | ITC | In-the-canal (ITC) | Behind-the-ear (BTE) |
| Battery length | 24 hour | 24 hour | 24 hour |
| Bluetooth | No | No | No |
Key product features
What you should know
The Audien Atom 2 hearing aids deliver exceptional value for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- These hearing aids are easy to navigate, with a 24-hour battery life
- If you’re looking for affordable hearing aids, the Audien Atom 2 is a good choice at just $189.
- Ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Testers say the Atom 2 is comfortable, effective, and lightweight.
Audien Atom 2 hearing aids overview
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use pair of hearing aids that you can simply unbox and start wearing, then we recommend Audien Atom 2. Our tester loved their simple and straightforward design, which allows you to choose from four different hearing modes and five volume settings. These rechargeable hearing aids have a 24-hour battery life, meaning they won’t stop working in the middle of the day—as long as you charge them for at least four to six hours, as recommended.
These in-the-ear style hearing aids are a good starter pair for people with mild hearing loss. (Those with more moderate hearing loss may want to look at the Audien Atom 2 Pro or the Audien Ion hearing aids.) Audien Atom 2 hearing aids are small, comfortable, and lightweight—though people who struggle with fine motor skills may find them too small. Our tester says they didn’t leave their ears feeling “congested” like some other hearing aids might. They also appreciated that there is no “left side” or “right side,” so you can expect a secure fit every wear.
Unlike some other hearing aids we’ve tested, the Atom 2 does not come with a companion app. We also wish these hearing aids came with a portable charging case with UV sanitation like the Audien Atom 2 Pro and Audien Ion. That said, these hearing aids are a good option if you want something simple and not too tech-heavy.
In 2021, Audien received a letter from the Better Business Bureau, National Advertising Division, advising them to refrain from claiming that its devices help with tinnitus management. (2) Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing noise in one or both ears, sometimes associated with hearing loss. (3) The letter also indicated that Audien shouldn’t claim its technology is similar to $5,000 prescription-level hearing aids. To date, these claims have been removed from Audien’s website. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the best hearing aids for tinnitus for those needing a tinnitus-managing option.
What customers are saying
Audien Hearing earned 4.4 out of five stars from an average of more than 750 reviews on Trustpilot. Customers who purchased the Audien Atom 2 like the simplicity and ease of use of these hearing devices. They also like the comfortable fit and appreciate the attentiveness of the customer service representatives.
“I have had the pleasure of dealing with Audien for the purchase of two sets of Atom 2 hearing aids. The product itself…has restored my hearing, and I hear things I haven’t heard in YEARS. On top of that, customer support is really customer-oriented. So pleasant and ready to help. Thank you, Audien, for changing my life.”
Robert H., TrustPilot.
Some customers say they initially had issues fitting or using their Atom 2 hearing aids, but that Audien was responsive and helpful. A handful of other negative reviews mention issues with returning devices.
“My Atom 2 was giving feedback issues, but Jack at Audien Hearing walked me through some steps and got it fixed in minutes,” says Lawrence A., TrustPilot.
Who Audien Atom 2 hearing aids are recommended for:
- People with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a no-frills hearing aid that is easy to use right out of the box.
- Budget shoppers and those who aren’t sure if hearing aids are right for them. With a 45-day trial, you can test these hearing aids at home to see if they are right for you.
- Users who want a discreet, lightweight hearing aid.
- Active adults. The 24-hour battery life makes these hearing aids a great choice if you’re constantly on the go.
Who Audien Atom 2 hearing aids are not recommended for:
- People who experience challenges with fine motor skills may not like the size of these hearing aids and may have trouble putting them in and taking them out of their ears.
- Techies who want Bluetooth hearing aids or a device with a companion app and additional features.
Audien Atom 2 hearing aid prices
The Audien Atom 2 is $189 and ships for free. The Audien Atom Pro 2, which comes with additional features, is $289.
How we rated Audien Atom 2 hearing aids
We score hearing aids based on the following criteria:
- Performance: Sound quality, noise reduction, feedback control, programmability, and connectivity
- Features: Durability, battery options, hearing loss range, wireless connectivity, water resistance, and safety features
- Value: Insurance coverage and financing options
- Customer experience: Shipping, warranty, and customer support
Where to buy Audien hearing aids
Audien hearing aids are available at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, QVC, and BuyFSA. They’re also sold directly on Audien Hearing’s website.
Warranties and policies
Audien hearing aids come with a one-year warranty. This covers defective products and guarantees a free replacement if a product doesn’t work properly. Broken, lost, or water-damaged hearing aids are not covered under the warranty. You will need the lifetime protection plan to cover these issues.
You can buy a protection plan for $4 per month. If you lose your hearing aids, break them, or damage them with water, you can purchase a new pair for the protection plan member price of $24 for the Atom, $34 for the Atom Pro, $39 for the Atom 2, and $49 for the Atom Pro 2. The Ion series protection plan is different and costs $39 for one year. With the membership plan, a replacement Ion has a deductible of $89, while the Ion Pro has a deductible of $129.
If you buy your new hearing aids directly from Audien, shipping is free. Audien says devices ship within 24 to 48 hours of purchase and should arrive in three to five days.
Audien offers a 45-day trial period and will refund your money if you’re unsatisfied. To receive a refund, you must have all the original packaging, and your hearing aids must be in the same condition as when you purchased them. You cannot return the hearing aids after the 45-trial period. However, if your hearing aids are damaged or defective, you may be eligible for an exchange for the same item. Email support@audienhearing.com for instructions.
Specs
| Style | In the ear |
| Battery life | 24 hours |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
| Warranty | One year |
| Prescription required | No; over the counter |
| Customer support | Yes, lifetime |
| Shipping | Free |
Additional models from Audien
Key product features
Audien Atom Pro 2 overview
Audien’s Atom Pro 2 hearing aids are very similar to the Atom 2 but have a few extra features to enhance your experience. Like the Atom 2, the Pro has a 24-hour battery life and four hearing modes. The Pro 2 comes with a portable charging case, which is similar in size to an Apple AirPods case. It has a UV light, so you can clean your hearing aids as they charge. Our tester says these hearing aids automatically power off when placed in the case, which is a nice feature if you tend to forget to power things down. Testers say the Atom Pro 2 is intuitive, comfortable, and discreet. However, they noticed feedback and whistling at times.
The Atom 2 Pro costs $289, $100 more than the Audien Atom 2, but still a fraction of the cost of some other over-the-counter hearing aids.
Who Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids are recommended for:
- Those with mild to moderate hearing loss who want hearing aids that are easy to use right out of the box and have noise cancellation.
- They are ideal for people who prioritize sanitation, as the portable charging case also cleans the hearing aids.
- People on a budget or those who are not sure that hearing aids are right for them, especially with the 45-day trial.
Who Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids are not recommended for:
- People with severe to profound hearing loss.
- Those with dexterity issues may not like the size of these hearing aids and may have trouble putting them in and taking them out of their ears.
- People who want Bluetooth connectivity and other features also may not like the simplicity of the Audien Atom Pro 2.
Key product features
Audien Ion overview
Audien’s Ion hearing aids offer more features than the Atom Pro 2 and Atom 2 hearing aids. They’re slightly higher priced at $489, but still more affordable than some other over-the-counter hearing aids.
Like the Atom 2 and Atom Pro 2, Ion hearing aids have a 24-hour battery life and four hearing modes, but they have a more advanced sound chip. They’re also behind-the-ear hearing aids, whereas the other two Audien models are in-the-ear. Additional features include directional sound technology, which allows you to specify where the sound is coming from. Our tester says these hearing aids have better sound quality than the two Audien models we tested.
Who Audien Ion hearing aids are recommended for:
- People with mild to moderate hearing loss who want hearing aids with background noise cancellation and directional sound quality.
- Budget shoppers.
- Older adults who need simple, straightforward hearing aids.
Who Audien Ion hearing aids are not recommended for:
- People with severe to profound hearing loss.
- Tech lovers who want Bluetooth connectivity and streaming capabilities.
We’ve featured Audien in:
- Best hearing aids
- Best invisible hearing aids
- Best affordable hearing aids
- Best rechargeable hearing aids
- Best OTC hearing aids
Audien vs. competitors
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and want budget-friendly hearing aids, the Audien Atom 2 may be a good choice. However, aside from volume adjustment and 24-hour battery life, these hearing aids lack features like Bluetooth connectivity, directional sound quality, or a companion app.
If you’re looking for a pair of hearing aids with additional capabilities, we recommend Jabra hearing aids or the Lexie B2 Plus. Both the Jabra Enhance™ and Lexie B2 Plus offer Bluetooth capabilities, noise cancellation, and water resistance. However, they’re significantly more expensive than the Audien Atom 2 at $999 for the Lexie B2 Plus and $1,795 to $1,995 for the Jabra Enhance™. The Lexie B2 Plus and Jabra Enhance™ are receivers in the canal (RIC) style, which tend to be more comfortable, discreet, and offer better sound quality. However, RIC hearing aids can be challenging to remove if you struggle with fine motor skills. (4)
The Eargo SE may be a good choice for people who want a more discreet hearing aid than options from Audien, Jabra, or Lexie. These invisible hearing aids sit completely in the ear canal (CIC) but may pose a challenge for those with compromised fine motor skills.
Budget shoppers who want affordable hearing aids with more capabilities than Audien’s devices may like the MDHearing Volt. Frequently available for $397, these MDHearing hearing aids are comparable in price to the Atom 2 but also offer noise cancellation. These behind-the-ear (BTE) devices aren’t as discreet as Audien hearing aids but may be easier to handle, insert, and remove.
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| Audien Atom 2 | Jabra Enhance™ Select 500 | Lexie B2 Plus | Eargo SE | MDHearing Volt | |
| Rating | |||||
| Price | $189 | $1,495-$1,995 | $999 | $1650 | $1,600 (frequently discounted to $397) |
| Type (OTC or prescription) | OTC | OTC | OTC | OTC | OTC |
| Style | ITC | RIC | RIC | CIC | BTE |
| Battery type | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
FAQs
Are Audien hearing aids just amplifiers?
Audien offers two ITC hearing aids, the Audien Atom 2 and the Audien Atom 2 Pro, and two BTE hearing aids, the Audien Ion and the Audien Ion Pro. According to the company, these hearing aids are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and meet the qualifications for over-the-counter hearing aids rather than amplifiers. (5, 6)
Does Medicare pay for Audien hearing aids?
Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids regardless of whether the devices are over-the-counter or prescription. Medicare only pays for physician-ordered hearing tests. (8)
If you’re under 21, Medicaid will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, including hearing aids, under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service. Some children will also be covered by their state’s early intervention program or State Children’s Health Insurance Program. (7)
Because hearing aids are not covered by Medicare or other insurance providers and can be cost-prohibitive, the FDA has approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, making hearing more accessible. (8)
Are Audien hearing aids legit?
Audien Hearing is a legitimate company that offers several different types of hearing aids at an affordable price. These over-the-counter hearing aids are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who do not need a lot of extra features and don’t have to receive a hearing exam by an audiologist.
How long does it take to charge Audien hearing aids?
The Audien Atom 2 and Audien Atom 2 Pro both have a 24-hour battery that takes about four to six hours to charge. The Audien Atom 2 Pro also has a portable charging case. The Audien Ion and Audien Ion Pro come with portable charging cases and take about four to six hours to charge. The Audien Ion Pro’s battery lasts 48 hours.
Our experts
Anju Goel, M.D., MPH
Anju Goel, M.D., MPH, is a public health consultant and physician in California with a focus on communicable diseases, health policy, health promotion, and disaster preparedness. She’s also a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the COVID-19 response. Dr. Goel received her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and her Master of Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She’s board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Sherri M. Gordon, CLC
Fortune Recommends Health Writer
About Author
Sources
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick statistics about hearing, balance, and dizziness. Accessed October 12, 2024.
- Better Business Bureau, National Programs. National Advertising Division recommends Audien, LLC discontinue “Tinnitus Management” and comparative pricing claims for its rechargeable hearing aids. Accessed October 12, 2024.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Tinnitus. Accessed October 12, 2024.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing aids. Accessed October 12, 2024.
- Audien Hearing. Frequently asked questions. Accessed October 12, 2024.
- Food and Drug Administration. Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products: What to know. Accessed October 12, 2024.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Can I obtain financial assistance for a hearing aid? Accessed October 12, 2024.
- Food and Drug Administration. OTC hearing aids: What you should know. Accessed October 12, 2024.