Audien Hearing

Audien Hearing devices amplify and clarify sound for a much more affordable price than other hearing aid companies. Audien sells ITC and BTE hearing aids and hearing amplifiers starting at less than $100. Its devices can be helpful for people who have a difficult time hearing in noisy or crowded environments.

Audien’s hearing devices are made in an “FDA-registered facility.” However, it’s important to note that the FDA does not recognize hearing amplifiers as hearing aids, and they should not serve as a replacement for professionally-fitted hearing aids. 

That said, the Audien Atom series is easy to use and requires very little setup. These features make Audien devices a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable hearing aid without all the extras—there’s no app to download, Bluetooth to connect, or hearing test to take.

Pros:

• Affordable devices you can buy online
• Foam tips for a more solid and secure fit
• Very discreet; hearing aids are about the size of a dime
• 45-day trial period
• 20+ hour rechargeable battery life

Cons:

• Doesn’t treat severe hearing loss
• Tiny volume control component
• No telecoil, tinnitus management, Bluetooth capability, or app compatibility

Hearing Aid Models and Devices

Audien Hearing offers hearing aids and hearing amplifiers. The Audien Atom series (in-the-canal) and the Audien BTE are medical-grade hearing aids registered with the FDA. The EV1 and EV3 are not medical-grade hearing aids but rather PSAPs (personal sound amplification products), otherwise known as amplifiers.

• The Audien Atom is a wireless charging device with 20 hours of battery life and Atom™ Sound Technology. 
• The Audien Atom Pro is the company’s smallest device (Audien claims the Atom series aids are about the size of a dime). It has 24 hours of battery life, a portable charging case, and noise cancelation. 
• The Audien Atom Pro 2.0 is the company’s latest iteration on the Atom Pro model. The device is due to be released in September 2023.
• The Audien BTE is the newest, most advanced model, offering an A2 Max™ chip to provide extra clear sound, reduced background noise, and directional sound technology.
• The Audien EV1 is a basic hearing amplifier that reduces background noise.
• The Audien EV3 is a smaller hearing amplifier with wireless charging.

The Audien BTE is the only device that turns off while charging in its case, which allows for a faster charging time. 

During our test (more on this below), we found that it only took 45 minutes to fully charge the battery on an Audien Atom Pro 2 model. If you use the device in audio profile 2 you’ll get about 10 to 12 hours of battery life, before needing to charge inside the charging case.

Audien Hearing Costs

Audien Hearing sells some of the most affordable hearing aids on the market, which makes them a great choice for those new to hearing loss and who are seeking cost-friendly solutions. The Audien Atom costs $99, and the Audien Atom Pro costs $249. Hearing amplifiers cost $89 or $199.

Model	Features	Price
Atom	20-hour battery life Wireless charging	$99
Atom Pro	24-hour battery life Portable charging case Noise cancelation	$248
Atom Pro 2.0	UV Cleaning Portable charging case with indicator lights Discreet design	$289
Audien BTE	Directional sound technology Noise and feedback cancellation 4 environmental modes Suitable for more ear sizes	$489
EV1	Rechargeable amplifier  20-hour battery life Crisp clear sound	$89
EV3	26% smaller than the EV1 amplifier 24 hours of sound per charge Wireless Charging Six different tip sizes	$199

Hearing aids are not covered by insurance, but Audien accepts FSA and HSA cards for payment. Audien does not offer financing on its products, but they do offer lower prices than its competitors. 

To test Audien’s affordability factor, we compared its most advanced behind-the-ear hearing aid (Audien BTE, which sells for $498) with other similar devices available for purchase over the counter. The Lexie B1 Powered by Bose Self-fitting OTC hearing aid also comes with a portable charging case, a cleaning tool, a 45-day trial, and free shipping, but it costs $1,698. The only difference is that Lexie offers ongoing customer support.

Protection Plans

Audien Hearing’s protection plan policy is $4 per month and provides the following coverage:

• Free replacement for hearing devices determined to be defective.
• Steep discounts on replacements if hearing devices are lost, broken, or water-damaged: $19 for the EV1, $24 for the Atom, $29 for the EV3, and $34 for the Atom Pro.
• A 45-day refund window, after which the initial charge is non-refundable.

How to Buy Hearing Aids from Audien Hearing

Audien Hearing’s over-the-counter business model makes choosing and buying the right hearing aid or amplifier easy: 

1. Choose your hearing aid or amplifier. Audien’s website clearly displays the prices, features, and benefits of each device. Simply choose your hearing instrument and proceed to the checkout process.

Many other competitors in this space have specialists who can recommend specific products according to your needs, but since Audien doesn’t require a doctor’s approval or a hearing test, you’ll have to shop the website and choose the product yourself. For those who are comfortable with online shopping and DIY programming, Audien simplifies what could be a longer, more involved process elsewhere. Others, however, may prefer the one-on-one support and specialist recommendations that other retailers provide.

2. Get your hearing aids shipped to your door. Audien will ship your hearing aids within 48 hours of receiving the order. Most customers receive their devices within three to five business days. Note that these devices will require daily charging. 

3. Program your instrument. Audien device setup is fairly easy—simply charge it, find the correct-sized earbud, and set the device volume to the appropriate level. If you need help setting up your hearing device, tutorial videos are available for each device type on the website. For additional support, Audien representatives are available via telephone and live chat seven days a week. You can also send an email, for which the company advertises a 24-hour response time. 

Overall, we found Audien’s 100% virtual platform to be very intuitive. However, while mystery shopping the website, we learned that the live chat option doesn’t involve chatting with an actual person, but rather an “answer bot” that directs you to articles, videos, and other resources depending on your question. A live person never actually communicates with you in the chat.

How to Adjust Audien Hearing Devices

Purchase packets include a small screwdriver that allows you to adjust the volume on the ITC Atom models. You simply turn the dial clockwise or counterclockwise as needed. For those with limited dexterity or poor vision, adjusting such a tiny volume control could be difficult.

To adjust the BTE device, press the button on the back of the device. You can adjust the volume and toggle between environmental settings on the Audien BTE. 

Our Experience Testing Audien Hearing Aids

Our editorial team enlisted the help of a tester who wears hearing aids daily to review one of Audien’s newest models: the Audien Atom Pro 2. Unlike many OTC hearing aids, you can use Audien devices soon after removing them from their box.

The package includes a pair of Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids and a charging case, which our tester deems a major plus. The devices also come with several silicon earbuds of various sizes and a cleaning brush that can also be used to adjust the hearing aids’ volume.

The most advantageous feature of the Atom Pro 2 is how small and discreet the hearing aid is. About the size of a dime, these devices come with foam tips for a more solid fit and prevent the aid from moving back and forth in the ear. Because of its small size, the wind did not obstruct sound quality during our test. 

Audien devices don’t require a hearing evaluation, but we know that hearing tests are the most effective way to determine what frequencies are inaudible to you so you can properly adjust hearing aids. Our tester found Audien’s sound profile less effective due to its bass-heavy profile, though this is person-specific.

The Atom Pro has a volume setting adjustment feature that amplifies outside sound by changing the microphone’s sensitivity. The adjustment button can be tricky—if you hit the button wrong, it can cover the microphone and spark frequency feedback.

Other OTC brands have environmental settings and programs that help clarify sounds while you watch TV or converse in a crowd. If you’re someone who prefers more customization or programmable sound options, then Audien may not be your best choice.

All things considered, here are our ratings of the Audien Atom Pro 2:

Price	10
Product Quality	8
Ease of Use	9
Sound Quality	7
Sound Profiles	6
Battery	8
Size and Discreteness	10
Connectivity	0
Adjustments	4
Tinnitus Management	0
Overall Score	6.2

Audien Hearing Complaints

Most customer reviews from Audien Hearing are positive, as many customers appreciate having an affordable solution for hearing loss. Several complaints on the Better Business Bureau (where the company has a “B” rating) reference trouble adjusting the device. It’s unclear whether this issue is the result of a faulty product or user error, as some Audien models require a company-provided screwdriver to adjust. Still, Audien responded to all complaints promptly with a resolution. 

Others reference issues with background noise, which is to be expected with budget devices that usually exclude more advanced technology. One reviewer mentioned that the aids fall out while eating, so we recommend taking advantage of the different sizing available to find the right fit. 

Several reviews on Trustpilot note issues with the return policy and difficulties contacting customer service to approve and initiate the return.

FAQs

Does Audien Hearing have a warranty?

Audien Hearing devices do not come with a warranty, but customers can purchase a protection plan for $4 per month to get free replacements for defective devices and steep discounts on new devices that are lost, broken, or damaged.

Is Audien Hearing a reputable company?

Audien’s website mentions that its devices come from “an FDA-registered facility,” which suggests its devices go through the proper testing before being sold. 

Does Audien Hearing only sell hearing aids online?

While some online retailers also have brick-and-mortar clinics customers can visit, Audien Hearing only operates online. You’ll have to buy your hearing aid via its website.

Who is Audien Hearing best for?

Hearing aids and amplifiers from Audien Hearing are best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Audien products are thousands of dollars less expensive than competitors’ devices but offer fewer advanced features. Therefore, these devices would suit customers who are just starting to explore hearing aids or want an affordable option for everyday listening.

Conclusion

Audien Hearing offers three inexpensive hearing aid devices and two hearing amplifiers, which may be the right choice if price is your main concern or if you’re not sure whether hearing aids are the right solution for you. While Audien doesn’t provide the same personalized experience as visiting an audiologist or other hearing aid retailer, its amplification technology, sizing options, and affordable pricing make Audien products worth considering.