Is Audien Hearing Aids Worth It
Ill say it again: Its important to note that Audiens devices are not customized hearing aids. They cater to a general, low level of hearing loss and work by amplifying sounds around you. Their sound level can be adjusted, but they do not replace FDA-approved, medical hearing aids for those with hearing conditions or severe hearing loss.
I recommend giving Audien a try if you think they fit the bill for your mild to moderate hearing loss. Since these devices are extremely affordable, theyre a good alternative that may truly change the way you live.
Can You Use Insurance To Buy Audien Hearing Aids
Coverage for Audien hearing aids or other brands by private health insurers varies considerably from one provider to the next. For most hearing aids, you can expect to pay out of pocket. There are no financial assistance programs associated with Audien.
Audien sells four types of PSAPs: EV1, EV3, Atom, and Atom Pro. All designs slip into the ear canal and are discreet.
What We Like About Audien
- Affordable prices: Audien makes simple hearing aids starting at just $89 per pair. No matter how tight your budget is, buying or saving up for a pair of Audien hearing aids is doable.
- Easy to use: Setting up your Audien hearing aids is as simple as charging them, choosing your volume, and putting them in your ears. There’s no mobile app to download or audiology appointments to attend.
- Discreet, comfortable fit: Audien’s hearing aids are nearly invisible and fit comfortably, thanks to a variety of earbud sizes that are included in your purchase.
- Simple online ordering: You can order Audien hearing aids online no in-person hearing test or audiologist appointment or prescription needed.
- Charging case with Atom Pro: This model comes with a portable charging case that holds up to four days worth of charge. Charging solutions like this are often reserved for more premium hearing aid brands such as Oticon.
Recommended Reading: How To Test Hiv At Home Naturally
What To Know About Audien Hearing Aids
If you are one of the estimated 26 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, you may be interested in Audien hearing aids. Audien is a leading provider of digital hearing aids, and they offer a variety of products to suit your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of Audien hearing aids and the features that make them stand out from the competition. We will also provide some tips on choosing the right Audien hearing aid for you.
How Does Audien Hearing Work
Unlike other hearing aid companies, which sell through several intermediaries , Audien Hearing sells direct from the factory to the consumer.
Their one size fits all solution allows them to sell their devices at some of the lowest prices on the market. This is because they arent marking the cost up due to expensive intermediaries.
Audien Hearing aids are rechargeable and in ear. They claim to be easy to use, comfortable and discreet.
You May Like: How Does Hiv Affect The Brain
Audien Hearing Aids Promotions & Discounts
Right now, Audien is having a sale on certain models of its hearing aids. At the risk of sounding a bit like an infomercialYes, you read that righttheir low-cost hearing aids are now offered at an even lower cost.
Since its my intent in this Audien Hearing Aids review to get you every last piece of important information about that brand, I scoped out its website to see if I couldnt uncover more. And you know what? I discovered it offers free shipping andreturns as well!
Our readers can also receive 15% OFF their order by using the code HONEST at checkout!
What Is The Difference Between Audien Ev1 And Ev3
The EV1 is Audiens basic model of hearing aid. This product features a power switch, microphone, and 20-hour battery life. However, people will need to attach the EV1 to a charger to recharge the batteries.
The EV3 has the same features as the EV1. However, this product features wireless charging, an HD microphone, and ear tips that may be more comfortable to wear.
Read Also: Can You Spread Hiv Through Kissing
How Long Do Audien Hearing Aids Last
Each Audien hearing aid model has 20 hours of battery life.
The company does not state how long its hearing aids last. People may wish to consider changing their hearing aids when they notice the product does not charge properly or seeing a hearing specialist if they notice a change in their hearing.
Audien Atom: Best Budget Option With Wireless Charging
Audien Atom hearing aids inside and outside of the charging dock.
Cost
Think of the Audien Atom as the new and improved EV1. If you’re considering Audien, we’d recommend splurging and shelling out an extra $10 to get the Atom vs. the EV1. It costs $99 per pair, making it a fraction of the cost of other budget hearing providers like Otofonix, whose prices start at around $500 per pair.
Equipment and features
The Audien Atom is an ITE hearing aid that’s 22 percent smaller than its predecessor, the EV1. It uses Audien’s new Atom sound technology to deliver better amplification for wearers. Other features include a 25-hour battery life and a wireless charger. I also liked that this hearing aid has an on/off switch. That makes preserving battery life a bit easier. Plus, you can wait until the devices are in your ears to turn them on. This prevents the static whining noise that I noticed these hearing aids emitted when handled.
Don’t Miss: Can You Have Sex If You Have Hiv
I Have Had Hearing Loss For 20 Years
I have had hearing loss for 20 years. Tried 2 sets of $3K a piece hearing aids. Worked great but after a few years each broke. No warranty, no option other than buying another set. I decided to try Audien because of the price. They work very well. They even work well when I am playing guitar! Not perfect but great for the price. I may get a second pair just as a backup.
Arizona District Attorney Lawsuit: Deceptive Advertising
Labeling a PSAP as a hearing aid is not only deceptive, its unlawful. As a result, Audien’s alleged practice of characterizing its products as “hearing aids” and “FDA registered” provoked the Arizona District Attorney to file a lawsuit against Audien for false advertising. The lawsuit alleged that Audien Hearing committed deceptive advertising, failed to ship products to paying customers, and marketed its products under the guise of multiple brand names.
According to the Arizona District Attorneys lawsuit against Audien Hearing:
Budget Hearing Aids, LLC began selling hearing devices in October 2019 through Audixhearing.com, a website it owned. In January 2020, Budget shut down Audixhearing.com and began selling hearing devices through Xoomhearing.com, which it also owned. Due to the pandemic, Budget was unable to fill hundreds of orders due to shipping delays from China. As lockdowns in China eased and shipments became available and reliable again, Budget launched Audien LLC , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Budget. Audien sells hearing devices through its website, Audienhearing.com.
The Arizona Attorney General further alleged that Audien engaged in deceptive advertising by describing its products as FDA-Approved and FDA-Registered.A formal settlement with Audien was announced in May 2021. In the agreement, the Attorney General required Audien to remove those terms and the FDA logo from its website:
Don’t Miss: How Can You Be Born With Hiv
False Claims In Response To Customer Reviews
While reading through Audien customer reviews on the internet, it is easy to get a sense for the quality of Audiens products and services. You can also see the false claims that Audien makes in response to those reviews.
In this example from Trust Pilot, a customer points out that Audien products are not FDA-approved, and that he thinks “they are hearing amplifiers, not hearing aids”:
Save your money. Ev1. Ev3. Not FDA APPROVED. Think they are hearing amplifiers, not hearing aids. Very tinny sound, hard to understand, especially higher frequencies, female voice, and music. Also, regardless of the size of ear buds you use, they keep falling out of my ear.Raymond, March 2022
Audien offers the following response:
Raymond, As listed on our website we provide OTC Hearing Aids which have not yet received full FDA regulations. I apologize for our devices not working for you. Im unable to find your order with just a first name so please contact us so we may assist you.Audien, March 2022
Audien Hearing Aid Reviews From Customers
Customer reviews vary for Audien among different sites, including the Better Business Bureau 15 and Trustpilot.16 On BBB, Audien has a B rating and a customer review rating of 4.04 out of 5. On Trustpilot, Audien has a great rating, with 3.9 out of 5 stars.
I am very happy with my experience with Audien. The first pair I got I had to send back since they were too big and wouldnt fit right. Even before I got the ones I was returning processed, the replacement was on the way. Then something was wrong with them. They let me return them and sent me another one right off. I am so proud to say that I have them right now.
ANTHONY, VERIFIED CUSTOMER
I purchased two pairs of Audien Atom hearing aids. One for my 90 yr old mother and one for my husband. They both loved them! My husband was able to turn the ** down to a normal volume. My mother could hear me the very first time I said something without having me repeat it several times. She was excited and a bit teary eyed.
KAREN, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW
The first pair I had worked well till I charged them. So they sent another pair that had the same problem. So I am not pleased with them.
BRENDA, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW
Read Also: How Long Can You Have Hiv Without Knowing It
About Audien Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids, Im sure youve bumped into this hard truth: theyre expensive. An unavoidable cost, I know there are some good reasons why traditional hearing aids cost so much like research funding, but there are also a few I cant get behind, like unneeded markups just because.
At the end of the day, hearing is an important part of daily life,and losing it can be a difficult process. Why must it be made worse by a hefty price tag?
Audien was created as a solution to this problem. Its adjustable, comfortable hearing aids promise balanced hearing and an understated design. Offering a concise selection of sound amplification devices and accessories, the brand makes the gift of hearing what it should be: accessible by all.
If youre thinking hearing aids under $100 would be mighty popular, youre right. Audien has helped over 100k people with their hearing, and its website is decorated in 5-star reviews. On top of that, notable media outlets like Business Insider, Fox News, and Digital Journal have all featured the brand.
Whats in store for this Audien Hearing Aids review? All the must-knows about the company and its affordable hearing aids, feedback from those who have tried them, information on promotions, and more. Lets turn it up a notch and get this thing started.
Audien Hearing Aids Review In 2022
- Audien hearing aids are designed to be affordable to the consumer.
- They are all rechargeable, and some have wireless charging.
- Audien hearing aids are basic models and come with very few features.
- They are not medical-grade.
- Customers have given Audien mixed reviews.
- Audien has been cautioned about making misleading advertising claims.
Don’t Miss: What Is Hiv 1 And 2
Ev3 Hearing Aid: Best For Comfort On A Budget
Cost
The EV3 hearing aid model costs $199 and comes with a 45-day, money-back guarantee. If you’re okay with limited features at a low price-point, the EV3 is a good starting place. Just know that the technology is far less advanced than custom manufacturers like Phonak.
Compared to Audien’s other offerings, we’d recommend spending the extra $50 for the convenience of the Atom Pro’s portable charging case and enhanced sound processor.
Equipment and features
Like the EV1, Audien’s EV3 ITE hearing aid model is rechargeable. However, this device offers more features and better comfort, including Clear sound+ technology and six different silicone tip sizes to choose from. It’s Audien’s second-smallest hearing aid and is 26 percent smaller than the EV1, making it smaller than a dime. These hearing aids come with a wireless charging dock and charging cord, and they last 24 hours on a single charge. You’ll also receive a carrying case and three-point cleaning brush with a screwdriver.
There’s no on/off switch on the EV3. Instead, the hearing aids automatically turn off and back on again when they’re placed into and removed from the charging dock.
Things To Keep In Mind About Audien
- Only sold in pairs: Even if you only need one hearing aid, you’ll have to purchase two.
- Limited styles available: Audien only sells beige in-the-ear hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you want a different style or need a solution for severe to profound hearing loss, you will have to turn to other popular hearing aid providers.
- Not tuned to a specific level of hearing loss: Unlike other direct-to-consumer hearing aid brands we’ve tested, such as Lexie, Audien doesn’t offer customization aside from a simple volume adjustment. You can’t tune the hearing aids to address your specific level or frequency of hearing loss.
- No Bluetooth:Bluetooth technology is becoming more and more common in hearing aids. Audien’s hearing aids forgo the fancy features like Bluetooth that you see from other brands.
- No hearing test or medical evaluation: While this might be considered a pro for some, the lack of a hearing evaluation means that you could purchase hearing aids that aren’t suitable for your hearing loss. It could also leave underlying medical conditions related to your hearing loss undiagnosed.
FYI: Choosing a hearing aid can feel overwhelming. Check out our hearing aid buyer’s guide to learn more about the different types of hearing aids and how they address different levels of hearing loss.
You May Like: How Is Hiv Spread In Africa
I Received The Ev1 Hearing Aids
I received the EV1 hearing aids and they worked well the first day. On the second day one unit had steady static, I contacted support and they helped me very well. Unfortunately I had to return the first set and they have already processed the return so replacements will not be delayed.So far I have found them to have great customer service.
They double charged thousands of customers then left those senior citizen customers to fix the problem themselves with the credit card company. DO NOT BUY FROM THIS INCOMPETENT COMPANY!
Reply from Audien Hearing
Why We Reviewed Audien Hearing Aids
We reviewed Audien hearing aids due to its extremely competitive price pointwith pairs of hearing aids starting at $89, Audien is a market leader when it comes to cost.
And although Audien is not one of the best hearing aids on the market due to its lack of advanced features, its simple functionality may be a good fit for those who want a basic hearing aid at a budget-friendly price.
Don’t Miss: How To Tell If Someone Has Hiv
Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids, but there are a few options you may be eligible for: Medicare Advantage , Flexible Spending Account , Health Savings Account , or benefits for veterans or active members of the military.
Unlike Medicare Part A and Part B,8Medicare Advantage,9 also known as Medicare C, may offer coverage for your hearing aids. If you have Medicare C, check with your provider to see what benefits they offer for hearing aids, if there are limitations, and if you qualify.
An FSA is a special account you put money into that you use to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs, according to HealthCare.gov, and an HSA is a type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses.10 According to the Internal Revenue Service , the cost of hearing aids and batteries, repairs, and maintenance are considered medical expenses for an FSA or HSA.11
If you are a veteran or active member of the military, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs covers medical services like audiology, and you may be eligible for hearing aid assistance.12
Check out Benefits CheckUp to learn more about benefits in your area.
Audien Customer Reviews And Reputation
Its important to note that Audien is listed in an Adverse Event Report that was filed with the FDA in June 2020. According to the report, the patient said they were promised one day delivery, but still have not received the devices.
Audien has an average customer rating of 3.99 out of 5 stars and 450 reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.
Audien isnt accredited by the BBB. In fact, in 2020, the BBB notified Audien to discontinue claims that their hearing aids contained the same technology as $5,000 hearing aids.
However, the company has increased their previously low BBB rating, and they currently have a B rating.
Some of the customer complaints concerned shipping or return problems, and most were resolved by Audien either through refunds or further explanations of the return and warranty policies.
Audiens rating on Trustpilot is an average of 4 out of 5 stars and 370 customer reviews. The positive reviews mention how people who had difficulty keeping up with conversations had a much easier time with Audien hearing aids.
Most of the complaints on Trustpilot were concerned with refunds or the timeliness of customer service to complaints.
Also Check: Where To Get Tested For Stds And Hiv