Key Highlights of Audien Hearing Aids in 2025

  • Ultra-affordable pricing: Audien’s lineup starts at just $98–$189 per pair, making it one of the most budget-friendly OTC hearing aid brands on the market.
  • Mixed customer satisfaction: Over 900+ reviews on Trustpilot reflect a broad range of user experiences—from very satisfied customers to those expressing disappointment.
  • Limited advanced features: Most Audien models lack Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, and advanced noise reduction, except for the Ion Pro, which includes these.
  • FDA registration debates: Some users have raised concerns about which models are officially FDA-registered hearing aids versus personal sound amplifiers.
  • 45-day trial guarantee: All models include a 45-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
  • Customer service variability: While some users praise responsive support, others report difficulty obtaining returns and refunds.

Audien Hearing Aids Overview

Founded in 2016, Audien entered the hearing care market with the goal of making hearing aids affordable for everyone. The company focuses on over-the-counter (OTC) rechargeable hearing aids designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, offering devices at a fraction of traditional clinic prices.

According to Audien, prescription hearing aids historically cost up to $5,000 per pair, leaving millions of Americans untreated. Audien’s mission is to **remove the middlemen—such as audiologists and hearing centers—**to deliver basic hearing technology directly to consumers.

However, Audien’s rapid rise has not been without controversy. The company has faced legal scrutiny, including an Arizona District Attorney lawsuit concerning marketing practices and product labeling—specifically, whether certain models meet the FDA’s definition of “hearing aids” rather than personal sound amplifiers.

2025 Model Lineup and Pricing

Atom Series (In-the-Canal)

  • Audien Atom ($98–$99 per pair): Entry-level rechargeable hearing aid with no Bluetooth or noise reduction features.
  • Audien Atom 2 ($189 per pair): Upgraded with an A2 chip for clearer sound, four listening modes, and 24-hour battery life—28% smaller than the original Atom.
  • Audien Atom Pro 2 ($289 per pair): Includes background noise cancellation, a UV cleaning case, and 15% smaller design with 24-hour battery life.

Ion Series (Behind-the-Ear)

  • Audien Ion ($489 per pair): Features the A2 Max chip, directional sound technology, and four hearing modes.
  • Audien Ion Pro ($689 per pair): Premium model offering Bluetooth streaming, smartphone app control, six modes, and up to 48 hours of battery life.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overall Ratings

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): “B” rating with 4.27/5 stars
  • Trustpilot: 3.8/5 stars (“Great”)
  • ComplaintsBoard: 3.7/5 stars from 15 reviews

These ratings show a generally positive but uneven customer experience—many users appreciate the affordability, while others cite reliability concerns.

User Experiences: Pros and Cons

Pros Reported by Customers

  • Affordability: Consistently praised as one of the most cost-effective hearing solutions available.
  • Comfort and discreet design: Users report that Audien’s small in-ear models are nearly invisible and comfortable for daily use.
  • Ease of use: Plug-and-play setup without hearing tests appeals to first-time users.
  • Battery life: Rechargeable batteries last 24–48 hours, depending on the model.

Cons Reported by Customers

  • Volume control issues: Several reviews mention difficulty adjusting volume or accidental damage to controls.
  • Feedback and whistling: Common complaints include high-pitched noise or “screeching”, especially in quiet environments.
  • Durability problems: Some users report devices stopped working within weeks of purchase.
  • Limited amplification: A few users and audiologists note the devices may not sufficiently amplify sound for more than mild hearing loss.

Common Complaints from Customers

  • Feedback and Whistling: “The screeching was so loud everyone could hear it. I finally had to remove them completely.”
  • Reliability Issues: “I’ve gone through four pairs; one side stops working after a few weeks.”
  • Refund Delays: “They confirmed receipt of my return, but it’s taking forever to process the refund.”
  • Ineffectiveness for Some Users: “I still can’t hear people next to me; they whistle constantly.”

Positive Customer Stories

Despite mixed feedback, many users share genuinely positive experiences:

“Now I can finally hear my grandchildren clearly — laughter, voices, everything sounds natural again.”
“The Ion works wonderfully. Easy to wear, great sound, and comfortable even with glasses.”

Others highlight the value and adaptability:

“After experimenting with different dome sizes and modes, the aids now work perfectly. My TV volume is much lower than before.”

Several customers also note fast replacement service:

“When my right device stopped working, they sent a full replacement within five days—excellent support.”

Expert Opinions and Testing Insights

Independent Product Testing

According to NCOA (National Council on Aging) testing, Audien devices “perform adequately for basic hearing needs” and can be suitable for users seeking a simple, entry-level solution.
However, HearAdvisor gave the Atom Pro 2 a “C” SoundGrade rating, ranking it in the bottom 10% of OTC hearing aids for speech clarity and background noise performance.

Audiologist Feedback

Dr. Ruth Reisman, an audiologist, reported:

“Two patients found Audien devices too loud even at the lowest setting, and one device stopped functioning after a month.”

Other audiologists acknowledge Audien’s affordability but emphasize limited customization and technology, suggesting it may serve best as a starter option rather than a long-term solution.

Technology Limitations

Experts agree that low price comes with trade-offs. Most Audien models lack smartphone control, directional microphones, or adaptive noise reduction, which are becoming standard in premium OTC and prescription hearing aids.

Who Should Consider Audien Hearing Aids

Best for:

  • First-time users exploring whether hearing aids can help.
  • Budget-conscious buyers who want basic amplification without high costs.
  • Mild to moderate hearing loss users.
  • Simple-use seekers preferring no setup, no apps, and quick charging.

Not ideal for:

  • Severe hearing loss users.
  • Those seeking Bluetooth connectivity or advanced digital features.
  • Users requiring professional fitting or audiologist support.
  • Individuals who prioritize long-term reliability.

Alternative Options to Explore

If budget allows, experts recommend considering higher-tier OTC hearing aids with professional support and advanced tuning features. Brands offering remote fitting assistance or AI-based sound adjustment may deliver better speech clarity in noisy environments.
For users requiring insurance-covered solutions, prescription-grade hearing aids through licensed providers may offer better durability and customization.

Final Verdict

Audien Hearing Aids successfully fill a major gap in the market by offering ultra-low-cost hearing solutions. In 2025, they continue to attract first-time buyers and cost-conscious consumers.
However, customer experiences show significant trade-offs—notably in reliability, sound customization, and service consistency.

For those with mild hearing loss seeking an affordable, rechargeable, and simple OTC hearing aid, Audien provides a reasonable starting point backed by a 45-day trial.
Yet for users needing consistent performance or advanced technology, investing slightly more in higher-end OTC options could yield better long-term results.

Ultimately, Audien serves as an entry-level solution—effective for some, frustrating for others—but undeniably a key player in making hearing care more accessible.

About CHOSGO Hearing

CHOSGO is dedicated to advancing public understanding of hearing technology through independent product reviews, expert analyses, and educational content. Our editorial mission is to provide readers with accurate, unbiased, and data-driven insights into the rapidly evolving OTC hearing aid market—helping consumers make informed, confident hearing health decisions.