• Audien is an over-the-counter hearing aid available for purchase online to support mild to moderate hearing loss.
  • We tested all five Audien devices, and our top recommendations are the Atom 2 and Atom Pro 2.
  • The cost of Audien hearing aids is $99–$489 per pair, making this brand stand out as one of the most affordable. 
9.2 Excellent
Low prices.
Rechargeable models only.
45-day money-back guarantee.
Free one-year warranty.
9.2 Excellent

Until recently, hearing aids were only available with a prescription and cost an average of $4,600 per pair—a prohibitive price for many people with hearing loss. “Over-the-counter (OTC)” hearing aids, which became legal to buy and sell in the United States in October 2022, have driven down the cost of hearing aids but still command a high price of $1,600, on average. 

These inaccessible prices represent a significant barrier for people with hearing loss, as around 84 percent of people aged 20–69 who could benefit from hearing aids have never actually used them. Without this simple but effective treatment, people with hearing loss are at a higher risk of social isolation, depression, and even falls.

One OTC brand, Audien, has made a name for itself by selling more affordable hearing aids. Its flagship model, the Atom, sells for $99—a price that, while accessible, seems too good to be true. To find out if Audien hearing aids are worth the money, the Handbook Team tested all five models. 

Audien’s best hearing aid is the Atom Pro 2 because it offers some useful features, like a wireless charging case with UV sanitation light, for less than $290. The Atom 2 also passed muster, but we think your money is better spent elsewhere if you’re considering the Atom, Atom Pro, or a “behind-the-ear (BTE)” model. We’ll explain how we came to this conclusion and break down the differences between each Audien hearing aid below.

Which Audien hearing aid is right for you?

Why HelpGuide cares about hearing loss

of research
7500+   hours
of research
hand-tested
27   devices
hand-tested
interviewed
26   real people
interviewed
consulted
17   experts
consulted

Hearing and mental health are closely related. In fact, people with hearing loss tend to experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can result in loneliness and frustration, according to research

Hearing loss is also a risk factor for developing dementia. Recent research shows how using hearing aids can slow cognitive decline in older adults and reduce the risk of dementia.

The impact of hearing loss on physical and mental health is far-reaching. This is why we’ve made it our mission as the Handbook Team to give every person access to the best information about hearing aids so we can also help get quality products into the hands of people who need them.

There is no doubt that using hearing aids can significantly improve mental health for those with hearing loss. Addressing hearing loss early can prevent or minimize its negative impact on mental health.

Peter Byrom, Audiologist

Our Handbook Team hand-tests every hearing aid brand we review so we can feel confident recommending the best products for our readers. We consult with audiologists, researchers, and industry leaders in hearing health, as well as mental health experts, to vet our choices and help us better understand the nuances of how hearing health impacts physical and mental health.

We also put ourselves in the consumer’s shoes by mystery shopping brands and walking through the setup process, just like new customers. Additionally, we interview real people with hearing loss and survey hearing aid users.

By compiling our testing data, interview and survey results, and insights from hearing care providers, we formulate a strongly informed perspective that we’re sharing with you here.

HelpGuide Handbook for Audien hearing aids

If you only learn five things about Audien hearing aids, this is what you need to know:

Audien Hearing Aids
The Atom Pro 2 and Atom 2 have the most features. The Atom Pro 2 and Atom 2 have the most features.
The Atom and Atom Pro are more difficult to use. The Atom and Atom Pro are more difficult to use.
45-day money-back guarantee. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Affordable protection plan available. Affordable protection plan available.
No post-purchase audiology support. No post-purchase audiology support.

Our testing experience

With FDA approval, the OTC hearing aid market experienced rapid growth with an influx of new companies. While this improves accessibility and helps drive down prices, it also muddies the waters. How do you know which products are trustworthy? 

After surveying the market, interviewing hearing health experts, and speaking to real hearing aid users, we curated a list of 21 OTC models to test from nine brands: Audien, Audicus, Eargo, Go Hearing, Jabra Enhance, Lexie, Lucid, MDHearing, and Sony. We chose these brands because they have positive reputations and represent a range of prices, styles, and features. 

We also tested prescription models from Oticon, Phonak, and Starkey to experience the difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids firsthand. 

The process looked like this:

Our Hearing Aid Testing Process
1
Purchase hearing aids as mystery shoppers. Purchase hearing aids as mystery shoppers.
2
Set up and adjust hearing aids. Set up and adjust hearing aids.
3
Wear hearing aids and adjust volume. Wear hearing aids and adjust volume.
4
Evaluate sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. Evaluate sound quality, comfort, and ease of use.
5
Charge them or remove and replace the batteries. Charge them or remove and replace the batteries.
6
Remove and reinstall the domes and wax guards. Remove and reinstall the domes and wax guards.
7
Clean hearing aid with provided tools and instructions. Clean hearing aid with provided tools and instructions.
8
Test all features, including Bluetooth streaming. Test all features, including Bluetooth streaming.
9
Download app and test features. Download app and test features.

Our testers tried multiple devices and answered 25 questions about each. We used these answers to look for outstanding performers and to compare models within each brand.

From our tester

“The Audien behind-the-ear model seems higher quality than the brand’s in-the-ear devices.”

We tested the Atom, Atom Pro, Atom 2, Atom Pro 2, and BTE from Audien but did not test the EV1 and EV3 because they’re actually personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), not hearing aids.

We also contacted Audien customer service on the phone and through the live chat feature on the website to evaluate post-purchase support options.

From our tester

“Audien customer service never answered one time I tried calling, but they answered quickly another time. The live chat feature on the website isn’t really live, as it takes a couple hours for someone to respond.”

Finally, we wrapped up our testing by interviewing independent audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, mental health experts, and hearing aid users to get additional perspectives on OTC hearing aids like those from Audien.

Learn more about our hearing aid review methodology.

Pros and cons of Audien hearing aids

What we like about Audien

  • Rechargeable hearing aids.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • Free one-year warranty.
  • Affordable prices.
  • Track record of making improvements based on feedback.

What we don’t like about Audien

  • No telecoil.
  • No color diversity.
  • No water-resistant coating.
  • No audible low-battery indications.
  • No post-purchase audiology support.
  • No Bluetooth connection or streaming.
  • No app-based hearing test for self-fitting.
  • Live chats are answered in a few hours, not live.
  • Inconsistent information in user manuals and on website.
  • Programs don’t simultaneously change on both hearing aids.

Audien hearing aids reviews

Atom Pro 2
Atom Pro 2

Our verdict

With four hearing modes, volume buttons, and a unique two-in-one portable charging case and UV sanitizer, the Atom Pro 2 is the most advanced Audien model and is a good starter device.

Features

  • Price: $289.
  • Type of hearing aid: In-the-ear (ITE).
  • Battery: Rechargeable.
  • Wireless charging: Yes.
  • Hearing modes: Conversation, Noisy Environment, Road Vehicle, and Outdoor.
  • Standout feature: UV sanitation in charging case.

Pros and cons

Pros Portable charger. Advanced noise cancellation. Twenty-four-hour battery life. Four hearing modes. Cons Must put hearing aids in the charger to see battery level. Programs don’t simultaneously change on both hearing aids.

Additional information

The Atom Pro 2 is our top pick from the Audien catalog because it offers the most features, such as four hearing modes, wireless charging, and a portable case with sanitizing UV lights. It’s also the only Audien hearing aid that holds its own against competitively priced models from other brands, like the $299 Go Prime by Go Hearing.

As its name implies, the Atom Pro 2 is an updated version of the Atom Pro. The volume control mechanism went through a total redesign, making this hearing aid much easier to use, especially for people who might have poor dexterity or low vision. With the Atom Pro 2, you can cycle through five volume levels by tapping quickly on the hearing aid while it’s in your ear, which is far more convenient than removing the hearing aid and turning a small screw in the Atom Pro.

The other major change between the Atom Pro and Atom Pro 2 is the introduction of preset listening modes, which emphasize different frequencies to improve clarity and understanding in noisy environments.

“You have to change the listening modes on each hearing aid individually, which could be a frustrating or inconvenient extra step.”

Like all Audien hearing aids we tested, the Atom Pro 2 proved comfortable to wear. Our testers say it doesn’t make their ears feel congested and doesn’t come loose with excessive head movement. That said, hearing aid fit is extremely personal and may require you to try several different dome shapes and sizes before you find one that’s firm but comfortable. The Audien Atom Pro 2 comes with small, medium, and large domes to help adjust the fit.

The portable charging case is small and easy to use, holding up to three wireless charges at a time. It uses strong magnets to hold the hearing aids in the correct charging position. When we held the case upside down and shook it, the hearing aids didn’t fall out, so they should continue to charge even if they get jostled around in your pocket or purse.

“You could take this charging case on a roller coaster and I don’t think the hearing aids would move off the magnets.”

We love the case’s integrated UV light, which helps sanitize the hearing aids without exposing them to damaging liquids. UV boxes for hearing aids can cost around $100 alone, so we’re impressed by the value of the Atom Pro 2.

Even though this is our favorite Audien hearing aid, we’d like to see one major improvement: an audible low battery warning. As it is, you have to take out the hearing aids and place them in the charger to see a battery status. While these hearing aids don’t have many battery-draining features, it’s still alarming and inconvenient to suddenly stop hearing well due to a dead device.

What our testers say: “The Atom Pro 2 is a straightforward device with nothing superfluous. The distinction between volume controls (high-pitched beeps) versus mode switching (low-pitched beeps) was a little tricky to remember at first but it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it. It’s lightweight and definitely less bulky and more secure than an earbud.”

Atom 2
Atom 2

Our verdict

The Atom 2 is one of the most affordable hearing aids we’ve come across with rechargeable batteries, push-button volume adjustments, and four listening modes.

Features

  • Price: $189.
  • Type of hearing aid: In-the-ear (ITE).
  • Battery: Rechargeable.
  • Wireless charging: No.
  • Hearing modes: Conversation, Noisy Environment, Road Vehicle, and Outdoor.
  • Standout feature: 28 percent smaller than the original Atom.

Pros and cons

Pros Noise cancellation. 20-hour battery life. Four hearing modes. Cons No portable charger. Must put hearing aids in the charger to see battery level. Programs don’t simultaneously change on both hearing aids.

Additional information

The Audien Atom 2 costs $100 less than the Atom 2 Pro but shares its critical features, making it our choice for best value. Its 20-hour battery life is shorter than the Atom 2 Pro but still long enough to get through the day. The charging station isn’t portable, so it works best for people who aren’t usually on the go, and you don’t have a built-in UV light to help with sanitation.

Other than that, we couldn’t find any other distinctions between the Atom 2 and the Atom 2 Pro. You still get four hearing modes and five volume levels, both of which are controlled by tapping the back of the hearing aids. The Atom 2 also features noise cancellation and an upgraded sound chip, neither of which are present in the original Audien Atom.

What our testers say: “The Atom 2 was easy to charge because, like the other models, it has magnets holding it in place in the charger. The case seemed a little flimsy, but that’s probably because it isn’t portable.”

Atom Pro
Atom Pro

Our verdict

Because it lacks hearing modes and uses a volume screw, we think the Atom Pro is overpriced.

Features

  • Price: $249.
  • Type of hearing aid: In-the-ear (ITE).
  • Battery: Rechargeable.
  • Wireless charging: Yes.
  • Hearing modes: Default.
  • Standout feature: Portable wireless charger.

Pros and cons

Pros More affordable than most hearing aids. Portable charger. 24-hour battery life. Cons Volume screw. No extra hearing modes.

Additional information

It’s hard for us to justify the price of the Atom Pro, which is just $40 less than our top pick, the Atom Pro 2. The only reason you might want to choose this model is to get wireless charging at a slightly lower cost, but the trade-offs are lousy.

For starters, the Atom Pro has just one default listening mode. There’s no way to emphasize higher-frequency sounds. Gina Angley, audiologist at Nashville’s Hearing & Communication Center, calls this “clarity sounds,” which can affect understanding and comfort.

From our expert

“Decreased access to higher frequencies or clarity sounds could impact a person’s ability to understand what they hear and make them less comfortable in different situations.” —Gina Angley, audiologist.

If you want to adjust the volume, you’ll have to remove the hearing aid from your ear and use a small screwdriver to adjust the dial. If you have trouble getting the hearing aids to rest comfortably inside your ear, the last thing you want to do is take them out just to control the volume. It can also be inconvenient to make these adjustments, not to mention impossible when you’re driving or you have your hands full. And if you have limited dexterity or low vision, the procedure gets even more difficult.

That said, the volume screw may work if you spend most of your time at home with little reason to adjust the volume. Just know that it would be inconvenient as soon as you go outside or to a busy space.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Audien discontinues the original Atom Pro in the near future. In our opinion, it’s absolutely worth it to spend an extra $40 for the Atom Pro 2.

What our testers say: “These are super basic hearing aids that are bigger than the other Audien models, but they still felt okay in my ears. The sound quality isn’t as clear as other hearing aids I’ve tested, and I had trouble removing the wax guards and ear domes.”

Atom
Atom

Our verdict

Although it has an attractive price, the original Audien Atom is inconvenient to use and lacks nuanced programs that can improve hearing in different sound environments.

Features

  • Price: $99.
  • Type of hearing aid: In-the-ear (ITE).
  • Battery: Rechargeable.
  • Wireless charging: No.
  • Hearing modes: Default.
  • Standout feature: Lowest price on the market.

Pros and cons

Pros Very affordable. 20-hour battery life. Cons No portable charger. Volume screw. No extra hearing modes.

Additional information

At $99, the Atom is the most affordable hearing aid we’ve been able to find from a reputable brand. That said, we think your money would be better saved and spent elsewhere. The Atom lacks noise cancellation features and has one default listening mode, so there’s no way to highlight different frequencies. And it uses a screw for volume control, which, as we mentioned with the Atom Pro, has numerous disadvantages.

The Atom may be suitable for someone with mild hearing loss who needs occasional amplification, but we think the $189 Atom 2 is an even better option for budget-conscious buyers, thanks to background noise cancellation and four programs.

What our testers say: “The Audien Atom does the bare minimum a hearing aid needs to do. They’re not uncomfortable, but they do feel larger than other options.”

Our verdict

While its lack of Bluetooth streaming makes it overpriced compared to the competition, the BTE is the only Audien hearing aid with a music listening mode that’s ideal for people with low-frequency hearing loss.

Features

  • Price: $489.
  • Type of hearing aid: Behind-the-ear (BTE).
  • Battery: Rechargeable.
  • Wireless charging: Yes.
  • Hearing modes: Conversation, Noisy Environment, Outdoor, and Music Listening.
  • Standout feature: Music listening mode.

Pros and cons

Pros Noise cancellation. 11 volume levels. Eight pairs of ear domes included. Four directional microphones. 20-hour battery life. Cons Must put hearing aids in the charger to see battery level. Nine-inch charging cable. Programs don’t simultaneously change on both hearing aids.

Additional information

Audien finally branched out into the world of behind-the-ear hearing aids with the release of the BTE, but it’s not competitive with other behind-the-ear options on the market. For example, you can get the same features, plus Bluetooth streaming for just $10 more with the Go Ultra by Go Hearing.

But if you’re intent on getting a hearing aid from Audien, the BTE has some distinct features aside from its behind-the-ear style, which some people may find more comfortable and easier to manipulate when pressing buttons. For instance, it has a Music Listening mode instead of a Road Vehicle mode, making this the best choice for people with low-frequency hearing loss who want to hear richer bass and sub-bass sounds when listening to music.

From our tester

“My main takeaway is that the BTE seems made of higher-quality materials than other Audien devices. To me, its sound quality is very similar to the Atom Pro 2.”

According to Ishan Patel, Audien CEO, the BTE contains a more powerful digital processor than other Audien hearing aids, which allows for heightened speech clarity and background noise cancellation.

The BTE is also the only Audien hearing product with directional microphones, which Angley says are too large to place in ITE products. The microphones enhance speech clarity in Conversation Mode by emphasizing sounds in front of you and give you a better sense of where sound is coming from.

The BTE offers 11 volume levels, which is more than the five levels available on devices in the Atom series. It also comes with eight pairs of ear domes to help you get a snug, comfortable fit, whereas the Atom devices come with three pairs.

What our testers say: “The BTE is a nice gray color that looks very modern. Volume controls and mode adjustments are simple and worked well, but the charging cable is unusually short—just nine inches long.”

Key features of Audien hearing aids

Standard features

Here are the standard features you can expect from all Audien hearing aids:

Standard Features of Audien Hearing Aids
Rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries.
Batteries last 20–24 hours. Batteries last 20–24 hours.
At least three dome sizes included. At least three dome sizes included.
Treat mild to moderate hearing loss. Treat mild to moderate hearing loss.

Optional features

  • Portable versus stationary charging dock: Only the Atom Pro, Atom Pro 2, and BTE have portable charging cases. 
  • Multiple listening environment modes: The Atom and Atom Pro have just one default listening mode. The Atom 2, Atom Pro 2, and BTE have four. 
  • Volume control: The Atom and Atom Pro use a screw to control volume, the Atom 2 and Atom 2 Pro use short taps, and the BTE uses short button presses.
  • UV sanitation light: Only the Atom Pro 2 charging case includes a UV light for sanitation.

How much do Audien hearing aids cost?

Graph showing Audien hearing aids cost less than average

Audien hearing aids cost $99–$489 per pair, making them some of the most affordable hearing aids on the market. Here’s some additional cost-related details:

  • Shipping is free.
  • Taxes may increase the total price.
  • Wax guards, which should be replaced monthly, come in a pack of eight for $12.

Audien offers an optional protection plan at $4 per month for Atom devices or $39 per year for the BTE. If your Audien hearing aids become lost, broken, or damaged by water, this protection plan allows you to get a replacement at a significantly reduced cost. For example, a replacement unit for the $249 Atom Pro 2 costs $49 if you have the protection plan. 

All Audien hearing aids are covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees a free replacement of defective devices.

Our final verdict

Audien has made significant improvements in its hearing aids since launching the original Atom. While we don’t recommend the Atom or Atom Pro due to limited features, inconvenient volume adjustments, and a bulkier design, we think the Atom 2 and Atom Pro 2 offer a fair value. These simple, straightforward devices would be a good choice for someone with mild hearing loss looking to buy their first pair of hearing aids. The BTE is a step up from the Atom Pro 2, but the price is too high to make it our first choice compared to competitors’ hearing aids.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can adjust the volume on Audien hearing aids. Volume controls and levels vary by device. For example, the BTE has 11 volume levels that are adjusted with buttons on the casing, and the Atom 2 cycles through five volume levels when the hearing aid is tapped.

The Audien Atom Pro and Atom Pro 2 hearing aids have a slightly longer battery life than the Atom and Atom 2, lasting up to 24 hours rather than 20 hours. The Atom Pro and Atom Pro 2 also introduce a portable charging case that provides up to three full wireless charges.

The Audien series one hearing aids—the Atom and Atom Pro—use a volume screw and do not have listening modes. The Atom 2 and Atom Pro 2 introduce a volume button, four listening modes, and advanced background noise reduction.

No, Audien hearing aids can only be purchased by paying the full price up front.

Audien hearing devices come with a charging dock or portable charging case, a charging cable and wall adapter, a cleaning brush, wax guards, and three to eight dome tips.

The only way to find out for sure whether cheap hearing aids will work for you is to try them. Look for a company like Audien that offers a 45-day money-back guarantee or trial period to protect your investment.

No, Audien hearing aids are not waterproof or water-resistant. However, they are designed to resist light moisture and sweat, making them suitable for everyday use. It’s important to avoid submerging them in water or exposing them to heavy moisture to prevent damage.

  1. Acute Market Reports. (2023, July). Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts – 2023 to 2031. Link
  2. American Academy of Audiology. (2022, May 27). Depression and hearing loss. Link
  3. Desmon, S. (2023, July 21). Hearing aids may slow dementia onset. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Link
  4. The National Academies Press (NAP). (2016). Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Link
  5. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021, March). Quick Statistics About Hearing. Link