Audien Hearing Aids Review: Options

Hearing aids often come with a significant price tag, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more per pair. For many older adults researching Hearing aids recommended by AARP, affordability is a primary concern. In response to the demand for lower-cost hearing support, Audien Hearing entered the marketplace with products priced under $100.

However, it’s important to understand that what Audien markets as “hearing aids” are not medical devices cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because they can be purchased without a prescription from an audiologist, the FDA categorizes them as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) rather than regulated hearing aids.

Although these devices are inexpensive and simple to order online, their performance may be limited—especially for individuals with moderate to severe or complex hearing loss. Customer reviews online reflect both satisfaction and disappointment, with feedback addressing product effectiveness as well as customer service experiences.

Audien is one of several companies selling budget-friendly hearing assistance devices directly to consumers. If you’re comparing options alongside Hearing aid reviews AARP resources, it’s essential to understand what these products can and cannot do—and to set realistic expectations about how they may help manage hearing challenges.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing hearing difficulty, it’s also wise to explore what may be causing it and which treatment approaches are most appropriate. Hearing loss can stem from age-related changes, noise exposure, infections, or other medical conditions, and identifying the cause plays a key role in choosing the right solution.

What is Audien?

Audien Hearing is a U.S.-based company that produces two primary categories of low-cost hearing amplification devices and sells them exclusively online.

According to the company, keeping prices lower than traditional devices is possible because they sell directly to consumers. There’s no in-person hearing exam or consultation with an audiologist built into the purchase process, which eliminates professional service fees commonly associated with prescription hearing aids.

Who are Audien PSAPs for?

Audien offers personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), not medical hearing aids. While both amplify sound, their intended uses differ significantly.

Hearing aids are regulated medical devices designed to treat diagnosed hearing loss. They are customized to your hearing profile and prescribed by a licensed audiologist after formal testing.

By contrast, PSAPs are meant to enhance environmental sounds for individuals with normal hearing. They are not specifically intended to treat hearing loss.

Audien devices may be appropriate for people who:

• experience mild or situational hearing difficulty
• want clearer sound in specific settings, such as watching television
• are exploring sound amplification before committing to medical hearing aids
• cannot afford prescription devices
• do not have an underlying medical condition requiring a regulated hearing aid

If you suspect you have hearing loss, scheduling a comprehensive evaluation with a licensed audiologist is an important first step. A professional can assess the type and severity of hearing loss and recommend suitable treatment options, which may include hearing aids or, in select cases, PSAPs.

How much do Audien PSAPs cost?

Audien’s EV1 model is priced at $89 per pair, plus tax and shipping. The EV3 costs $199 per pair. The newer Atom and Atom Pro models are available for $99 and $249, respectively. For comparison with traditional devices and AARP hearing aid prices, these figures are considerably lower than prescription options.

Each package includes a charging dock with a USB port, a cleaning brush, and a small screwdriver for volume adjustment.

All models come with a 1-year warranty, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and access to online support.

Basic in-ear sound amplifiers can be found for as little as $10, but these are typically intended for very mild hearing difficulties and short-term use.

Traditional hearing aids, on the other hand, generally cost between $1,000 and $5,000 and are provided following a formal hearing evaluation and diagnosis.

Does Audien provide free trial periods?

Audien offers a 30-day trial window. If you’re not satisfied and notify the company within that timeframe, you may receive a full refund.

Can you use insurance to buy Audien hearing aids?

Insurance coverage for hearing devices varies widely among providers. Many plans require out-of-pocket payment, especially for non-prescription devices like PSAPs. Audien does not advertise specific financial assistance programs.

Some service clubs and other organizations may offer assistance to qualifying low-income households seeking hearing support.

Audien products

Audien currently sells four PSAP models: EV1, EV3, Atom, and Atom Pro. All are in-ear designs intended to be discreet and lightweight.

Audien EV1

The EV1 is priced at $89 per pair and delivers up to 20 hours of use per charge. It includes four earbud sizes to improve fit and comfort.

Audien EV3

The EV3 costs $199 and features a smaller design than the EV1. It is rechargeable, offers 20 hours of battery life, and is marketed as providing improved comfort and enhanced sound quality. Unlike the EV1, it supports wireless charging.

Audien Atom

The Atom is priced at $99 and is 22 percent smaller than the EV1. It includes wireless charging and approximately 25 hours of battery life—about 25 percent longer than the EV1. Audien states that its proprietary Atom chip contributes to clearer sound and all-day comfort.

Audien Atom Pro

The Atom Pro, priced at $249, is the company’s smallest and most advanced model. It offers extended battery performance and comes with a portable charging case capable of providing up to four days of power. The company reports that its upgraded sound processor minimizes feedback or whistling.

Audien return policies

If you’re dissatisfied with your purchase, Audien states that refunds are available if requested within 30 days. In cases involving defective products, the company may attempt troubleshooting online or issue a replacement.

A 1-year warranty applies. For example, if a device stops charging during the covered period, Audien indicates it will provide a replacement.

Audien customer reviews and reputation

Audien appears in an Adverse Event Report filed with the FDA in June 2020. The report notes that a patient claimed they were promised one-day delivery but did not receive the devices.

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, Audien holds an average rating of 3.99 out of 5 stars based on hundreds of reviews. The company is not BBB-accredited. In 2020, the BBB asked Audien to discontinue claims that its devices used the “same technology as $5,000 hearing aids.” The company currently holds a B rating.

Some customer concerns involve shipping delays or refund processing, though many cases appear to have been resolved through reimbursement or clarification of policies.

On Trustpilot, Audien has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews frequently mention improved ability to follow conversations. Negative feedback often centers on refund timing or customer service responsiveness.

How to get started

Audien products are available only through the company’s website and are not sold in retail stores.

To purchase, select your preferred model online, add it to your cart, and complete checkout. No hearing test or medical questionnaire is required.

Audien vs. competitors

Audien operates within a competitive market of online hearing amplification brands that do not require a hearing test prior to purchase. Here’s how it compares:

When to see a doctor

If you notice possible signs of hearing loss, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor or a licensed audiologist. Symptoms may include:

• difficulty following conversations
• frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• trouble hearing during phone calls
• perceiving that others are mumbling
• avoiding noisy settings
• increasing the TV volume higher than usual

Experiencing these symptoms does not automatically mean you have permanent hearing loss, but a professional evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Certain symptoms are more serious and require prompt medical attention, including:

• sudden hearing loss
• rapidly worsening hearing over days or weeks
• hearing loss accompanied by ear pain or discharge
• episodes of severe dizziness (vertigo) with hearing changes
• a sensation of blockage in the ear

Seek immediate medical care if you experience these issues. Sudden hearing loss may constitute a medical emergency.

Takeaway

Hearing loss can create financial strain as well as social and emotional challenges. It’s understandable that many people search for more affordable solutions, including Hearing aids recommended by AARP and other budget-friendly alternatives.

Audien Hearing provides low-cost sound amplification devices that may benefit individuals with mild or situational hearing difficulties. However, these PSAPs are not designed for people who require medically regulated hearing aids.

The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to be cautious both of high-priced devices with unnecessary features and of inexpensive products that make exaggerated claims.

Before investing in any hearing device, consult your physician about your symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation by an otolaryngologist or audiologist can help determine the cause of hearing loss and guide you toward the most effective and appropriate treatment options.