Audien hearing aids offer affordable over-the-counter hearing solutions. Customer reviews show mixed experiences: Better Business Bureau gives them a B rating with 4.27 out of 5 stars, while Trustpilot users rate them 3.8 out of 5 stars. These budget-friendly devices work well for basic hearing amplification but lack advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and sophisticated noise reduction found in more expensive models. Real customer experiences reveal both satisfaction with affordability and comfort, as well as complaints about volume control issues, feedback problems, and limited customization options.
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Key Points About Audien Hearing Aids in 2025
• Ultra-affordable pricing: Starting at just $98-$189 per pair, making them among the most affordable OTC hearing aids available
• Mixed customer satisfaction: Trustpilot shows 926 customer reviews with varied experiences, from highly satisfied to disappointed users
• Limited advanced features: Most models lack Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone apps, and advanced noise reduction, with only the Ion Pro offering these features
• FDA registration concerns: Some controversy exists about which models are actually FDA-registered hearing aids versus personal sound amplifiers
• 45-day trial period: All models come with a 45-day money-back guarantee and one-year manufacturer warranty
• Customer service mixed reviews: Some customers praise responsive support, while others report difficulties with returns and refunds
Audien Hearing Aids Overview
Founded in 2016, Audien manufactures hearing aids designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss, offering some of the most affordable hearing aids on the market with prices ranging from $189 to $489 per pair. The company aims to change the hearing aid industry by offering over-the-counter rechargeable hearing aids at a fraction of the cost of traditional prescription models.
According to Audien, hearing aids used to require a prescription and cost nearly $5,000 per pair, leaving 80% of the market unable to afford them. The company positions itself as removing expensive middlemen like audiologists and hearing centers to provide similar technology at much lower prices.
However, the company has faced legal challenges, including an Arizona District Attorney lawsuit for alleged deceptive advertising practices and marketing products as "hearing aids" when they may have been personal sound amplifiers.
2025 Model Lineup and Pricing
Atom Series (In-the-Canal)
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Audien Atom: $98-$99 per pair - Basic model with rechargeable batteries but no advanced features like Bluetooth, noise reduction, or multiple hearing modes
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Audien Atom 2: $189 per pair - Features A2 chip for clearer sound, four listening modes, 28% smaller than original Atom, 24-hour battery life
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Audien Atom Pro 2: $289 per pair - 15% smaller than Atom 2, includes UV cleaning case, background noise cancellation, 24-hour battery life
Ion Series (Behind-the-Ear)
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Audien Ion: $489 per pair - Features A2 Max chip, directional sound technology, four hearing modes, 24-hour battery life
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Audien Ion Pro: $689 per pair - Most advanced model with smartphone app control, Bluetooth streaming, 48-hour battery life, six hearing modes
Real Customer Reviews Summary
Overall Ratings Across Platforms
Better Business Bureau: B rating with 4.27 out of 5 stars from customer reviews
Trustpilot: 3.8 out of 5 stars (considered "great" on Trustpilot's scale)
ComplaintsBoard: 3.7-star rating from 15 reviews, showing majority of customers are satisfied
Customer Service Experiences
One Amazon customer praised Audien's "EXCEPTIONAL" customer service, noting the ease of contacting real people and receiving free hearing aid replacements when needed. However, other customers reported difficulties: "First of all, good luck getting them to respond. We had to file a complaint with the BBB to finally get them to send us a return label".
Pros and Cons from User Experiences
Pros Reported by Customers:
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Affordability: Customers consistently praise the cost savings compared to traditional hearing aids
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Comfort and discreteness: Reviewers praise the devices for overall comfort and nearly invisible design
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Easy setup: Most customers appreciate the simple, out-of-the-box usability without requiring hearing tests
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Battery life: All models offer 24-48 hours of battery life and are rechargeable
Cons Reported by Customers:
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Volume control issues: One customer noted "The weak point of this unit is the volume control, it's hard to adjust and easy to damage"
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Limited power: An audiologist reported that two patients "complained that the devices were too loud even on the lowest setting" yet still didn't provide adequate hearing improvement
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Feedback problems: Multiple reviews mention whistling and feedback issues, with one customer describing it as "deafening regardless of volume"
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Durability concerns: Several customers reported devices stopping working after short periods: "I bought these 10/2024 and I tolerated them until one stopped working"
Common Customer Complaints
Feedback and Whistling Issues
Multiple customers report persistent feedback problems: "I was having a problem with feedback... the screeching was so loud everyone could hear. I finally had to remove them completely". Another customer described feedback as "deafening regardless of volume".
Product Reliability
One customer shared: "I have gone through 4 pairs of Audien Atom Pro hearing aids. Each time one hearing aid went dead after a couple weeks". Another reported: "Yesterday one of them stopped working, AGAIN".
Return and Refund Difficulties
Some customers experienced challenges with the return process: "it is taking forever for them to issue our refund. They have the hearing aids, I received confirmation of that by tracking my shipment".
Limited Effectiveness
Several users found the devices didn't meet their needs: "I still can't hear the people right next to me" and "They beeped and whistled 24/7. Very obnoxious".
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Positive Customer Feedback
Successful Experiences
Many customers report significant improvements: "I used to dread spending time with my grandchildren because I couldn't hear them properly. But now, thanks to Audien, I can hear their giggles & laughter as clear as bell!"
Another satisfied customer noted: "The ion works wonderfully! Easy to place, excellent sound, easy to adjust volume, and they work perfectly even with my eyeglasses!"
Value Appreciation
An Amazon reviewer shared a detailed positive experience: "After several months of experimenting with different 'dome' sizes, sound modes, and volume levels, he became comfortable using the aids. He is now 'very happy' with the hearing aids. He said the TV volume is now set much lower than before".
Customer Service Praise
Some customers experienced excellent support: "They worked good for a few months then the right stopped working... in about 5 days i had a whole new set shipped to me. very good and honest company".
Expert Opinions and Testing Results
Professional Testing Results
According to NCOA's testing, "Audien hearing aids performed well during testing and can be a good choice for anyone looking for a simple, affordable hearing aid that's comfortable and easy to use".
However, HearAdvisor gave the Atom Pro 2 a "C" SoundGrade rating, placing it in the bottom 10% of OTC hearing aids tested, with underperformance in speech clarity both in quiet and noisy environments.
Audiologist Perspectives
Dr. Ruth Reisman, an audiologist, shared real clinical experience: "I recently had two patients arrive at the clinic with Audien devices... Both patients complained that the devices were too loud even on the lowest setting. One patient couldn't get the device to work again after the first month".
Other audiologists noted that while the devices are cost-effective, "they have issues with the lack of customization" and "may not be technologically advanced".
Technology Limitations
Experts note that "at such low prices, Audien's hearing aids lack many of the useful features of our favorite hearing aids: Most lack smartphone controls or Bluetooth connectivity".
Who Should Consider Audien Hearing Aids
Ideal Candidates:
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Budget-conscious individuals: Those looking to try hearing aids for the first time at an affordable price point
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Mild hearing loss: People with mild to moderate hearing loss who need basic amplification
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Simple needs: Users who want straightforward, easy-to-use devices without complex features
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Trial users: Those who want to test if hearing aids help before investing in more expensive options
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
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Severe hearing loss: Audien only makes devices for mild to moderate hearing loss
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Advanced feature needs: Users wanting Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone apps, or sophisticated noise reduction
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Professional support: Those who need extensive audiological support and customization
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Reliability requirements: Users who cannot tolerate device failures or need highly reliable hearing aids
Alternatives to Consider
For those who can stretch their budget, experts recommend considering the Elehear Beyond OTC hearing aid, which offers better overall performance and includes free remote support from licensed U.S.-based audiologists. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is also mentioned as one of the best Amazon hearing aids below $400.
For insurance coverage, companies like Beltone may be covered when a hearing professional's assessment is required for a prescription.
Final Verdict
Audien hearing aids serve a specific market need for ultra-affordable hearing assistance, but customer experiences in 2025 reveal significant trade-offs. While the majority of customers express satisfaction with the value proposition, recurring issues with product reliability, feedback problems, and customer service challenges suggest these devices work best as entry-level solutions or backup options rather than primary hearing aids.
For individuals with mild hearing loss who need basic amplification and want to test whether hearing aids help them, Audien offers an accessible starting point with their 45-day trial period. However, those with more significant hearing needs or who require reliable, long-term solutions may find better value in slightly more expensive OTC options or traditional prescription hearing aids.
The mixed customer experiences highlight the importance of realistic expectations: success often requires patience, experimentation with different ear dome sizes and settings, and acceptance that some trial-and-error may be necessary. For the customers who find the right fit and settings, Audien can provide meaningful hearing improvement at an unbeatable price point.
