Nano Hearing Aids offers affordable over-the-counter hearing aids priced between $297-$597, but the company has faced significant legal challenges including a Vermont lawsuit that was recently settled in February 2025. Customer reviews are mixed, with a 3.6-star rating on Trustpilot and positive feedback about affordability and comfort, but complaints about sound quality and customer service persist. While Nano has reformed its practices under new ownership, experts recommend considering established alternatives for better reliability and support.
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Pricing and Product Options
Nano offers several hearing aid models with prices ranging from $297 to $597 per pair, making them significantly more affordable than prescription alternatives that can cost thousands. Current product lines include:
First Ear Plus CIC: Rechargeable completely-in-canal design with up to 60 hours battery life First Ear Pro CIC: Advanced CIC model with enhanced features Audacity RIC: Bluetooth-enabled behind-the-ear model with smartphone app control Sigma Model: Premium option with advanced technology features
The company recently launched new CIC hearing aids in 2024 that are smaller and more discreet than previous generations, with improved amplification for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Nano maintains a 3.6 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 3,700 reviews. Customer feedback reveals a polarized experience:
Positive Reviews Highlight:
- Affordable pricing compared to traditional hearing aids
- Comfortable fit for daily wear
- Improved ability to hear conversations and television
- Quick delivery and easy ordering process
- Good value for budget-conscious consumers
Negative Reviews Focus On:
- Difficulty with returns and refunds
- Poor customer service responsiveness
- Sound quality issues including feedback and whistling
- Limited customization options
- Problems with device durability
On the company website, 75% of over 1,200 reviewers rated the CIC model 5 out of 5 stars, though neutral reviews mention that the devices amplify all sounds without distinguishing between speech and noise.
Legal Issues and Controversies
In January 2023, the Vermont Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Nano Hearing Aids for misleading consumers, alleging the company sold personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) while marketing them as hearing aids, among other deceptive practices.
Key allegations included:
- Misrepresenting products as FDA-approved
- Claiming products were American-made when they weren't
- Offering misleading online hearing tests
- Making it difficult for customers to return products
- Selling to minors under 18 (against OTC regulations)
In February 2025, Nano successfully resolved the Vermont lawsuit, with the company attributing past issues to previous ownership under Charles Crawford and emphasizing reforms implemented since new management took over in March 2021.
Sound Quality and Performance
Independent testing reveals mixed results for Nano's sound quality:
Professional reviewers noted that Nano's in-the-ear models tend to be "boomy" and don't manage background noise well, with significant ear plugging effects and limited customization for individual hearing loss patterns. The devices also experience feedback issues, with hearing aids squealing every time they're inserted, requiring users to "put the hearing aids in as quickly as possible" to avoid feedback.
However, behind-the-ear models received better reviews for comfort and usefulness compared to the in-the-ear options.
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Customer Service Experience
Customer service remains a contentious issue for Nano:
Challenges Reported:
- Difficulty reaching support representatives
- Complicated return processes
- Extended wait times for refunds
- Limited technical support for device fitting
Improvements Noted:
- 24/7 support availability with Elite Protection Plan
- Proactive replacement of defective units under warranty
- Enhanced policies under new management since 2021
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
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Affordability: Significantly cheaper than prescription hearing aids
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No prescription required: Direct-to-consumer purchasing
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Discreet design: Especially CIC models
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45-day trial period: Money-back guarantee
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FDA registration: Legitimate OTC devices
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Rechargeable options: Convenient battery-free models
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Wide selection: Multiple styles and features available
Cons
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Limited sound customization: One-size-fits-all approach
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Poor noise management: Amplifies all sounds equally
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Customer service issues: Documented complaints about support
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Legal controversies: Recent lawsuit and regulatory challenges
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Mixed reviews: Inconsistent user experiences
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Feedback problems: Whistling and squealing reported
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Return difficulties: Complex refund processes
Best Alternatives to Consider
Several reputable alternatives offer better sound quality and customer support:
MDHearing: Offers legitimate, medical-grade, affordable hearing aids with better customer service Jabra Enhance: Rated "Best Overall" for sound quality, battery life, and expert support Audicus: Higher-priced but superior sound quality compared to Nano Eargo: Open-fit design with less ear plugging Sony CRE-C10: Better venting and less boomy sound quality
Expert Recommendations
Healthcare experts and consumer advocacy groups generally do not recommend Nano Hearing Aids due to past controversies and better alternatives available. Professional audiologists emphasize the importance of:
- Getting a proper hearing evaluation before purchasing any hearing aid
- Choosing devices with customizable sound processing
- Prioritizing companies with strong customer support
- Considering prescription options for complex hearing loss
Consumer Reports and other testing organizations consistently rank prescription and established OTC brands higher than Nano for reliability and performance.
Final Verdict
While Nano Hearing Aids offers an affordable entry point into hearing assistance, the combination of legal controversies, mixed customer reviews, and limited sound customization makes them a risky choice for most consumers. Although the company claims to have reformed under new ownership, questions remain about financial stability and long-term viability.
Who Might Consider Nano:
- Budget-conscious consumers with very mild hearing loss
- Those seeking a temporary solution while saving for prescription aids
- Users comfortable with basic amplification without customization
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
- Anyone with moderate to severe hearing loss
- Users requiring sophisticated noise management
- Those prioritizing customer service and technical support
- Consumers seeking long-term reliability
Given the availability of better alternatives at competitive prices, most experts recommend exploring established brands like MDHearing, Jabra Enhance, or consulting with an audiologist for prescription options rather than choosing Nano Hearing Aids in 2025.
