Audicus hearing aids: Products and reputation
Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — By Danielle Dresden — Updated on Oct 10, 2022
Audicus hearing aids
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Audicus sells programmable, customized hearing aids online at a lower price than similar companies.
This article discusses the Audicus brand, what it offers, and how to order products. It also provides information on some alternative brands and when to see a doctor about hearing health.
A quick look at Audicus hearing aids
Best low cost: Dia II
Best rechargeable: Clara
Best discreet design: Aura
Best smart hearing aid: Wave
Best for adjusting to different environments: Spirit
Best for directional sound detection: Omni
On its website, Audicus says that it can offer lower prices because it partners with leading manufacturers and eliminates intermediaries. It describes its approach as similar to that of Warby Parker, an online eyeglass retailer.
Learn about the average cost of hearing aids here.
On Trustpilot, Audicus has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. It has no customer reviews.
On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Audicus has an A+ rating and is accredited by BBB. Customer ratings give Audicus an average rating of 3.08 out of 5 stars.
Audicus has 13 reviews, and positive comments mention that the company saved customers significant amounts of money, had good customer service, and its hearing aids work well.
More critical reviews say that there can be problems with the customer service team.
The company's website says that the Audicus Online Hearing Test allows it to sell customized, programmable hearing aids online.
The test is free, and Audicus says that it takes under 5–10 minutes to complete. If purchasers have not undergone a clinical hearing test elsewhere, they can take the Audicus test.
The company's technicians will then program the customer's hearing aids.
Learn about other online hearing tests here.
However, an online hearing test may not be a suitable replacement for a full audiogram if a person has:
sudden hearing loss
a history of ear trauma or surgery
drainage or pain
Below, we look into each of the hearing aids Audicus offers online.
Price: around $998 per pair
Hearing aid type: behind the ear (BTE)
Hearing level: mild to moderate hearing loss
Made for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, this is the least expensive hearing aid that Audicus sells.
It sits behind the ear and is available in beige, gray, or silver.
Audicus writes that it adapts to a user's environment and filters out background noise so a user can better hear someone they are speaking to.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
most affordable option from Audicus
45-day risk-free trial
comes in several colors
replacement batteries are priced from $10
hearing aid cannot be connected to smart devices
A person can order the Dia II hearing aid from Audicus for around $998.
Price: around $1,498 per pair
Hearing aid type: BTE
Hearing level: mild to severe hearing loss
Audicus says that this hearing aid is its best-selling model, and it is appropriate for mild-to-severe hearing loss. It has two-directional microphones and a rubber in-ear dome that eliminates excess sound, which comes in various sizes.
It features a very small and discreet design and Bluetooth connectivity, which means a person can connect it to their smartphone or a smart TV.
Audicus claims its battery lasts up to 7 days. A user can place the hearing aids in the charging dock overnight for a full battery charge. However, the charging dock is sold separately.
The manufacturer claims the batteries are easy to replace. Batteries can be provided on a 3-month subscription for $12 a month.
The pros and cons of the Clara hearing aid include:
discreet design
features two directional microphones
easy to change the batteries
regular battery and cleaning kit deliveries cost $12 a month
charging dock sold separately
A person gets a 45-day free trial and a 1-year warranty with their purchase.
The Audicus Clara hearing aid is available online for around $1,498.
Hearing aid type: inside the ear (ITE)
Covering mild-to-moderate hearing loss, this hearing aid sits inside the ear, so it is discreet.
Audicus claims that the invisible receiver offers extra amplification inside a user's ear while using a smaller and more discreet design that helps reduce the buildup of earwax.
Users can change settings by tapping the device. The company's website says that people can comfortably wear these hearing aids all day, and the batteries last for about a week.
The pros and cons a person can consider may include:
easy to adjust settings
comes in fewer colors than other models
batteries are not rechargeable
A person can order the Aura hearing aid from Audicus online for around $1,398 per pair, including a 1-year warranty and a 45-day free trial.
This is the most expensive and technologically advanced hearing aid that Audicus offers. It is made for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
It is rechargeable and can sync with smartphones and other Bluetooth devices so a person can make calls, play music, watch TV, and control and customize the hearing aid through its dedicated app.
It also features an ear wax guard and hypoallergenic domes.
users can control it via an app
batteries are rechargeable
comes in four colors
hypoallergenic domes
requires a smart device to work
A person can order the Wave hearing aid from Audicus online for around $1,898 per pair.
The Spirit offers a fully customizable hearing aid that a person can program for 10 different environments.
It is compatible with Bluetooth, so users can stream from Android and iOS devices and control the hearing aid with the app. A person can also access hearing care support from an audiologist with their smartphone.
It features two directional microphones, one that makes conversations clearer, and another that blocks out background noise.
The Spirit is also rechargeable.
users can get remote support
can be customized to 10 different environments
A person can order the Spirit hearing aid from Audicus for $2,798 per pair.
The Omni offers users high quality sound with adaptive directional microphones that detect which direction sound is coming from.
They will cut out background noise so that a person can focus only on the sounds they want to hear.
A person can connect these hearing aids to smart devices with a Bluetooth connection.
The Omni is also rechargeable and can be controlled via the Audicus app.
microphones more accurately detect the direction of noise
Some other Audicus services include the:
Audicus Care subscription: This is a service that delivers batteries and other hearing aid supplies every 3 months.
Audicus Protect subscription: This is similar to an insurance policy and offers a one-time replacement benefit for lost hearing aids.
A person can also get domes and earwax guards for most Audicus models, and non-rechargeable hearing aids come with a set of batteries.
The company's website says that it offers ongoing support for customers, including unlimited access to experts, product manuals, video tutorials, and answers to common problems.
The table below compares each of the hearing aids Audicus offers.
Hearing aid type
Hearing level
$998 per pair BTE mild to moderate hearing loss
• most affordable model
• comes in several colors
• not rechargeable
• not a smart hearing aid
$1,498 per pair BTE mild to severe hearing loss • discreet design
• two directional microphones
• easy to change batteries • user must remove batteries to charge
• regular battery deliveries cost $12 a month
$1,398 per pair ITE mild to moderate hearing loss • discreet design
• easy to adjust settings • comes in fewer colors than other models
• batteries are not rechargeable
$1,898 per pair BTE mild to moderate hearing loss • users can control it via an app
• rechargeable
• comes in four colors
• hypoallergenic domes • expensive
• requires a smart device to work
$2,798 per pair BTE mild to severe hearing loss • users can control it via an app
• batteries are rechargeable
• users can get remote support
• can be customized to 10 different environments
• microphones more accurately detect the direction of noise
• users can get remote support • expensive
When looking to purchase a hearing aid, a person should consider the following:
Price: A person should consider the initial cost of the hearing aid and any ongoing costs they may have, including replacement batteries or repair policies. Hearing aids can be expensive, so a person should make sure their chosen hearing aid will be cost-effective in the long term and will fit their budget.
Level of hearing loss: A person should ensure the hearing aid is appropriate for the level of hearing loss they experience.
Insurance: In some cases, a person's insurance may cover the cost of a hearing aid. A person should enquire with their insurance company before making a purchase.
Type of hearing aid: A person should consider which type of hearing aid will be best for them. Some designs are more discreet than others, and a person should consider not only what the hearing aid may look like, but whether it will be comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
Audicus sells most of its hearing aids through its online portal, though it does operate brick-and-mortar hearing clinics in some major cities in the United States.
To order hearing aids from Audicus online, people can send the company the results of a recent hearing test or take the Audicus Online Hearing Test on its website.
People can then decide on:
the hearing aid they want
the enhancements they want, such as enhanced clarity or rechargeability
whether they want to make a one-time payment or pay a monthly subscription fee
whether or not they want any accessories, such as a remote control or TV connector
Since Medicare and most insurance plans do not cover hearing aids, individuals are usually responsible for their full cost. Financing is available through Audicus.
Returns, warranties, and refunds
Audicus offers a 45-day, risk-free trial period for people to try out all of its hearing aids.
All products come with a 1-year warranty covering repairs.
People can send any hearing aids that require repairs after the warranty period to Audicus, and the company will assess the fees depending on how much work is necessary. Trade-ins may also be an option.
The company's website says that it offers unlimited reprogramming for customers. Reprogramming can involve adjusting sound quality or amplification levels on the hearing aids.
Alternative brands and products
The following are some other leading online hearing aid retailers:
MDHearingAid: This company offers three different hearing aids at prices often lower than other sites. The products range from the entry level Air to the more advanced and discreet Air. The company also offers the rechargeable and water resistant Volt and the personalized Core, which can sync with smartphones and tablets. Learn more about MDHearingAid here.
Lexie: This company uses remote experts to fit Bluetooth hearing aids at a lower cost than other companies. Its products are sweatproof, with noise reduction technology, directional microphones, telecoil functionality, and extended battery life. People can control these hearing aids with the Lexie app and pay for them with a monthly subscription fee.
ReSound: ReSound sells a wide range of hearing aids, including digital devices that pair with smartphones and tablets, discreet models that go in the ear canal, models with Bluetooth options, and more. Learn more about ReSound hearing aids.
Hearing products and hearing health
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 15% of U.S. adults have difficulty hearing, and roughly 28.8 million U.S. individuals could see positive results from using hearing aids.
Using hearing products can help people prevent other health concerns associated with hearing loss, such as:
mental decline such as dementia
falls and fractures
Research from 2014 found that people with a positive attitude and confidence about using hearing aids are more likely to have successful outcomes.
Individuals who perceive a substantial benefit from their hearing aids are also more likely to continue using them.
People who suspect that they may be experiencing hearing loss should contact an audiologist about hearing tests and hearing aids.
Learn about diagnosing different types of hearing loss here.
A person should talk with a doctor if they experience any signs of hearing loss, such as hearing muffled sounds or difficulty understanding words.
Symptoms of hearing loss may include:
having trouble hearing over the phone
finding conversations with multiple people hard to follow
finding background noise interferes with hearing
feeling that other people mumble a lot
find females' and children's voices difficult to understand
often needing to turn up the TV loudly
often needing to ask others to repeat themselves
A person should speak with a doctor or audiologist before buying a hearing aid to ensure they are buying one that will work for their level of hearing loss.
If a person is using a hearing aid and experiences a reaction to the domes, they should stop using the hearing aid and contact a doctor. There may be hypoallergenic domes available.
Frequently asked questions about Audicus hearing aids
Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about Audicus hearing aids.
Is Audicus a reputable company?
Audicus is a well-established company and is accredited with the BBB, where it has an A+ rating and an average customer review rating of 3.08 out of 5.
Are Audicus hearing aids FDA approved?
Hearing aids are FDA-approved medical devices. However, Audicus hearing aids are not in the FDA registry. This means the safety of Audicus hearing aids is unclear.
Are Audicus hearing aids digital?
All Audicus hearing aid models have a digital sound processor that can be programmed to each individual user's needs.
Which hearing aid is best for old age?
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says that the type of hearing aid a person prefers, such as behind-the-ear or in-the-ear hearing aids, will vary from person to person.
However, older adults may benefit from hearing aids that are easy to program and adjust.
A person should speak with a doctor or audiologist before buying a hearing aid to make sure they buy the best type for them.
Audicus bypasses intermediaries and sells hearing aids online at lower prices than other similar companies.
Its product line includes six models, ranging from an entry level unit to a hearing aid that syncs with smartphones and tablets.
Using hearing aids can reduce the impact of hearing loss and prevent associated health concerns.
Last medically reviewed on October 9, 2022
Hearing / Deafness
Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Age-related hearing loss. (2022).
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss
Blustein, J., et al. (2016). Opening the market for lower cost hearing aids: Regulatory change can improve the health of older Americans.
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303176
Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults. (2018).
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
Hickson, L., et al. (2014). Factors associated with success with hearing aids in older adults [Abstract].
Quick statistics about hearing. (2021).
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
Hearing aid cost and pricing: Everything you need to know for 2023
The costs associated with hearing aids can be high due to the technology that they use. Prices vary and additional help may be available. Learn more…
Starkey hearing aids: What to know
Starkey is a hearing aid brand that offers a range of products and services. Learn about Starkey's reputation, products, alternatives, and more here.
Signia hearing aids: Services, products, and availability
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Signia offer a range of hearing aids in the U.S. They also offer accessories and apps to use with their products. Learn more about Signia hearing aids…
How to choose the best hearing aids in 2023
Modern hearing aid technology provides high quality sound and features in devices. Here we look at some of the best hearing aids and how to choose.
Types of hearing aids: What to know
There are many different types of hearing aids, including digital, analog, behind-the-ear, in-ear, and more. Learn more about the types of hearing…