Audicus Hearing Aids: Reviews & Cost in 2022 Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Healthy Living

Audicus Hearing Aids Review 2022

Learn more about Audicus hearing aids with our in-depth review of the models, pricing, features, and payment options of this hearing aid brand.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy LinkBy Sheila OlsonMedically Reviewed by Brad IngraoReviewed: October 12, 2022This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Everyday Health's editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of featured products in this article.

Audicus Dia II

Helps with background noise reductionThe most economical Audicus modelVisit Site

Audicus Aura

Known for its tiny in-the-canal (ITC) designA comfortable, inconspicuous hearing aidVisit Site

Audicus Clara

Eight processing channels for a customized soundThe company’s most popular modelVisit Site

Audicus Wave

Rechargeable batteriesBest budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aidVisit Site

Audicus Spirit

Offers remote hearing adjustmentsThe most innovative Audicus modelVisit Site

Key Takeaways

Affordable hearing aids registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Five models, including an invisible fit and Bluetooth-enabled optionsBoth online and in-person purchasing options availableAudicus Plus membership program with unlimited access to online audiologist supportAudicus hearing aids are popular among consumers looking for both affordability and advanced hearing technology in their devices. In our survey of over 600 hearing aid users, respondents rated hearing aid affordability as their second most important concern behind ease of setup. With competitive pricing and a membership program called Audicus Plus that includes hearing aid support and maintenance supplies, Audicus offers several impressive options for budget-conscious users. The entire process of buying Audicus hearing aids can be completed online, from the hearing test to having your devices programmed remotely by an audiologist. Audicus also operates clinics in three U.S. cities (New York, Chicago, and Denver) for in-person appointments. Our reviews team investigated the company’s products, purchasing process, and independent Audicus reviews to help you decide if this is the brand for you.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Underlying research: 2,500 hours of research13 experts consulted30 brands considered96 models considered600-plus users surveyed Our experts have spent more than 2,500 hours conducting thorough research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:Deeply researched the hearing device categoryConsulted with audiologists and hearing device expertsMystery shopped 30 brandsSurveyed more than 600 hearing aid usersRead and reviewed the current studies published in this spaceRead thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

Why We Chose Audicus

To help you find the best hearing aids, we researched dozens of hearing aid brands. From traditional hearing aids sold through an audiologist’s office or hearing center to direct-to-consumer online brands, our reviews team took a close look at what each company had to offer. We chose to review Audicus because it has a unique monthly membership, affordable pricing, and hearing aids that offer convenient features like Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries. We searched through verified customer reviews and evaluated the different Audicus hearing aid models to help you decide if they’re right for you.

Pros and Cons of Audicus Hearing Aids

ProsCompetitive prices starting at $499 per deviceConvenient online hearing testAudicus Plus membership plan with no cancellation feesRechargeable and Bluetooth-enabled models available45-day trial periodMany styles of hearing aids to choose from, including models for severe hearing lossLicensed hearing specialists customize your device to your hearing test results ConsLimited 12-month manufacturer’s warranty (unlimited warranty available with Audicus Plus membership)Only four hearing clinics in the United States for people who want in-person appointments (one in New York, one in Denver, and two in Chicago)Only two models are Bluetooth compatible

Audicus Hearing Aid Models

Audicus currently offers five models of hearing devices, priced from $499 to $1,399 per device.ModelPriceType of Hearing AidLevel of Hearing LossBattery TypeBluetoothAudicus Dia II$499 per deviceBTEMild to moderateDisposableNoAudicus Aura$699 per deviceITCMild to moderateDisposableNoAudicus Clara$749 per deviceRICMild to severeDisposableNoAudicus Wave$949 per deviceRICMild to severeRechargeableYesAudicus Spirit$1,399 per deviceRICMild to severeRechargeableYes

Audicus Dia II

Audicus Dia II

Helps with background noise reductionThe most economical Audicus modelVisit SiteFor mild to moderate hearing lossBehind-the-ear (BTE) styleOnly comes with disposable batteriesPriced at $499 per ear, or $39 per month with an Audicus membershipThe Dia II is the most economical Audicus model. It features directional microphones and feedback cancellation, automatically adapting to sounds in your environment. This helps with background noise reduction, which is important to many customers. Our survey respondents ranked noise reduction as the second most important hearing aid feature. The Dia II offers prime sound quality at one of the lowest price points of any hearing aid we reviewed. It can also be used with a traditional remote that’s small enough to clip to your clothing or slip into a pocket. If you are budget conscious, this Audicus hearing aid is a good option to consider. It’s a sophisticated model that offers advanced noise reduction at a low price. TO BUY: Audicus.com

Audicus Aura

Audicus Aura

Known for its tiny ITC designA comfortable, inconspicuous hearing aidVisit SiteFor mild to moderate hearing lossITC style in two color optionsOnly comes with disposable batteriesPriced at $699 per device, or $49 per month with an Audicus membershipThe tiny Audicus Aura hearing device is virtually undetectable to anyone but the wearer. It is meant to fit snugly inside the ear and does not require any external wires or tubes for an inconspicuous and comfortable fit. A downside to consider: You’ll have to change the batteries once a week. This could prove to be difficult for anyone with dexterity concerns. It also does not feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can’t connect it to your smartphone or wireless devices. TO BUY: Audicus.com

Audicus Clara

Audicus Clara

Eight processing channels for customized soundThe company’s most popular modelVisit SiteFor mild to severe hearing lossReceiver-in-canal (RIC) styleCosts $749 per ear, or $49 per month with an Audicus membershipDisposable batteriesThe Audicus Clara Bluetooth hearing aid has eight standard processing channels with an option to upgrade to 12. It can be used with the Bluetooth remote or docking station to stream sound from any audio source directly to your hearing aids. Because of this model’s versatility and competitive price, it’s no surprise that the Clara is the company’s most popular hearing aid. The Clara can work if you want a hearing aid that can be customized to fit your needs without spending too much. It’s also water resistant and available in four colors. TO BUY: Audicus.com

Audicus Wave

Audicus Wave

Rechargeable batteriesBest budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aidVisit SiteFor mild to severe hearing lossRIC styleRechargeable batteriesPriced at $949 per device, or $59 per month with an Audicus membershipThe Audicus Wave is a Bluetooth-enabled hearing device and one of our top picks. In our review of the best hearing aids for 2022, we ranked the Audicus Wave hearing aid as the best budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aid. This model is compatible with Android and iPhone technology, so you won’t need additional accessories to stream from your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. It contains two microphones for directional communication to assist in understanding speech with background noise, 12 processing channels, and 10-level volume control. If you want affordable Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, the Wave could be a good fit. TO BUY: Audicus.com

Audicus Spirit

Audicus Spirit

Offers remote hearing adjustmentsThe most innovative Audicus modelVisit SiteFor mild to severe hearing lossRIC style available in four color optionsRechargeable batteriesPriced at $1,399 per device, or $89 per month with an Audicus membershipThe Audicus Spirit hearing aid is the latest in the company’s lineup and the most innovative. It offers Bluetooth connectivity and Audicus hearing specialists can make remote adjustments to your hearing aids. While connected to the Hearing Remote app, an Audicus specialist will modify the sound and quality of your hearing aids. After you submit a request, remote adjustments can take up to 72 hours. If you have a larger budget and need a hearing aid that’s Bluetooth enabled and can be adjusted remotely, the Spirit could be right for you. TO BUY: Audicus.com

Audicus Hearing Aid Cost and Payment Options

When it comes to hearing aids, it’s common to purchase hearing aids at Costco or from a hearing center or audiologist. Today, there are an increasing number of online retailers like Audicus. Audicus hearing aids range in price from $499 per device for the Audicus Dia II to $1,399 per device for the Audicus Spirit. You’ll have to pay more if you want rechargeable hearing aids, as the rechargeable Spirit and Wave models cost more per device than the Audicus models that use disposable batteries. The cost includes devices, starter batteries, a carrying case, a cleaning brush, and various rubber domes or earpieces. You can choose from several options to pay for your Audicus hearing aids: a one-time payment, a payment plan, or the Audicus Plus monthly membership. The Audicus Plus membership plan includes the latest hearing aid technology, unlimited batteries and supplies, an unlimited warranty, front-of-the-line access to support from hearing specialists and technicians, and full replacement protection against damage or defects to your hearing aids. Loss protection is also included. Membership requires a one-time startup fee on the date you sign up, from $299 to $499 depending on the device you choose. You can cancel your membership at any time by buying out of your contract. As a bonus, Audicus automatically upgrades your hearing aids to the latest model every 18 months if you are a member.

Accessories for Audicus Hearing Aids

Audicus sells a variety of accessories and hearing aid supplies on its website. These items can be purchased separately and are not included in any of the membership programs.Power Pack and Charging Case for rechargeable hearing aids (Wave and Spirit): $49 to $98UV dry box for drying and cleaning your hearing aids (not suitable for rechargeable hearing aids): $65Classic remote control (Dia II and Clara): $199Remote control for Spirit: $399 The company also sells earwax guards, domes, and other Audicus accessories on its website. In addition, Audicus offers an exchange service to help you save on your hearing aids. If you have an Audicus hearing aid that your friend or relative no longer uses, the company can reprogram them and fit them to your hearing test for a fee of $100. RELATED: Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids?

Audicus Customer Service and Satisfaction

All Audicus products include lifetime support from the company, including access to a team of licensed audiologists and hearing professionals. Audicus hearing aids are eligible for a 45-day free trial. During that time, you can return your hearing aids for any reason and receive a full refund.

Audicus Warranty

The 12-month warranty covers all product defects, but it does not cover lost or damaged devices. You can get an unlimited warranty and loss and damage protection with the Audicus Plus hearing aid membership. If you choose not to subscribe to the monthly Audicus membership, you can purchase a separate plan called Audicus Protect that covers damage and loss for $12 per month.

Audicus Ratings

We compared verified Audicus customer reviews to see what the customer experience is like. Audicus has been awarded an A+ rating by the BBB and a customer rating of 3.14 stars out of 5. Between 2018 and 2021, there were only five Audicus hearing aids complaints. Complaints and negative reviews mostly relate to issues with hearing aid repairs, refunds, and solicitations from the company.

Customer Reviews on Audicus Hearing Aids

“I purchased the Claras for my mom a couple months ago. She has really enjoyed them from what I can tell. She’s wearing them every time I come over and I can tell she is interacting more at family functions.” — ANDREW M., VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG) “I have been very happy with my Audicus hearing aids so far. The test is easy to take online and the support is always fast and friendly. The sound is better than my last two sets of hearing aids, which I was surprised by since I saved over $2000.” — BOBBY Z., VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG) “While I have no complaints about the hearing aid itself, I am frustrated with the support. There is a very high pressure sales team, but it is almost impossible to get in touch with anyone that actually is in CUSTOMER SUPPORT, not sales.” — ANOUCK L., VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG)

Audicus Online Hearing Test

You can purchase Audicus hearing aids online using the results of a previous hearing test, or you can use the company’s free online hearing test. Audicus spent two years working closely with neuroscientists on the development of their online test. To improve accuracy, the Audicus hearing test uses industry-standard fitting algorithms as well as sophisticated error-detection algorithms. Audicus checks each ear twice at five frequencies. The test begins with a short questionnaire that will help the hearing specialists optimize the fit of each hearing aid. The test takes approximately five minutes, and results are immediately available. You will also receive a copy via email. To take the test, you will need to enter your email address and telephone number, which the company can use to promote its products.

Some audiologists caution against online hearing tests. Ellen Lafargue, a doctor of audiology and the director and audiologist at the Center for Hearing and Communication in New York City, says that most online tests “will give an approximation of the hearing levels” but that these results are “not exact, like an in-person hearing test is because it is not a controlled environment and the test equipment is not calibrated to standards of clinical equipment.”

What to Know About the Audicus Plus Membership Program

You can start a monthly subscription for Audicus hearing aids or cancel your membership at any time. Note that if you subscribe to the Audicus Plus membership program, you will lease your hearing aids instead of owning them. Audicus Plus requires an 18-month contract with the option to buy out of the contract at any time.

What s included in the Audicus Plus membership

Unlimited technical support, including hearing aid adjustments and reprogrammingAccess to a members-only customer support phone lineDisposable batteries if requested, domes, and earwax protectors at no extra costCoverage against damage or loss, with no deductibleAn unlimited warrantyA free upgrade every 18 months to the most current modelFree cleanings and free cleaning suppliesLow monthly payments, starting at $99/month

Is the Audicus Plus membership worth it

The Audicus Plus membership program is a solution for people who want ongoing support and care for their hearing aids. Note that the Audicus Plus membership program does require a one-time $100 startup fee, from $299 to $499 depending on the model, in addition to the monthly charges. The coverage for damaged or lost hearing aids, the unlimited warranty, the supply of batteries and domes, and the free upgrade to the most current model every 18 months might entice some users.

Review Methodology

Our team reviewed the latest research on hearing loss and hearing aid technology, interviewed experts in the field, combed through customer reviews on third-party websites, and conducted a survey of more than 600 hearing aid users to determine the top brands.

After narrowing down our selections, we consulted with an audiologist who medically reviewed each brand and model. We determined our top picks based on the following criteria:Special featuresUser experienceCostCustomer serviceReputation and credibility

The Bottom Line

Online shopping has become more common for many products, including hearing aids. Audicus is trying to make online hearing aid shopping as easy, if not easier, than in-person purchasing. As long as the user is somewhat familiar with the technology involved, or can have someone on hand to help them through the process, we found that Audicus offers a customer-focused buying experience, from the highly technical hearing test to the remote adjustment capabilities. The Audicus Plus membership program is for people who are looking for an all-inclusive hearing aid experience. It includes a free upgrade of your hearing aids every 18 months. Some of the drawbacks to Audicus include the company’s one-year standard warranty. This is shorter than the three-year warranty offered by some other hearing aid companies, and it may not be sufficient if you tend to wear out personal electronics quickly. To get the same level of coverage as some other companies offer, you will need to upgrade your protection plan or join the Audicus Plus membership plan which offers an unlimited warranty. The customer service is also not available 24/7. You can reach the Audicus support center by phone from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Emailing [email protected] is your best option if you require assistance outside of these hours. The company offers a wide range of models with a variety of features and pricing options, giving you a good chance of finding an affordable hearing aid to meet your needs. In addition, you can try Audicus hearing aids without a long-term commitment, thanks to the monthly membership and free trial period. In our review of the best hearing aids, we found that the Audicus Wave is the best budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aid. Read our full review of the top brands to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Audicus a reputable company?Yes, Audicus is a reputable company with mostly positive reviews from organizations like the BBB. Audicus offers affordable prices, a free online hearing test, a risk-free trial period, membership plans, and support from licensed hearing specialists to customize your hearing experience. Audicus devices are made by Unitron, a sister company of Phonak, one of the best-known hearing aid brands on the market.Is Audicus FDA-approved? No, Audicus hearing aids are FDA-registered, not FDA-approved. Any company that produces medical devices is required to register with the FDA annually. This means they are listed in the FDA’s registration and listing database, but it does not mean that any product or device is approved, cleared, or authorized by the FDA. When a product is FDA-approved, it’s considered safe and effective for customers.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Hearing Aids Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched March 4, 2022.Interview With Ellen Lafargue. Center for Hearing and Communication. March 14, 2022.Hearing Aids. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. March 6, 2017.Audicus, Inc. Better Business Bureau.Are There “FDA Registered” or “FDA Certified Medical Devices? How Do I Know What Is FDA Approved? S. Food and Drug Administration. March 3, 2021.About FDA Product Approval. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. December 29, 2017.Show Less