Audicus Hearing Aid Review

Audicus is an online retailer offering some of the most affordable hearing aids available. Audicus is a top hearing aid provider because its offerings rise above comparable low-cost products, with low-cost hearing aids that still deliver industry-best features, including Bluetooth connectivity. Major hearing aid company Sonova owns this brand, and U.S.-based Unitron manufactures its devices.

Audicus can offer such competitive prices because they ‘cut out the middlemen’ by selling directly to consumers via their website, Audicus.com. Unlike many direct-to-consumer providers, Audicus pre-programs its hearing aids for each consumer by allowing buyers to upload their audiogram results to the website. Prospective customers can also take Audicus’ own free, online hearing test that can also be used for device programming.

Audicus’ product offerings include a discrete completely-in-canal model as well as several behind-the-ear hearing aids that retail for less than $1,000 per device. Its behind-the-ear models–the Omni2, Spirit 2, and Wave 2– are Bluetooth-enabled and available with either disposable or rechargeable batteries. The Omni 2 and Spirit 2 can also be leased for an affordable monthly rate through the Audicus Premier program. While its Wave 2 is not available to lease, it remains one of the most affordable Bluetooth hearing aids on the market.

• Budget-friendly hearing aids: Audicus offers some of the most affordable hearing devices on the market. Thanks to its direct online sales model, Audicus was able to cut the costs of their hearing aids by 70%.
• Advanced technology: Although Audicus hearing aids are affordable, they also offer cutting-edge features like rechargeability, adaptive directional sounds, and Bluetooth streaming.
• Good lineup of hearing devices: Audicus hearing aids range from Bluetooth-enabled devices to invisible design models to classic behind-the-ear (BTE) aids.
• Attractive membership program: Signing up with the Audicus Plus membership program will earn you several perks like new hearing aid models every 18 months and a dedicated phone line for support.
• Financing options available: Audicus offers multiple payment plan options to ensure you get high-quality hearing aids without compromising certain features.

Caring.com worked with two expert audiologists to research and evaluate popular hearing aid brands for safety. The resulting Safety Scores are calculated using a system of three core metrics and 11 subcategories covering access to professional care, accuracy of the brands’ hearing tests, and more. You can find a detailed explanation of Caring.com’s Hearing Aid Safety Scores by reading our Methodology.

Audicus has recently overhauled its hearing aid lineup, turning The Wave 2 into an entry-level model accompanied by a price cut. However, being a base and most affordable model doesn’t take away the fact that it’s a feature-rich device. The Wave 2 features the most advanced tech that Audicus has ever offered, with complete Bluetooth capabilities for streaming directly from your smartphone. The Wave 2 also features an optional rechargeable battery ($50 per ear), two directional microphones, ten different volume settings, and more and is remotely adjustable by audiologists as well as by users with the Audicus mobile app.

With the price cut, The Wave now retails for $699 per ear or $1,398 for a pair, making it one of the most affordable Bluetooth hearing aids on the market.

Device Type: RIC

Battery Type: Size 312 batteries or rechargeable lithium-Ion battery

Standout Features: Direct Bluetooth streaming

Custom Programming: Pre-programmed by expert audiologists

Cost: $699/ear, $1,398/pair

The Audicus Mini is marketed as an in-ear alternative to conventional hearing aids. As its name implies, the Mini features a small and discrete design and sits comfortably in your ear. While it’s not entirely invisible, it’s discrete enough to boost your hearing without anyone noticing you’re wearing something. The Soft silicone sleeves ensure all-day comfort and are ideal for people with masks and glasses. Moreover, its battery life is 70 hrs before it needs replacement.

The Mini retails for $1249 per ear and $2,498 for a pair. Unfortunately, the Mini cannot be leased for a flat monthly fee with an Audicus Premier membership.

Device Type: CIC

Battery Type: Size 10A

Standout Features: Small and discrete design

Custom Programming: Pre-programmed by expert audiologists

Cost: $1,249/ear, $2,498/pair

Audicus’ Spirit 2 is one of the company’s more advanced hearing aid models, available at a reasonable cost to provide customers with the best overall value. The Spirit 2 takes the technology of Audicus’ Wave 2 hearing aid to the next level with an additional 4 channels for fine-tuning, so its wearers enjoy even more advanced noise reduction and feedback suppression. The Spirit 2, like all Audicus’ hearing aids except the Mini, comes with unlimited access to audiologists for remote care and adjustments via the Audicus mobile app, giving wearers complete control over their hearing aids’ sound, even when on the go. Plus, this hearing aid includes full Bluetooth support and the option of a disposable or rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

The Spirit 2 is Audicus’ second least expensive offering at $824 per ear, and $1,648 per pair. For Audicus Premier members, the Spirit 2 is available for a starting price of $99 a month for both ears plus a $249 startup fee.

Battery Type: Disposable standard 312 or rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Standout Features: Optional premier membership, 16 bands/channels

Custom Programming: Remote adjustment via smartphone app

Cost: $824/ear, $1,648/pair

The Omni 2 is Audicus’ most advanced and feature-rich available to date. Like many high-end aids, The Omni 2 supports direct-streaming binaural Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (it is also available with standard batteries). What makes The Omni 2 stand out is its cutting-edge Adaptive-Directional Sound technology that reduces background noise and detects incoming speech. Like the Spirit 2 and Wave 2 models, you don’t need in-person audiologist visits with The Omni 2 since adjustments can be made through the smartphone app.

At $949 per ear and $1,898 for a pair, The Omni 2 is the most expensive product by Audicus next to the Mini. An Omni Premier membership will cost you $199 monthly, and a setup fee of $249.

Device Type: RIC

Battery Type: Disposable 312 battery or rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Standout Features: Adaptive-Directional Sound Technology

Custom Programming: Remote adjustment via smartphone app

Cost: $949/ear, $1,898/pair

Before purchasing, Audicus must verify if you indeed require a hearing aid. You can pass this requirement by submitting the results of a previous hearing test or completing the company’s free online hearing test. Either way, you don’t have to visit a local audiologist or doctor, which is highly convenient.

The Audicus team of experts, led by a neuroscience engineer, has spent two years testing, designing, and verifying the science behind its online hearing test. Using sophisticated fitting and error-detection algorithms, the Audicus team has created an online hearing test that’s accurate enough to program custom hearing aids.

First, the Audicus online hearing test website will ask for your identification, including an email address and phone number. This creates your profile, so your results are personalized. The hearing test will require you to wear headphones or earbuds for accuracy. It will take about 15-20 minutes to complete the test, with the results instantly sent to you via email. The email also includes a free consultation with the company’s expert audiologists.

When checking out, you have several payment options: paying in full, through financing via Care Credit and Allegro, or by leasing via Audicus Premier. After finalizing the transaction online, Audicus will ship your brand-new hearing aids to your specified address.

The Audicus Smartphone App works for three of its higher-end hearing aids, the Wave, Spirit, and Omni. While these devices can work with smartphones without the app via Bluetooth, this optional free mobile app can provide numerous functionalities including:

• Volume control: Remotely adjust the volume of your aids through the app.
• Change programs: Let’s you toggle between six different available listening programs.
• Toggle mute/unmute: Remotely mute and unmute your hearing aids.
• Sound Customization: Calibrate the sound of your hearing aids through the 3-band equalizer (if available).
• Remote adjustments: Receive remote adjustments for Spirit and Omni from Audicus audiologists through the app.
• Customize programs: Personalize your hearing programs with features like Reduced Noise and Enhanced Speech to suit your needs.
• Care notifications: Receive tips on how to care for your aids via notifications.
• Device status: Check information about your aids such as battery life and wearing time.

The UV Dry Box helps keep Audicus hearing aids dry and sanitized. When hearing aids are not being worn, they can be placed in the UV dry box to remove built-up moisture. Dry Boxes retail at $79 each.

This accessory is a small plastic piece that attaches to the end of your Audicus Omni, Spirit, and Wave hearing aids. It acts as a barrier that prevents earwax buildup on or inside the hearing device, extending its life span. Otherwise, earwax buildup on or in your hearing aid may result in potential malfunction or permanent damage. Earwax guards for many different Audicus hearing aids retail for $20 for a 16-piece pack.

Audicus offers a full one-year manufacturer’s warranty on both hearing aids. As long as the device has not been modified or damaged by the wearer, the serial number is not altered, and/or repairs have not been made without Audicus’ knowledge or consent, it will cover any defective hearing aid(s) under warranty. In addition, unlimited reprogramming is also included in the warranty.

A 30-day manufacturer’s warranty also covers the company’s classic and Bluetooth remotes if they prove to be defective. Wearers who believe they have a faulty hearing aid or remote should complete Audicus’ return form.

Although the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover loss or user damage, Audicus offers a 10% discount when purchasing a new pair of hearing aids. This discount is only valid for six months from the date the customer receives their hearing aids.

In addition to the free one-year manufacturer’s warranty, customers can purchase Audicus Protect, a subscription model for two years of hearing aid protection. It includes unlimited repairs, unlimited cleaning and care, and a one-time loss replacement. This extended warranty will cost $12 per month for one hearing aid and $24 per month for a set of hearing aids. The company also offers Audicus Care at $12 per month to cover battery replacements and other tools and supplies to maintain your device. Customers who wish to buy Audicus Protect must do so within 60 days of purchasing their hearing aid(s).

To repair your non-functioning hearing aids, you must send your device to Audicus. However, the company recommends some DIY steps, such as changing the batteries or cleaning the aid, before sending it in for repairs.

For repairs, you must first call Audicus support at 855-971-0451, and you’ll receive an order number and instructions on how to ship your aid. After sending your hearing aid(s) and evaluation of the Audicus team, you have the following options:

• Repair: The technical team will clean and check your hearing aids for defects. The cost to repair one device is $40, and $50 for a pair. The repair process may take 1-2 days to complete.
• Manufacturer repair: Hearing aids with significant damage may require a more extensive repair. Manufacturer repairs will cost you $199 per aid, and may take 7-14 days to complete.
• Replacement: If your hearing aids are irreparable, you can trade in your aid for a brand-new model. The trade-in value is calculated based on the current age and condition of your device.

If you have purchased the Audicus Protect add-on, all repairs are free of charge.

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