Audicus Hearing Aid Reviews
Updated March 23, 2016
Note: This post is written by a hearing instrument specialist and is merely an opinion piece.
Originally launched in 2011, New York, NY based Audicus is one of the most widely recognized online hearing aid retailers in the industry. With the average price of a single hearing aid ranging from $1600 – $2000, Audicus fills a need in the market by offering high quality hearing aids at greatly reduced prices. What is Audicus’s secret sauce, and how are they able to offer hearing aids at such low prices? The answer lies in their distribution model.
How Hearing Aids Are Traditionally Distributed
For as long as hearing aids have been widely and commercially available, hearing aid manufacturers have wholesaled hearing aids directly to hearing healthcare providers, who in turn retail the hearing aids to their customers (patients). This distribution method gives hearing aid manufacturers the confidence that their products are being dispensed by licensed and trained professionals, and that the end user will have access to ongoing (local) support for their hearing aids. This is still the most popular distribution method, and is endorsed by consumer protection agencies such as the FDA and FTC.
How Audicus Distributes Hearing Aids
Taken straight from Audicus’s website:
We cut out the middlemen by partnering with top-tier, independent manufacturers in Germany and the US and delivering directly to you.
The “middleman” in this case, is the local hearing healthcare provider who is traditionally tasked with:
- Sizing the hearing aids so they fit appropriately
- Programming the hearing aids to a unique hearing profile
- Verifying the fit and output of the hearing aids
- Counseling the patient on adjusting to hearing aids
- Providing local maintenance, handling warranty and repairs
- Re-testing hearing annually and reprogramming hearing aids as needed
These tasks are not insignificant and a patient’s eventual outcome with hearing aids (successful acclimatization or rejection), is largely attributed to the above services.
Audicus aims to streamline the distribution process and reduce the price of hearing aids by foregoing some of the above services entirely, or offering remote service.
Audicus’s process is simple:
- Get a hearing test from a local hearing provider
- Send the results to Audicus
- Audicus will remotely program and mail the hearing aids to you
It’s this simple and relatively uninvolved process which allows Audicus to retail hearing aids for only hundreds of dollars above their acquisition cost.
For the patient, the savings over traditional retail prices are significant, but is there more than meets the eye? Yes.
What Are the Problems With This Direct-to-Consumer Distribution Method?
Audicus and other direct-to-consumer online retailers would have you believe that ordering and being fit with hearing aids is as simple as any other online purchase. They’ve employed smart marketing campaigns and have a simple, clear message- “cut out the middleman and save thousands.” For price-conscious consumers who may have previously been quoted much higher prices locally, this is an appealing message.
Though this message is sometimes technically accurate, the “middleman” plays a much more significant role than Audicus and similar retailers would lead consumers to believe, and the trade-offs which consumers make in foregoing that local service is of course not something that is conveyed by retailers. Instead, myths about the hearing aid buying process and what it means to be fit with hearing aids remotely are perpetuated. It is hard to succinctly explain just how misleading these retailers are, so to do so, we created this infographic to help illustrate these points.
Does Audicus Sell Good Hearing Aids?
Absolutely! Audicus hearing aids are built by German hearing aid manufacturer Hansaton– a great (relatively small) hearing aid manufacturer. In fact, since their recent acquisition, Hansaton is now owned by Sonova, which also owns the Phonak and Unitron brands- both of which are brands we sell. Sonova is one of the most respected names in the hearing aid industry, and their interest in Hansaton speaks volumes to both the people and technology at Hansaton.
Are There Affordable Alternatives to Audicus, Which Include Local Service?
You bet. Audicus sells their premium Alto model for $699, though most of the time you can find discounts which will reduce the price to $649. A similar hearing aid which can be purchased locally, for $999, would be the Unitron N Moxi Fit 500. In fairness, the Unitron is an entry-level hearing aid, as compared to the Alto’s presumably premium technology (it’s hard to find detailed specifications). However, I think all hearing healthcare providers would agree that an entry-level hearing aid that is personally fit and programmed by a hearing provider will perform better than a premium hearing aid fit remotely. That’s anecdotal of course- but after fitting thousands of hearing aids, it’s my opinion, and I would venture it’s the opinion of almost all hearing healthcare providers.
Is Audicus a Good Fit For Some People?
Sure! Though, we’d recommend not purchasing from a direct-to-consumer retailer unless you have previously worn hearing aids and understand all that is involved in the proper fitting and maintenance of hearing aids. If you are an experienced hearing aid wearer, and perhaps don’t have affordable local options- absolutely give them a shot. You should not have to suffer in silence, and as you’ll see in the comments section below, you could do a lot worse than Audicus! That’s something I can’t say for many online retailers.
With only 30% of the hard of hearing population in the US actually using hearing aids, I commend any company that can help increase adoption rates. Of course, coming from the hearing health care industry, and personally working with thousands of patients, I obviously have a bias regarding the way hearing aids should be distributed. However, at the end of the day, the goal is to get more people hearing better, and I believe that consumers deserve choices and should be able to vote with their wallets.
Summary
I hope to have conveyed that purchasing hearing aids should never be about just finding the lowest price possible. We certainly encourage consumers to shop around and find a great deal, but at the same time, it’s important to carefully weigh all the options on the market, and consider the long term repercussions of your purchase. The fact is, whether you choose to purchase hearing aids online or locally, they are going to be expensive- probably more than you’d like to spend. BUT- your hearing aids are an investment which you’ll use every single day for years to come- isn’t it worth it to pay slightly more, and have all the added value and convenience that comes with working with a local hearing healthcare provider?
you are coming from the point of view of one who fits these for a living?
Yes Linda, that is correct
While I think you point out some of the obstacles correctly your vested interest is in preventing the development of online sales of hearing aids.
Fair enough, though I think as long as the above points are valid and not misleading that shouldn’t matter- it’s simply another side of the story.
What about buying the best aids from Audicus and having your audiologist program them for $500.00?
Is this not the best of both worlds? It is still 1/2 the price. My MD for 20 years and audiologist charge $5000 for a basic set of hearing aids. The best here are $1600 and change(Audicus). There still is a big difference. You pay an additional $500 for fitting and all services.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
In theory, yes that’s not a bad idea. In practice though, it’s very difficult to find a provider who is both familiar with the aids they sell, and at the same time will agree to that service structure.
I went to an ENT and got checked out. I then got a hearing test at our local hospital and a copy of the audio-gram. Purchased 2 Audicus Canto’s from Audicus.com. and faxed them the audio-gram. I have a moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears especially at the higher range levels. I recieved my hearing aids a week ago and so far I am thrilled with the performance and comfort of this product. I have needed hearing aid for several years and now I know what I have been missing.
While the author clearly has a vested interest there is merit to what he is saying. After 20 years using aids and many good and bad experiences with aids and hearing “providers”, I can attest to the importance of having someone local to adjust the aids. There is just no substitute for local service when it comes to aids. They have to be personalized for you there is no way around it and believe me if I could get the same benefit WITHOUT a provider I would because it is a hassle. I have looked at the various online vendors and their costs do not justify it when I could go to costco and get aids personally programmed for me for $599 an aid if I really wanted to save money. My 2 cents..
Hi Jasper, I really appreciate your comment. I have my first Dr. appointment in 3 weeks and called my insurance today to find out I do not have hearing aid coverage. I was expecting this news but hoping for somekind of coverrage especially with the so called National Health care. My mother buys her aids at Costco and I was wondering if they are in fact the best prices since she doesn’t shop on-line. Based on your comments, is one brand better than another? I guess I just need some guidance and since this is a first for me I do not want to be sold something I really don’t need and I am concerned someone will sell me a bill of goods since I do not have any experience in buying an aid. Thanks.
Today is my appt in costco ..lets see how it goes..Miracle Ear was pushing pushing to buy their $5300 set ..
Hi Sajid, Just read your comments here and was wondering how your experience was with buying your hearing aids at Costco?
I have been reading in on audicus and really like what I see a pair w/bluetooth control 1797.00 my other option is thur hi Healthinnovations doesn’t give alot infromation on their pair but cost 1758.00 with no controler.
I wish to have phonak but 5700 is way out my budget and carecredit is not for me either. I’m just skiddish on the Auducus due to adjustments if not set right. Now looking into the Costco web sit they have really nice with all the extra’s for set 1899.99. Lots of good options just now trying choose what works best for me and my wallet.
Forget hi innovations aids they are not worth it.
Im new to hearing aids & greatly appreciate this blog, I do think Im going to give audicus a shot.
I bought one hearing aid through an audiologist and then bought a “backup” hearing aid for the same ear from Audicus at about 1/3 the price of the hearing aid I bought from the audiologist, which I was very happy with, but I just wanted to see how the Audicus aid compared at the much lower price.
Unfortunately, the Audicus was not nearly as effective as the more expensive aid I bought from the audiologist, but to Audicus’ credit, they promptly refunded my money in full when I returned the Audicus hearing aid to Audicus.
Hi Al,
Your experience speaks to what I said in this post about the importance of local service for adjustments. Hearing aids fitted remotely will almost never sound as good as aids adjusted in person. While Audicus has some good reviews, I would guess that a large amount of those folks have nothing else to compare their Audicus aids to, so they don’t realize they could potentially be hearing much better- and that it may even be worth the additional cost if any. In addition, if you have anything more than a mild to moderate loss (which a ton of people people do), then you’re going to need to consider custom earmolds, which is something online dealers can’t provide.
I appreciate the author’s perspective on this topic and the fairness of his piece. I have had moderate to profound hearing loss since childhood and have had numerous pairs of hearing aids of all styles. I have also bought ALL but one pair at a local audiologist. My most recent pair from them was a high end pair with all the bells and whistles available at the time. Price was upwards of $6000. They typically lasted me 2 -3 years before they would be lost or damaged to the point of replacement. After doing this for such a long time. I decided to try audicus and bought 2 Anote hearing aids with bluetooth controller and extra controller. My cost was $1899. I have been delighted. Delighted! with the performance of my audicus hearing aids. I admit however that I have not sent them back in for any type of adjustment or repair. I have had them now for a year and a half. I listen to my IPOD music sent via blue tooth through them, my tv at home, my cell phone calls all are routed through my hearing aids. They have been flawless so far. The author states that the maker of Audicus hearing aids is Hansaton. This is correct and they are not one of the big 6 manufacturers in the US but they are one of the big 3 manufacturers of European hearing aids and they are a sister company to Siemens electronics here in the US.
I do think however that the author has a good point about local service being a factor, but to me the cost is well worth it.
I plan to stay with them for my next upgrade as well.
How much was your cost to obtain a audiogram from an audiologist ?
Went to a local NewSound dealer today and received a FREE audiogram. Listened to a sales pitch and had my ears cleaned of excess wax. Paid $45 copay fee of my humana to them although they didn’t want to take it.
Costco always gives a free audiogram.
I am from England, visiting my father in law who lives in Dallas. He is 88 years old and has had a ‘bad’ experience with the hearing aids he bought from the Miracle Ear centre in Sherry Lane, Dallas. The model is Charger 13-H ME NTS. They simply have not helped his hearing, so he doesn’t wear them at all. This is making him withdraw into his own world and he doesn’t contribute at all in family gatherings because he can’t hear what is being said.
He has an appointment to see an Audiologist in January, but we will still be faced with the possibility of him being sold the wrong hearing aid. What I think he needs is a trial run with hearing aids before he actually buys one. Can you please suggest a local supplier we can try.
Many thanks
Brian,
We have a very trustworthy provider that we work a lot with in Dallas. Give me a call and I’ll get you their info…
Jeff
Apparent minimum comes to about a grand per ear. That makes two grand, right. One can buy a very, very good computer for that price – w/monitor. Is it really believable that a hearing aid is going to have as much technology in it as even a $200 new laptop? Show me.
excellent point. I appreciate the author’s expertise; I do not appreciate the monopoly surrounding hearing aids that excludes so many because of price.
I’ve been snookered with hearing aids for the past 12 years from Siemens, Rexton, Belltone et al, and the problems have been with fittings and whistling that could never been corrected. I am considering a chance with Audicus since an investment of about $1400 for both ears is more reasonable than $5000 to 6000 for a pair that could not be fitted properly from a US company.
Dave Louis
I just received my Audicus Dia hearing ($1200.)aid, with a remote control the size of a flip phone, ridiculously easy to program. I could not be happier, my insurance paid for my hearing test, and Audicus had $100 credit, so the remote ended up being free. The remote has 4 levels, of amplifiers with 3 levels each to choose from. I saved a ton of money and the fit is beautiful
I’ve purchased one Dia BTE from Audicus.com for my unilateral hearing loss from Meniere’s Disease. I’m very happy with it! Got tested by an audiologist here, who offered me a hearing aid for over $1,000. Sent the test result to Audicus, paid just under $600. The hearing aid seems to be adjusted perfectly for my hearing loss. I highly recommend them!
BB in AZ
i ordered two cantos from Audicus.com after six months, one stopped working totally. I did my due diligence and sent it in with a Service Request order from the company. 10 days later they have completely abandoned me. I have emailed. I have asked. No response. I feel like I have been victim of an overseas rip off because the more research I do the less I feel confident that I will ever receive anything back. The worst part is that I have one still from them that I have to order parts for…be careful with this company, you will only get vague responses when looking for customer service. Most people will write it off as a 500$ mistake but I will forge on and warn people. By the way, I paid over 1000$ for two hearing aids and today I have one working one.
The most ridiculous part of buying hearing aids besides the cost is the fact that you don’t own them. We bought $6,000 hearing aids from a local audiologist. We had to cash in part of my husband’s IRA to do it. Not long after we got them, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died 13 months later. So I have $6,000 hearing aids that I can’t even give to someone because it turns out that we don’t really own them. You aren’t allowed to give them to other people. This is a huge scam. I know I need hearing aids but after my experience, I rather turn the tv up and not hear people.
Nina, we are sorry to hear about your husband’s passing but the hearing aids may be
appropriate for you. Visit an audiologist and see if that is possible. If you can not use them,
donate the hearing aids to the audiology center or to the Lion’s Club and get a letter for an IRS deduction. Good Luck! An audiologist in Orange County, NY
Nina, sorry to hear of your loss.
Odd, that in the land of the free, we seem to be indentured in all ways to someone.
Who really cares what you are told you can do with them, do with them as you wish. An unreasonable limitation has been placed on you, and the only appropriate response to that is to ignore it. Some laws are just ( no murder, no rape, etc.), while other laws a simply the result of a strong lobby effort, with no higher moral ground other than to profit some BMW/Mercedes/Porsche driving fool.
Realistically, what are they going to do? Come audit you in your house, check for the presence of the hearing aids, and shake an admonishing finger at you while they remind you that you can do anything with them? I have a finger you can shake at them.
Do what you want. Sell them on eBay. Give them to a friend. Give them to charity and get a donation letter as another reader mentioned. Do anything you want, and feel 100% guilt free. We have to break away from the idea that the laws we live under are some sort of edict from God almighty; they are not. Like everything else, such as the hearing aid industry, one simply needs to follow the money to understand why any particular law is put in place.
Again, do what you want. If the incredibly improbable happens, and someone actually does ask what happened to them, just lie; tell them you threw them away. Don’t lie to your family, husband, daughter, son, etc., but feel free to lie to some soulless corporate hack who in all likelihood screwed you on the sale of the hearing aids, screwed you on the resupply of the hearing aid disposables, and now at end of life is trying to screw you on what you may and may not do with your own property.
Sorry for sounding like a nut, but I in particular despise the hearing aid industry. It is a manipulative, dishonest, bunch of charlatans, who survive by maintaining a lack of researchable information within the public, coupled with attempts to sanctify their position through restrictive laws and regulations that do not serve the public, but rather serve their own pocketbooks. The hearing industries greatest fear is what has happened to other specializations such as glasses, contacts, etc.
At some point in the future, the veil of secrecy concerning hearing and hearing devices will be lifted, and the leeches who currently run the hearing aid industry will move on to harvest the almighty dollar from some other area of specialization that they can lock down. Until then, remember that finger I mentioned? Wag that finger at as many hearing industry related folks as you can!
i will take them..reprogramme them…not against the law
A miracle ear pair for me is over $7000.00 I understand the local service and fitting but after financing it wold be over $16000.00!!! So obviously Audicus gives me hope that with a substantially smaller investment that I may be able to enjoy hearing once again! The price is just outrageous for the miracle ear brand! Plus I didn’t feel to confident in the branch I went to. It felt like they were all about the sale and not about me!!!!
So confusing. Everyone wants me to get hearing aids. Even friends who have died have left me their hearing aids which I am currently using after having them adjusted for me. I’d like some meant for me, but the prices are so high. I’d like to try the Audicus ones, but hesitate about the remote adjustments and mailing. I checked out Miracle Ear (after another friend gave me her old aides – Miracle aide wanted $500 each to repair them for me to use) an aide with 32 channels was recommended. After researching I’ve concluded that 8 channels is enough? My hearing loss is moderately severe in my right ear – about 75 loss especially in the lower range. My left ear is moderate – I can hear high pitches extremely well. I cannot use my right ear to answer the phone or most anything.
Hi,
Miracle Ear is the most expensive way to go. Most digital hearing aids now are programable. Most of us only really need 6 channels to hear quite well. I have moderate hearing loss in one ear due to Meneire’s Disease, but it’s in a strange configuration.
I got one Dia aid from Audicus.com in NY. Sent them my hearing test from an audiologist and they adjusted it to my exact hearing loss profile. They sent it to me quickly and it works great for me! I’ve had it over 6 months now and I’m so glad I got it!
For the one, on a sale, it was only $550. Period. No extra costs, no shipping fee. And they are very helpful if I have questions, either by phone or online.
I highly recommend Audicus!
Why can’t you buy a hearing aid like a car. The last 3 new cars I bought I paid from $300 to $600 over the invoice price. Since the actual cost of a hearind is probably between $300 to $900, you should be able to offer the realtor $500 and $25 to $50 for any adjustments needed after the warranty period. To charge up to $3,000 or more for each hearing aid is unconscionable.
You are NOT 100% correct UT you are partially right about the aids. I lost $10,000 on 2 aids provided by a class audiologist and a ENT. Neither worked – know one case the units were in his office for 3 years, couldn’t fix it and eventually lost it. Will not give me my money back.
So even having an audiologist and ENT MD does not even come close to getting correct aids. I got mail order a year ago and ZERO problems- not even a minor one. So much for your consideration. Honesty is more important that a good fit – not even close!!!
To my audiologist, See You In Court!!!
I have been wearing hearing aids for 12 years. My first 2 pairs cost me
$6000 each. I was always having to go and have them adjusted for one reason or the other. I then went to Costo when I needed new ones. I used a set of theirs for about 3 years until my hearing changed. I went back to them and was told they could no longer help me. I then went to Audicus and read all of the material I could fine. I ordered the Canto from them and have been most pleased. I am now ready for another set and have gone back to Audicus and upgraded to their premium aids. Am looking for them to arrive soon. I really am sorry that I spent $12000 years ago on hearing aids. I did not know at the time you could buy online. If you can afford $6000 for a set of hearing aids, by all means do so. I could have certainly used my money in a better way than to have one adjustment after the other from Beltone.
Hi, I greatly appreciate your candid discussion of the relative advantages/disadvantages of saving money on hearing aids with a trade-off in personalized service, compared to paying a great deal more but getting professional, local attention. I am only starting out in hearing aids. I have moderate hearing loss in high ranges. My audiologist recommended Oticon for $5,000 per pair. Audiscu claims I could get what I need from them for about $700 each. I am curious, do you think the beneit of local service is sufficient to justify an additional $3,600 in cost?
It depends on what model is being sold for $5000/pair. If it’s a premium set, then yes, I think the convenience of having someone locally, and the feature set, will be worth the extra cost. If it’s an entry level or mid-range set then that is not a very good deal and it’s harder to justify it IMO.
I am trial testing Oticon opn2. Embrace tells me they can fit me with a model comparable to Oticon opn1 at half the cost. I don’t know whether this is as good as it sounds. Thank you for your thoughtful and prompt reply.
I’d say that’s a little on the high side for that model. Another thing to consider is what you are giving up by not working with a local provider, in terms of convenience and precision fitting. You might be interested in this post.
With the cost of hearing aids (which usually coincide with lots of other medical issues of getting older) and the fact that the Health Insurance industry does not see hearing loss as a medical condition to cover it leaves many stuck without hearing aids. My husband desperately needs hearing aids and the best we could do at a local provider was 5000.00. I know it is an investment but if you do not have the money well….
So what do we do? No financing options for people that don’t have credit cards and most offices here do not have Care Credit(probably would not qualify anyway).
But what really struck me was that the very citizens that start needing hearing aids are the ones on fixed incomes. So as an audiologist are you fighting to get the costs lowered in local offices so these people and people like my husband can have hearing aids. Sorry for the ramble it is just that I work very hard to support us and feel like a failure because I can’t provide a basic need like hearing aids. Maybe the audiologists should be lobbying the insurance companies to start covering hearing aids even if its 50% like dental it would help a lot of people/.
Been real helpful ordering hem and talking me through minor problems,great company
I find it unconscionable that elderly people on fixed incomes have to pay $6000 for a pair of hearing aids with $30 worth of electronics and $100 worth of labor to manufacture.
Jules is absolutely spot on. Here in Hawaii we have a plethora of less than upfront audiologist that pray on senior citizens… how cruel – I know because it happened to me… $4,800 I got stuck with an aid that simple did not ever work. Tried to get it fixed or my money back – too bad too sad I was told – aid company went out of business. Found out the audiologist made the aid in his shop. Got a Audicus Dia and it out performs any of the mega cost aids I have before. Bonus: My older aids needed battery replacements daily – two days at the most – my Audicus give me at least 5-7 days of life!!!!!
I have had hearing loss since my mid 20s, and have owned many different pairs of aids. I’m 60 now, and it has gotten progressively worse. I went to the local audiologist, she did the test and I have severe hearing loss in both ears. She recommended a pair that would cost $6000.
I went online to Audicus, and ordered a pair of Oro’s with the receiver in canal for $1500 and they are fabulous. As a marketing executive, I can tell you that you don’t have to be the lowest priced provider, BUT YOU MUST BE PRICE RELEVANT. Buying from the audiologist is not price relevant. The ‘middleman’ markup is huge with the typical manufacturer/audiologist model. I believe that online buying will end the typical audiologist model, and soon.
Just out of interest, I am a long time user of hearing aid technology. I have now had: 1) a pair of ‘in the canal’ aids that cost me $5000 many years ago and can longer be used with my loss profile 2) a pair of behind the ear $7000 aids that I was told 5 years ago were so technologically behind the times that I threw them away and now 3) a $9000 pair that are almost useless for the same reasons as #2 and are ready to be trashed. (I asked if I could donate them to a worthy recipient, send them to Nepal or something and nobody was interested….will advertise myself now!) I should note that costs quoted are $NZ.
I and my son are about to order Audicus as we are coming to the USA and save on our local import taxes and freight. With the present exchange rates we will pay approx NZ$2800 each pair for the most advanced set with bluetooth etc. I have been quoted just over NZ$10,000 for the equivalent (1 x pair). I have already been told that all of our local clinics are now owned by subsidiaries of the major hearing aid manufacturers so locally I am only being directed /recommended to specific brands depending on the ultimate owner of that particular clinic.
I am a businessman and this type of activity is called monopolisation, market manipulation, deception, price gouging or any other description depending on your mood. One reason Audicus began was due to their early research into the extremely low adoption rates for hearing technology directly attributable to cost.
So here I go…….I can fly to the USA, pay for, pick up my aids, send them back multiple times for retuning AND have a holiday for the same price as the aids being hawked to me here.
This is just plain wrong.
Altho I was not able to use these hearing I must say this company seems to be very reputable .i returned them and within a couple of days they refunded my money. No questions asked!
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