You’re hosting a family barbecue and everyone’s laughing at your cousin Dan’s corny jokes. You have no idea what’s so funny, but laugh along anyway. It's not the first time you’ve missed out because your hearing is fading.

Well, you’re not alone. Hearing loss affects 1 in 3 people over 65. Crossing your fingers and desperately hoping that the problem will magically disappear or flat-out ignoring it will not solve anything.

Many people put off getting a hearing aid for years after they first notice the early symptoms. It’s not hard to understand why. They go into resistance mode due to the doctor appointments, the hearing tests, the cost of hearing aids, and the stigma around wearing them.

But times have changed. In 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made hearing aids available Over-the-Counter (OTC). Companies are investing heavily in next-generation OTC hearing aids, and the market’s now filled with an abundance of options that never existed before.

One brand kept popping up repeatedly as something special — Audien Hearing. They focus on providing affordable and accessible hearing aid solutions for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

But how does Audien Hearing measure up against prescription models?

We did our research to identify which option can most help our readers. So we compared Audien Hearing with the Prescription Hearing Aid route — here’s what happened:

Key Similarities:

• Both traditional Prescription Hearing Aids and Audien Hearing are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Both brands provide clarity in sound amplification, enhance the user's overall hearing experiences, and improve quality of life.

• Both Prescription Hearing Aids and Audien Hearing Aids are designed for long-term usage.

Key Differences:

• Prescription Hearing Aids involve doctor visits, fitting consultations, and are customized to individual needs | Audien Hearing Aids are available online and don’t require a hearing test or a prescription.

• Prescription Hearing Aids require a fitting by an audiologist | Audien's OTC hearing aids come with 4 different hearing modes, so customers can easily choose the one that fits their hearing loss best

• Prescription Hearing Aids can cost $5K+ | Audien’s Atom 2 Series includes the Atom 2 ($189) and the Atom Pro 2 ($289) and provides comparable service at a fraction of the cost

Audien Hearing Aids:

Forbes rated Audien's 5-star hearing aids the “BEST HEARING AIDS OF 2023.” They cancel background noise and feature crystal-clear sound. They have four versatile listening modes: Conversation, Noisy Environment, Road Vehicle, and Outdoor.

Forget the hassle of battery changes. Both Atom 2 Series models have rechargeable batteries and offer wired and wireless charging options. A USB charger ensures compatibility with your other charging devices. Audien’s batteries last 24 hours, so you can spend your time out and about instead of waiting for a battery to charge.

Plus, they’re super-compact size and discreet, and feature a contoured design that is now the industry standard. Small behind-the-ear or complete in-canal styles minimize visibility and are comfortable – two things Audien certainly delivers on.

By limiting markups and eliminating middlemen like sales reps and doctors, Audien makes top-quality audio available to individuals with limited budgets or without insurance coverage too!

Prescription Hearing Aids:

In general, Prescription Hearing Aids require doctor’s visits, testing, and hearing health professionals who help identify the most suitable model for you. These devices may have advanced technology and customization options for your specific hearing needs.

Although they can have more features, it’s debatable if they’re worth the effort and the cost. The price can be a huge turn-off, with units as pricey as $5,000 — stopping many from seeking treatment. Paying for doctors and tests can add to the expense and accessibility challenges, particularly in underserved areas.

Regulatory constraints over prescription and dispensing can also delay a person from seeking help for their hearing loss.

Our Verdict:

After our research, the choice is clear: Audien Hearing is the champion. Why? Because they make getting a quality hearing aid effortless.

Their customer service is readily available via phone, chat, or email. Plus, Audien’s 1-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee means you’ve got total peace of mind when ordering.

Audien’s affordable pricing for the Atom 2 Series includes the Atom 2 ($189) and the Atom Pro 2 (smaller — UV hearing $289), which sets them apart from traditional options.

Say goodbye to ineffective solutions and check out Audien’s high-quality audio experience today!

_{1 https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss#:~:text=Approximately%2015%25%20of%20American%20adults,than%2075%20have%20difficulty%20hearing.}