Hearing Test

Audicus offers a smartphone app hearing test as well as being able to accept a scan of a traditional test. I found the app-based test to be quick and, based on their results, acceptably accurate. Their inside folks indicated that they use standard fitting algorithms (NAL-NL1 and NAL-NL2). These formulae were explicitly designed to balance the optimal audibility of important speech sounds with listening comfort.

Their online process also includes a questionnaire about age, activity, and hearing aid use history. Your answers help Audicus optimize the initial fitting. This process mirrors what I do in the clinic quite well.

Website Navigation

The Audicus website is well designed, but I found drilling down a bit challenging. Like any online source, Audicus wants my contact information, but their form was a bit aggressive for my taste. That said, I was able to get detailed spec sheets on the three products and the TV connector, and it’s easy to contact Audicus by phone and email. They have been very responsive, and the automatic emails generated by my initial time on the site are not annoyingly frequent.

Their current lineup covers mild to severe hearing loss in five levels of technology. Current models include slim tube behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), and completely-in-canal (CIC) styles. My initial eyeballing of them on the website suggested they are made by Unitron, a partner of leading manufacturer Phonak under the Sonova umbrella.1 A few emails with their inside folks confirmed this. Much like private label agreements with big box stores, this relationship provides Audicus customers the research and development muscle of an international company at a much lower cost and is beneficial for users. The downside of this setup is that even though the technology is Unitron, these devices can be adjusted only by Audicus. That may not be a big deal, but something to consider if you already have a relationship with a local dispenser.

Before diving into the details of Audicus’ three models (which all offer a 45-day money-back guarantee), let me show you the demo units I was sent.

As I stated in the intro, these are well-built and very close to Unitron models I have fitted for years, and I expect them to last and receive good consumer reviews for fit and wear and tear.

Audicus Hearing Aid Lineup

Testing out Audicus’ charging dock

Spirit 1

The Spirit 1 is the “entry level” product currently priced at $699 per ear for one-time purchase. It is listed for mild to moderate hearing loss. It’s a “slim tube” BTE, which means that the small tube connecting the body of the hearing aid to the ear tip (dome) will need regular cleaning and occasional replacement. It has all the features anyone would need, including several adjustment channels, directional microphones, and an automatic “scene analyzer,” which attempts to extract speech from noise. The Spirit 1 operates on rechargeable batteries.

Audicus Spirit 1

Mini

In the middle of the Audicus lineup is the Mini, priced at $1,249 per ear. This completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is an excellent choice for those who want a discreet device. Audicus did not previously offer a CIC device, so this model is a new addition to the lineup.

The Mini comes with customizable programming and auto-adjustments, so the hearing aid will adjust to whatever environment you’re in. It also masks background noise and is designed for all-day wear. The Mini features advanced sound processing to recognize different environments, a tinnitus masker for that pesky ringing in the ears, and a compatible smartphone app for easy adjustments. The Mini comes with disposable batteries, so it’s best for those who aren’t looking for rechargeable batteries.

Because this is a CIC model, it’s best suited for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Audicus Mini

Omni 2

Audicus’ top-tier product is the Omni 2, priced at $1,399 per ear. This is a great example of the power of being part of the Sonova family. A few years ago, Phonak developed a way to directly stream to both iOS and Android devices. Based on what I’m seeing here, this tech has been made available in the Omni 2. You can even connect to two Bluetooth devices at once!

This RIC is best for mild to severe hearing loss. Omni 2 is 10 percent smaller than the previous model; I appreciate the evolution of Audicus products over time to be more and more discreet.

Omni 2 features adaptive-directional microphones that focus on where speech is coming from, and it provides top-of-the-line speech clarity. It comes with advanced remote adjustments, and you can contact an Audicus audiologist to adjust your hearing aids at any time. This model comes in disposable and rechargeable options that are designed to last longer than previous models.

Audicus Omni

Accessories

Audicus has two families of accessories: Near-field (Dia II and Clara) and 2.4 GHz “AirStream” (Wave). They also offer a standalone remote control, which is handy if you have dexterity issues or want additional programs. They also offer two TV streamers and a Bluetooth rebroadcaster. These devices are made by Sonova and function identically to their Phonak and Unitron counterparts. As such, I’m very comfortable recommending them based on over a decade of success with their “cousins.”

Audicus Accessories
Audicus Remote	The Classic Remote allows for volume and program adjustment for select devices. It communicates to the hearing aids using near-field wireless communication and can be helpful for those with dexterity issues, those needing to access manual programs like telecoil, or those in assisted living who may need help controlling their hearing aids. It’s fairly inexpensive at $199 and is available online from Audicus.
Audicus Bluetooth and Dock	The Bluetooth Remote and Dock, priced at $349, provides Bluetooth rebroadcasting, which allows you to pair the remote to your smartphone, tablet, or PC, then stream audio to your hearing aid. The Bluetooth Dock connects to audio sources like your TV via analog or digital connections, then streams to the remote, which then talks to the hearing aids via near-field wireless communication. The Dock has a range of about 30 feet. In addition, the remote provides access to volume and program adjustments. Additional Bluetooth Docks are available at $149 each.
Audicus TV Connector	The TV Connector, priced at $199, streams audio signals to the Wave hearing aids without the need for a rebroadcaster. This uses the same 2.4 GHz AirStream technology that allows you to stream directly to your smartphone or tablet. It accepts both analog and digital inputs and has a range of about 50 feet.

Wrapup

Having access to well-made hearing aids and accessories via the mail is a great perk. A hearing aid lineup that covers the vast majority of folks at prices well below the going rate is even better. Audicus’ flexible payment options, ongoing upgrades via their memberships, and extensive online supplies store allow older adults to customize a pair of hearing aids to their needs and budget. I like that the company’s product lineup has evolved over time to include more discreet designs.

Having interacted with the company quite a bit while researching this piece, and being very familiar with the technology under the hood, I’m quite comfortable recommending Audicus as an option for folks with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Even though the specs indicate that certain models are sufficient for a severe loss on the audiogram, I’d need to see how they function in the real world for folks with more severe background noise and reverberation issues to recommend them for that population. The exception to that caveat depends on the flexibility and response of their telecoil. If the telecoil can be set to meet the ANSI specification for hearing loops,2 patients with severe loss could use it in looped environments or with a personal ALD and neck loop with good results.

All in all, Audicus should be on your “check it out” list for hearing aids. I hope that companies like Audicus that challenge the traditional models will make hearing aids more convenient and accessible and that they will continue to lower the barriers to entry for hearing help.