Overview

Audicus is a notable and relatively young player in the hearing aid industry, having been founded in 2012. The company holds significance for several compelling reasons. Audicus offers a diverse lineup of affordable hearing aids that are accessible to a wide range of consumers. Audicus takes a direct-to-consumer approach, allowing individuals to purchase hearing aids online. The company estimates a remarkable 70% cost reduction compared to traditional, in-person prescription hearing aid providers. This cost savings has the potential to make a profound impact on individuals seeking hearing solutions.

Features of Audicus Hearing Aid Models

Audicus presently offers a range of hearing aids designed to address hearing loss across five distinct levels of technology. Their current lineup comprises models in three styles: slim tube behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), and completely-in-canal (CIC). These options cater to individuals with mild to severe hearing impairment.

Spirit 1

Audicus’ introductory hearing aid model is the Spirit 1. It is designed to address mild to moderate hearing loss and falls into the category of “slim tube” behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. These slim tube BTE aids feature a small tube connecting the hearing aid’s body to the ear tip (dome) and require regular cleaning and occasional replacement.

The Spirit 1 is equipped with a comprehensive set of features to meet users’ needs, including multiple adjustment channels, directional microphones, and an automatic “scene analyzer” that endeavors to isolate speech from background noise effectively. Additionally, this model operates on rechargeable batteries, ensuring convenient and eco-friendly power options for users.

Mini

Sitting in the heart of Audicus’ product range is the Mini. This hearing aid is classified as completely-in-canal (CIC), making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a discreet and inconspicuous device. Audicus had not previously included a CIC model in their lineup, making the Mini a noteworthy and fresh addition to their selection of hearing aids.

The Mini offers a range of impressive features, including customizable programming and automatic adjustments tailored to your specific environment. It excels at masking background noise, ensuring a comfortable and effective listening experience for all-day wear. Advanced sound processing capabilities enable the Mini to adapt to various surroundings seamlessly. Additionally, it includes a tinnitus masker to address the bothersome ringing in the ears and boasts compatibility with a smartphone app for effortless adjustments.

The Mini operates on disposable batteries, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer not to deal with rechargeable batteries. Due to its CIC design, it is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing discreet and effective hearing support.

Omni 2

Audicus’ premium offering, the Omni 2, stands as a testament to the advantages of being part of the Sonova family. Leveraging Phonak’s cutting-edge technology, the Omni 2 allows direct streaming to both iOS and Android devices, a remarkable feature now integrated into this model. Furthermore, it offers the convenience of connecting to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

Tailored for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss, the Omni 2 sets a new standard by being 10 percent smaller than its predecessor. It incorporates adaptive-directional microphones that intelligently focus on the direction of incoming speech, ensuring top-notch clarity in communication. Users benefit from advanced remote adjustment capabilities and have the option to seek assistance from an Audicus audiologist for fine-tuning their hearing aids as needed. Additionally, the Omni 2 offers both disposable and rechargeable options, designed to outlast previous models, providing enhanced longevity and flexibility in power management.

Additional Services & Products

Audicus Remote

The Classic Remote is a valuable accessory that enables volume and program adjustments for specific devices. It utilizes near-field wireless communication to connect with the hearing aids, offering a convenient solution for individuals facing challenges such as dexterity issues or those who require access to manual programs like telecoil.

It serves as a useful tool for individuals in assisted living situations who may require assistance in managing their hearing aids. The Classic Remote comes at an affordable price point of $199 and is easily accessible for purchase online through Audicus.

Audicus Bluetooth and Dock

The Bluetooth Remote and Dock, available at a price of $349, offers a valuable Bluetooth rebroadcasting feature. With this functionality, you can pair the remote with your smartphone, tablet, or PC, enabling seamless audio streaming directly to your hearing aid.

The Bluetooth Dock, a key component of this system, connects to audio sources like your TV through both analog and digital connections. It then transmits the audio to the remote, which subsequently communicates with the hearing aids via near-field wireless communication. The Dock provides a range of approximately 30 feet, ensuring you can move freely while still enjoying your audio content. For added convenience, you have the option to purchase additional Bluetooth Docks at a cost of $149 each.

Audicus TV Connector

Audicus offers the TV Connector at a price of $199, providing a streamlined solution for streaming audio signals directly to the Wave hearing aids, eliminating the need for a separate rebroadcaster. This innovative device harnesses the power of 2.4 GHz AirStream technology, the same technology that enables direct streaming to your smartphone or tablet. Its impressive range extends up to approximately 50 feet, allowing you the freedom to move about while enjoying clear audio from your TV or other sources through your Wave hearing aids.

Hearing Test

Audicus provides a user-friendly approach to hearing assessment by offering a smartphone app-based hearing test or accepting traditional test results via scan. The app-based test is both swift and, as indicated by their results, reasonably accurate. Audicus relies on established fitting algorithms such as NAL-NL1 and NAL-NL2, which were specifically designed to strike a balance between enhancing the audibility of crucial speech sounds and ensuring listening comfort.

Their online procedure incorporates a questionnaire that delves into factors like age, activity level, and hearing aid usage history. These responses play a crucial role in helping Audicus tailor the initial hearing aid fitting to individual needs, mirroring the comprehensive approach often undertaken in traditional clinic settings.

Pricing

Audicus offers a range of receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids with prices spanning from $1,398 to $2,998 for a pair of devices. This pricing structure provides customers with options to choose the hearing aids that best align with their budget and specific hearing needs.

Audicus Membership Program

The Audicus Premier membership program offers two tiers with their respective costs:

Spirit 2 Tier:

• Monthly Cost: $99 per month.
• One-Time Fee: $249.

Omni 2 Tier:

• Monthly Cost: $149 per month.

Audicus Premier is a comprehensive membership program that encompasses various valuable benefits for its members. These benefits include:

• Hearing Aid Rental: Members can enjoy the rental of their chosen hearing aids as part of the program.
• Replacement Devices: Audicus provides replacement devices every 18 months to ensure that members have access to up-to-date technology.
• Unlimited Warranty: The program includes an unlimited warranty, offering peace of mind to members by covering potential issues with their hearing aids.
• Free Cleaning Services: Members can access free cleaning services for their hearing aids, a service that would typically cost $50.
• Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies: The program includes the provision of cleaning and maintenance supplies, which would typically be priced at $12 per month.
• Loss and Damage Protection: Members benefit from loss and damage protection for their hearing aids, which would typically cost $198 per pair.

Customer Support

Audicus offers a robust support system for its customers, emphasizing accessibility and assistance. Customers are encouraged to reach out to Audicus hearing specialists as frequently as needed for hearing aid tech support. Audicus users have the convenience of adjusting their hearing aid settings over the internet, providing a flexible and efficient way to fine-tune their hearing experience.

Audicus operates four hearing clinics located within Albertsons stores, with two in Chicago, one in New York, and another in Denver. Audicus is committed to investing heavily in supporting its clients throughout the entire purchase and maintenance cycle.

Conclusion

Access to high-quality hearing aids and accessories through mail delivery is undoubtedly a valuable perk. What makes Audicus even more appealing is its comprehensive hearing aid lineup, which caters to a wide range of individuals at prices significantly below industry standards.

With flexible payment options, ongoing upgrades available through their membership programs, and an extensive online supplies store, Audicus empowers older adults to customize their hearing solutions to meet their unique needs and budget constraints.