At a glance
What we like
- Enhanced audio quality with A2 Sound Chip
- Ergonomic design for improved comfort and fit
- Impressive 24-hour battery life
- Sleek and compact design in both models
- Unique UV light cleaning feature in Atom Pro 2
- Simple and effective performance
In today’s market, there is an increasing availability of cost-effective hearing amplifiers and hearing aids, making them accessible to a broader audience. Gone are the days when these devices were seen as extravagant expenses that could potentially create financial burdens or disrupt daily life.
Among the manufacturers of these affordable (OTC) hearing aids, Audien Hearing stands out. This company offers a range of hearing aids and continually strives to enhance and refine their models, all while keeping prices reasonable.
Audien Hearing has gained recognition primarily due to their impressively affordable and highly functional Atom and Atom Pro models. These devices have generated significant interest among individuals in need of hearing assistance, as well as those who are considering hearing aids for themselves or their loved ones. Recently, Audien Hearing has introduced their new Atom 2 series, which includes base model and a Pro model, featuring innovative and unique features that I have not seen in any other hearing aids or amplifiers.
I decided to take a closer look and conduct an in-depth review to provide you with more information. This review will help you determine whether it’s worth upgrading from the previous Atom models or, if you’re new to Audien, whether these hearing aids are the right choice for you.
About Audien Hearing
Audien Hearing is a company renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality and affordable (OTC) hearing aids. While they may be classified as hearing amplifiers, recent upgrades have seen the integration of improved sound chips and background noise cancellation features. With each new model release, Audien Hearing consistently strives for better performance, surpassing their previous offerings.
In the midst of a competitive market where several brands are now producing affordable hearing aids, Audien stands out not only for its attractive pricing but also for its reputation as a trustworthy and dependable company.
This assertion is reinforced by their impressive ratings on review platforms. Audien Hearing holds a commendable 3.8 out of 5 overall rating on Trustpilot, a testament to the satisfaction of their customers. Their responsiveness and efficiency in addressing customer inquiries and resolving issues are particularly noteworthy. Moreover, Audien Hearing has earned an even stronger rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where they hold accredited business status and an overall rating of B, with a score of 4.22 out of 5.
Overall, Audien Hearing is a respected company, and their products reflect this reputation. Now, let’s delve into what you can expect from their new Atom 2 series and whether they are a worthwhile investment or simply a refined version of their previous offerings.
Unboxing The Audien Atom 2 and Atom Pro
When it comes to unboxing, the curiosity naturally lies in what you’ll find inside and the richness of the product in terms of accessories.
Upon first glance at the Atom 2, it’s immediately apparent that it’s a significant upgrade compared to the previous Atom model. In the new Atom 2 packaging, the hearing aids are neatly housed inside a case, marking a noteworthy improvement over the previous version, which relied on a charging dock. Moreover, the case itself boasts a sleek and compact design, making it convenient for carrying on the go. The visual upgrade extends to the hearing aids themselves, which now sport a more polished appearance.
Notably, the old controls on the back of each aid have been replaced with sleek buttons. These buttons serve a dual purpose, allowing users to choose from four different hearing modes and adjust the volume. It’s also worth mentioning that the silicone pieces have received a fresh design, being fuller and larger than their predecessors. This design enhancement ensures a better fit, improved sound isolation, and a reduced risk of the aids falling out during various activities. While the previous tips were comfortable and unnoticeable while wearing, feedback suggests that the new design also maintains comfort during extended periods of use.
Moving on to the Atom Pro 2, the aesthetics have been further refined, giving the case a clean and premium appearance. The buds themselves are smaller in comparison to the Atom 2. Similar to the Atom 2, each bud on the Pro 2 features a button on the back, serving the same functions. In the case of the Pro 2, the case serves a dual purpose: carrying the buds and charging them, a feature retained from the previous Pro model. The most notable improvement over the previous Atom Pro model is the inclusion of a built-in UV light in the case, used for cleaning the buds during charging. This feature is particularly innovative, as it is not commonly found in other hearing aids or amplifiers. Previously, to access this functionality, users had to purchase a separate UV cleaner.
While the accessory package may not be significantly expanded, there are still notable additions compared to the previous Atom model. The Atom 2 includes a charging dock, a carrying case (a feature previously reserved for the Pro model), and four wax guards that can be replaced when they become clogged. These wax guards are a newly included item. Beyond these additions, the package remains consistent, with a wall plug accompanied by a USB-C charging cable, extra ear tips in varying sizes, and a user manual with a startup guide. Similarly, the Atom Pro 2 includes all of these components, with the exception of the charging dock.
Improvements of Audio
The Audien Atom 2 and Atom Pro 2 unquestionably represent a substantial leap forward in audio quality compared to their predecessors. Both models now incorporate the advanced A2 Sound Chip, a noteworthy upgrade over the previous Atom Chip. This enhancement allows users to focus more effectively on the sounds they genuinely want to hear. Additionally, the redesigned silicon tips contribute significantly to the overall audio quality, as they create a better fit and improve sound performance.
For the Atom Pro 2, the improvements in audio quality are even more pronounced. Alongside the inclusion of the A2 chip for superior sound, the Atom Pro 2 also introduces background noise cancellation, ensuring that you hear what truly matters without interference.
The difference in audio quality is readily discernible, particularly in the case of the Atom Pro 2 model. The audio enhancements deliver a noticeable upgrade, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Another area of improvement is the ease of use when it comes to controls. Unlike the previous models, where adjustments required the aids to be taken out and fine-tuned with a small tool, the new models allow for on-the-go adjustments. This means that you can make changes directly while wearing them, and the inclusion of four distinct hearing modes further enhances the user experience.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone is equally pleased with the new controls or buttons, particularly those who have become accustomed to fine-tuning their volume on previous models. Some users have expressed frustration, stating that they find it challenging to make precise adjustments on the new Atom 2 models. Interestingly, some individuals who have used the older models find that the previous versions suit them better and are more preferable overall. This feedback was somewhat unexpected and came as a surprise.
Nevertheless, it’s important to emphasize that, on the whole, the audio quality of the new models represents a significant improvement.
Wearing and Comfort
One of the critical factors to consider when evaluating hearing aids is comfort. These devices, which go into the ear canal, can vary in terms of comfort, and finding the right fit is crucial to ensure a pleasant experience.
In this regard, the Audien Atom 2 has made substantial improvements in the overall shape and fit of their aids. The ergonomic design of these aids has been enhanced, resulting in a better and more comfortable fit. Upon reviewing a wide range of customer feedback, it’s evident that people are genuinely pleased with the fit. The comfort levels are consistently high, even during prolonged or daily wear, which is a vital consideration for users.
It’s worth noting that the changes in shape are not merely cosmetic; they have significantly improved the overall fit and comfort of both hearing aids. Furthermore, each model includes three different sizes of ear tips, allowing users to customize the fit according to their specific ear size. This attention to detail in providing various options for ear tips further contributes to the comfort and wearability of the Audien Atom 2 hearing aids.
Connectivity
One notable aspect where the previous Atom models were lacking was in terms of connectivity, particularly the absence of any connection to a mobile app or smartphone. Unfortunately, the trend continues with the Atom 2 series, as they do not support any form of smartphone connectivity for enhanced customization.
It appears that Audien is not currently pursuing smartphone integration, opting instead to keep their products simple while still delivering excellent audio quality and maintaining reasonable pricing. While the absence of smartphone connectivity may be a drawback for some users who value advanced customization options, it’s noteworthy that Audien is focusing on improving product quality and introducing new features without significantly increasing the price. This approach aims to strike a balance between affordability and enhanced performance.
Battery Life
In our active lives, hearing is not confined to the typical 8-hour workday; it extends from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep. Therefore, it is essential to have hearing aids that can provide a full day’s worth of battery life, and ideally, even last through half of the night. Audien has built a reputation for delivering reliable battery performance in their previous models, and this remains consistent with the new Atom 2 and Pro 2.
Both the Atom 2 and Pro 2 boast an impressive 24-hour battery life. When it comes to recharging, they require approximately 4-6 hours to reach a full charge. This means that if you plug them in overnight, they will be fully charged and ready to go in the morning, ensuring uninterrupted use throughout the day. Even if the actual battery life falls slightly short of the full 24 hours or even half of that, users can rest assured that they will have ample power to carry them through the day. Customer feedback supports this, as users consistently report good battery life and overall satisfaction with how well these devices perform.
Final Words
In summary, Audien Hearing’s new Atom 2 series, including the Atom 2 and Pro models, marks a notable advancement in affordable hearing aids. These models excel in audio quality, comfort, and battery life, while retaining their cost-effectiveness. The A2 Sound Chip in both models enhances audio clarity, and the Pro model’s unique UV cleaning feature is an innovative addition. Although lacking smartphone connectivity, the simplicity and performance of these aids make them an attractive option for a wide range of users. Overall, the Atom 2 series stands out as a solid choice for those seeking quality hearing aids at a reasonable price.
Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.
Not a fan of the mode button system. It’s too easy to accidentally touch and activate the button when putting one in the ear and during use when making sure it’s fully inserted or to counteract whistling. Selecting the mode by the number of button presses isn’t as easy as Audien says either.