Audien Air Box And Man Wearing Device

Audien Hearing has introduced Atom Air, a new in-the-ear over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid designed to make it easier for adults to take a first step toward better hearing.

The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company describes Atom Air as a lightweight, discreet in-ear device designed for people who want simple hearing support without a prescription, a smartphone app, or an in-office fitting appointment. It is a preset OTC hearing aid priced at $149.

Audien Atom Air Key Features

  • Small, discreet, in-ear design
  • Designed for lightweight, all-day comfort
  • One simple adjustable hearing mode
  • Adjustable frequency control
  • 24-hour battery life
  • No smartphone app

Made for people “hesitant to take that first step”

According to Audien, Atom Air is intended to address several of the common barriers that keep people from trying hearing aids, including cost, device visibility, comfort concerns, and uncertainty about setup. The company is positioning the product as a low-friction option for everyday listening situations, especially for consumers who may be hesitant to begin with a more expensive or feature-heavy device.

Our goal has always been to make hearing care feel more human, approachable, and accessible. Atom Air was created for the millions of people who may have felt hesitant to take that first step. It's lightweight, discreet, affordable, and incredibly easy to use, helping people reconnect to conversations and everyday moments with confidence.

Laurie Ann Goldman, Audien Hearing CEO
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The new model uses Audien’s A1 MAX sound chip and includes one adjustable hearing mode and customizable frequency control. Audien says the device is designed for clear, reliable sound in a small form factor and offers up to 24 hours of battery life.

Compared with the company’s Atom One model, Audien says Atom Air has a smaller profile, a lighter ear-specific design, and improved sound isolation. Audien also emphasizes that the new device does not require a smartphone app, which may appeal to users who prefer a more basic device with fewer setup steps. Atom Air includes one adjustable hearing mode and frequency control, although the company’s launch materials do not clearly specify how users make those adjustments.

Audien Atom Air and portable charging case.
Audien Atom Air and portable charging case.

Audien says the Atom Air launch is part of its broader effort to make hearing support more accessible and affordable. The company also points to its Audien Sound Check service, which offers optional appointments with hearing specialists for guidance and education.

While the new product appears positioned as an entry-level hearing aid for first-time users, its real-world performance—including speech-in-noise benefit, feedback control, and overall sound quality—will depend on factors such as the user’s hearing loss, fit, listening environments, and expectations.

HearingTracker and our partner lab, HearAdvisor, have not independently tested Atom Air. HearAdvisor has previously tested several Audien products, with mixed results. Atom and Atom Pro 2 earned C grades in HearAdvisor lab testing, while the newer Atom X performed better overall with a B grade, though speech-in-noise performance remained below average in the HearAdvisor testing. We hope to test the new Atom Air soon and will report on the results when they’re available.

In Audien’s broader product lineup, Atom Air appears to sit between the company’s lowest-priced Atom ONE model ($98) and its more feature-rich Atom Pro 2, newer Atom X with touchscreen charging case ($398), and ION Pro 2 ($689) devices. At $149 per pair, Atom Air is not Audien’s cheapest hearing aid, but it appears to be targeted at first-time users seeking a sub-$150 low-tech, more discreet way to try OTC hearing aids and who want to forgo app controls and Bluetooth features.

Audien hearing aids come with a relatively restrictive 45-day money-back guarantee, and they are covered by a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects.

As an OTC hearing aid, Atom Air falls within the FDA-established category for adults 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids can be purchased online or in stores without a medical exam, a prescription, or a fitting by a licensed hearing care professional. However, consumers with more significant hearing difficulties, sudden changes in hearing, ear pain, drainage, dizziness, or other medical warning signs should seek professional evaluation (Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic offer the CEDRA website for interested consumers).

For more information about Audien Atom Air and the company's other hearing aids, please visit the Audien website.