Audien ATOM 2 and ION Series Review: In-the-Ear vs Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Audien Hearing Aids

Picking out a hearing aid is a pretty big step — you want to make sure you're catching all the good stuff, like the punchlines of jokes and the beat of your favorite tunes. Today, we're shining the spotlight on two crowd favorites: Audien's ATOM 2, the tiny gadget that slips right into your ear, and the ION Series, the comfy piece that hooks behind it. If you're just starting to check out hearing aids or thinking about trading in your old set, stick around.

Audien ATOM 2 Series: In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Audien ATOM 2

Key Features

  • A2 Chip Technology: This little powerhouse of a chip delivers crystal-clear sound, helping you hear every word and note.
  • Four Adaptable Hearing Modes: These modes let you tailor your listening experience to different environments.
  • Noise Cancellation Capabilities: Advanced noise cancellation helps filter out unwanted background noise, letting you focus on what you want to hear.
  • Improved Conversation in Group Settings: No more struggling to keep up with multiple speakers. 90% of users report better hearing in group conversations.
  • Better TV and Radio Listening Experience: 84% of users say they can hear TV and radio at normal volume. No more cranking up the volume!
  • Increased Confidence in Social Situations: With clearer hearing comes more confidence. 87% of users report increased confidence in social situations.

Pros

Cons

  • Very affordable at $189
  • Super discreet, completely in-ear design
  • Impressive 24-hour battery life
  • Adaptable hearing modes for various environments
  • Handy 2-in-1 cleaning and charging case included
  • May not be suitable for profound hearing loss
  • Fewer customization options compared to higher-end models
  • In-ear fit may not suit everyone’s comfort

Audien ION Series: Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Audien ION Series

Key Features

  • A2 Max™ Sound Technology: This advanced tech delivers superior sound clarity, helping you hear even soft sounds without distortion.
  • Three Modes and Ten Volume Levels: With these options, you can fine-tune your hearing experience to your exact preferences.
  • Background Noise Canceling: This feature helps you focus on the sounds you want to hear by reducing unwanted background noise.
  • Crystal-Clear Sound Quality: Users rave about the incredible sound clarity, letting them enjoy everything from conversations to music.
  • Ease of Use and Maintenance: The ION Series is ready to wear right out of the box and doesn't require complex maintenance or repairs.
  • Suitability for Various Types of Hearing Loss: Whether your hearing loss is mild or more severe, the ION Series is designed to help, with its multiple modes and volume levels.

Pros

Cons

  • Advanced A2 Max™ Sound Technology for superior clarity
  • Customizable with three modes and ten volume levels
  • Comfortable behind-the-ear design
  • Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss
  • Low maintenance and user-friendly
  • More expensive than ATOM 2 at $489
  • Slightly shorter battery life than ATOM 2
  • Less discreet than the in-ear ATOM 2

Both the ATOM 2 and ION Series offer unique benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the ultra-discreet in-ear option or the powerful behind-the-ear model, Audien has you covered with affordable, high-quality hearing solutions.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Audien ATOM 2 vs. ION Series Hearing Aids

To help you choose the right Audien hearing aid for your needs, let's compare the ATOM 2 and ION Series side by side:

Feature

Audien ATOM 2 Series

Audien ION Series

Price

$189

$489

Technology

A2 chip technology

A2 Max™ Sound Technology

Design

In-the-ear, nearly invisible

Behind-the-ear, very small and discreet

Battery Life

24 hours with ultra-fast charging

Over 20 hours with wireless charging

Customization

Four adaptable hearing modes

Three modes and ten volume levels

Maintenance

2-in-1 cleaning and charging case included

Minimal maintenance, highly durable

If saving money is your goal and you want something that's super discreet, go for the ATOM 2. It's small enough to hide in your ear and won't drain your wallet. Plus, it charges quickly and lasts all day.

Prefer a hearing aid with crisper sound and more control? The ION Series is worth the extra cash. You can tweak the volume to match exactly what you need and it's built tough, so it'll last you a long time. Even though it’s a bit more visible, being behind the ear, it still keeps things low-key.

User Experiences and Reviews

Real user feedback can provide valuable insights. Here's what Audien users are saying:

ATOM 2 User Testimonials

  • "These brought back harmony in my relationships - I'm hearing everyone without asking twice. The 2 in 1 cleaning and charging case is like icing on the cake." - Isabelle R.

ION Series User Feedback

  • "My Dad is 90 years old and very set in his ways. The other hearing aids we tried caused feedback. This unit fit him great and works well. customer support is great and easily accessible." - Anonymous User
  • "Having used hearing aids for a couple of years, I would highly recommend this one. Both for effectiveness and cost. I've previously have had hearing aids from an audiologist with an extremely high cost. These work better and cost a fraction of the amount. I also like the versatility of the hearing aids." - Anonymous User

Overall Customer Satisfaction Rates of Audien Hearing Aids

While specific satisfaction rates weren't provided, the data shows:

  • 90% of users report better hearing in group conversations
  • 84% can hear TV and radio at normal volume
  • 87% report increased confidence in social situations
  • 89% recommend Audien to friends & family

These high percentages suggest strong overall satisfaction with Audien products.

Which Hearing Aid is for You?

Selecting the right hearing aid is a personal decision. Let's break down who might prefer each model:

What to Think About When Selecting Between In-Ear and Behind-the-Ear

  • Comfort: Do you prefer something inside your ear or behind it?
  • Visibility: How important is it that others can't see your hearing aid?
  • Battery life: Do you need the extra hour the ATOM 2 provides?
  • Customization: How much control do you want over your hearing settings?
  • Budget: Are you able to spend more for additional features?

Picking Based on What You Need and Love

Go for the ATOM 2 if you:

  • Are on a tighter budget
  • Prioritize complete discretion
  • Have mild to moderate hearing loss
  • Prefer a simpler, preset mode system

Choose the ION Series if you:

  • Have more severe hearing loss
  • Want more control over sound settings
  • Prefer behind-the-ear comfort
  • Don't mind spending more for advanced features

Alternatives to Audien Hearing Aids

If Audien's not hitting the mark for you, Vivtone's got a pair of contenders that might just tick all your boxes with cool tech and sweet deals.

Feature

Vivtone Lucid516 RIC Hearing Aids

Vivtone Lucid508 Hearing Aids

Price (per pair)

$1097 $397.00 (Save $700)

Contact for pricing

Type

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Design Advantage

Creates a natural listening experience with better sound control than BTE

Precision amplification with immersive noise reduction

Sound Processing

US-made digital chip, 16-channel sound processing for excellent sound quality

Advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation

Ideal Environments

Restaurants, TV at home, meetings

Various environments needing clear hearing

Battery & Charging

Rechargeable with charging case included

Rechargeable, portable charging case, no batteries needed

Included Accessories

Charging case, cerumen caps, ear domes, USB cable, cleaning brush, user manual

Flexible silicone tips, simple controls, user manual

For the Vivtone Lucid516 RIC Hearing Aids, they're a good match if you:

  • Want to forget you're even wearing hearing aids because they sound so natural.
  • Are always on the move and need hearing aids that can keep up, whether you're grabbing lunch out or in a work meeting.
  • Like your tech to be seen and not heard – these are super low-key in how they look.
  • Don't want the fuss of buying new batteries all the time; just charge them up and go.

And the Vivtone Lucid508 Hearing Aids are right up your alley if you:

  • Really need to hear every detail clearly, even when there's a lot of background noise.
  • Like things straightforward – these have simple buttons to manage the volume and settings without a headache.
  • Are looking for hearing aids that fit comfortably and stay put, not matter how long your day is.
  • Prefer the ease of a rechargeable case over keeping track of tiny batteries.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aids

Whether you fancy the no-fuss, hideaway style of the Audien ATOM 2 or the customizable control of the ION Series, both options are here to boost your hearing game. We’ve walked through what matters most: how they feel, how obvious they are, how long the battery lasts, how much you can tweak the sound, and what they’ll set you back. And if you're still on the fence, don't worry – there are other options available, like the Vivtone models, which also offer unique features.

Stop Struggling to Hear! Find the perfect hearing aids for your needs and budget. Compare top models, discover features, and enjoy crystal-clear sound again. Stop Struggling to Hear! Find the perfect hearing aids for your needs and budget. Compare top models, discover features, and enjoy crystal-clear sound again.