Hearing loss can creep up slowly, one missed word at a time, until everyday conversations start feeling like effort. Today, though, you have more options than ever before - like Apple’s hearing support built into its AirPods.

Just to be clear—these aren’t medical hearing aids, but they include assistive listening features that can enhance nearby voices. Features like Live Listen and Conversation Boost use the iPhone’s microphone to enhance nearby voices. It may be all you need if you’re looking for a subtle boost.

But really, adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss may benefit more from FDA-registered OTC hearing aids like those from Audien Hearing. Our FDA-registered hearing aids deliver clearer sound, longer wear comfort, and a simpler experience for adults who want to hear better again.

Learn more about Audien vs Apple Hearing Aids below and see why our affordable, rechargeable, simple, stylish hearing aids are the smarter choice. 

“9 yrs ago I bought the expensive doctor visit aids and was very disappointed, I still couldn’t understand words, often never connected to my phone, a lot of static, so I wasn’t expecting much from the Audien aids, but I was very surprised, they are actually better than the more expensive aids!” - Chad

“I chose Audien Hearing for my OTC hearing aids as they were always listed in the top 10 companies in their field when I researched all my options. I am very satisfied with Audien and would recommend them to anyone looking for a cost-effective solution for hearing issues.” - CB

“Best customer service. I have only had a few days and still getting use to them. Every question I had has been answered quickly by customer service.” - Valerie

Overview of Audien vs Apple Hearing Aids

All About Audien Hearing Aids

Our brand was born through a simple, yet radical, realization: better hearing shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone. Traditional solutions can cost thousands and require multiple appointments, even for mild hearing loss. We stepped in to deliver something better.

Every model in our lineup is engineered to help adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss hear speech more clearly and reduce background noise. Devices include:

• Atom One: A compact, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid priced at just $98. Rechargeable, easy to use, and tuned to amplify the sounds people struggle to hear most - voices, TV dialogue, and ambient conversation.
• Atom Pro 2: Better sound processing for cleaner audio in busy environments. Includes a UV-sanitizing charging case to automatically clean devices between uses. Four listening modes and quick charging (48-hour battery life)
• Ion Pro: Our most powerful device with six hearing modes, Bluetooth streaming, background noise cancellation, app control, and directional sound technology. 
• Atom X: The latest and greatest at Audien Hearing - our touchscreen hearing aid. You control the device directly from the intuitive charging case, no clunky apps or tiny buttons to deal with. Four hearing modes, UV cleaning case, Bluetooth/streaming equipped, 48-hour battery life.

Whether you’re looking for the best hearing aid under $100 or the best hearing aids under $200, you’ll find it here at Audien Hearing. Every device is backed by a 45-day risk-free trial and lifetime support from our US-based team. 

So, why settle for anything less? We’ve seen a ton of buzz on Apple “hearing aids,” but can these really solve your hearing loss woes? 

Does Apple Make Hearing Aids?

Like we said from the start, this Audien vs Apple hearing aids comparison is a bit convoluted as Apple technically doesn’t manufacture hearing aids in the medical sense. Rather, it offers accessibility features that can help people with minor hearing difficulties.

These tools are built into Apple’s AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and iPhones. They use digital signal processing and directional microphones to enhance speech and reduce background noise in real time.

The most notable features are Live Listen and Conversation Boost. Live Listen turns your iPhone into an external microphone that captures nearby voices and streams them directly to your AirPods so conversations in noisy environments are easier to follow.

Meanwhile, Conversation Boost expands on that concept by isolating the person speaking in front of you. It uses spatial audio processing to clarify their voice without amplifying all ambient sound.

Now, these features can help users who simply want better clarity in specific situations, such as restaurants or meetings. But they cannot replace medical-grade support for those struggling with real hearing loss. 

Apple’s technology does not compensate for hearing loss in the medical sense—it doesn’t calibrate sound based on a hearing test or provide consistent amplification across all environments. It’s designed for convenience, not long-term rehabilitation.

We have a deeper dive comparing Apple earbuds vs hearing aids - but let’s get more specific and compare Audien vs Apple hearing aids below to help you figure out which best suit your needs.

Audien vs Apple Hearing Aids: Key Differences to Consider

You don’t necessarily need to go the prescription hearing aid route, by default, if you’re just struggling with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You might be able to save a few thousand dollars and get a more affordable, simple, easy-to-use solution through OTC devices.

That said, not all forms of hearing support are made equal - and that becomes crystal clear when you compare Audien vs Apple hearing aids. 

Intended Use and Hearing Support Level

The truth is, Apple AirPods just aren’t designed for hearing loss. They’re made for listening to music or podcasts, taking phone calls in public, or watching TV without distracting others around you. They just so happen to have accessibility features for hearing built in.

Tools like Live Listen and Conversation Boost temporarily amplify external sound using your iPhone’s microphone. That can be helpful if you normally hear things just fine but need to pick up on voices in crowded restaurants or meetings.

On the other hand, Audien hearing aids are designed specifically to support those struggling with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Every model in our lineup, from the Atom One to the new Atom X, is FDA-registered and tuned for consistent speech amplification.

This helps you hear voices and speech cues more clearly in conversation, on the phone, or while watching TV. These devices correct for hearing decline across specific frequencies, but without forcing you to jump through the hurdles of the traditional hearing aid approach. 

Technology and Sound Processing

Apple uses adaptive sound technology originally designed for entertainment. AirPods process environmental audio through directional microphones and digital filters to reduce noise and clarify dialogue. 

But the system isn’t individualized. It processes all sound equally, without considering your hearing profile. As you probably know already, hearing loss is never one-size-fits-all. That’s why our more sophisticated devices give you up to 6 hearing modes with precision adjustments for different environments and hearing profiles.

Our hearing aids are powered by either the A1, A2, or A2MAX™ processor to focus specifically on speech and cut down background interference. Instead of boosting all sound, these devices prioritize clarity where it matters most. 

That difference in engineering is really the distinction between hearing aids vs amplifiers in a nutshell. As it pertains to the Audien vs Apple Hearing Aids comparison, think of it like this: Apple is great for short-term listening comfort, while Audien optimizes for daily hearing.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

The beauty of Audien vs Apple Hearing Aids is that both are very easy to use compared to traditional devices that require professional fitting, programming, and adjustment from an audiologist.

However, Apple’s system depends on app navigation. You will have to open the Control Center or dig into accessibility settings to activate or adjust features like Conversation Boost or Transparency Mode. 

This isn’t a big deal for tech-savvy users - but it could be difficult and frustrating for older adults or those less comfortable with phones. Audien Hearing provides a number of ways to control your hearing aid. Some devices are controlled by an app, others by buttons on the device.

But the all-new Atom X touchscreen hearing aid is unique in that you can make adjustments right from the portable charging case! This is the most intuitive way to control your hearing aid. 

Connectivity and Bluetooth Functionality

One of the biggest benefits of Apple’s hearing aids is how seamlessly AirPods work across its device ecosystem. You can automatically switch between iPhone, iPad, and Mac for seamless streaming for calls and entertainment.

Just know this convenience comes with limits. While AirPods can amplify sound through Live Listen, they can’t function as full-time hearing aids. The battery drains quickly when amplification is active, and the device has to be tethered to the iPhone for it to work.

We here at Audien Hearing have included Bluetooth connectivity across models like the Ion Pro and Atom X so you can stream audio directly from any Bluetooth-enabled device, without requiring an app or Apple ecosystem.

More importantly, the Bluetooth streaming runs in tandem with the hearing aid function. You never have to choose between hearing clearly and listening to their favorite media.

Cost and Long-Term Value

Perhaps the most striking difference between Audien vs Apple hearing aids is price. AirPods Pro retail for around $249, which might seem less expensive than a hearing aid at first glance (which can easily cost a few thousand dollars). However, it’s important to note that AirPods are not designed for hearing correction.

These devices just aren’t designed for hearing correction, and you won’t get the consistent daily performance you need for hearing loss. Their small batteries degrade over time (often within two years), and that usually means buying a new pair altogether. 

On the other hand, you can buy hearing aids online for as little as $98 at Audien Hearing. Even our most advanced device is only $589, a fraction of what you’d pay for traditional hearing aids. Each comes with a rechargeable case, replacement ear domes, and a 45-day risk-free trial. Support is included for the life of the product, too - no subscription fees or costly clinic visits.

Final Words on Audien vs Apple Hearing Aids

That concludes our comparison of Audien vs Apple hearing aids. Don’t get us wrong, the accessibility features Apple has rolled out in its AirPods are impressive for general listening. They are not a replacement for true hearing aids, though.

We bridge that gap here at Audien Hearing, offering real hearing support that’s simple, affordable, and effective for adults with mild-to-moderate loss.

Our blog has additional resources on topics like the hearing aids Costco vs Miracle Ear make or Signia vs Jabra hearing aids. But those looking for support for mild-to-moderate hearing loss can count on Audien Hearing to provide a powerful solution at an unbeatable price.

Skip the guesswork. Choose Audien for hearing support that actually works!

Audien Hearing devices are FDA-registered OTC hearing aids intended for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. They are not a substitute for medical evaluation or prescription hearing aids. If you experience sudden, severe, or one-sided hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear pain, consult a licensed hearing professional