Martin A. Platt
•2023-06-07
Is the Audicus Wave a good hearing aid? Check out our comprehensive review to know about its features, sound quality and overall performance.
Buy This DeviceThe Audicus Wave is a powerful hearing aid that packs a lot of features. You won't be able to completely hide it since it's the receiver-in-canal (RIC) type but it can be discreetly used and cannot be easily noticed while you're wearing them. It offers more flexible purchasing customizations such as the option to choose a color, battery type and number of pieces so you're paying for exactly that you asked for.
There were a number of things that we liked from this Audicus product model and they are listed below:
Excellent audio quality: The device was able to further amplify the sounds and the quality was greatly improved.
Four colors available: You can choose from 4 color options and select the one that best matches your preferences or skin tone.
Bluetooth connectivity: It can be paired with other devices via Bluetooth wireless connection.
Above average battery life: One complete charge for the rechargeable version can power up the device for around 18 hours.
Available in rechargeable and battery-powered: You have the choice of selecting the type of battery to use for the device.
Purchase per piece or per pair: They allow the option order just a piece or a pair of hearing aids. If you just need it for one year, you'll save half of the cost.
In testing, we also found a few disadvantages from this device which you should be aware of:
Cannot be completely hidden: You won't be able to fully hide it due to the device being a receiver-in-canal (RIC) type.
Charger uses micro USB port: Having to search for the original micro USB cable to charge your hearing aid can be a minor inconvenience, particularly if your other devices already use USB type C cables.
Might not work for some users: Even with its smart and advanced features, there's a possibility that it might not be able to completely restore normal hearing for some users.
Audicus is a US-based company that offers affordable and high-quality hearing aids costing from around $699 to $1499. Currently, their product lineups are the receiver-in-canal (RIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) types.
What we really liked about this particular hearing aid model is that you'll be able to choose from 4 available colors:
It's worth noting that while most hearing aid brands only offer just 1 or 2 color choices, this particular does it better by offering a greater range of options.
| Hearing Aid | Colors |
|---|---|
| Audicus Wave | Beige, Black, Grey, Silver |
| Jabra Enhance Plus | Beige Gold, Dark Grey |
| Horizon AX by Hear.com | Beige, Black, Silver, Sandy Brown |
| Audien Atom Pro | Beige |
| Eargo Neo HiFi | Black |
| MDHearing VOLT | Beige |
| Audious Rechargeable & Invisible Hearing Aid | Blue (Left Ear) and Red (Right Ear) |
The downside?
Because the hearing aid is of the receiver-in-canal (RIC) type, you won't be able to fully conceal it but the thing is, it can be discreetly worn without drawing much attention especially if the color can match your skin tone.
The device has a multi-function button that has an up and down control. This can be used for various functions such as increasing or decreasing the volume, answering and calls, and switching programs.
Before we begin...
You need to be aware that the sound quality of any hearing aid greatly depends on several factors, such as your hearing loss condition and the environment where you're at. Based on the several tests that we did, the Wave was capable of filtering out the noise and has significantly improved the understandability of speech and sounds on most conditions.
Each earbud has dual microphones and they work together to effectively separate the speech from the noise, giving its user the ability to focus on the voices or sounds they want to hear. Majority of the users who participated in our device testing reported improved listening comprehension and speech recognition, and these were people who have mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
We can't emphasize this enough:
Using a hearing aid doesn't guarantee that you will be able to experience normal hearing restoration as it would be dependent on the degree of your hearing loss.
Here's the deal:
You'll have the choice of purchasing either the one that has rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or one that can be powered by a single-use battery. The rechargeable version will require an add-on of $200 per earbud so if you plan to buy a pair then this would cost you an extra $400.
If you chose the rechargeable type, it comes with a charging case which still uses a micro USB connector. It would have been better if they have used the type C port instead, as more devices nowadays have already adapted this.
With regards to battery life, the rechargeable ones can last for 18 hours on a single charge. This is based on the actual test that we did on the device for over a week of usage.
In comparison...
Wave's 18-hour battery life is above average and is a tad longer than its competitors. For example, the Jabra Enhance Plus has a maximum battery life of 12 hours while the Eargo Neo HiFi can last for 16 hours.
Note: The comparison is based on a single full charge and does not include the extra battery life that the devices may get if they have charging cases that have their own rechargeable batteries. The charging case of the Audicus Wave is a basic charger and doesn't have this feature.
| Hearing Aid | 1 Full Charge | With Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| Audicus Wave | Up to 18 hours | N/A |
| Jabra Enhance Plus | Up to 12 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Horizon AX by Hear.com | Up to 28 hours | N/A |
| Audien Atom Pro | Up to 24 hours | Up to 4 days |
| Eargo Neo HiFi | Up to 16 hours | Up to 7 days |
| MD Hearing VOLT | Up to 20 hours | N/A |
| Audious Rechargeable & Invisible Hearing Aid | Up to 2 days | N/A |
This specific hearing aid, including the Spirit and Omni models, can be paired with smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth connection, and can be controlled via the third-party mobile app called Hearing Remote by Sonova.
This app, which is available for mobile devices that are powered by iOS or Android, will allow you to control the volume and set the programs on your device.
It might be wise to check the Support Center page on their website prior to getting in touch with the customer service team because this section has plenty of useful information that may help you in answering your questions or resolving your issues.
However, if you still prefer to get in touch with the Audicus customer service agents, there are several methods that are available for you to do so:
So how was it?
Customer service via phone was generally okay but you need be aware that they don't offer 24/7 phone support. They can only be contacted using this method from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (EST), Mondays to Sundays.
Conversations via email were also satisfactory but don't expect to get a quick response because their agents usually answer back after a few hours.
The live chat feature was very convenient to use since we can quickly launch a session with just a few clicks. The only downside is that their agents are only available from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EST) on weekdays.
Overall, our customer service experience was generally great but that it can still be improved with faster response times and making their agents available 24/7.
What makes Audicus different from the rest is that they allow users to purchase a hearing aid for just one ear instead of buying them by pair. A piece for one ear has a price of $699 while a pair will cost $1398. Such option greatly reduces the costs by half, especially for those who are only experiencing hearing loss on just one ear.
In addition to that and as earlier mentioned, with the Audicus prices, you can also choose between the single-use battery-powered version or the rechargeable version with the latter costing $200 per earbud. You'll also get to enjoy free shipping if you're from the US.
During the ordering process, you'll also be offered with the Audicus Protect. This add-on subscription costs $99 and will cover your warranty for 3 years including cleaning and care services, and a one-time loss protection.
There's also the Audicus Care program that costs $12 per month. With this subscription, you'll get a box of the following replacement parts every 3 months:
There’s more…
You can use an Audicus coupon to lower down the costs. It also comes with 45-day money-back guarantee, which is already an ample time for you to evaluate its performance. If you're unsatisfied with the device within this period, you may request a refund as long as it still falls within the allowed time frame.
| Hearing Aid | Price Per Piece | Price Per Pair | Free Shipping | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audicus Wave | $699 | $1398 | ✅ | 45 days |
| Jabra Enhance Plus | N/A | $799 | ✅ | 45 days |
| Horizon AX by Hear.com | N/A | $2570 | ❌ | 45 days |
| Audien Atom Pro | N/A | $249 | ✅ | 45 days |
| Eargo Neo HiFi | N/A | $1999 | ✅ | 45 days |
| MDHearing VOLT | N/A | $299.98 | ✅ | 45 days |
| Audious Rechargeable & Invisible Hearing Aid | N/A | $177 | ✅ | 90 days |
Audicus devices can be purchased directly from their official website, which is www.audicus.com. This is the fastest and the safest option since you are ordering straight from the manufacturer's page where you can access other services and see add-ons as well.
Alternatively, you may also find this hearing aid brand from audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, and online retailers. We strongly recommend that you shop around and compare the prices and features first before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
It's important to note that there are many other hearing aid brands available on the market, each offering a range of features and technologies to meet the unique needs of hearing aid users.
These brands offer a variety of options, including hearing aid styles, levels of technology, and different price points. Most of these alternative hearing aid brands offer not just high-quality devices, but also excellent customer service and this makes them a viable option if you’re searching for an alternative to more well-known brands.
Here are some popular hearing aids that we recommend which can be an alternative to the Audicus Wave:
In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the Audicus Wave hearing aid. Whether you're wondering about compatibility, features, maintenance, or anything else, we've got you covered.
How does the Audicus Wave hearing aid work?
This device uses a two-mic technology that is capable of amplifying the surrounding sound, enhancing the speech, and reducing the noise, making it easier to hear in different kinds of environments.
Is the Audicus Wave hearing aid compatible with my phone or other devices?
Yes. This particular model has Bluetooth capability so you will be able to pair it with your smartphone and other devices via this wireless technology. It can be controlled via the Hearing Remote app.
How do I adjust the volume on the Audicus Wave hearing aid?
You can control the volume by pressing on the multi-function button. Pressing the up button will increase the volume while pressing the down button will decrease it.
How do I clean and maintain the Audicus Wave hearing aid?
The package comes with a cleaning tool. The brush one end can be used for cleaning the external parts of the hearing aid, while the wire on the other end is meant to be used for removing any dirt inside the flexible tubing.
Is the Audicus Wave hearing aid covered by insurance?
All orders that were done on the Audicus official website will require you to pay upfront. You should check with your insurance company if you are eligible for a reimbursement claim for this purchase.
How long does the battery last on the Audicus Wave hearing aid?
A single full charge can give your device a battery life of around 18 hours.
Can the Audicus Wave hearing aid be used with a streaming device?
Yes, you can connect your streaming device to this hearing aid via Bluetooth.
Are there any warranties or guarantees for the Audicus Wave hearing aid?
Yes, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee that starts after you made the purchase. That means you that can file for a refund if, for any reason, you're not happy with the performance of the product.
Is there a hearing test needed to use the Audicus Wave hearing aid?
Yes, you will need to take a free online hearing test via their website. The whole process takes around 15 minutes to complete.
Following our extensive evaluation and rigorous testing of the Audicus Wave, we find this particular hearing aid model to be a reliable solution for people who are experiencing milt to severe hearing loss.
When it comes to performance, its primary objective of enhancing and improving audibility was successfully achieved. The device was able to distinguish voices from unwanted sounds and it does the job well in most cases. It's not the cheapest in the market but the price point is much more affordable as compared to the other brands out there.
So, if you're in need of hearing aid that can significantly improve sound quality, then you better consider the Audicus Wave as one of your top options.
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