Nano Hearing Aids: Cost, Reviews, and Product Alternatives

What are Nano Hearing Aids?

Nano hearing aids are an online hearing device company, founded in 2017, and based out of Minnesota. They provide direct-to-consumer products over-the-counter (OTC).  The company came to fruition after the founder noticed his grandmother couldn’t hear, despite recently buying a pair of hearing aids. His grandmother lost one of her hearing aids, and it was too costly to replace the device at the time. Nano Hearing Aids aims to provide low-cost hearing devices and eliminate the need for an audiologist.

How to Find Low-Cost Hearing Aids

Their devices are primarily personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). As such, their products are usually not the best for addressing hearing loss. 

How to Purchase Hearing Aids from Nano

If you're tech-savvy, purchasing Nano hearing aids is easy. Nano does not sell in stores. If you want to buy their hearing aids, you'll need to shop online.  Any device you purchase comes with a user manual that helps you discover features and settings. Here's how to make a purchase:

1. Head to Nano’s website
2. Decide which of the models best suits your needs
3. Pay for the hearing aid in one lump sum or with a payment plan
4. Receive your hearing aids in 7-10 business days
5. Wear your new devices

The buying process at Nano is different than other competitors in the industry. When you buy through Nano, you're not required to take a hearing test or submit an audiogram to purchase your hearing aid.  Users must adjust their hearing aids after delivery, which is an uncommon practice. Traditional hearing aids, in contrast, come pre-programmed. Nano’s method is less conventional in this way. Nano products reflect their simplified process and are closer in functionality to a basic amplifier than a hearing aid.

What Hearing Aid Products Does Nano Hearing Aids Sell?

Next, we'll go over the options Nano provides for hearing aids. Note that prices change frequently and the prices listed below reflect that of the time of writing. 

Nano RX2000 Rechargeable

Price: $1,289

• Features:
  • Comes with extra earbud sizes to help with fit.
  • Two directional microphones improve the quality of noise reduction.
• Pro: Best bang for your buck compared to other Nano products in terms of technology and cost.
• Con: Making setting adjustments isn’t always easy and can take time to learn.

Nano CIC Recharge

Price: $2,000

• Features: 
  • Fit completely within your ear canal so they are quite discreet.
  • Decreases background noise so you can hear what you want to hear.
• Pro: Rechargeable and currently comes with a free charging base, which can help shave costs on replacement batteries.
• Con: Works more as an amplifier than a hearing aid. Not as suited for individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss.

Nano Sigma +

Price: $2,997

• Features:
  • Sound control with a smartphone. If you upload your hearing test to the app, you can access automatic adjustments.
  • Rechargeable and come with a charging dock.
• Pro: Good for those who have a smartphone and/or like to make adjustments for your specific level of hearing loss.
• Con: Battery life isn’t as long as you may need, with 11-13 hours of power.  

Nano X2 Recharge

Price: $2,997

• Features:
  • Four settings to adjust to your environment: in crowded places, outside, in a group, or one-on-one.
  • Comes with a carrying case, charging case, extra earbud sizes, and cleaning supplies.
• Pro: Many positive reviews for great hearing while watching television.  
• Con: Making environmental adjustments would be easier with Bluetooth connectivity.

Nano SX2000

Price: $3,500

• Features:
  • Comes with a battery supply meant to last 6 months and alerts you when you're due to replace batteries
  • Cancels background noises automatically.
• Pro: Best Nano option for those with moderate hearing loss.
• Con: Fit isn’t always perfect or as discreet as in-ear models.

How Much Do Nano Hearing Aids Cost? 

Nano Hearing Aids vary in price. The cheapest option starts at $1,289 and the most expensive option goes up to $3,500. All prices are for the pair. Unlike other companies, Nano does not offer single-ear hearing aids. You need to buy the pair.  Nano offers replacement tubes, domes for sizing, cleaning kits, batteries, and charging stations for an additional cost.  

Does Insurance Cover Nano Hearing Aids? 

Much like other hearing aid brands, Nano does not accept insurance. You can check with your individual insurance company to see if they will cover any of the charges. Some insurance companies list information online about coverage under their different policies.

Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

Nano Hearing Aid Reviews

Venture outside of Nano Hearing Aids’ website To find the most accurate reviews. Nano primarily has positive reviews on its own website, but 3rd party sites have a significant amount of negative reviews. Given the negative press, it's worth doing extra research.  Credible review sources like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau, and even YouTube are best for an unbiased perspective on the products.   Below we go over a few popular review sources:

Trust Pilot

Negative reviews on TrustPilot seem to focus on the return process and the quality of the devices. Here is one example of a customer who had issues returning malfunctioning new devices:

We bought 2 sets for parents. The aid for the left ear of one of the sets didn't work at all, even after recharging. The parents didn't want the hearing aids, so we returned both sets. Nano claims we returned old and damaged hearing aids, IN BOTH BOXES!, and refuses to refund our $900! They sent us pictures of old, damaged devices. The serial numbers on the hearing aids don't match the serial numbers from our account! I don't know whether someone at FedEx or someone in their own receiving warehouse switched our new ones for old ones, but WE didn't do it. We filed a complaint with the credit card company, who has graciously refunded our money and is pursuing the case with Nano. - Posted May 5, 2022

 

Better Business Bureau

According to the Better Business Bureau, Nano Hearing Aids is not accredited, despite being in business since 2017. Nano has 3.75 out of 5 stars from their consumers and has closed out 132 customer complaints over the last year.  A search for Nano Hearing Aids on BBB’s website results in another company under the name “The Nano Ear” which has an “F” rating, as well as a “Nano Hearing Aids - Nano Hearing Tech Opco LLC”, which does have accreditation and “Nano Advanced Hearing Technology” which is not rated. Each of these companies lists a different address, so it is unclear which company name is accurate. The confusion around their company name and address brings a level of distrust. Here is one review on the BBB website from May 17, 2022:

Ordered Nano hearing aid tried to cancel but it was too late. Was told that once it was received I could return. They sent me another pair and I returned both. When following up for the refund, I was told that after the inspection they were damaged. My husband never even tried them on. Could it be part of their scam to send damaged ones so then they don't have to send to refund. They said that they could send a replacement for $79.00. 

 

Independent Reviewers on YouTube

Dr. Cliff Olson, a certified audiologist, provides an all-encompassing YouTube video review of the Nano Hearing Aid company and its products. His reviews include a step by step process of deceptive practices used on their website. To name a few — fake doctor video testimonials, duplicated photos from cheaply made amplifiers, fluctuating prices, and non-dated customer reviews.    

Nano Hearing Aids Pros and Cons

Benefits:

• Nano typically runs sales and offers low-cost options designed for people with minimal hearing loss. 
• Their website provides video tutorials addressing questions about specific models and use-cases.

 

Disadvantages:

• Not programmed to the user. The devices have limited settings that require the user to understand and make adjustments on their own. 
• Can't connect to smartphones. There are currently no Bluetooth options, which matters to many hearing aid wearers looking to easily adjust settings. Cost-saving methods lean unreliable. While Nano provides lost-cost options hearing products, they do not sell true hearing aids or complex hearing technology. Including the words “Hearing Aids” in their name confuses buyers.
• Their flashy website can make it a challenge to understand information that matters. It’s easy to see how much money you save, and the advertising draws you in, but there isn’t much information listed about the true specifications of the hearing devices.
• They have many negative reviews that may dissuade you from wanting to buy from Nano Hearing Aids.

 

Are Nano Hearing Aids Amplifiers?

Nano claims they're registered under the FDA’s Class I for hearing aids on their website.  Since they sell amplifiers, there's some confusion here. If you're wondering why this is confusing, it can help to understand how amplifiers differ from true hearing aids can help.  Amplifiers, also called personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), are different than hearing aids. The major difference relates to the severity of hearing loss.  PSAPs are not able to reduce background noise or increase specific sound sources, which is helpful for facilitating a user’s understanding of speech. Instead of filtering noise with special algorithms, PSAPs amplify all sounds equally.  Since the technology is not as complex as true hearing aids, they can be sold at a cheaper price point. Unfortunately,  PSAPs have limited functionality which causes many users dissatisfaction with the product. Because of this, amplifiers are usually not the best solution for addressing hearing loss.  The product can exhaust their brains which must work hard at all times to determine which of the amplified sounds, like human speech, are deserving of attention, and which sounds they should ignore, like doors opening and closing at a restaurant.  Hearing aids cost more money because they have settings tailored to the specific wearer’s more moderate to severe hearing loss.  Some reviewers list Nano as a PSAP because they don’t require a prescription or audiogram.  Nano states they sell hearing aids. Due to recent changes in FDA regulation for over-the-counter hearing aids, we may be seeing more disputes over the wording and regulatory requirements.  

Common Complaints About Nano Hearing Aids

The most common complaints listed by Nano Hearing Aid Consumers are:

1. Poor customer service. Customers find it difficult to contact representatives. Common complaints include speaking to unknowledgeable representatives and being hung up on after calling the company’s phone line. Some consumers reported being accused of lying about devices arriving damaged.
2. Too much background noise. Though all the models claim to cancel ambient sounds, some reviewers are unhappy with the hearing aid and are displeased with the results. 
3. Shipping delays and unfulfilled orders. Nano's website advertises shipping within 7-10 business days, but some reviewers say they waited a full month before getting their product.
4. Complicated return and warranty policies. Their policies are confusing to understand and generally end with the buyer receiving no returned funds.

 

Can You Return Nano Hearing aids? 

Nano’s policy for returning hearing aids requires buyers to contact a customer service representative within 45 days of use.  Buyers are responsible for paying for all shipping costs to return the hearing device.  According to many reviewers, even if you follow all the steps to the return policy perfectly, you may not receive your full refund.  

Audicus Hearing Aids Compared to Nano Hearing Aids

Benefits:

• Audicus offers true hearing aids customized to your needs. They are adjustable and programmed to your individualized hearing loss profile. Hearing specialists and audiologists interpet your hearing test results and ensure you get the right hearing product for your unique needs.
• Audicus has a simple return policy. Audicus offers a 45-day trial period, so you have time to decide if you like the hearing aid. If you end up having a poor experience, you're able to return the hearing aid and get your money back. 
• Audicus has options for every hearing loss level. Nano may work for amplification for low-level hearing loss, but if you have more severe hearing loss, you'll want a more powerful hearing aid like Audicus’s. 

Learn More

Disadvantages:

• Some Audicus models cost more than Nano. However, Audicus products are different in complexity than Nano hearing aids, so a price comparison would not be fair. Audicus provides hearing aids and advanced technology. The price of their products reflects that.
• There are more steps involved in purchasing from Audicus. Unlike Nano, you need to submit your hearing tests before getting hearing aids. Audicus makes adjustments to your hearing aid before delivering your product. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much are Nano Hearing Aids?

Nano Hearing Aids has prices ranging from around  $1,289 to $3,500 per pair. Don’t let a low price fool you— the low price tag impacts the quality of the product.  

Who makes Nano Hearing Aids?

Nano appears to manufacture their own hearing aids, though it's unclear if this is actually the case. Little is advertised about how and where their products are made.   

Are Nano Hearing Aids rechargeable?

Yes, the devices are rechargeable with the exception of the Nano SX2000 which does require traditional batteries. Battery life lasts between 11 and 13 hours for rechargeables.   

Do Nano Hearing Aids work?

 Some wearers report a welcomed improvement in hearing with Nano Hearing Aids, while others report less-than-satisfactory results. Traditional hearing aids come customized and require a hearing test or audiogram. Nano bucks that system, providing a uniform approach that may not be one size fits all.

 

Are Nano Hearing Aids a rip-off?

If you are looking for an amplifier that falls on the lower end of costs, you may not consider their products a rip-off. However, if you are looking for a true hearing aid, you might consider Nano hearing aids a rip-off. If you are a buyer who has not received their product, has issues with returning a product, or requires true hearing aids over amplifiers, you may feel swindled.