Audien Atom X Hero

Audien Atom X Expert Review

Budget OTC
Released 
2025

Summary

The Audien Atom X is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earned a B grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing, ranking #9 out of 56 OTC devices tested. At $389, it sits in the lower price tier of the OTC market, making it an accessible entry point for those exploring hearing amplification.

In our lab testing, the Atom X showed mixed performance across key metrics. Its standout strength is feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.00/5—well above the category average. This means users are unlikely to experience the annoying whistling that can plague some hearing aids. Music streaming quality also performed reasonably well at 3.30/5, coming in close to the category average.

However, the Atom X struggled in areas most critical for hearing aid users. Speech clarity in quiet environments scored 1.50/5, falling 1.12 points below the OTC category average. Speech understanding in noisy settings was even more challenged at 0.30/5, measuring 0.90 points below average. These results suggest the device may have difficulty providing the speech audibility improvements many users seek.

Notably, the initial and tuned fit conditions produced identical scores, indicating limited flexibility for professional optimization. Budget-conscious shoppers should consider alternatives like the JLab Hear OTC at $99.99, which achieved better overall sound performance in our testing. The Atom X may suit users prioritizing stable, feedback-free amplification over maximum speech clarity, but those with moderate hearing loss seeking improved speech understanding may want to explore higher-performing options in this price range.

In our initial fit testing with closed vented domes, the Audien Atom X achieved a fit score of 1.87/5, falling below the category average. The device excelled at feedback prevention with a perfect 5.00/5 score, and music streaming performed adequately at 3.30/5. However, speech benefit metrics were notably weak—speech in quiet scored 1.50/5 and speech in noise just 0.30/5, both well below OTC averages. Own voice comfort measured 2.30/5. The proprietary manufacturer default fitting provided limited amplification for the target moderate hearing loss profile.

The tuned fit condition for the Audien Atom X produced identical results to the initial fit, with no score improvements achieved through optimization attempts. Using the same closed vented dome coupling, all metrics remained unchanged: speech in quiet at 1.50/5, speech in noise at 0.30/5, feedback handling at 5.00/5, own voice at 2.30/5, and music streaming at 3.30/5. This suggests the device offers limited adjustability for matching prescriptive targets, which may constrain its effectiveness for users seeking customized amplification.

Lab Review Scores

C
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.0
Tuned Score
3.0
Speech in quiet
best
1.5
5.0
Own voice
best
2.3
5.0
Speech in noise
best
0.3
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
3.3
5.0

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Lab recordings

Lab notes

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Closed Vented Dome
Tuned Fitting
Closed Vented Dome
Receiver
Initial Fitting
Integrated in device
Tuned Fitting
Integrated in device
Fitting Formula
Initial Fitting
Proprietary manufacturer default
Tuned Fitting
Proprietary manufacturer default
Listening Program
Initial Fitting
Conversation
Tuned Fitting
Conversation
Volume Setting
Initial Fitting
60% (6/10 volume)
Tuned Fitting
60% (6/10 volume)
Software Version
Initial Fitting
Unknown
Tuned Fitting
Unknown
Tuning Adjustments
Initial Fitting
n/a
Tuned Fitting
n/a
Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Tuned and Initial Fittings identical as further adjustments did not improve fitting.

Specs

Visible in Ear
Visible in Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries