Audien Atom X vs HearingAssist Control

The Audien Atom X is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid available for $389, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. This visible-in-ear style device ranks #54 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the lower portion of the category. In our testing, the Atom X showed a mixed performance profile with notable strengths and weaknesses. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, scoring 0.46 points above the category average—meaning users are unlikely to experience whistling during normal wear. Music streaming was also a highlight at 3.3/5, coming in 1.38 points above the OTC average, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize audio entertainment. However, speech clarity showed limitations. Speech in quiet scored 1.5/5, falling 1.25 points below the category average, while speech in noise measured 1.0/5, which is 0.48 points below average. These low absolute scores suggest users may find speech understanding challenging, particularly in difficult listening environments. Own voice comfort was mixed at 2.3/5, slightly below the category average. The Atom X may appeal to budget-conscious consumers who prioritize streaming quality and feedback-free wear over speech enhancement. However, several competitors in the same price range—including the Elehear Beyond (4.36/5) and Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.06/5)—offer stronger overall performance. Shoppers focused primarily on speech clarity may want to explore alternatives.

The HearingAssist Control is a behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid priced at $549, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the lower portion of the OTC category, ranking #51 of 65 devices tested. In our testing, the Control demonstrates notable strengths in speech performance. Speech in quiet scores 0.59 points above the category average at 3.4/5, representing solid absolute performance. Speech in noise comes in at 2.0/5—above the category average by 0.56 points, though only mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning the device remained stable without audible squealing during our standardized challenge tests. The device shows significant weaknesses in other areas. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, which is 1.92 points below the category average and indicates this device does not support or perform well with phone audio streaming. Own-voice comfort is also below average at 2.1/5 (0.41 points below category average), which may be noticeable during extended conversations. The HearingAssist Control may suit users who prioritize speech clarity over streaming functionality and who don't require premium sound quality across all use cases. However, buyers in this price range should note that several competitors—including the Yeasound RIC800 and Sony CRE-E10—deliver substantially higher overall scores. Those seeking similar speech performance at a lower cost may also consider the iHear MatriX.