Nano hearing aids: Review and considerations

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• Best discreet design: Nano CIC Invisible Hearing Aid
• Best for automatic adjustments: Nano Sigma Plus
• Best frequency range: Nano SX2000
• Best rechargeable model: Nano X2 Rechargeable

This article provides information about Nano as a brand, lists some of its products and services, and provides some alternative brands a person can consider.

Nano Hearing Aids is a hearing device manufacturer based in Minnesota, U.S. The company has been operating since 2017.

It offers different hearing aids to people residing in the United States, and they are suitable for those who wear masks or glasses.

Nano’s website also stocks hearing aid accessories, such as ear tubes, domes, and cleaning brushes, among others.

Nano has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Approximately 77% of the 290 Trustpilot reviews award the company 4–5 stars.

Positive reviews frequently mention the brand’s high quality products that help its customers to hear more clearly in crowded situations and make conversations easier to understand. Negative reviews often mention problems with refunds and returns and the fit of the hearing aids.

Nano aims to “cut out the middleman,” meaning a doctor or an audiologist, so that people can purchase hearing aids at a lower cost.

However, while Nano markets itself as providing over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only regulates hearing aids that require a prescription.

Learn more about different types of hearing aids here.

A hearing aid is considered a medical device. However, OTC hearing aids are usually personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which operate differently from hearing aids. They amplify sound but cannot distinguish speech from noise.

PSAPs may suit people with normal hearing or mild hearing loss, but research suggests they may not benefit people with moderately severe hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) does not recommend OTC PSAPs for people with severe hearing loss.

Learn more about types of hearing loss and their treatments here.

PSAPs tend to be lower cost than hearing aids. However, they may not offer the same levels of customization.

Although Nano customers can purchase hearing devices without contacting an audiologist, the FDA says that anyone who suspects that they are experiencing hearing loss should contact a doctor to undergo medical testing to access safe treatment.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Below is a range of the Nano hearing aid models a person can consider, detailing each model’s key information and features.

Best discreet design: Nano CIC Invisible Hearing Aids

The Nano CIC model has a discreet design. CIC stands for completely-in-canal, meaning this device fits almost completely into a person’s ear canal.

The company also includes more than four earbud sizes to fit different ear shapes. If a person finds that none of the provided earbuds fit properly, Nano says they should contact the company to have more earbud sizes shipped out.

Some other features of the Nano CIC include:

• customizable mode and volume settings
• a 6-month supply of batteries
• a directions manual

Reviews for the Nano CIC Invisible Hearing Aids are generally positive on the company website, with 75% of over 1,200 reviewers rating the CIC model 5 out of 5 stars. Users mention that they are better able to hear conversations and the television. Neutral reviews say that these hearing aids make every sound louder and do not distinguish between different kinds of sound. Negative reviews mention difficulties with getting a refund.

The price is $149 per pair.

Best for automatic adjustments: Nano Sigma Plus

The Nano Sigma model is Bluetooth-enabled and controllable via the Nano app on the user’s smartphone. It is a behind-the-ear model.

The app works by conducting a hearing test. The test results will dictate which frequency settings the left and right ears should be at, and the aids will automatically adjust to this mode.

Some other features of the Nano Sigma include:

• more than four earbud sizes to try
• good fit, even for people who wear glasses
• noise reduction technology
• directional microphone technology
• a directions manual
• rechargeable
• suitable for most people who wear glasses

There are 28 reviews of this model on the Nano website at the time of publishing. The majority are positive, stating that being able to adjust the frequencies with a smartphone is useful and the sound quality is good. One user mentions that the charge does not last long enough.

The Nano Sigma costs $697 per pair.

Best frequency range: Nano SX2000

The Nano SX2000 model is one of the higher cost options available from Nano.

This device is a behind-the-ear model, which fits behind the user’s ear and contains a thin wire connected to an earbud, which the user inserts into their ear canal.

This model picks up frequencies from 200 Hertz (Hz) to 5,500 Hz. Other Nano hearing aids have frequencies that range from 200–3,800 Hz.

Some other key features of the Nano SX2000 include:

• easy to use volume buttons
• an audible low battery warning
• frequency controls for everyday conversation and television
• feedback control
• automatic noise reduction
• automatic feedback canceller
• various ear tips so that people can find the right tip for their ear shape

On the Nano website, 168 of 231 reviews gave this model 5 out of 5 stars. Users mention it is easy to adjust the volume, and there is little background noise or feedback.

The Nano SX2000 costs $997 per pair.

Best rechargeable model: Nano X2 Rechargeable

The Nano X2 Rechargeable model is another behind-the-ear model. As its name suggests, the batteries are rechargeable and are typically useable for 16 hours on one charge.

The purchase includes a portable charging case.

Some other features of the Nano X2 Rechargeable include:

• more than four earbud sizes to try
• a directions manual
• simple volume buttons
• an audible low battery warning
• 3 hours of charging time until full
• two-directional microphones
• four frequency control settings, such as one-to-one conversations and outdoors
• automatic noise reduction technology
• an automatic feedback controller

At the time of publishing, there are 194 reviews for this model on the Nano website of which 150 give 5 out of 5 stars. These reviews mention that users can hear clearly in crowded situations and that they fit well. More neutral reviews state that the hearing aids amplified the wrong sounds and were not easy to wear with glasses.

The Nano X2 Rechargeable costs $497 per pair.

This chart provides a comparison between the four Nano hearing aids.

Nano has a 45-day money-back guarantee on all products. Customers can try their chosen hearing aid and return it for a full refund if they find it is unsuitable. The company recommends that users use their hearing aids for a minimum of 21 days before deciding about returning the product.

The user is responsible for any shipping costs when sending their hearing aids back to the company.

Additionally, all Nano products come with a 1-year standard manufacturer warranty. During this time, Nano will replace parts, carry out any repairs, and replace the hearing aids, if necessary.

Nano does not cover the costs of any servicing, repairs, or replacements a person needs after the 45-day trial period ends unless the person has taken out a warranty on their item.

A person may cancel their order within 15 hours of placing it if they change their mind.

Nano hearing aids are available to purchase on the company’s website.

A person can also buy hearing aid accessories and batteries on the Nano website.

Learn more about the different types of hearing aid batteries.

The following are some alternative brands that a person may wish to consider. They all offer medical-grade prescription hearing aids for purchase online:

• Eargo: This brand sells rechargeable hearing aids in small and discreet styles. Learn more about Eargo here.
• MDHearingAid: This company offers FDA-registered hearing aids and a 45-day trial period. Learn more about MDHearingAid here.
• Audicus: Audicus sells three FDA-registered products. All models are designed to be small and discreet.

Alternatively, a person can consult a doctor or an audiologist to take a professional hearing test. A person can then get personalized advice about their hearing loss.

Some of the above brands offer services to help customers find professional hearing testing and advice.

According to the NIDCD, around 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids. The NIDCD also says that fewer than 30% of adults aged 70 years and over who could benefit from using hearing aids actually use them. They may use PSAPs instead.

One 2017 study confirms the efficacy of hearing aids in adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It is worth noting that the researchers did not use any participants with a higher level of hearing loss than moderate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that 24% of all cases of hearing difficulty among U.S. individuals result from occupational exposure. This means that people who work in noisy environments are at risk of causing damage to their hearing.

The CDC recommends that people who work in noisy environments protect their hearing by:

• taking regular breaks from the noisy activity
• always wearing ear protection when in noisy areas
• creating as much distance as possible from the source of the sound or using a barrier
• trying to use the quietest equipment available

A person should consult an audiologist for a hearing screening if they believe that they have some level of hearing loss or if they have any other symptoms, such as:

• earache
• discharge from the ear
• sudden hearing loss in one ear

Below are some common questions about Nano hearing aids.

Does Medicare cover Nano hearing aids?

Nano does not accept payments via health insurance. According to the company, a person can spread the cost of Nano hearing aids with a monthly payment plan. Learn more about the cost of hearing aids.

Is a Nano hearing aid an amplifier?

Nano’s hearing aids are considered to be PSAPs. The FDA does not regulate these devices, and they are not the same as hearing aids.

The FDA states that PSAPs are for people without hearing problems but who may wish to amplify sounds during recreational activities.

Learn more about the difference between hearing aids and hearing amplifiers.

How long do Nano hearing aid batteries last?

The Nano CIC and SX2000 come with a 6-month supply of batteries. Nano states in its user manuals that these batteries should last 3–7 days.

Rechargeable Nano hearing aids can work for up to 16 hours fully charged.

Nano recommends that a person turns off their hearing aids overnight or when they are not in use to conserve battery power. Additionally, Nano advises that a person should not charge hearing aids for longer than 4 hours.

Nano is an online, low cost brand offering OTC hearing devices, meaning that a person does not need a prescription to purchase them.

The company claims to provide hearing aids. However, its products are not medical-grade or regulated by the FDA. They are more likely PSAPs.

A person should consult a doctor or an audiologist if they experience hearing loss.