The modern world has its comforts, but it can also be rough on your precious ears. Loud music, house-rumbling construction noises, and more can all contribute to gradual hearing loss.
Some conditions and medications can cause hearing loss, too. It can also be age-related or run in families.
However, there are ways to cope with hearing loss, including wearing hearing aids. Nano Hearing Aids offers affordable products, but are they the right devices for you? Here’s what you need to know.
Nano Hearing Aids pros and cons
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Nano Hearing Aids:
Pros
- Offers affordable hearing aids: Some of Nano’s options are cheaper than other brands of hearing aids, making them more accessible for people on a budget.
- Easier to access than prescription hearing aids: You don’t need a prescription to buy one of these devices.
Cons
- No evidence behind the newer tech: Nano claims that their app, which works with some of their more recent devices, can perform hearing tests. There’s no evidence that these tests can replace audiograms and other doctor-performed hearing tests.
- A significant number of customer complaints: Most of these complaints are about product quality, customer service, and success with returns.
What are Nano Hearing Aids?
Nano Hearing Aids is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means their products must adhere to strict guidelines. Their products are available online direct-to-consumer.
What’s available from Nano Hearing Aids?
Nano offers a variety of different models. They sell both behind-the-ear and in-the-ear devices. Current options include the following:
Nano SX2000
- Price: $3,500 per pair
This is the priciest option that Nano sells. The devices fit behind the ear but have earbuds that go inside the ear. They’re very small, making them almost invisible, and come in two colors: silver and beige.
When the battery is low, users get an audible alert.
Users can also access frequency and feedback controls to eliminate unwanted noise.
Along with the hearing aids, the package comes with a 6-month supply of batteries, cleaning supplies, four earbud sizes, and a portable case.
Nano Sigma Plus
- Price: $2,997 per pair
These devices are Bluetooth-enabled and work with the Nano mobile app. They use two directional microphones to enhance the important noises and minimize sounds you don’t want to focus on. They’re battery powered and fit behind the ear.
The Nano mobile app allows you to complete a hearing test on your smartphone, which will then help the hearing aid adjust based on the results of your test.
A protective carrying case, charging dock, cleaning supplies, a manual with directions, and four-plus earbud sizes are included with purchase.
Nano X2 Recharge
Price: $2,997 per pair
These feature noise-filtering and -canceling technology and large, easy-to-press buttons. They also fit behind the ear.
They offer four different settings, depending on the type of environment you’re in. You can use the Nano X2 Recharge for up to 16 hours on a single charge. They come with a charging case.
Along with a protective carrying case, the X2 Recharge hearing aids come with four different earbud sizes, cleaning supplies, and a user manual.
Nano RX2000 Rechargeable
Price: $1,289 per pair
The units go behind the ear and feature noise-reduction technology. Like Nano X2 Recharge, these can be used for up to 16 hours after charging.
The RX2000 only offers two environmental sound settings and doesn’t have a directional microphone. Because of this, they cost a little less than the Nano X2 Rechargeable.
This model also comes with cleaning supplies, extra ear tubes, and four different earbud sizes.
Nano CIC Recharge
Price: $2,000 per pair
These are Nano’s in-the-canal devices. They come with multiple earbud sizes. They feature noise-canceling technology, but don’t have any environmental sound settings.
These hearing aids are fully rechargeable with over 16 hours of battery. These aids come with cleaning accessories, extra ear tubes, and a manual for directions on how to operate them.
How much are Nano Hearing Aids?
A pair of Nano hearing aids costs between $1,289 and $3,500. However, there are frequent sales.
Company reputation
Nano Hearing Aids are FDA approved, and they have no FDA warning letters.
There are no recent or pending lawsuits involving Nano Hearing Aids, but there have been many complaints lodged with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Customer reviews about Nano Hearing Aids
Most of the complaints we found have to do with product quality issues or issues with refunds. Some customers note they were not satisfied with the responses or outcomes. In fact, local news stations have stepped in to try to help clients get a full refund.
Unsurprisingly, most of the reviews on the company website are positive. Many of the negative comments have to do with background noise issues. People also say that the devices don’t clarify sound very well.
Nano warranties and returns
Nano has a 45-day satisfaction guarantee. People who are unsatisfied with their new device can return it for a full refund within 45 days. It’s important to note, though, that shipping and handling fees are nonrefundable.
To start a return, you’ll need to call or email the company. Some complaints outline problems with the return process. In some cases, people say they never received their refunds.
The company also offers protection plans for their devices. These plans will cover you for 1 year if you accidentally damage the device or if you discover a manufacturing defect or malfunction. You can read more about Nano’s return policies here.
How to get hearing aids
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A healthcare professional — preferably an ENT or audiologist — can evaluate the cause and amount of your hearing loss. They can also fit you with a hearing aid for your needs.
The FDA suggests double-checking whether an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser is licensed.
Nano Hearing Aids vs. competitors
Want the convenience of ordering hearing devices online? Nano Hearing Aids has several online competitors.
| Brand | Price | Type of hearing aid | Type of hearing loss | Trial period | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano | ranges from $1,289-$3,500 | BTE (behind-the-ear), RIC (receiver-in-canal), and CIC (completely-in-canal) available | mild to moderate | 45 days | 1 year |
| Lively | ranges from $1,195–$1,995 per ear | BTE only | mild to moderate | 100 days | 3 years |
| Eargo | ranges from $1,450–$2,950 | IIC (invisible-in-canal) only | mild to moderate high frequency | 45 days | 1–2 years |
Should you buy Nano Hearing Aids?
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, your best bet is to speak with an ENT doctor. If there’s no known medical cause for your hearing loss, an audiologist can perform a hearing test and recommend a suitable device to treat it.
If you’re having trouble hearing, it’s important to get your hearing tested. During these exams, your healthcare professional can identify any underlying health issues, including life threatening conditions, that may affect your hearing.
They also say that the hearing aids are FDA registered and “are Medical Prosthetic Devices classified as Class I.” This is a misleading description. An FDA-registered device is different from an FDA-approved one.
All medical devices need to be registered with the FDA before being sold, so saying a product is registered doesn’t tell you much. Class I just means that it’s a type of device that’s considered low risk by the FDA.
Talk with your doctor if you’re not sure if Nano Hearing Aids is right for you.
When to talk with a doctor about hearing aids
Talk with a doctor if:
- hearing loss interferes with your daily activities
- hearing loss becomes worse or doesn’t go away
- sudden hearing loss occurs
- you hear ringing sounds in your ears
- ear pain occurs in addition to hearing loss
- hearing loss results in headaches
- an accident or injury occurs that affects your hearing
If you have concerns about your hearing, it’s important to mention them to your healthcare professional. They may refer you to an ENT for further diagnosis or treatment. In some cases, hearing aids aren’t necessary, but other forms of treatment are required.
Frequently asked questions about Nano Hearing Aids
Are Nano Hearing Aids covered by Medicare?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover any hearing aids or hearing exams. Some Medicare Advantage plans (part C) include extra coverage benefits, so it’s important to check what your plan does and doesn’t cover.
It’s important to note that the Nano webpage specifically states they don’t accept insurance as a form of payment.
Where are Nano Hearing Aids made?
It’s not advertised where Nano Hearing Aids are made.
Takeaway
Nano Hearing Aids is registered with the FDA. You can try out their devices without a prescription, but it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional or an audiologist before buying any kind of hearing aid.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, a healthcare professional can determine what’s causing your hearing loss and help treat it.
Catherine Crider, CD/PCD(DONA), CLEC, CBE, JD, MEd, has worked with children for the past decade as a trained elementary and special education teacher, and finds special joy in supporting blossoming families and their infants. She enjoys educating new parents and parents-to-be about their different options as well as the current best practices in baby care. Catherine writes for various websites and teaches full-spectrum childbirth and postpartum education in several locations in California’s North Bay Area and Peninsula.