Nano Hearing Aids Review 2022

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Consulted with geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brand
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot

Pros and Cons of Nano

Pros

• Nano offers an affordable, entry-level hearing instrument
• A 45-day money-back guarantee is available
• The Sigma model comes with a smartphone app to control the instrument remotely

Cons

• Products are FDA-registered, not FDA-approved
• Nano devices are personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), not medical-grade hearing aids
• The website lists several discrepancies about the product

Nano Models: Comparison Table

Models Offered

Nano hearing aids are a direct-to-consumer product. They are also referred to as over-the-counter (OTC) personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which amplify sounds in certain situations. They are not intended for people with impaired hearing or hearing loss.

Nano sells seven models, including the X2R, RX2000, X2, Sigma, Sigma+, CIC, and Ultra. According to a company representative, Nano PSAPs are designed in Phoenix, Arizona and shipped out of Texas, with many of the chips (the most important component) manufactured in Minnesota.

The Nano X2 Recharge (X2R) is one of the company’s featured behind-the-ear (BTE) rechargeable instruments. It comes with four modes: normal, noise-reduction, restaurant, and telecoil. You can expect about 16 hours on a single charge. In addition to the device, you also get a portable charging case for on-the-go charging.

If you want an entry-level rechargeable device, the Nano RX2000 is a good place to start. This BTE device is the company’s most affordable model. In addition, it comes with noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and four modes that include normal, noise reduction, conversation, and outdoor. Unlike the Nano X2R, this model comes with a USB charging cord, not a charging case or station.

The Nano X2 has many of the same features as the Nano X2R, but it works with zinc air-activated 312 batteries. It comes with noise reduction and four modes that change the way the X2 adapts to the environment. The adjusting modes include speech, restaurant, road, and outdoor.

If you’re looking for a Bluetooth model that pairs with the Nano mobile app, consider the Sigma. This BTE style allows you to control the device from a smartphone with just one click. It also comes with noise-reduction technology and four earbud sizes to fit your ear canal size properly. Unlike the other Nano models, this product uses a 13A battery.

The Nano Sigma is also available in a rechargeable model called the Nano Sigma Plus. This device comes with the same features as the traditional Sigma, like Bluetooth technology, the Nano smartphone app, and noise-reduction features, but with a charging dock.

The Nano CIC is the only model the company makes that fits completely in the ear canal. If you’re looking for a barely-there style, you may want to consider the CIC. Like the other Nano models, the CIC comes with noise-reduction technology. Plus, since it fits in the ear, users say the CIC is easy to use with face masks and glasses.

The Nano Ultra is a BTE instrument that is designed to provide a natural sound. It’s powered by a zinc air-activated 312 battery and features four listening modes: daily listening, restaurants, music, and telephone.

How Much Do Nano Hearing Aids Cost?

Nano hearing aid prices can be misleading. Depending on when you visit the website, you may see costs discounted by as much as $2,000, which is quite a sale. For example, the Nano X2 is regularly listed at $2,997 and is on sale for $597. This also includes a buy one, get one free deal. Going by the company’s highest listed price, Nano products range from $1,289 to $2,997. Sale prices currently range from $397 to $997.

There are a few ways to pay for a Nano product. First, you can pay upfront with a credit or debit card. Nano also offers Zip payment plans, which splits the purchase amount into four interest-free payments spread over six weeks.

Another option to help pay for hearing aids is a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. You may be able to pay for a Nano product using funds from one of these accounts. Check with your individual plan and hearing aid retailer for more information.

Unfortunately, Medicare Part A and Part B do not offer hearing aid benefits. If you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan), contact your plan provider to determine whether you have benefits. In some states, Medicaid will cover the cost of hearing aids when medically necessary. Make sure to check eligibility in your state before purchasing a hearing aid.

Finally, very few private insurance companies offer benefits for hearing instruments for adults. That said, it’s worth talking with your benefits manager to find out whether your plan provides hearing aid benefits for adults.

The Nano App and Accessories

The Nano Hearing smartphone app allows you to connect and control your Nano Sigma model remotely. You can adjust volume, program mode, and band equalizers, and create customized hearing features through the app. In addition, a hearing check function allows users to quickly perform a self-hearing check with a headset/earbud of the hearing instrument. The Nano app is available for iPhone and Android.

Nano sells a variety of accessories for certain models on their website, including:

• Thin tubes for model X2.0 (two sizes available)
• Wax domes in small, medium, and large, as well as a hearing aid wax loop and brush for the CIC Recharge
• Accessories kit for the Sigma: one set of thin tubes, cleaning brush and clean line, and ear tips
• Portable charging case for model RX2000
• Thin tubes for model RX2000
• Accessories kit for model X2.0: one set of thin tubes, cleaning brush, and ear tips
• Accessories kit for model CIC: domes, hearing aid wax loop and bush, and screwdriver

Nano Hearing Aids Customization

The Nano Hearing app allows users to customize their hearing instruments. Android and iPhone users can pair the Sigma with the Nano app to perform a hearing check. After this check, the Sigma can adjust your settings automatically to fit your hearing needs best. The sound control menu is where you can make adjustments to customize the instrument. You can control the volume, change the ambiance, and adjust frequency bands to modify the amplification of each part of the spectrum (low-pitched sounds and high-pitched sounds). Finally, the compression section allows you to protect your hearing from sudden loud noises.

Customer Service and Satisfaction

Customer service and satisfaction are mixed. Several online reviews rate Nano customer service as poor. That said, there are many reviews on the company website that speak favorably about the product and customer service. With such a wide range of customer comments about service and satisfaction, it’s a good idea to spend some time reading reviews and calling the company with any questions before you purchase a product.

The company provides 24/7 customer support, with a link to a phone number and email. They also offer an online chat option. On the website, Nano advertises a 45-day money-back guarantee, which takes effect the day you purchase the product. The device also comes with a standard one-year warranty for manufacturing defects. If you want more protection, you can purchase the Elite Protection Plan for $79.

Comparing Nano to Other Brands

What to Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

Buying a hearing aid or PSAP can be an overwhelming process. Finding the right one takes time. The most important thing to consider before buying hearing aids is your individual needs.

More specifically:

• What is your current level of hearing loss? People with severe to profound hearing loss need a more powerful hearing aid than people with mild to moderate loss.
• What do you want out of a device? Finding a hearing aid that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle increases the odds that you will wear it regularly.
• What style do you want? The most common hearing aid styles are behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-canal (CIC).
• What is your budget? Hearing aids are not cheap, and most insurance companies provide minimal to no coverage for hearing devices.
• What features are you looking for? Hearing aids come with a variety of features like Bluetooth, telecoil, noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, remote controls, variable programming, directional microphones, remote adjustments, and tinnitus masking.

It’s also critical to consider working with an audiologist or another hearing professional. Buying a device without getting a hearing test or being properly fitted first can result in a hearing aid that does not meet your specific needs or does not fit properly.

Nano Hearing Aid Customer Reviews

Nano has an “F” rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). The majority of the reviews on TrustPilot reference poor customer service, devious business practices, and hearing instruments that do not fit right or work the way they are advertised.

How We Reviewed Nano Hearing Aids

Our rating system takes into account a variety of factors, including reliability, quality, features, support, cost, pricing transparency, and customer reviews from trusted sources such as the BBB and TrustPilot. We researched Nano hearing devices as if we were a consumer interested in purchasing the product.

Bottom Line

Nano hearing aids are best suited for people looking for an over-the-counter PSAP to help amplify sounds in specific environments. They are not intended for moderate to severe hearing loss. With that said, the customer reviews about Nano products are mixed and include several comments about dishonest business practices and false claims on the website. Plus, many customers share frustrations about not being able to return the device within the 45-day money-back guarantee period.

What’s more, a quick email to the company provided us with the following information (which was difficult to find on the website), “Nano hearing aids are considered PSAPs, but they’re advanced enough to be considered as medical grade. Moreover, they’re FDA-registered. They are Medical Prosthetic Devices classified as Class I.” However, under the FAQ section of the website, the company says this: “Nano devices are FDA-registered, Class I, which means that our devices are real hearing aids, as opposed to PSAP devices or amplifiers.” As you can see, this information is contradictory and should be a factor for anyone with medical-grade hearing loss to consider before purchasing.

All things considered, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor, audiologist, or another provider to get a complete hearing evaluation and recommendations about the right hearing device for your needs.

FAQs

RESOURCES

American Tinnitus Association. (n.d). Understanding the Facts.
Hearing Loss Association of America. Medicaid.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Hearing Aids.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know.