A guide to Lucid hearing aids
Manufacturing both prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids, Lucid hearing aids are a top-tier OTC option for mild to moderate hearing loss.
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The 3 key takeaways
- There are over 500 Lucid Hearing centers located nationwide — This makes it easier to make in-person adjustments if the self-adjustments on the mobile app are not enough.
- They sell both prescription and OTC options — You can speak with a licensed professional to see if a prescription hearing aid or an OTC is your best option.
- The fio, Lucid’s most expensive option, doesn’t have Bluetooth streaming — However, as an in-the-ear hearing aid, it is the most discreet option from Lucid Hearing.
According to the National Library of Medicine, over 30 million adults in the United States experience hearing loss in both ears, and over 48 million in at least one ear. Many suffer in silence, opting not to visit a hearing loss specialist to avoid both the stigma and the expense. The cost of prescription hearing aids alone often runs upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 a pair.
Enter the Federal Drug Administration. In August 2022, the FDA established an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid market to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable hearing aids for people 18 and older with mild to moderate perceived hearing loss. Plenty of brands have created OTC options over the last few years, making it difficult to separate quality from — pardon the pun — a lot of noise.
Lucid Hearing is a unique brand. They offer both prescription and over-the-counter hearing aid options and access to hearing specialists around the United States to see which of the two options will work best for your needs.
Using their experience in the field of audiology, our review board of licensed audiologists reviewed the over-the-counter options for Lucid hearing aids, and three of their six models came out on top: the Engage, the Engage Rechargeable, and the fio.
Some quick facts about Lucid hearing aids
Founded in 2009, Lucid Hearing worked in collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas to develop each of the OTC models on the market today. The company is based out of Fort Worth and has over 500 hearing clinics nationwide. Patients can visit the clinic for in-person exams, adjustments, and more.
- With the Lucid Hearing app, you can easily adjust your hearing aid. Using LucidShape, a feature in the app, you can personalize settings and stream audio from compatible devices.
- Their OTC models are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. People struggling with severe or profound hearing loss need to make an appointment with a hearing specialist and purchase a prescription hearing aid.
- The Engage and Engage Rechargeable allow streaming from your smartphone. As long as your device is compatible, you should be able to stream music and TV from your phone to your hearing aids.
Are Lucid hearing aids for me?
Lucid hearing aids understands that patients want options. According to one of our audiologists, Dr. Jessica Hinson, they provide options to most users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Patients suffering from low-pitch hearing loss will probably enjoy the fio, an in-the-ear device, so long as the fit is secure. Those with smaller ear canals may opt for the Engage or the Engage Rechargeable, two models that allow users to stream music and media through compatible smartphones.
The pros of Lucid hearing aids
- Two models allow Bluetooth streaming and self-adjustment through LucidShape. The Engage and Engage Rechargeable come with Bluetooth streaming capabilities and LucidShape on the Lucid Hearing app allows you to adjust your hearing aid to match your listening environment.
- They offer affordable behind-the-ear and in-the-ear devices. The Engage and Engage Rechargeable are behind-the-ear hearing aids, while the fio’s in-the-ear design is discreet and ideal for those with low-pitch hearing loss.
- You can receive both in-person and online support. There are over 500 Lucid hearing centers located around the United States, and the Lucid Hearing website offers an online chat option and the ability to call and talk to a telehealth specialist Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.
The cons of Lucid hearing aids
- Not meant for those who want custom-fit hearing aids. The over-the-counter models cannot be custom fit. However, if you choose one of Lucid Hearing’s prescription options, you may be able to receive custom-fitted hearing aids programmed to match your diagnostic hearing test. If you struggle with severe to profound hearing loss, prescription is absolutely the way to go.
- Not all their devices are Bluetooth compatible. While the Engage and the Engage Rechargeable are Bluetooth-enabled, the fio does not allow streaming from smart devices.
- There are limited color options. Lucid Hearing aids come in beige, gray, and black. These limited colors may make it difficult for some people to match their devices to their skin tone.
Customer service
Like other companies, Lucid Hearing offers a variety of customer support services. They can be reached via email, and they have telehealth specialists available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.
A few things set Lucid Hearing apart from its competitors, though. On their website, the company has a virtual chat that connects you with a customer service representative, who is available to answer basic questions about features or connect you with a telehealth specialist.
Lucid also has over 500 clinics nationwide where patients can get their hearing tested, talk with a hearing aid specialist, and receive professional guidance on whether they should choose a prescription or an over-the-counter option.
If you want to speak to a professional about hearing aids or any other hearing health issues, use our Audiologist Explorer and find an audiologist or other hearing loss specialist to address your concerns and needs.
Models available
There are six over-the-counter Lucid hearing aids available for sale or pre-order: the Engage, the Engage Rechargeable, the fio, the Enrich, the Enrich Pro BTE, and the Enlite, a soon-to-be released in-the-ear device advertised as a deluxe OTC hearing aid.
We asked our review board which models they would recommend to their patients based on quality, features, and reliability. They came back with three models: the Engage, the Engage Rechargeable, and the fio.
The Lucid Engage
Lucid Engage
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$599.99 per pair
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Disposable
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Mild to moderate hearing loss
A behind-the-ear hearing aid available in beige, black, and gray, the Engage hearing aid comes with replaceable batteries and a speaker-in-the-ear for clarity. Of the three models our audiologists recommended, it is the most affordable.
| Criteria | The Lucid Engage |
|---|---|
| Cost | $599.99 per pair (or $20.91 for 12 months with a $299.00 deposit) |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Rechargeable batteries? | No, these are not rechargeable. |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | Yes |
| Customization options | Only through the Lucid Hearing app |
Who are Lucid Engage hearing aids ideal for?
Our audiologists agree that Engage hearing aids are best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Specifically, Engage devices might be ideal for those with mild hearing impairment who struggle in low noise situations. The Nano coating also provides moisture resistance, perfect for active users worried about sweat.
The Engage is also ideal for tech-savvy users who want to be able to stream music and media from their mobile device.
Like with other over-the-counter hearing aids, the Engage is not ideal for those with severe to profound hearing loss. These patients may want to opt for prescription options or make an appointment with a hearing loss specialist before they purchase a hearing aid.
The Lucid Engage Rechargeable
Lucid Engage Rechargeable
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$799.99 per pair
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Rechargeable
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Mild to moderate hearing loss
Like the Engage, the Engage Rechargeable comes in beige, black, and gray and is a behind-the-ear hearing aid with a speaker-in-the-ear for clarity and noise reduction. It’s about $200 more expensive than the Engage model, but with rechargeable batteries, you will save money since you won’t have to purchase replacements.
| Criteria | The Lucid Engage Rechargeable |
|---|---|
| Cost | $799.99 per pair (or $37.50 for 12 months with a $299.00 deposit) |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Rechargeable batteries? | Yes, with a portable case. |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | Yes |
| Customization options | Only through the Lucid Hearing app |
Who are Engage Rechargeable hearing aids ideal for?
Like the Engage, the Engage Rechargeable hearing aids are best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, specifically those with mild hearing impairment who struggle in low noise situations. They also come equipped with Nano coating, so active users can feel confident in their devices even if they get them sweaty.
Tech-savvy users will be able to stream music and media from their mobile devices and recharge their batteries with ease.
fio
Lucid fio
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$999
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Rechargeable
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Mild to moderate hearing loss
The fio is Lucid Hearing’s most expensive over-the-counter option, but for good reason. The devices come with a portable charging case, which can be fully charged wtihin a short two-hour timeframe. They are also in-the-ear devices rather than behind-the-ear devices, which means they are both discreet and ideal for low-pitch hearing loss.
You can use one of four programs with the fio hearing aids: mild, for those who struggle with understanding speech, moderate, which offers more volume support, mild bass boost, a step stronger than moderate, which boost low frequency sounds such as vowels, and max, which offers bass boost with maximum volume.
| Criteria | The Lucid fio |
|---|---|
| Cost | $999.00, no financing options available |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
| Rechargeable batteries? | Yes, with a portable case. |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | Yes |
| Customization options | No Bluetooth streaming. |
Who are fio hearing aids ideal for?
As long as the fit is secure, these in-the-ear hearing aids are ideal for patients who suffer from low-frequency hearing loss. People with small ear canals may not like the ITE design, so the Engage may be a better way to go.
If you’re looking for streaming options, you will not find them with the fio. You can connect the fio to the Lucid Hearing app, including LucidShape, which will let you adjust your settings to match your listening environment.
What our audiologists say about Lucid hearing aids
Dr. Jessica Hinson
“Lucid Hearing provides options for both prescription and OTC hearing aids. They have a device for most users with mild to moderately hearing loss. Those with low-pitch hearing loss will enjoy Lucid’s fio, provided the fit is secure. Those with small ear canals may not have success with the fio. Engage devices come in rechargeable and replaceable battery options. Most users will choose rechargeable batteries, which should get you through a full day before needing charged again. Engage devices come in three colors (grey, beige, and black) to suit most styles. Engage devices will work best for those who have a mild hearing impairment who struggle in low noise situations. Engage devices will sync with smart phones for bluetooth streaming.”
Dr. Ruth Reisman
“For those looking for a variety of hearing aids at a more affordable price point, this may be a good fit. You also have the opportunity to go to a partnered Audiologist to get in person support and a complete hearing test.”
Dr. Danielle Morgan
“While Lucid OTC hearing aids have limited model options, their Engage line of receiver in the canal hearing aids could be a decent option for patients with mild hearing loss who are just getting started on their hearing journey. I like that they offer Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android users. Compared to other OTC options, the price is one of the lower ones, and they do have a generous return window of 60 days. I would not recommend these hearing aids for patients who are not in the least bit tech savvy, as Lucid does not seem to provide as good of an option for remote care and support as some of the other OTC companies do.”
What customers say about Lucid hearing aids
Customers say their favorite feature is…
Many customers report affordable quality, and those with devices that offer Bluetooth streaming report great functionality. Users also report the hearing aids are easy to adjust using the smartphone app.
Customers say their least favorite feature is…
While users love how easy it is to adjust their hearing aids via the smartphone app, they report that the app is not intuitive. This can be a problem, especially for people who are tech-wary. Many Lucid Hearing customers also say that the streaming comes through in lo quality rather than high quality sound.
Frequently asked questions about Lucid hearing aids
Where are Lucid hearing centers?
There are over 500 Lucid Hearing centers, most of them located in Sam’s Clubs around the United States. There are also over 50 Lucid Hearing clinics around the world. You can visit one of these centers to get a hearing assessment, or you can use our Audiologist Explorer to find a specialist in your area.
What is the difference between an over-the-counter hearing aid and a prescription hearing aid?
There are multiple differences between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC users can use app-controlled adjustable audio to meet their hearing needs, but it is rare to be able to customize OTC hearing aids to match the deficits in your diagnostic hearing assessment. Prescription hearing aids can be customized to fit your ear and programmed using your hearing test in order to meet specific deficits. Those with severe to profound hearing loss should only use prescription hearing aids.
Does Lucid Hearing sell prescription hearing aids?
Yes, Lucid Hearing sells both prescription hearing aids and over-the-counter hearing aids. Speak to your hearing specialist to see which model is best for you and your needs.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
If you are struggling to understand people in conversation, or if you find that you cannot hear someone when background noise is present, you may be suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss. Speech may also sound muffled, or you may have to turn up the TV or the stereo to maximum volume in order to hear them.
Have Lucid Hearing over-the-counter hearing aids been approved by the FDA?
Yes, Lucid Hearing OTC hearing aids have been approved by the FDA. They are a legitimate option for adults 18 years or older.
