If you’ve found yourself asking loved ones to repeat themselves, missing lines of dialogue on TV, or struggling to keep up in loud restaurants, you’re not alone. Hearing loss is incredibly common—impacting roughly 1 in 8 adults in the U.S.—and it tends to show up slowly, over time.
For most people, hearing aids are the best long-term solution. Modern devices are discreet, powerful, and packed with helpful tech features like Bluetooth streaming, smartphone apps, and even fitness tracking. But what if you’re just not quite ready for hearing aids?
Whether you’re unsure about wearing something in your ears, not ready to make the investment, or simply exploring your options, there are alternatives that can help.
Let’s break down three of the most promising hearing aid alternatives available today—both of which are available here at Soundly.com with our full customer support, expert guidance, and hassle-free returns.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
1. LACE AI Pro – Physical Therapy For Your Ears
Let’s start with something that might surprise you: hearing happens in your brain, not just your ears. That’s the core insight behind Lace AI Pro, a digital auditory training app that can actually strengthen the way your brain processes sound.
What Is It?
Lace AI Pro is a smartphone app that delivers short, daily challenges designed to improve how well you hear in noisy places or follow rapid speech—two of the most frustrating aspects of hearing loss. The technique it uses, called auditory training, has been around for decades and is backed by science. Auditory training has traditionally required costly in-clinic sessions, but LACE AI brings the therapy home through a convenient and well-designed smartphone app.
How Does It Work?
Each day, you’ll spend about 20 minutes completing interactive listening tasks. These include:
- Identifying words in noisy environments
- Following fast-moving conversations
- Practicing memory recall in real-time dialogue
Think of it like physical therapy for your ears and brain. With consistent use, your brain actually becomes more efficient at filtering out background noise and focusing on important sounds.
Who Is It For?
Lace AI Pro is a great option if:
- You’re noticing mild hearing difficulties but aren’t ready for hearing aids
- You want to take a proactive step toward improving your hearing
- You’re already wearing hearing aids but want help getting used to them
In fact, many audiologists recommend Lace AI Pro alongside hearing aids, especially during the adjustment period. The app helps users acclimate to the sound of their new devices more quickly and comfortably.
How to Get It
Lace AI Pro is typically only available through audiology clinics, but we’ve made it available to purchase directly on Soundly.com. LACE AI Pro has a one-time cost of $325, which includes a lifetime license and full support from our team.
Clinical studies show that consistent users can experience up to a 20% improvement in speech comprehension, especially in background noise—a significant gain, with or without hearing aids.
2. Nuance Audio Glasses – Hear More, Wear Glasses
Another new alternative to traditional hearing aids looks nothing like a hearing device at all. Meet Nuance Audio, a pair of glasses designed to help you hear better—no earbud or ear tip required.
Who’s Behind This?
Nuance Audio is backed by EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and dozens of optical retailers. That matters because this isn’t some throwaway tech product—it’s designed with high-end frames, high-quality sound, and real staying power.
How Do They Work?
Nuance Audio glasses use open-ear speakers that sit just above the ear and play sound down into your ear canal. Think of it as a subtle audio boost, delivered through a device you already wear on your face.
These glasses are especially useful for:
- Mild to moderate hearing needs
- Situations with background noise
- People who don’t want anything in their ears
Unlike traditional hearing aids, Nuance Audio doubles as your everyday eyewear. Each pair comes with transition lenses that adapt between clear and sunglass mode, right out of the box. Need a prescription? Just take them to your optometrist to have custom lenses added.
Why People Like Them
Many Soundly customers tell us that Nuance Audio offers a helpful middle ground. Hearing aids can feel like a big step, and these glasses provide a subtle, stylish way to hear better without the commitment.
Plus, since they don’t physically go inside your ears, they’re ideal for folks with sensitive ears.
Where to Buy
You can find Nuance Audio glasses here, complete with all of our standard perks:
- Free 2-day shipping
- 45-day return window
- Free audiologist setup call if you’d like help getting started
Nuance Audio glasses are priced at $1,200 per pair with transition lenses and come in two styles and two colors. Use code Nuance10 at checkout for 10% off your order.
AirPods Pro 2 – A Surprising Entry into Hearing Help
If you're an iPhone user, there's a good chance you already own a device that can help you hear better—without buying anything new. With the latest iOS update (18.1 or later), AirPods Pro 2 now include a built-in over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid feature.
How It Works
Apple has quietly turned what used to be “Transparency Mode” into something more customized. With the latest software, you can now take a hearing test on your iPhone. The results adjust how your AirPods process the sounds around you—enhancing voices, reducing background noise, and boosting speech clarity.
In short, your AirPods Pro 2 can now act like a starter hearing aid, tuned to your personal hearing profile.
The Pros
- No new device required – If you already own AirPods Pro 2, this feature is totally free.
- Custom tuning – Apple's built-in test tailors the sound to your needs.
- Great for situational use – Think TV watching, listening for a partner's voice in the other room, quiet conversations
- Low-lift onboarding – Try hearing support via a mass market product before committing to something more formal.
The Limitations
While this update is impressive, there are some obvious trade-offs:
- Battery life is limited compared to hearing aids—especially if worn all day.
- Comfort may be an issue during long wear, especially in social settings.
- Social perception matters—some people may assume you're listening to music rather than engaged in conversation.
- Sound quality is helpful but not on par with dedicated hearing aids or even newer OTC products like Nuance Audio.
Who It's For
AirPods Pro 2 are a great first step for people who are curious about hearing help but not quite ready for a full hearing aid experience. They’re not a replacement for a medical-grade device, but they are a surprisingly capable tool—especially if you’re already using them for music or calls.
And best of all? You might already have them sitting in your pocket.
📊 Hearing Support Options Compared
💡 Our Take:
- Not ready to commit? Start with LACE AI Pro—it’s low-risk, science-backed, and builds real hearing skills.
- Want a discreet way to hear better now? Nuance Audio is a sleek and effective option, especially if you already wear glasses.
- Ready for a long-term solution? Modern hearing aids are the gold standard—and more advanced (and affordable) than ever.
Are These Long-Term Replacements for Hearing Aids?
The short answer is no. Hearing aids will give you the most consistent and customized support. Today’s best hearing aids are smart, discreet, and offer customizable programs that evolve with your needs.
But not everyone is ready to take that step right away.
Whether you’re still on the fence or just starting to notice signs of hearing trouble, tools like Lace AI Pro, Nuance Audio and AirPods offer an easy entry point. They can buy you time, build your confidence, and even help prepare you for hearing aids down the road.
The Soundly Approach
At Soundly, we work with thousands of folks each month who are at all different points in their process. Our goal is always to help you find the solution that’s right for you, whether that’s a full-featured hearing aid, a hearing-support app, or the earbuds you already own.
Still have questions? You can always reach our team at hello@soundly.com or get in touch via text or call 1 (213) 460 1310. We’ll walk you through your options and help you get the support you need.
