Anker enters OTC hearing aid market with Thus chip-powered devices
Anker revealed its first over-the-counter hearing aids at IFA 2026, featuring a receiver-in-canal design with four beam-forming microphones. The devices use the Thus chip for voice isolation and offer up to 12 hours of use per charge, extending to 36 hours with the case, plus a five-minute fast charge for two hours. Specific models, pricing, and US availability have not yet been announced.
The timing of Anker's entry follows LXE Hearing's recent decision to cease US operations, which removed Eargo and Lexie Hearing from the OTC market and left a gap for new competitors. Anker's Thus chip, previously deployed in its Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, is positioned as the core differentiator, with the company emphasizing its voice-isolation capabilities for conversational clarity.
The RIC form factor places the main unit behind the ear, and the four beam-forming microphones are designed to prioritize speech from the person directly in front of the user. Battery performance includes 12 hours per charge, 36 hours with the carrying case, and a five-minute quick charge yielding two hours of playback. Anker has not yet disclosed specific model names, pricing, or a US launch date, with additional details expected before year's end.
This move could significantly reshape the OTC hearing aid landscape, particularly for US consumers who lost access to established brands when LXE exited the market. Anker's existing retail footprint and reputation for affordable audio gear may lower cost barriers, potentially making hearing assistance more accessible to the millions with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. However, the effectiveness of the Thus chip in real-world hearing scenarios remains unproven, and consumers may need to weigh brand familiarity against clinical performance when choosing between Anker and established medical-audio competitors.