Anker Fills Void
LXE Hearing's US exit paved way for Anker's Thus chip-powered OTC hearing aids, coming soon
Anker has announced its first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at IFA 2026, with an expected release in the coming months. The new hearing aids are powered by the Thus chip, which was announced in April and first released in the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds series.
The OTC hearing aids feature a receiver-in-canal (RIC) design, with the main body resting behind the ear. This design is expected to provide users with a comfortable and discreet hearing aid solution.
The announcement comes after LXE Hearing, the parent company of Eargo and Lexie Hearing, decided to end US operations and exit the OTC hearing aid market. This move has left a void in the market, which Anker's new OTC hearing aids may be able to fill.
## What it means The release of Anker's OTC hearing aids is significant, as it provides an alternative for users who were previously reliant on LXE Hearing's brands. The use of the Thus chip, which has been praised for its voice isolation capabilities, may also provide a competitive edge for Anker's new hearing aids.
The OTC hearing aid market has been growing in recent years, with many companies entering the space. Anker's entry into this market is a notable development, and its success will likely depend on the quality and affordability of its new hearing aids.
## Background The Thus chip was first announced in April and has been used in the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds series. The chip's ability to deliver high-quality voice isolation has been praised, and its use in Anker's OTC hearing aids is expected to provide users with a high-quality listening experience.
The exit of LXE Hearing from the US market has left a void that Anker's new OTC hearing aids may be able to fill. The company's reputation for producing high-quality and affordable audio products may also give it an edge in the OTC hearing aid market.
