Posted:
Anker, the consumer electronics company known for charging accessories, has announced plans to enter the over-the-counter hearing aid market. The company shared the plan on September 3rd during the IFA 2026 technology show in Berlin. According to Anker, the hearing aids will build on technologies developed for its consumer audio products, including noise reduction, long battery life, and fast charging, and will be powered by a new audio chip called "THUS." Anker said the device is expected to launch in late 2026.
The new device runs on Anker's proprietary "THUS" AI chip, an on-device processor the company already uses in some of its earbuds. According to Anker, the chip works with four beam-forming microphones to identify and emphasize speech coming from in front of the wearer while reducing background noise, which the company positions as a way to address one of the most common complaints among people with hearing loss: understanding speech in noisy places such as restaurants and gatherings.
Anker markets this as a contrast to hearing aids that broadly amplify surrounding sound, though many modern prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids already use directional microphones, noise reduction, and AI-based processing for the same purpose. The device includes an onboard hearing test for self-fitting, physical controls, and a charging case with a status display. Anker rates the battery at up to 12 hours per charge, with the case extending total use to roughly 36 hours.
Learn more here.
