Anker’s first OTC hearing aids, powered by the Thus chip, are expected in coming months. | Image: Anker

In what could be fortuitous timing for hearing aid users, Anker announced its first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at IFA 2026. It was only a couple months ago when LXE Hearing, the parent company for Eargo and Lexie Hearing - two major OTC manufacturers in the US - decided to end US operations and exit the OTC hearing aid market. Now perhaps Anker can fill that void.

The receiver-in-canal (RIC) design has a main body that rests behind the ear. It uses Anker's Thus chip, announced in April and first released in the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds series. The chip delivers the best voice isolation I've ever heard on any audio product an …

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