Anker unveils first over‑the‑counter hearing aids at IFA 2026

Anker unveiled its first over‑the‑counter (OTC) hearing aids at the IFA 2026 trade show, signaling the company’s entry into a market recently vacated by major U.S. manufacturers. The new devices employ a receiver‑in‑canal (RIC) design, with a main body that rests behind the ear, and are powered by Anker’s proprietary Thus chip, which was first introduced in April and initially deployed in the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds. The chip is marketed for its advanced voice isolation capabilities, a feature the company highlights as a key benefit for hearing‑aid users.

The launch comes shortly after LXE Hearing, the parent company of Eargo and Lexie Hearing, announced the cessation of its U.S. operations and its exit from the OTC hearing‑aid segment. By introducing its own product line in the coming months, Anker aims to fill the gap left by LXE’s departure, offering consumers an alternative that leverages the company’s existing audio technology. The forthcoming release is expected to broaden consumer choice in the rapidly evolving OTC hearing‑aid market.