Receiving a new pair of hearing aids should be a pleasure, not a headache. Many new users think that installation requires a specialist, a prescription, or a long wait. This is not the case.
CLARIA OTC hearing aids are developed by audiologists and ready to use straight out of the box. Whether you choose the Atom X, which is effortlessly controlled from its case's touchscreen, or the ION Pro 2, which offers guided customization from your smartphone, installation takes less than 30 minutes. Nearly 2 million customers have done it themselves, without visiting a doctor's office.
In this guide:
What's in the box (and what to check first)
How to properly position your ear tips
How to charge your devices before first use
How to perform your first adjustments
How to take advantage of your free CLARIA Sound Check appointment
Atom X and ION Pro 2: installation at a glance
Installation Step
Atom X
ION Pro 2
Duration
Unboxing
6 items in the box
5 items in the box
5 min
Ear tip placement
6 replacement ear tips included
6 replacement ear tips included
5-10 min
First charge
CaseControl™ + UV Case, 2 h
UV Case, 3 h
2-3 h
First adjustment
CaseControl™ touchscreen on the case
CLARIA Ion Pro App (iOS/Android)
10-15 min
Mode selection
Comfort, Conversation, Crowd, TV
6 hearing profiles + 3 environment modes
2-5 min
Sound Check
30 min free appointment included
30 min free appointment included
30 min
Step 1: What's in the box
Before charging or inserting anything, take a few minutes to unbox and inspect each item. This will help you avoid any confusion later on.
The Atom X and ION Pro 2 come with almost identical accessories. Two key differences: the Atom X includes a wax filter kit, and its charging case integrates both CaseControl™ touchscreen technology and UV self-cleaning. The ION Pro 2 case only offers UV self-cleaning.
Item
Atom X
ION Pro 2
1 pair of hearing aids
Yes
Yes
Charging case
CaseControl™ touchscreen + UV self-cleaning
UV self-cleaning
USB-C charging cable
Yes
Yes
Cleaning brush
Yes
Yes
6 replacement ear tips
Yes
Yes
Wax filter kit
Yes
No
Check that both hearing aids are present and identified Left and Right. Make sure the case lid closes properly and that no items appear damaged. If anything is missing or seems abnormal, contact the CLARIA support team before proceeding.
Step 2: Placing your ear tips
Fit is the most overlooked step in installation, and the primary reason new users feel something is wrong. A poorly fitted ear tip results in muffled sound and causes whistling. A well-positioned and sealed ear tip ensures clear and crisp amplification.
Both models come with six replacement ear tips. To insert it, angle the ear tip slightly towards the ear canal and gently rotate it until it snaps into place. You should feel a slight, comfortable seal. If you feel pressure or pain, stop and reposition it.
To check the fit, say a few words aloud or listen to the TV. The sound should appear natural and balanced. If it sounds hollow or with an echo, adjust the angle before moving on.
Step 3: Initial charge before first use
Place both hearing aids in the charging case and plug it in with the provided USB-C cable before turning them on for the first time. A full initial charge promotes long-term battery performance.
Charging time varies by model:
Atom X: approximately 2 hours
ION Pro 2: approximately 3 hours
Once both devices are fully charged, you can begin customizing your sound.
Step 4: Your first adjustments
Both the Atom X and ION Pro 2 are optimized by audiologists before reaching you. The steps below allow you to fine-tune these settings according to your personal preferences and listening environment, without an appointment or fitting in a clinic.
Step 4A: Adjusting with CaseControl™ (Atom X)
The Atom X was designed around a simple idea: a hearing aid should be easy to use. All adjustments are made from the CaseControl™ touchscreen integrated into the charging case.
To start, open the case and use the touchscreen to select a listening mode, then set the volume to a level from 1 to 10. You can change modes or volume at any time, directly from the case.
Mode
Ideal for
What it does
Comfort
Quiet rooms, reading, relaxing at home
Soft and natural amplification, without overstimulation
Conversation
One-on-one exchanges
Prioritizes speech clarity
Crowd
Restaurants, events, family gatherings
Filters out surrounding background noise
TV
Movies, series, and shows
Enhances voice and dialogue frequencies
Start with Comfort mode if you are in a quiet place. Switch to Conversation mode when chatting with someone. Most users find their preferred modes within the first week.
Step 4B: Configuring the CLARIA Ion Pro App (ION Pro 2)
The ION Pro 2 is designed for customization via app. Download the CLARIA Ion Pro app from the App Store or Google Play. Open it and follow the Bluetooth pairing instructions. Pairing takes less than a minute.
Once paired, the app guides you through a short personalized hearing setup. You answer a few questions about your listening preferences, and the app adjusts your sound profile accordingly.
After setup, you can change modes and adjust the volume in real time from your phone, wherever you are.
App Setting
What it adjusts
Why it's important
Hearing profile
Overall frequency response and gain
Defined once during setup to match your type of hearing loss, with six profiles to compare
Volume
General amplification level
Reduces the need for permanent manual adjustments
Listening mode
Environment preset (Conversation, Crowd, TV)
Optimizes sound for every situation
Feedback control
Reduces whistling
Optimizes sound clarity
Bluetooth streaming
Sound from phone or other device
Also acts as a wireless audio accessory
Step 5: Your free CLARIA Sound Check™ appointment
Every purchase of an Atom X or ION Pro 2 includes a free 30-minute CLARIA Sound Check™ appointment with a certified audiologist, included in the purchase price.
This appointment is optional, but it's one of the elements that distinguish CLARIA from other OTC solutions. A specialist reviews your current settings, refines your sound profile and fit, and answers all your questions.
Many customers complete the installation themselves and hear clearly from day one, but the Sound Check™ is available whenever you want it. Additional appointments are also possible, and a ClariaCare subscription at $9 per month includes four Sound Check™ appointments per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to see an audiologist to install OTC hearing aids?
No. Both the Atom X and ION Pro 2 are designed for entirely home-based installation. The Atom X uses CaseControl™ to manage modes and volume directly from the case. The Ion Pro 2 uses the CLARIA Ion Pro app to guide you through customization. Thanks to presets developed by audiologists, both devices offer clear, high-quality sound from the start. A free Sound Check™ appointment is still available if you want a specialist's opinion.
What is the difference in installation between the Atom X and the ION Pro 2?
The Atom X requires no phone or app. You select modes and adjust volume using the CaseControl™ touchscreen on the charging case. The Ion Pro 2 offers more in-depth customization via the CLARIA Ion Pro app, including a personalized hearing profile. Both models include a free CLARIA Sound Check™ appointment with purchase.
What if my hearing aids don't sound right after installation?
Start by checking the placement of your ear tips. A poor seal is the most common cause of muffled or approximate sound. Then try changing modes via CaseControl™ or the CLARIA Ion Pro app. If the problem persists, your CLARIA Sound Check™ appointment is the next good step. The CLARIA customer service team is available seven days a week by phone and email.
In summary
Installing OTC hearing aids requires no specialist, no waiting room, and no long learning curve. Nearly 2 million customers have experienced this with audiologist-developed CLARIA technology. Whether you prefer the simplicity of CaseControl™ on the Atom X or the in-depth customization of the CLARIA Ion Pro app on the ION Pro 2, installation has been designed to be simple and straightforward.
Ready to hear the difference? Discover CLARIA hearing aids with a 45-day risk-free trial and free shipping.
Last updated on July 21, 2026
