Ishan Patel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Audien Hearing, a company disrupting the hearing aid market by offering affordable, high-quality devices. Since the company’s founding in 2019, Audien has reached over 600,000 customers and has become the first hearing aid OTC company to launch nationwide in retail. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Ishan has built Audien into a highly scalable business with a focus on customer-centric innovation and a commitment to making hearing aids accessible to everyone, regardless of financial constraints. With a background rooted in entrepreneurship and a passion for solving real-world problems, Ishan continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the healthcare technology space.
What inspired you to create Audien Hearing, and how does that motivation drive you today?
The idea for Audien Hearing came from a deep frustration with the hearing aid market. I saw firsthand how prohibitively expensive hearing aids were for many people, and it became clear that there was a gap between what people needed and what was available to them. I wanted to change that. Hearing is a fundamental part of life—it connects us to the world and to each other. My goal from the start has been to make hearing aids affordable and accessible for everyone, without sacrificing quality. That motivation drives every decision we make at Audien. We want to democratize access to hearing aids, and knowing that we’re helping people regain a crucial part of their lives keeps me energized every day.
How does your leadership style at Audien reflect your personal values?
My leadership style is rooted in collaboration and empowerment. I’ve always believed that the best ideas come from fostering open communication and allowing people the freedom to explore creative solutions. At Audien, I try to create an environment where every team member feels valued and heard. This mirrors my personal values—authenticity, respect, and the constant pursuit of improvement. I encourage my team to take ownership of their work, and I push for us to continuously iterate, learn, and grow. We’re all working toward a bigger goal, and my role as a leader is to align that vision while giving my team the tools they need to succeed.
What’s one major misconception people have about affordability and quality in healthcare products, and how does Audien challenge that?
A common misconception is that affordable products lack quality. When people see a low price tag, they often assume the product is inferior. That’s something we’ve worked hard to change at Audien. We’ve proven that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to offer something affordable. By streamlining our production process, focusing on digital customer acquisition, and removing unnecessary middlemen, we’re able to offer high-quality hearing aids at a fraction of the cost of traditional devices. It’s about smart design, efficient manufacturing, and a commitment to providing value to our customers.
How has your experience as an entrepreneur shaped the way you approach challenges in the healthcare space?
Entrepreneurship has taught me resilience and adaptability. In healthcare, especially with a product like hearing aids, there are constant regulatory changes, evolving technologies, and shifting customer needs. You have to be willing to pivot when necessary but also stay focused on your core mission. I’ve learned to view challenges as opportunities to innovate. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, I approach them as puzzles that need solving. That mindset has been crucial in navigating the healthcare space, where challenges are inevitable but surmountable with the right strategy.
How do you handle the pressure of running a company that is both disrupting an industry and growing rapidly?
The pressure is definitely there, but it’s a privilege to lead a company that’s making a real difference. For me, handling that pressure comes down to prioritization and self-awareness. I break big challenges into manageable parts and focus on what needs to be done now, rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture. Taking time to reflect and recharge is also important. I’ve learned that I’m more effective when I maintain a balanced routine—whether it’s exercising, spending time with family, or just stepping away to gain perspective. Staying grounded helps me manage the fast pace of growth while still making thoughtful, strategic decisions.
What role does customer feedback play in shaping the future of Audien Hearing?
Customer feedback is absolutely critical. It’s the foundation of everything we do. From day one, we’ve listened closely to our customers—their needs, their pain points, and their suggestions. This feedback shapes how we improve our products and services. We don’t just want to make hearing aids; we want to make hearing aids that solve real problems for real people. That’s why we put so much emphasis on gathering insights from those who use our devices. It’s also why we focus on customer-centric innovation—constantly evolving our offerings to meet the needs of our diverse user base.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your work at Audien Hearing?
The most fulfilling part is knowing that we’re genuinely improving people’s lives. Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, and when someone tells us that our product has allowed them to reconnect with their loved ones, it’s incredibly rewarding. That’s what it’s all about—bridging the gap between people and the world around them. Seeing the impact we’re making, both through individual success stories and the broader growth of the company, makes all the challenges worthwhile.
How do you see the future of hearing aid technology evolving, and what role will Audien play in that future?
Hearing aid technology is rapidly evolving, and I believe the future lies in even more personalized, AI-driven solutions. As technology advances, hearing aids will become smarter, more intuitive, and more seamlessly integrated into users’ daily lives. At Audien, we’re focused on staying ahead of these trends while continuing to make our devices accessible and affordable. Our goal is to lead the industry in terms of both innovation and inclusion, ensuring that as the technology advances, no one is left behind due to cost or accessibility barriers.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
Stay adaptable, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to fail. The path to success is rarely a straight line. You’ll face setbacks, but each failure is a lesson that will make you stronger and better equipped to tackle the next challenge. Also, stay true to your mission. If you’re passionate about what you’re doing and believe in its value, others will too. Build your business around solving real problems, and the rest will follow.
How do you maintain a work-life balance while leading a growing company?
Work-life balance is something I’ve learned to prioritize over time. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but I’ve found that maintaining that balance makes me more effective in the long run. I set clear boundaries between work and personal time, and I make sure to recharge by spending time with family, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup—taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of your business.