MDHearing Aids Review 2024: Our Experts Tested

Mar 29, 2024

Fact Checked

Written by: Chrissy Holm

Medical Reviewer: Hadassah Kupfer, Au.D., CCC-A

Reviewed by: Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH

MDHearing NEO XS

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In-the-canal hearing aid model

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For mild to moderately severe hearing loss

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Water resistant

Key Takeaways

MDHearing hearing aids range from $999–$2,399.98 per pair, but are often on sale for $297–$699.98 per pair, depending on the hearing aid.
The company has an online hearing test, and free audiologist and hearing aid professional support.
MDHearing offers three behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, one completely-in-the-canal model, and one in-the-canal (ITC) model designed for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Having high quality and affordable hearing aids is crucial to many people, especially when many hearing aids cost an average of $4,600. ^[1] Our Reviews Team mystery shopped MDHearing hearing aids to find out whether the company’s budget-friendly prices can go hand-in-hand with quality and durability.

Our Reviews Team subjected the behind-the-ear MDHearing VOLT MAX hearing aids to a number of hands-on tests. This included testing the device’s IP rating, which specifies how much dust and water exposure the hearing aid can tolerate. Our Reviews Team tested the VOLT MAX’s IP rating by submerging it in three feet of water for 30 minutes. The hearing aids’ functions (including Bluetooth connectivity) weren’t affected at all by the water test.

Our Reviews Team also spent time reviewing the pros and cons of all MDHearing models, tried the online hearing test, and broke down other important details, such as warranty, payments, customer service options, and trial period. Finding the best hearing aid can be a long process, and our hope is to help you narrow your search and identify whether MDHearing is right for you.

Why trust our expert review?

5,300

Hours of Research

Experts Consulted

Surveys deployed

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe will provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
Mystery shopped 18 brands
Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
Tested various models of hearing aids
Interviewed experts in the field
Read thousands of verified customer reviews

Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

Pros and cons of MDHearing

Pros

45-day, risk-free trial and 100% money-back guarantee on all hearing aids

Lifetime support from audiologists and hearing specialists at no extra cost

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids with no need for a hearing exam

On sale often, starting at $297–$699.98 depending on the model

Cons

Limited styles and colors available

Only for mild to moderately severe hearing loss

Table 1 Comparison of MDHearing hearing aids models, as of January 2024

	MDHearing NEO	MDHearing AIR	MDHearing VOLT	MDHearing VOLT MAX	MDHearing NEO XS
Cost per pair	$297	$297	$397	$699.98	$397
Type of hearing aid	ITC	BTE	BTE	BTE	CIC
Battery type	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable	Rechargeable
Bluetooth	No	No	No	Yes	No
Water-resistant	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Telecoil	No	Yes	No	No	No

MDHearing Reviews

MDHearing NEO

Cost per pair: $297
Hearing aid type: In-the-canal (ITC)
Dimensions: 0.5 x 0.875 inches (width x length)
Weight: 0.95 ounces

Like the other MDHearing models, the NEO is designed for mild to moderately severe hearing loss but is a more discreet option. For those that are looking for a small device, the NEO might be a good fit.

Similar to the VOLT and VOLT MAX, the NEO has rechargeable batteries that have a 17+ hour battery life. It doesn’t last as long as the VOLT (20 hours) and takes one hour longer to recharge (three hours versus two hours).

A benefit of this model is that it’s water-resistant, meaning the devices can handle a little moisture but should not be submerged. It’s important to take the devices off before showering, swimming, or other activities that might involve water.

Also, it can be beneficial to wipe your hearing aids at the end of the day. The NEO comes with a cleaning tool to care for your devices. For those that prefer a larger model, consider the MDHearing AIR.

MDHearing NEO XS

Cost per pair: $1,499.98 ($397 on sale)
Hearing aid type: Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
Dimensions: 11mm x 15 mm

The NEO XS is the newest and smallest model in the MDHearing lineup. This completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is nearly invisible and comes with upgraded noise reduction and multiple environment programs. For those looking for a small device and simple features, the NEO XS could be a good fit.

The NEO XS has rechargeable batteries with an 18+ hour battery life. This is slightly longer than the NEO, which has a 17+ hour battery life. The biggest difference between the two models is that the NEO XS is roughly half the size of the NEO, making it particularly helpful for those who wear glasses, use oxygen breathing tubes, or just prefer a discreet design.

NEO XS has basic features like background noise reduction and feedback cancellation technology, but it’s often on sale for $397 per pair. This makes the NEO XS one of the more affordable OTC options for those looking for small hearing aids and a less-noticeable design.

MDHearing AIR

Cost per pair: $297
Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Dimensions: 1” H x 0.25” W x 0.5” L
Weight: 0.95 ounces

The MDHearing AIR is the only behind-the-ear hearing aid from MDHearing with telecoil technology. A telecoil, also known as a T-coil, lets your hearing aid connect to assistive listening systems (also known as ALS) in venues equipped with hearing loops, such as movie theaters, houses of worship, and other public gathering places. If this feature is important to you, the AIR might be a good option.

The AIR is not compatible with the MDHearing app, which means you can only adjust the volume manually using a dial on the actual hearing aid. For those with dexterity issues, like arthritis or Parkinson’s, or vision impairments, such as macular degeneration, adjusting a small dial may present further dexterity and visual challenges.

The AIR is also slightly lighter than the VOLT and VOLT MAX, so if weight is an important factor for you, the MDHearing AIR could be the best option out of this list.

MDHearing VOLT

Cost per pair: $397
Hearing aid type: BTE
Dimensions: 1.25” H x 0.25” W x 0.5” L
Weight: 1.1 ounce

The MDHearing VOLT is a step up from the MDHearing AIR, with intelligent noise reduction and dual directional microphones that pick up and amplify the sounds in front of and behind you while lessening background sounds so you can hear conversations better. This ultimately leads to better communication and improved speech comprehension.

The VOLT is a rechargeable hearing aid with a 20-hour battery life before needing to be recharged, which takes two hours. That’s better than the VOLT MAX, giving you five more hours of use.

The VOLT model doesn’t connect to the MDHearing mobile app like the VOLT MAX. That means, like the AIR, you can only adjust the VOLT volume manually using a dial on the outside of the hearing aid. If price or app capability is important to you, you might want to consider one of the other MDHearing aid models instead.

MDHearing VOLT MAX

Cost per pair: $699.98
Hearing aid type: BTE
Dimensions: 1.375” H x 0.25” W x 0.6” L
Weight: 1.1 ounce

The MDHearing VOLT MAX is the most expensive hearing aid from MDHearing, but it also has the most features. It is the only MDHearing hearing aid compatible with the MDHearing mobile app. Unlike the AIR and VOLT, which have only manual volume controls, you can control the volume for your VOLT MAX with both the volume dial on the hearing aid and the MDHearing mobile app, making it easier to change your settings discreetly while out with friends, or to allow caregivers the ability to assist you without removing the hearing aid. Using the app, you can create a customized sound profile based on your hearing needs. This provides additional clarity to the sound, rather than simple volume adjustments

A downside of the VOLT MAX is the battery life. It lasts five hours less than the VOLT before needing a recharge; 15 hours versus 20 hours, respectively. Its dimensions are also slightly larger, taking up more space behind the ear, which may be a deterrent to some.

But with its slightly larger size comes more advanced features than the VOLT, such as adaptive technology, which detects noises in the surrounding area and automatically adjusts.

If you want a Bluetooth hearing aid that connects to a mobile app and has more advanced features, the VOLT MAX could be a good option for you. If you prefer simplicity, another MDHearing hearing aid model, such as the AIR or VOLT, could be your best option.

How much do MDHearing aids cost?

MDHearing aids cost between $999–$2,399.98 per pair, but are often on sale starting at $297 per pair, depending on the device.

With price being the second most important factor for the majority of respondents to our Reviews Team’s survey (behind only “easy to set up and use”), understanding what goes into the cost of hearing aids is key to determining which one will be best for you over the long run. Some hearing aids offer built-in technology like activity tracking for counting steps, Bluetooth connectivity for taking phone calls and streaming TV, or artificial intelligence that can detect falls.

“The cost of hearing aids is related to the level of technology, or in other words, how sophisticated the computer chip is on the inside of the device,” said Amy Sarow, a practicing doctor of audiology in Michigan.

Though MDHearing has Bluetooth connectivity, it is limited to the VOLT MAX, and it only connects to the MDHearing mobile app. It doesn’t allow for Bluetooth streaming with your TV, phone, or music.

How to save money on MDHearing aids

MDHearing often offers sales on its hearing aids, ranging from $297–$699.98 per pair. When our Reviews Team asked an MDHearing support team member how often the company has sales, they weren’t able to give us much information, except to say, “We come up with different promotions from time to time.”

If you’re considering MDHearing, check back on the website often to try to catch them on sale.

In addition to sales, you can also use money from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase hearing aids. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states the cost of hearing aids and batteries, repairs, and maintenance are considered medical expenses, which make them FSA- and HSA-eligible. ^[2]

If you’re a veteran or active duty military member, your VA benefits may cover medical services or hearing aid assistance. ^[3] See the NCOA overview of veterans benefits you may be eligible for. Some labor unions also offer stipends to help pay for hearing aids.

There may also be unknown benefits you’re eligible for. Visit our Benefits CheckUp to learn more about benefits in your area that may be available to you.

Does MDHearing accept insurance?

Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids, but there are some services you may be eligible for, like those covered by Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C). ^[4] Check with your insurance provider to see what coverage is available.

MDHearing Aids online hearing test

Online hearing tests vs. in-person tests

Online tests can estimate the degree of your hearing loss and help you find the right type of hearing aid for your hearing loss. An important note is that online tests cannot diagnose the exact frequencies or cause of your hearing loss (for example, ear wax blockage versus permanent age-related changes). Research has shown that only in-person hearing tests can provide an accurate diagnosis, but online hearing tests can still serve as a reliable alternative for gauging the level of your hearing loss, but not the cause. ^[5]

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), during an in-person consultation, an audiologist will look inside your ears to determine whether there is a physical cause for your hearing loss, the severity of your hearing loss, and your best treatment options. ^[6] With an online hearing test, you must find a spot where you can keep your surrounding area as quiet as possible during the test, and your diagnosis is based on what can be found out using personal headphones, which can vary in quality.

Sarow noted that there are highly dependent factors for an online test, such as background noise, computer speakers, and more.

“Additionally, [online hearing tests] cannot determine whether hearing loss stems from the inner ear, or whether it may be due to ear infection or other cause (e.g., conductive or mixed hearing loss),” said Sarow.

MDHearing online hearing test

When a member of our Reviews Team used the MDHearing online hearing test (see Figure 1), it took approximately seven minutes.

To take the online hearing test, you first will have to enter your name and email. Then, a series of prompts will ask you to verify that you’re in a quiet room and your volume is set to 100%. Next, you’ll test the level of volume on your left and right ears. After this initial set-up, the online test will walk you through six different sound settings for each ear, ranging from low- to high-frequency sounds.

Figure 1 Member of our Reviews Team testing MDHearing online hearing test

Once you complete all 12 tests (six per ear), it will generate your results. On the results page (see Figure 2), you’ll see what your level of hearing is for each of your ears, from healthy hearing to profound hearing loss.

Figure 2 Example results page for MDHearing online hearing test

The results page also interprets your type of hearing loss (see Figure 3). The drop-down “read more” selections are helpful for learning more about what each frequency means for your hearing, with examples of difficult hearing situations (e.g., loss of hearing in the low frequencies will result in struggling to understand men’s voices).

Figure 3 Interpreting your results from MDHearing online hearing test

If you receive results outside of the healthy range, the results page will prompt you to connect with a hearing professional. You can schedule a free 40-minute appointment with an MDHearing professional (see Figure 4) by calling or texting 844-994-3270.

Figure 4 Image of consultation scheduling calendar

MDHearing aids mobile app

The MDHearing mobile app, available on Apple Store and Google Play, is currently only compatible with the VOLT MAX. The app allows you to connect to your hearing aids via Bluetooth to personalize your hearing aid settings, adjust the volume level, change to different listening environments (automatic, quiet, conversation, or restaurant), and request assistance from an MDHearing specialist to remotely adjust your hearing aids through the app.

If you notice issues, such as the volume is too soft, loud, or muffled, or if the background noise is too distracting, the app is a good tool for discreetly adjusting your hearing aids. If you want a hearing aid that has more advanced app capabilities, the downside of the MDHearing app is that you can’t use its Bluetooth technology to stream music, TV, or phone calls to the hearing aids.

Figure 5 Support section on MDHearing app

MDHearing customer service

You can reach MDHearing customer service by phone, email, or chat.

Phone: 800-918-3914, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
Email: support@MDHearingAid.com, available 24/7, responses take 24–48 hours
Contact form: https://www.mdhearingaid.com/contact-us/
Chat: On the lower-right hand corner of the MDHearing website, available 24/7

A member of our Reviews Team contacted MDHearing support via the chat, and Sherryl L. was quick to respond. When she couldn’t find the answer to our question about the weight of the hearing aids, she asked for our name, email, and phone number to be contacted by a customer service representative. If you have a basic question, the support chat is helpful. If you have a difficult question, you’ll be rerouted to customer service via phone or email.

Figure 6 Example conversation for MDHearing chat

Our Reviews Team also tried to contact MDHearing customer service by email. We received an immediate automated response of “request received,” and a response to our question almost 24 hours later. Our question about the weight of the hearing aids was answered, but only at the end of a sales pitch template, and not in the detail we hoped for. This kind of gap in service may be more common with OTC hearing aid companies compared to a local professional hearing aid fitting. Since new hearing aid users tend to encounter various questions and troubleshooting needs, a potential buyer should consider whether they are comfortable with delayed and/or limited support service. In contrast, visiting an audiologist provides a dedicated opportunity for learning about your hearing aid fitting, and a clear way to follow up with questions that may arise.

Shipping, payment, and financing options

To buy MDHearing hearing aids, visit the company website and select the model you’d like to purchase after you have completed the online hearing test and hearing consultation. Then, you’ll choose from the shipping options: first class, ground, 2nd day air, and next day air (see Figure 7).

Figure 7 Example of shipping costs for MDHearing aids

MDHearing accepts Paypal and all major credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

You also have the option to finance your purchase with Affirm and make monthly payments over 3, 6, or 12 months. For example, if you buy the MDHearing Air for $297 (for the pair), you can pay $99 per month for three months, $49.50 per month for six months, or $24.75 per month for 12 months. (By contrast, if you buy a pair of Air hearing aids at the full list price of $1,199.98, your payments would be $399.99 per month for three months, $199.99 per month for six months, or $99.99 per month for 12 months.)

Warranty and trial period

MDHearing warranty

MDHearing has a one-year warranty covering defects in parts, materials, and workmanship. The Volt Max has an extended two-year warranty. You can purchase a protection plan subscription, called MDShield, for an additional $9.99 per month. MDShield covers hearing aid repair for accidental damage, like water or pet damage, and defects or malfunctions past the standard warranty. It does not cover loss, theft, or unauthorized repairs. If MDHearing can’t fix your hearing aid, the company will send you a new device. MDShield can be canceled at any time by contacting customer support.

In our Reviews Team’s survey, 38.89% of the respondents who use MDHearing had to get their hearing aids repaired at least once during the warranty period. Although a majority of users (61.11%) didn’t need the repair service, if having a backup plan is important to you, purchasing the protection plan can be a reassuring investment.

MDHearing trial period

MDHearing offers a 45-day, risk-free trial and a 100% money-back guarantee. The company recommends giving yourself 45 days to allow your ears to adjust to the feeling of the new hearing aids and your brain to readjust to the sounds. For some users who are used to hearing at a reduced volume, a return to normal hearing can be uncomfortably loud.

If you aren’t satisfied after the trial, return the hearing aids by calling 1-800-918-3914 and asking for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.

Table 2 MDHearing vs. other brands comparison, as of January 2024

	MDHearing	Jabra Enhance	Eargo	Phonak
Cost per pair	$297–$699.98	$799– $1,995	$799– $2,950	$2,100– $7,000
Type of hearing aids	Behind-the-ear (BTE)	Receiver-in-canal (RIC)	Completely-in-canal (CIC)	BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC
Types of hearing loss	Mild to moderately severe	Mild to moderately severe	Mild to moderate	Mild to profound

Who is well suited for MDHearing hearing aids?

MDHearing hearing aids are suited for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, MDHearing is not for you.

The ASHA classifies degrees of hearing loss, from severe to profound, by how many decibels (which measure sound levels) the sound has to be before you can hear it. If you’re having difficulty hearing sounds below 71–91+ decibels, you’re likely experiencing severe hearing loss. ^[7] To better understand noise levels, the 3M Noise Navigator lists the decibel levels of hundreds of everyday sounds. For example, 80 decibels of sound is equal to a clock alarm or blender. ^[8]

Customer reviews of MDHearing aids

MDHearing currently has an F rating and 3.71 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but the company is no longer accredited with BBB due to MDHearing using incorrect information to promote its brand.

According to BBB, MDHearing stated it had an A+ rating as opposed to the accurate B+ rating. ^[9] BBB has noted on its website that it contacted MDHearing to correct the information on its sales material, and that MDHearing responded but hadn’t addressed the issue as of June 2022.

MDHearing is on Trustpilot with an “average” rating and 2.7 out of 5 stars, based on only eight reviews. ^[10]

“I purchased the Volt+ hearing aids from MDHearing aids a couple of months ago. They worked fine but then one of them only worked in one program. I contacted them and they promptly sent me a replacement hearing aid, along with instructions to return the defective one [using] a prepaid label. The new hearing aid is working as advertised.”
BRIAN, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW (BBB.ORG)

“The company was wonderful. Unfortunately, the hearing aids didn’t work for my mother.”
MARYBETH, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW (BBB.ORG)

“I tried 4 other hearing aids and returned them all. I decided to try one more and choose MD Volt. I was pleased that I could hear the speakers at church. I find changing the ratio with four different selections is a great help. I wish it were a little smaller for when I wear my reading glasses.”
ARLENE, VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEW (BBB.ORG)

Bottom line

MDHearing offers five FDA-registered, behind-the-ear hearing aids designed to support mild to moderate hearing loss. If you’re looking for good quality hearing aids for less than $2,000, you might find MDHearing aids a great solution. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, or are looking for more advanced features—such as music and TV streaming—another hearing aid brand might be better for you.

Frequently asked questions

MDHearing hearing aids are a good option for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. The company offers three FDA-registered behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid models, one completely-in-the-canal model, and one in-the-canal (ITC) model. Two BTE devices and the ITC and CIC hearing aids are rechargeable, and all offer customizable settings.

MDHearing is a legitimate company, founded in Chicago in 2009 by ear, nose, and throat doctor Sreekant Cherukuri, MD. Although the company is currently not accredited on the Better Business Bureau, it has a standing B+ rating as of May 2022. On Trustpilot, MDHearing has an “average” rating, and 3.5 out of 5 stars.

In 2022, self-fitting smart hearing aids from MDHearing received (501)k approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they are FDA-cleared. FDA-cleared status indicates that MDHearing products are “substantially equivalent” to competing self-fitting hearing aids in terms of performance, safety, effectiveness, and technical accuracy. It also certifies that MDHearing products are comparable to similar hearing aids in quality. ^[11]

MDHearing hearing aids are expected to last at least five years from the date of purchase. The company states this is due to changes in technology and availability of parts over time. To ensure a lasting hearing aid, many hearing aid companies recommend cleaning your hearing aids daily to prevent earwax, dirt, and oil from damaging the components, and changing the ear tips occasionally (MDHearing recommends changing them every three months).

The MDHearing Volt is a Class 1 FDA-registered hearing aid. In contrast, a sound amplifier, or personal sound amplification product (PSAP), amplifies all sounds equally, including background noises that can be filtered out by a good quality hearing aid. Some companies, such as Audien, offer PSAP models. The FDA doesn’t regulate PSAPs for safety and effectiveness like it does hearing aids.

Thanks to technological advances, there are a lot of great hearing aid options on the market today. Some of our top picks for the best hearing aid companies include Jabra Enhance for its high-quality construction, Audien as the most affordable brand, and Phonak for its great customer support. Learn more about our picks in our best hearing aids guide.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

Obama White House Archives. FDA Takes Action to Deliver Lower-Cost, Innovative Hearing Aids to Millions More Americans. Found on the internet at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/12/07/fda-takes-action-deliver-lower-cost-innovative-hearing-aids-millions-more-americans.
IRS. Publication 502. Found on the internet at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf.
VA.gov. VA Benefits. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits.
Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services.
The Hearing Journal. Benefits of Home Hearing Test. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2020/07000/benefits_of_a_home_hearing_test.9.aspx.
ASHA. Hearing Evaluation. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/hearing-evaluation.
ASHA. Degree of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/degree-of-hearing-loss.
3M. Sound Levels. Found on the internet at https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/888553O/noise-navigator-sound-level-hearing-protection-database.pdf.
Better Business Bureau. MDHearingAid. Found on the internet at https://www.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/hearing-assistive-devices/mdhearingaid-0654-88378112.
Trustpilot. MDHearingAid. Found on the internet at https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.mdhearingaid.com.
MDHearingAid. MDHearing Receives FDA 510(k) Approval for its Self-Fitting Smart Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.mdhearingaid.com/blog/mdhearing-receives-fda-510k-approval.

Chrissy Holm is a writer and content editor with experience in health and wellness, weight loss, and hypertension. With her degree in Public Health Education and Promotion, she has designed promotional items, helped clients reach their health goals, and has written about sustainable agriculture and healthy food access for a local Minnesota nonprofit.

Hadassah Kupfer, Au.D., CCC-A, presently evaluates, diagnoses, and treats hearing loss and tinnitus in adults and older adults. As an audiologist, Dr. Kupfer prescribes and fits hearing aids, hearing protection, and other modern hearing therapies. She focuses on long-term wellness: social participation, productivity, independence, and brain health.

Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.

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