MDHearing

MDHearing’s current lineup includes four hearing aid models:

• MDHearing VOLT: These BTE hearing aids feature advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation for the best sound quality MDHearing offers.
• MDHearing AIR: This mini-BTE style is smaller than VOLT, and it provides good sound quality.
• MDHearing NEO XS: MDHearing’s smallest hearing aids come with silicone domes in multiple sizes for discretion.
• MDHearing NEO: These ITC hearing aids produce clear sound and discretion.

MDHearing produces high-quality, basic hearing aids at a very low price point. All of their hearing aids are rechargeable and easy to use. One thing to note is that they don’t offer Bluetooth streaming or connect to an app. If using your hearing aids to stream phone calls or media is important to you, you may be better off with other brands, such as Phonak or Signia, which are available by prescription.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

One of the added bonuses of MDHearing devices is that they offer different OTC styles, including behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Typically there is an option in price and model that can match most individual preferences.

One of the things we like about MDHearing is their clear and concise instruction manuals. We ordered each style, and our package came with a “Read Me First” mini packet that gave us week by week input on how to get used to our hearing aids. There was a comprehensive User Manual, plus tip cards on how to charge and clean our hearing aids. They even came with a Tips and Tubing Calendar that helps you keep track of when to replace each hearing aid part. This brand clearly understands the needs of seniors who are first-time hearing aid users.

Reading MDHearing's instructions for my NEO XS devices

We tried out MDHearing VOLT, one of the brand’s BTE models, at home and were very impressed with how comfortable they were. The sound quality was clear and the controls on each hearing aid were easy to reach and use. If you’re new to hearing aids, the VOLT’s larger size may be a bit intimidating when you first open the box. But on the ear, they’re pretty discreet. I wish they came in more colors, but was told by the company that beige is the color that sells the most.

Testing out MDHearing's VOLT devices

If you want something smaller that offers the comfort and security of a BTE model, MDHearing’s AIR model may be a great choice for you. It’s on the low-cost end of MDHearing’s budget-friendly spectrum. These hearing aids are less technologically advanced than VOLT, but we found that they still provide great noise reduction plus clear sound quality. Both VOLT and AIR come with four sound environment settings, but only VOLT has dual directional microphones. This can be super helpful for keeping up with conversations in noisy environments.

NEO and NEO XS are the most discreet MDHearing aid options, as they fit completely in the ear. Each style is practically invisible. When we tried out NEO XS, we found them a little challenging to place into our ear canals at first, which are on the smaller side. Both NEO and NEO XS come with a variety of different-sized domes, so you can play around with the fit.

MDHearing, one of our favorite OTC brands, is a runner-up on our list of the best hearing aids for tinnitus.

Getting the domes on and off the hearing aids takes practice, and hand dexterity. If you have shaky hands or smaller ears like we do, you may be better off with some of the styles Eargo offers. Of the two, NEO XS is the most technologically advanced. It offers better noise reduction and feedback cancellation. It also has four listening environment settings, while the NEO only has one.

» Related Reading: MDHearing review

MDHearing Pros

• Budget-friendly devices
• Preprogrammed with one to four listening environment settings
• Decent noise cancellation and feedback reduction
• BTE and in-ear options
• Lifetime support available

MDHearing Cons

• No Bluetooth streaming or mobile app
• CIC styles may be too large for small ears
• Ongoing audiological support costs extra

Eargo

Eargo’s current hearing aid lineup is comprised of three styles:

• Eargo 7: Eargo’s virtually invisible, most technologically advanced hearing aid
• Eargo SE: This CIC hearing aid is compact in size and less expensive than Eargo 7
• LINK by Eargo: A Bluetooth compatible, earbud-style hearing aid

Eargo is one of the most technologically-advanced OTC hearing aid providers you’ll find. This brand also offers lifetime audiological support, which is a huge perk since hearing needs can change over time.

Testing out Eargo 7 hearing aids

Eargo 7 and Eargo SE are both completely-in-canal (CIC) styles. They come with a selection of open and closed petals in varying sizes. A member of our tech team tried out Eargo 7. She has very small ear canals, so she had trouble with fit. However, Eargo 7 fit her mom perfectly. We tried out Eargo SE as well and found them to be a comfortable fit. Eargo sends free samples of non-working hearing aids to those who request them. This is a no hassle way to find out if the hearing aids will fit comfortably, prior to purchase.

Eargo's hearing aids are nearly invisible, as seen in the photo above.

The technologically advanced Eargo 7 is programmed with a feature called Sound Adjust+ with Clarity Mode. After setting up your personalized hearing profile in the Eargo app, this enables your hearing aids to automatically adjust to your sound environment. This frees you up from having to manually alter the volume or change the program. Our tester found the sound quality of Eargo 7 to be sharp, and clear. Check out our Eargo 7 review, to learn more about our experience with this model.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

The most attractive aspects of Eargo hearing aids to patients are their cosmetic appeal and their invisible in-the-ear style.

Eargo SE doesn’t come equipped with Sound Adjust, but it does have four preset programs you can manually adjust by tapping your ear. You can also use the Eargo app to change programs in both ears at the same time.

»  Related Reading: Eargo hearing aid review

Eargo 7 and Eargo SE don’t have Bluetooth streaming capabilities. If this is important to you, you may want to try LINK by Eargo. LINK looks like an earbud, not like a hearing aid. You can easily switch between hearing aid mode and streaming. We have pretty much become addicted to LINK. We use them in challenging hearing environments, like the subway. We also love using them to listen to music or podcasts. Their sound quality is resonant and clear. They’re a great choice for someone with mild hearing loss, with or without tinnitus.

Testing out LINK by Eargo, the company's earbud-style hearing aids.

Eargo Pros

• Discreet styles
• Non-working samples available by request
• Crisp, clear sound quality
• Hearing personalization through the mobile app
• Lifetime support included in cost

Eargo Cons

• More expensive than some other OTC brands
• CIC models may be too small for some ears
• Only one style has Bluetooth streaming

How Much Do MDHearing and Eargo Cost?

MDHearing is more affordable than Eargo with costs ranging from $297 to $397. However, their hearing aids are less advanced and provide less clear sound quality than Eargo. Eargo hearing aids range from $799 to $2,950 per pair. While they’re much more expensive, we believe they’re worth the cost if you want more advanced features, a mobile app for remote adjustments, and the ultimate discretion.

Both Eargo and MDHearing are very affordable compared to prescription options, which can cost from $2,000 to $8,000 per pair. Just remember that these OTC brands are only suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Another plus for both brands is price transparency. Unlike prescription hearing aids, which don’t list their prices online and vary between providers, OTC brands list their prices online, so you can easily compare and check for sales.

Follow-up Care

Both Eargo and MDHearing offer lifetime audiological support. Unlike MDHearing, this service is free when you buy any Eargo hearing aid style. You can purchase a VIP Care Package from MDHearing for $200. This provides you with audiological input about fit, wear, and sound optimization for your hearing aids during scheduled video chat appointments. You can also schedule phone appointments, if you prefer. Personalized follow-up care is available as needed. If you don’t purchase the package, you can contact the company for general support information about fit and other issues.

Final Thoughts: MDHearing vs. Eargo

For those who want hearing aids that can be purchased easily online, you really can’t go wrong with MDHearing or Eargo. The choice will come down to your lifestyle and budget. MDHearing is our pick for those who want simple, no-frills hearing aids at some of the lowest prices on the market. On the other hand, we’d recommend Eargo for seniors who want more discreet, comfortable, and customizable hearing aids with a price tag to match.