Adults aged 60-69 years old are among the fastest-growing group with hearing loss.1 With shrinking social security benefits and rising health care costs, it is one more burden added to the plates of our aging seniors. With many unable to afford expensive devices, a growing number of senior citizens are choosing to live in silence with hearing loss.
MDHearingAids
In recent years, direct-to-consumer hearing aid manufacturers like MDHearingAid have changed things up for the better — both in quality and price — by making hearing aids more accessible at a fraction of the cost. With prices ranging from $799.98 to $1,899.98 per pair, MDHearingAid offers three different types of behind-the-ear, high-quality hearing aids at affordable prices. The pricing is especially cost-friendly when compared to other hearing aids on the market, like Starkey Hearing’s devices, which can cost upwards of $2,500 per device (multiply that by two for a pair).
While MDHearingAid is a cost-friendly option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, they don't offer customizable earpiece solutions, like Eargo and Oticon, which means their hearing aids may not be the perfect fit for your ears. The company adopts a one-size-fits-most model and comes equipped with comfortTIP technology. On the plus side, there's a 100 percent money-back guarantee if their hearing aids don't meet your expectations, so you can give them a try without risk. Scroll on to see if MDHearingAid is the right solution for you and your ears.
FYI: If you're worried about insurance coverage for hearing aids, you're in luck with MDHearingAid. The company recently launched a specialized Insurance Team to help navigate your insurance plan, find out exactly what's covered, and file claims on your behalf. It doesn't get much easier!
What Sets MDHearingAid Apart From the Rest
Many hearing aid manufacturers we’ve reviewed, like Miracle-Ear, sell their devices through retail clinics and doctor's offices. This third-party business model inherently drives up the cost of devices into the thousands because they have to pay for labor and storefronts. By contrast, MDHearingAid cuts out the middleman and uses the technology of the internet to eliminate the need for clinics and storefronts, which is one of our favorite things about the company.
MDHearingAid serves older adults in two unique ways. First, they remove the cost barrier by making the devices affordable for most budgets. Because MDHearingAid partners with their own hearing experts and you're able to take a hearing test and purchase your products online, you eliminate the cost of visiting a hearing clinic.
FYI: MDHearingAid's devices are only suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe hearing loss, are worried that your hearing loss is tied to an underlying issue, or want to know the root cause of your hearing loss, we'd highly recommend visiting an audiologist or ENT physician, as an online test can't provide that level of detail.
The average cost of a pair of hearing aids can range anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. MDHearingAid understands that this is simply not affordable for many older adults. Their promise is to provide medical-grade hearing aids at a more affordable rate, meaning you can save up to a few thousand dollars! They even offer a payment plan for as low as $34 per month.
Second, MDHearingAid offers non-invasive hearing tests online, which means customers can receive guidance from the comfort of their own home. As mentioned earlier, their comfortable easy-to-fit earpieces do not require custom fittings. Cutting out these extra steps is another great way MDHearingAid is able to save consumers big money. To ensure that their devices are fitted to your ear needs and lifestyle, MDHearingAid offers a 45-day in-home trial period, meaning you can test them out within your routine before you make the purchase.
MDHearingAid Pricing and Products
MDHearingAid's product lineup includes three behind-the-ear hearing aids with prices ranging from $799.98 to $1,899.98 per pair. From a basic model with replaceable batteries to high-tech and app-compatible devices, there are several options available. They also offer a monthly payment plan with zero percent interest for the first year, with prices starting as low as $34 per month. Below we'll take a look at the pricing and features for each of MDHearingAid's models.
Pair of MDHearingAids
MDHearingAid AIR — Classic Behind-the-Ear Design
The AIR is a high-quality hearing aid at a fraction of the price. It aims to remove the affordability barrier that keeps many older adults from pursuing a digital hearing aid device. At $399.99 per device, this model is affordable for most budgets.
Current Deal: MDHearingAid is currently running a buy-one-get-one-free deal! They're also offering a few free gifts with your purchase.
The AIR model uses the classic behind-the-ear (BTE) design and is equipped with features like noise cancellation to limit feedback from other frequencies and to perform well in most noise-level situations. That means your hearing aids will work seamlessly in all kinds of environments, whether you're walking along a busy street, having dinner at a noisy restaurant, or just spending time at home with family.
At this time, MDHearingAid only offers BTE hearing aids. If you prefer an in-ear device, there are plenty of options available from other manufacturers. However, MDHearingAid models are very small and fit well behind the ear so that they are comfortable and unnoticeable. This model's design is great for minimalists and those who wear glasses, as it's about as narrow as a pencil.
MDHearingAid VOLT — Rechargeable Batteries
The VOLT is the same great quality hearing aid as the AIR, but it offers a convenient rechargeable battery. Priced at $599.99 per device, this model comes with a charger for easy overnight docking and batteries that last all day in between charges.
Quick Tip: If you're having a hard time figuring out which hearing aids are right for you, we can help! Visit our 2022 hearing aid buyer's guide. We'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.
You will also get the same comfortable fit and minimal design as the AIR with the VOLT; plus it is equipped with features like adaptive noise reduction and feedback cancellation, along with four different audio settings to adapt to your individual hearing needs. These features work together to reduce surrounding sounds so you can focus on what you're supposed to be hearing. They also reduce feedback (ringing and buzzing) caused by interaction with other devices.
The best thing about having a rechargeable hearing aid is that you don’t have to replace batteries on a regular basis. The button batteries are even more compact than the devices themselves. Rather than dealing with small batteries, this model can be recharged in as little as three hours.
Did You Know: On Oct. 1, MDHearingAid launched the all-new QuietTV Wireless Headphones. These wireless TV headphones feature crystal clear sound quality and adjustable volume, so you'll never fight over the volume with your family again!
The downside to a rechargeable model is that everything has an expiration. Eventually, the batteries will wear down and charge less effectively. You may notice that your device requires more frequent charging and that can become problematic, leaving you without the use of your hearing device and needing to pony up for a new one. However, it's still a great option for those who struggle with gripping or have a hard time remembering to replace batteries.
MDHearingAid VOLT MAX — Smart Device Compatibility
In a world seemingly driven by technology, hearing aids are not left out. If the ability to control your device from your smartphone is appealing, the VOLT MAX is the best option for you. Priced at $1,899.98 per pair, this model offers the discreet and functional benefits of any state-of-the-art MDHearingAid device with the ability to adjust settings and monitor performance from a smartphone. These hearing aids are discreet, with the capabilities to detect background noise and adapt accordingly so you can hear exactly what you need to.
The app has been specifically designed with seniors in mind. There is no need to be very good with technology, as it is very user-friendly. And, if you do happen to get stuck, the support staff is available to assist. You can easily adjust and tweak your settings to get the best performance possible.
Additional Accessories and Add-Ons
The hearing aid product is the biggest expense involved. However, there are a few additional accessories that can help with the maintenance of your device. Proper cleaning and maintenance are important to prolonging the life of the device.
Add-on
Function
Price
UV Clean and Dry Box
Optional
$74.99
Hearing Aid Air Blower
Optional
$5.95
Hearing Aid Storage Case
Optional
$11.95
Ear Wax Removal Kit
Optional
$12.99
Hearing Aid Cleaning Tool
Optional
$6.95
Replacement Tips and Tubes
Required as needed
Starting at $16.95 per set
Replacement Batteries
Required for some models
$28.99
Battery Charger
Required for some models
$39.99
MDShield Protection Plans
Optional, but highly recommended
$9.99 per month
Hearing Aid Wraps (for added comfort)
Optional
$19.95
How to Buy a Hearing Aid With MDHearingAid
If you have never been fitted for a hearing aid, the process of adding another doctor and appointment to your list can be overwhelming. From an easy, non-invasive online hearing test to receiving your device in the mail for a risk-free trial period, MDHearingAid does a good job of keeping it simple.
Get a Hearing Test: Until you receive the results of your hearing test, any potential problems are just a guess, so taking a test is the first step. MDHearingAid offers a quick and effective diagnostic test that anyone can do online — and it takes just eight minutes!
Understanding your Audiogram: An audiogram is a fancy term for the results of your hearing test. When you go to a doctor, these results are usually buried in a lot of scientific jargon. With MDHearingAid, you don't need a doctor to decipher the results. They use plain English and clear diagrams that depict your results so you can easily tell if your hearing is within normal ranges. If you do live with some degree of hearing loss, there are more detailed explanations available. Overall, the information is very well laid out so that you can see the information that you need at a glance.
Shopping for an MDHearingAid Device: MDHearingAid offers three different models of BTE devices that can be purchased online. All you need to do is take the results of your hearing test and MDHearingAid's recommendations, shop around, and make your purchase online!
How MDHearingAid Measures Up to the Competition
MDHearingAid
Starkey
Hearing Direct
Price Range
$799.98 – $1,899.98 per pair
$1,800 – $2,500 each
$199 – $599 each
Hearing Test
Yes
Yes
No
FDA Approval
Yes
Yes
No (U.K.-based company)
Take-Home Trial Period
45 days
30 days
30 days
Customer Support
Phone, email and chat
Phone and email
Phone or live chat staffed 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hearing Aid Style
3 BTE models
Both styles available: BTE and ITE
BTE and ITE
Conclusion
MDHearingAid checks all of the boxes when it comes to finding an affordable hearing aid backed by well-proven technology and hearing experts. Those looking for an alternative to the pricey hearing aid centers will be pleased with the products and services offered by MDHearingAid.
They offer three models of FDA-compliant hearing aids for those who are experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. Starting at just $399.98 per device, pricing for MDHearingAid is more affordable than traditional hearing aid devices and often beats out similar competitors in the direct-to-consumer market.
After taking the online hearing test and speaking with their knowledgeable instrument specialists for our MDHearingAid review, we were impressed with the level of service MDHearingAid offers. Although we wish the company offered different hearing aid designs (like in-the-ear options), they make up for the lack of customization with great prices and attentive service paired with a money-back guarantee. MDHearingAid continues to be a strong choice for hearing aid solutions.
Yes, MDHearingAid allows all customers a risk-free, 45-day trial period to try out their devices. If you don’t like the fit or performance of the device and you are within the trial period, their customer service staff will be happy to assist you with a return.
No, the FDA does not require a medical prescription to purchase hearing aid devices. MDHearingAid specializes in working directly with consumers to save money and facilitate an easy buying process.
No, the reason that MDHearingAid can offer ultra-low pricing is that they do not maintain storefronts or pay a middleman to sell you hearing aids. Plus, custom-fitting is not necessary thanks to the one-size-fits-most design and comfortTIP technology.
No, MDHearingAid’s digital hearing aids are created with special technology that limits frequency interference so you do not have to worry about hearing buzzing or ringing sounds when you are in close proximity to others with hearing aids.
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