MDHearing Reviews

Online Hearing Test

I found the hearing test on MDHearing's website to be quite well done, and the results matched those I'd gotten in a traditional sound-treated booth. It's simple to use and navigate. Of all the online tests available, I'd put it at or near the top of the list. The results are shown in both a simplified “thermometer” version and a traditional audiogram format.

You can see how the test is conducted and the results of my test below. I like how the interface and results provide information that caters to the needs and level of understanding of both first-time and more experienced users.

The top image shows how the test is conducted. You are first asked to put in headphones and set your volume to “max.” Then you’ll select the softest tone that you can barely hear at on six different frequencies, one ear at a time.

MDHearing Online Hearing Test – Right Ear Test

In the case of my test, the “thermometer” image below shows that my test responses were comparable to those of other people who did not have hearing loss. “Normal” hearing is a range, but I'm in good shape because my scores are in the lower half of the green section.

MDHearing Online Hearing Test – Hearing Level Results

This is also shown in the more traditional “Audiogram” image below, except in this case, the “good” scores (in green) are on the top. The red O's are my right ear, and the blue X’s are for my left ear. Each mark represents the softest level in decibels (dB) at which I heard each tone. The lower “bass” tones are on the left, and the higher treble pitches on the right, like a piano.

MDHearing – Interpreting Your Audiogram

Models and Tech

Like other manufacturers, MDHearing offers a few technology and price levels. This allows those on a tight budget or those buying hearing aids for the first time to improve their hearing without breaking the bank. Speaking of the bank, MDHearing also offers financing through a third party. This kind of financing is common in hearing aid sales. Be cautious, however, as most financing options have very high interest rates for balances carried over past the typical “no-interest” promotional period.

MDHearing AIR

MDHearing AIR Pair

MDHearing’s most affordable model is the AIR, which costs $299.98 per pair. This behind-the-ear (BTE), virtually invisible model offers advanced noise reduction. The AIR is also rechargeable, and it’s best for those who want a simple, entry-level device. Along with a portable charging case, and a one year warranty, you’ll also get free lifetime support from a trusted team of audiologists.

MDHearing NEO

MDHearing NEO Pair

MDHearing’s only ITE model is the NEO, which costs $299.98 per pair. This discreet in-the-ear style makes them nearly invisible! The NEO model is also rechargeable and provides clear sound.

The NEO features advanced feedback cancellation technology and noise reduction so you can hear better in noisy environments like restaurants or busy streets. The NEO model also features manual volume control, which I find very useful for any hearing aid. This model is an excellent option for those who want discreet hearing aids, along with those who wear glasses or masks regularly.

MDHearing VOLT

MDHearing VOLT Packaging

The VOLT is MDHearing’s more advanced BTE model, and it costs $399.98 per pair. This model features dual microphones and smart noise reduction to help you focus on the sounds you want to hear instead of distracting background noise. The VOLT also has the same advanced feedback cancellation and noise reduction as the NEO to prevent feedback and help you hear better in noisy environments. You can also upgrade to the VOLT + VIP Care package for a one-time payment of $599.98.

MDHearing VOLT in Charger

I found the demo units MDHearing sent me to be well built, with an easy-to-use charger that fully charged in a few hours. The ear tips are comfortable, and I was able to find one in the package that allowed me to turn up the devices about halfway without any feedback. If I had more severe hearing loss, I would need to use a different ear tip that might have been a bit on the tight side, but I was generally impressed.

I appreciate that all of MDHearing’s devices are rechargeable, so you don’t have to remember to change out your batteries regularly. Plus, if you have sausage fingers like me, changing out small batteries can be a real hassle.

VOLT MAX

MDHearing’s top-of-the-line model is the VOLT MAX. This device has the same BTE style, slim tube, and standard earmold as the VOLT model, but the VOLT MAX has a slightly slimmer shape.

MDHearing VOLT MAX

MDHearing claims that the digital processor is more advanced than the other models. The VOLT MAX also has a smartphone app to create custom profiles and allows for fine-tuning. It can also tune out background noise so users can focus on what they need to hear instead. This premium model currently sells for $699.98 per pair along with VIP Care service.

MDHearing VOLT MAX

The App

MDHearing App Personal Profile

I downloaded the MDHearing app and found it well-designed and intuitive.

MDHearing was nice enough to send me a pair of the VOLT MAX and VOLT devices. The VOLT MAX easily connected to the app, and it even caught my mistake of not fully closing the battery door.

The personalization process took a bit under 10 minutes. Essentially, this repeats the online hearing test. The big advantage of this version of the test is that it works directly through the hearing aids in my ears. We call this “in-situ testing,” and it's very good at compensating for ear canal acoustics. It’s not quite the gold standard for hearing tests in the industry, but it's much better than just using the audiogram.

MDHearing App Noise Reduction

I find apps like this very helpful for those with dexterity issues or who may need assistance with their hearing aids. The app allows a relative or caregiver to adjust the devices and monitor their condition much more effectively than trying to do so on the ear.

MDHearing App Support

After the Sale

MDHearing offers access to their audiologists via email or a toll-free number that also handles general customer service issues.

Their customer service department also handles requests for replacement accessories like batteries, replacement tubing, domes, storage cases, and cleaners.

Warranty

All MDHearing's products offer a 45-day return option, in addition to a “parts and labor” warranty. The VOLT, NEO, and AIR models offer a one-year warranty, while the VOLT MAX comes with a two-year warranty. Additional coverage is available on the MDShield Protection Plan (which is typically one or two years).

One of the most notable limitations of both the standard and up-sell warranties is the lack of loss and damage coverage, which is standard for most traditional hearing aid manufacturers. Even though the purchase price is low, a few losses can easily push one into the price ranges of entry-level devices that do provide this coverage. Those with memory loss, in my clinical experience, require loss and damage coverage. If you're buying for a loved one in this situation, this is something to think about.

Summary

MDHearing disrupts the standard brick-and-mortar model for purchasing hearing aids. While their technology is limited compared to other products, I have to say, they are essentially what I was selling as “high end” about 15 years ago. While technology has changed, the human ear hasn't. If your needs are pretty simple, I can’t prove that these simpler devices wouldn’t provide measurable improvement to those who have hearing loss and listening needs within the fitting range of these products. Considering that most insurance plans in the U.S. do not pay for hearing aids, MDHearing offers many people access to hearing help who would otherwise be left out in the cold.