In recent years, the demand for hearing aids has surged, alongside a noticeable increase in their prices. Coupled with the various crises that have impacted us, there’s been a notable rise in the popularity of compact and cost-effective hearing aids. This trend shows no sign of abating, with new models and brands emerging daily. However, the challenge lies in discerning which of these affordable hearing aids truly stands out. In this comparison guide, we’ll shed light on the Audien and MDHearing, both of which have garnered significant popularity. Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of these two brands.
Audien vs. MDHearing NEO Hearing Aids Comparison Table
Product | Editor’s choice Audien Atom | Audien Atom Pro | MDHearing NEO |
---|---|---|---|
Where to buy | Official website | Official website | Official website |
Price of pair | $99.99 | $149.99 (Click on the “Order Now” button under Audien Atom. Then, you will be offered a choice between Atom and Atom Pro!) | $297 |
Paymant Methods | FSA and HSA cards accepted | FSA and HSA cards accepted | Affirm |
Size | Small | Even smaller | Small |
Sound Technology | Atom™ sound technology | Atom™ sound technology + Enhanced Feedback cancellation | Background noise reduction and feedback cancellation |
Battery Life | 20 hours | 24 hours of battery life, extendable to 4 days with the charging case | 17+ hours |
Charging Method | Charging over magnetic contacts (4-6 hours) | Charging over magnetic contacts (4-6 hours) | Charging over magnetic contacts |
Customization | Volume adjustment + 6 pairs of silicone tips | Volume adjustment + 6 pairs of silicone tips | Volume adjustment and extra silicone tips |
“Antenna” | Facilitates easy removal from ear (can be removed form the earbud) | Facilitates easy removal from ear (can be removed form the earbud) | Facilitates easy removal from ear (can be removed form the earbud) |
In-the-box | 2X Atom™ Hearing Aids1X Charging Dock Charging Cable (USBC) & Wall Plug 1X Carrying Case 4X Wax Guards1X Ear Tips Set (3 Different Sizes, S / M / L) User Manual & Getting Started Guide | 2X Atom™ Pro Hearing Aids 1X Portable Wireless Charging Case 1X Charging Cable (USBC) & Wall Plug4X Wax Guards 1X Ear Tips Set (3 Different Sizes, S / M / L) User Manual & Getting Started Guide | Pair of hearing aids Charging case Charging cord Cleaning tool Protective wax guards Additional dome sizes Instruction manual Quick-start guide |
Requires a Smartphone or App to Operate | No | No | No |
Guarantee | Risk-Free 45-Day Trial | Risk-Free 45-Day Trial | 45 day money back guarantee |
Learn more | Audien Atom Review |
Evaluating the Credibility of Audien and MDHearing
Before we delve into comparing the features of both Audien and MDHearing, it’s crucial to assess the legitimacy and reputation of these companies and their products. To ensure their credibility, we’ve conducted a thorough review of their standing on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
Let’s begin with MDHearing. Regrettably, MDHearing has incurred some concerning issues flagged by the BBB. These issues encompass complaints related to defective products, challenges with returns and refunds, and customer service matters. These red flags might raise some doubts about their reliability. In terms of customer feedback, MDHearing receives a modest rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on BBB, and their overall BBB rating is a less-than-ideal “F.” Furthermore, the company is not accredited by BBB. Trustpilot provides a slightly more favorable perspective, with an average rating of 3.1 out of 5.
Now, turning our attention to Audien, the picture is notably brighter. Audien boasts positive ratings both on BBB and Trustpilot. BBB customer reviews grant Audien an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars, and the company holds a BBB rating and accreditation of “B.” Notably, Audien does not currently have any alerts issued for its business or products. Trustpilot offers a slightly lower but still commendable rating of 3.7 out of 5.
It’s important to acknowledge that ratings for products like hearing aids often tend to vary, as individual experiences can differ significantly based on the unique nature of hearing problems and individual preferences. What holds greater significance here is Audien’s strong standing with BBB, which indicates a higher level of reliability and trustworthiness compared to MDHearing.
Design, Comfort and Controls
When it comes to design, color, and size, both Audien and MDHearing hearing aids share striking similarities. Audien offers two distinct models, the Nano and Nano Pro, while MDHearing presents its latest NEO model, which features an earbud that snugly fits inside the ear canal. Notably, all models from both brands maintain a discreet appearance due to their identical color schemes.
Additionally, both Audien and MDHearing provide hearing aids equipped with pin-shaped silicon tips. This design choice prioritizes comfort while ensuring a secure fit within the ear. Audien’s models, in particular, have slightly more open silicon tips, enhancing overall comfort. In the event that the hearing aids do not fit perfectly, both brands offer additional pairs of silicon tips. Audien, in particular, goes the extra mile by providing six additional pairs of silicon tips. Moreover, a convenient pull string is a common feature found on the back of each hearing aid, simplifying the removal process from the ear canal.
When it comes to controls, the Audien Atom and MDHearing NEO exhibit similarities in their layout. The Audien Atom, however, stands out with an additional on/off switch situated alongside the microphone, tune control, and charging contacts. In contrast, the Atom Pro and NEO lack this switch but compensate with a microphone, gold charging contacts for use with the case, and a small control for fine-tuning the volume to your preference.
Sound Quality and Technology
Audien and MDHearing each bring their own unique technology to the table when it comes to sound quality and performance.
The Audien Atom relies on its proprietary Atom Sound Technology, which aims to deliver a clear and effective auditory experience. Should you opt for the Audien Atom Pro, you’ll benefit from enhanced feedback cancellation, further refining your listening experience.
On the other hand, MDHearing’s NEO model boasts background noise reduction and feedback cancellation technologies. These features are designed to reduce unwanted interference and enhance the clarity of the sounds you want to hear.
Both brands prioritize user-friendly controls to fine-tune the sound to your liking, ensuring that you can personalize your listening experience with ease.
It’s important to note that the perception of sound quality can vary from person to person, depending on the unique nature of their hearing issues. Overall, based on customer reviews, Audien models tend to receive positive feedback regarding their sound quality, with a majority of users satisfied with their performance. While there may be a few individuals who express less satisfaction, they represent a minority.
In the case of the MDHearing NEO, a sufficient number of reviews should be accumulated to accurately assess the sound quality. Monitoring future reviews will provide a clearer understanding of its performance.
Battery Life and Charging
The longevity of battery life and the ease of charging are pivotal considerations for daily usage of hearing aids. In this department, Audien emerges as the victor.
Audien’s range of models excels in battery life. The base model, the Audien Atom, boasts an impressive 20-hour battery life, ensuring it can accompany you throughout your day. If you opt for the Audien Atom Pro, you’ll experience an even longer battery life of 24 hours. What’s more, the Atom Pro comes equipped with a portable case that provides an additional four days’ worth of charge, enhancing its convenience for extended use.
In terms of charging, both Audien models come with dedicated chargers and cables, simplifying the recharging process. The approximate charging time for these models falls within the 4 to 6-hour range.
In contrast, the MDHearing NEO offers a full day of battery life, approximately 17 hours. While this duration is sufficient for daily use, it falls slightly short of the extended battery life provided by the Audien models.
In summary, Audien hearing aids, including the Atom and Atom Pro, excel in battery life, ensuring that they can accompany you throughout the day and beyond. They come with dedicated chargers and cables for convenient recharging. The MDHearing NEO offers a good day’s worth of battery life but falls behind in terms of extended usage. Your choice may depend on your specific needs and how crucial an extended battery life is for your daily routine.
Price Comparison
When it comes to pricing, Audien and MDHearing offer different options to suit your budget and needs.
Audien’s base model, the Atom, is competitively priced at $99.99 on their official website. They also provide enticing deals, such as “buy 1 get 1 50% off” and “buy 2 get 1 free,” making it more affordable when purchasing multiple units. Additionally, Audien offers the advantage of free shipping within the USA.
For just $50 more, you can upgrade to the Atom Pro, priced at $149.99. Audien also accommodates flexible payment options by accepting FSA and HSA cards at checkout, providing convenience for those with health savings accounts.
In contrast, MDHearing’s NEO hearing aids are priced at a higher tier. They offer individual hearing aids for the left and right ear, each priced at $499.99. Alternatively, you can purchase a pair of NEO hearing aids for a total of $297, with an option to pay as low as $24 per month for 12 months at 0% APR with Affirm financing.
Both Audien and MDHearing prioritize customer satisfaction by offering a 45-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that you have the opportunity to assess the hearing aids and make an informed decision.
Ultimately, the choice between Audien and MDHearing will depend on your budget, preferences, and specific hearing needs. Audien presents an attractive price point with the Atom and Atom Pro models, while MDHearing NEO offers a higher-priced option with flexible financing to accommodate various budget constraints.
Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.
2 comments on “Audien vs. MDHearing NEO Hearing Aids – Comparison Guide for 2024”
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Which would you recommend?
1. The Audience Adam Pro
– Versus –
2. The new MD Hearing
Neo XS
Hi Ron,
Well, both are good options, but personally, I think they are almost the same. However, considering the price point, the NEO XS costs more than double and doesn’t offer much better features, apart from background noise reduction, besides the feedback cancellation, which the Audien Atom Pro also has.
Other than that, for $149.99, the Audien Atom Pro offers the following advantages over the NEO XS:
You get 24 hours of battery life, compared to Neo XS’s 18 hours.
I find the feel and build quality better with the Audien Atom Pro.
Personally, I don’t see any compelling reason to choose the NEO XS over the Audien Atom Pro at this time, especially with the significant difference in price. Also, I haven’t yet found any authentic customer feedback to see how the noise reduction and feedback cancellation actually work for them.
You should know that these types of devices are hearing amplifiers, and you should have realistic expectations. If you’re looking for something better with more features and control, I personally would recommend the ELEHEAR Alpha Pro, which is definitely worth the investment and has high ratings from most customers.
Check the products:
ELEHEAR Alpha Pro
Audien Atom PRO 2 (NEW)
Audien Atom PRO