MDHearingAid devices have many attractive features, including affordability, and come in a range of models to suit many people’s hearing needs. The devices also have some drawbacks that you may want to consider. Read on for our review of MDHearingAid, including the reasons this brand made our list of the best hearing aids for 2023.
2,500 hours of research13 experts consulted30 brands considered96 models considered600-plus user survey
Our experts have spent more than 2,500 hours conducting thorough research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:
Deeply researched the hearing device categoryConsulted with audiologists and hearing device expertsMystery shopped 30 brandsSurveyed more than 600 hearing aid usersRead and reviewed the relevant recent studiesRead thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
MDHearingAid is our top pick for budget-conscious customers. Starting at $399 per device, MDHearingAid devices are some of the most affordable hearing solutions on the market. Because this company sells directly to consumers, it cuts out the need for distributors. MDHearingAid devices are also convenient. You can complete the entire process of comparing models, taking a hearing test, and buying hearing aids from the privacy of your home. With purchasing and customer support available online, competitive pricing, and a wide range of features to suit most needs, MDHearingAid is a brand worth considering for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Value-priced hearing aids starting at $399 per device, with 0 percent financing available through the company’s lending partnerNo-questions-asked returns during the 45-day trial periodAudiologist-supervised online sales process, with recommendations based on online hearing test resultsComprehensive customer support and access to a licensed hearing instrument specialist for fittingsCustomized fit available with the CORE model, which uses an app for precise adjustmentsRechargeable and disposable battery options available
Cons
Not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like some other hearing aid brandsOnly behind-the-ear (BTE) models offeredLimited basic warranty, although a more comprehensive protection plan is available for a feeOnly one rechargeable model (VOLT+) and one model compatible with the app (CORE)Customer support by phone only available Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CTNo online chat support for technical issues
Many customers prioritize advanced sound capabilities when choosing a hearing aid. In our survey results, digital noise reduction ranked as the most important feature that people look for in a hearing aid. And while it lacks a directional microphone, the AIR comes with a telecoil, which makes it possible to use it with other assistive listening devices. If you’re a budget-conscious customer looking for a hearing aid that offers noise-reduction technology, the AIR could be a great choice. Call to buy: 844-936-0233. The VOLT+ battery can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. In addition, the magnetic carrying case can fully charge the VOLT+ three times before the case needs to be recharged. This feature makes it a great choice for people who frequently travel. If you’re active outdoors, you’ll appreciate the model’s water-resistant coating, which offers a layer of protection against rain, sweat, and other sources of moisture that could damage internal components. The VOLT+ has two directional microphones so you can focus on the sound you want to hear and block out unwanted noise. It also offers advanced noise-reduction and feedback-cancellation technology (the same features as the AIR) for an optimal hearing experience. Four audio settings will help you hear well in noisy environments.Call to buy: 844-936-0233. Unlike the AIR and VOLT+, the CORE is equipped with Bluetooth technology, so you can customize your settings and hearing profile through the MDHearing app. This is especially helpful for people who find it difficult to toggle the buttons on the hearing aids themselves. It’s also a plus if you don’t want others to know you’re wearing a hearing device, since adjusting a hearing aid with a smartphone app, rather than pressing buttons on the device itself, is more discreet. Unfortunately, the CORE does not come with an option for rechargeable batteries, which may be a deterrent if you have trouble changing very small hearing aid batteries. The CORE offers the same features as the other two MDHearingAid models, plus the Bluetooth connectivity, at a great price compared to similar hearing aids. For people who want rechargeable batteries, though, this may not be the best choice.Call to buy: 844-936-0233. If you choose to take the online MDHearingAid test, your results will be displayed on the website along with tips for interpreting it. MDHearingAid has a team of medical professionals on staff, including licensed audiologists and ear, nose, and throat specialists. These professionals are available to help you choose the best hearing aid based on your hearing test results and individual preferences. Though online hearing tests are convenient, some audiologists believe it’s still beneficial to see a specialist if you are having trouble hearing. According to Ellen Lafargue, AuD, a doctor of audiology, online hearing tests “don’t do differential tests that identify the etiology, or cause, of the hearing loss.” For example, Dr. Lafargue cites the need for audiologists to determine if a patient’s hearing loss is sensorineural (or what some call a nerve hearing loss) or conductive, which involves the middle ear and may require medical attention. “If it is a conductive loss, is it medically treatable in part or in whole,” says Lafargue.
Hearing Aids and Health Insurance
Although the Affordable Care Act expanded the coverage requirements for health insurance plans, hearing aids aren’t currently a mandated benefit. This means that Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults, according to the NIDCD. The good news is that certain private insurance plans, including some Medicare Advantage plans, do cover some or all of the costs of hearing aids. RELATED: Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids? It’s important to note that MDHearingAid doesn’t file insurance claims on behalf of its customers. You must pay for your hearing aids up front and then request reimbursement from your insurer. The company will help by providing the documentation you need to file a claim. If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, you can pay for MDHearingAid devices with these funds.
MDHearingAid Trial Period
MDHearingAid offers a free 45-day trial period. You can return your hearing aids for any reason during that time and receive a 100 percent refund. The company encourages customers to wear the devices for a full 21 days to get acclimated to them before seeking a return, but this is not a requirement to get a refund.
MDHearingAid Warranty
The company only provides a 90-day limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If the device malfunctions during the warranty period, you must return it to the company for inspection. If a representative determines that the failure is due to faulty materials or workmanship, MDHearingAid will repair or replace the hearing aid for free. If you want a longer warranty and protection against accidental damage, you can purchase the MDShield Protection Plan for a separate fee that ranges from $3.99 to $14.99 depending on the model. The protection plan covers defects and malfunctions not related to materials or workmanship, as well as accidental damage. It does not cover the replacement of a lost device. It’s important to consider the warranty’s length and what it covers before purchasing hearing aids. Our survey results showed that 68 percent of customers needed to have their hearing aids repaired during the warranty period.
MDHearingAid Ratings
MDHearingAid has a B+ rating from the BBB, and 4.29 out of 5 stars based on 41 consumer ratings. Over the past three years, the company registered 51 complaints. Most of these involved misunderstandings about the buy-one-get-one sale prices and exceptions to the warranty or protection plan. There are also a number of complaints from customers who had difficulty contacting customer service and found it difficult to return the hearing aids. The BBB reached out to the company multiple times regarding misleading advertising and information about pricing that violated the BBB Code of Advertising. As of June 2021, the BBB says it has not received the requested substantiation from MDHearingAid. A few reviewers mentioned having difficulty getting a comfortable fit. The MDHearingAid website claims that all models can be fitted with a custom earmold if the included tips and tubing aren’t satisfactory. Custom tips are available from online stores and independent hearing centers. The MDHearingAid rating on Trustpilot is 2.8 out of 5 stars, although this rating is based on only three reviews. Negative comments include problems getting refunds and hearing aids not working with the app. Positive Reviews Positive reviews note the clear sound quality of MDHearingAid devices and the relatively lower price point of its models. Negative Reviews Negative reviews focus mainly on sale pricing or confusion around the warranty and return policy, specifically getting an Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number to return the hearing aids. There are also a number of customer complaints about difficulty reaching customer service representatives. — BYRON, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM TRUSTPILOT.COM) “I am greatly enjoying my MDHearingAids. I cannot imagine being without them. … They’re not perfect! I still miss beginnings of words, and if people talk too fast, I’m gone! They’re a great help when I’m on the phone, and that’s pretty marvelous!” — VIVIAN, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG) The AIR model comes with threaded tubing that can be screwed off for cleaning. The VOLT+ and CORE have snap-on tubing. All hearing aids come with a user manual, a special cleaning tool, and a starter set of batteries. The VOLT+ comes with a power adapter, cord, and charging case. If you misplace your manual, printable versions are available online. MDHearingAid also sells accessories for all hearing devices online. After narrowing down our selections, we consulted with an audiologist who medically reviewed each brand and model. We determined our top picks based on the following criteria:
Special featuresUser experienceCostCustomer serviceReputation and credibility
Keep in mind that the standard warranty for MDHearingAid is not as comprehensive as other brands, although you have the option of purchasing a fuller warranty. In addition, only one model has a fully customizable fit and hearing profile. Finally, MDHearingAid is registered with the FDA but has not received full approval like some other brands. If you are new to hearing aids, you may be more comfortable with an FDA-approved brand that has undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.
