MDHearing Review

Nearly 28.8 million adults could benefit from a hearing aid, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders. The high prices of custom hearing aids, however, can discourage users from purchasing them.

MDHearing (formerly known as MDHearingAid) has been in the business of direct-to-consumer hearing aids for over a decade and claims to offer medical-grade devices at affordable prices. In our MDHearing review, we examine the company’s three different models, along with real customer reviews, to see if these budget-friendly hearing aids are really worth it.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Consulted with geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Why We Chose to Review MDHearing

We chose to review MDHearing because this is one of the most affordable hearing aid brands on the market. Choosing hearing aids is about more than price, however, and we wanted to look at the details ourselves to see if MDHearing is a quality brand.

We like that MDHearing makes purchasing medical-grade, FDA-registered hearing aids accessible to more people with an online shopping process and on-staff audiologist support. We also like the 45-day risk-free trial that lets you test the hearing aids for yourself. While they aren’t customizable, MDHearing does offer several different models with multiple features at very affordable prices.

Pros and Cons of MDHearing

Compare MDHearing at a Glance

*All three MDHearing models adjust volume by a simple touch-of-the-finger volume dial. The CORE creates a sound map of your hearing to further customize your hearing preferences on the app.

MDHearing Models Offered

MDHearing’s Online Hearing Test

As part of the buying process, MDHearing offers a free online hearing test that helps evaluate your hearing loss levels in each ear. Designed by professional audio engineers, the test is similar to hearing tests other companies like Lively use. However, MDHearing’s test can be completed faster than the Lively test. MDHearing says its hearing test takes eight minutes, but it took us less than five.

Like other online tests, MDHearing uses pure tones set at various frequencies to test your hearing condition. It shouldn’t replace an in-person exam or hearing test with an audiologist, but it can give you a quick glimpse into how your hearing is performing.

To get started, you’ll quickly create a profile on MDHearing’s website by entering your first name, last name, and email address. You can also enter a phone number, but this is optional.

After that, you’ll be asked if you’re in a quiet room. You’ll then be asked if you have headphones plugged in and turned up to 100%. Headphones are important for the test because you’ll receive sounds separately in your left and right ears. Once you have headphones on, the test can begin.

MDHearing will test six frequencies for each ear. MDHearing’s test doesn’t give as many details as Lively’s test, like how many Hertz (Hz) are being tested per frequency, but it works in the same manner. On the sliding scale, you will select the lowest volume level where you can still hear the pure tone frequency. Once you’ve found it, you’ll press the “Save and Continue” button and move to the next frequency.

Once you’ve completed all six frequency tones for both ears, you’ll be given your testing results. The results will show your hearing loss per ear, ranging from healthy to profound hearing loss.

You’ll also be given an audiogram, which is a graphic visual of your hearing profile on a chart. Here the chart shows the frequencies in Hertz on the X-axis and your hearing level in decibels (dB) on the Y-axis. The report also offers descriptions on the type of sounds you may struggle to hear with your type of hearing loss.

After you take the test, you can contact MDHearing to follow up on your results and order MDHearing devices. You can also retake the test if you wish. When we took MDHearing’s test, we found it useful, easy to navigate, and informative about our levels of hearing loss.

Price and Payment Options

MDHearing offers three different hearing aid models at different price points. These prices are typically much lower than custom hearing aids from an audiologist’s office. They also feature frequent buy one, get one free deals to help customers purchase a pair of hearing aids for half the price. Here is the base price for each MDHearing model:

AIR: $399.99 per ear
VOLT+: $599.99 per ear
CORE: $799.99 per ear

They also offer 0% interest, 12-month financing through Affirm.

Warranty

You can test any model of MDHearing with their 45-day risk-free return policy. If you’re not satisfied with your hearing aid, you can return it for a full refund.

MDHearing also offers a warranty against defects and workmanship for 90 days. If your device fails to work within the warranty period, MDHearing will repair or replace it free of charge.

Customer Service and Satisfaction

MDHearing offers customer support by phone at 1-800-918-3914, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.

They also offer customer support via email at [email protected] 24/7 for questions and problems. Customer support is closed most national holidays.

WIth an on-staff audiologist, MDHearing can evaluate your most recent hearing test and recommend which hearing aid might work best.

MDHearing App and Accessories

MDHearing offers a variety of accessories for each model. Here are some of the accessories available through the MDHearing site:

• Tubing tips and replacement tubes
• Carrying case
• Earwax rinse kit
• Cleaning tool set
• Comfort tips
• Changing cord
• Thin tubing
• Charger and charging case
• Replacement batteries
• Dehumidifier jar
• UV Clean & Dry Box

The MDHearing App is available for iOs version 10 and higher, for Android version 5 and higher. It is only compatible with the CORE hearing aid.

MDHearing Customization

While MDHearing devices are not custom hearing aids, they do allow you to customize the settings to a certain extent. Each hearing aid features volume control and four program settings for different noise environments.

With the MDHearing CORE model, you can personalize your hearing aid and optimize it for your specific needs via the smartphone app. You can create a personal profile using a smartphone or tablet and select the options that are right for your hearing needs. The app allows you to adjust the sounds that you hear so you can hear the sounds you want like a close conversation and less of the sounds you don’t want to hear like background noise.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Hearing Aid

When shopping for a hearing aid, it’s important to research different brands, different styles, and the technology options that make sense for you. Here are five specific things you should do before buying a hearing aid:

• Have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist. This is necessary for you to purchase a hearing aid, even online through MDHearing.
• Get recommendations from your hearing professional on which type of hearing aid would best work for your type of hearing loss.
• Find out if the hearing aid you are considering is able to increase power in case your hearing needs change.
• Make sure your hearing aid includes a warranty.
• Know that hearing aids don’t restore your hearing but allow you to eliminate background noise to help you hear what you want to hear more clearly.

MDHearing Reviews: What Customers Say