About MDHearingAid | MDHearingAid Difference | Pros | Cons | MDHearingAid Models | Purchasing | FAQs
Hearing loss affects millions of people every year. The degrees of severity for hearing loss varies from person to person.
Some suffer from milder forms of hearing loss that can be managed without medical interventions. However, those with more severe forms of hearing loss turn to such devices as the hearing aid to better manage their daily lives.
Hearing aids have gone through many advancements since they were first commercialized in the early 20th century. But, one thing’s always remained the same: They’re expensive.
Although many people could very well benefit from using hearing aids, the high costs of owning them has turned many away. Traditionally, hearing aids simply aren’t affordable for many people.
But, one company is looking to change that. MDHearingAid is seeking to offer an affordable alternative for those needing hearing aids — without sacrificing quality. Their FDA-registered hearing aids are sold directly to customers.
MDHearingAid opens the door for many people, for whom it was previously shut. We can purchase high-quality hearing aids right from the comfort of home at a fraction of the price of traditional brands.
But, is it too good to be true? Are these hearing aids legit? In this article, we seek to give you an honest look at this brand, giving you the knowledge to make the right decision.
About MDHearingAid
According to the statistics put out by the National Institute on Deafness, roughly 15 percent of American adults report trouble hearing — that’s 37.5 million people. The same statistics tell us that about 28.8 million U.S adults could benefit from using hearing aids.
The global market for hearing aids is projected to grow from 6.67 billion USD in 2020 to over $11 billion in 2021. That’s quite a leap.
Sadly, too many still don’t have access to them. Traditionally, hearing aids have been a sort of luxury to own. The first electric hearing aids were developed in 1898, they were first manufactured for commercial use in 1913. They were expensive then, and they’re expensive now.
MDHearingAid understands the plight. They believe hearing aids shouldn’t cost a fortune to own. This Midwestern company was developed over a decade ago and has sold over 500,000 hearing aids to date.
They offer high-quality, FDA-registered hearing aid devices that are tested by an in-house team of licensed audiologists and hearing professionals. They offer three models to suit most hearing needs, including sensorineural hearing loss, which is the most common form.
What Makes MDHearingAid Different?
The MDHearingAid model runs against the grain when it comes to traditional hearing aid purchasing.
The Old Way of Buying Hearing Aids
Purchasing hearing aids can be a frustrating process. Making an appointment is often followed by making multiple trips to a hearing clinic. Most clinics and audiologists act as retailers, marking up prices on the already high-priced manufacturers’ cost. In most cases, hearing aids aren’t covered by insurance or Medicare. That means a hefty out-of-pocket expense.
The MDHearingAid Way
MDHearingAid’s approach is much simpler and much more affordable. They cut out the middleman retailers and sell directly to customers. A simple online hearing test is the first step. After that, in-house audiologists worked with us online to make a recommendation. The hearing aids were sent to our doorstep. Everything can be done from home. Plus, they offer ongoing expert support if adjustments need to be made in the future.
What We Liked
- Simple and convenient, the whole process is done from home; no office appointments.
- Offer value-priced hearing aids starting at $400; 0% financing’s available for those who qualify.
- The whole process is overseen by audiologists and hearing experts.
- They offer three models, from basic digital to Bluetooth-enabled; both rechargeable and disposable battery models are available.
- Made in the USA in compliance with FDA regulations.
- CORE model offers personalized and customizable audio settings with their app.
- Offers free shipping and a 45-day risk-free trial.
What We Didn’t Like
- They only offer behind-the-ear (BTE) models.
- No online chat feature for technical support; no weekend tech support.
- They aren’t truly “custom fit” hearing aids.
- Limited basic warranty (90 days); Protection plan is an extra cost.
MDHearingAid Models
MDHearingAid offers three models:
- MDHearingAid AIR
- MDHearingAid VOLT+
- MDHearingAid CORE
Each model comes with a compact carrying case and a 45-day risk-free trial. All models are designed with the highest quality per FDA regulations.
We noticed that MDHearingAid only carries one style of hearing aid — behind-the-ear (BTE). This type hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind it. A small tube connects the hearing aid to the earpiece (ear mold) that sits inside the ear canal.
Let’s take a look at the models they offer.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE  | America’s best selling value hearing aid. A virtually invisible design with advanced digital technology, delivering high-quality sound. You will hear clearly and comfortably in a variety of settings — watching television, at a dinner party, at church — thanks to its advanced digital technology.
Starting at $399.99. | Buy Now | |
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE  | The MDHearingAid VOLT+ is a long-lasting rechargeable hearing aid with state-of-the-art audio quality and noise management. NEW—now water-resistant plus improved battery life! Whether you’re dining in a restaurant, watching TV at home, or meeting at work, the VOLT’s dual microphones allow you to focus on the sounds you want to hear, not the background noise.
Starting at $599.99. | Buy Now | |
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE  | MDHearingAid® CORE puts you in control, helping you optimize your hearing without the appointments at the local hearing clinic. CORE hearing aid changes and adapts to your hearing. Through the MDHearing App for smartphones and tablets, create unique personal profiles in the privacy of your own home, instantly personalizing your hearing aids so conversations and sounds stay crisp, sharp, and clear — year after year.
Starting at $999.99. | Buy Now |
MDHearingAid AIR
The MDHearingAid AIR is the most affordable digital hearing aid that they offer. This model uses digital signal processing (DSP) rather than analog. Basically, DSP allows sound waves to be converted into digital signals, offering more complex sound processing in louder environments (e.g. sporting events, church, etc.).
The noise reduction capability eliminates background noise and provides precise amplification of human voices. We liked its adjustable volume setting with three different audio settings to suit most environments: Quiet, Social, and Noisy.
Also, the feedback cancellation technology helped make sure we didn’t get that annoying whistle. This model is pencil-thin and can be worn comfortably with glasses. However, it does lack a directional microphone.
- Feedback cancellation
- Three audio settings
- DSP technology for noise reduction
- Requires disposable batteries
Cost: Single Hearing Aid – One-time payment of $399.99; Pair Bundle – $799.99. They are currently offering Buy One Get One ($399 for the pair).
Here’s what one customer had to say about his MDHearingAid AIR buying experience:
Great product. For a fraction of what I would have had to pay through my audiologist. Beside a good product at a reasonable price, the customer service is awesome. Both of the people I have spoken to have been very helpful in how to program my new hearing aids.
— James, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
MDHearingAid VOLT+
The MDHearingAid VOLT+ is by far their most popular product. The biggest appeal is its rechargeable batteries coupled with its audio quality and noise management system. This product is also water-resistant with its IP57 coating, withstanding a depth of 3 feet for 30 minutes.
One single charge provided us with over 24 hours of hearing. Plus, the magnetic charging case provides 3 full charges before it has to be plugged in again.
The VOLT+ also features two directional microphones to reduce background noise. These microphones provide advanced noise reduction, which lets us distinguish between the sounds we wanted to hear and the ones we didn’t. Plus, it features adjustable volume control.
- Advanced feedback cancellation; no whistle
- Four audio settings with two directional microphones for noise reduction
- Rechargeable batteries and portable charging case
- Water-resistant
Cost: Single Hearing Aid – One-time payment of $599.99; Pair Bundle – $1199.99. They are currently offering Buy One Get One ($599.98 for the pair).
This customer seems pleased with their VOLT+ results:
My MD volt hearing aid came with the easy to follow instructions and a convenient and small charging station. I was immediately able to adjust and WEAR my hearing aids for 12 hours every day. I am very pleased with their performance and ease-of-use.Thank you for designing such a low cost and effective hearing aid.
— Kenneth, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
MDHearingAid CORE
The MDHearingAid CORE is the most expensive product they offer. It’s also the only Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid they carry. The Bluetooth capability allowed us to customize our own settings from our phone or tablet with the MDHearing app (available for Apple and Android), which was cool.
From the HDHearing app customers can:
- Create a personal profile
- Adjust volume of their CORE hearing aids
- Select audio programs to suit the current environments
- Request assistance from HDHearingAid specialists
- View their battery levels
- Use the Find My Device feature
It puts control entirely in the wearer’s hands. What’s nice is the fact that customers can re-personalize settings if their hearing ever changes.
The CORE features four audio settings that automatically adapt to changing noise environments, no buttons required. It also features two directional microphones for smart noise reduction. It offers the same advanced feedback cancellation technology as the other models. One drawback: These batteries aren’t rechargeable.
Cost: Single Hearing Aid – One-time payment of $959.99; Pair Bundle – $1919.99. They are currently offering 75% off the pair, bringing the bundle price to $1199.99
This customer gives a warming testimonial of their CORE experience:
Very easy to use. Love the ability to customize the hearing. Feel like a child with a new toy..unafraid to experiment and learn. Really opened my eyes and ears to what I was missing. Sounds like my grandchildren laughing in stereo, listening to music feels brand new, really hearing the leaves fall while on a hike. I only needed my right ear due to hearing loss from Meniere’s disease. Love love love the adventure.
— Robert, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
Getting Started
Many people with hearing loss issues simply opt for purchasing the products directly from the website. However, MDHearingAid does provide an online hearing test we could do right on their website. It was designed by professional audio engineers. It’s designed to be done with headphones and we finished it in under 8 minutes. The purpose is to give you personalized feedback on your hearing.
Purchasing Your Hearing Aids
Purchases can be made directly on their website. MDHearingAid’s products are already affordable compared to other traditional brands, even so, they are routinely offering discounts and buy-one-get-one-free sales.
FAQs
What about insurance?
Most insurance policies and Medicare don’t cover the costs of hearing aids, nor do they reimburse. Like most companies, MDHearingAid is self-pay. However, they offer some of the most affordable, high-quality products on the market.
Do they offer a warranty?
Customers get a 90-day manufacturer warranty on all devices, covering defects in material and workmanship. If the device fails due to manufacturer issues it’ll be repaired or replaced for free. However, they do offer a protection plan that covers 100% on all accidental damage — at an additional cost.
Is there a return policy?
Yes. You have a 45-day risk-free trial period with all purchases. If you’re unsatisfied, you can return your hearing aids and receive a full refund. But, it must be done within 45 days of the purchase date.
Do I have to have a diagnosis or prescription for buying these hearing aids?
No, technically you don’t need either. Federal law permits fully informed adults to sign a waiver exempting them from medical evaluation or consultation. So, you don’t need a doctor to sign off on something before you purchase. However, receiving an evaluation for hearing loss issues is still recommended as a good health practice.
These products are only for those 18 years of age or older.
Will these hearing aids cure ringing in the ear?
No. Ringing in the ear is referred to as tinnitus, a nerve-related hearing loss. Though hearing aids may reduce ringing, they don’t cure tinnitus.
Conclusion
So, are these hearing aids from MDHearingAid legit? We say yes.
This is a legitimate company that seeks to offer affordable FDA-approved hearing aid devices for all. They carry basic digital hearing aids as well as more advanced, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids — all at a fraction of the cost as compared to most traditional brands.
Their process is supervised by licensed audiologists and hearing specialists, the only thing missing is the retail middleman. The whole process can be done from home.
It’s true these devices lack a true “custom fit” and only come as behind-the-ear models. But, the affordable price and FDA-approved quality more than makes up for those shortcomings.
References, Studies and Sources:
MDHearingAid: Affordable Hearing Aids Online | MDHearing
Quick Statistics About Hearing | NIDCD
Hearing Aids Market Size, Share & Growth | Report [2021- 2028] | Fortune Business Insights
The History of Hearing Aids | Hearing Systems Inc.
About Sensorineural Hearing Loss | ASHA
Hearing Aid Comparison | Price, Cost, Features | HDHearing
Online Hearing Test – Free, Easy, Instant Results | MDHearing
Giselle is a practicing pharmacist with over 9 years of experience in the community and long-term care pharmacy settings; and a freelance medical writer. She earned her PharmD from the University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy in 2014. She is a Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP), who focuses on the complex medication needs of older adults.
She has worked with the Peninsula Pharmacists Association in California to create educational handouts and present on various topics to older adults in the community.
Her professional interests include volunteering at health fairs, learning about alternative therapy and traditional Chinese medicine; and learning languages.
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2023-10-10
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