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Best For: Lowest Starting Costs
MDHearing is a Chicago-based online company that offers the lowest starting costs on FDA-approved hearing aids. MDHearing sells four behind-the-ear hearing aids, starting at just $199.99, and all devices come with free shipping throughout the continental United States and a 45-day risk-free trial period.
This guide provides an overview of MDHearing’s hearing aids, the costs and the company’s warranty and return policy. It also includes a list of MDHearing pros and cons, reviews from MDHearing customers and an in-depth look at how MDHearing’s devices work.
MDHearing Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable: MDHearing aids are affordable, starting at just $199 per hearing aid, and financing is available to qualified consumers
- Free Trial: The company offers a 45-day trial period, so customers can try their MDHearingAid device risk-free.
- Hearing Tests: MDHearingAid partnered with audio professionals to develop free online hearing tests. The test, which takes just 8 minutes to complete, can help customers determine their level of hearing loss and need for a hearing aid.
- Analog Options: MDHearingAid is one of the few hearing aid companies to still offer an analog hearing aid.
- Sales: Frequent BOGO promotions and time-limited sales can help consumers save on their MDHearing purchases
Cons
- Online Only: Consumers can’t see or try hearing aids before purchasing
- Limited Products: Product lineup is limited to behind-the-ear style hearing aids with beige-colored cases
- Extra Fees: Consumers have to pay extra for the MDShield Protection Plan to extend warranty coverage beyond the initial 90-day warranty period and cover water damage and accidental damages
MDHearing's Pricing, Warranties and Return Policy
MDHearing offers four models, and each is backed by a 45-day satisfaction guarantee and a 90-day warranty against material and workmanship defects. Customers who aren’t happy with their MDHearing aid can return their device for a full refund within 45 days of purchase, but they must first obtain a return authorization number from the company. Otherwise, a 20% penalty is applied to the refund.
An extended warranty called the MDShield Protection Plan that covers accidental damage and defects beyond the included 90-day warranty period can be purchased for an additional fee during the checkout process.
How MDHearing's Hearing Aids Work
PRO
The PRO is MDHearing’s entry-level device, and it’s one of the few remaining analog hearing aids on the market. This means that the PRO works by amplifying all sounds, which can be helpful for individuals who want a basic, no-frills device that makes everything louder.
Features:
- Behind-the-ear style for ease of use
- Two audio profiles for individuals with either flat loss or sloping/high-frequency hearing loss
- Ridged volume dial
- Powered by size 13 hearing aid batteries
- Lasts up to 40 days on a single, user-replaceable battery
- Includes universal earpiece
MDHearing’s PRO is best for individuals who need sound amplification while watching television, talking on the phone or chatting with friends in a quiet setting.
AIR
The AIR is a low-cost behind-the-ear digital hearing aid designed to help people with hearing loss communicate in a variety of settings.
Features:
- Four audio profiles designed to optimize performance in quiet, noisy and social settings
- Digital sound processor filters out annoying background noise
- Advanced feedback cancellation prevents uncomfortable whistling caused by audio feedback
- Powered by a user-replaceable size 13 hearing aid battery
- Battery lasts up to 26 days depending on usage
Individuals who want a budget-friendly digital hearing aid and who require an assistive device that performs well in a variety of settings would benefit most from the AIR model.
VOLT+
The VOLT+ is a water-resistant, behind-the-ear hearing aid equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery rated to last up to 30 hours on a single charge.
Features:
- Can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes
- Dual-directional microphones
- Four audio profiles
- Digital sound processor to eliminate feedback and filter out unwanted noises
- Magnetic charging case equipped with a built-in battery that can provide up to three full charges before needing to be plugged in
The Volt+ is best for active users with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a worry-free hearing aid that performs well in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
CORE
The CORE is MDHearing’s premium model equipped with a Bluetooth transponder that lets users customize their hearing aid via any compatible iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
Features:
- Four audio profiles
- Digital sound processing with active feedback cancellation
- Dual-directional microphones
- Uses size 312 hearing aid batteries that power device for up to six days
- Intelligent adaptive technology that automatically adjusts sound processing based on users’ surroundings
- Users with a pair of CORE hearing aids can adjust each hearing aid independently using the MDHearing app
The CORE is designed for tech-savvy consumers who want an advanced, Bluetooth-enabled device designed to assist with mild to moderate hearing loss.
What Customers Are Saying
MDHearing customers say they’re happy with the low prices, ease of use and performance of their MDHearing devices. A number of reviewers mentioned that their MDHearing hearing aids were as good as, if not better than, many high-priced devices sold through brick-and-mortar hearing aid stores.
Some consumers did express dissatisfaction with the company’s customer service line, which automatically disconnects callers who have been on hold in the call queue for 20 minutes. This issue led to a number of callers being unable to connect with an MDHearing rep to request a return authorization number within the 45-day return period. In reviewing the BBB complaints related to MDHearing, it appears that the company was quick to resolve this problem and extended the return period for the affected customers.
Who Should Consider MDHearing's Hearing Aids
MDHearing’s devices are geared toward budget-conscious consumers who need a simple, reliable hearing aid to manage their mild to moderate hearing loss. With prices starting at just $199 per hearing aid, MDHearing aims to make hearing aids accessible to customers who need to pay out-of-pocket for their device.
Consumers With Mild Hearing Loss
All MDHearing hearing aids are behind-the-ear devices, which are best suited to users with mild to moderate hearing loss. This style of hearing aid is relatively sturdy, easy to maintain, comfortable to wear and can help wearers enjoy clearer communication while talking on the phone or in person.
Consumers Who Want an Affordable Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aid
MDHearing’s CORE Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid allows users to customize their audio settings using the free MDHearingAid app. This device is ideal for consumers who want a full-featured, behind-the-ear style hearing aid at an affordable price.