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Millions of Americans experience hearing loss, but the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that only about 1 in 4 people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. While a variety of factors account for this gap, the high cost of hearing aids keeps many people from getting the help they need. In fact, our February 2022 survey of over 600 hearing aid customers found that the cost of these devices was their biggest obstacle in making a purchase decision.

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 2022.

Our experts have spent more than 2,500 hours conducting thorough research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

To help you find the best hearing aid for your needs, we researched dozens of hearing aid brands. From traditional hearing aids sold through an audiologist’s office to direct-to-consumer brands, our reviews team took a close look at what each company has to offer.

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.

MDHearingAid manufactures its hearing aids in Chicago, Illinois. There are three models in the company’s lineup.

The AIR is the most affordable MDHearingAid model. It uses digital signal processing (DSP), which converts sound waves into digital signals. Research shows that DSP enables digital hearing aids to provide more complex sound processing of these digital signals through advanced algorithms than analog hearing aids. This is why the AIR can cancel feedback, so you can use it in noisy environments and when you’re close to others without getting the whistle that can occur in hearing devices without feedback cancellation.

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 middle of the price range for MDHearingAid is the VOLT+, the company’s most popular hearing device. It features a rechargeable battery, which our survey respondents rated as the second most important feature they wanted in a hearing aid.

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.

The CORE is the most advanced MDHearingAid device. It offers smart hearing technology that automatically switches between four audio settings depending on the environment and noise level around you. You can adjust these audio settings with a button on the back of the device.

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.

MDHearingAid products are available through the company’s website and over the phone. The MDHearingAid website is easy to navigate, even if you’ve never bought health products online. The first step is an online hearing test, which you should take wearing headphones or earbuds for the most accurate results. You can also submit results from a previous hearing test.

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.

MDHearingAid models are priced between $399 per device and $799 per device. Unlike many online hearing aid companies, MDHearingAid offers frequent sales, discounts, and perks. For example, the MDHearingAid site has previously advertised buy-one-get-one-free sales on the AIR and VOLT+ models. Also, coupon codes are occasionally available through affiliates for perks such as a free year’s supply of batteries with the purchase of a pair of hearing aids.

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 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.

A comprehensive troubleshooting section on the MDHearingAid website has videos and answers to frequently asked questions to help if you run into issues with your hearing aid. To get additional help, you can reach the company by phone Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. E-mail support is available 24/7.

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 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.

“I paid these folks $999.99 for a pair of core aids. They stated it would work with my Android phone. It did not. They also stated free return shipping. Not so. I had to pay for that along with tracking and insurance. The hearing aids did sound very good, but it would not work with my Android phone. Today they refunded all of my purchase price.”

— 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)

All MDHearingAid models can utilize different sizes of tubing, domes, and tips to help you get the best fit. MDHearingAid devices are shipped with a ComfortTIP designed to follow the curve of your ear for a more custom-like fit. If the tip doesn’t work for you, you can replace it with a dome or mushroom-shaped tip, or with a custom-molded tip from a hearing center.

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.

Our reviews team considered the latest research on hearing loss and hearing aid technology, interviewed experts in the field, combed through customer reviews on third-party websites, and conducted a survey of more than 600 hearing aid users to determine the top brands.

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:

Despite being some of the more economical hearing aids on the market, MDHearingAid products deliver some of the hearing aid technology and features that we found users want most in our survey of hearing aid customers.

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.

Yes, MDHearingAid is a legitimate company. If your specific type of hearing loss doesn’t require custom-fit or custom-designed hearing devices, these hearing aids may be a good purchase. The company offers a money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the fit.

The best hearing aid for you depends on your specific hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. MDHearingAid devices are our top pick for the most affordable hearing aids.

You can find MDHearingAid devices within the range of $399 to $799 per device, or $799 to $1,599 per pair, depending on the model.

Because of the advanced rechargeable battery, the MDHearingAid VOLT+ will last 24 to 30 hours on one charge, and the hearing aids take about three to four hours to fully charge. With MDHearingAid, you have both rechargeable and battery-powered options.

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