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With virtual shopping on the rise, hearing aids appear to be no exception. MDHearingAid is just one brand available to offer hearing tests online, along with hearing aids that may help match your needs.
Learn more about this hearing aid company, plus the types of products they offer and the potential drawbacks.
MDHearingAid is a direct-to-consumer brand based in Chicago. Their mission is to offer affordable hearing aids directly to customers.
If you do business with this company, the entire process takes place online, including your hearing test. This differs from going to a hearing center where you work directly with a specialist who also sells hearing aids onsite.
The company’s hearing aids are tested by in-house audiologists. The devices are also registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While customer experiences with the shopping process are mixed, the streamlined experience could mean a reduced cost for you.
All MDHearingAid models are under $2,000 for each set.
Depending on the type, MDHearingAid hearing aids range in price from $400 to $960 each, or $800 to $1,920 per set.
The cost of hearing aids is an important consideration. Studies show that about 77 percent of adults who need hearing aids can’t afford to spend $2,500 for an average bundle.
While the company appears to have promotions, such as a buy one, get one free deal to help offset the costs, the Federal Trade Commission advises consumers against buying hearing aids just for these promotions. Features, fit, and comfort ought to be considered first.
All products come with a 90-day warranty, and customers are advised to purchase extra protection to help cover their devices. Accessories, such as cleaning kits and carrying cases, are all sold separately on the MDHearingAid website.
Can you use insurance to buy MDHearingAid devices?
As with other hearing aid companies, MDHearingAid doesn’t take insurance, as most policies don’t cover these types of products.
However, if your policy happens to cover hearing aids, you can ask MDHearingAid for the documentation you’ll need to file for reimbursement with your insurance provider.
MDHearingAid offers both PayPal and Affirm as payment methods, both of which may offer financing options.
MDHearingAid doesn’t offer any free trial periods. However, if you’re unsatisfied with the product, you may return it within 45 days of the purchase date.
Read the company’s return policy carefully before purchasing any products.
MDHearingAid currently sells three different types of hearing aids:
All three types have four environmental settings, but each model has different features and price points to consider. While the company says their Volt+ hearing aids are the most popular, it’s worth looking at all three models to determine the right device for you.
MDHearingAid Air
Price: $399.99 each or $799.99 for the pair
The Air is the least expensive MDHearingAid device. This model also offers the longest battery life of the three types, at about 21 to 26 days. Like the other two models, the Air also has feedback cancellation.
This model may be worth considering if you’re on a budget and don’t need advanced features, such as smartphone pairing, water resistance, or personalized hearing sound maps.
Overall, customers on Amazon indicate the MDHearingAid Air is a quality product for the price, but some do note disappointment with the lack of features.
MDHearingAid Volt+
Price: $599.99 each or $1,199.99 for the pair
As the company’s best seller, the Volt+ hearing aids offer a few more features than the Air, such as dual-directional microphones for clearer conversations. The Volt+ aids are also MDHearingAid’s only water-resistant model.
Additionally, the Volt+ runs on rechargeable batteries that last between 24 and 30 hours. This can save you the hassle of buying new batteries, but it can be an issue if you travel frequently and are unable to charge your hearing aids regularly.
As with the Air, customer reviews on Amazon point to overall satisfaction, considering the price of the Volt+. Some customers, however, express issues with the rechargeable batteries.
MDHearingAid Core
Price: $959.99 each or $1,919.98 for the pair
While the Core is the most expensive model, it also carries the most features of the three types of MDHearingAid products. The Core is compatible with your smartphone, where you can also control the volume and adjust your settings without having to take out your hearing aids.
Like the Volt+, the Core offers dual-directional microphone technology. Additionally, the Core hearing aids have adaptive technology and can create a personalized hearing map for a better experience in noisy or quiet environments.
Unlike the Volt+ though, the Core hearing aids aren’t water-resistant, and they don’t come with rechargeable batteries. The average battery life for this model runs shorter the Air, at about 5 to 6 days.
As of July 2021, there were no Amazon reviews yet available for the Core.
MDHearingAid has a 45-day return policy for their products. The company strongly encourages customers to give their new hearing aids a try for at least 21 days. Their products also have a 90-day warranty.
To return your MDHearingAid device, you’ll need a return merchandise authorization from the company. You can read more about making a return through their website.
When buying through Amazon, Amazon’s return policy may apply.
MDHearingAid advertises that the company has “over 300,000 happy customers.” Their website also points out that the brand has been featured in several news outlets.
However, the reviews from actual customers tend to be mixed. As of July 2021, MDHearingAid had an average of 3.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with just two customer reviews. While one customer was satisfied with a full refund, both reviews point to a lack of transparency with the company’s policies.
MDHearingAid isn’t Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited. Overall, the company’s customer rating on BBB is 3.88 out of 5 stars. Some customers describe a great quality product, while others had issues with some of the hearing aids. Other customers point out a less than desirable customer service experience.
The company has a higher than average rating of 4.16 out of 5 stars on Sitejabber, a customer ratings analyzer. Sitejabber also notes that MDHearingAid is the best-rated hearing aid website. Many customers describe a good value for the cost, while others report they are unsatisfied with the fit.
To buy hearing aids from MDHearingAid, you must first complete an online hearing test. This can be done in the comfort of your home, but you’ll need a set of headphones for accuracy. The test takes about 8 minutes.
Once you’ve submitted your MDHearingAid hearing test, you’ll receive results online. While this test isn’t designed to replace a professional test from an audiologist, the information may still be valuable in helping confirm symptoms of hearing loss. Based on your results, you’ll receive product recommendations.
If you’re experiencing significant hearing loss, it’s a good idea to see an audiologist for further evaluation. You may take the results of an online hearing test with you for confirmation. It’s also advisable to research multiple hearing aids ahead of time to discuss with them. The audiologist will likely have products they’re familiar with or can recommend.
If you want to try MDHearingAid, you may consider purchasing the device recommended by your hearing test results. Make sure you read the policies carefully, including those related to warranties and returns. You may also chat with a representative online if you have further questions.
Once you’ve purchased your hearing aids, you can email the company’s in-house audiologists with questions at no additional cost.
In addition to MDHearingAid, other hearing aid brands offer virtual hearing tests and product recommendations. Here are a few of these companies to consider during your search:
MDHearingAid offers FDA-registered hearing devices directly to consumers without the need for going to a brick-and-mortar store. If you’re interested in this option, you’ll first need to take a free online hearing test from MDHearingAid.
For significant hearing loss, it’s important to see an audiologist for a full evaluation. You can also mention MDHearingAid to your doctor to see if this company provides the best option for you.
Kristeen Cherney is a freelance writer and PhD candidate who specializes in covering topics related to mental disabilities, women’s health, skin health, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, and allergies. She’s also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies. When she’s not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible. She also practices yoga and kickboxing.