MDHearing Neo XS Hero

MDHearing Neo XS Expert Review

Budget OTCReleased 2023

HearAdvisor's independent lab review of the MDHearing Neo XS measures this budget-priced invisible-in-ear OTC hearing aid across five performance metrics. Below you will find our test results, amplification data, and audio samples recorded on an acoustic manikin.

Dr. Steve TaddeiDr. Steve Taddei, Au.D.Lab Director & Reviewer
Dr. Abram BaileyDr. Abram Bailey, Au.D.Fact Checker / Editor
How We Test

The MDHearing Neo XS is a budget OTC hearing aid featuring an invisible-in-ear design, priced at $397. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.5/5, placing it in the lower tier of OTC devices at #47 of 63 tested.

Speech performance is a significant limitation for this device. Speech in quiet scored just 1.0/5, falling 1.64 points below the category average, while speech in noise performance was similarly challenged at 1.33 points below average. Music streaming capability is essentially absent in our testing, scoring 1.93 points below the OTC category average.

Where the Neo XS performs well is in feedback handling, achieving an excellent 5.0/5—0.47 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort is also a relative strength at 3.2/5, measuring 0.71 points above average, which may benefit users concerned about hearing their own voice naturally.

The invisible design and rechargeable batteries add convenience, but shoppers in this price range should note that several alternatives offer substantially better overall performance. The Neo XS may appeal to budget-conscious buyers prioritizing discretion and feedback stability over speech clarity, though expectations for speech understanding in challenging listening situations should be tempered.

Reliable & Repeatable Lab Results

Quality data starts with quality recordings. HearAdvisor worked with GRAS to build a no-compromise front end so every test is repeatable and reliable.

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Steve in HearAdvisor Lab

Lab Assessment

MDHearing Neo XS Independent Test Verdict

Our lab verdict for the MDHearing Neo XS summarizes how this invisible-in-ear device performed across all measured categories. The card below presents the overall grade, SoundScore, and ranking among tested OTC hearing aids.

HearAdvisor Verdict
CTop 100% of OTC Hearing Aid
Bottom Line

The MDHearing Neo XS is a budget-friendly invisible option with excellent feedback handling, best for users prioritizing discreet fit over sound quality.

Strengths
  • Excellent feedback handling5.0/5
  • Above-average own voice naturalness3.2/5
  • Very affordable at $397
Drawbacks
  • Low speech clarity in quiet1.0/5
  • Below-average speech in noise-0.2/5
  • No music streaming capability0.0/5

Fit Conditions

Initial and Tuned Fit Results for the Neo XS

The MDHearing Neo XS was evaluated in both Initial and Tuned fit conditions during our lab testing. Below you can view performance summaries for each configuration to understand how adjustments affected measured outcomes.

Lab Test Summary

In our initial fit testing with a vented sleeve coupling, the MDHearing Neo XS achieved a normalized score of 2.5/5. Speech clarity metrics were limited, with speech in quiet at 1.0/5 and speech in noise at -0.2/5—both well below category averages. However, feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, and own-voice comfort measured a solid 3.2/5, which is 0.71 points above the category average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, indicating minimal capability in this area.

What is HearAdvisor's Initial Fit?

The Initial Fit approximates the most likely settings and eartips for a typical moderate hearing loss. Results are measured across the same 72 acoustic scenes in our custom-built lab, then scored on a 5-star scale using an auditory model.

Metric Breakdown

Neo XS Performance Across Five Lab Metrics

Our testing protocol measures the MDHearing Neo XS on speech in quiet, speech in noise, own-voice comfort, feedback control, and music quality. The score card below displays results for each metric on a standardized five-point scale.

Lab Review Scores
C
SoundGrade
Initial Score
2.5
Tuned Score
2.5
Speech in quiet
best
1.0
5.0
Own voice
best
3.2
5.0
Speech in noise
best
-0.2
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

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Amplification Data

MDHearing Neo XS Insertion Gain Measurements

The amplification graph below plots the measured insertion gain of the MDHearing Neo XS against prescriptive targets. This visualization shows how closely the device matched the intended amplification curve across frequencies during our lab session.

Graph

Audio Samples

Manikin Recordings of the MDHearing Neo XS

We recorded audio samples through the MDHearing Neo XS using an acoustic manikin in controlled conditions. Below you can listen to these recordings alongside a reference sample to hear the device output directly.

Lab Recordings
Adjust volume to make "No hearing aids" as loud as it would be in the real world, without hearing aids. Remove hearing aids while auditioning. High-quality headphones will improve results!
MDHearing Neo XS Lab

Test Documentation

MDHearing Neo XS Lab Configuration Notes

Our technicians documented the specific settings and test conditions used when evaluating the MDHearing Neo XS. The notes below detail the configuration parameters recorded during our laboratory measurement session.

Lab Notes
Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Sleeve Vented
Sleeve Vented
Specs
Invisible in Ear
Invisible in Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
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