MDHearing Volt Hero

MDHearing Volt Expert Review

Budget Rx
Released 
2020

Summary

The MDHearing Volt is a budget-priced prescription hearing aid that earned a B grade in HearAdvisor's lab testing, ranking #27 of 34 devices in the prescription hearing aid category. At $397, it represents one of the most affordable options in the prescription segment, though its sound performance reflects that price positioning.

In our lab testing, the Volt showed notable weaknesses in speech understanding metrics. Both speech in quiet and speech in noise scores fell approximately one point below the category average, which may limit its effectiveness in challenging listening environments. However, the device demonstrated excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5 and outperforming the category average—meaning users are unlikely to experience whistling or squealing issues.

The Volt lacks Bluetooth streaming capability, so music streaming could not be evaluated. For users who prioritize streaming audio from smartphones, this represents a significant limitation compared to similarly-priced alternatives like the RxEars Rxi, which scored notably higher overall (3.73/5) at a comparable price point.

This behind-the-ear device with rechargeable batteries may suit budget-conscious consumers who need a basic prescription hearing aid and don't require streaming features. Those seeking stronger speech performance in their price range should consider the RxEars Rxi as an alternative.

In the initial fit condition with a vented sleeve coupling, the MDHearing Volt delivered below-average speech performance in our lab testing. Speech in quiet scored 2.50/5 and speech in noise scored just 0.50/5, both well under category averages. The more open vented coupling limits the device's ability to deliver adequate gain for moderate hearing loss. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, and own-voice occlusion was slightly better than average at 2.60/5, suggesting reasonable comfort for the wearer's own speech.

Moving to the tuned fit condition with closed sleeve coupling showed no measurable improvement in the Volt's performance metrics. Speech scores remained identical at 2.50/5 for quiet and 0.50/5 for noise, indicating the device may have limited adjustment range or gain headroom even with more occluding coupling. Feedback handling maintained its excellent 5.0/5 rating despite the closed coupling. The lack of improvement between fits suggests the Volt's performance ceiling is inherent to its hardware capabilities.

Lab Review Scores

B
SoundGrade
Initial Score
3.1
Tuned Score
3.1
Speech in quiet
best
2.5
5.0
Own voice
best
2.6
5.0
Speech in noise
best
0.5
5.0
Feedback handling
best
5.0
5.0
Music streaming
best
0.0
5.0

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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 Volt Lab

Lab notes

Initial Fitting
Tuned Fitting
Ear Coupling
Initial Fitting
Sleeve Vented
Tuned Fitting
Sleeve Closed

Specs

Behind Ear
Behind Ear
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries