MD Hearing Aid Reviews
MD Hearing Aid Review: Worth Buying?
MD Hearing Aid is a Chicago based company that markets a line of affordable direct-to-consumer hearing aids that don't require a doctor's prescription.
About MD Hearing Aid
According to their website, Dr. Sreekant Cherukari, the creator of MDHearingAid, is a Board-Certified Ear, Nose, Throat doctor from Chicago who saw firsthand how hearing loss affected his patients.
He saw that hearing loss often led to depression, social isolation, anxiety, and symptoms of dementia, especially when it was left untreated for long periods of time.
He observed that many of his patients could not afford the high cost to get the hearing aids they needed.
Because of this, Dr. Cherukari realized that his patients – and everyone suffering from hearing loss – needed a high quality hearing aid option that was much
As a result, he partnered with other doctors, hearing specialists, and audiologists to create hearing aid devices that were more affordable than what was available.
How Does it Work?
The stated benefits of MD Hearing Aids include the amplification of human voices while avoiding the over-amplification of background noises.
The company states that although their hearing aids are built to be cost efficient, they are also rigorously tested and found to be among the best available for their price.
One way in which MD Hearing Aids has been able to decrease prices is by going with a 'one size fits most' design.
Another manner in which they keep costs down is by aiming to remove the hassles and added costs of a traditional hearing aid shopping experience.
Customers can simply visit their website and take an online hearing test, or submit a current test to one of their audiologists. Follow up support and adjustment assistance is also handled online.
Once you receive their recommendations you can select a model and complete your purchase.
MD Hearing Aid Products
MD Hearing currently offers four models to choose from.
MDHearing NEO
This is the company's smallest option and is designed to sit in the ear canal providing a discreet experience and added comfort when wearing glasses.
It also features a rechargeable battery that lasts 17 hours.
At their current sales price, a pair is just $297.
MDHearing AIR
This medical grade OTC hearing aid features advanced digital technology, noise reduction capabilities, and feedback cancellation technology.
This makes it capable in a variety of environments and good for talking on the phone, watching tv, and traveling.
It also currently costs just $297 for a pair.
MDHearing VOLT
This premier model has the longest battery life at 20+ hours of use, and comes with a two directional microphone design that helps focus on sounds you’re trying to hear over background noise.
One pair costs $397.
MDHearing VOLT MAX
The Volt Max is the company's top of the line offering combining an advanced sound processor with multiple directional microphones.
It provides clear audio in noisy and bustling environments. It also offers a customizable fit and hearing experience.
The Volt Max can pair with the MDHearing app for personally tailored adjustments that align with progressive hearing loss.
The Max costs $699 for a pair.
Customer Reviews & Complaints
Overall MDHearing has mixed to positive customer reviews.
Some customers complain of issues with the quality of their hearing support, saying that they frequently get screeching feedback, are still unable to hear in crowded spaces like restaurants, and have difficulty with higher pitched female voices or children’s voices.
Other customers complain about the basic quality of these hearing aids, saying that they break easily and that the company doesn’t honor their warranties and charge steep prices for repair kits that don’t always work.
On Reviewopedia, MD Hearing Aid users reported issues with customer service, such as difficulty getting a hold of someone when they needed to.
Another reviewer cautioned that when they called support about a malfunctioning unit they were told it’s due to them not following the recommended care plan of buying tubing & tips every 90 days and not the fault of the product.
Currently MDHearing is not accredited by the BBB and has an F rating there, primarily due to an advertising issue and some unresolved customer complaints.
At the BBB the company also has a customer rating of 3.8/5 from over 100 customer reviews.
Customer Service
Customers who would like to contact Customer Service with any questions, concerns, or complaints can do so by 312-366-3899 or by email at [email protected].
Refund Policy
This company says that they provide their customers with a Refund Policy that is good for the first 45 days from the date that you have purchased your product, as long as you have tried the product for a minimum of 21 days.
The website says that it can take the brain about three weeks’ time to adjust to new hearing aids – any customer who insists on returning their hearing aids before the end of this three week period can do so, but they will be charged a 10% early return fee.
Customers who believe they want to return their products, at any time, will need to contact their Customer Service team by phone or email for a Return Merchandise Authorization and for full return instructions.
Customers who return their products without an RMA will be subject to an additional 20% return fee. Any returns which are processed more than 45 days from the date of purchase will no longer be eligible for refunds.
Competitors and Alternatives?
There are many other options for purchasing hearing aids, however, and customers that are confused where to start or who are working with limited budget don’t need to feel pressured to stick to just one resource.
Consumer Reports and AARP are just two trusted resources that provide information on purchasing hearing aids even if you are on a limited budget.
The issue with finding a good quality, reasonably priced hearing aid is so common that it has actually been reported in many different publications, such as the New York Times.
Options include the major retailer Costco, which provides some centers with audiology services and discounts on major brand name hearing aids, and websites such as Audicus Hearing Aids and Hear.com.
Some other OTC brands worth researching include: Jabra, Eargo, Lexie Hearing, and Otofonix.
Bottom Line
MDHearing is an established company that has been in business for over 15 years. Their stated aim is to strive to meet the needs of those on a budget and with only limited to moderate hearing loss.
However, customers have pointed out some of the drawbacks that come with a “one size fits most” budget line of hearing aids.
If price and a streamlined ordering process are your biggest needs then this company may be right for you.
However, if cost is no obstacle, then it may be better to go with a more customized experience to insure that you hearing aid is optimized for you.
If you have any experience with MD Hearing Aid or their products, please leave your reviews below.
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MD Hearing Aid Customer Reviews
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Buyer Beware - ???quality $$$after-care
I tried a pair of MD Hearing Volt (h) for 7 months and do not recommend them. The right ear unit stopped working after about 4 months of use and never worked again even when showing fully charged. The left ear unit still works about 90% of the time but just goes off for no reason sometimes for 15 seconds and sometimes 10 minutes.
Calling support after the 45 day refund period they tell you it is only because you have not bought a $35 new set of tubing & tips every 90 days because wax & oils from your body clog them and the hearing aid. I keep my tubing and tips absolutely clean every day....Hmmm...why would the unit not even turn on???? Anyway if you get an RMA number from them it will cost you $89 per unit to clean and return to customer. Not gonna happen to me again. I will use the one that still partially works till it finally dies.
Being my first pair of hearing aids the sound is kinda tinny and the Volt (h) would probably work better with the "closed comfort-tips" as the unit does not filter out background noises very well on any setting but number 4. Sadly I really did want to like the MD Hearing Volt (h) but can not endorse the units.
how to return the hearing aids
they never answer the phones I tried to call them multiple times and only get a pre recorded message you follow the message and no answer u go to customer service same thing no information just refer u back to the phone numbers
very unsatisfied with this company I feel they just ripped me off
your hearing air return policy is not answering any calls
DON'T waste your money!!
My inside the ear units arrived defective right out of the box and I called immediately. No answer, put in call que but unable to take the return call later. Tried 3 more days (not weekend) 7 days later, 5 calls & 5 emails with NO RESPONSE I am told that even defective items I must pay return shipping if not replacing. Why would I order another poor quality product???? How is this fair??? Stay with brick and mortar unless you want to be paying for broken devices.
Not a hassle-free return
No Help so It seems like a Rip Off
Good product and good service.
I agree with the review Judith wrote. I have had MD Hearing aids for several years and they work perfectly. Never a problem. Are comfortable to wear. They sink with your cell phone so you can use the program that fits the need for the place you are in..
The service was very good.
MD Hearing Aids
After having them for six months I ordered a back-up pair so that I would never be without them. Later on within the year, I had a problem with whistling and they did ask that I try some things before I sent it back, but they sent me a new one first so I could send them mine. They were prompt and courteous. I had the new ones but got the replacement so fast I didn't need to wear them but a day or two.
Because I have never needed to wear the new ones I switched to them and have given the old ones to several others to try. One has worn hearing aids forever and was really impressed.
I have almost even hearing loss in both ears and am very happy with them.