So many Americans feel as if they have to choose between compromised hearing and spending $5,000+ for a hearing aid. It’s an impossible decision - and one you fortunately don’t have to make with so many amazing affordable hearing aids on the market.

With more than 1,000,000 success stories and counting Audien Hearing is your trusted choice for the best OTC hearing aids online, starting at only $98 and offering a wide variety of products based on your stage of hearing loss, preferences, and budget.

But we get asked all the time how we stack up to the competition. We’ve put together this comparison of Audien vs MD hearing aid to help you choose the right solution. 

While MD Hearing does make solid products, they fall short in a number of ways. Low battery life, a large design that sticks out of your ear, but more importantly, prices start at $297! Sure, that’s cheap compared to traditional hearing aids, but why pay more when you could pay less?

Learn more about the difference between MD Hearing vs Audien Hearing below and why our stylish hearing aids are the superior choice, without question.

All About Audien Hearing Aids

Audien Hearing was born with a simple mission: we wanted to make hearing more affordable accessible for everyone, removing the financial burden and inconveniences associated with traditional hearing aids. Now, you can buy hearing aids online in just a few clicks - no prescription needed!

We’re a US-based brand and have served more than 1 million customers so far, but we’re just getting started as our products continue to get better and better over time. Here is a look at the current lineup at Audien:

• Atom One - $98: A no-frills, entry-level in-ear hearing aid with 1 hearing mode and 24-hour battery life.
• Atom 2 - $189: Adds 4 hearing modes and a wireless charging case for better day-to-day flexibility.
• Atom Pro 2 - $289: Includes background noise cancellation, UV cleaning, and 48+ hours of battery life.
• Ion - $489: Adds directional sound technology and extended wear comfort in a discreet design.
• Ion Pro - $689: Combines app-based control, Bluetooth streaming, 6 hearing modes, and advanced noise management.

There’s something for everyone here in our catalog, from the most budget-friendly solution to more sophisticated hearing aids that deliver exceptional value. 

No matter which you go with, your order is backed by lifetime customer support and a 45-day risk-free trial. You’ve got nothing to lose, and, considering the role hearing plays in everyday life, everything to gain!

You can’t beat the balance we’ve struck between affordability and innovation. We bring flexibility, function, and support at a price that won’t make your stomach turn. That said, how do we compare to the other half of the MD Hearing vs Audien debate?

All About MD Hearing Aids

MDHearing provides the convenience of online shopping with a bit more clinical support than other OTC brands. The hearing aids are designed by doctors and tested by audiologists so you can trust that you’re getting clear, reliable performance with personalized care along the way.

With a track record spanning more than a decade, it’s no surprise MD Hearing has sold millions of devices and accumulated thousands of positive reviews along the way. There are several FDA-registered models you have at your disposal, each designed for a different purpose:

• VOLT -  $397: A full-featured behind-the-ear model with rechargeable batteries and intelligent sound processing.
• AIR - $297: A compact, mini BTE design with clear amplification and simplified controls.
• NEO - $297: A small in-ear model that fits discreetly and recharges in its portable case.
• NEO XS - $397: The smallest offering, designed to sit deep in the ear canal for nearly invisible wear.

Each product comes with a risk-free trial period so you can try them all and assess both comfort and performance before you make a commitment. But there are a few reasons we have customers making the switch away from MD Hearing over to Audien - and it’s not just cost.

Not everyone is looking for the same thing in a hearing aid - and for some, a more traditional design like a behind - the - ear model may feel familiar and comfortable. But for those who prioritize a sleek, subtle, and low - profile appearance, Audien’s in - the - ear models are among the smallest on the market, offering a discreet alternative that blends seamlessly into everyday life.

It’s important to note that both Audien and MDHearing offer a variety of styles, including traditional behind - the - ear options and more compact in - ear designs. The best fit ultimately depends on your personal preferences, ear anatomy, and hearing needs.

Where the biggest differences often emerge is in customer experience. Reviews offer valuable insight into real - world satisfaction with factors like ease of use, support, and overall performance. While we’ll dive into this more later, it's worth noting that MDHearing currently holds a 2.8 out of 5 star average rating, which may be a point of consideration for some buyers.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at Audien vs. MDHearing to help you decide which option is the right fit for your needs.

MD Hearing vs Audien Hearing Aid: Which Brand is Right For You?

When it comes to your hearing, you deserve a solution that’s effective, accessible, and tailored to your lifestyle. While both MDHearing and Audien offer over - the - counter options for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, there are key differences worth considering.

At Audien, we’re confident in the value, comfort, and simplicity our devices provide. From affordability and ease of use to clear, consistent sound quality, our mission has always been to make hearing support more accessible - without compromising on performance.

Let’s start our Audien vs. MDHearing comparison by taking a closer look at one of the most important factors for many customers: cost.

The Cost Discrepancy

Whether you’re looking for the best hearing aid under $100 or even the best hearing aids under $200, the choice is clear: Audien. MD Hearing’s most “affordable” device starts at nearly $300. 

Now, we want to be clear - even the most expensive options from Audien and MD Hearing can’t treat severe hearing loss. But the value we pack into products is second to none.

The Atom One is just $98, and our highest tier device (the Ion Pro) is still only $689. The latter gives you everything you’d expect in an advanced hearing aid, including Bluetooth streaming, app control, and up to 6 different hearing modes.

In contrast, the MD Hearing devices start at $297 and that’s with the current sale going on right now! The device in question is regularly priced at just under $600 for both left and right ears.

Of course, you should never make your decision based on price alone. The old mantra that you get what you pay for tends to hold true across products and industries, and health is wealth as they say. 

But as you dig deeper it’s hard to see what exactly you’re getting in the nearly $300 MD Hearing Air that you don’t get in the Audien Atom One. That said, let’s take a closer look at Audien vs MD Hearing based on fit and comfort below.

Fit and Comfort

When choosing a hearing aid, comfort, fit, and visibility are top considerations - especially if you plan to wear it daily. That’s why Audien’s in - the - ear designs are built to be sleek, low - profile, and discreet. Most people won’t even notice you're wearing one unless they’re looking closely.

The design mirrors modern wireless earbuds and is up to 20% smaller than many traditional behind - the - ear models, offering a nearly invisible fit. It’s a patented design - crafted to be as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible.

While MDHearing and Audien both offer behind - the - ear and in - the - ear options, Audien’s Atom series includes one of the smallest in - canal hearing aids on the market, which makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize discretion and simplicity.

Ultimately, the best hearing aid style comes down to your individual preferences, anatomy, and hearing needs. Some people feel more comfortable with behind - the - ear designs, while others prefer a completely in - ear fit. We’re proud to offer options for both - so you can find the solution that feels right for you.

Sound Quality and Noise Management

When comparing Audien and MDHearing, sound quality is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, the goal of any hearing aid is to help you hear more clearly and confidently in your everyday life.

At Audien, we’ve received consistent, positive feedback from users. Based on recent survey data:

• 90% reported improved hearing in group conversations
• 84% said they could hear the TV or radio better at normal volumes
• 87% felt more confident in social settings
• 89% would recommend Audien to others

These results speak to the effectiveness of our technology in real - world situations.

It’s worth noting that MDHearing published their own comparison of Audien vs. MDHearing and claimed that we are not offering “real” hearing aids. To clarify: Audien devices are FDA - registered, over - the - counter (OTC) hearing aids, designed specifically for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These are not personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) or unregulated devices.

That said, MDHearing does offer devices - such as the VOLT and NEO XS - with features like feedback suppression and basic background noise reduction. However, customization on these models is limited to a few preset modes.

Audien’s current lineup offers enhanced flexibility and advanced sound technology, including:

• Background noise cancellation built into multiple models
• Directional sound technology (Ion and Ion Pro) to help focus on speech in noisy environments
• Six customizable hearing modes on Ion Pro to adapt to different listening situations
• Smarter sound chips that enable real - time sound balancing for clearer, more comfortable listening

These features are designed to give users greater control and a more personalized experience - whether you're at home, in a restaurant, or on the phone.

App Support, Customization, and User Control

When it comes to control and personalization, there’s a clear distinction between Audien and MDHearing - especially for users who want more autonomy in managing their hearing experience.

Our Ion Pro model includes full Bluetooth connectivity, real - time audio streaming, and app - based sound controls - features rarely seen even in devices that cost twice as much. But perhaps the most impactful feature is the inclusion of six pre - programmed hearing profiles, developed to address the most common types of mild to moderate hearing loss. These profiles allow users to tailor their listening experience without needing a custom audiogram or clinic visit.

In contrast, MDHearing devices do not include app support. Most adjustments must be made manually on the device itself. While their models offer a few preset listening modes, users often need to remove the device to make changes - something that can be inconvenient and disruptive, especially in social or noisy settings.

For users seeking flexibility, discretion, and greater personalization, the Ion Pro delivers a modern, self-guided experience that makes hearing support more intuitive and accessible.

Trial Periods, Returns, and Long-Term Support

When it comes to post-purchase support, the experience can vary significantly between brands.

MDHearing offers customer support, but many of their advanced services - such as troubleshooting assistance or device adjustments - are only available through premium plans or paid subscription services.

At Audien, we believe in treating every customer with the same level of care and support, regardless of which device they purchase. Whether you choose our entry - level or most advanced model, you’ll have access to our knowledgeable support team for guidance, troubleshooting, and setup - no additional plans or fees required.

Real User Reviews

There’s no shortage of social proof for either brand, as together we’ve sold over 3 million hearing aids and earned tens of thousands of testimonials. Reading about the experiences others have had is the best way to make the most informed decision.

It’s not as simple as reading through reviews on the Audien or MD Hearing websites, though. The most unbiased, transparent information can be found on TrustPilot - where reviews cannot be incentivized or removed. 

You’ll see a jarring difference between MD Hearing vs Audien Hearing here - just take a look at our average review ratings below:

• Audien Hearing - 4.2/5 Stars
• MD Hearing - 2.8/5 Stars

Digging in deeper you’ll see some serious concerns in MD Hearing reviews. Here are just a few that stood out to us as we combed through the archive:

“Aids worked sporadically. Had both aids replaced at least once, charger replaced 3 times? People were good to work with, however, products proved to be unreliable and inconsistent in performance.” - Jim

“My mom bought some of these hearing aids and they weren't working for her. Every time I wrote them to say they didn't work, they just sent instructions on how to operate them. They make it very hard to get any sort of a refund!!! Also, it turned out they had been billing my elderly mom a monthly "service" fee. When I complained about it, I called someone on the phone and said I felt my mother was being taken advantage of. The "customer service rep" said "have a nice day" and hung up!!! Really. They ended up crediting us $10.38 for over $100 in service charges. Nothing for the hearing aids themselves, which are useless. Their product is sub-par and their customer service is even worse.” - TLA

“When the hearing aids arrived, I was having health issues that prevented my going through the "testing." Once I recovered and started using the HAs, they did not seem to work well for me. The coordinator told me I had to use them for 21 days before I could return them. At the end of the period, I still didn't like them. Now I was told that, as I had passed the 45-day period in the fine print, I couldn't return them. So, thanks to the company's duplicity, I am out nearly $1500. Run, don't walk, away from them!” - Gary

We’ll let you do your own research into MD Hearing reviews and some of the other sketchy complaints we’ve seen, or you can just get the best affordable hearing aids at Audien and enjoy peace of mind. Our reviews on TrustPilot speak for themselves:

“Before Audien, I would often miss out on conversations or have to ask people to repeat themselves. Now, I can hear clearly and participate in conversations without any problems. This has made a big difference in my social life!” - Kaden

“I am new to hearing aids and still learning the ropes as it would be. The service people were very fast to respond and covered every question that I had” - Bernie

“After seeing an ad about this hearing aid and reading the reviews I decided to buy it. What a wonderful surprise! After adjusting it to my ear so it fit snugly the sound came through absolutely clear. Yes, you do have to adjust it so it doesn’t squeak but once you do you will be so happy to be able to hear what those around you are saying.” - Lynn

Bringing Our Audien vs MD Hearing Aid Comparison to a Close

Choosing the right hearing aid shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. We hope this comparison of Audien vs MD Hearing has cleared the air and left you feeling confident in your next steps.

The difference in comparing MD Hearing vs Audien Hearing comes down to simplicity, control, and long-term value. Audien is the better value for the money with a more modern, user-friendly experience, a discreet design, app-enabled features, and rechargeable convenience.

Compare our models and choose the hearing aid that fits your needs, or get in touch today for one-on-one support along the way. Start hearing clearly again with a device that works for your life and your budget!