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Audicus Omni 2 vs. MDHearingAid Neo XS

Check out our comparison of the Audicus Omni 2 vs MDHearingAid Neo XS. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
4.2
Audicus Omni 2 Rechargeable
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Audicus

Omni 2 Rechargeable

SoundScore 4.3/5
$1,798 per pair
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Score
2.8
MDHearingAid Neo XS
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MDHearingAid

Neo XS

SoundScore 2.5/5
$397 per pair
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Omni 2
$1,798 per pair
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Neo XS
$397 per pair
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Product Overview

Omni 2
Neo XS
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Form FactorThis type of custom-fitted hearing aid is mostly hidden inside the ear. In people with smaller ear canals this type of hearing aid may not be possible. This type of aid is often fitted without directional microphones or telecoils.
Expert Rating
Score
4.2
Score
2.8
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerateSevere
MildModerate
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Rechargeable

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Omni 2
Neo XS

HearingTracker Score

Omni 2
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE

Audicus Omni 2 is a polished “premium OTC” RIC built on proven Sonova/Unitron tech, with a smaller design, strong speech enhancement in quieter settings, reliable universal Bluetooth and hands-free calling, and a simple, capable app, but its rechargeable battery life is only middling and the remote-care model feels more limited and less modern than some top direct-to-consumer competitors.

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Neo XS
2.8BELOW AVERAGE

Neo XS is an instant-fit in-ear OTC hearing aid that offers improvements in MDHearing's product line in terms of rechargeable battery life, audio processing, and size. However, our lab testing found its performance underwhelming.

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HearAdvisor SoundScore

Omni 2
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE

Audicus Omni 2 achieved a SoundScore of 4.32/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #8 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Neo XS
2.5BELOW AVERAGE

MDHearing Neo XS achieved a SoundScore of 2.47/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #47 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Build Quality

Omni 2
4.8EXCELLENT

I found the build quality of Omni Series 2 top-notch which is consistent with a prescription hearing aid redesigned for the OTC market. With a durable ingress rating of IP68, these hearing aids should last many years with a good maintenance regiment.

Neo XS
3.8BELOW AVERAGE

Neo XS do not have an ingress rating but they appear to be well built. The charging case feels sturdy and should offer good protection when Neo XS are recharging or otherwise not in use.

Battery

Omni 2
4.0AVERAGE

Omni Series 2 have a 16 hour battery life, which less than many other prescription level hearing aids. However, Audicus also offers a disposable battery option which you may prefer based on your needs and preferences.

Neo XS
4.0AVERAGE

Neo XS offers internal rechargeable batteries lasting up to 18 hours. This should be enough to get you through your day without needing a recharge.

Bluetooth

Omni 2
5.0EXCELLENT

Omni Series 2 are Made for All (MFA) with Universal Bluetooth compatibility for iOS and Android devices. I found the Bluetooth features highly reliable and easy to use, just as you would expect with reputable hearing aids. Various wireless accessories are also available which can be very useful.

Neo XS

Not yet rated by our experts

App Features

Omni 2
4.3AVERAGE

The app is user-friendly, with many handy features such as hearing based personalization and multi-band adjustments. You should find plenty of tools to tailor Omni 2 to your preferences.

Neo XS

Not yet rated by our experts

Comfort

Omni 2
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Omni Series 2 very comfortable with their slim design and modern earwire design. You will also have plenty of options to improve fit and sound with different ear tips, earwire sizes, and expert remote support.

Neo XS
3.5BELOW AVERAGE

Neo XS are relatively comfortable in ear. However, using the button caused minor discomfort as it required some force which pushed the hearing aid deeper into my ear.

Design

Omni 2
4.7EXCELLENT

Sleek and modern, Omni Series 2 feature a contemporary earwire receiver design and come with a strong charging case. This showcases Audicus's, and their parent company Sonova's, renowned quality.

Neo XS
4.0BELOW AVERAGE

Neo XS are smaller than other MDHearing aids and many OTC products. If you are interested in discrete hearing aids Neo XS are nearly invisible in your ears.

Value

Omni 2
3.7AVERAGE

Audicus Omni 2 has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Neo XS
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

MDHearing Neo XS has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Handling

Omni 2
4.5EXCELLENT

Overall, my experience using Omni 2 was straightforward with no major issues. There are many options for personalizing Omni 2, such as the app and remote case, which were easy to use and worth taking advantage of to get the most out these hearing aids.

Neo XS
3.0BELOW AVERAGE

Neo XS are relatively small hearing aids which may be difficult for individuals with vision and or dexterity issues. This should not be a problem for most but MDHearing does offer assistance from licensed professionals if needed.

Pro Support

Omni 2
3.0ABOVE AVERAGE

Audicus provides superior support compared to many OTC hearing aid companies, offering remote phone and email assistance from hearing experts. While the remote programming works effectively, it feels a bit outdated compared to what other modern prescription hearing aids offer.

Neo XS
2.0BELOW AVERAGE

MDHearing does not offer in-person support or remote programming. You do however receive free lifetime phone and online help from their licensed hearing professionals. This is a nice offering especially if you are new to hearing aids.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Omni 2
Neo XS
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Omni 2
Neo XS
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Omni 2
Neo XS
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Omni 2
Neo XS

Lab recordings not yet available

HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Omni 2
Neo XS
Battery Charger

Battery Charger

Charges hearing aids.

None
Remote Control

Hearing Remote App+2

An app for iPhones and Android smartphones that not only lets you change programs, control volume and adjust the sound quality of your hearing aids, but also receive fine tuning adjustments from your hearing care provider all from the comfort of your own home.

None
Remote Microphone

Partner Mic

None
TV Streamer

TV Connector

Streams TV audio via Bluetooth.

None

Hardware

Omni 2
Neo XS
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
No
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
312
No
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
  • Bluetooth® (HFP)
No
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
No
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
  • Audio Stream Mix
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
  • Voice assistant
  • Accept/end calls
  • Pause/Resume
No
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
Yes
No
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
Yes
No

Software Features

Omni 2
Neo XS
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
20
No
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
DuoLinkDuoLinkWirelessly adjust both hearing devices at the same time, just by adjusting one aid.
No
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
Auto TargetAuto TargetA feature that, according to Audicus, finds and enhances speech even in your most challenging environments.AutoFocusAutoFocusA feature that enhances speech even in your client's most challenging environments.
No
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
Pinna EffectPinna EffectPinna Effect recreates the natural acoustics of the ear’s pinna, providing a much more true-to-life directionality, particularly in the high frequencies.
No
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
Yes
No
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Feedback managerFeedback managerIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Yes
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
Frequency compression 2Frequency compression 2Understanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Dynamic Noise ReductionDynamic Noise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
Yes
Phone in StereoPhone in StereoThis feature allows input from a phone presented to one hearing aid to be transmitted to both hearing aids at the same time, improving speech understanding.
Binaural PhoneBinaural PhonePhone in both ears automatically.
No
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
Soft speech liftSoft speech liftMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
No
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
Yes
No
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
Pulse ProtectPulse ProtectImpulse noise removal feature
No
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Tinnitus maskerTinnitus maskerUnitron’s tinnitus masker is a noise generator, intended to provide a sound enrichment source that stimulates the auditory system. The tinnitus masker is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive tinnitus therapy program that works to distract the wearer’s attention away from the sound of their tinnitus.
No
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Speech IntensifierSpeech IntensifierEnhances general speech signal for better understanding
No
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Wind controlWind controlAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
No