Neither performs well in noise — the Atom Pro 2 scored 0.5/5 and the Neo XS scored -0.2/5 on HearAdvisor's speech-in-noise test, both far below the sitewide average. The Atom Pro 2's score is less negative, but you shouldn't expect real conversation-in-noise improvement from either device.
Audien Hearing Atom Pro 2 vs. MDHearingAid Neo XS
Check out our comparison of the Audien Hearing Atom Pro 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.
Published Updated
Quick Verdict
AI summarizedSummarized with AI assistance from our human-researched product information, in-lab testing, objective sound measurements, and expert ratings.
Neither aid delivers real speech-in-noise benefit in our lab testing, so this comparison comes down to whether you'd rather save about $120 with the Atom Pro 2's longer battery life or pay more for the Neo XS's smaller, more discreet fit and access to lifetime professional phone support.
Atom Pro 2
Choose the Audien Atom Pro 2 if you want the cheaper of the two (roughly $120 less) and prioritize battery life (24 hours) and simple button controls over speech clarity in noise.
Neo XS
Choose the MDHearingAid Neo XS if you want the smallest, most discreet Completely-in-Canal fit and prefer having free lifetime phone access to licensed hearing professionals for setup questions.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedSpeech-in-noise performance
Lab measuredAtom Pro 2 scored 0.5/5 on HearAdvisor's speech-in-noise test versus a -0.2/5 for the Neo XS, meaning neither restores clarity in loud settings but the Atom Pro 2's lab result is measurably less negative.
Price
PriceThe Atom Pro 2 runs about $120 less than the Neo XS, a meaningful gap when neither device leads on sound performance.
Professional support access
Expert ratingNeo XS buyers get free lifetime phone and online help from MDHearing's licensed hearing professionals, while Audien's support is limited to basic email and phone customer service, reflected in its 1.0/5 pro-support expert score versus 2.0/5 for Neo XS.
Form factor and discretion
Hands-on reviewNeo XS's Completely-in-Canal shape is smaller and nearly invisible in the ear, while the Atom Pro 2's hybrid ITE/earbud shape is more visible and only comes in one beige color.
Product Overview
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
Form Factor
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits inside the ear canal. The device will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
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
N/A
N/A
User Rating
1.34 reviews
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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.
MildModerate
MildModerate
Product Features
Rechargeable
Rechargeable
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
HearAdvisor SoundScore
Atom Pro 2
2.5BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom Pro 2 achieved a SoundScore of 2.5/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #45 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.
Neo XS
2.5BELOW AVERAGE
MDHearing Neo XS achieved a SoundScore of 2.5/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #47 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.
Build Quality
Atom Pro 2
3.9BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids lack an IP rating, so they might not be the best against moisture or dust. While using them they feel decently built and they do come with an excellent portable charging case.
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
Atom Pro 2
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE
They boast a 24-hour battery life, which is impressive for their small size. Recharging is on the longer end and can take up to 5 hours.
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.
Comfort
Atom Pro 2
3.0BELOW AVERAGE
I did not find Atom Pro 2 to be the most comfortable OTC in-ear hearing aids. This was likely due to their larger size and not being tailored to a standard ear shape.
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
Atom Pro 2
3.5BELOW AVERAGE
The design of Atom Pro 2 falls between a custom hearing aid and wireless earbud. They are only available in a medical beige color, which is meant to match skin color, but will not suit everyone. The case does include a UV cleaning light which is a nice touch.
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.
Handling
Atom Pro 2
3.8BELOW AVERAGE
I found Atom easy to use though they can be more challenging to insert and remove due to the small pull tab. Two features I really liked were the larger program buttons and easy to use portable charger.
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
Atom Pro 2
1.0BELOW AVERAGE
Like many OTC products, Audien does not offer remote assistance from hearing experts, support is limited to email and phone customer support.
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.
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
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.
Hardware
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
- 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
Software Features
Atom Pro 2
Neo XS
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.
No
Yes
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
4
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.
Yes
Yes
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
Both the Audien Atom Pro 2 and MDHearingAid Neo XS landed in the bottom tier of OTC devices we've tested, with SoundGrades of C and speech-in-noise scores that fall well below the sitewide average — this is not a matchup of two strong performers, so treat either purchase as a budget, basic-amplification choice rather than a serious clarity upgrade.
The Atom Pro 2 costs about $120 less and lasts longer on a charge (24 hours vs. 18), which matters if all-day wear without recharging is your priority.
Which is right for you?
The Neo XS costs more but is smaller and nearly invisible in the ear, and backs you with free lifetime phone access to MDHearing's licensed hearing professionals — a real advantage if you're new to hearing aids and want help troubleshooting fit or programs. If your hearing needs go beyond mild loss or you spend a lot of time in noisy environments, both of these fall short of what dedicated OTC or prescription devices can deliver.
Before you buy
AI summarizedUse the 45-day trial to judge noise performance
Both Audien and MDHearing offer roughly 45-day money-back windows, so test each in your noisiest regular environment (restaurant, car, office) before the window closes, since lab scores show neither aid meaningfully helps with speech in noise.
Call MDHearing's support line if you're a first-time user
Neo XS's free lifetime phone access to licensed hearing professionals is useful if you're unsure how to set programs or troubleshoot fit, a resource Atom Pro 2 doesn't offer at the same level.
Check insertion and button placement in-store or on delivery
Both devices reported accidental button presses during insertion in our hands-on testing, so practice inserting and removing them carefully during the trial period to avoid mismatched left/right settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedIt depends on what you value: the Neo XS is smaller and nearly invisible in the ear and comes with free lifetime phone support from licensed hearing professionals, while the Atom Pro 2 is cheaper and has a longer 24-hour battery life. Neither device outperforms the other on speech clarity, so the extra cost buys discretion and support access, not better sound.
No, neither device offers Bluetooth audio streaming or hands-free calling. Both rely on physical buttons for volume and program changes, with no companion app for either.
Both use simple single-button controls for volume and program changes, and both testers reported accidentally pressing the button during insertion. The Atom Pro 2 has slightly larger program buttons, while the Neo XS's smaller CIC size can make the button harder to locate by feel.
Both are rated for mild to moderate hearing loss, but lab testing showed weak speech-in-quiet scores (0.7/5 for Atom Pro 2, 1.0/5 for Neo XS) and even weaker speech-in-noise results, so anyone with more than mild loss should expect limited benefit from either.