Atom X measured 0.3/5 for speech in noise versus Neo XS's -0.2/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing, so Atom X is the stronger of the two — though both fall well short of the site-wide average and neither is a strong performer in noisy settings.
Audien Hearing Atom X vs. MDHearingAid Neo XS
Check out our comparison of the Audien Hearing Atom X 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.
Both land well below the site-wide average for speech clarity, so this isn't a fight over which one hears well — it's whether you value Atom X's Bluetooth streaming and touchscreen case, or Neo XS's smaller, more discreet fit, more.
Atom X
Choose the Audien Atom X if you want Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling with a touchscreen charging case for control, and you can accept weak speech-in-noise performance (0.3/5 in lab testing) in exchange for a roughly $10 lower price.
Neo XS
Choose the MDHearingAid Neo XS if you want the smallest, most discreet completely-in-canal fit and don't need streaming, but go in knowing its lab-measured speech clarity (1.0/5 in quiet, -0.2/5 in noise) trails Atom X and most of the OTC field.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedSpeech clarity in lab testing
Lab measuredAtom X scored 1.5/5 in quiet and 0.3/5 in noise versus Neo XS's 1.0/5 and -0.2/5; both are well below the site-wide average, but Atom X is the less weak performer on the metric that matters most for following conversation.
Bluetooth streaming and calling
SpecAtom X streams audio and supports hands-free calls over Bluetooth; Neo XS has no wireless streaming at all, so anyone wanting to hear phone calls or music through their hearing aids has only one option here.
Overall SoundScore ranking
Hands-on reviewIn HearAdvisor's 61-device OTC ranking, Atom X placed #9 with a SoundGrade of B, while Neo XS placed #47 with a SoundGrade of C — a meaningful gap within the same test protocol.
Control method and size
Hands-on reviewAtom X uses a touchscreen charging case for volume, programs, and Bluetooth without needing an app; Neo XS relies on a tiny in-ear push-button that our reviewer found easy to accidentally trigger during insertion because of its completely-in-canal size.
Product Overview
Atom X
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
1.33 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
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroid
Rechargeable
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Atom X
Neo XS
HearAdvisor SoundScore
Atom X
3.0BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom X achieved a SoundScore of 3.0/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #9 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 X
4.1BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom X 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 X
3.1BELOW AVERAGE
Atom X offer up to 12 hours of battery life, which is less than many of Audien's hearing aids. Recharging will take roughly 3-4 hours, with the case offering several additional full charges.
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
Atom X
4.5EXCELLENT
Atom X offer wireless control and streaming for both iOS and Android. This is the key new addition for Atom X and I found it to work very well.
Neo XS
Not yet rated by our experts
Comfort
Atom X
3.5BELOW AVERAGE
I found Atom X more comfortable than Atom Pro 2, though other hearing aids will likely offer you a better fit and overall comfort.
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 X
3.5BELOW AVERAGE
The design of Atom X 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.
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 X
4.5EXCELLENT
Atom X is the most user friendly hearing aid I have tried from Audien Hearing to date. The physical buttons are large and the bright touchscreen feature is a great addition.
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 X
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 X
Neo XS
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Neo XS
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
Neo XS
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Atom X
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.
Hardware
Atom X
Neo XS
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
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
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 X
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
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
Neither of these OTC devices is a strong performer for speech understanding — both fall short of the site-wide average, and Neo XS in particular measured below zero on our speech-in-noise scale.
Atom X is the stronger buy of the two: it ranked #9 of 61 tested OTC devices versus Neo XS's #47, adds Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling that Neo XS lacks entirely, and costs roughly $10 less.
Which is right for you?
Neo XS's one real selling point is size — it's a completely-in-canal design that disappears in the ear, which matters if discretion is your top priority and you don't need streaming. But if speech clarity or wireless features factor into your decision at all, Atom X is the more capable choice at this price.
Before you buy
AI summarizedTest speech in noise before committing
Both devices scored below the site-wide average for speech in noise, so try each in a real restaurant or group setting during its return window rather than trusting quiet-room impressions.
Check your dexterity needs against the controls
Atom X's touchscreen case suits anyone who struggles with tiny buttons, while Neo XS's in-ear push-button demands more fine motor control — match this to your own hands and eyesight.
Decide if streaming matters to you
If you want to stream calls or music, Atom X is the only one of this pair that supports it at all; Neo XS offers none.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedNo, the Neo XS does not offer any audio streaming or wireless connectivity. If streaming music or hands-free calls matters to you, Atom X supports both over Bluetooth.
Atom X costs roughly $10 less than Neo XS and outranked it in HearAdvisor's OTC testing (#9 vs #47 of 61 devices), plus it adds Bluetooth streaming that Neo XS lacks. For most buyers comparing these two, Atom X is the better value.
Neo XS uses a completely-in-canal design that is nearly invisible when worn, while Atom X sits between a custom hearing aid and a wireless earbud in appearance. If discretion is your top priority, Neo XS's form factor is the smaller of the two.