Neither performs well — Atom X scored 0.3/5 and Neo XS scored -0.2/5 in our lab testing, both far below the category average. Atom X is the less weak of the two, but if noisy environments are your main concern, you should look at other OTC options entirely.
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.
Quick Verdict
AI summarizedSummarized with AI assistance from our human-researched product information, in-lab testing, objective sound measurements, and expert ratings.
Neither the Audien Atom X nor the MDHearingAid Neo XS performs well on speech clarity in our lab testing, so this isn't a choice between two strong hearing aids — it's a choice between Atom X's streaming and touchscreen controls at a B SoundGrade versus Neo XS's more discreet, button-only design at a weaker C SoundGrade.
Atom X
Choose the Audien Atom X if you want Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling, a touchscreen charging case for phone-free control, and roughly 12 hours of battery, while accepting that speech-in-noise performance (0.3/5) is still weak.
Neo XS
Choose the MDHearingAid Neo XS if you most want a nearly invisible, completely-in-canal fit and longer battery life (up to 18 hours), but know it has no Bluetooth streaming and our lab testing found even weaker speech clarity than the Atom X.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedSpeech-in-noise performance
Lab measuredBoth scored badly against our lab averages, but Atom X measured 0.3/5 versus Neo XS at -0.2/5 — neither will help much in restaurants or groups, and this is really the weaker of two weak options.
Streaming and control method
Hands-on reviewAtom X adds Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calls, and a touchscreen case for volume/program control; Neo XS has no streaming at all and relies on a single push-button per ear that our reviewer found easy to mis-press on insertion.
Overall sound grade and OTC ranking
Expert ratingAtom X ranked #9 of 61 OTC devices tested with a SoundGrade of B (2.98/5 SoundScore); Neo XS ranked #47 of 61 with a SoundGrade of C (2.47/5), both below the 3.47/5 OTC average cited in testing.
Form factor and discretion
Hands-on reviewNeo XS is a completely-in-canal design our reviewer called nearly invisible, while Atom X sits between a custom aid and an earbud and only comes in one beige color — a discretion vs. visible-control tradeoff rather than a performance one.
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
Score
0.0
Score
0.0
User Rating
3.63 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
HearingTracker Score
Atom X
3.3BELOW AVERAGE
A clever touchscreen charging case and long battery life modernize Audien's budget lineup—but speech clarity (especially in noise) still trails many OTC rivals.
Read full reviewNeo 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.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Atom X
3.0BELOW AVERAGE
Audien Atom X achieved a SoundScore of 2.98/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #9 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
Atom X
4.1AVERAGE
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.
Value
Atom X
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE
Audien Atom X has a value score of 3.9/5 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
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
At roughly $390 versus $400 for the Neo XS, the Atom X is both cheaper and the stronger performer in our testing — it ranked #9 of 61 OTC devices with a B SoundGrade against Neo XS's #47 and C grade, and it adds Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling that Neo XS simply doesn't offer.
The Atom X's touchscreen case also gives it an edge for anyone who struggles with small buttons or phone apps.
Which is right for you?
The Neo XS's one real advantage is its completely-in-canal design, which our reviewer found nearly invisible in the ear — a legitimate reason to pick it if discretion matters more to you than sound quality or streaming. But given its weaker lab scores across speech in quiet, speech in noise, and streaming (which it doesn't have), most buyers comparing these two specifically will get more for less money with the Atom X.
Before you buy
AI summarizedTest speech in noise yourself first
Both measured poorly in our lab on speech-in-noise (Atom X 0.3/5, Neo XS -0.2/5), so try each in a real restaurant or group setting during the trial period before committing.
Check your dexterity needs against controls
Atom X's touchscreen case suits limited dexterity or vision needs, while Neo XS's tiny single push-button proved fiddly in our reviewer's hands-on test, so consider which control method you can manage daily.
Decide if streaming matters before buying
Neo XS has zero Bluetooth streaming or app support, so if calls or music streaming matter to you, that alone points toward the Atom X.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedNo, the Neo XS does not offer any Bluetooth audio streaming or app connectivity. The Audien Atom X does support Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling on iOS and Android.
Based on our testing, yes for most buyers — the Atom X costs roughly $10 less, ranked #9 of 61 tested OTC devices versus #47 for the Neo XS, and adds streaming the Neo XS lacks. The Neo XS's main selling point is its smaller, more discreet completely-in-canal shape.
The Neo XS, a completely-in-canal design our reviewer described as nearly invisible in the ear. The Atom X sits between a custom hearing aid and an earbud and is only available in one beige color.
Yes for both, but differently: the Atom X uses a touchscreen charging case for volume, program, and Bluetooth control, while the Neo XS relies on a single push-button on each hearing aid that must be adjusted individually per ear.