Elehear Beyond vs. MDHearingAid Neo XS

Offering good background noise handling, competitive wireless audio, and a solid app, Elehear Beyond is the best value hearing aid I've ever tested.

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.

Elehear Beyond achieved a SoundScore of 4.3/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #8 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.

MDHearing Neo XS achieved a SoundScore of 2.9/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #63 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.

Elehear Beyond hearing aids have an IPx5 rating, meaning you will need to protect them from moisture and dust. However, they appear to be build from quality materials and come with a robust portable charging case.

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.

Beyond have a reported battery life of up to 18 hours per charge, which is enough to get most people through the day. The case also offers on-the-go power and can recharge Elehear in around 1.5 hours, longer if the portable-charger needs to be simultaneously recharged.

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.

Beyond are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.

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The Elehear app has a user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like volume control and a tone balance from Brighter to Deeper. At this time, Beyond are "preset-based", though you can get a more customized fit using their ElePro feature.

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I found Beyond fairly comfortable in spite of their larger body size. Be sure to test various ear tips to find optimal comfort and hearing benefit.

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.

Beyond have a more modern receiver-in-canal design, although the body size is larger than many other hearing aids. While this should not effect comfort much, it may make them more noticeable based on your ear size and hairstyle.

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.

Elehear Beyond has a value score of 4.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

MDHearing Neo XS has a value score of 3.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

I did not run into any issues while using Beyond or the Elehear mobile app. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.

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.

Unlike many OTC devices, remote support from licensed audiologists is available through the ElePro app feature. This offers several benefits, but one we particularly liked was the ability for Elehear providers to recommend program settings based on their app or web based hearing assessment.

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.