MDHearingAid Neo XS vs. Oticon Reveal

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.

Oticon Reveal combines strong lab speech results with comfortable hearing aids and stable Bluetooth. Our reviewer questioned the charger lid’s sturdiness.

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.

Oticon Reveal 1 miniRITE achieved a SoundScore of 5.1/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

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.

Reveal offer the same excellent moisture and dust protection as Intent with an IP68 rating. The hearing aids appear well built though I found certain portions of the charger, like the lid, less robust than expected.

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.

With a battery life of up to 20 hours, longer without streaming, Reveal should last you all day. This is consistent with Oticon's previous Intent hearing aid.

Not yet rated by our experts

Reveal offered easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.

Not yet rated by our experts

I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth apps, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.

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.

Oticon hearing aids like Reveal differ in design from other major manufacturers; however, they were very comfortable on my ears. Your hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids in office to improve comfort on your ears.

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.

Reveal are modern looking hearing aids though their size is slightly larger than many of the latest "micro" or "mini" designs. Regardless, I found them fairly discrete and Oticon offers plenty of colors, from skin tones to deep plum purple.

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

Oticon Reveal 1 miniRITE has no value rating available yet.

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.

Reveal are easy to use and adjust either with the multi-function button or Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

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.

Prescription hearing aids like Intent are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.