MDHearingAid Neo XS vs. Phonak Audéo EON

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.

The EON Sphere is one of the strongest hearing aids I’ve seen for speech performance, with exceptional results in background noise and a much smaller, more comfortable design than its predecessor.

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.

Phonak Audéo EON Sphere achieved a SoundScore of 5.0/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #1 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. 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.

Phonak Audéo E90 Sphere have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.

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.

Audéo EON offer around 38 hours of use per change, which is a decrease compared to the previous firmware-upgraded Sphere Ultra. Regardless, the battery life should span your entire day and a full recharge takes 3 to 4 hours, or 30-minute quick charge can provide an additional 6 hours of use.

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Phonak are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. Pairing was easy and reliable in our testing, especially with Apple mobile devices.

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I found the MyPhonak Hearing Aid app easy to use with many useful features, including health and fitness tracking.

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.

EON are extremely comfortable with their smaller more compact redesign. Glasses wearers, and or those with smaller ears, should definitely notice fit improvements compared to previous Sphere models.

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.

Audéo EON Sphere offer a significantly smaller size than the previous generation Sphere models. The size is now comparable to most other receiver-in-canal prescription hearing aids on the market.

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

Phonak Audéo EON Sphere has a value score of 3.6/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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.

Audéo EON Sphere are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or MyPhonak 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 EON Sphere are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The MyPhonak app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.