We independently review each item we recommend and appreciate your trust and support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.Learn more.

MDHearingAid Neo XS vs. Phonak Lyric 4

Check out our comparison of the MDHearingAid Neo XS vs Phonak Lyric 4. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.

Score
2.8
MDHearingAid Neo XS
Add Product
Featured Products
MDHearingAid

Neo XS

SoundScore 2.5/5
$397 per pair
Shop Now ↗
Phonak Lyric 4
Add Product
Featured Products
Phonak

Lyric 4

—
Read our review
Neo XS
$397 per pair
Shop Now ↗
Lyric 4
Review

Product Overview

Neo XS
Lyric 4
Form Factor
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.
Form FactorExtended wear hearing aids are placed deep into the canal and kept there for a few months. When the battery expires the aid is disposed of and replaced by a fresh device.
Expert Rating
Score
2.8
N/A
User Rating
—
3.818 reviews
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
Rechargeable
—

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Neo XS
Lyric 4

HearingTracker Score

Neo 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 review
Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

HearAdvisor SoundScore

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Build Quality

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Battery

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Design

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Value

Neo XS
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

MDHearing Neo XS has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Handling

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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Pro 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.

Lyric 4

Not yet rated by our experts

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Neo XS
Lyric 4
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Neo XS
Lyric 4

Lab recordings not yet available

Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Neo XS
Lyric 4

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.

Accessories

Compatible accessories for each hearing aid

Neo XS
Lyric 4
IIC Adjustment ToolIIC Adjustment ToolAllows users to adjust an IIC hearing aid with a magnetic tool.
None

SoundLync

Hardware

Neo XS
Lyric 4
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
No
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
No

Software Features

Neo XS
Lyric 4
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.
Yes
No
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
No