MDHearingAid Neo XS vs. Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus

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

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MDHearingAid Neo XS
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Neo XS

$397 per pair
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Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus
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Conversation Clear Plus

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Product Overview

Form Factor
Completely In the CanalForm 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.
EarbudForm FactorNon-custom earbud style device.
Expert Rating
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0.0
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User Rating
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3.7
2 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.
MildModerateSevereProfound
MildModerateSevereProfound
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoil
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoil

Expert Ratings

Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.

Neo XS
Conversation Clear Plus
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.

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Conversation Clear Plus
3.7AVERAGE

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is a pair of true wireless stereo earbuds designed to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments, featuring advanced speech amplification, beamforming directional microphones, and active noise cancellation. While not classified as hearing aids, these earbuds offer customizable sound settings through an app and are best suited for those with normal or mild hearing loss looking for improved communication in challenging listening situations.

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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.

Conversation Clear Plus
4.1ABOVE AVERAGE

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus achieved a SoundScore of 4.07/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 8 Amplification Product devices tested. The Amplification Product category average SoundScore was 2.91/5.

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.

Conversation Clear Plus
4.0BELOW AVERAGE

Conversation Clear Plus advanced earbuds have a lower ingress rating of IPx4, indicating modest water resistance. However I found their build quality decent and they do come with a nice case for storage and charging.

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.

Conversation Clear Plus
2.3BELOW AVERAGE

There is much to like about these advanced earbuds, but I found the 9 hours battery life disappointing. Given their shorter life, and 5 hour recharge time, you will likely have to use them situationally throughout your day. The included portable charger is a nice addition though adding an extra 27 hours of use.

Neo XS
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Conversation Clear Plus
5.0EXCELLENT

I found Conversation Clear Plus to deliver excellent audio quality while streaming and during hands-free calls, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app also offers a "blend" feature which streaming which is a nice touch.

Neo XS
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Conversation Clear Plus
3.7BELOW AVERAGE

Sennheiser's Sound Control mobile app offers several useful features without being overly complicated. There is also an onboarding process that helps personalize their sound quality to your preferences, which is a nice feature even though these are technically not hearing aids.

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.

Conversation Clear Plus
4.0AVERAGE

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus advanced earbuds are comfortable to wear, though they're slightly larger in the ear compared to other earbuds. You might feel slightly plugged when wearing them, but that's common for this type of earbud and helps improve their sound quality.

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.

Conversation Clear Plus
4.0BELOW AVERAGE

Conversation Clear Plus have a unique look that stands out. I did find them slightly larger than other earbuds on the market but it was not an issue as they are comfortable and not trying to be discrete.

Neo XS
3.3BELOW AVERAGE

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

Conversation Clear Plus
3.7AVERAGE

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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.

Conversation Clear Plus
4.5EXCELLENT

I found Conversation Clear Plus easy to use and experienced no issues when it came time to recharge them. Both the physical buttons and Sound Control mobile app worked as expected without being complicated or limiting.

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.

Conversation Clear Plus
1.0BELOW AVERAGE

As Conversation Clear Plus are not hearing aids, Sennheiser has not invested in remote care from hearing care providers. You can however reach their technical support staff over email or phone.

Lab Recordings

Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.

Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
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

Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
No
  • Bluetooth® (A2DP)
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.
No
  • Bluetooth® (HFP)
IP Rating
No
IPx4
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
  • Program control
  • Volume Control
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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
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
No
  • Volume Control
  • Play/Pause
  • Audio passthrough on/off
  • Voice assistant
  • Change program
  • Accept/end calls
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantCertain devices will allow you to interact with voice assistants using "Hey Siri", "Hey Google", "Hey Alexa", etc commands.
No
  • Siri
  • Alexa
  • Google

Software Features

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)ANC is different than typical hearing aid noise reduction in that it reduces both steady state and dynamic background noise using sound wave inversion.
No
Yes
Active occlusion cancellation (AOC)Active occlusion cancellation (AOC)A microphone measures the sound of your own voice inside your ear canal and cancels the sound using phase inversion. This reduces the boominess that often occurs with closed-canal hearing aids.
No
Yes
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
No
Yes
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
Yes
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
Yes
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
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
No
  • Tuned based on audio preference selections
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
Yes