While most reviews on this website focus on one model hearing amplifier, this comparison article will pitch two renowned models against each other. Both the Neosonic MX and the Otofonix Helix have a very similar set-up: a pair of hearing amplifiers in a sleek charging base, offering great technology for a great price.
Below, we will take a brief look at each model individually, discuss the similarities between the two models, go into the respective differences and finally give a verdict on who wins the competition in this head-to-head.
Links in this blog post may be affiliate links. When you end up buying a product through these links, I may earn a sales commission. This does not affect your price or our reviews.
A brief overview of the Neosonic MX
The Neosonic MX is one of the newer models after the company overhauled their catalogue, and the flagship model in that catalogue. It is sold as a pair, and comes with all the technological advantages of newer models. In my full review, I find no reasons not to buy the Neosonic MX, but if you’re looking for an advanced model, you’ve got every reason to buy it.
Read the full review for the Neosonic MX here.
A brief overview of the Otofonix Helix
The Otofonix Helix also marked a new era for the Otofonix company. After offering three models (and dominating the higher end of the market with their extensive model, the Otofonix Encore) for a few years, the Helix was Otofonix’ first addition to their catalogue. It’s also sold as a pair, and offers an updated version of the same high-end technology as their previous models. Additionally, it features a telecoil function, which sets Otofonix apart from all other hearing amplifier companies.
Read the full review for the Otofonix Helix here.
Where the Neosonic MX and Otofonix Helix are alike
As I mentioned in the introduction, the first similarities are in the set-up. Both models come as a pair of hearing amplifiers in a good-looking charging base. That also means both models are rechargeable BTE hearing amplifiers.
Other similarities involve the quality of the product. Both the Neosonic company and the Otofonix company are known for their quality products. You’re not buying a one-off model from a Chinese importer, but you can visit their websites, order products, and count on excellent customer support.
From a technical point of view, the two models also don’t differ that much. Both offer advanced noise cancelling technology and dual microphones. The dual microphones offer a more natural way of listening (mimicking the natural wiring of the brain) and give more depth to the sound that reaches your ear.
How the Neosonic MX and Otofonix Helix are different
The Neosonic MX offers a 50 dB peak gain, making the model suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss. It also features a volume wheel, that allows you to finetune the exact volume you prefer in any situation. On top of that, it has one extra listening program that also helps finetuning.
The Otofonix Helix doesn’t have the volume wheel, but offers ten volume level. It also offers four listening programs, but one of those programs is the telecoil function, which is a stand-alone feature and can only be used in certain situations; it therefore effectively offers just three listening programs. The telecoil does set the Helix apart from not just the Neosonic MX, but also the rest of the competition.
Neosonic MX vs Otofonix Helix: which is better?
The question of whether the Neosonic MX or the Otofonix Helix is better is a tricky one, and depends on how and whether you’d use the telecoil function. If you regularly visit a church that offers a telecoil function, this feature alone makes the Otofonix Elite the better choice. Without that feature, the Neosonic MX is the better (more all-round) hearing amplifier.
Update (August 2022): Neosonic has lowered their price since the first version of this review. The MX is now just under $500 (at $499), while the Helix costs about $200 more.
Quite honestly, you can’t go wrong with either of these hearing amplifiers – and I’m not one to say that lightly (just look at the bottom of my 30-second reviews page for some of my harsher criticisms). These models aren’t the cheapest, but they’re worth every penny.
Click here to buy the Neosonic MX
Click here to buy the Otofonix Helix