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After Neosonic switched strategies about two years ago, their models have really improved. The impressive Neosonic MX is now their prime model. The new Neosonic MX Smart is a variation of the normal MX, but smarter. The Smart is the follow-up of the Neosonic SF, their previous model with Bluetooth.
That’s a lot of expectations to live up to, and below we’ll see how well the MX Smart does so. I’ll discuss the most important features (and see what makes this hearing aid so smart), look at who’ll benefit most from this model, and see if there are any downsides. Before giving you a final verdict, I’ll also give you some alternative hearing aids to consider.
As always, you can skip the reading and get straight to a visual summary by clicking here. To see where the Neosonic MX Smart ranks compared to other models, I have ranked all these 30-second hearing aid reviews on a special page.
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Key features of the Neosonic MX Smart Hearing Aids
The most important feature of the Neosonic MX Smart is the Bluetooth functionality. With the special Bluetooth app, you can automatically adjust each ear to your specific needs. Additionally, you control the volume and listening modes for each device through the app. This way, the MX Smart even helps you when you’ve got different needs for each ear.
With the automatic hearing test, the hearing aids are automatically attuned to your hearing needs. Simply follow the instructions on the screen. I personally recommend doing this hearing test about twice a year to make sure you’re still using optimized hearing aids.
Other key features for the Neosonic MX Smart are the rechargeable battery, the smartphone app, and the two directional microphones. This doesn’t seem like much, but the Smart introduces a new level of comfort to a top-of-the-line hearing aid. It essentially gives you the quality of the normal Neosonic MX with a remote control.
Who is this hearing amplifier for?
With a 40 dB maximum gain, the Neosonic MX Smart is best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The app control also makes it a good choice for people with less than steady hands, especially because the software also works on a tablet (with a bigger screen than a phone).
How well does the Neosonic MX Smart work?
Unsurprisingly, the Neosonic MX Smart works like a charm. Just like its predecessor, the Neosonic MX, this smart model features two microphones, four listening modes, and a recharging dock that you simply pop your hearing aids into at night. The battery is somewhat improved, with 20 hours on a 3-hour charge.
The volume button has replaced the volume wheel, which causes less granular control.
Aside from how well the product works, it’s also worth mentioning that Neosonic offers a free 45-day trial period and a one-year warranty.
What’s not to like about the Neosonic MX Smart?
Especially when comparing the Smart with the earlier MX, I can’t help but notice a 10 dB peak gain difference. Where the original boasts 50 dB, this new version ‘only’ has 40 dB – still decent, but that loss isn’t a good thing and could make the difference for someone past the mild hearing loss stage. Other than that, there’s very little to complain about.
Hearing aids that are good alternatives
Other companies also offer similar hearing aids with Bluetooth and app control. A budget version is the ZVOX VB20, although it’s becoming dated and lacks the advanced features the Neosonic offers. Alternatives for this model come from Otofonix with the Sona and Groove models.
Should you buy the Neosonic MX Smart?
Yes. If you’re looking to buy a pair of affordable hearing aids and you’re worried about setting them up, the Neosonic MX Smart is a great choice. I’d also recommend this model over the original MX for people who have trouble adjusting the traditional small devices. If you think you’ll never use the app, the original Neosonic MX is knocked down in price somewhat, which might make that one a more attractive buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although the hearing aids connect to your phone in a similar way headphones do, you can’t use the MX Smart to listen to music directly. The Olive Pro 2-in-1 and the BT Angel are two models offering this function.
No. I often like to compare direct-to-customer hearing aids (as you’ll find on this website) to reading glasses. If your eyesight is declining because of age, there’s a good chance you can simply grab a pair of reading glasses from the local drugstore. Those glasses fix that specific problem, but don’t replace the need for others to see an eye doctor. In the same way, prescription hearing aids are still the only way to combat profound hearing loss or complex hearing issues.
At the moment of writing, a pair of Smarts costs around $600. This can change at any moment, so check the Neosonic website for current prices.