MSA 30X Reviews: Does it Work?

MSA 30X Sound Amplifier is advertised as an inexpensive alternative to hearing aids. Read our MSA 30X reviews from editors and readers.

About MSA 30x

MSA 30x is advertised as a “sound amplifier” which would presumably act as an inexpensive backup or even as a replacement for traditional hearing aids. The MSA 30X appears to have first been marketed in mid-2012, although in mid-2013 a higher-profile marketing campaign began.

The official website is msa30x.com, which was registered on January 10, 2012.

How much does MSA 30x cost?

The MSA 30X costs $29.95 plus $7.95 for processing and handling (P&H), but beware that they only give you the option to buy two of them. This means you’ll pay $15.90 P&H + $29.95 for a total cost of $45.85 to receive two units.

You can now find MSA 30X in stores. We have seen it locally at such stores as KMart and Walgreens in the As Seen on TV section.

Confusing Billing

The billing process on the website is confusing to some customers because as it does not give you the option to order a single MSA 30X unit. You only have the option to buy “sets of two” as part of their “buy 1 get 1 free” with the extra P&H option. Several customers have selected two sets of two, believing that’s what they needed to select in order to get two MSA 30X’s. Two sets of two is actually an order for 4 units, totaling $31.80 in P&H charges alone.

The confusing ordering process is made worse by the fact that there is no confirmation screen to summarize your order before it is placed.

MSA 30x Television Commercial

Below is a television commercial for MSA 30x:

Transcript of the MSA 30X television commercial:

Listen up for an amazing offer that can change the way you hear.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. Can you repeat that?”

Frustrated with your hearing?

“What did he say?”

Well hear better now. Introducing the fully-rechargeable MSA 30X, a revolutionary device that features the latest micro-sound amplification technology that can barely be seen. Independently tested to help you hear up to 30 times better. It turns ordinary hearing into extraordinary hearing. MSA 30X works by capturing and amplifying sound waves, yet its lightweight ergo-acoustic design is discrete. It form fits in and around either ear.

“I forget I’m even wearing it.”

An MSA 30X is powerful. Hear clearly in restaurants. Never miss another word on TV or at the movies.

“My wife complaints that I have the volume up on the TV too loud.”

“And I didn’t want to be in the same room with him.”

“Now I can hear everything clearly.”

Simply adjust the volume as you desire. Other units use so many batteries and they’re difficult to change, but the MSA 30X is completely rechargeable. Simply plug it into the wall or you computer.

“I tried other devices that had batteries, but they were always such a pain to change and so costly, but this is rechargeable so figure I save hundreds a year.”

Bulky sound amplifiers can cost hundreds, but now you can try MSA 30X for just $59.95. But wait – in this special TV offer, we’ll cut the price in half. Hear up to 30 times better for just $29.95. But there’s more. We’ll double the offer free. Just pay additional and processing and handling. We’ll even include a dual charging base, cleaning brush, and comfort tips. Did you hear that? Two MSA 30X’s for just $29.95. How’s that sound? The MSA 30X Hear Better Now offer. Get two for just $29.95.

“All I can say is just try it. It could change your life.”

Our MSA 30X Review

With the outrageous costs of some hearing aids, the MSA 30X is an enticing proposition to some consumers due to its low cost. This extreme low cost, however, should be your first indication that the MSA 30X is not a high-grade piece of audio equipment. The question then is whether or not the product can at least serve as a cheap or temporary alternative to more expensive hearing aids. Based on our tests of the product, our answer is “no.”

Our tests of the product found it to be disappointing. While it does amplify sound, it does so without any noise cancellation, meaning that background noises are also amplified. There is a constant background “hiss” that renders the MSA 30x unpleasant at best. The only setting in which the MSA 30X seemed at all satisfactory was a quiet room with only one sound source. Other than that, the background noise and static were unacceptable.

If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative to expensive hearing aids, this is probably not the best solution.

Google Trends History

Below is a Google Trends graph which displays interest in the MSA 30X over time. Interest appears to have peaked in August of 2013. Following a small surge in December of 2013, interest appears to have declined and leveled off.

Bottom Line

We found the MSA 30X to be almost unbearably noisy, and the billing process can be somewhat confusing. It is not a satisfactory alternative to hearing aids, even older analog models. 

Note
Beware of countless websites offering glowing “reviews” of the MSA 30X that conclude with a link for the “best price” of the product. These are typically marketing affiliates who are attempting to sell the product.

Your MSA 30x Review

Have you tried the MSA 30X? Give us your MSA 30x review in the comments below.

Updated January 25, 2015
Originally published July 2013