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Eargo Review
4.7 Overall Rating
Bottom Line
Eargo is quickly becoming a leader in hearing aid innovation. The company comprises ENT surgeons and hearing professionals who have developed comfortable, highly functional hearing aids. Eargo is highly rated overall, with many enthusiastic customers. Eargo offers safe remote hearing checks and phone consultations, plus online ordering – all done remotely and from the comfort of your home.
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About Eargo Hearing Aids
A leader in hearing aid innovation, Eargo’s team of ENT surgeons and hearing professionals has developed comfortable and highly functional hearing aids. Eargo has a solid reputation among customers, and after testing the devices ourselves, we understand why. Eargo offers safe remote hearing checks, phone consultations, and online ordering all from the comfort of your home.
You can buy Eargo hearing aids without a prescription, but the company does not produce models for profound hearing loss. After testing Eargo devices for two weeks, we deemed Eargo hearing aids among the best on the market, both for hearing aids and OTC hearing aids, because they are affordable, given the number of features they offer. The durable hearing aids are best suited for tech-savvy users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Pros
- Includes support from licensed hearing professionals
- Payment plans as low as $70 per month
- Pricing can be 50% less than traditional hearing aids
- Completely rechargeable
Cons
- No models for profound hearing loss
- Batteries are rechargeable, but not replaceable
Our Experience Using Eargo Hearing Aids
To generate the most accurate hearing aid product reviews, the Retirement Living editorial team tests hearing aid devices for two weeks. Our tester, who has mild hearing loss, set up, programmed, and wore Eargo hearing aids continuously to score their effectiveness at combating hearing loss.
Hearing aids are evaluated based on prices, sound recordings, and models. We also scored it across 10 different metrics, which you can see below.
| Feature | Eargo 8 | Eargo SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699 | $1,699 |
| Product Quality | Excellent (premium materials + IP68 durability) | Good (entry-level Eargo build) |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (more features, still self-fitting) | Very easy (simplified, fewer features) |
| Sound Quality | Advanced, high-definition sound with no auto adjustments | Basic Amplification (no advanced noise processing) |
| Sound Profiles | Multiple adaptive programs with automatic environment detection | Limited preset programs |
| Battery | Strong rechargeable + improved efficiency (premium tier) | Solid rechargeable (standard performance) |
| Size and Discreteness | Virtually invisible CIC design (top-tier discretion) | Very small, nearly invisible |
| Connectivity | No Bluetooth streaming (uses app + ultrasonic control) | No Bluetooth streaming |
| Adjustments | Advanced app-based tuning + automatic sound optimization | Basic manual adjustments |
| Tinnitus Management | Limited (not a primary feature, but better sound masking) | None/very limited |
Eargo 8
The Eargo 8 is Eargo’s newest flagship over-the-counter hearing aid designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. It is a completely-in-canal (CIC) device that sits deep in the ear canal for a discreet appearance.
The Eargo 8 features the Smart Sound Adjust technology, which is enhanced environmental sound processing. It works by automatically adapting to different listening environments. Like the Eargo SE model, the Eargo 8 is self-fitting and controlled through the Eargo app for iPhone or Android. This allows users to adjust volume, switch programs, and complete the Sound Match hearing check directly from their smartphone.
The device has up to 16 hours of battery life per charge, and the portable charging case provides multiple additional recharges. Eargo 8 uses soft silicone trumpet tips available in multiple sizes for a secure and comfortable fit. It’s a rechargeable hearing aid with rechargeable batteries, and is sold as a pair.
As an OTC device, Eargo 8 does not require a prescription and is intended for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Eargo SE
The main selling point of the Eargo SE is its battery life and size. With a 16-hour battery life, the Eargo SE’s charging case lasts five full charges — a big benefit for on-the-go wearers.
Our tester also appreciated its small size and lightweight design. The device easily fits in a coin pocket when not in its case.
Setting up and programming Eargo devices are done within the smartphone app. While this does require a bit of tech know-how, Eargo provides clear step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
Quick setup aside, the Eargo SE sound profiles fall a bit short by comparison. Adjustments are limited to the four presets and the volume. There are no adjustments for frequency, microphone direction, speech, noise, wind, or tinnitus. To access these sound customizations, you’d need to buy the Eargo 8.
Eargo Hearing Aids Features
Eargo hearing aids are designed to promote an active, comfortable, and social lifestyle with the latest in hearing aid technology. People are often embarrassed by the prospect of using hearing aids, but Eargo’s discreet design makes them barely visible. Price can also be a barrier to buying hearing aids, but Eargo hearing aids are often more affordable than prescription devices.
- Eargo’s barely-there design fits comfortably into your ear canal and is nearly invisible, so no one knows you are wearing a hearing aid.
- Eargo hearing aids offer four sound profiles to address mild to severe high-frequency hearing loss. We found that it takes a little bit of fine-tuning to get your hearing aid profile just right, but once you do, Eargo will remember your settings.
- Using Eargo’s “Sound Match” feature unlocks two additional default presets for different situations: Normal, TV, restaurant, meeting, music, and phone. See the in-app screenshots taken by our tester below.
- Unlike behind-the-ear devices that amplify sounds coming from behind you, Eargo hearing aids amplify sounds in front of you.
- Both Eargo models are rechargeable hearing aids.
- All current Eargo devices offer amplification and noise reduction.
How Eargo Hearing Aids Are Designed
Eargo manufactures in-the-ear hearing aids with soft silicone rather than rigid plastic, providing a much more comfortable fit and remaining nearly invisible to others. The open-fit design blends the higher frequencies amplified by the hearing aid with ambient low-frequency sounds to provide a richer hearing experience.
The new Eargo 8 and Eargo SE use proprietary soft silicone trumpet ear tips (available in three sizes) to ensure a secure, comfortable fit—a departure from the open- and closed-petal tips used on older Eargo models.
Eargo SE hearing aids have four sound profiles. To switch profiles, tap on the hearing aid twice. Eargo 8 focuses more on Smart Sound Adjust (automatic adaptation) plus app-based controls.
To charge Eargo hearing aids, place them in the included case, which also functions as the device’s charger. A fully-charged case can power your hearing aids for a week.
Cost of Eargo Hearing Aids
Depending on the model, Eargo hearing aids cost from $1,699 to $2,699. Eargo offers a 20% discount to veterans and active military members on the new Eargo 8 model and a 10% discount on the Eargo SE model.
Eargo accepts payments split between two credit or debit cards or from an HSA debit card. While Eargo does not submit claims to insurance, you can order by phone if you have CareCredit. If you are having difficulty affording the cost of hearing aids, you can apply for financing on Eargo’s website without affecting your credit score. Financing terms are up to 36 months.
Eargo Hearing Aid Models
Eargo offers two hearing aid models. Depending on your level of hearing loss and budget, you can select from the Eargo SE and the Eargo 8. Both hearing aid models come with both left and right hearing aids, a charger case, a charging cord, and a cleaning brush. The hearing aids are labeled to quickly determine which device is for the left or right ear, but they are technically interchangeable.
Eargo hearing aids come with a one- or two-year warranty. Deep cleaning kits are also available for the current models.
| Model | Best For | Custom Sound Profiles | Price | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eargo SE | – Self-fitting virtually invisible CIC model – Sweat and splash-resistant – 4 preset listening programs – Charging case: 5 full charges of 16 hours of sound | Yes | $1,650 | $47/mo |
| Eargo 8 | – Self-fitting, virtually invisible CIC model – App personalization – Noise reduction technology – Smart Sound Adjust automatically adjusts to your environment – Wider range of mild-to-moderate hearing loss support – Up to 2 weeks of on-the-go charging | Yes | $2,699 | $88/mo |
How to Buy Eargo Hearing Aids
You can buy hearing aids directly from the website, and they ship for free. Eargo can also send you a pair of hearing aids to test before you make a buying decision. While the trial hearing aids won’t correct hearing, they let customers see and feel what Eargo models look and feel like in the ear.
Eargo also has a 45-day trial period that starts from the date you receive your hearing aids. This 45-day trial period also serves as the return policy.
If you have any problems ordering online or prefer to order over by phone, call the number on the website to speak with a representative.
Eargo Hearing Aids Complaints
The Better Business Bureau gives Eargo hearing aids an “A+” rating, while ConsumersAdvocate rates the company 4 out of 5 overall.
While many people are delighted with Eargo hearing aids, some customers experience product failure soon after purchase or poor customer service when seeking Eargo customer support. Some consumers expressed frustration with irreplaceable batteries, which rendered the hearing aids useless when the cells would no longer charge.
Eargo Hearing Aids FAQs
No, Eargo hearing aids are not prescription hearing aids. But you should know your hearing health or get a hearing test from an audiologist or physician before purchasing hearing aids. Eargo professionals will work with you or your healthcare provider to ensure you receive suitable hearing aids.
Yes, the Eargo website sells replacement chargers and wax guards.
You can get assistance with Eargo hearing aids over the phone or via chat on the website. Licensed hearing professionals assist prospective or current customers and are qualified to address any concerns or answer questions. Eargo also has an online help center with more than 80 articles explaining how to order, use, care for, troubleshoot, or get repairs for your Eargo hearing aids.
Do not sleep with your hearing aids inserted. Eargo recommends taking the hearing aids out and charging them while you’re asleep.
Eargo hearing aids are water-resistant and sweat-resistant, but not waterproof. You shouldn’t get them wet, so don’t forget to take them out when you shower or swim to avoid damage. Otherwise, you might void the warranty.
Conclusion
Not being able to hear clearly can be frustrating, and it can feel lonely when you can’t participate in conversations. Don’t suffer from hearing loss without seeking help. Eargo hearing aids are a discreet, convenient, and affordable hearing device for those seeking first-time hearing enhancement.
For comparisons with other hearing aids, read: