Eargo Hearing Aids Review 2024: Cost, Features, & Models

Apr 09, 2024

Key Takeaways

Hearing loss can make daily tasks harder and can even affect how much time you spend with family and friends. The good news: The right hearing aids can greatly improve your level of hearing. 

Previous models of hearing aids were very expensive and sometimes hard to use, but technology, pricing, and style have come a long way. “Hearing aids…are now much smaller and very discreet to the point that most people can’t tell when others are wearing them,” said Dr. Leslie Soiles, chief audiologist at HearingLife. The best hearing aids are now more affordable, discreet, and easier to use than ever.

Eargo is one hearing aid brand that offers a range of hearing aid models for mild to moderate hearing loss to fit different budgets and lifestyles. Affordable prices, a variety of model options, online hearing tests, and lifetime customer support have made Eargo a popular brand for hearing aid users.

Our Reviews Team researched all of the models made by Eargo, read what customers had to say in third-party reviews, and conducted a survey to find out what features people want in their hearing aids. By sharing the results of our Eargo hearing aids review with you, we hope to help you make an informed decision on whether Eargo hearing aids are the best fit for your needs and your budget. 

Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s expert reviews

5,300
Hours of Research
12
Experts Consulted
1
Surveys Deployed

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

Read more about our hearing aids review methodology.

Why Eargo is one of our top picks

When comparing Eargo to other over the counter hearing aids that are sold directly to consumers, our Reviews Team found some factors that made the brand stand out. Below are the top features we liked about Eargo:

The majority of respondents to our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users said price was the biggest challenge to purchasing their hearing aids. Because Eargo’s prices are lower than many other over-the-counter brands, it’s worth seeing what the company has to offer if you have mild to moderate hearing loss.

We’ll take you through the prices and features of Eargo hearing aid models, cover some pros and cons, and compare Eargo to some other hearing aid brands to see how designs and prices differ.

Pros and cons of Eargo hearing aids

Pros Lower cost: Eargo hearing aids cost about $1,500–$3,000 less per pair than traditional hearing aids. 45-day trial period: If you don’t like your new hearing aids for any reason, you can return them for a full refund. (You can also request a non-working pair of Eargo hearing aids to check the fit before investing in a working pair.) Online hearing test: You can take the Eargo online hearing test on your computer or smartphone and then order them through the website, without having to see an audiologist. Customer support: Eargo includes lifetime customer support with a team of more than 40 audiologists and hearing aid specialists. High-tech solutions: Use Eargo Sound Match on your smartphone to take an at-home hearing screening and make adjustments based on the results. Eargo 6 and 7 also come with Sound Adjust, which automatically changes the listening profile depending on your environment. Rechargeable battery: With up to 16 hours of battery life, you can easily go all day before recharging Eargo hearing aids.
Cons Treats limited hearing loss: Eargo hearing aids are only appropriate for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you will need to see an audiologist in person. Limited warranty: Eargo only offers one to two years of coverage for unlimited repairs and one replacement of a lost or damaged hearing aid. Other brands like Jabra Enhance and Phonak offer three-year warranties. No Bluetooth streaming: Eargo hearing aids use Bluetooth to connect with the Eargo app for making adjustments on a smartphone or tablet, but due to their small size, are not capable of streaming music or movies from Bluetooth devices. Frequent cleaning: Like all in-the-ear hearing aids that sit completely in the ear, Eargo hearing aids need to be cleaned daily to work well.

Table 1 Comparison of Eargo models, as of April 2024

Eargo 5

LINK by EargoEargo SE

Eargo 6

Eargo 7

Cost per pair$1,650$799$1,650$2,250$2,950
Type of Hearing AidCompletely-in-canalCompletely–in-canalCompletely–in-canalCompletely-in-canalCompletely-in-canal
Type of Hearing LossMild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss
Mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss
Mild to moderate high-frequency hearing lossMild to moderate high-frequency hearing lossMild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss
Battery TypeRechargeableRechargeableRechargeableRechargeableRechargeable
Bluetooth StreamingNoYesNoNoNo
Ways to CustomizeChange hearing profile and make adjustments with the appChange hearing profile and make adjustments with the appChange hearing profile and make adjustments with the appChange hearing profile and make adjustments with the appChange hearing profile and make adjustments with the app
Water ResistanceNoNoNoYes, up to 30 minutes at a depth up to 1mYes, up to 30 minutes at a depth up to 1m
TelecoilNoNoNoNoNo
Directional MicrophoneYesYesYesYesYes
Noise ReductionYesYesYesYesYes
Warranty1 year1 year1 year1 year2 years

Eargo hearing aids review

Eargo 5

Eargo 5 Hearing Aids

Design

The Eargo 5 is a nearly invisible model that offers different ways to customize your hearing aids.

For starters, the Eargo 5 comes with a variety of silicone tips so you can choose the ones that fit the most comfortably and provide the best listening experience.

Eargo provides both open and closed tips in medium and large sizes with the Eargo 5, so you can experiment to see which ones you like best.

If you’re concerned about how a certain style of tip will feel in your ear, contact Eargo to request a sample (non-working) pair you can try on at home. Then you can see which style you like the feel of before making a final decision, which is important since the petal tips do have a different feel than the fiber tips.

Technology

The Eargo smartphone app uses Sound Match to allow you to take at-home hearing screenings on your phone and adjust your hearing aids based on the results. Using the app, you can make changes for each ear individually.

You can also use the app to choose one of the four preprogrammed settings (TV, Restaurant, Phone, or Normal), or set specific details like noise reduction and volume based on the environment you’re in.

What’s included with an Eargo 5 purchase:

If you’re able to spend more money for the additional features of this model and find that petal-style tips are more comfortable for you than fiber tips, the Eargo 5 could be your best option.

LINK by Eargo

Side by side photo of Link by Eargo hearing aids.

Design

LINK by Eargo is the brand’s first earbud-style hearing aid, making it a good option for anyone who is looking for a low-profile design. 

Technology 

The standout feature of LINK by Eargo is the ability to stream music and phone calls through Bluetooth 5.3. 

Users can transition between hearing aid mode and streaming mode, accessing four preset options tailored to their unique hearing profile.

LINK by Eargo is rechargeable, which eliminates the hassle of constantly replacing batteries. With up to nine hours of usage on a single charge and the charging case providing an additional four charge cycles, users can enjoy uninterrupted hearing support wherever they go.

The LINK by Eargo hearing aids are also sweat- and splash-resistant, making it a good choice for those who want to use the them during workouts.

What’s included with a LINK by Eargo purchase:

Eargo SE

Design

The Eargo SE features a virtually invisible, completely-in-canal design, making it a good option for those who want a low-profile device.  

Technology

The Eargo SE offers personalized sound adjustments to suit individual hearing preferences, with the option to select from four preset sound modes. Switching between programs is done via a discreet tap on the ear, enhancing user convenience. In addition, the Sound Match function within the Eargo app allows users to customize their device settings according to individual hearing needs.

The device incorporates standard noise reduction and feedback cancellation features, allowing users to focus without distractions.

The included charging case provides five full charges for up to 16 hours of sound per charge. The Eargo SE is also splash and sweat-resistant, making it a good choice for active people. 

What’s included with an Eargo SE purchase:

Eargo 6

Eargo 6 Hearing Aids

Technology

The Eargo 6 provides the same Sound Match technology the Eargo 5 does, so you can make listening adjustments to your devices using the Eargo smartphone app.

Eargo 6 also has the Sound Adjust feature, which automatically changes the listening profile as you move between different environments. For example, if you’re in a noisy restaurant, Sound Adjust will identify the background noise and lower it so you can hear conversations better. If you go from a noisy environment to a quiet one, like a bookstore, the volume will immediately adjust so you won’t hear every tiny background noise.

What’s included with an Eargo 6 purchase:

For active people who want a technologically advanced, water-resistant hearing aid that includes multiple ways to adjust the sound settings for the best experience, the Eargo 6 is a good choice.

Eargo 7

Eargo 7 hearing aids

The Eargo 7 offers the best warranty of all the Eargo models. Instead of a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, the Eargo 7 comes with two years of protection.

Technology

The Eargo 7’s Sound Adjust technology is a step-up from the Eargo 6 with the addition of Clarity Mode, which identifies your current environment and automatically modifies your sound to the ideal audio setting.

The Eargo 7 also has slightly better noise reduction performance. The technology determines speech-like or noise-like signals better than the other Eargo models, which means it can help make conversations easier to hear in noisy environments.

What’s included with an Eargo 7 purchase:

For those looking for a hearing aid model that has an even sharper noise reduction or are looking for a longer warranty, the Eargo 7 could potentially be a good fit.

How much do Eargo hearing aids cost?

Eargo hearing aids range in price from $799–$2,950 per pair.

Generally, you will pay more for extra features, such as:

While Eargo hearing aids are not the cheapest on the market, they are less expensive than some other over-the-counter hearing aids like Phonak and Signia. [3] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/over-counter-hearing-aids

Eargo offers financing options on all of its models, so you can pay a monthly fee rather than paying 100% of the cost up front.

How to pay

Payment options are:

Best Buy sells Eargo hearing aids on its website and in-store. It offers the following payment options:

Eargo online hearing test

You have two options for a hearing test with Eargo. The first step is to call and speak with an Eargo Personal Hearing Guide. If you already have results from a previous hearing test, the guide can help you decide which Eargo model would be best for you.

If you haven’t had a hearing evaluation before, the Personal Hearing Guide will direct you to Eargo’s online hearing test, where you can check your level of hearing loss and then choose the best model for you. The test is best done with earbuds or headphones, and takes about 8–10 minutes to complete.

Keep in mind Eargo hearing aids are best suited for people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss. If a hearing professional has said you have severe or profound hearing loss, this brand will not be the right choice for you.

Another thing to remember is that online hearing tests cannot diagnose the cause of your hearing loss. Only an in-person hearing test conducted by an audiologist can provide a diagnosis, according to research published in 2020. [4] The Hearing Journal. Benefits of a Home Hearing Test. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2020/07000/benefits_of_a_home_hearing_test.9.aspx Still, online tests can measure the degree of your hearing loss and guide you to the right category of hearing aids based on the type of hearing loss they’re made to correct.

The Eargo smartphone app and accessories

The Eargo app works with the Eargo 5, LINK by Eargo, SE, 6, and 7 to allow adjustments and also comes with the purchase of a pair of Eargo hearing aids.

The app provides a range of features for managing your hearing aids. Here are some ways it can help you get the best listening experience with your hearing aids:

The app also provides you with telecare access so you can speak to a hearing aid specialist in one of the following ways:

Eargo hearing aid accessories include:

Eargo sells hearing aid accessories for all of the models on its website.

Charging Case

Eargo hearing aid cases also work as battery chargers, which makes it easy to keep your hearing aid batteries at full power wherever you are. It takes about two-and-a-half hours for a pair of hearing aids to fully recharge.

Here’s how to use the charging case:

  1. Plug your hearing aid case into an outlet with the USB charging cord. If you don’t have a USB outlet, connect the small rectangular end of the USB adapter to the charging cord first, and then plug the adapter end into the outlet.
  2. When all four white lights on the case light up, your case is fully charged and ready to recharge your hearing aids.
  3. To charge your hearing aids each night, simply place them in their case. You don’t need to plug the case back in; it stores power to transfer to your hearing aids overnight.
  4. About once a week, plug your case in to fully recharge it.

You may want to consider setting a reminder so you never forget to plug in your charging case. This way your hearing aids will never be low on power.

Eargo hearing aids customization

With Sound Match, Eargo hearing aids show just how far hearing aid technology has come. When you position the devices in your ears for the first time, they conduct a 10-minute hearing aid screening. Then you can use the Eargo smartphone app to customize your hearing aid settings based on your personal needs.

It’s important to note, though, that over-the-counter hearing aids are not designed to specifically address your individual hearing loss the way hearing aids from an audiologist’s office are.

Eargo customer service and satisfaction

You have the following options for reaching customer service:

Ease of use was the second-most important factor (after price) for our Reviews Team’s survey respondents, and Eargo meets that criteria with hearing aids that can be used straight out of the box.

After unpacking your new hearing aids, you can either make adjustments yourself for the right fit and hearing setting, or you can call Eargo to get a hearing specialist’s help.

The fact that Eargo offers lifetime customer support with its team of audiologists and hearing aid specialists is another advantage, and it’s not something every hearing aid manufacturer provides.

Table 2 Comparing Eargo to other brands, as of April 2024

Cost per pair

Types of hearing aids

Types of hearing loss

Eargo$799–$2,950Completely-in-canalMild to moderate
Jabra Enhance$1,195–$1,995Behind-the-earMild to moderately severe
Phonak$2,400–$7,000

Behind-the-ear,
receiver-in-canal,
in-the-ear,
invisible-in-canal

Mild to profound
Starkey$2,265–$5,945

Behind-the-ear,
receiver-in-canal,
in-the-ear,
in-the-canal,
completely-in-canal,
invisible-in-canal

Mild to profound

What to consider before buying hearing aids

One of the first things many people consider when shopping for hearing aids is cost. They are definitely an investment, and because of that you may want to think about some other factors in addition to the price.

For example, what type of hearing loss do you have? While a variety of over-the-counter hearing aids can manage mild to moderate hearing loss, if your hearing loss is severe or profound, you will be limited to certain brands and may need to purchase your hearing aids through an audiologist (a professional who is trained to treat hearing loss).

Regarding design, think about whether you mind wearing a device behind your ear, or whether you want a device you can wear inside your ear so it isn’t noticeable. Also, consider the way a completely-in-canal device will feel in your ear. If you don’t like the way earbuds or earplugs feel inside your ear canal, a behind-the-ear device may be more comfortable for you.

Next, do you have a smartphone, and do you enjoy using it? Some hearing aids, like all the Eargo models, are designed to work with a mobile app on a smartphone. If you’d prefer to adjust your hearing aids manually without using an app, you may want to choose a model designed for that.

And finally, take a look at how long the hearing aids are covered by the warranty, and read online customer reviews before making a final decision.

A more expensive brand may be a better purchase in the end if the warranty is longer and/or covers more repairs. Customer support is always important too, especially if you decide on a hearing aid that is adjusted by a hearing specialist over the internet or phone.

How to buy Eargo hearing aids

The buying process with Eargo is different from how it used to be. Rather than taking a test in a hearing professional’s office and buying the hearing aids from them, you can complete the entire process online.

While many customers love the convenience of taking a hearing test and buying their devices online, there are pros and cons of purchasing a hearing aid online.

Other than convenience, the price is generally much cheaper for over-the-counter hearing aids. Many online companies do not have the overhead costs of in-person clinics, so they can keep device costs lower.

But keep in mind online hearing tests are not for everyone. For example, those with severe or profound hearing loss will need an in-person test with a hearing professional. And online hearing tests are not meant to diagnose the cause of hearing loss; they can only measure the degree of loss and give you an idea of which hearing aid can help correct your hearing.

Eargo hearing aids customer reviews

As of January 2024, Eargo has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of A, with 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 279 customer reviews. Most of the negative reviews are from customers who have had problems getting refunds when they return their hearing aids.

The company’s Trustpilot customer rating is “excellent,” with 4.7 out of 5 stars from 188 reviews.

The Eargo 6 are very comfortable to wear on a daily basis. Sound has been very good and using the Mobile app has been easy. Customer service has been excellent from first contact to order and follow up after delivery. I recommend trying Eargo if you need a hearing device.

— PAT M, EARGO CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG)

I purchased a pair of Eargo 5 hearing aids a little over one month ago. They are truly invisible and very functional. I am hearing so many things that I didn’t even realize I was missing. Like the ticking of a clock and the dialogue & background music or other sounds on television or movies. I am 70 years old and was skeptical at first, but I ordered a free pair of non-working aids to see for myself how small they are. Then I ordered the real things and have had zero regrets. EARGO customer service and their app (to fine tune your aids) are both outstanding. Plus there is a 45 day money-back guarantee. Try them out for yourself!

— JOHN G, EARGO CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BBB.ORG)

Eargo told me the small device size prevented [the] addition of more features. Then about a year later they come out with two new models with features that would solve my issues. They offer no meaningful upgrade policy. I offered $1000 to upgrade, which they turned down. They expect me to pay twice for lifetime audiology support and sales commission.

— WALTER STARK, EARGO CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM TRUSTPILOT.COM)

Bottom line

If you have mild to moderate high frequency hearing loss and want to buy your hearing aids online, Eargo may be a great choice for you.

While all hearing aids are a costly investment, Eargo products are well-made and are available at an affordable price compared to many other over-the-counter hearing aids.

Frequently asked questions

Based on our Reviews Team’s research, we think Eargo hearing aids offer quite a few features that are important to customers: rechargeable batteries, nearly invisible design, 24/7 customer support, and the ability to make adjustments to your hearing aids at home.

As far as durability, the company says they should last about three years. The replacement cost is something to consider when deciding on any hearing aids. You will need to budget for the purchase of a new pair every three years or so.

Keeping your hearing aids clean and dry will go a long way towards helping them last longer, according to audiologist HopeLanter.

“The need for replacement or repair during the warranty period is most linked to how well the devices are cared for,”
said Lanter.

“High-quality hearing aids are precision instruments that need to be taken care of properly. The most important elements of hearing aid maintenance include keeping them safely stored, dry, and clean. The good news is hearing aid maintenance is very easy. Once a week cleaning should prolong [their] lifetime considerably.”

Eargo devices are FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids, not hearing amplifiers or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). While hearing amplifiers increase all sounds equally, hearing aids work differently.

Hearing aids amplify certain sound frequencies, making soft sounds louder, but not amplifying loud sounds as much. They can also automatically adjust to reduce background noise, wind noise, whistling, and feedback.

According to the company, its hearing aids should last about three years. After that point, you will need to get a new pair.

Yes, you can adjust the volume on all four Eargo models. You can even set them to “mute” if you want some peace and quiet.

If you are a member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), you are eligible for free Eargo hearing aids. [5] American Federation of Government Employees. Eargo Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.afge.org/member-benefits/health/eargo-hearing-aids/ Other federal workers and retired government employees may also qualify for free Eargo hearing aids through their Federal Health Benefit program (FEHB). Call your insurance provider to get more information.

Our Reviews Team found that compared to other over-the-counter hearing aid prices and features, Eargo is a good buy. If you are looking for a small, rechargeable hearing aid you can adjust for different environments, this is a good brand to consider.

Medicare Parts A and B do not pay for the cost of hearing tests or hearing aids. [6] Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids Some Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) do cover extra health expenses such as hearing. If you have Part C, contact your Medicare provider to find out if your plan covers hearing aids and if so, how much of the total cost.

It depends on the model you’re wearing. Eargo 5, LINK by Eargo, and Eargo SE hearing aids are not water resistant, so they’ll need to be removed before showering or doing anything that might get them significantly wet. Despite not being water resistant, the LINK by Eargo and Eargo SE are sweat- and splash-resistant, so you can wear them for a workout but not in the water. Eargo 6 and 7 have a water-resistance rating of IPX 7 and are submersible in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes, but they can still be damaged by too much water or moisture. Eargo does not recommend showering or swimming while wearing them, or even entering a hot tub or steam room with them.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. The White House. FDA Takes Action to Deliver Lower-Cost, Innovative Hearing Aids to Millions More Americans. Found on the internet at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2016/12/07/fda-takes-action-deliver-lower-cost-innovative-hearing-aids-millions-more-americans
  2. Federal Trade Commission. Ideas for Buying Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ideas-buying-hearing-aids#Government 
  3. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/over-counter-hearing-aids
  4. The Hearing Journal. Benefits of a Home Hearing Test. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2020/07000/benefits_of_a_home_hearing_test.9.aspx
  5. American Federation of Government Employees. Eargo Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.afge.org/member-benefits/health/eargo-hearing-aids/
  6. Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
Pros and cons of Eargo Eargo hearing aids review Eargo 5 Cost How to buy Eargo hearing aids Eargo customer reviews Bottom line FAQ