Eargo Hearing Aids Review: Is This OTC Brand Right for You?
Eargo is known for its discreet in-the-canal hearing aids using the latest hearing technology. Find out whether Eargo hearing aids are a good fit for you.
- The Eargo brand is known for making discreet, in-the-canal rechargeable hearing aids you can buy without a prescription. They have a limited lineup of styles, but offer features like Bluetooth streaming for an affordable price.
- The Eargo hearing aids in this roundup cost between $799–$2,699.
- The Eargo app walks users through setup and adjusting presets and volume for the devices.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best invisible hearing aids, we:
- Consulted with audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and aging care experts
- Put more than 50 hearing aids through a series of 21 different tests
- Mystery shopped more than 20 brands
- Surveyed hundreds of older adults who use hearing aids
- Interviewed experts on hearing loss
- Sent hearing aids to our friends and family with hearing loss to provide long-term testing notes
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new hearing aids to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.
Trying to find the best OTC hearing aids can take a lot of research, given all the options out there. One way to narrow down the choices is to decide if you like the more traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) style or something more discreet. Styles like in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) models are more discreet because the hearing aids rest inside the ear rather than behind it. And because these styles are more discreet, older adults may feel more comfortable wearing them. After all, this research found almost half (48%) of older adults surveyed said their decision to not wear hearing aids was due to the stigma of being seen as old and disabled.1
Eargo specializes in invisible hearing aids. Eargo has brought some of the only invisible OTC hearing aids to the market, and one of the only earbud-style hearing aids with Bluetooth streaming. We delve into these and other features in our Eargo hearing aids review.
Read on to learn more about this brand and its small yet high-quality selection of ITE hearing aids, and decide whether they may be a good fit for you.
First time getting hearing aids?
Start with an in-person exam with a hearing professional. That can rule out any issues that hearing aids won’t solve (like impacted ear wax).
Why we recommend Eargo hearing aids
Eargo focuses on quality over quantity. Their lineup includes two CIC models and one ITE, all of which feature rechargeable batteries and a sleek style. Their newer (and smaller) hearing aids have a 16-hour battery life and come with an on-the-go charging case with 100 more hours of charge time. Eargo’s focus on technology means all its devices can be controlled from a smartphone, using an app our testers found to be straightforward.
Eargo offers all its hearing aids in a single color, black. The designs have a high-end look and are both comfortable and secure. The hearing aids all come with a 45-day free trial and a one-year warranty. A lot of the features you’ll find on Eargo hearing aids are on par with what you’d find on prescription hearing aids, for a much lower price.
- All models offer either Bluetooth connectivity or Bluetooth streaming
- Can be adjusted by remote, app, or manually
- All models have rechargeable batteries and on-the-go charging
- Comes with lifetime customer support
Comparing Eargo hearing aids
| Comparison Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hearing aid type* | ITE |
CIC |
CIC |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
Rechargeable |
Rechargeable |
| Bluetooth streaming | Yes |
No |
No |
| Warranty (years) | 1 |
1 |
2 |
*ITE: In-the-ear; CIC: Completely-in-canal
Understanding Eargo hearing aid models
Eargo Link: The entry-level earbud
These earbud-style OTC hearing aids are Eargo’s lowest-priced model. They are also one of the only earbud-style hearing aids with the ability to stream music or phone calls. While the Bluetooth quality is good, these are definitely not a discreet hearing aid, unlike Eargo’s other offerings. They also have below-average battery life (9 hours) and sound amplification.
Eargo Link
- Type of hearing aid: Earbud
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: Yes
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Battery life: 9 hours
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Trial period: 45 days
Our experience with the Eargo Link
As one of the first earbud-style hearing aids with Bluetooth streaming, the Eargo Link is larger than most ITC hearing aids. Our testers gave the Link high marks for the technology, but had trouble with its size, look, and fit. “They're an interesting choice for the brand, as they're not small, light, or discreet, which is kind of what the brand is known for,” said one tester. “They never felt completely ‘right’ in my ears. I found myself playing with the earbuds every few minutes to make sure they were still in my ears well enough.” The Eargo Link didn’t budge during light exercise or a run, but one tester felt like they might, noting, “They didn’t fall out, but they feel like they got much looser.” Our other tester had no similar issues, so fit could vary depending on your preferences or the shape of your ear.
The Link’s larger size helped with changing domes. “It was pretty easy to switch out the domes since they are larger and they slide off easily,” said a tester. “It was definitely easier to get them off than the Eargo 7 domes. The dome fit definitely has a big impact on how well you can hear. I love the small open domes to minimize how much I can hear my own voice.”
The Link can stream calls and Bluetooth audio using the Eargo app, and testers agreed this was a top feature. “Connecting to Bluetooth worked extremely well, with multiple methods of pairing available,” said one tester. “You can pair the hearing aids to your phone with or without the app, which is nice.” The Bluetooth connection extends over long distances (up to 150 feet) with no deterioration in sound quality, testers noted. “The music and streaming sound quality is top tier,” one said. “The music audio quality is really good, and it’s nice that it’s noise-canceling.”
The Eargo Link features four adjustable preset hearing modes you can change using the app or by double-tapping the device. You can customize these presets, and the Link will remember your preferences. “Autosave on adjustments of programs is a great feature,” said one tester. But that tester was disappointed you can’t tap the device to control volume. You can only control it through the app.
Our testers’ biggest criticism of the Eargo Link was its size. “It is not discreet at all,” one said. “You can see them from the front and side and they look like cordless headphones because of the shape and black in color. The Eargo logo also almost looks like the Beats logo. I worry that people might not talk to me because they think I’m listening to music, not that they are hearing aids. I’m sure some people like that the Link doesn’t look like a normal hearing aid, though.” The size also affected the fit, and our testers found them to be heavy and bulky.
Eargo SE: The mid-range invisible model
The Eargo SE (Signature Essentials) CIC rechargeable hearing aid is the brand’s mid-range option, at a price midway between the Link and the Eargo 8. Like the higher-end model, the SE has a discreet design, on-the-go charging, app control, and four listening presets. These features make it a good value for a CIC hearing aid.
Eargo SE
- Type of hearing aid: CIC
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: Yes
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Battery life: 16 hours
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Trial period: 45 days
Our experience with the Eargo SE
Testers praised the Eargo SE for its comfortable fit, discreet design, and app connectivity. After finding the correct size dome, one tester was able to insert the hearing aids into their ear to where it was barely noticeable by the color. Eargo offers all its hearing aids in a single color, black. “The device is discreet, however, a skin-toned color might blend in more,” A tester said.
Our testers appreciated that each device is marked with the letters R or L to indicate right and left. That made inserting them and charging them a little more straightforward. “You always know which hearing aid goes in each ear,” a tester said.
“The fit feels really great,” said one tester. “I don't even notice them in my ear. I moved all around, and I didn’t get any feedback. The hearing aids were snug and did not move around.”
One of our testers, who wears glasses and has dexterity issues, noted the small size of the Eargo SE made changing the domes and wax guards somewhat difficult for her. “I had to recruit the help of someone to pull them off and put them on,” the tester said. “My eyesight is not good, and my dexterity is not the greatest, so if you don't have those issues, you should be fine.”
The same tester had similar issues manually adjusting the volume on the device. “The buttons are really small on the hearing aids,” the tester said. “I would prefer to use just the app instead of those because they are difficult to find and adjust properly. Once the app was connected, it was very easy to switch settings or change the volume. I didn't love the buttons on the actual hearing aids to switch settings, but the option is nice. For people with dexterity issues, use the app.”
Setting up and using the app was not complicated, according to testers. You just scan a QR code to get started. One tester commented that because there aren’t too many options—just volume control, different situational settings, and noise reduction—the app feels simple to use.
Testers were happy with the sound quality, particularly one of the presets. “The sound is really great in the restaurant setting,” said one tester. “It sounds natural and just a little more amplified for me. In other settings, voices were too amplified, like a megaphone, or too tinny-sounding. Some sounds are a little jarring but it's probably because I am not used to hearing them.”
It is not uncommon for new users to feel this way as they get used to wearing hearing aids. The adjustment period can take up to several months, according to the FDA.2 One of our long-term testers got used to the Eargo SE by wearing the hearing aids for several hours a few times per week and gradually increasing the length of time spent wearing them over three months. He noted that adjusting to the different sounds and the feeling of the devices takes time and isn't an immediate "magic bullet."
“Overall these hearing aids seem like a great budget item with Bluetooth connectivity to make set-up and personalization as easy as possible,” said a tester. “The device fits and works well for me with some slight tweaking of the tips and the settings in the app. Overall the sound quality is great, amplifying one voice and it does a good job in a busy room.”
Eargo 8: The most advanced model
The Eargo 8 is the newest model from the brand, and the smallest. In our roundup of the best hearing aids, we named it the best invisible hearing aid because of its discreet design. Other upgrades include improved smart sound quality, better dust and water resistance, and a two-year warranty (all other products from the brand have a one-year limited warranty). The Eargo 8 features an on-the-go charging case compatible with wireless chargers and provides up to two weeks of battery power.
Eargo 8
- Type of hearing aid: CIC
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: Yes
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Battery life: 16 hours
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Trial period: 45 days
Our experience with the Eargo 8
The Eargo 8 is the newest and smallest CIC hearing aid from the brand—and has the highest cost. Eargo justifies the price tag with more on-the-go charging power, smart sound technology, and better water and dust resistance (it earned the top ingress protection rating, IP68, meaning it’s dust-proof and water-resistant).
Our testers praised the Eargo 8 as discreet, comfortable, and secure. “The device is very discreet,” said one tester. “I can’t see them at all. The only thing showing is the removal wire, and it is so thin and small it's undetectable.” The small size could make changing the domes and wax guards difficult for people who have dexterity and eyesight issues, said one tester. But that is true for most invisible hearing aids.
Testers said the Eargo 8s were comfortable. “The fit was good in my ear,” said one. “When I moved around, it did not move. The device did not have any feedback and remained stable in my ear.”
Testers were able to get the Eargo app through a link in the packaging. They reported no issues connecting to and using the app to change settings or volume on the devices. Like the SE, one tester wanted the ability to adjust the sound manually as well as through the app. “One thing that is frustrating is the volume in the app doesn't correspond with numbers,” they said. “While there is a noise in your ear to indicate a change in volume, it doesn't say whether it is going up or down or what number.” But they liked the ability to customize the noise reduction and volume outside of presets, and felt the app worked well overall.
There were also no problems charging the Eargo 8s. “The charger is great, very small and compact,” said one tester. “The hearing aids snap into place and easily charge.” The Eargo 8’s on-the-go charging case holds up to 14 days' worth of battery power, more than double that of the next model down (the Eargo SE). It is also compatible with wireless charging devices, which can be a convenient feature. Testers did point out that, unlike some other models, the Eargo 8’s charging case does not have a magnetic component. “You need to really push the hearing aids down in the charging case to make sure the connection points are engaging,” one said.
One tester was disappointed with the sound quality. “While changing the modes is easy to do, the modes aren't the most helpful with noise or creating a natural-sounding environment,” one said. “All of the sound is just a little off and doesn't sound as natural as some of the other brands I have tried. Overall, the sound is amplified, and it does help, but I hear a faint echo.”
Despite some issues, testers still liked the Eargo 8. “Overall, these hearing aids did a good job of amplifying sound,” said one tester. “ I loved how small and discreet they were, and they connected to the app easily.” The extended warranty, which is double the life of all other Eargo devices, is also a nice feature of this model.
Eargo pros and cons
No single hearing aid is right for everyone. Choosing the best fit for you can depend on a lot of factors and personal preferences. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Eargo brand:
Pros
- Discreet, nearly invisible design
- App control can be helpful, given the small size of these hearing aids
- 45-day return option and one-year warranty
Cons
- Limited selection of styles and colors
- Not every model has Bluetooth streaming
- The small size may pose a challenge for someone with vision or dexterity issues
Who should consider Eargo hearing aids:
- Anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss who prefers a discreet, ITE option
- Someone who likes using a smartphone app to control their hearing aids
- People who like streaming calls or music but don’t want to pay high-end prescription prices
You may consider other options if you:
- Prefer a larger behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) style
- Want features that require more power and space than an ITE or CIC option can provide
- Have difficulty dealing with small parts or smartphone apps
The Eargo customer experience
- Warranty and trial period: 45-day risk-free trial period for all Eargo devices; one- to two-year manufacturer’s warranty depending on model
- Financing: Yes
- Customer service:
- By phone: 855-435-0174 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT)
- Using chat: Representatives are available during the same times as above
Warranties
Eargo offers a one-year limited warranty on all its hearing aids and chargers, except for the Eargo 8, which comes with a two-year limited warranty. The warranty covers repairs free of charge. You can also get a one-time replacement for a lost Eargo 8 or Eargo SE for a flat fee of $395 per unit and $295 per unit, respectively.
If you have an Eargo SE, you may also purchase Eargo Care ($300), a service that extends the warranty by one year. Eargo Care also includes priority phone and email support, four extra packages of tips (three sets per package), and a one-on-one session with an Eargo Hearing Aid Expert.
Eargo hearing aids costs and purchasing options
Eargo hearing aids cost between $799–$2,699. Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part A and Part B, do not cover the full cost of hearing aids. Medicare Advantage (Part C) may cover some of your hearing aid costs.3 If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA), you may also be able to use those for the purchase of hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered. Eargo allows you to use that as an option at checkout.
Eargo offers financing with as low as 0% APR through Bread Pay. And Eargo offers discounts to veterans and active military service members, first responders, and health care workers.
Cost comparison of Eargo hearing aids
| Comparison Features | Eargo Link |
Eargo SE |
Eargo 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $799 |
$1,699 |
$2,699 |
| Type | ITE |
CIC |
CIC |
| Model notes | 9-hour battery life, on-the-go charging, Bluetooth compatible, IP54 rated for sweat and splash resistance |
16-hour battery life, on-the-go charging, IP54 rated for sweat and splash resistance |
16-hour battery life, on-the-go charging, smart sound adjust, IP68 rated for water and sweat resistance |
How to take care of Eargo hearing aids
Eargo recommends you clean your hearing aids every day. Built-up oil, wax, and other debris can damage your hearing aids’ performance.
Your Eargo hearing aids come with a cleaning cloth and tool. On one side of the tool is a brush, on the other is a wiper.
Start by brushing the mic cap in your hearing aids (the back part that sticks out of your ears). That helps to remove debris blocking the microphone. Then, brush the hearing aid petals (also known as “domes”) to clear debris from the tip and holes.
After, wipe the entire hearing aid down with the cleaning cloth. This can help prevent wax from building up.
Eargo recommends you clean your hearing aids every day to keep them working well and preventing wax from building up.
How to set up Eargo hearing aids
The Eargo brand does a good job of simplifying the steps involved from unboxing your devices to using them. Testers for each of the three different models had similar experiences and described the process of connecting to and using the app as “intuitive.”
Our testers were impressed with the ease of setting up their new hearing aids. “Setting up the hearing aids and connecting them to Bluetooth working was not difficult. There were multiple ways of pairing,” one tester said. “It required a bit more to customize the settings in the app. The printed manual described the setup, but also lacked in some areas and mentioned products not included.”
A tester of the Eargo SE preferred watching setup videos on the Eargo website. The only snag they hit was not knowing that the devices had already connected to their phone. “Everything was quick, easy, and intuitive,” the tester said. “The videos were very helpful for visuals. I liked how it helped me understand the different tapping motions to change between settings.” When it came to using the app, testers said, “I like how simple the app is; however, I would like more labeling of the presets and volume controls.”
The tester of the Eargo 8 said, “I didn't even need to use the manual to get things going. The app downloaded to my phone, recognized the hearing aids, and had them up and running without issue. I didn't have to click Bluetooth or anything. I just took them out of the case, placed them in my ear, and started using them. With the app installed, they immediately were available to start changing the settings and volume.” This tester agreed with the tester of the Eargo SE that more descriptions around the settings and volume would be helpful. But using the app felt straightforward.
In our February 2025 survey of hearing aids users, 70% of respondents listed Bluetooth connectivity in the top three features that were most important to them when buying hearing aids.4
The Eargo app
Eargo provides a link to download their free app to any iOS 12.0+ and Android 7.0+ smartphone. The app connects to the hearing aids via Bluetooth and guides you through the setup process. You can then use the app to control the volume and preset hearing programs, or, depending on the device, stream music or take calls.
One user of the Eargo 8 said, “The hearing aids are very intuitive, especially with the use of the app. I wouldn't even need to look at the manual. The app is very simplistic in nature and gets the job done when it comes to changing settings such as presets or volume. You can change the noise reduction and volume on your own as well as outside of the presets.”
A user of the Eargo SE agreed, noting, “You can pair the hearing aids to your phone without the app, though, which is nice. It was very easy to get connected to the app.”
Eargo accessories
Every Eargo hearing aid comes with tips, a charger, a power cord, a cleaning brush, and a cleaning cloth. You can also purchase extras of any of these items in case you lose one.
Are Eargo aids right for you?
Eargo hearing aids are made for adults who have mild to moderate hearing loss. They are all in-the-ear or completely-in-canal style rechargeable OTC hearing aids. Eargo hearing aids are some of the most discreet and technologically advanced hearing aids on the market. Our tests found them to be a good option for those who don’t want people to see they’re wearing a hearing aid and are comfortable with app control for adjustments.
To find out whether Eargo hearing aids are right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- What is your budget? OTC hearing aids can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Eargo offers affordable, invisible hearing aids with some advanced features. If you're looking for a more affordable hearing aid, Audien offers several options. You can read more about them in our Audien review. Or check out our guide to the best affordable hearing aids.
- How severe is your hearing loss? Eargo OTC hearing aids are designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe to profound hearing loss, we recommend consulting an audiologist to get a prescription for hearing aids.
- Do you care if people can see your hearing aids? Whether you prefer the look of ITE hearing aids or are shy about people knowing you have hearing loss, Eargo’s small, discreet designs may suit you. But you will trade some features for the smaller size. If you don’t worry about who knows you have hearing loss, you can explore other options.
- Have you worn hearing aids before? If this is your first time wearing hearing aids, you may need a longer time to adjust to them. Eargo only offers a 45-day trial period, but Jabra is a company that offers a 100-day trial period. Read about them in our Jabra hearing aid review.
- Are you picky about style or color? Eargo offers only three models and one color for all its devices. So if that’s a big factor for you, you may not be satisfied with the limited selection.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Eargo hearing aids cost?
Eargo hearing aids cost between $799–$2,699.
Are Eargo hearing aids sold without a prescription?
Yes, Eargo makes only over-the-counter hearing aids that can be purchased without a prescription. Getting a professional hearing test to rule out other medical causes for your hearing loss and serve as a baseline is always a good idea, though.
Are Eargo hearing aids worth it?
In our tests, Eargo was one of the top-rated brands for discreet, in-the-canal hearing aids. With the range of costs, a 45-day trial period, and discounts for some groups, it is likely that you can find an Eargo hearing aid that fits your budget.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.