Eargo Review

Eargo hearing aids have been on the market since 2015 and can be purchased without consulting a hearing health professional. They are rechargeable, virtually invisible and cost less than prescription hearing aids. But are they the right ones for your needs? This Eargo review will help you make that important decision.

Best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss

Eargo hearing aids are available over-the-counter (OTC), so you can buy them without a prescription. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), such OTC devices are best suited to those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Cases of severe hearing loss are generally more complex and require a health specialist and prescription devices.

Eargo hearing aids are self-fitting and automatically adapt to the surrounding sounds. They can help speech sound louder and clearer and allow you to personalize your listening settings. Eargo devices have advanced technology and are almost invisible in your ear. Notably, these hearing aids are also FDA-approved.

Eargo Pros and Cons

Pros explained

Most models have a “Sound Adjust” feature that modifies the device settings automatically based on their environment

A feature that was introduced on the Eargo 6, Sound Adjust uses an algorithm to amplify useful sounds and subdue background noises automatically. This is particularly useful when listening to voices in a busy environment like a restaurant. The Eargo 6 and Eargo 7 models have Sound Adjust technology.

The in-ear design makes them almost invisible

All Eargo models are completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid styles — they sit snugly inside your ear canal and are barely visible. The company makes some of the smallest hearing aids on the market, and most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing them. The soft silicone petal tips keep the device comfortably in place in your ear.

All hearing devices come with a one or two-year warranty

The Eargo 7 model comes with a two-year warranty from the company, while all the other models have a one-year warranty. These warranties begin on the date you receive your Eargo devices, and they cover repairs as well as one-time loss or damage. Certain limitations apply. Eargo also offers a 45-day trial period with every order. During this period, you can return your Eargo devices if you are unsatisfied.

Cons explained

Not all devices are water-resistant

The Eargo 5 models are not water-resistant, which could be inconvenient if you plan on wearing them in the rain or while exercising. However, the new Eargo 6 and 7 models are water-resistant — not waterproof — for 30 minutes up to a depth of one meter. However, this won’t allow users to wear them while swimming or showering.

Not suitable for users with severe-to-profound hearing loss

As stated earlier, the sound amplification of Eargo hearing aids is best suited for mild to moderate hearing loss. They aren’t loud enough for users with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Eargo hearing aids are OTC devices, which may not be suitable for everyone.

They need to be recharged daily

Eargo hearing aids usually must be charged daily due to the small battery. The device’s size limits the dimensions of its rechargeable battery, and the Eargo 6 will give you about 16 hours of use from a full charge.

Eargo offerings

Eargo products are currently in their seventh generation. Each new model comes with upgrades, while some older models are still available at a lower price.

Eargo 7

Eargo 7 is the company’s newest and most advanced model to date. The devices feature an updated Sound Adjust+ feature that includes Clarity Mode, making the device even better at separating important sounds like voices in noisy environments. It also features an IPX7 water and sweat resistance rating, making it marginally better than the previous Eargo 6 model in that regard. As expected, the Eargo 7 is the company’s most expensive model. However, it also comes with a two-year warranty, while all the other models only have one-year warranty coverage.

Eargo 6

The Eargo 6 model was launched in January 2022, so it’s still new and has many of the useful features that the newer Eargo 7 boasts. The automatic Sound Adjust functionality, IPX7-tested water resistance and inductive charging are all included in the Eargo 6. It is also cheaper than the Eargo 7.

Eargo 5

The Eargo 5 is the oldest of Eargo’s numbered series of hearing aid products. This model still has inductive charging and can be controlled using the comprehensive Eargo app like the two newer models. However, it is not water resistant and doesn’t have an automatic sound adjust feature. Since it’s significantly cheaper than the newer models, the Eargo 5 still offers good value.

Eargo accessories

All Eargo hearing aid purchases come with the following items:

• Two hearing aid devices
• Tips and mic caps (different sizes and types so you can choose the best fit)
• Cleaning tool
• Charger
• Power cord
• Power adapter

Eargo also allows you to purchase its accessories separately. The following items are available for the customization and upkeep of your hearing aids.

• Silicone tips: To get the most comfortable and effective fit, there are different sizes and shapes of silicone tips that you can buy. For the Eargo 5, 6 and 7 models, you can get either open or closed “Petals” in medium or large.
• Mic caps: Mic caps attach to the outer end of the hearing aid and offer protection for the microphone. These are compatible with the Eargo 5, 6 and 7 models. The company suggests changing these mic caps as well as the silicone tips once a month or whenever the sound quality deteriorates.
• Charger, cord, and adapter bundle: This bundle contains the induction charger as well as the electric cord and adapter (USB-C or USB-A) for the Eargo 5, 6 and 7 models.
• Cord and adapter bundle: This bundle contains only the cord and adapter (USB-C or USB-A) that is compatible with the Eargo 5, 6 and 7 induction charger.

Eargo pricing

Eargo hearing aids cost significantly less than prescription hearing aids and are priced roughly between $1,500 and $3,000 for a pair.

Eargo has a habit of offering introductory discounts on its new products, so look into that if you’re considering the brand’s most recent offerings. The company also has monthly payment plans (subject to approval). Its products are part of a broader trend of cheaper hearing aids that are easily accessible and offer high functionality.

Eargo financial stability

Eargo is a medical device company based in San Jose, California, co-founded by ENT (ear, nose, throat) surgeon Florent Michel. After receiving multiple rounds of funding, it was listed on the Nasdaq in 2020.

There are also other favorable signs about Eargo’s financial stability. Net revenue and gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2022 were higher than the corresponding quarter in 2021. Much of the company’s growth is driven by increased sales (in terms of systems shipped).

Finally, the company’s year-on-year operating expenses have decreased due to streamlining. In short, Eargo currently appears financially stable as of writing this.

Eargo accessibility

Eargo is positioned as a highly approachable company that’s open to helping current and potential customers with all their hearing device inquiries.

Availability

Eargo hearing aid products were initially available only through the company’s online portals but can now be purchased in physical stores. The medical device company has partnered with Victra and retails its hearing aids in 1,500 store locations across the U.S.

Contact information

You can contact an Eargo specialist at 1 (855) 457-4221 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST on Saturdays. The company’s representatives can assist with issues or queries regarding their products and help you decide which Eargo hearing aid is best for your needs.

Eargo promises lifetime support for as long as you are using their products. A live chat service and a plugin to find Eargo store locations near you are also available on the company’s website.

User experience

Acquiring and using Eargo hearing aids starts with a convenient hearing screener plugin on the company’s website. You can use this to determine how well you hear and whether you need a hearing aid. Before purchasing an Eargo device, you can also order a (non-working) fit-and-feel kit to get a sense of the product.

The hearing aids are customizable through the Eargo app. All Eargo models have Sound Match technology,  which allows users to adjust the settings on their hearing aids for their hearing level. The included induction charger also has an inbuilt battery and doubles as a portable charger.

Eargo customer satisfaction

Eargo has received overwhelmingly good feedback on online customer review sites. Most reviews compliment the company’s customer service, noting their helpful responses through multiple communication channels (phone, email and tutorial videos). The quality and functionality of Eargo hearing aids also have favorable consumer reports.

Most concerns are related to difficulty using the app. If smartphone technology doesn’t come easy to you, this may not be the product for you. However, the company does offer customer support.

How we evaluated Eargo

In compiling this Eargo hearing aid review, we evaluated the following factors:

• Pros and cons: We considered the benefits and limitations of Eargo hearing aids as well as their features.
• Pricing: We analyzed the pricing range of various Eargo hearing aid models and the value they offer.
• Accessibility and ease of use: We considered how easy it is to try and buy Eargo products.
• Customer experience: We analyzed customer reviews and feedback on various online review platforms.
• Company profile: We evaluated Eargo’s financial stability and the likelihood of it being around for years to support its customers.

Summary of The Sacramento Bee’s Eargo review

Eargo is a modern medical device company that makes some of the smallest and most high-functioning OTC hearing aids on the market. Its products are competitively priced, and the company’s offerings and customer service have exceedingly good reviews.

Eargo hearing aids are a very viable option for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Though the short battery life can be inconvenient, the included portable charging case and features like the automatic sound adjust still make these a great value proposition.