Taking Eargo’s Online Hearing Screening

Like all OTC hearing aids, Eargo hearing aids don’t require an in-person visit to a practitioner’s office. Instead, they bring the entire process online. You can take a hearing test and begin the process of getting a hearing aid whenever and wherever you want.

Eargo can easily recommend which of several stock settings will work for you because it has clearly defined its niche. The company’s remote hearing care professionals select the configuration most likely to meet your needs using an online hearing screening and extensive interactive interviews. Eargo will then ship the hearing aids directly to you. Once you receive them, you can make adjustments to your settings.

Screenshot of Eargo’s online hearing test

Some of Eargo’s products include a smartphone app that provides even more sound customization, including the Sound Match assessment. If you'd rather have an expert assist you, like with Jabra, another OTC hearing aid manufacturer, Eargo offers the option to remotely program the devices in a “telemedicine” format.

Screenshot of Eargo’s in-app SoundMatch test

During my conversation with Eargo’s in-house personnel, I asked them what happens if a person’s hearing loss is not quite right for their hearing aids. They were emphatic that they only want to fit individuals who will succeed, and they refer people who fall outside their lane to a partner audiologist for a more traditional hearing evaluation. They may also request a copy of a traditional hearing test before making a final decision on candidacy.

If you're new to hearing aids and hearing tests, visit our 2024 hearing aid buyer's guide to learn everything you need to know before purchasing a pair of hearing aids.

Comparing Eargo Hearing Aids

Testing Eargo Hearing Aids

Everything included in the Eargo 7 box

Unboxing My Devices

Shortly after my conversations with the Eargo audiology team, they were kind enough to send me a pair of the Eargo 7 hearing aids to try. Eargo 7 is Eargo’s most technologically advanced, and expensive, hearing aid.

The pre-delivery communication was excellent, including a recommendation that I have my ears cleaned so wax would not interfere with the fitting. I also received shipping updates and a delivery confirmation.

The Eargo 7 packaging was well-designed and efficient. One of my pet peeves is over-boxing, but Eargo’s box is just big enough to hold all the components and documentation. Plus, it offered instructions as you opened the package so that you know what to do each step of the way.

Simple instructions like “scan first” make Eargo unboxing and set up a breeze.

Right away, I noticed the sleek look of the charging case and the hearing aids. They are cool and modern! Even though the devices are very small, the right and left markers are large and clear, which is great for seniors with vision loss. In my 30 years of fitting hearing aids, I’ve found that one of the most common issues with new users is getting the devices in their ears correctly, so this is a big help.

Eargo 7 devices with easy-to-read “R” and “L” labels

Using the Eargo App

Once I unboxed the Eargo devices, I downloaded and installed the smartphone app (I use an Android device, but it’s also available for Apple devices). Below are a few screenshots to give you an idea of how the app looks. I found the app to be intuitive, cleanly designed, and, most importantly, functional. I was able to connect and set up the hearing aids in under 10 minutes (after first charging them for several hours).

Eargo app navigation menu

Temporarily adjusting the noise filter in the Eargo app

Adjusting the Eargo hearing aid volume independently or simultaneously within the app

You can also use the app to have one of Eargo’s online audiologists fine-tune your hearing aids if you’re still having problems after wearing them for a few weeks. That is an excellent balance of support and independence. I always encourage my patients to take charge of their hearing loss rehabilitation. I scheduled a video call with an Eargo professional through the mobile app and found that the schedule was wide open, so I had no trouble finding a time that worked for me.

Schedule a video call with an Eargo Hearing Professional within the app

Eargo’s approach will likely be best for people who are comfortable with technology. That said, it appears Eargo provides enough support for less tech-savvy older adults, as long as their hearing loss is within the range of what Eargo devices can accommodate.

The Details: Eargo Hearing Aid Models

The Eargo comes in three levels of technology, all built into rechargeable, in-the-ear-style hearing aids with either inductive or contact charging for optimal power.

LINK by Eargo

Unboxing the LINK, Eargo's earbud-style hearing aids

LINK by Eargo is the most affordable option. It costs $799 for a pair or $26 per month with financing options. This is an earbud-style device instead of the CIC designs of Eargo’s pricier products.

It features Bluetooth 5.3 technology, so you can take calls and listen to music directly via your hearing aids from your phone. LINK sound quality is on par with other OTC brands I’ve tried. It comes with an extra supply of open ear tips in small and large, and closed ear tips in small, medium, and large. You can play around with the different styles and sizes, to see what gives you the best sound quality and most comfortable fit.

While it’s not invisible, LINK by Eargo is discreet — it looked like I was just wearing ordinary earbuds! These hearing aids are a good option for anyone with mild hearing loss who wants to keep that secret from the world.

One of our testers wearing LINK by Eargo hearing aids

Plus, the device has active noise and feedback cancellation for an easy hearing experience and comfortable phone call streaming.

If you’re looking for versatility and have mild hearing loss, LINK by Eargo is the way to go. While it doesn’t feature customizable settings like the more expensive models, it has four preset listening programs to choose from.

The LINK’s downfall, in my opinion, is that they only hold a charge for up to nine hours. If you do a lot of streaming, they’ll lose power in less time. I also wish they connected to Eargo’s app, as I could only make adjustments using the devices themselves. This might be tricky for those with dexterity issues. Still, if you’re just looking for a simple device, they’re a solid option.

Eargo SE

Eargo SE hearing aids are small and fit in the canal, making them very discreet.

Eargo SE is compatible with Eargo’s mobile app, so adjusting and personalizing your hearing aids on the go is a breeze. One thing to note is that you’ll need a fairly new phone in order to sync up your hearing aids to the app.

This is a mid-tier model, priced at $1,650 per pair, or as low as $54 per month with financing. It comes with Eargo’s Sound Match technology, quicker charging, and free remote adjustments. The device also has great sound quality and noise-reduction capabilities for a clearer hearing experience. With a nearly invisible fit, it’s discreet, rechargeable, and great for everyday use.

I also love the tiny charger case Eargo SE comes in. You can easily transport these in your back pocket or a small bag.

Eargo SE's charging case is small and portable.

Eargo 6

Testing out the Eargo 6

Eargo 6 is priced at $2,250 per pair with financing with financing options starting at $73 per month. This model is equipped with Sound Adjust features, which automatically optimize sounds when moving between environments. You can add programs for specific settings to your devices, such as TV, restaurant, and phone programs. I used the TV program while watching a show, and it made the experience more enjoyable; I didn’t have to rely on closed captioning to know what was going on.

Eargo's various program settings

These devices also work to automatically reduce background noise for a clearer and more natural listening experience. Eargo 6 features a water-resistant coating that can withstand a depth of up to 1 meter for about 30 minutes, so it’s great for accident-prone users. Eargo 6 is a great rechargeable hearing aid option for daily use. Its microbattery has a powerful run time of up to 16 hours.

One important caveat to note about Eargo devices is that some styles may not be suitable for all ear shapes and sizes. Sarah, one of SeniorLiving.org’s writers who has hearing loss, tested out Eargo 6 and found that the devices did not fit well in her small ears, causing some discomfort. Eargo offers medium and large petal ear tips for Eargo 6 and Eargo 7. Eargo SE and Eargo Link come with small, medium, and large ear tips. Luckily, Eargo has a 45-day return policy, so you can easily return your devices if they don’t work for you. You can read our full Eargo 6 review to learn more about Sarah’s experience.

Eargo 7

Eargo 7 in the charging case

Eargo 7 can last up to 16 hours on a single charge with a sleek, virtually invisible look. The largest update is the Sound Adjust+ feature, which includes Clarity Mode. I found that this feature is useful in many noisy environments, such as a busy coffee shop or loud office.

Clarity Mode determines how much to reduce background noise and amplify nearby sounds. I tried out this feature at my local cafe and found that I could still hear well despite the noisy atmosphere. Like the other Eargo models, Eargo 7 is primarily for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Along with a two-year warranty, Eargo 7 is water- and sweat-resistant. When I tested out the product, I worked out and took a long shower, and the devices still worked like a charm. All you have to do is wipe them off with a dry cloth after they’ve been exposed to water.

Potential customers should also be comfortable with smartphone technology, as the mobile app is used to adjust the volume and other settings on the Eargo 7. When I tried out the mobile app, it took me a few tries to get my smartphone to connect to the Eargo devices. Luckily, the mobile app walks you through the setup process and offers lots of helpful videos and articles for all aspects of using the products, from charging to adjusting features.

Compared to some of its high-end competitors, Eargo 7 is affordable. Pricing for the Eargo 7 starts at $2,950 per pair or as low as $96 per month.

Customer Service

Every Eargo customer is paired with a personal hearing professional who will provide you with lifetime support for your product. I received a welcome call when I first got my hearing aids so that all of their functions could be explained to me. I could also reach out to this person as needed, for the life of my hearing aids. Consultations and hearing checks are done remotely from the safety of your home — or wherever you happen to be when you need assistance.

There are video tutorials available online 24/7 as well as a customer service line that is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Plus, the Eargo app comes with helpful tutorials, videos, and FAQs. I found the videos to be succinct and helpful. You will find information about everything from programming to cleaning your devices.

30-day tutorial program inside the Eargo app

All hearing aids come with a 45-day return policy if you're not 100 percent satisfied. Hearing aids have a learning curve, and it can take a month to really get used to wearing them. Many manufacturers only offer a 30-day return option, so the added weeks may potentially be a money-saver for you if the hearing aids don’t work out. Depending on the model you purchase, the hearing aids come with a one- or two-year warranty covering any manufacturer defects.

Eargo vs. Other Hearing Aid Brands

As you shop for OTC hearing aids, it’s important to compare your options. I’ll break down how Eargo compares to some of our other favorite brands below.

Jabra Enhance

Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids

Jabra Enhance hearing aids are in the same financial ballpark as Eargo. Their least expensive hearing aid, the Enhance Select 50R, ranges in price from $995 to $1,195, based on the package you choose. Their most expensive model, the Enhance Select 500, ranges from $1,795 to $1,995.

Unlike Eargo’s CIC and earbud styles, Jabra Enhance hearing aids come in receiver-in-canal and behind-the-ear models. Some are available in micro and mini sizes. Some of my patients prefer the feel of this type of hearing aid, so I recommend trying on a couple pairs of both RIC and CIC types, to determine what you like best.

Like Eargo, Jabra offers ongoing professional support with a hearing specialist. If you opt into a care package that provides this level of personalized care, you’ll need to be comfortable attending Zoom meetings.

Jabra also offers packages that are less expensive. If you choose one of those, you’ll be able to program and fine-tune your hearing aids through the Jabra Enhance app, similar to Eargo.

Head to our Jabra Enhance review to learn more.

MDHearing

Testing out MDHearing's VOLT devices, which are small and sit behind the ear.

MDHearing is a budget-priced option for behind-the-ear and completely-in-canal rechargeable hearing aids. Their prices range from $297 per pair for MDHearing AIR, up to $397 per pair for MDHearing VOLT.

Three of MDHearing’s models offer four environment settings you can choose between. All four come equipped with varying levels of feedback cancellation and noise reduction. While MDHearing’s devices are cheap, they don’t offer the same level of customization and features as Jabra Enhance or Eargo. There is no compatible mobile app and settings are fairly limited. I also found that these devices produce less rich sound than Jabra Enhance or Eargo. But if you’re on a tight budget and price is your main concern, they’re still a solid option.

You’ll be able to contact an audiologist to discuss your hearing aids via email or phone. MDHearing also offers an additional paid-for VIP care level, which includes at-home visits from licensed hearing professionals. This $200 add-on service may be a great benefit for home-bound seniors. Given MDHearing’s already low prices, the added cost still keeps them at a very competitive price point.

Read our MDHearing review to learn more about this OTC brand.