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SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
Throughout my nearly 30 years of clinical practice, all hearing aids have been sold through the same sales model: directly from a provider’s office. One disadvantage of this model is the time and commitment required to travel to the office.
Eargo has entered the hearing aid market, meeting the needs of many seniors by providing hearing aids that do not require a trip to a provider’s office. Eargo brings the entire process online. You can take a hearing test and begin the process of getting a hearing aid whenever and wherever you want.
For this review, I tested out the company’s latest model, Eargo 7. I took Eargo's online hearing test, spoke with their head audiologist for about an hour, and had several interactions with their support staff. From my experience, I found a lot of what Eargo is doing to be very helpful and innovative, and they were kind enough to provide us with samples of their product for this review.
Keep in mind, Eargo is not for people with severe hearing loss or people who need Hearing Assistive Technologies1 like telecoil. But, as you'll see below, they have done a nice job focusing their product on first-time users with early-onset hearing loss. I give Eargo’s prices and convenience a thumbs-up. Let's start by going through Eargo's online hearing test!
Current Deal:
Current Deal: Eargo is offering one of its biggest sales ever ahead of Labor Day. You can save up to $400 on a pair of Eargos!
Not Your Grandmother’s Hearing Test
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 test and extensive interactive interviews. Eargo will then ship the hearing aids directly to you. Once you receive them, you can make any changes you want.
Screenshot of Eargo’s online hearing test
All 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, Eargo offers the option to remotely program the devices in a “telemedicine” format. This live or “synchronous” type of telehealth is, in my experience, also different from the typical manufacturer.
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 2023 hearing aid buyer's guide to learn everything you need to know before purchasing a pair of 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. 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.
What stood out to me immediately was 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 very large and clear, which is great for seniors with vision loss. In my nearly 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. Many wearers are less bought in if I’m the only one who can adjust their devices, because all the good and bad is on me, the dispenser.
Schedule a video call with an Eargo Hearing Professional within the app
Eargo’s approach will likely be best for people under 65 who have grown up with technology and tend to be more DIY than the previous generation. That said, it appears Eargo provides enough support for older adults who are less tech-savvy, 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.
Eargo 5
Eargo 5 is compatible with the mobile app, so adjusting and personalizing your hearing aids on the go is a breeze. Priced at $1,650 per pair, or as low as $51 per month with financing, you’ll get Eargo’s Sound Match technology, redesigned ear tips, quicker charging, and free remote adjustments. The device also has improved 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. Eargo is offering a $100 discount on Eargo 5 for a limited time. Eargo is currently offering a limited time price of $1,490 on the Eargo 5.
Not for You?
Not for You? Eargo isn’t ideal for seniors with severe or profound hearing loss. If you need more advanced hearing support, check out our list of the best hearing aids in 2023 for more options.
Eargo 6
Eargo 6 is equipped with Sound Adjust features, which automatically optimize sounds when moving between environments. It also works 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. It also comes with telecare access and a microbattery with a powerful run time of up to 16 hours. The Eargo 6 costs $2,250 per pair with financing options starting at $73 per month. With a water-resistant design, Eargo 6 adapts to loud environments and enhances your hearing and listening experience.
FYI:
FYI: Struggling to find room in your budget for a new pair of hearing aids? Check out our guide to building a budget for useful tips.
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. 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 the sounds of those close by. Like the other Eargo models, the 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, so you can work out or take a long shower without worrying about your hearing aids being damaged.
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. Compared to some of its high-end competitors, the Eargo 7 is affordable. Pricing for the Eargo 7 starts at $2,950 per pair or as low as $87 per month. For a limited time, the model is selling for just $2,650 per pair.
Customer Service
Every Eargo customer is paired with a personal hearing professional who will provide you with lifetime support. You will receive a welcome call when you first get your hearing aid so that all hearing aid functions can be explained to you. You can also reach out to this person for however long you have the hearing aid. 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.
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. This is longer than most manufacturer's 30-day return option. Depending on the model you purchase, the hearing aids come with a one- or two-year warranty covering any manufacturer defects.
Buyer's Tip:
Buyer's Tip: If you are a federal employee, you may be eligible for Eargo hearing aids through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB program).
Final Thoughts on Eargo
While not the first “stock” in-ear hearing aid, Eargo’s ability to provide an acoustically non-occluding open fit, rechargeability, and synchronous remote programming makes it a product worth considering. In my opinion, Eargo has done a good job focusing its product features and configurations on the majority of first-time users with early-onset hearing loss.
I give them a thumbs up for price and convenience. They appear to have good folks on the support side; they were very helpful and patient with me during my inquiries. Remember that Eargo is not appropriate for more severe hearing loss or older adults who rely on Hearing Assistive Technologies like telecoils, remote microphones, and media streaming. Eargo is certainly worth looking at if you're in the early stages of hearing loss. Check out my interview with Jeff Hoyt below for more information.
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As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known… Learn More About Dr. Brad Ingrao