Eargo 6 Review
Our Hands-on Review of the Eargo 6 in 2024
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SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
855-922-3431
Eargo offers high-tech over-the-counter hearing aids you can buy online and set up at home. No in-person appointment required! In January 2022, the company launched its middle-tier offering, the completely-in-canal (CIC) Eargo 6, which automatically adjusts to your environment.
Eargo sent me a pair to try. I’ve tested my share of hearing aids for SeniorLiving.org over the years and I also wear hearing aids myself, so I understand how important it is to find the right pair of hearing aids for your hearing loss, budget, and needs. I unboxed, set up, and wore the Eargo 6 devices to see what they have to offer. Keep reading to see what I discovered during my hands-on testing!
Did You Know? You need a smartphone to use Eargo 6. Don’t have one? No problem! Check out our top recommended smartphones for seniors. Eargo requires a phone that runs Android 7 or later or iOS 13 or later.
Testing out the Eargo 6
Pros
- Virtually invisible CIC design
- Noise reduction with speech amplification
- Portable charging case holds two days’ worth of charging power
- Lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge
- Lifetime professional support via call, video, or text
- 45-day return policy with free returns
- Free online and in-app hearing screening
- Fit-and-feel kit available to test before purchasing
- Water-resistant design with IPX7 rating
- Financing available as low as $65 per month
Cons
- May not fit all users, depending on ear canal shape and anatomy
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Must have a smartphone to use
- Must purchase in pairs
- In-ear audible cue indicators are very loud
- Double-tap function to change the program is unreliable
Unboxing and Setup for Eargo 6
Eargo 6 packaging.
Unboxing Eargo 6
Eargo put a lot of thought into the Eargo 6 packaging. It’s sleek and easy to open. When I opened the box, I was met with simple tips and instructions printed right on the packaging!
Instructions to scan a QR code.
The packaging directed me to scan a QR code, which I did using my smartphone’s camera app. I clicked the link that popped up, which directed me to Eargo’s website for registration.
Did You Know? Eargo made our list of best hearing aids for its discreet devices. Take a look at how Eargo compares to other top brands.
I needed to charge the hearing aids before continuing with the setup, so I explored the contents of the package while my devices charged.
Everything included in the Eargo 6 box.
Here’s what’s included in the Eargo 6 box:
- Two Eargo 6 hearing aids
- Portable charger
- USB adaptor and charging cord
- Two medium and two large open-ear tips
- Two medium and two large closed-ear tips
- Two microphone caps
- Cleaning cloth
- Cleaning tool
I love that Eargo included so many accessories. That means you don’t need to worry about purchasing additional supplies upfront. My favorite accessory is the charging case. It’s slim and sleek, so you can easily fit it in your purse or pocket. Plus, the case carries up to two full charges — perfect for a weekend getaway.
Charging Eargo 6
Charging the Eargo 6.
To charge Eargo 6, I placed the hearing aids in the portable charger and plugged in everything. A magnet holds the hearing aids and the case’s cover in place. After you close the case, the charging-port and battery-indicator lights illuminate. It makes it easy to see where to plug in the cord, especially if you have poor eyesight or are in a low-light environment.
I found that a full charge takes six hours and delivers up to 16 hours of use. For comparison, MDHearing’s Neo hearing aids have an 18-hour battery life, so Eargo 6’s battery life is fairly similar and should suffice.
FYI: Eargo isn’t the only company selling hearing aids that don’t require a prescription. Check out which other companies made our list of best over-the-counter hearing aids.
Need Help Finding the Right Hearing Aid?
Answer a few easy questions to find the hearing aid that’s right for you.
Downloading the Eargo App
While my Eargo 6 devices charged, I downloaded the Eargo app on my Google Pixel 4a from the Google Play store. The app is also available from the App Store for iPhone users. Simply type “Eargo” into your app store’s search bar.
Downloading the Eargo app from the Google Play Store.
Connecting Eargo 6 to the Eargo App
Pairing Eargo 6 via my smartphone’s Bluetooth settings.
I had a little trouble connecting the Eargo 6 to my smartphone. It didn’t work on my first or second attempt, but the app walks you through the process and directs you to helpful articles and videos if you get stuck.
You’ll need to place your Eargo 6 devices in the charging case and plug in the case during the connecting process. I also needed to connect the devices to my phone via Bluetooth in my phone’s settings. If you’ve ever connected a Bluetooth device — such as wireless earbuds, a speaker, or a smartwatch — to your phone, the process is very similar.
All in all, it took me about 35 minutes to connect the Eargo 6 to my smartphone, mainly because there was a 30-minute software update.
Testing the Eargo 6
Now that the hearing aids were charged and connected to my phone, it was time to take them for a test drive!
Fitting the Eargo 6 Hearing Aids
Since the Eargo 6 devices are self-fitting CIC hearing aids, they’re practically invisible when fitted properly.
Screenshot of the “insert and remove devices” video in the Eargo app.
The app showed me how to place the devices in my ears. Just press them in the ear canal while leaving the clear device-removal thread accessible. They initially felt warm when I put them in my ears, but a quick search on Eargo’s website told me that’s normal. The heat comes from the inductive charging.
I have small ears, so the devices weren’t a great fit — they were a tad painful and uncomfortable. I had my mom test the fit, and the shape and size worked better for her.
From the front, you can’t even tell my mom is wearing hearing aids!
My mom wearing the Eargo 6 devices. Look how small they are!
Eargo acknowledges that its devices won’t work for everyone’s ear shape and anatomy. They have two customer-friendly policies to encourage you to give Eargo a try and ensure that they’re the right fit.
One option is to request a free fit-and-feel sample. Eargo will mail you a non-functioning replica of the Eargo 6 so you can see if the device and petals fit your ears, which gives you the chance to try the feel without fronting the full cost.
Your other option is to simply buy Eargo devices upfront. If they don’t fit right, feel uncomfortable, fail to address your hearing needs, or you just don’t like them, you can return them within 45 days for a full refund.
Completing Sound Match
Screenshot of Sound Match hearing test on the Eargo app.
Once I had the hearing aids in, I completed the 20-minute Sound Match hearing test on the Eargo app. It’s not as thorough as the hearing test in my audiologist’s office, but it’s more comprehensive than other online hearing tests I’ve taken. Plus, it’s easy to do at home.
You just put the hearing aids in, and the app plays various sounds and asks if you can hear them. You must select “yes” or “no.” When finished, you can make Sound Match your normal profile and choose three other programs. I went with the TV, restaurant, and phone programs. You then place the hearing aids back in the charging case and let everything sync.
Did You Know? With Eargo 6 (and many other hearing aids), you choose between closed petals and open petals. Closed petals minimize sound leakage and reduce feedback. Open petals help create a more natural listening experience. Try both to see which works best for you!
Changing Programs and Making Adjustments
Sound Match isn’t the only way to customize your Eargos. Eargo 6 devices don’t have controls or buttons on the actual hearing aid, but you can customize programs, adjust the noise filter, and change the volume via the app.
In theory, you should also be able to quickly double-tap on or near each ear to switch to a new program, but I wasn’t able to get the feature to work despite watching Eargo’s videos about it.
I used the app to try the TV program on my Eargo 6 devices though. I have cookie-bite hearing loss, so mid-frequency sounds — think human speech, music, and TV shows — are tough for me to hear and understand. Eargo 6 made watching TV easier and more enjoyable, and I didn’t need to rely on the captions.
Every time you change the volume, adjust a filter, or switch programs, you’ll hear audible cues in your ear, such as “restaurant” or “TV.” They are very loud, and there’s no way to adjust the volume. I asked.
Eargo 6 Price
A pair of Eargo 6 hearing aids costs $2,250. Eargo often has seasonal discounts, so keep your eyes peeled! Your purchase includes the Eargo 6 devices, all the accessories, a one-year warranty, and lifetime support from Eargo professionals. Eargo also offers financing as low as $65 per month for 36 months.
When it comes to price, Eargo 6 is the company’s middle-of-the-road model. For comparison, the Eargo SE costs $1,650 and the Eargo 7, which I’ve reviewed, costs $2,950.
Eargo’s pricing may seem high, but keep in mind that many prescription hearing aids cost much more. Oticon’s hearing aids cost $1,000 to $3,500 per device, for example. On the flip side, Lexie sells OTC hearing aids that cost $799 to $999 per pair, but they aren’t as customizable or discreet as Eargo devices.
Eargo Mobile App Experience
Eargo’s mobile app has only 2.5 stars out of five on the Google Play store. I still thought it was easy to use and full of helpful features, which I’ll get into below. Let’s start by discussing how exactly the app and hearing aids work together.
Your smartphone uses different tone frequencies to communicate with Eargo 6 via the mobile app. You’ll have to turn up your phone’s volume to at least 60 percent for it to work, which means you can’t make any hearing-aid adjustments while your phone is at a low volume, silenced, or set to Do Not Disturb. Eargo reminds you about that as you use the app, but it’s still a drawback.
Access Helpful Information and Videos
Eargo’s app offers 12 video guides, covering everything from fitting to charging to removing your devices. You can watch the videos at your own pace or follow Eargo’s 30-day tutorial.
Eargo’s 30-day tutorial schedule.
If you learn better by reading, the app also has a comprehensive users’ guide. I loved how easy it was to read, thanks to small blocks of text and plenty of pictures.
Screenshot of the charging page in the Eargo 7 users’ guide.
Change Programs and Adjust the Volume
You can use the app to change programs, adjust the volume, filter noise, and more. You can even adjust the hearing aids simultaneously or individually. The app has more customization features than other hearing aids I’ve tried, including my prescription Oticon devices.
Screenshot of noise-filter adjustment in the Eargo app.
Contact Eargo Support Professionals
If the users’ guide and video tutorials aren’t enough, you can use the app to get live help directly from Eargo. You can chat, email, call, or video call with an Eargo professional during business hours. The web chat responses weren’t very fast in my experience, but you can schedule a video call in advance. The schedule was very open, so you shouldn’t have any trouble setting an appointment.
Other Eargo App Features
Eargo’s mobile app also lets you:
- Check the charger’s battery life
- Set reminders so you don’t forget to change petal tips or clean your devices
- Retake the Sound Match test
- Read helpful articles
- View your Eargo account
Final Thoughts on Eargo 6
All in all, the Eargo 6 devices are impressive. They don’t have the advanced Sound Adjust+ feature and two-year warranty you get with the newer Eargo 7 model, but the Eargo 6 offers exceptional value — especially when a sale drops the price below $2,000.
I also love that Eargo has a 45-day trial period. You have ample time to see if the features, fit, and technology meet your needs. Keep in mind that the devices aren’t for people with moderate to severe hearing loss, and you’ll need to consider a different provider if you’re interested in Bluetooth streaming.
Check out our 2024 Eargo review for a comprehensive look at Eargo’s products.
Our Methodology
When we review hearing aids, we evaluate several criteria and test every product for ourselves. During the research and testing process, we evaluate important decision-making factors such as price, value, features, ease of use, customer support, and product quality. Our hands-on tests allow us to provide our readers with accurate information; we don’t rely only on what the company’s website says about its products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eargo 6
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What is the difference between Eargo 6 and 7?
The main differences between Eargo 6 and 7 are the cost, warranties, and sound-adjustment features. The Eargo 7 costs $2,950, comes with a two-year warranty, and has an enhanced Sound Adjust+ mode.
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Do you need a prescription for Eargo 6?
No, you don’t need a prescription from an audiologist to use Eargo 6 devices. Eargo 6 is a self-fitting, over-the-counter hearing aid you can order online.
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Is Eargo 6 a hearing aid or amplifier?
The Eargo 6 is a hearing aid. Hearing amplifiers make all sounds louder, while hearing aids, like Eargo 6, amplify certain frequencies based on the wearer’s specific hearing loss.
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What is the life expectancy of Eargo 6?
The Eargo 6 has an expected life of three years, which is on par with most in-ear hearing aids. After three years, you’ll likely need to replace your devices with a new pair.
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Can you listen to music with Eargo 6?
You can’t stream music to your Eargo 6 hearing aids. Since the Eargo 6 devices sit in your ear canal, however, you can comfortably wear over-the-ear headphones to listen to your favorite tunes. Eargo’s app has a custom music program if you enjoy coffee houses and concerts.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021, Mar 25). Quick Statistics About Hearing.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.
Pew Research. (2022, Jan 13). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade.
Eargo. (2023, Jan 4). HEARING WELLNESS PIONEER EARGO LAUNCHES EARGO 7, ITS MOST REVOLUTIONARY DEVICE YET, AT CES.