Eargo vs. Oticon
Eargo is our pick for high-quality OTC hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe to profound or one-sided hearing loss, Oticon is a safe bet.
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
Key Takeaways
- Eargo sells hearing aids online and in stores without a prescription.
- Oticon sells prescription hearing aids solely through hearing care professionals.
- Eargo hearing aids are less expensive than Oticon’s but don’t address as many hearing loss types.
Eargo and Oticon are two trusted manufacturers of high-quality hearing aids. Eargo offers over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, while Oticon has solutions for mild to profound hearing loss.
Our team of tech experts and resident audiologists have researched and tested the best hearing aids in 2024, including models from Eargo and Oticon. To ensure you get the best hearing aids for your needs, we’ll contrast the differences and similarities between these two brands below.
Eargo vs. Oticon Product Lineup
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Hearing loss levels | Mild to profound hearing loss; high to low frequencies | Mild to moderate hearing loss; high frequency |
| Price range | $2,000 to $8,000 per pair* (veterans can use VHA benefits) | $799 to $2,950 per pair |
| Styles offered | Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), miniRITE, in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), and miniBTE | Completely-in-canal (CIC) and earbud |
| Requires an audiogram (prescription) | Yes | No |
| How to purchase | In-person through an audiologist | Online |
| App connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Battery types | Rechargeable and disposable (traditional) | Rechargeable |
| Trial period length | Varies by provider | 100 days |
| (CROS) One-sided hearing loss options | Yes | No |
| Tinnitus tools | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturer’s warranty length | Varies by product and region; typically 2 years | 1 to 2 years |
| Website |
*Prices listed are estimates from Dr. Ruth Reisman. Costs will vary by location and provider.
Eargo
Eargo hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss in the high-frequency range. High-frequency sounds, such as children’s voices and birds chirping, are typically the first type of sound that seniors have trouble hearing.1
These devices are known for their natural sound quality and discreet styles. Currently, Eargo manufactures four styles. Eargo 6, Eargo 7 and Eargo SE are completely-in-canal (CIC) models that are nearly invisible. LINK by Eargo is an earbud-style hearing aid that is visible but looks like a typical earbud instead of a hearing aid.
Eargo SE hearing aids are small and fit in the canal, making them very discreet.
All Eargo hearing aids can be purchased online or in select stores instead of in an audiologist’s office. Starting at $799 per pair, they’re relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional prescription hearing aids like Oticon.
When our tech experts tried out Eargo hearing aids, we found them to be of high quality. They produce rich, clear sound and reduce background noise. They charge quickly and come in small, easy-to-transport charger cases. Some Eargo hearing aids can be programmed through their easy-to-use app. We could easily adjust settings and change our hearing aid programs for a better listening experience. LINK by Eargo connects to Bluetooth for streaming audio and hands-free phone calls, which the other Eargo models don’t offer. Dr. Ruth Reisman, one of our resident audiologists, has also tested Eargo devices and found them to be some of the best over-the-counter hearing aids on the market.
Eargo 7 in the charging case
Eargo hearing aids have great value and impact for seniors on a budget with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you don’t have insurance that covers hearing aids or you wish to purchase from home without seeing a hearing professional, this model of care is fantastic.
If you have severe, profound or one-sided hearing loss, we’d recommend Oticon over Eargo. In addition, the Eargo app does not have a library of tinnitus masking sounds or other kinds of tinnitus tools like Oticon offers. Using hearing aids that amplify external sound are often enough to reduce tinnitus sound; however, if you have severe or especially troublesome tinnitus, Eargo hearing aids may not provide enough relief.
» Related Reading: Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss
You can read our full 2024 Eargo review to learn more about these hearing aids.
Pros About Eargo
- Discreet styles
- Budget-friendly prices
- Produce clear, natural sound
- Can be purchased online and in stores without an audiogram
- 100-day risk-free trial
Cons About Eargo
- Only for mild to moderate hearing loss
- No solutions for one-sided hearing loss
- No face-to-face audiological support available
- No tinnitus tools
Oticon
Oticon produces technologically advanced prescription hearing aids sold primarily through audiologists. The brand’s current offerings include several distinct lines of hearing aids in a variety of sizes and models.
Testing out Oticon hearing aids
Two lines are specifically designed for children, while Oticon CROS hearing aids are for those with one-sided hearing loss or deafness. Oticon Real, Oticon Own and Oticon Zircon are designed for people with mild to severe hearing loss, while Oticon Xceed comes in two power levels for those with severe to profound hearing loss. Overall, the company’s offerings are more diverse than Eargo and suitable for all levels of hearing loss.
Oticon hearing aids rely on a technology they refer to as BrainHearing. Rather than suppressing external sound, BrainHearing technology intuits sounds that are important to you, while enabling you to also hear surrounding sounds with clarity.
Dr. Reisman notes that Oticon’s benefits include significant support of brain hearing and signal processing through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). She also considers Oticon hearing aids to be some of the best available for integration with smart devices and feedback management.
Did You Know? Around one-third of older Americans have hearing loss. Aging and loud noise exposure are the most common causes.2
Some of Oticon’s hearing aids have Tinnitus SoundSupport tools you control through their app, including a library of masking sounds. Around 90 percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, so we appreciate these features.3 Eargo doesn’t offer tinnitus features, so Oticon has a leg up here.
» Related Reading: Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus in 2024
Head to our full Oticon hearing aids review for a closer look at our experience with this brand.
Pros About Oticon
- Technologically advanced solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
- Superior sound quality
- Easily integrate with smart devices
- Include tinnitus tools
- One-sided hearing loss options (CROS)
- Wide range of styles to choose from
Cons About Oticon
- Expensive; prices and warranty length vary between providers
- Lack of online transparency about cost
- Can only be purchased from a hearing care professional
Eargo vs. Oticon Pricing
Eargo
Eargo hearing aids are sold in pairs, with costs ranging from $799 to $2,950. They come with a generous 100-day risk-free trial, along with either a one- or two-year warranty, based on the style you choose. Our Eargos came with various ear tip sizes, plus cleaning tools and charging supplies.
» Related Reading: Eargo Pricing Guide
Eargo is in the middle-cost range for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. They’re technologically advanced and offer many features, like app connectivity, that some less expensive brands don’t have. They also offer lifetime professional support via phone or the app for your hearing aids. This type of support may not be as hands-on as what you get with Oticon, but it’s far superior to what some other OTC brands offer.
Using the Eargo app to adjust our hearing aid settings
Oticon
Like most prescription hearing aids, Oticon doesn’t list pricing online. Prices and warranties are set by their prescribers and vary by geographic location. Dr. Reisman estimates that Oticon’s current costs range from around $1,000 to $3,750 per ear. This high price tag puts them out of budget for many seniors. Oticon’s lack of a set cost structure can also make shopping more difficult for some people.
» Related Reading: Oticon Pricing Guide
Oticon is significantly more expensive than Eargo. However, their hearing aids are technologically advanced to produce the most accurate and rich sound quality possible. They’re also designed to support all levels of hearing loss, including one-sided deafness. And they come with a level of support you won’t find with OTC brands like Eargo, thanks to their in-person support and follow-up care from an audiologist. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you should strongly consider Oticon or a comparable prescription brand, like Phonak or Signia.
Follow-up Support
Eargo
Eargo provides professional support as needed for the lifetime of your hearing aids. We found that Eargo’s staff is extremely knowledgeable and eager to help.
You can connect with Eargo hearing care professionals via phone or virtually through the Eargo app. They will help with issues like programming and troubleshooting, should the need arise. They will also talk to you about the results of your hearing screening test. If your hearing is out of the range their hearing aids can correct for, they will recommend other options.
Unlike some OTC hearing aid manufacturers, like Jabra Enhance, Eargo professionals are not available to work with you via Zoom. So they can’t look at the hearing aid in your ear on the screen and make recommendations about fit.
» Compare Your Options: Jabra Enhance review
Oticon
Your follow-up support experience will be different with Oticon than with Eargo, since they’re purchased and fitted in person. Dr. Brad Ingrao, one of our resident audiologists, has fitted scores of patients, including three of his own family members, with Oticon hearing aids. He has seen firsthand how Oticon stands behind their products over time. He finds them to be well built and durable, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need follow-up care.
In general, you’ll work with the audiologist who prescribed your hearing aids on follow-up issues concerning your hearing aids, as well as your hearing. That may mean getting annual audiograms. If you move or change doctors, you’ll most likely be able to continue to get this same level of care, provided that your new doctor works with and understands Oticon hearing aids.
Final Thoughts
- Eargo is best for: Seniors on a budget with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Oticon is best for: Seniors who want technologically advanced hearing aids or people with severe to profound hearing loss.
The person who will be best served by Oticon differs from the one who will benefit most from Eargo. Eargo’s hearing aids are discreet, relatively affordable and advanced for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. On the other hand, Oticon is a more expensive prescription provider suitable for all levels of hearing loss and those who need tinnitus support. If you’ve narrowed down your search to these two providers, keep your hearing loss level, budget and lifestyle in mind when making a final decision.
New York Hearing Doctors. (2024). Why are high frequency sounds typically the first to go in hearing loss?
National Institutes on Aging. (2023). Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults.
Hearing Health Foundation. (2024). Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics.
