Eargo Hearing Aids Review, Audiologist Reviewed

Eargo Pros and Cons

Eargo Hearing Test

Eargo offers a free online hearing test. It consists of a standard hearing screening and questions to help you understand how hearing loss impacts your lifestyle.

The hearing test works best with in-ear headphones. While you can use traditional over-the-ear headphones, the test produces more accurate results with earbuds. I found that the hearing check was similar to the screening you undergo at an audiologist exam.

Choose a quiet room to undergo the hearing screening. The test requires a “calibration” step to ensure more reliable results. Afterward, the check will play tones of various frequencies to determine the hearing loss in each ear. Once you hear the tone, you press the button to confirm it; then, the test will move on to the next frequency. There are four tones for each ear.

After the screening, you must answer a few questions about your age and socialization and television habits. The results gauge your hearing health from “no loss” to “profound” hearing loss; they also determine whether you could benefit from hearing aids. While the test is user-friendly, the results are not very detailed.

Expert Take

From Kasey Craig

Even if you choose over-the-counter hearing aids, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested in person at least once. A professional hearing test can ensure you don’t have any ear wax impaction. After doing this, you can be much more confident the online results used to program your device will be accurate.

Eargo Hearing Aid Models

Eargo offers four different models: the Eargo Link, Eargo SE, Eargo 6, and Eargo 7. The biggest difference between them is the sound quality. Eargo 7’s SoundAdjust+ technology will automatically adjust based on your location. For example, when I wore these hearing aids in a crowded restaurant, they automatically recognized and canceled background noise — allowing me to focus on my conversation.

The other major difference will be the Bluetooth streaming available on the Eargo Link. While each Eargo model can pair with a smartphone for remote adjustments, only the Eargo Link can stream music and calls directly from a smartphone.

Eargo Models Compared

Using My Eargo Hearing Aids

Eargo hearing aids are designed to be user-friendly. To insert my hearing aids, I picked up each device by the plastic removal thread, flipped it over, and gently inserted it into my ear canal. Each device is marked “R” and “L” for identification. I found it easier to insert the devices by pulling gently on my earlobe with one hand and inserting the device with my other. The device sat entirely inside my ear canal with the removal thread resting on my earlobe facing downwards. The removal thread is made of translucent plastic, so it can hardly be seen despite it hanging out of one’s ear.

Expert Take

From Kasey Craig

Inserting hearing aids can take practice. In my experience, if hearing aids are going to be lost by falling out of the ear, it’s usually in the first couple weeks when the wearer is not used to inserting them. Make sure to practice in front of a mirror until you are confident you can feel if they are inserted correctly and securely.

To remove the device, you grasp the removal thread and gently pull it. The important thing with handling these devices is to treat them with care. They are delicate, so you don’t want to jam them in or out of your ear. Eargo devices work by pressure switches. So, if you want to change sound profiles anytime, you simply tap on your ear. The best method for me was using the flat of my hand to double-tap on my ear canal. You will know it worked when the device says the sound profile name, such as “program two.” In the factory settings, one is the lowest amplification, and four is the maximum.

For the Eargo 6 and Eargo 7, I could further personalize these sound profiles through the Eargo mobile app on Android and iOS. To do this, I placed the devices into the charger and connected the app to the hearing aids. Once I paired the devices, I could customize audio settings, check the battery life, and watch tutorials. I could even contact the Eargo help center for support from licensed hearing professionals.

The Eargo mobile app can adjust bass, treble, and personalize environment settings. Default audio environments include restaurants, crowds, theaters, and meetings.

I liked the TV setting, as I’ve had trouble understanding various programs clearly with other hearing aids. If you have specialized hearing needs outside these default environments, you can create presets for your left ear, right ear, or both. The devices must be in the charger to create and update personalized settings. The devices will remember these settings when you’re on the go.

To read our full review of individual models, check out our additional Eargo reviews:

• Eargo 6 Review
• Eargo 7 Review

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Eargo Hearing Aids

Cleaning hearing aids ensures they’ll continue to work properly. Eargo recommends daily and monthly cleaning routines. You can wash the flexi silicon tips with soap and water. Eargo recommends dropping the flexis into a small glass of hot water and adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Soak them for 30 minutes, rinse them off, and gently dry them with a paper towel. Use the included brush to clean any excess ear wax — especially around the microphone.

Not all hearing aids are water-resistant, so be conscious about wearing them in the shower or in a pool. Additionally, always keep your hearing aids in their designated charging device when you’re not using them — especially if you keep them in the bathroom. Bathrooms can be humid and the water may damage the device over time.

If you accidentally get the hearing aids wet, immediately remove them and dry the devices with a cloth. Store them in a dry location for several hours. I accidentally wore mine in the shower once and this method worked for me. The Eargo warranty does cover a one-time replacement of damaged or lost devices for a $295 deductible fee.

Flexi tips may become stiff after three to six months and need replacement. Luckily, the device comes with extras; once you use those, they’re available for purchase at $25 for each tip. Wax guards should be replaced as needed. You’ll know if the wax guard needs to be replaced when you notice a substantial amount of wax buildup. The hearing aids come with a clear plastic tool to replace this filter, as it is very small.

Eargo Accessories

All Eargo devices have a charging case, micro USB cable, plug, cleaning brush, flexi fibers or palms, and a wax guard. Eargo fibers, palms, tetrapalms, and wax guards need to be replaced periodically and are available for purchase on the Eargo website.

The more expensive models come with the Eargo app, which customizes audio profiles. All Eargo devices come with stellar customer support that connects you with technical troubleshooters and audiologists who can answer your questions. You can connect through the app or through their dedicated support line. One thing I particularly liked about Eargo is the detailed user guides and videos to help you set up and care for your hearing aids.

Open or closed petals for the Eargo 6 and 7: Compatible with the Eargo 6 and 7, open petals offer a good alternative for individuals with “near-normal low-frequency hearing.” Alternatively, you can also choose closed petals, which come as a tray of three pairs to amplify sound. Price: $40.

Flexis: Choose from flexi fibers or flexi domes, which are compatible with the Eargo Max and Eargo Neo HiFi. Both types of flexis enhance sound quality, decrease potential whistling, and make it easier to understand speech. Price: $25.

Mic caps: These accessories help protect the microphone and can be used to thoroughly clean the sound inlet of your Eargo 5 and 6 hearing aid device. Price: $40.

Eargo Warranty and Return Policy

Eargo provides a warranty on all hearing systems and their associated accessories. The Eargo Link, Eargo SE, and Eargo 6 devices all have a one-year warranty, while the Eargo 7 has a two-year warranty.

If a device malfunctions, you may send the system back to Eargo, where specialists will inspect it and either repair it or provide replacement. That said, a $295 deductible fee will apply. They also replace power cords and plugs free of charge as long as the warranty is still valid.

The warranty does not cover devices in the following situations:

• Devices from unauthorized distributors (such as eBay).
• Damage from water, improper handling, exposure to chemicals, undue stress, or from unauthorized repair centers.

Within the warranty period, Eargo will replace each hearing device and charger once for loss or damage due to water exposure or undue stress. Again, for the $295 deductible fee.

There is a 45-day, right-to-return period. So, if you decide the system is not for you, you can return it for a full refund.

Is Eargo Worth It?

I loved the style and invisibility of Eargo's hearing aids. They were extremely comfortable, and I hardly noticed them in my ears. The price is also hard to beat for the quality of the device. With that said, Eargo hearing aids aren’t meant for profound hearing loss. Are you among the millions of older adults with severe to profound hearing loss? If so, then a device from Signia or Oticon might suit you better.

Additionally, while rechargeable batteries are good for some lifestyles, some people prefer to use regular batteries. This way, they don’t have to deal with replacing a more expensive battery down the line.

I do want to emphasize the stellar customer support from Eargo. It’s a convenient and cost-effective alternative to an audiologist. Plus, Eargo employs licensed hearing professionals to answer technical support queries. Unlike some audiologists, the only downside is that they don’t offer in-person cleaning and maintenance for devices. However, Eargo makes up for this by offering a huge collection of user guides that will help you maintain your hearing aids independently.

All in all, the pricing and discounts help those in need realize that they are a viable and cost-effective option. For these reasons, Eargo is one of my picks for this year’s best hearing aids.