Eargo Hearing Aids Review
- If you live with hearing loss, hearing aids may improve your life considerably. Thanks to innovative companies like Eargo, hearing technology has vastly improved.
A good hearing aid may greatly improve quality of life for those with hearing loss. But quality hearing devices can be expensive and difficult to use. They can also be awkward or uncomfortable to wear.
Fortunately, hearing aid technology has improved immensely in the last few years, and there are more options for comfort, discretion and ease of use. Eargo is a hearing aid company seeking to push technology forward and find better solutions for those with hearing loss.
Florest Michel, an ear, nose and throat doctor, founded Eargo in 2010 to address the problems with existing hearing aids. Inspired by fly-fishing feathers, Eargo hearing aids are flexible, soft-tipped hearing aids that fit discreetly in the ear canal.
Eargo Hearing Aid Models and Options
Eargo makes four hearing aid models, all of which are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Every model fits completely in the ear canal, so they’re almost invisible. Additionally, every model comes with two hearing aids, so you won’t have to worry about doubling up if you have hearing loss in both ears.
Eargo provides free hearing screening on its website to help determine how severe your hearing loss is. Customer service representatives can also help you choose the hearing aid that matches your hearing loss and best fits your lifestyle.
Eargo 6
Eargo’s latest high-end model, the Eargo 6, is a comfortable and discreet hearing aid that’s practically invisible when fitted in the ear. You can adjust its settings on the fly to adapt to different listening environments. You can also adjust the settings manually using Eargo’s smartphone application. It offers significantly improved noise reduction over previous models.
The Eargo 6 also features a water-resistant design that can withstand depths of one meter for up to 30 minutes, making it ideal for users with an active lifestyle. It also comes standard with built-in telecare for customer support.
Price: $2,950
Eargo 5
The first model to feature SoundMatch technology, the Eargo 5 is the company’s previous high-end hearing aid. Like the Eargo 6, it’s discreet and comfortable and also offers custom settings to meet the unique needs of each user. You can also choose from four presets that come pre-configured.
The device also has noise reduction technology and comes in a rechargeable case, which eliminates the need for batteries.
Price: $2,450
Eargo Neo HiFi
The Eargo Neo HiFi is another model that offers an elegant design, ensuring discretion and comfort for users. In environments with noise pollution, the device reduces noise and amplifies speech, ensuring conversation clarity. The device also reduces wind noise for clearer audio, making it a great option for those that do a lot of outdoor activities.
The Eargo Neo HiFi comes with a case for fast charging. And with the Eargo Neo HiFi mobile app, you can adjust the device's settings with the help of an audiologist.
Price: $1,950
Eargo Max
The Max is Eargo’s most affordable hearing aid. Like the other models, it has a completely-in-canal design that’s comfortable, discreet and fully rechargeable. While it does have four sound profiles to choose from, you can’t adjust its settings, and it’s not compatible with Eargo’s smartphone apps.
Price: $1,450
Features and Customizations
All Eargo models come with two sizes of replaceable silicone tips. These tips rest in the center of your ear and allow natural air and sound to come in unobstructed. Each hearing aid also comes with a black cap that helps it blend into the ear opening to appear more discreet.
All Eargo models are rechargeable and last up to 16 hours on a single charge. Every model also comes with a charging case that can keep a set of hearing aids charged for up to a week.
With the exception of the Eargo Max, all Eargo hearing aids feature environmental programs and sound match features that adjust settings automatically to match the environment and improve hearing quality.
Warranties, Returns and Discounts
Eargo 6 hearing aids come with a 2-year warranty that covers unlimited repairs and a one-time replacement for damage or loss. The Eargo 5, Eargo Neo HiFi and Eargo Max models come with a 1-year warranty that provides the same coverage.
Eargo has a 45-day return policy that begins the day the hearing aid is delivered. If you aren’t satisfied with your Eargo hearing aids for any reason, you can return them during this period for a full refund.
Eargo also provides a 10% discount to nurses, doctors and first responders on its Eargo 5 and Eargo 6 models upon verification of eligibility.
What People Think of Eargo Hearing Aids
Eargo hearing aid users highlight the ease of using the device, comfort and sound quality, which, according to users, contributes to better hearing, especially in open and outdoor environments.
Eargo hearing aids are also liked for their durability and battery life. Most users rely on their Eargo hearing aids all day long without complications.
It’s worth mentioning that Eargo hearing aids are direct-to-consumer and don’t require a professional diagnosis to purchase. While some may consider this a benefit, in many instances, hearing loss is attributed to temporary problems that may not require a hearing aid to resolve. It’s always a good idea to speak with a professional audiologist before purchasing a hearing aid to determine the best solution for your personal hearing needs.
Does Insurance Cover Eargo Hearing Aids?
If you’re using Original Medicare, hearing aids aren’t covered. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, but you’ll need to check with your plan to see if they cover Eargo models specifically. Since Eargo hearing aids don’t require a professional hearing assessment by an audiologist, the cost may not be covered by typical insurance.
Is Eargo a Hearing Aid or Amplifier?
Eargos are hearing aids, not amplifiers. While hearing aids usually require prescriptions, Eargo hearing aids pass FDA regulations for safety, manufacturing and performance. Where an amplifier is designed to amplify all sounds, Eargo hearing aids are designed to amplify sounds at specific frequencies based on a person’s individual hearing needs.
Who Are Eargo Hearing Aids Right For?
If you suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss and prefer to have more control of your hearing health, Eargo hearing aids are a good option. The smartphone app provides ample customizations, and the hearing aids are discreet, easy to adjust and affordable compared to high-end hearing aids from other brands.
Eargo hearing aids are especially suited to those with mild hearing loss since they don’t require a prescription. That said, it’s still a good idea to speak with an audiologist about your individual hearing needs.