Eargo Hearing Aids Review

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Consulted with geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Why Eargo Is One of Our Top Picks

Eargo is one of our top picks for people with mild to moderate hearing loss because of its accessibility and affordability. Eargo hearing aids are sold directly to the consumer. You don’t need to see an audiologist or have an audiogram to purchase Eargo hearing aids. Additionally, the hearing aids are also practically invisible, as they’re worn completely in the ear canal. The customizability of Eargo hearing aids is also a benefit, as there are four models—three of which connect to an app that allows for further personalization. If for any reason someone is not satisfied with their hearing aid, they can return it within 45 days for a full refund.

Pros and Cons of Eargo Hearing Aids

When Eargo hearing aids first arrived on the scene, they were a game-changer for people with hearing loss. Not only were they less expensive than traditional hearing aids, but they were also practically invisible when worn. By addressing cost and discreteness, Eargo was able to address the two most significant hurdles that keep people from getting hearing aids. “One of the biggest obstacles to people getting hearing aids is the misconception that they’re just for old people. That’s not true,” said Dr. Joshua Sappington, an otolaryngologist based in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Sappington went on to say that, considering the fact that today’s hearing aids are practically invisible, there’s no reason for people to avoid buying them for fear of looking old. Eargo hearing aids aren’t perfect, and they won’t be right for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of the brand.

Pros

• Eargo hearing aids are priced at around half the cost of traditional hearing aids.
• If you’re a veteran or active military member, you may get a significant discount on Eargo hearing aids.
• The free Eargo hearing aid test adjusts its readings for various headphone types.
• Eargo hearing aids are nearly invisible and therefore very discreet.
• Eargo hearing aid users say they’re comfortable to wear.
• Eargo will mail you free, nonworking hearing aids to try on, prior to purchase.
• Hearing aid adjustments and fine-tuning can be done remotely for three out of four Eargo hearing aid models.

Cons

• The small size of Eargo hearing aids makes Bluetooth streaming impossible.
• You can’t connect to the Eargo app directly from your hearing aids.
• They only correct mild to moderate hearing loss in the high-frequency range.
• To work optimally, Eargo hearing aids should be cleaned daily.
• The Eargo app doesn’t have a tinnitus-masking feature.

Models Offered

Eargo hearing aids were designed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon who modeled them after fishing flies. This unique design provides comfort, natural sound quality, and optimum air flow within the ear.

Eargo manufactures four hearing aid models. All Eargo hearing aids are designed specifically for people with mild to moderate hearing loss in the high-frequency range. If you have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, such as birds chirping or children speaking, you may have high frequency hearing loss.

According to Dr. Sappington, this type of hearing loss can be the result of many things, including age, genetics, and environmental noise. “Hearing loss is a complex interplay of genetics and other factors. If everyone in your family has hearing loss, chances are you will too. I see 80-year-olds with great hearing, and 50-year-olds with poor hearing. Noise exposure, which you can control, definitely plays a role,” he says.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term or short-term exposure to noises that are too loud, including everyday noise from traffic or loud music.

In this Eargo hearing aid review, we will cover each of the four hearing aid models.

Eargo 5 is Eargo’s newest, slimmest, and smallest hearing aid. A new petal eartip design makes these hearing aids more comfortable for people with smaller ear canals.

According to Eargo, the Eargo 5 produces the best sound quality of any hearing aid it manufactures. They are also the most comfortable in the ear.

Eargo 5 hearing aids connect to the Eargo app through your cellphone. The app has four preset settings you can choose between. You can also use the app to personalize your settings and hearing environments.

Eargo 5 has a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It comes with a contactless charger case that uses magnets instead of pins to hold your hearing aids in place. Each charge provides up to 16 hours of use.

Eargo 5 comes with access to lifetime remote support from Eargo’s team of hearing professionals. There’s also a two-year warranty that covers unlimited repairs and one-time loss or damage.

You can return the Eargo 5 within 45 days for a full refund.

Like all Eargo hearing aids, you can request a free sample of non working Eargo 5s before you buy, to gauge how they fit and feel.

By providing optimum levels of wind noise reduction and feedback cancellation, Eargo Neo HiFi hearing aids produce a natural sound experience throughout multiple listening environments.

Each hearing aid is held in place by medical-grade silicone fibers called flexi tetrapalm eartips. These fibers let your hearing aids float in place while letting in air and natural sound. Your hearing aids will come with several sizes of tetrapalms. Other accessories include a charger case, USB cable and plug, wax guard, and cleaning brush.

Eargo Neo HiFi hearing aids can be adjusted while they’re in their charging case by connecting via Bluetooth to the Eargo app. The app can be used to fine-tune your hearing environments, with or without support from a hearing specialist.

Eargo Neo HiFi comes with lifetime remote support from Eargo’s team of hearing professionals.

They can be returned within 45 days for a full refund. They also come with a one-year warranty that covers unlimited repairs and one-time loss or damage.

The Eargo Neo is one of Eargo’s earlier models. These hearing aids come with four sound profiles you can choose from. To change from one profile to another, you simply tap on your ear twice. You can also change profiles within the Eargo app by connecting to it through your charging case.

Eargo Neos are held in place with palm eartips. They reduce background noise and elevate the sound of the human voice so you can follow conversations more easily, even in noisy environments.

These hearing aids will come with flexi palms in multiple sizes, plus a charger case, USB cable and plug, wax guard, and cleaning brush.

Eargo Neos can be returned within 45 days for a full refund. They come with a one-year warranty that covers unlimited repairs and one-time loss or damage.

Eargo Max is Eargo’s least expensive hearing aid. They are designed to amplify speech while reducing background noise.

They’re held in place by fiber eartips that allow natural low frequencies to enter the ear while amplifying mid and high frequencies.

Like Eargo’s more expensive models, these hearing aids come preprogrammed with four listening profiles you adjust by tapping your ear. Unlike the others, they don’t connect to the Eargo app.

Eargo Max comes with multiple sizes of flexi fibers and flexi domes. They also come with a charging case and other accessories.

Eargo Max hearing aids can be returned within 45 days for a full refund. They come with a one-year warranty that covers unlimited repairs and one-time loss or damage.

Once you order your Eargo hearing aids, they should arrive at your door within three-to-five days.

How much do Eargo hearing aids cost?

Eargo hearing aids range in cost from $1,500 to $2,950 per pair. Hearing aids go on sale periodically and may cost less at certain times of the year.

Monthly payment plans that include interest charges are also available. Eargo offers one- or two-year financing options through Bread Financing.

If you choose, you can use your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to purchase Eargo hearing aids.

Eargo is not covered by most insurers, including Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you may have full or partial coverage for Eargo hearing aids. Check your plan to be sure.

If you are an active or retired member of the military, you may be eligible for free or low-cost Eargo hearing aids through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

The Eargo App and Accessories

The Eargo app works with the Eargo 5, Eargo Neo HiFi, and Eargo Neo.

The Eargo 5 can connect to the app from a smartphone or tablet. The app can be used to fine-tune Eargo 5 hearing aids while they’re in your ears. You can adjust the volume in one or both ears, plus change the noise filter settings.

The Eargo Neo HiFi and Eargo Neo connect to the app via Bluetooth through their chargers.
When your hearing aids are in the charger, they can receive updated settings that you have made. They can also receive updated settings made remotely by Eargo’s hearing professionals.

The app contains four programs you can switch between. They are:

• Normal
• Restaurant
• TV
• Music

Each program can be fine-tuned to your specifications within the app.

Other accessories you can purchase separately include snap on, snap off petals and flexis in various sizes and styles.

A wax guard replacement tool that is compatible with every Eargo hearing aid except Eargo 5 can also be purchased separately.

If you have Eargo 5, you can also purchase mic caps that protect your hearing aid’s microphone.

Eargo Hearing Aids Customization

Eargo 5, Eargo Neo HiFi, and Eargo Neo can be customized through the Eargo app. You can use the app to change programs, reduce noise, and modulate volume.

Each Eargo hearing aid comes equipped with four distinct sound programs. Program changes can be made manually by tapping twice on your ear. Your hearing aids will automatically remember the program you prefer.

Customer Service and Satisfaction

Eargo reviews on customer service and overall satisfaction are mixed. Some users report less than satisfactory results from Eargo when their hearing aids stop working efficiently. Others find Eargo hearing aids long lasting and powerful.

Eargo’s most recent models, the Eargo 5 and Eargo Neo HiFi, tend to get the most positive customer feedback for noise cancellation and overall sound quality.

Comparing Eargo to Other Brands

What to Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is common, and complex. According to the National Institute on Aging, 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss, and 50 percent of people over 75 have hearing loss.

If you think you’ve joined their ranks, you owe it to yourself to have your hearing checked and to get hearing aids if needed. According to Dr. Sappington, hearing loss has been linked to cognitive deficits and is recognized as a risk factor for dementia. Correcting hearing loss as early as possible helps to keep the brain stimulated, reducing that risk.

Before you buy, you can start by taking online hearing tests to see if they uncover hearing loss. You can also see an audiologist or other type of hearing professional for a full exam.

If you need hearing aids, things to consider include the type of hearing aid that will work best for you and your budget. Technological levels are also important to consider. Many hearing aids have Bluetooth connectivity for streaming and lots of technological bells and whistles. If you are comfortable with technology, you may find this appealing. If you prefer a simpler approach, a hearing aid like the Eargo Max may be a great fit for you.

Eargo Hearing Aid Customer Reviews

Eargo has a A+ Better Business Bureau rating. However, they only get a 2.2 out of five-star rating on the site. They don’t do much better on TrustPilot, where 100 percent of their reviews are either poor or bad.

Eargo is also currently under an insurance fraud investigation by the Department of Justice.

Even though their customer ratings on many sites are on the low side, Eargo has many positive customer reviews on BBB’s website and on other consumer review sites. For example:

How We Reviewed Eargo Hearing Aids

We based our Eargo hearing aid review on the following criteria:

• Price
• Need for audiologist care
• Warranty
• Customer satisfaction
• Special features
• Comfort and fit
• Reliability
• Customization
• Discreteness

Bottom Line

Eargo hearing aids are nearly invisible and less expensive than most other hearing aid brands. They only correct mild to moderate hearing loss in the high-frequency range.

Their small size eliminates their ability to stream media and phone calls via Bluetooth. Several models are able to connect to the Eargo programming app, either through a smartphone or through their charging case.

Eargo gets mixed reviews from users, ranging from excellent to poor. Their more recent models tend to get the highest marks for sound quality and noise reduction.

FAQs