There are a lot of competing devices in the audiology markets. Today, we want to look at the Bose Sound Control Hearing Aids and the Eargo 5. Bose is probably best known for their headphones, whereas Eargo is a company specifically dedicated to producing hearing aids. Bose recently came out with the Bose Sound Control Hearing Aids. So how would hearing aids made by a headphone company compare to Eargo 5?
Fit
The Eargo 5 hearing aids fit within the ear canal and are essentially invisible. Moreover, they have an open fitting style that is more amenable to patients with mild to moderate hearing loss who require amplification of higher pitches.
The Bose Sound Control hearing aids offer a more traditional look and fit in line with other modern hearing aids. They include a thin wire going alongside the face of the ear, a rubber tip that fits inside the ear canal, and then the main body (which contains the electronic components) that goes up and behind the ear.
Price
The Eargo 5 retails for about $3,000, whereas the Bose Sound Control retails for a more manageable price of $900.
Sound Quality
Both Eargo and Bose offer proprietary hearing tests within their respective apps, and will not accept audiograms from in-person clinics. Studies have demonstrated that the in situ (“situational”) hearing tests offered within these apps are acceptable for individuals with mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss.
Sound quality often depends upon whether or not the engineering and manufacturing of sound within a specific hearing aid matches the range of hearing that you need. Thus, those with mild to moderate degrees of hearing loss will likely perceive good sound quality from either the Eargo or Bose hearing aids. That said, their sound quality might pale in comparison to the sound quality offered by premium hearing aids (such as those offered by brands like Phonak or Oticon), which often cost thousands of dollars more.
Features Of The Eargo 5 And The Bose Sound Control
The Eargo 5 lasts for up to 16 hours on a single charge, and can easily be recharged overnight. In contrast, the Bose Sound Control uses disposable batteries, which need to be manually replaced when they inevitably run out.
The Eargo 5 and Bose Sound Control don’t offer Bluetooth compatibility, thereby preventing you from streaming music or taking phone calls via the hearing aids. From an engineering perspective, the Eargo 5 fits so deep into your ear that it is unable to pick up a Bluetooth signal. In contrast, the Bose Sound Control is a more entry-level hearing aid, hence the lack of additional features.
A final feature to consider is support: Eargo offers support from their professional team of audiologists, whereas Bose does not.
What To Do Next For Hearing Loss
Finding the right hearing aids can be a process. At Treble Health, we have compiled a consumer guide that explains the pros and cons of the best hearing aids on the market. Click here to get the free Hearing Aids in 2022: Consumer Guide.
Want to speak with an expert audiologist about hearing aids instead? At the tap of a finger, you can schedule a free Hear From Home™ telehealth consultation today! You’ll be connected with a real audiologist, not a salesperson, and there is no obligation or commitment.
