If you’re considering hearing aids, you’ve probably come across a small in-the-ear hearing aid called Eargo.
Approved by the FDA, Eargo has been around for about a decade and offers a range of models to fit varying budgets, lifestyles, and degrees of hearing loss. With the ease of online ordering, patients are able to have their product delivered straight to their door.
But like all hearing aids, there’s more to the device than the simple highlights. Here’s some important information to help you decide if Eargo is right for you.
Device Basics
The newest model is the Eargo 6, which has improved size and performance compared to their previous generation, Eargo 5. The Eargo hearing aid is a pretty sophisticated device that allows for quite a bit of personalization. Patients use a hearing screener on the Eargo website to determine the extent of need for amplification. Then, combined with a variety of hearing tests within the Eargo app, the aids are calibrated to a patient’s specific hearing needs, which can adapt over time. The device also comes with a variety of rubber tips and caps that are chosen based on the extent of hearing loss to, again, customize the experience to the needs of individual patients.
Made for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, Eargo devices fit within the ear canal, making them essentially invisible since no portion of the device rests on or around the ear. This style is also especially useful for patients wearing eyeglasses and/or protective facemasks.
Lastly, like many varieties of hearing aids, devices are recharged in a case, with every charge of the Eargo providing 16 hours of full use.
Setup, Use and Support
There are multiple different programs that users can access through the Eargo mobile application to enhance use of the product. Importantly, the app allows people to adjust amplification of their hearing aids based on ambient environmental sounds, like noise from background crowds, traffic or television.
As previously noted, the app is also the main hub of personalization – from volume changes and noise filters, to access to 24/7 customer support. Through the app, users can take advantage of a team of expert audiologists, who provide ongoing support to set up devices, answer questions, and troubleshoot throughout use.
Warranties
Since hearing aids are ultimately a matter of the right fit and feel for patients, all Eargo products include a 45-day trial period, a one- or two-year warranty, and a full lifetime of customer support.
Price
At approximately $3,000 for a set of the best model of Eargo hearing aids, the devices are about $1,000-$3,000 less than many mainstream models. Eargo devices are also available for financing, and may be covered by insurance companies. It’s also worth being mindful of periodic sales and promotions.
Comparing Eargo To The Competition
Among similar devices, the invisible Phonak Lyric device is a close comparison, though the latter must be fit by an audiologist and remains in the ear until an audiologist takes it out. A Phonak Lyric is also more expensive and works on a yearly subscription base.
On the plus side, because Eargo devices sit inside the ear, they’re more easily wearable with glasses and are not noticeable. For people with dexterity concerns, the size and shape of the Eargo also make them easier to place inside the ear. Moreover, Eargo devices are water-resistant (IPX7 rating) and rechargeable.
As for drawbacks, the biggest concern is that Eargo aids aren’t able to facilitate sound therapy for tinnitus sufferers. They’re also not appropriate for more than moderate hearing loss. And for technical minuses, no current Eargo model is Bluetooth compatible for audio streaming.
Talking To Your Doctor
As auditory technology improves, so, too, do devices like hearing aids. That means that more and more models are coming to the market with extra bells, whistles, and customization options. That said, as we advise in all our product reviews, we can’t underscore how important it is to use your physician and audiologist as a resource and ally when deciding on options that are right for you and your lifestyle. Hearing aids are a big decision, which should be made with your trusted healthcare team.
