New Release

Eargo SE Review

Prices, Sound Recordings, Models
Blake Cadwell
Blake Cadwell

Blake Cadwell is a hearing aid wearer and co-founder at Soundly. He regularly tests and reviews hearing technology to share his experience with Soundly’s readers. Blake's research and perspectives have been featured in the The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, AARP and FastCompany.

Updated
March 21, 2024
Methodology
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Soundly is an independently owned hearing health research tool. Our reviews are conducted by hearing aid wearers and audiologists. We physically review the leading hearing aids on the market for sound quality, comfort, durability, and more. Our review process starts with hands-on unboxing and days, weeks, or months of wear. We also record live sound demos using a calibrated binaural microphone (read more here). We experiment with backend fitting software for prescription products and use test box measures to measure prescriptive accuracy and flexibility. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our story here.

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In the Ear
OTC
Rechargeable

Background

Eargo made its mark in 2015 with the introduction of their first invisible and rechargeable hearing aid device. Since then, the company has continually enhanced their flagship product, culminating in the 2023 release of Eargo 7. Known for its compact size, rechargeable batteries and effective background noise management, Eargo devices sit deep within the ear canal, offering users an ultra-discreet solution.

What's New

In early 2024, Eargo unveiled the Eargo SE variant of their flagship product. Positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative, Eargo SE retains many of the essential features of its predecessor, Eargo 7. Notable differences include the absence of automatic scene switching, which requires manual interaction through a tap or the iPhone app, along with slight variations in size. Interestingly, the Eargo SE carry case actually comes with more charges (five for SE Vs. two for Eargo 7).

The Details

  • OTC self-fitting hearing aid uses an onboard hearing test
  • Charging case provides devices with 5 full charges of 16 hours of sound
  • Touch control allows switching between listening programs
  • Customizable sound with the Eargo mobile app
  • Rated to IP54 for dust-protection and splash & sweat-resistance
  • No in-office visits required to fit or adjust devices

Our Take

Our evaluation suggests that both Eargo 7 and Eargo SE deliver comparable performance across various scenarios. While Eargo 7 may appeal to users who prioritize size and seamless functionality, Eargo SE offers a compelling option for those seeking a cost-effective way to get started with the brand.

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Pros πŸ‘
  • Eargo SE offers much of the value of Eargo 7 at $1,000 less per pair
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  • Eargo's trumpet-tip design prevents occlusion (boominess) that is common among in-ear competitors
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  • Eargo SE offers lifetime support and in app or remote adjustments as needed
  • Eargo has greatly improved their background noise handling over the past few years

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Cons πŸ‘Ž
  • Eargo SE requires manual mode switching VS. the automatic mode switching available in Eargo 7
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  • The app and product are reasonably intuitive, but they aren't foolproof. If you don’t feel comfortable with smartphone controls this product likely isn’t for you
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  • Eargo SE is more affordable than prescription alternatives, but still more expensive than some OTC competitors
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  • No bluetooth streaming available due to size
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Soundly Scorecard
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Hearing Loss Level πŸ”Š
Mild - Moderate
  • Eargo SE hearing aids are sold over the counter and are appropriate for those with mild-moderate hearing loss
  • If you have more significant hearing loss it is recommended that you access professional care through Telehealth or local care
Care Type πŸ₯
Over-The-Counter
  • Available for purchase online or at retail stores like Verizon Victra and Best Buy
  • Does not require a prescription from a doctor
  • Customize your hearing aids with an onboard hearing test and app-controls
Sound Quality πŸ”Š
Strong in Background Noise
  • Eargo has well-developed background noise management algorithms
  • Eargo SE requires manual mode-shifting Vs. Eargo 7's automatic shifting
Comfort 🦻
Somewhat Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • Eargo sits inside of the ear and is one of the most comfortable non-custom models on the market
  • Eargo creates less occlusion than many in-the-ear options
  • Our team finds all in-the-ear models slightly less comfortable than RIC hearing aids

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Style  πŸ’«
In The Ear - Non Molded
  • Sit inside the ear
  • Only available in one completely-in-canal size (nearly invisible in many ears)
  • Only available in black
Battery πŸ”‹
Rechargeable Only
  • Eargo hearing aids are rechargeable
  • 16 hours of battery life on a single charge
  • Each Eargo SE pair of hearing aids comes with a small and portable recharge case that carries 5 additional charges
Connection πŸ“‘
Bluetooth Not Available
  • Eargo SE does not come with Bluetooth streaming
Dexterity Level 🀏
Average
  • Eargo SE is small but comes with rechargeable batteries which prevents difficult battery changes
  • Eargo's recharge case uses port-based charging instead of the slightly easier induction charging for Eargo 7
  • Eargo's devices include a pull-tab that makes it easier to place and remove the devices in your ears
Waterproof Level πŸ’¦
IP54
  • Eargo SE hearing aids have an IP54 rating. Eargo SE devices can handle splashes and sweat but shouldn't be fully submerged.
App features πŸ“±
Has An App
  • Eargo SE uses a smartphone app which includes an onboard hearing test and manual controls for bass and treble
  • Adjust volume and programs without the app by double tapping your ear
What's Included
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2 Eargo SE hearing aids

An Eargo portable charging case

45-day risk-free trial

1-year warranty

Lifetime support

Return Policy
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Eargo offers a 45-day risk-free trial

Technology
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The invisible Eargo design sits entirely in your ear 

Eargo hearing aids last 16 hours before they need a recharge

The Eargo charge case holds an additional 5 days of cordless power

Eargo SE hearing aids have an IP54 rating and can withstand splashes and sweat

The Eargo app allows you to tune your SE hearing aids and allows remote adjustments from the Eargo care team

Eargo now gives you more control over background noise with modes for speech and comfort and filter level controls (see more below)

How It Works
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Order Eargo SE hearing aids online or over the phone. All orders come with free shipping, and you can return your hearing aids for any reason for 45 days. 

Your hearing aids will arrive in 4-6 business days. You'll get all the accessories you need along with step-by-step instructions on how to tune your hearing aids at home using your phone. 

Eargo hearing aids are tuned at home using their smartphone app. Once your hearing aids arrive in the mail, the app guides you through a hearing assessment administered through your hearing aids. The results of your assessment, then tune your hearing aids. No office visits or audiologists are necessary. 

If you need it, Eargo offers support from a licensed professional via text, call, or video.

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