As travelers, we’re always on the move. That said, our adventures are shaped as much by what we hear as by what we see, whether it’s the local music or the ambient sounds of a new city. For those navigating mild to moderate hearing loss, missing out on these auditory layers can feel like traveling in black and white. Fortunately, Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids like Eargo have helped tons of modern travelers with this problem, but with a price tag that can rival a luxury cruise, the question remains: Is Eargo worth the money?
In this travel-focused review, we’ll take a good, deep look at Eargo, a brand that has gained a cult following for its invisible design. From the comfort to how they handle noises, we’ll break down whether Eargo is the perfect travel companion for you or just another pricey gadget for travel.
What is Eargo?
Founded in 2010, Eargo is a pioneer in the OTC hearing aid market. Its gadgets are specifically designed for adults with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss. When we first discovered Eargo, what stood out was its simplicity. Unlike traditional hearing aids that require multiple audiologist visits, Eargo’s devices are FDA-registered medical hearing aids sold directly to consumers. We love this approach as travel already comes with logistics, and adding medical appointments into the mix is daunting.
Unlike traditional hearing aids that often sit bulky behind the ear, Eargo’s devices are Completely-in-Canal (CIC). This means they tuck away entirely inside your ear. In fact, they’re modeled after the shape of a fishing fly, utilizing patented medical-grade silicone petals or trumpet tips that allow the device to float comfortably in the canal while letting natural bass sounds flow past them. On the road, where we’re constantly meeting new people, we appreciate not feeling self-conscious. With Eargo, it didn’t feel like we were wearing a medical device.
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Free Hearing Test & Sample Kit
Before we booked our flight, we started with Eargo’s free online hearing screening. It’s a surprisingly simple and easy process that you can do from your laptop or smartphone using a pair of headphones. The test plays various tones at different frequencies to gauge your hearing health across both ears. Within minutes, we had a clear picture of our hearing profile, which helped us determine if we were actually candidates for their hearing aid technology.
Aside from the digital test, Eargo also offers a non-working sample kit for free. It allowed us to physically place the dummy devices in our ears to test the fit and visibility before spending a dime. We found this extremely refreshing, as it gave us the confidence that the devices would be comfortable enough for a 12-hour flight, especially when paired with other travel accessories for long flights that make air travel easier.
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Eeargo Devices
Eargo currently leads with two primary models: the flagship Eargo 8 and the more streamlined Eargo SE. The Eargo 8 is the more premium option, featuring Smart Sound Adjust technology that automatically optimizes your hearing settings as you move from a quiet hotel lobby to a noisy outdoor cafe. It’s also built for the elements with an IP68 rating, meaning it’s highly resistant to dust, sweat, and occasional rain showers we encounter on the road.
The Eargo SE, or “Signature Essentials,” is a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice the core CIC design. While it lacks the automatic environmental switching of the Eargo 8, it still provides crystal-clear HD sound and noise reduction that you can manually toggle via a quick tap on the ear.
Both models are completely rechargeable and come with a portable charging case that provides multiple days of on-the-go power. That way, we never have to hunt for tiny replacement batteries in a foreign pharmacy.
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Our Personal Experience
Getting the Eargo devices into our ears was easy once we got the hang of the technique. We just grabbed the small removal threads, checked the “L” and “R” markings to ensure we had the correct sides, and slid them into our ear canals. We found that pulling slightly on our earlobes with one hand helped the devices sit securely and deeply. While there’s a thin plastic cord that hangs out for removal, it’s translucent and stayed very discreet during our time wearing them.
To manage the volume and settings, we used the built-in pressure switches. All we had to do was double-tap the side of our ears with the flat of our hands to cycle through the four amplification levels. The device confirms the change by announcing the program name, like “Program Two,” which kept things clear. When we were done for the day, we just gave the removal thread a steady, gentle pull.
We were particularly impressed by how the Eargo 8 handled “Speech in Noise”, a common struggle when trying to hear a waiter’s recommendations in a crowded restaurant or a train conductor’s announcement over the tracks. We also have to praise the comfort, as we almost forgot we were wearing them the entire time. The silicone tips are so soft that there was no irritation, even after a full day of sightseeing, something that’s just as important as getting good rest with the best pillows and throws for travel.
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Fantastic Warranty
When you’re investing thousands of dollars in a device that fits in the palm of your hand, a solid warranty is non-negotiable. Eargo provides a one-year limited warranty for the Eargo SE and a two-year warranty for the Eargo 8. This coverage includes unlimited repairs and a one-time replacement for loss or damage per device, which provides immense peace of mind when you’re trekking through remote areas where a lost earbud could otherwise be a disaster.
Additionally, Eargo offers a 45-day trial period. This is extremely important as it takes time for the brain to adjust to hearing new sounds again. We appreciated having over a month to test the devices in our real-world environments, from airports to museums and busy streets, knowing that if they didn’t live up to the hype, we could send them back for a full refund. This risk-free trial shows how confident Eargo is in its products.
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Pros and Cons
So, is Eargo worth the money?
Pros
- Virtually invisible design
- The sound quality is top-tier
- Extremely comfortable to wear all day long
- Easy-to-use smartphone app
- Lifetime remote support
Cons
- Limited color options
- No Bluetooth streaming
We believe Eargo is worth the investment for active travelers who prioritize discretion and comfort over multimedia features. Yes, the upfront cost may be significant. However, if clearer hearing means richer experiences, deeper connections, and fewer missed moments, then Eargo feels less like an expense and more like an upgrade to the way we experience the world.
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Can I return my Eargo if they aren’t right for me?
Yes, you can return your Eargo within 45 days of delivery and get a full refund if they aren’t right for you.
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids use small microphones to pick up sounds from your environment and convert them into digital signals. They amplify and process those signals before sending them into your ear through a speaker, making sounds clearer and easier to hear.
Do I need to wear two hearing aids?
In most cases, if you have hearing loss in both ears, wearing two hearing aids is recommended for better balance and sound clarity.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Eargo.