If you're facing hearing challenges or simply seeking to enhance your auditory experience, you might consider investing in a hearing aid. However, you're likely aware that traditional prescription hearing aids come with a hefty price tag.
In a time where technology continuously shapes our daily routines, the pursuit of an ideal over-the-counter (OTC) hearing solution appears to have reached a promising juncture, providing substantial assistance to numerous individuals. Recently, I stumbled upon a new line of OTC hearing aids that not only offer affordability but also boast the latest audio quality features found in more expensive models. These innovative hearing aids hail from the reputable brand Eargo, with their latest model, Link, unveiled this year, presenting an intriguing proposition. Today, I'll delve into a comprehensive review of these devices, allowing you to determine if they offer the features you seek.
At a glance
What we like
- Superior audio quality with active noise cancellation
- Discreet, comfortable earbud-style design
- Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless music and call streaming
- Intuitive touch-sensitive controls
- Up to 9 hours of listening time plus additional charges from case
- Affordably priced at $799 with financing options
- High company ratings on BBB and Trustpilot
- IP54 water and sweat resistance
What we don't like
- Battery life may not meet all expectations
- No physical controls, requiring adjustment to touch-sensitive system
About Eargo Company
Eargo has established itself as a reputable and renowned producer of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, recognized for their superior build and audio quality. Headquartered in San Jose, California, this American company has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to hearing assistance.
The company's stellar reputation is evident through its ratings on platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. On BBB, Eargo boasts a remarkable customer review rating of 4.4 out of 5, accompanied by an overall accreditation of A, indicative of excellent service and customer satisfaction.
Similarly, a glance at Trustpilot reveals a commendable rating of 4.7 out of 5, reflecting the high regard in which Eargo is held by its users. Furthermore, with a safety score of 90 for their website, Eargo demonstrates a commitment to providing a secure and reliable experience for its customers.
In summary, Eargo emerges as a highly esteemed company, backed by impressive ratings across various platforms, affirming its dedication to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
What is Eargo Link?
Eargo Link represents the latest innovation in the realm of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Sporting an earbud-style design and equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, these hearing aids offer both discretion and seamless connectivity at your fingertips. Released this year, this model stands out for its affordability, a refreshing release from Eargo's previous offerings that tended to command higher prices.
With Eargo Link, the brand aims to cater to a broader audience seeking cost-effective hearing solutions without compromising audio quality, build, or smartphone connectivity. This strategic shift reflects Eargo's commitment to making advanced hearing technology accessible to a wider demographic.
In our forthcoming review, we'll delve deeper into the various features and intricacies of Eargo Link, providing a comprehensive breakdown to help you make an informed decision about your hearing aid needs.
Unboxing the Eargo Link
For those curious souls who relish the anticipation of unboxing, you're in for a treat. Eargo has thoughtfully curated an ensemble of essentials to ensure your experience with their hearing aids is both seamless and gratifying. The Eargo Link arrives snugly nestled within a sleek, compact box, boasting a design that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, giving a subtle nod to the advanced technology housed within.
Upon prying open the box, you'll find a collection of indispensable items neatly arranged. While there are no extravagant surprises awaiting you, rest assured that Eargo has included everything necessary for your convenience and the maintenance of your hearing aids. Enclosed within are two Eargo Link buds, snugly seated alongside their charging and carrying case, exuding a premium aura in terms of both appearance and build quality.
Furthermore, the box houses an array of accessories aimed at enhancing your experience. This includes three sets of silicon ear tips in varying sizes to ensure a comfortable fit, along with a petite yet essential cleaning brush for keeping your buds in pristine condition. Rounding off the package are USB-C charging cables and a comprehensive user guide, providing you with all the information you need to embark on your journey with the Eargo Link.
Design and Comfort
Many people with hearing loss worry about how hearing aids look and feel. The fear of drawing undue attention or feeling self-conscious is a valid apprehension shared by many. However, with the Eargo Link, these concerns needn't weigh heavily on your mind.
The decision to fashion the Eargo Link in the guise of classic Bluetooth earbuds is a stroke of brilliance. This design choice not only ensures discretion but also eliminates any assumptions about wearing hearing aids, particularly appealing to those in their younger years who may be wary of the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids.
Indeed, discretion is at the heart of Eargo's ethos, as reflected in their tagline: "Designed for Discretion, Comfort, and Versatility." The earbuds' ergonomic design contributes to their comfort, minimizing irritation during prolonged wear and exhibiting a gentleness on the ear canal. From my personal experience, I can attest to the comfort afforded by these earbuds, which is a testament to Eargo's thoughtful design approach.
Moreover, the compact size of each earbud belies the impressive array of audio technology packed within. While other brands may struggle to cram the latest innovations into their devices, Eargo adeptly balances form and function to deliver a comfortable yet technologically advanced solution.
In the realm of hearing aids, comfort is paramount, and Eargo has risen to the occasion with the Link model. While extended use may inevitably make its presence felt, the overall comfort offered by these hearing aids is commendable.
Sound Quality and Technology
When it comes to assessing hearing aids, sound quality reigns supreme, and the Eargo Link doesn't disappoint. Packed with cutting-edge technology and boasting Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, these buds deliver an audio experience that punches above its weight class.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Eargo Link is its impressive audio quality, especially considering its price point. Equipped with all the essential features one would expect from pricier models, including active noise cancellation, noise reduction, and feedback cancellation, these hearing aids offer a listening experience that rivals their more expensive counterparts.
Enhancing the auditory experience further are the directional microphones, strategically positioned to focus on sounds in front of you, enabling the hearing aids to analyze and tailor the audio to your specific needs with precision.
But the innovation doesn't stop there. The Eargo Link comes equipped with four pre-configured listening programs, seamlessly transitioning between hearing aid mode, streaming music, and handling phone calls with ease. This seamless integration is made possible by Bluetooth 5.3, elevating the user experience to new heights.
In my experience, the audio quality of the Eargo Link is nothing short of impressive, comparable to other high-performing models like the ELEHEAR Alpha Pro. For those in search of top-notch sound quality without breaking the bank, the Eargo Link is undoubtedly worth considering.
Controls
In the realm of hearing aids, user controls play a crucial role in enhancing convenience and usability. While it may not immediately catch your eye, the Eargo Link addresses this aspect with finesse, albeit in a subtle manner.
One notable feature of the Link buds is the absence of visible controls—a deliberate design choice by Eargo. However, this doesn't mean you're left in the dark when it comes to adjusting settings. Eargo has ingeniously incorporated four prebuilt-in hearing modes that can be effortlessly toggled using a simple finger touch on the buds.
This intuitive control system is made possible by the built-in touch sensor embedded within the buds. Despite their minimalist appearance, these buds offer a surprising level of functionality, allowing users to tailor their hearing experience to suit their preferences with ease.
Moreover, Eargo has taken practicality into account by ensuring that the Link buds are rated for sweat and splash resistance, boasting an IP54 rating. This not only safeguards the buds against moisture-related damage but also enhances their durability, making them suitable for various everyday activities.
While some may find the absence of traditional controls initially perplexing, others will appreciate the simplicity and convenience afforded by the touch-sensitive controls. Ultimately, Eargo's thoughtful design approach ensures that users can navigate their hearing aids effortlessly, without compromising on functionality or reliability.
Battery Life: A Vital Consideration
When it comes to hearing aids, battery life is a critical factor that can significantly impact the overall convenience and usability of the device. After all, our days are filled with various activities, and a hearing aid that can't keep up with our lifestyle quickly becomes more of a hindrance than a help.
In the case of the Eargo Link, while the battery life may not quite meet my personal expectations, it remains a respectable performer considering the advanced technology packed within. The built-in audio features undoubtedly contribute to a slight reduction in battery longevity, but this trade-off is often expected in devices of this caliber. Moreover, it's worth noting that some competing OTC hearing aids boast longer battery life at the expense of audio quality—a compromise many users may not be willing to make.
The Eargo Link offers up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge, though actual usage may vary depending on individual usage patterns. Additionally, the accompanying charging case serves a dual purpose as both a charger and a power bank, providing users with the flexibility to recharge their buds on the go. When fully charged, the case can offer an additional 4 recharges, ensuring that you're never caught without power when you need it most.
The case itself features three LEDs that serve as indicators for both battery level and Bluetooth connection status, providing users with at-a-glance information to ensure they're always informed. From solid greens indicating a high charge to pulsing reds signaling the need for a recharge, these intuitive indicators make monitoring battery levels a breeze.
Charging the earbuds is a relatively swift process, taking approximately 1.5 hours to reach full capacity from empty. For users pressed for time, this means minimal downtime between charges, allowing you to get back to enjoying life to the fullest without missing a beat.
In summary, while the battery life of the Eargo Link may not be the longest among its peers, its balance of audio quality and usability makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and convenient hearing aid solution.
How Much Eargo Link Cost?
One of the most anticipated aspects of any product is undoubtedly its price, and the Eargo Link doesn't disappoint in this regard. Currently available on the official website for $799, the Eargo Link offers a compelling value proposition that encompasses everything highlighted in the unboxing section earlier.
For those considering these hearing aids as a viable option, the affordability factor is further enhanced by the option of convenient monthly payments. Through Bread Pay, you can acquire the Eargo Link for as low as $26 per month, making it accessible to a broader audience without compromising on quality or features.
In addition to the competitive pricing, each purchase of the Eargo Link comes with a range of benefits aimed at ensuring customer satisfaction. This includes a generous 1-year warranty, providing peace of mind against any potential manufacturing defects. Furthermore, Eargo offers a 45-day return window, allowing ample time for users to evaluate the product and determine if it meets their needs. And with lifetime support included, users can rest assured that assistance is always at hand should they encounter any issues or require guidance.
When compared to some other brands commanding prices upwards of $1000, the Eargo Link presents a compelling alternative that doesn't compromise on quality or features. With its reasonable price point and robust set of features, investing in the Eargo Link is a decision you're likely to appreciate and benefit from for years to come.
Final Words
In wrapping up our journey through the nuances of the Eargo Link, it's clear this hearing aid stands as a testament to Eargo's dedication to blending state-of-the-art technology with user comfort and discretion. From its discreet, earbud-style design to its advanced sound quality and innovative features, the Eargo Link offers a compelling option for anyone looking to navigate the world with clearer, richer sound without drawing undue attention.
While it may have its quirks, such as the learning curve with touch-sensitive controls and the balance of battery life with functionality, the overall package presents a value hard to overlook. Whether you're stepping into the world of hearing aids for the first time or seeking an upgrade to a more modern solution, the Eargo Link merits consideration as a worthy companion in your auditory journey.
Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.