Eargo 8 Hearing Aid Review
Optimal for active individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
Image courtesy of eargo.com
The 3 key takeaways
- Advanced sound quality — Eargo 8 has several features that automatically adjust to different types of sound and environments and offer high-definition sound quality.
- Nearly invisible, comfortable fit — With a completely-in-canal silicone eartip and lightweight design, Eargo 8 is ideal for those seeking a discreet, secure-fitting device.
- Great for active individuals — Eargo 8 has an IP68 rating, making it exceptional for resistance to dust, water and sweat for those with active lifestyles.
Our overall impression of the Eargo
The Eargo 8 stands out as one of the sleekest, most lightweight hearing aids available today, featuring a nearly invisible completely-in-canal (CIC) design. Available over the counter, Eargo 8 is designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss who want a device that can be used right out of the box. Smart Sound Adjust, Device Scan, and Sound Match technologies allow for near-automatic customization, giving users an easy setup process and a tailored listening experience without the need for an audiologist appointment.
While the Eargo 8 does not offer Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls or music streaming, it makes up for this with strong performance in other areas. The device offers an extensive all-day battery life, wireless charging, and an IP68 rating that provides resistance to dust, sweat, and water. This makes the Eargo 8 versatile and safe to wear in a variety of environments, including during exercise.
Image courtesy of eargo.com
Eargo 8 Specs at a Glance
The Eargo 8 has a virtually invisible, completely-in-canal (CIC) cylinder-shaped design with a durable, lightweight water-resistant shell and proprietary, medical-grade silicone eartips for comfort.
Its advanced sound technology almost fully automates the listening experience, adjusting to different noise levels without the user needing to make manual changes. One key feature includes Sound Match technology, which delivers clinically-proven, audiologist-quality fitting through the Eargo mobile app. The Eargo 8 also delivers fast-acting noise reduction through its Smart Sound Adjust feature and provides omnidirectional sound, creating seamless transitions from quiet to loud environments.
The battery lasts up to 16 hours per charge, and the included charging case delivers up to 14 full recharges—making it one of the longest-lasting setups in the OTC CIC hearing aid category.
The device carries an IP68 rating, the highest level of protection defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). An IP68 rating confirms that the Eargo 8 is completely dust-tight and can withstand water immersion beyond one meter for over 30 minutes, though it is not waterproof. Its durability makes it well suited for recreation, exercise, and outdoor activities, while its secure fit supports long-term wear.
Eargo also backs the device with a 45-day return policy and a 2-year warranty, allowing ample time to ensure it’s the right fit for their lifestyle.
Image courtesy of eargo.com
| Criteria | The Eargo 8 |
|---|---|
| Price | $2,699 with financing as low as $88/mo |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Battery Type | Internal, non-removable lithium-ion |
| Bluetooth capabilities? | No |
| App supported | Yes |
| Styles | Completely-in-canal; silicone eartips |
| Hearing loss | Mild to moderate |
New Smart Technology
Three of the latest advancements featured in the Eargo 8 are its Smart Sound Adjust, Device Scan, and Sound Match technologies. Smart Sound Adjust analyzes the environment and optimizes sound settings for the listener. Device Scan technology checks for device issues or blockages and guides the user through fixes. Sound Match technology gives a hearing test and custom-fits settings to the user’s needs.
Smart Sound Adjust
The Eargo 8 hearing aid’s Smart Sound Adjust feature is very helpful for people moving between quiet and noisy environments because it automates the listening adjustments. “Auto adjust” analyzes the surroundings and optimizes sound settings, so users don’t have to make manual adjustments through buttons or apps.
In quiet environments, Smart Sound Adjust detects minimal background noise and amplifies foreground sounds without overdoing it. In noisy environments such as restaurants, airports, shopping malls or sporting events, the device prioritizes speech and reduces background noise for clearer conversations. The app also includes “prioritize speech” and “maximize comfort” settings, allowing users to adjust noise reduction for clarity or overall softness. This reduces listening fatigue, creates clearer conversations, and provides a better sound experience.
Device Scan
The Device Scan feature in the Eargo 8 app uses the hearing aids and their charger to analyze sound performance and identify any damage or blockages, such as earwax, that can degrade sound quality. If a problem is found during a device scan, the app provides step-by-step cleaning guidance using the included tools to help maintain long-term hearing aid performance.
Image courtesy of eargo.com
Sound Match
Eargo 8’s Sound Match provides clinically-proven, audiologist-quality fitting using the mobile app. The technology uses the Eargo mobile app and the user’s smartphone to run a self-fitting, in-ear hearing test that takes 5-10 minutes. The test plays sounds with varying loudness and pitches into each ear. The user taps “yes” or “no” in the app to indicate if that sound is heard. Sound Match then processes the responses to create a personalized sound profile for each ear. This profile adjusts to the appropriate settings on the Eargo devices to optimize performance for the user’s unique hearing needs. The user can choose up to three listening environments most important to them (e.g. phone, meeting, music, restaurant) from the mobile app.
Best-in-class battery Life
The Eargo 8 hearing aids provide up to 16 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is great for all-day use. The included charging case holds up to 14 recharges, which provides up to two weeks of portable power. This makes them a great option for traveling or when there’s limited access to power outlets. LED indicators on the outside of the case display the charging status of the devices and the remaining power in the case. The device has rechargeable batteries that do not require replacing manually.
Eargo 8 vs. Eargo 7: What’s the difference?
The Eargo 8 builds on the Eargo 7 with several intelligent upgrades. It replaces the older Sound Adjust+ with Smart Sound Adjust, which adapts more precisely to changing environments. Eargo 8 also introduces Device Scan and enhanced HD sound quality. Durability has been improved with an IP68 rating, up from the Eargo 7’s IPX7. Both models share Eargo’s nearly invisible CIC design and up to 16 hours of battery life per charge.
Pros and cons of Eargo 8 hearing aid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers sound advancements that automatically adjust to changing environments and noise levels. | They are not suitable for severe hearing loss, children, or individuals experiencing symptoms like ear pain, discomfort, or sudden changes in hearing. |
| Small, lightweight, comfortable, and completely-in-ear. | Some users may find the ear tips require adjustment to avoid an occlusion effect. |
| IP68 rating makes it a safe choice for active lifestyles that expose the device to dust, sweat or water. | Does not support Bluetooth audio streaming for music or phone calls. |
| The battery life of both the device (16 hrs) and charger (2 weeks) is a perk, as is wireless charging capabilities. | Does not display how much battery life is left for the hearing aids themselves, only for the charging case. |
| Ready to use out of the box due to its automatic settings, but can be custom-tailored for the user as well. | More expensive than many hearing aid models on the market. |
What our audiologists are saying about the Eargo 8
Dr. Ruth Reisman, AuD, MBA, CCC-A, notes that from a professional perspective, the Eargo 8 offers a number of thoughtful updates that can be very beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. She highlights the automatic sound adjustment feature as especially helpful, along with the clear sound quality, dependable battery life, built-in maintenance monitoring system, and the water- and dust-resistant design.
That said, she does have some reservations. She points out that the Eargo 8 does not yet provide Bluetooth connectivity or streaming, which are features many patients are looking for at this price point. She also observes that the improvements over the previous model are modest, making the higher cost more difficult to justify. Lastly, while she values the convenience of self-fitting technology, she encourages patients to weigh the pros and cons carefully and to consider whether their communication needs may be better supported by devices that offer more advanced connectivity or professional programming options.
Who are Eargo 8 hearing aids ideal for?
Overall, Eargo 8 boasts superb sound quality, a sleek design, new tech advancements, and a long battery life. The device is also user-friendly for those who desire advanced automatic sound adjustments and want to be able to use it right out of the box. Although it’s important to explore different types of hearing aids to compare how features like size, fit, and programmability differ across devices.
Eargo 8 may not be the first choice for a user who wants Bluetooth capabilities or who may shy away from its ~$2,700 price tag. However, Eargo 8 is ideal for users with mild to moderate hearing loss who are looking for virtually invisible hearing aids. Combined with its IP68 rating for resistance to dust, water and sweat, it is an excellent hearing aid for active or outdoorsy individuals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Eargo 7 and 8?
Eargo 8 builds on Eargo 7 with smarter auto-adaptation to changing sound environments, a Device Scan for self-maintenance alerts, an IP68 dust/water/sweat-resistant shell, and a wireless-charging case (battery up to ~16 hours per charge). In short: more adaptive sound, easier upkeep and charging, and a tougher design. You can view the Eargo 7 specs here.
How do I customize the Eargo 8 settings to fit my hearing needs?
Eargo 8 comes with four preset programs right out of the box, or you can customize settings and personalize your hearing needs through the Eargo mobile app. The app utilizes Sound Match technology for self-fitting and adjusting your unique needs. You can adjust the volume, treble, and bass within any programs in the app and save them for future use. And, although Smart Sound Adjust auto-adjusts to your environment, you can override it to set your own levels. Users can bind step-by-step guides for this process in the Eargo User Care Guide (pg. 21-23).
What is the battery life and charging time for the Eargo 8 hearing aids?
The Eargo 8 devices offer up to 16 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case provides up to two weeks (or 14 full recharges) of on-the-go power. It can be charged either wirelessly or by USB-C cable.
Is Eargo covered by Medicare?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) do not cover hearing aids. However, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer some coverage or discounts for hearing aids. Always check the specifics of your plan’s hearing aid coverage options to get an accurate picture of how much the hearing aids may cost for you.