San Jose, California-based Eargo, Inc. launched its latest generation in-canal hearing aids at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. The company’s flagship Eargo 6 hearing aids add new features and enhance aspects of the previous generation Eargo 5 aids (which are still available). The Eargo 6 are in-canal hearing aids, so there’s nothing over or behind your ear. Most people would not be aware you were wearing properly fitted Eargo 6 aids unless they stared into your ear canal. The Eargo 6 hearing aids are available now on Eargo’s website for $2,950.
New features in the Eargo 6 model include Eargo’s Sound Adjust feature, improved background noise reduction, and IPX7 water resistance. Sound Adjust is a proprietary algorithm that adjusts the hearing aid settings quickly and without user intervention when the area noise changes. The Eargo 6 noise reduction strips loud ambient sound and reduces noise when people pause while speaking. Eargo 6’s IPX7 rating means the hearing aids can withstand immersion in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes. An accompanying mobile app gives the user the ability to adjust or modify the Eargo 6’s settings. There’s also a a new “mask mode” in the app that the company claims can make it easier to understand someone who is speaking while wearing a mask.
The Eargo 6 package comes with two hearing aids marked R and L, a wireless charger, USB-C charging cable, USB AC wall adapter, cleaning cloth and cleaning tool, additional petals and microphone caps, quick start guide, and an information card for changing petals and microphone caps.
You don’t need to visit a doctor or get a prescription to buy Eargo 6 hearing aids, but Eargo has both hearing guides and licensed hearing professionals on staff who are available to customers at no charge for unlimited telehealth appointments to make adjustments and answer questions.
The Eargo 6 hearing devices are FDA Class II exempt and are available for purchase over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Eargo’s hearing aids are best for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss, a range that encompasses most people with hearing impairments. If your hearing is profoundly impaired, to the point that you can’t hear a running gas-powered lawn mower, for example, you’re likely not a good candidate for OTC hearing assistance devices but should consult directly with an audiologist for traditional examination and treatment.
It’s exciting to consider that hearing aids such as the Eargo 6 are available without a prescription or doctor’s office visit. Just a few years ago such powerful devices weren’t available except through audiologists. The Eargo 6’s $2,950 price tag is hefty, but still significantly less than the average charge for hearing aids purchased through audiologists. There are now a wide variety of hearing assistance devices at reasonable prices, which is a very good thing.
