Eargo SE: Essential Hearing Aid Performance in a Tiny CIC Package

Eargo offers its Eargo SE ($1,699) as a more-affordable version of its signature almost-invisible, completely-in-canal (CIC) over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid flagship hearing aid, Eargo 8 ($2,699). Introduced in January 2024, Eargo SE provides a discreet and comfortable option for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, a hallmark of the brand that has made it a popular choice for first-time users.

Like all Eargo models, the SE is designed to be worn for long periods, with a lightweight build and three different sizes of Eargo’s unique open-fit Flexi tips that keep your ears feeling natural and unoccluded. The devices are rechargeable, delivering up to 16 hours of use on a single charge, and the included portable charging case provides around five additional charges before it needs to be plugged in again. While they can be controlled wirelessly by the Eargo app or tap controls, they do not feature onboard buttons or Bluetooth audio streaming for music, podcasts, or phone calls.

The independent HearAdvisor lab has not yet had an opportunity to test Eargo SE, unlike the Eargo 8 and Link by Eargo. We hope to be able to test Eargo SE and report on its results in the near-future.

How Getting Eargo SE Hearing Aids Works

Ordering the Eargo SE is straightforward and usually done online through Eargo’s own website or major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Some models—like the Eargo 7-Rx and SE-Rx—are also available for prescription fitting through hearing clinics, but Eargo’s primary approach is direct-to-consumer with remote support.

If you have hearing benefits through insurance, such as UnitedHealthcare Hearing or EPIC Hearing Healthcare, check your coverage—Eargo devices may be offered at discounted rates or fully covered if you meet eligibility criteria. Aside from minor differences in trial and warranty periods between sellers, you’ll receive the same onboarding and lifetime support no matter where you buy. We recommend going for the best price, then being mindful of when the trial period ends.

Once your devices arrive, you’ll find everything you need in the box: hearing aids, a portable charging case, multiple sizes of Flexi tips, cleaning tools, and a quick-start guide. Setup is app-guided and easy—charge your devices, pair them to the Eargo app, and follow the prompts to register and personalize your hearing aids. Eargo’s Sound Match feature lets you run a 10-minute self-administered hearing test that tunes amplification to your unique hearing profile, and you can repeat the process anytime. New users are also encouraged to schedule a free virtual orientation session (“Eargo 101”) with an Eargo hearing professional, who can answer questions and help you adjust to amplified hearing.

For more detailed information about unboxing, tuning, fitting, and ongoing support, see our Eargo brand page.

Eargo SE and Personalization with Sound Match

OTC hearing aids come in two varieties: self-fitting or preset. Self-fitting hearing aids usually rely on a hearing test or an actual audiogram for specific frequency (pitch) amplification that is designed match your unique hearing loss. Preset or "wear-and-go" OTC hearing aids usually use 2-4 pre-set programs that have been chosen to fit the majority of people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, but in general will not match your hearing loss frequency-by-frequency.

Eargo SE is something of a hybrid. It arrives with 4 ready-to-use listening programs, so users can start hearing better right out of the box. If you want a more personalized experience (which we recommend), you can use Eargo’s Sound Match feature within the companion app to fine-tune amplification to their hearing profile.

Tap controls on the devices allow you to switch programs without pulling out your phone, and the app itself offers additional controls and onboarding resources to ensure a smooth start. Eargo also provides an orientation call to help new users get the most out of their purchase.

What Are Users Saying about Eargo SE?

Although we have not yet tested the device, we’ll note that Eargo 8 and Link by Eargo both received a “C” SoundGrade from the independent HearAdvisor lab and are rated in the bottom-third of the OTC devices tested to date by the lab.

However, online reviews of the device are generally quite positive, with many lauding the online support they get from Eargo. Amazon online reviewers were, on average, very happy about their experiences with Eargo SE, with 78% giving it a 4 or 5 star rating (out of 5), while only 17% gave it 1 or 2 stars.

Here are what we feel are some representative comments:

I absolutely love the Eargo hearing aids. I started using hearing aids a few years ago, starting with a top-of-the line ($7K) Receiver in Canal (RIC) rechargeable…Frankly, I like the Eargo hearing aides much better, and I wear them more often. Here’s why Eargo gets higher marks:

Nearly invisible, even with my shaved head.
Cannot tell any difference in sound enhancement between the more expensive hearing aids and Eargo devices.

• I feel like I’m in control of my hearing, from setting up the hearing aids to making adjustments. I don’t have to rely on an audiologist who parses out adjustments and instructions as he/she sees fit.
• I do not get annoying feedback from windy conditions, and can now wear a beanie or hat without such feedback.
• I can use these while regularly playing competitive sports without the feedback, and without the concern of them falling off.
• They’re comfortable to wear all day.
  Eargo instructional videos are easy to follow and informative. I learned much more from them than I ever did from an audiologist.

—Amazon Customer 62 (5 stars), March 13, 2025

I’ve had these hearing aids for almost a year. They are easy to setup with the app that you download to your phone. Selecting the best fit for your ears with the three sizes of tips that come with the aids is easy to figure out on your own.

They do amplify sound pretty well. Yet, the louder you increase the volume, the more chirps you get. This applies to any of the 4 modes the units have. That is very annoying to deal with. There is no granular adjustments either. While riding in my car, they amplify the road noise as much as speech… that defeats the purpose. I still have a tough time hearing my wife in conversation.

Other than that, they are pretty good. As for wearing them all day, they are easy to get used to. Your ears may itch for a while, but you’ll get used to them and that itch goes away.

The Bad: The charger started out as they claim on the adds. It lasted several days before needing a recharge. Then, in about 4 months, it started losing power. The third day, it needs charged again. That’s the current state of it. If I do not use the hearing aids for three days, the charger and the aids are dead. That with a full charge ???
The aids do hold a full day of use. So far, no problem there.

I sent a message to the company about this. The lackluster reply was to let the charger discharge and give it a full charge again. Well > that is what happens every time it runs out of juice on its own, Ya’ll! Will I be buying another set when these go out? NO!

— Lee (2 stars), August 7, 2025

…So overall, I am very pleased with my purchase, and I would definitely buy them again, they have made a huge difference in my life. I can easily enjoy conversations again and not feel lost, confused, or left out, especially when people are talking in a group or in a loud, noisy place such as a restaurant. I also, feel like they are worth the value for the price point. If I had to give one negative, they can sometimes be difficult to seat into the charger to its liking and will flash red on the charging case. Sometimes I have to take them out and put them back in several times to get them to begin charging. Also, it may seem like it is charging only to come back later and they are not. So I do have to check them more often than I would like. There have been two occasions where I thought they had charged all night and one of the hearing aids did, and the other did not. So they were not ready/reliable when I needed them and had to go without them. Other than that I have not had any problems with the hearing aids themselves.

Also, the company and customer service are phenomenal, they are very responsive and professional and treat you like a person (which is exceedingly rare these days) and I always don’t mind spending my money or doing business with a company that treats me right. I hope these hearing aids will last me for a few years, but I already know that I would purchase from this company again, as I will need hearing aids for the rest of my life.

—Matthew M (4 stars), July 25, 2024

Is Eargo SE Right for You?

While the SE delivers excellent value, it does come with a few trade-offs compared to Eargo’s top-of-the-line Eargo 8. It lacks Smart Sound Adjust, the automatic environmental adaptation feature, and it carries a lower IP54 water and dust resistance rating versus Eargo 8’s IP68. Users who want the most rugged model or who need maximum automation may want to consider stepping up to the 8. Additionally, those who want direct Bluetooth streaming of phone calls or music should look at Link by Eargo, which trades invisibility for an earbud-style design.

Eargo SE appears to be a good choice for those seeking a comfortable, nearly invisible hearing solution at a mid-tier price. It delivers good battery life, an easy setup process, and the ability to personalize amplification through the app, making it a compelling option in the self-fitting OTC hearing aid category. Importantly, Eargo is a company that stands behind its products and generally provides excellent remote support and professionally assisted onboarding—which can be crucial for experienced and first-time users alike.

Alternatives to Eargo SE

Although Eargo SE can be thought of as a more affordable, pared-down version of Eargo 8 at about $1,700 per set, it’s still expensive for an OTC hearing aid; for example, the Zepp Clarity Pixie CIC is an OTC hearing aid priced at about $1,000 that received higher ratings from HearAdvisor than even the Eargo 8. However, it should be acknowledged that these devices do not have the same professional onboarding and remote service that Eargo offers—which can be crucial, especially for tiny in-ear hearing aids that can be more prone to breakdowns.

If you’re willing to widen your search to behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) OTC hearing aid styles, there are even more good options to choose from. The Lexie Powered by Bose B2 Plus is from the same parent company as Eargo, the LXE Group, and is a good $1,000 RIC hearing aid that offers good sound quality, excellent online remote setup, and phone streaming from Lexie Hearing. For a slightly higher-tech (and higher-priced) OTC RIC, you may also want to consider then Jabra Enhance Select 700 ($1,995); for a lower priced option, you can check out Elehear Beyond ($399) or Elehear Beyond Pro ($599). All of these devices also include at least some onboarding and remote care with the purchase.

Finally, you should also consider paying a visit to a private practice hearing care clinic, Costco, or Sam’s Club. They may be able to recommend a good alternative to the Eargo SE based on your unique hearing needs and lifestyle, along with the care and support that comes with professionally dispensed prescription hearing aids starting at around $1,600.