Unboxing and Setup for Eargo 7

Eargo 7 packaging

Unboxing Eargo 7

Eargo sent me a pair of Eargo 7 hearing aids to test out. The packaging is crisp and sleek — it felt very much like opening a present! Best of all, it offered instructions as you opened the package so that you knew what everything was and what to do with it.

Eargo 7 unboxing reveals a QR code to scan.

I followed the instruction to “SCAN FIRST” before continuing. I used my smartphone’s camera app to scan the QR code. Then, I clicked on the link that popped up. This will bring you to the Eargo website, where you must register your device. If you don’t register your Eargo 7s, you can’t connect them to the mobile app later on.

Here, you can also create an account and provide your contact information if you’d like to schedule an orientation call.

Eargo 7 welcome and registration mobile website screenshot

I grabbed the charging case so I could test out the devices. I was met with further instructions to charge the Eargo 7 for at least four hours before continuing with setup. Then, I opened up the rest of the package.

Everything included in the Eargo 7 box

Here’s what’s included in the Eargo 7 box:

• Two Eargo 7 hearing aid devices
• One portable charger
• One USB adaptor
• One USB cord
• Two medium and two large open-ear tips
• Two medium and two large closed-ear tips
• Two microphone caps
• One cleaning cloth
• One cleaning tool

Eargo’s accessories are clearly labeled and easy to use. The most impressive accessory by far is the charging case. My prescription Oticon hearing aids didn’t even come with a portable charging case like this one. Its slim yet rugged design stores your hearing aids when not in use and carries up to two full charges. A magnet holds each hearing aid in place, and the cap attaches magnetically. The whole kit fits easily into your pocket or purse.

Charging Eargo 7

Charging the Eargo 7 is simple. I placed the hearing aids back in the portable charger and then plugged everything in. The charging port and battery indicator lights illuminate for a few seconds after you close the case. This visual indicator is a major plus if you need to plug them in at night or have poor eyesight.

Eargo 7 charging case with light-up USB-C port

It takes six hours for the Eargo 7 hearing aids to fully charge, and the devices are estimated to last up to 16 hours of consistent use on a single charge. Plus, the portable charging case holds an additional two charges—great for weekend getaways!

Downloading the Eargo App

While my devices were charging, I downloaded the Eargo app. You can download the application in two ways: through the QR code that comes with the hearing aids or by searching “Eargo” in the App Store or Google Play Store. The Eargo app is only compatible with mobile devices running Android 7 or later and iOS 13 or later. If you need to upgrade your phone, check out our top smartphone picks for seniors.

>> Related Reading: The Best Apps for Older Adults in 2024

Screenshot of Eargo app in the Google Play Store

Connecting Your Eargo 7 Devices to the Eargo App

Next, I grabbed the charging case, which still had the hearing aids inside, and opened up the newly- installed app. It was simple to follow the on-screen prompts to connect the hearing aids to the app. The process took about six minutes — most of which was spent updating the device settings. I had to align the charger next to my phone until the updates were complete.

Testing Out the Eargo 7

Finally, it was time to take these hearing aids for a spin!

Fitting the Eargo 7 Hearing Aids

Yes, I’m really wearing the Eargo 7 in this picture!

The Eargo 7s are self-fitting completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids. They’re practically invisible when fitted properly, making them a great choice for users who want to keep their hearing aids hidden. You just press them into your ear canal, leaving the clear device removal thread accessible. Eargo used this CIC design to make the user experience as discreet as possible.

Since I have very small ears, the Eargo 7 devices did not fit my ears well. They caused some pain and discomfort. Eargo sends along other petal sizes to accommodate different ear sizes, but only medium and large. I chatted with Jasmine from Eargo’s web chat customer service to find out if there were other petal sizes available. Unfortunately, Eargo doesn’t offer anything smaller.

The device itself is lightweight and small compared to other hearing aids on the market, but it won’t work for all ear shapes and sizes. If you have small ears like me, the Eargo 7 design may impact your experience, and a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid might feel more comfortable. Check out our top BTE hearing aids for some ideas.

Setting Up Sound Match

You can use the Eargo 7s as-is, or you can self-fit them to your hearing and listening needs by using Sound Match. The in-app Sound Match hearing test took me about 20 minutes. You need to be in a quiet environment for the duration of the test.

The app tests your hearing one ear at a time. You just press YES or NO to indicate whether you heard the sound being played. Eargo stores your session in the app so that you can apply the hearing profile. You can retest as often as you’d like, and the app stores your previous three sessions.

The test was more thorough than other online hearing assessments I’ve tried. But I couldn’t compare it to my actual audiogram because you’re not given access to the results. That being said, the hearing aids worked more effectively after I used Sound Match than they did when I was just using a preset program.

Because all of Eargo’s hearing tests and adjustments are made through the app, Eargo 7 is best for those who don’t care about in-person adjustments nor customizations with an audiologist. If you have mobility issues, or live in a rural or remote area where audiologists are in short supply, this may be a great option for you.

Changing Programs and Making Adjustments

After setting up Sound Match, you can customize Eargo 7 to suit your needs in different environments. Eargo 7 hearing aids don’t have built-in volume or program buttons. Instead, you can adjust the program and volume with the Eargo app or by double-tapping near your ear. This design choice is excellent for those who want to make adjustments via their smartphone instead of fiddling with tiny device buttons.

You can choose up to three programs to rotate through (plus the Normal setting)

Using the app to change programs was simple. Make sure you hold your phone up in front of your face as you make changes. The phone makes a noise that cues the hearing aid to switch to your desired program, so it needs to be close by. When the change is successful, you’ll hear the name of the program spoken into your ear. For example, if you click the “restaurant” program, you’ll hear “restaurant” in each ear.

Unfortunately, the double-tap function was fairly unreliable for me, and this design feature may be difficult for wearers to use. In theory, you should be able to quickly double-tap on or near each ear to switch to a new program. I had very little success getting the hearing aids to change programs. I found tips on the Eargo website, watched a YouTube video made by Eargo, and chatted with customer support. Eargo suggests several ways to make the double tap program change work. However, none of the methods worked consistently for me. I preferred using the app.

It’s also worth noting that the in-ear indicators (like “restaurant” or “normal”) are very loud — sort of like someone shouting in your ear. I chatted with Jasmine again to ask about a way to adjust the volume for these in-ear indicators, but there isn’t one. The hearing aids make loud in-ear noises whenever you adjust the hearing aid volume, change the program, or hit the max or minimum volume level. This might not be a deal breaker, but it’s just something important to be aware of.

Eargo 7 Price

The Eargo 7 is Eargo’s top-of-the-line model — with a price tag to match. Unlike MDHearing and some other OTC brands, Eargo hearing aids are only sold in pairs. A pair of Eargo 7 hearing aids costs $2,950, though Eargo runs frequent sales. For comparison, the Eargo 6 costs $2,250, the Eargo SE costs $1,650, and the LINK by Eargo costs $799. The additional $700 for the Eargo 7 will buy you better moisture and sweat protection, Sound Adjust+ with clarity mode, and a two-year warranty.

>> Related Reading: Eargo vs. MDHearing Guide

While nearly $3,000 might seem pricey for a pair of hearing aids, keep in mind that prescription hearing aids can easily cost $3,000 per hearing aid. Plus, the Eargo 7 offers more advanced customization features than cheaper OTC hearing aids we’ve tested, such as MDHearing. The convenience and technology backs up the higher price tag.

Your purchase price also includes all of the accessories you need to get started. Plus, you’ll receive access to lifetime support from Eargo’s hearing professionals. You can schedule free video calls within the mobile app for virtual face-to-face support. For comparison, Lively, another top OTC provider, only offers three years of follow-up care. You can read our Lively hearing aid review to compare these two companies further.

Eargo Mobile App Experience

Eargo’s mobile app is essential if you want to use Eargo 7, and I was very impressed with the app! It’s designed to be simple and informative, making the user experience as smooth as possible. It’s easy to navigate and full of helpful tutorials, videos, and tips. Eargo went above and beyond making it user-friendly, especially for those who aren’t smartphone savvy. Plus, you can easily see your charger’s battery level.

Let’s take a look at what you can do within the app.

Watch Video Tutorials

The app features 12 video guides to walk you through fitting, removing, and charging your hearing aids, changing the petals, and more.

Watch the videos as you need them, or go through Eargo’s 30-day tutorial. This tutorial suggests watching certain videos each week over four weeks so that you’re not overwhelmed with information.

Read the User Guide

You can read the full Eargo 7 user guide in the app, too. Enjoy step-by-step written instructions with pictures and diagrams. This is a great alternative to watching videos if you learn better by reading. Find out how to fit, clean, and care for your hearing aids.

How Eargo 7 Stacks Up Against the Competition

Do you know you want an OTC option but aren’t sure which one will be best for you? Here’s how the Eargo 7 stacks up against similar OTC hearing aids:

If you’re interested in a discreet, in-ear hearing aid — and you have some wiggle room in your budget — the Eargo 7 is a great option. It has advanced features and an excellent mobile app. On the other hand, maybe technology isn’t your strong suit. Or, you don’t own a smartphone, are on a tight budget, or are looking for a different style of hearing aid. In that case, we’d recommend checking out other popular OTC brands like MDHearing and Jabra Enhance.

For a closer look at how these brands compare, visit our list of the best OTC hearing aids.

Final Thoughts on Eargo 7

Overall, Eargo 7 packs impressive technology into a tiny device. These hearing aids offer more customization options and in-app adjustments than other over-the-counter hearing aids we’ve tested, such as Lexie, making them an excellent option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. I do wish the double-tapping feature worked better, but the easy-to-use app more than makes up for it.

Plus, the Eargo 7 hearing aids do much more than amplify voices. The SoundMatch+ customizes the devices to your specific hearing loss, making it easier to hear and understand people speaking, whether you’re holding a conversation or watching a TV show.

The nearly $3,000 price tag can seem daunting, but if the devices help you hear better and stay safer as you age, it’s certainly worth it. And the 45-day trial period gives you ample time to see if they’re right for you. Just keep in mind that if you have moderate-to-severe hearing loss, have very small ears, or want Bluetooth streaming, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Read our Eargo review for 2024 for a full look at the company’s products.